Oct. 1, 2008

El Vaquero October 1, 2008

Glendale College

Vaqueros Cross Country Sellers and Dunn Go the Extra Mile

See story, page 15

Photo by Ken Juaner Malate

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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NEWS / LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Ready to Ride? ‘VAQ PAQ’ El Vaquero Concept Ready to be Unveiled Glendale Community College

editor in chief

By Corinna Scott

Jessica Bourse SPORTS EDITOR

Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

PHOTO EDITOR

Jane Pojawa

STAFF WRITERS

Claudia Anaya Ani Khashadoorian

Kenneth Malate Fabiola Prieto Brandon Hensley Isiah Reyes Corinna Scott

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Graig Agop Allan Beglarian Richard Kontas Ismael Reyes Production Manager

Jane Pojawa

design adviser

Charles Eastman

faculty adviser

Michael Moreau

mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214

advertising

Jeff Smith

jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 1427

El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at editor@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

Send Letters to the Editor

Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district. Letters must be signed and typed and include the full name and address of the writer. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.

S

tudents may have noticed large banners on campus with the words “VAQ PAQ” on them.

These banners are the beginning of what organizers hope will become a school spirit program, developed by the Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC).

The term “vaq pack” comes from “vaquero pack,” meaning group of cowboys — the school mascot. The school spirit program is based on the heritage of the hardworking, industrious and resilient Spanish cowboy. The idea of having a Spanish cowboy as a mascot originated more than 20 years ago.

“We’re developing a community on campus where we’re proud to be Glendale College students. We’re proud to be vaqueros,” said Steve Ferguson, president of ASGCC, at a board of trustees meeting on Sept 15.

Ferguson said the group is creating a $5 T-shirt that will be sold to faculty, staff and students.

Students who sign up and provide e-mail addresses will receive notifications for football games.

“With the new vaq pack comes our new ‘vaq pack call.’

Someone will s a y ‘saddled up,’ and then

someone else will say ‘ready to ride,’” said Ferguson.

Cecilia Aksu, cochair of the vaq pack and vice-president of student activities, said Ferguson came up with the name and helped come up with the idea for the program.

Aksu said the program would be a way to increase school spirit and get everyone involved with football games. The idea, she said,

was originated in the late July by the executive board and was introduced to the new members at a September retreat in Ojai.

The project is still undergoing metamorphosis.

“It’s not the butterfly yet,” said Aksu. “We’re meeting with the committee over the course of this next month to kick it off.”

When asked how the associated students would involve the faculty Aksu said we haven’t ironed that out; many ideas are in the process of being formed. She said on-campus spirit makes for a good atmosphere.

“We’re meeting with the committee over the course of this next month to kick it off,” she said.

Christine Shirvaniah, senator of actives and co-chair of the vaq pack program said that more information would be available later.

Corinna Scott can be reached at Corinna_Scott@elvaq.com

EL VAQUERO

1500 N. Verdugo Rd. Glendale, CA 91208 (818) 240-1000 ext. 5349 Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges

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ening

Happ ’s What’s

Here

issue in this 2008 ber 17, Septem mber 2 Volume

92

Nu

. 2-5 ........... . . . . . s w Ne . . 6-9 ......... s e r u t a Fe t...10-14 n e m in a Entert 8 .....15-1 . . . . . . . . s t Spor . . 19 .......... r a d n le Ca

Dear Editor,

Letter to the Editor

I’m working on my third college degree (yes, I am that old) and I have to tell you that the Glendale Community College is probably the dirtiest, nastiest, most trashed campus that I have ever seen. Never in my life have I seen the chewing gum, candy wrappers, papers and cigarette butts as I have seen in just the few weeks that I’ve been here at GCC. What really amazes me is the number of cigarette butts that are heaped up in practically every nook and cranny of the campus. I don’t understand how can a group of outwardly good looking and intelligent people can do something as stupid as intentionally poison themselves!!! Yes, young people, HEAR ME!!!! Cigarettes are poison and smoking IS hazardous to your health.

For crying out loud, you all smoke like cigarettes are going out of style. Why is it that you can trash your lungs, nonchalantly flip your cigarette butts out into the ethers and then come into class stinking of cigarettes? What’s up with that — you people think that your mother is going to come around and clean up after you?

Geez, give me a break, how about at least trying to get the trash in the bin. Just try, Please.

Can you all at least try? And, sweet Mary and Joseph, knock it off with the smoking already, you’re not as cool as you think.

R. C. Foley (via e-mail) Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district. Letters must be signed and typed and include the full name and address of the writer. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

3

EDITORIAL

Election Day Is Right Around the Corner

By Jessica Bourse

EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

E

lection Day is just around the corner: a day when millions of Americans will cast their ballots as the rest of the world waits and watches. It’s a day where the people get to exercise their right to vote and help decide the future of our country. It’s a day where your opinion matters.

It’s our duty as citizens to participate in the democratic process. Cesar Chavez once said, “We don’t need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.”

The fact that the 2004 presidential election had a voter turnout of only 55.3 percent is both dumbfounding and embarrassing.

In 2007, Uzbekistan had a voter turnout of 90.6 percent. Why aren’t Americans voting?

“My vote doesn’t count.”

We’ve all heard that one — maybe a couple of us have even said it. Your vote doesn’t count if you don’t vote.

Why should you vote?

There is too much at stake for you not to vote. When we elect a president, the impact of our choice will be felt in the years to come. Although the president’s term only lasts four years, the president has the power to nominate a Supreme Court justice, should one retire, and a justice serves the court for life.

Our next president will most likely appoint two to three justices, seeing that four out of the nine are over the age of 70, with John Paul Stevens being the oldest at the age of 88. In the

Supreme Court, one vote goes a long way — what about three?

On Nov. 4, the California voter’s ballot will also include 12 propositions. These propositions include issues such as: bonds on alternative fuels and renewable energy; a ban on gay marriage; a waiting period and parental notification before a minor can undergo abortion; a bond for veterans; an expansion of legal rights for victims of crime, as well as the restriction of early releases for prison inmates.

Your vote can make a difference.

In 1990, a non-profit organization called Rock the Vote aired its first public service announcement in which a platinum blonde Madonna, wrapped in the American flag, called upon the nation’s youth to get out on Election Day and vote.

Since 1972, there was an ominous decline in the numbers of young voters, however, because of organizations such as Rock the Vote, millions of young Americans have been inspired to take action and get involved in the electoral process.

In 1992, more than 2 million new young voters flocked to the polls, reversing 20 years of electoral shame, and creating a 20 percent increase in youth voter turnout — all thanks to organizations like Rock the Vote, who believe in the power of the youth vote.

On Sept. 23, controversial filmmaker Michael Moore released a full-length film, “Slacker Uprising,” documenting

the 2004 election and the rising involvement of America’s youth in the electoral process.

Regardless of Moore’s political views, the film displays the power we have when we work together and get politically involved. The documentary is available free of charge at Slackeruprising.com/ download.

With such a competitive race to the White House, the youth vote may be the key to winning the presidency. This year, an estimated 44 million 18-29 yearolds are eligible to vote — that is one-fifth of the entire American voting population!

How can you get involved and make a difference?

The first step is registering to vote. The California voter registration deadline is Oct. 20.

An online voter registration form can be found on Rockthevote. com. There are also tables open in Plaza Vaquero during noon, registering students to vote.

In order to register, you must be 18 and a U.S. citizen. Any questions on registering can be answered by our Secretary of State at (800) 345-VOTE or on the Rock the Vote Web site.

First-time voters should remember to bring identification with them to the polls. A photoID, such as a diver’s license or your GCC ID will do. Non-photo IDs, such as bank statements and sample ballots are also allowed.

The second step is informing yourself on the issues. Does the national unemployment rate of 6.1 percent bother you? Are you satisfied with health care? Make sure to think analytically and read

Illustration by Corinna Scott

into both sides of an argument before making your ultimate decision.

The third step is simple: go out on Nov. 4 and vote. It doesn’t matter if you vote as a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or a

Libertarian. What matters is that you voted for what you believe is right.

Jessica Bourse can be reached at jessica_bourse@elvaq.com

For More Information About the Election and Voter Registration: http://www.lwv.org/Election2008/index.html http://www.rockthevote.com/

Campus Comments Has the state of the economy influenced your vote?

Angela Jonsen 18

Jack Chambazyan 21

Mary Gazabian 20

Claudia Montez 18

ENGLISH

DENTISTRY

UNDECIDED

ENGLISH

“I want a candidate that is actually going to help our economy, help us get out of the problems that we have right now in our economy.”

“No, I don’t understand that mumbo jumbo.”

“I’m gonna put my vote in for someone who I think will make a difference in what the economy is now.”

“It has affected my vote because I want someone who cares – not just about the rich people – but the low income people as well.”

­­—Compiled by Ani Khashadoorian and photographed by Ismael Reyes

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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NEWS

Distant Galaxies Come to Life for Planetarium Audiences

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he entire galaxy was on display inside the Glendale College Planetarium when it hosted two showings of the public event “Evening with the Stars” on Sept. 19.

The event, which is hosted by GCC astronomy teacher Jennifer Krestow, is located inside the dome theater found on the second floor of the Cimmarusti Science Center. It focuses on utilizing its 30-foot diameter ceiling screen to help educate its patrons about the stars that are visible from Glendale.

At the beginning of the show, the power seats tilt back making the ceiling the focal viewpoint.

Then the audience views a 3-D simulation of the stars and constellations as seen from the Planetarium’s point of view, with

the clouds turned off for extra clarity.

Soon after, the simulation zooms out and leaves planet Earth, to venture around in the solar system in an imaginary spaceship.

The solar system is viewed along with labels and pointers, making it easier to identify planets and stars. Other devices are used to help illustrate certain space facts, such as the illuminated trajectories of planets, 30,000 orange dots representing satellites, and colored lines that connect all the dots of the constellations.

The imaginary spaceship gets up close and personal with planet Jupiter, showcasing its famous big red spot and its renowned moons. Afterwards, the solar system shrinks in size as the spaceship zooms out even further to show the outside of the Oort Cloud, which is about one light year away from the Sun.

Glendale Residents ‘Green Up’ at Festival

By Fabiola Prieto

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

G

lendale’s first Eco Expo was held on Sept. 20 at Cerritos Park, organized by the Committee for a Clean and Beautiful Glendale.

This was the culminating event of the “Torch Run for the Environment” fundraiser, in which representatives from local businesses and organizations ran more than 10

miles in support of upcoming environmental programs for the city.

The torch run was initiated

by Glendale Mayor John Drayman, at Crescenta Valley Park at 8 a.m. Participants included: the Glendale Department of Water and Power, Lexus of Glendale, The Glendale News Press, and Harley Davidson of Glendale, among others.

[See Green, page 20]

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The simulation goes so far from our solar system that the whole Milky Way galaxy is visible in its entirety. After getting familiar with our own galaxy, the simulation continues to zoom out even further to the point where thousands of galaxies appear as tiny green dots, all bunched up in a mass of intergalactic information.

As Krestow coordinated the presentation, she responded to all questions that the audience had as the show was in progress. After the show was over, Krestow was happy to answer any questions

that the viewers had in detail; such as information on upcoming shows, clarification on certain terms, and an explanation on what would happen if a hypothetical asteroid was destined to obliterate planet Earth (we’ll survive, by the way).

The show is designed to be informative and to educate its viewers. Its presentation is similar to something that might be showed on the Discovery channel.

Admission for the show was $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, but unfortunately, there weren’t any special deals

for GCC students.

The Glendale College Planetarium also schedules shows for local grade schools, youth groups and special interests groups among other patrons. Private shows can also be arranged with the Planetarium.

For more information on future shows, or to get in touch with the Glendale College Planetarium, contact Paul Buehler, Planetarium and Dome administrator, at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.

Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 5

NEWS

Math and Biology Combine in Science Lecture are working on models of traffic and the models not surprisingly EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER look very similar to the models of he first science lecture of the animal groups,” said Kolpas.

Kolpas uses mathematics fall semester gave attendees a slight idea of the importance to study biology and tried to of how understanding motion in explain her research through rote animal groups can benefit people. mathematical equations.

“A lot of people On Sept. 23, take biology the importance and they don’t ofstudying “Understanding really know how collective motion mathematics plays to better understand the collective a role. It’s playing how to control a more important swarms of locust role in biology,” or “understanding motion of said Kolpas. crowds can mean K o l p a s understanding animal groups, used computer traffic,” said simulations and Allison Kolpas, might give us equations that postdoctoral mathematics researcher at the some ideas majors and department of professors would ecology, evolution about how understand to and marine model the biology at UC to solve behaviors of Santa Barbara. animals.

Her father Sid The models Kolpas who teaches traffic are used by mathematics at engineers that are GCC chose and problems” building groups introduced the of robots to move speaker.

— Allison Kolpas in swarms and use “So, underthem for disabling standing the landmines, “also collective motion for surveillance of animal groups, might give us some ideas about to be used by the department of how to solve traffic problems, defense, to go into a building and and there are a lot of people who assess the situation so soldiers

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Researchers and engineers are working on this,” said Kolpas.

The collective motion of animal groups studied

by Kolpas is understood as a social interaction between members rather than the cause of a leader guiding them.

“You can build a team of robots to perform tasks to place them in Monterrey Bay, to take the temperature of the water, to do environmental monitoring,” said Kolpas.

This was the first in an ongoing series of science lectures offered throughout the semester.

Photo by Ismael Reyes Claudia Anaya can be reached at claudia_anaya@elvaq.com

Allison Kolpas, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Santa Barbara, discusses the importance of studying collective motion within animal groups.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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FEATURES

Alex Show Brings Back Old-Time Entertainment

By Ani Khashadoorian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

history lesson hit the Alex Theatre on Sept. 20, encompassing chapters from the late 1800s to the early 20th century in the form of the “Vaudeville Extravaganza!”, presented by the Alex Film Society.

Starting at 8 p.m., the festivities of the night were a reflection of American vaudeville theatrics and early cinematic films that went along with it. Vaudeville is a combination of variety acts in an entertainment show (often songs, movies, and actors). Keeping up with the Art Deco theme of the Alex Theatre, stylishly dressed attendees of all ages flocked to the nearly packed house.

“Vaudeville Extravaganza!” aimed to entertain the audience with a wide variety of acts; from jugglers to magicians and all sorts of amusements in between.

Films were also screened, including “Down Among the Sugar Cane” (1932),“The Cure”

(1917, featuring Charlie Chaplin) and “The Royal Rodeo” (1939).

The night started off with Ian Whitcomb and His Bungalow Boys, who mused and sang about the nostalgia of times past. Whitcomb provided some wry British humor, pointing out strikingly similar parallels to life in our current and past eras (most songs centered on the Depression era).

Next came Davis & Faversham, who performed a comedic skit known as “Frankfurter Sandwiches.” They ended their act with a delightful short bit about the various types of sneezes.

Peter Nathan Foltz followed with a song, aptly performed, as he is known as the “Golden Voiced Tenor.”

Jack & Jeri Kaivan wooed the crowd with their amazing juggling tricks.

The duo managed to acquire the attention of the entire audience with their awing operation that consisted of one bit amounting to

a portrait of an audience member being drawn whilst juggling went on.

Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop proceeded to have a humorous dialogue covering Lamb Chop’s status as a mere puppet (while managing to tie in with current politics).

The closing act was Christopher Hart, master magician and operator of the “Thing” – Addams Family fans take note! Blink twice and it is possible to miss Hart’s card tricks that will have your head in a tizzy from trying to figure them out.

Mary Mallory, Will Ryan and Nancy Niparko led the crowd during Ian Whitcomb’s song about movie critics, signaling when to clap along. This was not the first time they had participated in Vaudeville Extravaganza – all three are seasoned veterans.

Mallory said, “Just [the] Photo by Ken Juaner Malate performing and saying it....were “Card Girl” at the Alex entices the audience with her dashing beauty. some of the favorite parts.”

The night wrapped up with the audience left looking satiated for 2 and 8 p.m. as well as the 11th screening of the films, and the their annual fix of vaudeville.

Annual “Three Stooges” event, Upcoming events presented by lovingly known as “Stooge-Fest” the Alex Film Society will feature on November 25 at 2 and 8 p.m.. substantial discounts for GCC students with ID. They include Ani Khashadoorian can be reached at ani_khashadoorian@elvaq.com “King Kong” on October 25 at

Photo by Ken Juaner Malate

Jack & Jeri Kaivan make juggling a family act.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008 7

FEATURES

Armenian Independence Day Honors Traditions

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

rmenian Independence Day was celebrated by more than 10,000 people and various entertainers for the 10th straight year at Verdugo Park on Sept. 21.

This year’s festival was cosponsored by the City of Glendale, and was organized by the Nor Serount Cultural Association, which provided business booths, live performances and Armenian foods.

The festivities began with the American national anthem, followed by the Armenian national anthem. Then the crowd was entertained by well-known Armenian performers such as Robert Chilingarian, Harut Hakopyan, Sokrat, and the Vartan & Siranush Gevorkian Dance Academy.

The performers sang some traditional songs and some new modern songs, while the dancers wore special outfits to celebrate the ethnic traditions which are common in Armenia.

Besides the attractions on stage, there were many booths that provided products and services from the Armenian culture.

Several diverse business sponsors, such as Pacific Western Bank, Glendale Medical Pharmacy, and Sarkis Pastry among others, were selling their products and getting their names known. Some booths sold jewelry, some sold pottery, others sold Armenian food, and still others provided carnival games for the children.

The event was very familyoriented, as seen by the jumpers

Photo by Allan Beglarian

Steven H. Gimian, 35, master of ceremonies, delivers the opening speech of the 17th anniversary of the Armenian Independence Day celebration.

set up for kids, the backgammon games played by the elders, and the famous kabob cookouts established on the outskirts of the park every few yards away from each other.

When walking around the park, the smell of food from the food court and the sounds of the folk songs really bought out the best qualities of Armenian culture.

A registered nurse at the first aid booth, Rosine Der-Tavitian,

also a nursing professor at Pasadena City College, said that the event’s main goal was “to keep the youth off the streets and to bring them all into a cultural oriented, safe environment.”

One of the organizers of the event, and former GCC student, Garry Sinanian, voiced his appreciation for the yearly festivals held at Verdugo Park.

“We’re really quite proud of the event. We’re glad that in a city

like Glendale, we’re able to share a piece of our culture every year.

“It’s a great way for cultures to come together, enjoy Armenian music, food, and dance,” Sinanian said.

Armenian Independence Day commemorates the day that Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union on Sept. 21, 1991, making this its 17th year of independence.

This year’s Independence Day festival was celebrated with much excitement, but it only sets a higher precedent for next year’s gathering. The Nor Serount Cultural Association will hopefully make a bigger celebration for next year, and for many more years to come.

Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

Photos by Allan Beglarian

Azaive Markarian, 67, left, and Sona Thomassian, 50, right, a mother and daughter team dressed in traditional Armenian garb, serve homemade bread. Khatchik Chahinian, of the “Hour of Truth,” center, photo right, meets with members of Glendale’s Armenian community.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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9

COLUMN/OPINION

Stars, Director, Author Apply ‘Choke’- Hold to Press

By Graig Agop

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER/ PHOTOGRAPHER

“L

et’s talk about dirty stuff,” stated excited first-time director Clark , as he walked into a intimate room lit only be sunlight at the Beverly Hilton he joined author and “Fight Club” ring-leader Chuck Palahniuk, and actors Sam Rockwell, Brad William Henke and Angelica Huston, to promote the provocative novel- turned-movie “Choke,” on it’s Los Angeles press day Sept. 13.

“Choke” tells the story of choking scam artist and unfit-sexdemented-Colonial theme park performer Victor Mancini, played

by Rockwell, who gets choked up at high-end eateries in order to be saved by the “heroes,” and he’s not talking Hayden Panettiere.

These so-called heroes and their generous pockets feed his financial thirst to prolong his mother’s life and he reciprocates the favor by showing immense gratification, which quenches these alleged saviors’ dire need for self-validation.

Stuck on the fourth step at sex addicts anonymous, Victor looks at this oh-so-serious program as an opportunity for afternoon sex-scapades. Unfortunately, he

sees the insane asylum where his dying mother stays in the same way.

Mancini finds himself in a bind, yearning to crack into his mother’s disturbed mind in order to find his father, and yet fight his sexual urges all at once.

Throughout the film, Mancini is left in various choke holds, trying to make some sort of sense out of one phenomenon after another.

Written by Palahniuk, this twisted novel was embraced by scriptwriter, director, and actor Gregg and turned into a light and playful, inappropriately hilarious, adults-only brunch of perversion in the park that won’t have you taking small bites in fear of being unable to digest, At the conference, the comical Gregg took a seat in his sharp black suit next to the bright-eyed and reserved Palahniuk, wearing olive green, who said, “Young people feel their only access to power is looking good because they don’t have wealth, education and contacts.

“So if someone can present a narrative that shows someone losing all of that [attractive] power and still transcending and moving forward, that’s a narrative young people will really respond to because your worst fear is losing that one form of power:

looking good,” said Palahniuk, describing the account of the main character Victor. Victor’s (Rockwell’s) nightmare is losing his sex addict wingman Denny (Henke) to a healthy relationship.

“It’s the endless cycle of American culture. We want to see someone rise up out of the masses by their own valuation and willpower, then we want to see them get f*****g destroyed.

Face our worst fear, live it for us, and show us we will get past it as well,” said a direct Palahniuk.

When asked about the dramatic change in moods from movie to book, Palahniuk said, “It has to be light.”

We were then joined by the lead and supporting actor, Rockwell and Henke. After comparing facial hair — Rockwell, sporting a new mustache — and Henke sarcastically expressed their unfortunate loss.

“They cut it [our sex scene].

We wanted it, we filmed it during our private time during rehearsal,” they said jokingly, finishing each other’s sentences. Acting is like first nature to Rockwell.

They credit their entertaining on and off-screen chemistry to allowing themselves to be loose and open said the laidback Rockwell, with his arms stretched over his head though out much

of the interview.

Rockwell and Henke prepared for their parts by listening to “Choke” on audio book and attending real sex addicts’ anonymous meetings. They both developed compassion for members and found the situation depressing.

The lively, dazzling, and genuinely sweet Huston then lit up the room. She walked in with layers of jewelry; colors of earth and autumn shimmered — gracefully dangling around her neck and wrists as she spoke passionately with her hands.

Huston plays Ida, Victor’s mother, who spends her last days in an insane asylum. Her acting brought credibility, not only to her role, but also the credibility this film needed so that “Choke” wouldn’t be taken as a joke.

Although she usually plays the

role of a villain, Huston doesn’t judge her characters but rather learns why they are the way they are. In this situation, she feels her character acted the way she did because she may have lost a child.

“She’s not a normal mother, but what is a normal mother?” said Huston, “All of us are delusional.

We all chose what we want to remember, we all choose what we choose to ignore, even though we might not admit it ourselves.

So we are all beings of our own making ultimately.”

“Choke” is now playing in theaters nationwide and is pleasurably suffocating, but in case of asphyxiation, try the Palahniuk maneuver — apparently it seems to work.

Graig Agop can be reached at Graig_Agop@elvaq.com

www.

elvaq.

com

Photos by By Graig Agop

Actress Angelica Huston, Author Chuck Palahniuk, Director Clark Gregg and Actor Sam Rockwell attend an L.A Press day roundtable for the movie “Choke” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sept.13.

“Choke” is in theaters nationwide.

10

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Miley and Jonas Bros. spread hope

— Photo Illustration by Hovsep Agop

— Photos and Story by Graig Agop

D

isney stars Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers led hopefuls to City of Hope’s “Concert for Hope” cancer research and treatment benefit performance at The Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Sept. 14 where fans had the opportunity to see their favorite performers all while supporting an important cause.

The Amphitheatre was deafening even before the stars lit the stage.

An introductory clip hit the screens and explained what the City of Hope organization was about and how important the night’s event was to people suffering from cancer and diabetes.

Hosts Mark Ballas and Derek Hough (“Dancing With

The Stars”) got the audience involved and pumped up for “Camp Rock” star Demi Lavato, who kicked off the night with “Enchanted” cover “That’s How You Know.”

Opening up for the Jonas Brothers in their current “Burnin Up” tour, Lavato knew not many people wanted to see her and it was very risky to keep their possessed fans waiting, so Lavato keep it short.

When the Jonas Brothers made their entrance, there was no question that the audience was there just to see them — not Lavato, not Cyrus, and perhaps not even for the cause.

The Jonas Brothers got started with “That’s Just The Way We Roll” and utter madness took over the venue. The brothers were all dolled up in tight polyester blended suits and were generous with their time dishing an hour-long set.

Their set included hits “Hold On,” “Love Bug,” and an electric performance of “Burnin Up” and “S.O.S.” It didn’t

take any brains to figure out that the Jonas Brothers were a tough act to follow.

Cyrus, who had already raised over $1 million for the cause from last years “Best of Both Worlds” tour continued her support.

“Are you ready to meet Miley Cyrus?” screamed a back up singer.

Was that even a question? Cyrus headlined the event wearing a Metro Station T-Shirt (brother Trace Cyrus’s band) and tight white jeans rocking out to “Start All Over.”

Cyrus performed an 11-song set, singing songs off “Meet Miley Cyrus” and from her latest album “Breakout.”

Miley closed the night with “7 Things” and an explosion of purple lights in “See You Again.”

[See Hope, page 13]

Disney stars supporting cancer research, from left: Nick Jonas, Demi Lavato, Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, Miley Cyrus and hosts Mark Ballas and Derek Hough. Above: Five things we like about Miley Cyrus.

Top Right: Call the exterminators: Jonas Brothers unleashed their “Love Bug” at the Gibson Amphitheater.

www.elvaq.com 11

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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F i l m r e v i e ws Life in ‘Lakeview Terrace’ Thrills With Real Fears

By Fabiola Prieto

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

N

amed for the Los Angeles suburb that was pushed into the limelight in 1991 by the Rodney King police beating incident that spawned citywide rioting, “Lakeview Terrace” explores the psyche of intolerance and hate, reminding us of the deepest fears that we’ve all had: parental control, abuse of power and manipulation.

“Lakeview Terrace,” directed

by LaBute (“The Wicker Man,” 2006), and written by David Loughery (“Money Train,” 2005) and Howard Korder (“Stealing Sinatra,” 2003), thrills the audiences as we’re reminded of our human frailties.

Chris Mattson (Patrick Wilson) and his wife, Lisa Mattson (Kerry Washington) are adapting to their new lives in Los Angeles.

In the middle of the wildfires that Angelinos experience every year, their new home, marriage, and lives are threatened by a man who’s supposed to represent safety. “What can be safer than living next to a cop?”

The Mattsons have just moved into their first home. Their neighbor, Abel Turner (Samuel L. Jackson), a cop, who is also

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recent widower and father of two kids, finds the couple’s interracial marriage unacceptable and wants them out of the neighborhood.

Turner goes out of his way to make sure the Mattson’s know where they’re not wanted.

Performances by all three leads show the attentiveness of the casting director. Who else can play Turner, but the man who’s made profanity his signature? Wilson’s character maintains the essence of Jeff Kohlver, the character he played in “Hard Candy” (2005), who gets beat down by a 14-yearold. (He’s got to be used to the butt-whipping by now.) Mattson displays a sincere sense of fear, but as he sees his life in danger, he becomes intimidating and brave.

Washington’s performance is more subtle yet powerful and her character adds depth to the story.

When Lisa gets pregnant without the consent of her husband, she reflects her version of Turner’s “the end justifies the means” attitude. This is another reason to praise the thought put into a film that is sure to be controversial.

Some may argue that you cannot defend violence—let alone murder—from racial intolerance. Still, this is a reality.

Can you defend a woman’s decision to begin a family against

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Samuel L. Jackson, who often plays characters on the other side of the law, as cop Abel Turner.

her husband’s will when trust and communication are supposed to keep a family together? The message of this story is that, to various degrees, we make selfish decisions to get the things we really want. Ultimately, this is a story about power and frailty.

LaBute, who is known for taking on projects that are crude and controversial, can consider this a success in his directing

career. The cinematography in this film, especially in scenes with CGI smoke effects, may throw some people off a little, but overall it is a great film with a riveting story.

Produced by Overbrook Entertainment; distributed by Sony Pictures.

Rated PG-13 for intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references. Runtime is 110 minutes.



My rating: Four stars out of five.

Fabiola Prieto can be reached at fabiola_prieto@elvaq.com

‘Eagle Eye’ Action Flick Exploits Electronics Anxiety

By Ani Khashadoorian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

magine opening up your door and being surrounded by top -of-the line artillery and tons of deadly explosives and gas tanks – oh, and the government has taken you in and believes you are a terrorist hell-bent on blowing up the country.

Welcome to “Eagle Eye,” the fast-paced new action flick from director D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia,” 2007). “Eagle Eye,” starring Shia LaBeouf as Jerry Shaw and Michelle Monaghan as Rachel Holloman, is the story of two strangers who are suddenly thrust into a deadly race against government investigators Zoe Perez (Rosario Dawson) and Thomas Morgan (Billy Bob Thorton) who suspect them of being terrorists – but what lies

beneath the surface is much more sinister.

Unknown to Perez and Morgan, both Jerry and Michelle are being forced to commit random crimes by a mysterious female who exerts power through all electrical outlets. She can cause train wrecks, explosions and much more - controlling their every move.

The movie starts off with a montage of Jerry – a copy associate at Copy Cabana. We learn that he is a Yale dropout who has just been informed that his twin brother Ethan has died.

Devastated, Jerry returns home to deal with the loss of his beloved over-achieving brother, of whom Jerry is the complete opposite.

Jerry finds his small apartment has been littered with explosives [See Eagle Eye, page 13]

Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) are under close watch in “Eagle Eye.”

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

13

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

‘Watching’ Response to Political Events through Art

By Claudia Anaya

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“T

he Whole World is Watching,” a group art exhibition curated by Irene Tsatsos, is a pre-election response to current political issues that opened on Sept. 20 in the art gallery.

Photographs, paintings, and a film, mostly from L.A. based artists, make up the exhibit, displaying various themes and metaphors to political events.

“There is so much dissent regardless of your political point of view,” said Tsatsos. “Most people are not supportive of who’s in the White House right now, regardless of whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or something else.”

She saw a lot of parallels to 1968. “In both decades the country was fighting a very unpopular war, a very controversial war, prior to an election. That guided me when I was thinking about this [exhibit].”

Peter Wu, one of the many artists whose work is displayed, described his painting “Untitled

(After the End of the World as We Know It)” as “not necessarily political but put in this context, it absorbs this ‘political-ness’ and it gives it new insight to what it is. Things looks like explosions, things look more violent.”

John Fox, 27, 3D animation fine art major, liked Wu’s “Untitled (After the End of the World as We Know It),” because of the way Wu stroked the reds and blacks onto the canvas creating abstraction.

Tsatsos described “Dragged Lamp,” a piece by New York artist Olga Koumoudourous, as “distressed; it looks like it’s worked hard.”

“It’s on the floor but it is still lighting up,” said Chris Oatey, admiring the piece of the lamp hanging by shackles and tied by rope.

While some paintings evoke war and hope, other works take took at environmental and human topics.

Joyce Campbell’s “Lower Wright Glacier, Antarctica, Last Light,” shows a picture of glaciers in the Antarctica “which are threatened by global

warming,” said Tsatsos. very real,” said Asher Hartman thought would have work that Emilie Halpern’s “Poppy,” a about Saldamando’s piece. would in some way relate to this 60-second film in which a poppy Tsatsos “had directed theme based on what I know they is being held for a period of two Los Angeles Contemporary have done and they came back to hours until E x h i b i t i o n s me with the pieces they thought it’s dead was (L.A.C.E) and would fit,” said Tsatsos.

“Most people are not described put on great The art is not for sale but supportive of who’s

by Halpern: shows,” said may be seen by the public in “when you Roger Dickes, the gallery from noon to 6 p.m. in the White House watch the director of the Thursdays through Saturdays right now, regardless film it looks exhibit, who through Nov. 8. like the hand had contacted of whether you are a is really Tsatsos to put Republican, Democrat, on the exhibit. [See related photos page 14] graphic, like it’s strangling Tsatsos put or something else.” the flower the word out — Irene Tsatsos to about “20 because it’s Claudia Anaya can be reached at claudia_anaya@elvaq.com trembling a artists that I lot, like an aggressive human touch but at the end the hands is just as fragile…it’s also about time and what appears to be fragile and what appears to be threatening.”

Shizu Saldamando’s “Francisco’s Graduation,” in which three young men stand together with arms over each Tickets were auctioned off [Hope, from Page 10] others shoulders as one seems and sold through Ticketmaster. to be ready to go on to war was President and Dr. Michael com. Prices ranged from $100 among the favorite works of A. Friedman was on hand to to more than $1,000 pervisitors. personally thank the night’s ticket.

“It’s very heartbreaking but it’s City of Hope was founded performers as they all took the in 1913 and is situated in stage for a final bow.

Duarte, Calif. It is considered “This Concert for Hope one of America’s greatest demonstrates their [Cyrus, cancer foundations and has Jonas Brothers] commitment accomplished many scientific to improving the lives of characters, trying to run away patients with cancer and to advances and healing protocols from this anonymous hellhelp create a future in which that have excelled cancer raising monster. cancer is not only treatable, and life-threatening illnesses The most remarkable aspect but curable and preventable,” treatment worldwide. of the movie is how plausible Every day, City of said Friedman. the plot is, especially in Hope’s team of researchers The concert included today’s world. It’s not rare to touching inspirational stories aggressively study the science see a student on a Blackberry from hopeful cancer survivors behind childhood cancers to or an IPhone, texting while help bring new therapies to between sets. listening to music. Technology Promoters urged fans to children as fast and safely as is everywhere, and society keep in mind that the night possible revolves life around it—and was about more than having a that is what drives the point good time, it was about saving straight home.

Graig Agop can be reached at graig_agop@elvaq.com lives.

Overall, it’s a fun movie that makes for an entertaining Friday evening. Come in with no expectations and leave with an unexpectedly fun time.

Dianetics: “Eagle Eye” runs at 118 the Evolution of a Science minutes and is rated PG-13 for by intense sequences of action and L. Ron Hubbard violence, and for language.

My rating: three out of five Your first book on the applied philosophy which stars. shows you the road to a better life with fewer problems.

Just get it. Read it and use it.

Contact: Dori Talevi

Concert Benefits City of Hope

Action Movie: Plausible Plot [Eagle Eye, from Page 12] and military-grade arms—and then he gets a call on his cell phone telling him he has 30 seconds to escape. He refuses to listen, and the FBI closes in on him. Booked and stuck at headquarters, Jerry manages to escape thanks to the unknown caller, who is tracking his every move.

Meanwhile, single mother Rachel sends her young son off to music camp in D.C. Her ex-husband is a slacker who barely remembers to drop by the train station to say goodbye to his son. Lonely, she goes out to drink with her friends and receives a phone call from an unknown caller who says she must get in a car parked across the alley or her son will die. So begins the first half of “Eagle Eye.” Sharp acting by LaBeouf moves the plot along nicely, while Monaghan and Dawson add their individual stories

to the element. A surprisingly strong performance by Thorton carries the film – a shrewd and unassuming government agent, Thorton’s character serves as the unexpected hero.

The swiftness of the action sequences delivers – although it sometimes feels like a bit too much, it weaves in with the plot nicely and packs a large punch.

One particular bit dealing with a military jet and a tunnel way kept the entire audience on the edge of their seats.

The practically non-existent soundtrack doesn’t add to the film, whereas the extraordinarily loud special effects get their point across quite well.

What “Eagle Eye” lacks is character development – loose ends are never tied up (even though they may seem irrelevant) and certain character interactions and relationships just seem over the top and unrealistic.

Caruso’s style of directing fits the movie – the scenes immerse you right from the start. It feels like you are right besides the



Ani Khashadoorian can be reached at ani_khashadoorian@elvaq.com

(818) 247-9822

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

“whole the

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

is

world watching

Now Showing at The Campus Art Gallery

” Photos by

Allan Beglarian Pam Strugar, 44, artist, and Roger Dickes, 39, computer animation instructor and director of the art gallery at Glendale College, discuss the artwork displayed in the exhibit.

Irene Tsatsos, 24, independent curator of “The Whole World is Watching,” exhibit at the Glendale College art gallery on its grand opening on Saturday.

From left to right: Irene Tsatsos, 24, curator; Asher Hartman, 49, artist; and Amy Green, 38, artist, walk through “The Whole World is Watching,” exhibit.

Painter Asher Hartman, 49, examines artwork on display at art gallery.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

15

SPORTS

Prowess on Track Comes in Very Different Styles

By Brandon Hensley EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

R

emember in the movie “Forrest Gump” when Forrest decides to go for a run one day and ends up running back and forth across the country for several years? He didn’t do it for “any particular reason,” as he said, but just because he felt like running.

Katie Dunn wouldn’t mind having that feeling when she gets older.

“I want to continue running even if I’m not competing,” Dunn said, “I want to wake up in the morning and run.”

Dunn, an 18-year-old freshman out of Saugus High School, is the Lady Vaquero’s newest cross country sensation, a compliment to the men’s side, where 20-yearold sophomore Nathan Sellers excels in cross country.

Both Sellers and Dunn have a love affair with running, even if each approach the craft in different ways.

On this day, Dunn, a tall blonde who is battling a cold (complete with a raspy voice), is sporting a new battle scar, a long cut on her right forearm from a fall while training earlier in the week. Dunn has taken other spills in practice before, but she seems to live by the motto “no pain, no gain.”

“My high school coach pushed me so hard where if I’m hurting or injured he would tell me to run another mile and that just built my pain threshold,” she said.

That’s Dunn in a nutshell, competitive and persevering. “I don’t like missing workouts and not finishing workouts, because that just means in a race I’m going to have that mentality.”

A strong image is something Dunn portrayed at Saugus, where her team went undefeated in two years under her leadership as team captain.

“In a paper they called the rest of my team my little ducklings just because I watched over them.

They would follow me wherever I went.”

Even though she’s only a freshman, Dunn has taken on a similar role at Glendale. Coach Eddie Lopez sees her as a leader.

“She’s very dedicated,” said Lopez. “She communicates well [with her team]. She’s going to be a contender for the state individual award. She’s the best of the best in community college cross country.”

For Dunn, it’s not necessarily before moving on to a four-year about individual accolades. “I school. know there’s competition. I’m So far, everything is working not coming here thinking I’m the out. “Here, people don’t take best. I just have to keep training it quite as seriously, so they’re harder.” more supportive, the whole Dunn stresses the importance team, guys and girls. The GCC of a family atmosphere, something trainers, they’re great. It’s a nicer she had at Saugus. “I just know atmosphere, you go in the training for myself that I’d like to get [our room and it doesn’t matter if team] closer together and work the athletes are from basketball harder,” she said. or football, everyone’s getting To hear Dunn describe her along.” running style, one might think Lopez is happy to have Sellers cross country may not be the ideal on his team. “Nathan’s our captain. sport for her.

He’s a very talented young man.

“I have this weird form, like a He is very team oriented.” propeller because I’m pigeon toed Lopez knows that Sellers and knock-kneed,” she said, “and struggled in his time in San Luis my left arm doesn’t move. My leg Obispo, and has sought to make won’t ever change, cause it really things better for him at Glendale. does go in. It’s called an exorcist “My main thing here was to make foot. It goes in that much.” it healthy and fun,” said Lopez.

Whatever Dunn does, it seems “I had so much fun in high to work. “I’m told I run in a school, and then I went to San zen like form, where I’m just so Luis Obispo, and it was kind of concentrated and out there. I’m like all the fun was taken out of really in love with running. It it,” said Sellers. But he decided to relieves stress.” give it one more shot, and when Stress is something Nathan he arrived at Glendale, “the first Sellers faced his first year out day of practice I had fun with of high school. After graduating the team, and it was the first time from Crescenta Valley High in [that had happened] in nearly two 2006, he went to Cal Poly San years.”

Luis Obispo as the school’s top Both Dunn and Sellers give recruit. He describes his time credit to Lopez’s coaching style. there as one of full of frustration. “He’s really tough on you. He’s “There was too much partying not going to mess around. But he there,” he said with a bit of disgust. cares,” said Dunn.

“It didn’t help me with school. It Sellers praises Lopez’s ability didn’t help me with running.” to develop runners to reach their That can happen at any college, potential. “I feel like he cares a but Sellers’ bit more than experience with a coach at [a the team was DivisionI] also negative. school.”

“People were As team waiting for me captain, Sellers to get injured has to care a so I wouldn’t be little more about competition for his team as well, them.” making sure Sellers also they represent saw a change the school and in his fitness themselves in and attitude that the right way, but he didn’t like. he’s up for the “I was getting challenge. “I’ve fatter, and done it before, getting lazier, so I figured why and I was getting not again?” He antisocial said. b e c a u s e I Soft spoken —Katie Dunn didn’t want and unassuming, to talk to [my Sellers fits the teammates].” image of the When Sellers decided to leave laid back runner perfectly, with San Luis Obispo and return to the his messy brown hair bouncing Glendale area earlier this year his up and down with every stride coach at Crescenta Valley, Mark he takes. He doesn’t march to the Evans, suggested he attend GCC beat of his own drum, but rather

“I want to continue running even if I’m not competing. I want to wake up in the morning and run.”

Photo by Ken Juaner Malate

Katie Dunn and Nathan Sellers are shining stars of Glendale cross country.

runs to the song of choice in his head.

Sellers will go to bed the night before a race with a specific song looped on his headphones so it will be stuck in his head the next day while he runs. “It helps me keep a rhythm, a tempo,” he said.

“It keeps my mind off of the pain in my legs.”

Oh, that’s right, the pain.

It’s enough to make the average person get a side cramp just thinking about it, the Glendale cross country team running 12 to 16 miles some days, and 6 to 10 miles on a “recovery days.”

“It’s a lot of mileage,” said Dunn in the understatement of the year.

But while Dunn may love to run for the sake of running, Sellers doesn’t share her point of view.

“I’m not going to lie,” he said.

“It’s painful. I go home everyday and my legs hurt. It hurts to stand up more than five minutes.”

What keeps Sellers going then? “The people,” he said with conviction. “If I’m having fun with the people around me, suddenly it’s not so bad anymore.”

Both Sellers and Dunn plan on

running for major schools after Glendale, and both have interests in coaching as a possible career choice, although Sellers also expresses a desire to write for a sitcom one day.

For now, neither are looking too far into the future. The biggest immediate concern for Dunn may be trying to have a cell phone again. “My cell phone bill is too high. It can’t be paid for at the moment,” she said. Dunn is also currently without a car, making her an anomaly for a teenage girl.

For Sellers, he has found comfort here at Glendale, where the stress of last season seems to be as far behind him as an opponent in a race.

A couple of weeks ago, the cross country team was running in the park and happened to catch the baseball team running at the same time. As Sellers passed the baseball team, he overheard one of the players say, “man, they make it look so easy.”

“That made me feel so good,” he said with a huge smile.

Brandon Hensley can be reached at brandon_hensley @elvaq.com

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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SPORTS

Moorpark Once Again Overpowers Lady Vaqs

By Brandon Hensley EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

n a tune-up game for their upcoming conference schedule, the Lady Vaqueros soccer team lost to Moorpark Lady Raiders 21 Friday at Sartoris Field. It was the Vaqs second loss to Moorpark in as many weeks.

“We’re playing well. We did what we needed to do...stick to our low pressure game, and just wait for a breakaway,” said Vaquero head coach Jorge Mena.

The only goal for the Vaqueros (3-3-2) came on a breakaway in the first half, when freshman Dania Pur scored on a header in the 27th minute. The Vaqs had a 2 on 1 advantage and when the ball came to Pur, she rose up over her defender and put the ball in the net, just out of reach of Moorpark’s goalie.

The Vaqs took that 1-0 lead into the break, but it was a tenuous lead at that. Seemingly all game long, Moorpark (8-1) dominated the tempo, and was repeatedly in Vaquero territory. Even though Moorpark struggled to score early on, they were not without their chances.

They could not capitalize on their corner kicks, and had several shots either hit the post or the crossbar of the net, a couple from freshman Christina Leon.

Leon was the real story of the game. The Moorpark forward — who drew the biggest cheers from the Moorpark supporters in attendance — was able to get open shots for herself all game, although she went scoreless.

Leon seemed to have injured herself near the 40th minute of the game, when she collided with a Vaquero near the sidelines at midfield. She went down grabbing her shoulder and remained on the ground for several minutes.

Leon was helped off the field and tended to for some time. She returned later in the game and showed no ill-effects from the earlier incident.

Moorpark got on the board in the 73rd minute, when Leon’s corner kick was punched in by freshman Leanna Aceves, putting it in at point blank range.

Twelve minutes later, Aceves would score again on a header making it 2-1, putting Moorpark up for good.

As the game wore on, the Vaqs’ chances to score decreased as the pressure Moorpark put on them became too much.

“It’s more match-up wise. See, Moorpark’s too tall for us,” Mena said. Still, he didn’t seem to be too disappointed over losing to an excellent Moorpark team.

“I think one the best things about this game was that we

Photo by Richard Kontas

Vaquero freshman forward Dania Pur, left, scores the lone Glendale goal on a breakaway against Moorpark Friday.

played one the best teams in the state and 2-1 is not bad. We got a good game out of it, which is what we wanted.”

The Vaqs are still confident going forward, looking to get

back to their earlier season winning ways as they begin their conference schedule on Sept.

30 on the road against Citrus College.

Mena, for one, is eager to get

things going. “We’re ready to go,” he said.

Brandon Hensley can be reached at brandon_hensley @elvaq.com

Inconsistency, Youth Too Much for Vaqs to Overcome

By Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

C

onsistency is a word that is often thrown around by sports fans, and when there is a team as young as this year’s edition of the Vaqs football team, it is easy to see how the word applies.

After winning their previous two games by a combined score of 95-28, the Vaqs bid for a third straight win fell short Saturday night at Sartoris Field, as Glendale lost to the Orange Coast College Pirates, 31-24.

“They are a great football team, a well-coached football team,” said head coach John Rome. “We knew we had our work cut out for us.”

The Vaqs running game that had come up large for the team all year struggled mightily against

a Pirate defense that is ranked number three in the state. The lone bright sport for the running game was freshman Lavelle Peterson, out of La Canada High, who provided a much-needed shot in the arm. Peterson finished the game with 107 yards on 15 carries in his first action of the season.

“He had been hurt previously, so we had a chance to let him run,” said Rome of Peterson.

“We feel he is a pretty good running back and we feel that he can do those things that we ask of him. I’m very pleased with his performance.”

With just under 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Vaqs had some work to do down 31-10. The arm of freshman quarterback Dylan Martinez led the Vaqs back to within striking distance. Martinez finished the

game with 287 yards and 3 touchdown passes.

Martinez’s primary target was freshman wide receiver Michael Harrison who had five catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.

“He is a guy who has very good hands, he is just so diminutive,” said Rome of the 5-foot-6-inch Harrison.

Most of the game, the Vaqs played from behind and struggled against a very talented Pirate team. Both teams finished with an identical 369 total offensive yards; however, the Pirates were able to keep mistakes to a minimum.

On their second offensive possession, the Vaqs were helped out by four penalties assessed to the Pirates, which helped move the ball down to the nine yardline. The drive then stalled and kicker Chris Chapman missed

a 27-yard field goal that would have given the Vaqs a 3-0 lead.

The offensive mistakes piled on later in the game when the Pirates intercepted Martinez deep in Vaq territory. As a result of the turnover, the Pirates scored their second touchdown in a row making the score 14-0.

Momentum shifted the Vaqs’ way on a kickoff late in the second quarter, where the Vaqs were able to recover a fumble on a kickoff.

The resulting drive ended in a touchdown pass from Martinez to Harrison on a 46-yard strike.

The Pirates came right back out of halftime and put up 10 third quarter points while holding the Vaqs to only two offensive possessions and only one first down.

The fourth quarter was where the fireworks came for the Vaqs.

After being left for dead down

31-10 the Vaqs were able to pull within seven after Martinez’s third passing touchdown.

The Pirates recovered the ensuing onside kick and were able to run out the clock dropping the Vaqs record to 2-2 on the season.

“We’re very freshman oriented, and with the youth we have we have to learn to be consistent in practice week-in and week-out,” said Rome after the game. “I think we got a little full of ourselves this week. [Our players] thought we were pretty good and I think they got a little awakening today, especially in the third quarter.”

The Vaqs open conference play Saturday at home against Ventura College at 7 p.m.

Ross Coleman can be reached at Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

17

SPORTS

Lady Vaqueros Lose to Moorpark Raiders

By Ken Juaner Malate EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER/ PHOTOGRAPHER

G

lendale College’s Lady Vaqueros lost a hard-fought game to visiting Moorpark College Friday shattering their two-game winning-streak.

The tough, heavy-hitting Moorpark team proved to be too much for Glendale as they defeated the Lady Vaqs three games to one.

Moorpark is currently ranked sixth in the state.

“Moorpark is an excellent team, composed of very tall and hard hitting players, they just beat Irvine last week, so we knew that we had to prepare for them,” said assistant coach Lucinda Bucan.

“Actually, we could have won any of those games; we just needed to work more on our consistency.”

Co-assistant coach Maria Olilang added, “we could have tired them out. They were a lot more fatigued than us; if we went to five sets, we would have had a very good chance of winning.”

“This team was pretty loaded on the outside, yet I thought we blocked so much better in this game, but we’re still making too

Aya Nakano serves up for another ace.

Photo by Ken Juaner Malate

Outside hitter Ashliy Veliz smashes one in as coach Ybarra looks on during their winning game against East Los Angeles City College.

Photo by Ken Juaner Malate

many errors and giving up too many points,” said coach Yvette Ybarra.

Ybarra described her team’s defense as being “spastic.”

“The ball was all over the place, we just need to control it more,” said Ybarra. “We still want to continue our scrappy defense, but at least work more on controlling it so we can still dig out those tough balls.”

Ybarra made it a point to tell her team that they are a very good team and that all they have to do is reduce their errors and they will excel.

On the defensive side, Glendale struggled a bit, but the 13 digs by freshman Carissa Mathijssen and 12 digs by sophomore Beverly Gonzales kept them quite close.

“I think we need to work more on just following through and communication,” said Mathijssen. “When we had our time playing good defense and actually communicating, they couldn’t stop us. We just have to keep our composure in these types of situations; I know we can do it.”

Glendale, in the start of the season, had apparent troubles both in offense and defense. But as the season progresses, it’s more and

more obvious that the players are acclimating themselves and are getting used to each other’s style of play.

This is more evident from the two most consistent players on the team, assist-leader Nicole Diller and scoring powerhouse, Aya Nakano.

Diller has led the team in assists in almost every single one of their games. She racked up 35 assists and a couple of serving aces in their game against Moorpark.

When Diller was interviewed after the game about what she thinks they need to work on for the next game, she humbly said “I think our passing was a little bit up and down, we need to be more consistent.”

Once again, like all the other games, Nakano is atop the leader boards with the most kills, serving up 17 kills for the Moorpark game.

Anyone who has watched any of the volleyball games will know

that Nakano is a special player.

Perhaps the most important aspect of her game was her ability to be able to laugh and fool around even when the chips are down.

It’s obvious that she stands out as the leader of the team with her cheery personality and ability to make everyone else around her positive.

Letty Cruz, parent of an East Lost Angeles College player said, “She’s really entertaining to watch,” about Nakano.

When asked how she’s able to laugh and still keep her composure throughout the game, Nakano laughed and said, “I’m just a goofy girl.”

The Lady Vaqs are currently 44. Their last games will be against Ventura College Sept. 30, and Oxnard College on Oct. 3 before Western State Conference starts on Oct. 7.

Ken Juaner Malate can be reached at ken_malate@elvaq.com

Check Out Our Online Magazine www.gccinsider.com

18

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

www.elvaq.com

SPORTS COLUMN

The One Big Thing: Time to Let Go, Lance

By Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

L

ance Armstrong, the amazing seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor, has been making the rounds over the past few weeks announcing his intention to come out of retirement and race once again in the 2009 Tour de France bike race.

Armstrong retired from professional racing after his 2005 victory in the Tour.

It seems that all great athletes

have a problem with being able to let go. All summer the American public was barraged daily with updates on the Brett Favre saga, Favre being traded from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets and now this.

I am also reminded of Michael Jordan who made a “comeback” to a terrible Washington Wizards three years after he retired as a member of the three-time defending champion Chicago Bulls.

Armstrong fits that mold too.

He is making his return on the

professional cycling team Astana that is based in Kazakhstan, not the U.S. Postal Service team that he competed with on during his record-breaking seven-year winning streak.

That’s not all. Current Astana team leader Alberto Contador, who Armstrong has called “the best rider on the planet right now,” stated publicly that should Armstrong join Astana, Contador would leave the team and look to race elsewhere.

Lance claims that his goal in making this comeback is to

promote cancer research. While that is a noble cause, Lance could just as easily promote research without sullying his legacy. He has been doing a great job of raising money for cancer research since he successfully fought off testicular cancer in 1996.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation has raised millions of dollars for cancer research due in large part to the LiveStrong bracelets worn by millions of people around the world. But why make this comeback now?

This is starting to get sad. When

are we going to be able to show these Farves and Armstrongs that they are past their prime and need to hang it up?

Look Lance, I respect everything that you have done in your cycling career, but this is one thing that I can’t get behind you on. Why now? You retired as the most decorated cyclist in American history; if you come out now and lose it will only stain your legacy.

Ross Coleman can be reached at Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com

Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Sept. 27: Foothill Invitational Men — finished fifth Women — finished first

Sept. 26: lost to Moorpark College 3-1

Women’s Golf: Sept. 22: finished fourth at Western State Conference match 3 at Tierra Rejada Course

Men’s Soccer: Sept. 23: tied with East L.A. College 0-0 Sept. 26: defeated Compton College 4-1

Women’s Volleyball: Sept 23: defeated Santa Barbara College 3-2

Football: Sept. 27: lost to Orange Coast College 31-24

Women’s Soccer: Sept 26: lost to Moorpark College 2-1

Upcoming Events Men’s and Women’s Cross Country: Friday: Southern California Preview meet at Bakersfield College 3 p.m.

Oct 10: Western State Preview meet at Crescenta Valley Park 3 p.m.

It’s time for Lance Armstrong to retire permanently.

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Online Newspaper www.elvaq.com

Women’s Golf Monday: Western State Conference match 4 at Riverlake Golf Course in Bakersfield

Women’s Soccer: Friday: vs. Santa Monica College at GCC 7 p.m.

Tuesday: vs. L.A. Mission College at GCC 7 p.m.

Oct 10: at L.A. Valley College 4 p.m.

Oct 14: vs. College of the Canyons at GCC 7 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball: Friday: vs. Oxnard at GCC 7 p.m.

Oct 10: vs. College of the Canyons at GCC 7 p.m.

Oct 14: at Citrus College 7 p.m.

Men’s Soccer: Friday: at Moorpark College 7 p.m.

Tuesday: at College of the Canyons 7:30 p.m.

Oct 10: vs. Santa Barbara College at GCC 1 p.m.

Oct 14: at Oxnard College 4 p.m.

Football: Saturday: vs. Ventura College at GCC 7 p.m.

For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/athletics/

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 19

Calendar On Campus events

clubs

Blood Drive — Sponsored by ASGCC and the Student Activities office. Today from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero. All blood donors will receive a $5 gift card and all blood will be donated to Verdugo Hills Hospital.

Student Government — Join Student Government today. There are two available positions. For more information, visit SC 203 or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3033.

Transfer Night Fair — University representatives will be on campus Oct. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the San Rafael Plaza.

Transfer Center — Cal State L.A. will be on campus every Thursday now through Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to answer questions. UC Irvine and Cal Poly Pomona will be on campus Monday to meet with students by appointment only. Transfer Center SR second floor. For more information, visit www.glendale. edu/transfercenter or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5442.

Psychology Club — Guest speaker and club advisor Daphne Dionisio will discuss psychology degrees and careers on Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in AA 108.

Guest speaker and UCLA student Natasha Olmos, Ph.D. will discuss applying for the UCLA doctoral program in clinical psychology on Oct. 9. Only club members will be allowed to attend. For more information including how to become a member, visit www. glendale.edu/pyschologyclub.

Honors Biology Club — Club meets every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in CR137. Club meetings will include information

about future health careers and guest speakers. Open to all students. For more information, email the Honors Biology Club at honorsbiologyclub@yahoo.com.

Cosmology and Astrophysics Club — Every Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. in CR230. Open and free to the public.

Creative Minds — Meetings are held every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in LB200. Everyone is welcome.

Faculty and Student Book Club — The group will discuss Enriques Journey by Sonia Nazario.

Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in AD 217.

information Scholarships — The fall semester deadline to apply for scholarships is Oct. 15. For more infor-

mation, including how to apply for a scholarship, visit www. glendale.edu/scholarships or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5591

exhibitions “The Whole World is Watching” — Art Gallery. Curator Irene Tsatsos presents an art exhibition that is a pre-election response to current political events and presents work by 16 artists that relates to the idea of taking matters into ones own hands to effect change. Now through Nov. 8.

Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m.

Thursdays through Saturdays.

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.glendale. edu/artgallery or call (818) 2401000, ext. 5663.

dance “The Chocolate Nutcracker” — The Dance Department is hosting

auditions for a community project. This production is put together by the “Invitation to Dance Group.” GCC will receive funds from the proceeds. Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in SN104. For more information, email Frank Lynn McMurrey at mcmurrey@ glendale.edu or call (818) 2401000, ext. 5556.

“Phanatics” — The Dance Department is hosting auditions Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. in SN104. Open to all. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/dance or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5556.

workshops Meditation — Artin Behin presents an introductory class on meditation. Oct. 15 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Student Center. Free for all students, faculty, and staff.

Family and friends of students are welcome.

Around Town events Unity Fest 2008 — Unity Fest 2008 is a celebration of the various cultures, people, food, arts and crafts and entertainment that make the City of Glendale special and unique. On Brand Boulevard between California Avenue and Lexington Drive. Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.ci.glendale. ca.us or call (818) 548-3220.

Miss Showbiz India — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd.

Pearl Entertainment presents a South Asian beauty pageant in which young women compete for the title of “Miss Showbiz India USA.” The event will be hosted in English. Oct 11. at 6 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539.

exhibitions Los Angelenos/Chicano Painters of L.A. — Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.

This exhibition includes a number of widely exhibited works by

first-generation Hispanics whose artistic careers began during the Chicano civil rights movement.

Now through Nov. 2. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students with I.D. Museum hours vary. For information, visit www.lacma.org or call (323) 857-6000.

11. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students, and free for all on the fourth Friday of every month.

Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.pacificasiamuseum.org or call (626) 4492742, ext. 10.

A Garland of Melodies: Ragamala Paintings from India and Nepal — Norton Simon Museum of Art, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. This exhibition draws upon the Museum’s rich collection of ragamala paintings from Nepal and India and opens in the new rotating Asian gallery on the lower level of the Museum. Now through Nov. 3. Admission is free for students with I.D. Hours vary.

For details, visit www.nortonsimon.org or call (626) 449-6840.

Musica Angelica — The Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Southern California’s premier Baroque ensemble presents a musical Grand Tour through Europe around 1760.

Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Getty Villa Auditorium. General admission is $20 and $15 for students with I.D. For information, visit www. getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300.

The Offering Table: Women Artist and Activists from Korea — Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. This exhibition features the works of three female artists, Junwha Rhu, Miran Je and Insun Ha as they explore issues of oppression and isolation for women in the rigidly Confucian society in a contemporary Korea. Now through Jan.

music

Chamber Music — Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. The Chamber Music Society presents Yefim Bronfman on the piano. Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Admission prices vary. For more information, visit www.laphil. com or call (323) 850-2000.

Folk Music Society — On Oct. 11, The Caltech Folk Music society presents Sara Grey, who sings ballads of the British Isles as well American roots music. A versatile

banjo player, Grey will be accompanied by her son Kieron on guitar and vocals. In the Beckman Institute Auditorium at 8 p.m. At Del Mar Boulevard and Wilson Avenue. Admission is $15. For information, call (626) 395-4652.

lectures Starting from Seeds — Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.

Instructor Steve Gerischer will discuss all of the aspects of starting a garden from seed, including garden preparations and where to get the best seeds. Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $30 for non-members and $25 for members. For more information, visit www.descansogardents.org or call (818) 949-4200.

theater “The Rainmaker” — A Noise Within, 234 S. Brand Blvd. N. Richard Nash brings to life the story of Lizzie Curry who has resigned herself to a life without love as she and the men of the family struggle to keep the farm from collapsing under the weight of devastating drought. Ticket

prices and showtimes vary. Now through Dec. 6. For more information, visit www.anoisewithin. org or call (818) 240-0826.

wellness Meditations for a Happy Life — Shoseian Whispering Pine Teahouse, 1601 W. Mountain St. In Brand Park, across from upper parking area. Kadampa Meditation Center California offers meditation classes Sundays from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. with instructor Ryan Thomson. $12 per class.

For information, visit www.meditateinla.org.

Free Health Clinic — Open Tuesdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. On a first-come, first-served basis.

Located at 134 N. Kenwood St. Third floor, room 330. No job related physical exams offered.

For more information visit www. glendaleclinic.org or call (818) 243-2105, ext. 202.

Free Yoga in the Park— Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 Fuller Drive, Los Angeles. Free yoga lessons every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. For information, call (323) 666-5046.

Compiled by Tina Hagopian

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

www.elvaq.com

VAQUERO VIEWS

Glendale Residents Go Green at the Eco Expo [Green, from Page 4]

children with his demo, he said, “I have a [worm] bin in my office Emily Vindeni, 38, representing for public officials and customers Harley Davidson of Glendale, to see.” Brady’s department handed the torch to the master offers home composting bins for of ceremonies, Ardy Kassakhian, a discounted price. who awarded all the participants Tree People was also there; the with medals. services they presented include The proceeds will be used to donation and maintenance of create a Clean Campus Anti-Litter trees and educational programs Curriculum for all for kids. Whole Food schools in Glendale, Markets gave samples Montrose and La of environmentCrescenta. It will also friendly products; be used to develop Glendale Water and a guide that “will Power explained feature ecological tips energy-saving and best practices for procedures; and the Glendale residents.”

Coalition for a Green As an affiliate Glendale introduced of Keep America the new community Beautiful Inc., CCBG garden that will open maintains an ongoing soon in the city. effort to improve the “I think it’s very quality of Glendale’s important. Everyone neighborhoods.

—Tom Brady needs to know “I know at the how to be more college you have environmentally a bad time. We put extra bins helpful,” said Tania Manamshian, there,” said Margaret Hammond, 19, a psychology major from who has been a member of the GCC who attended the event. organization for 20 years.

Nalini Lasiewicz, coordinator The anti-litter group many of the Energy Exhibit at GCC, programs, such as the Cigarette shares the same feeling, and was Litter Prevention Program and the in charge of the demonstration of Terminate All Glendale Graffiti solar power. agenda.

Now that the college has During the expo, attendees recently added a solar panel learned about green practices, system and the city has adopted such as keeping a compost a committed ecological agenda, bin. Tom Brady, a recycling Glendale grows green. coordinator in charge of the For more information visit: Public Works Division booth, http://www.ci.glendale.ca.us/ showcased the process of home composting using worms. As he Fabiola Prieto can be reached at fabiola_prieto@elvaq.com disgusted adults and delighted

“I have a [worm] bin in my office for public officials and customers to see.”

Photo by Ismael Reyes

Lisa Novick of the Theodore Payne Foundation explains how to promote and preserve California native landscapes and habitats to expo visitors in Cerritos Park on Sept. 20.