Horticulture: Students plant garden in South Coast Plaza. Page 10

SOCCCD’s STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Summer Travel: Exotic locales for student vacations. Page 9

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, California

Vol. 43 No. 22

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Certain core classes increase by one unit in fall semester EVELYN CAICEDO uring fall 2010, the English department at Saddleback College presented a revision of the English 1A curriculum which would change the course to a four-unit class instead of three to be put forth in the fall 2011 semester. The curriculum was changed due to the fact that “students are not adequately prepared for English 1B nor are they getting the skill set needed to succeed in upper division courses that require a research component,” said Suki Fisher, the co-coordinator of English composition. So now English 1A, the course which focuses on expository writing skills, will be four-hour a week class to better the learning of the students and to better complete the next level of English. “In reviewing the goals that we wished our students to have accomplished upon completing both 1A and 1B, we found some holes,” Fisher said. “Namely that we expected students to master skills presented to them in 1B without first giving them the introduction or development period in 1A.” The shift to an essay word count of 4,000 words in 1A to 1B courses at 8,000 is said to be too great, and thus the unit change was to be needed for the students, according to Fisher. “Currently 1A students are expected to learn how to organize an essay, develop clear ideas, write a complex thesis, and write fluidly with only minor grammatical errors,” Fisher said. “The added unit will allow us to address skill sets that are needed to prepare students for writing the research paper: namely, how to find, analyze, and respond to a given text.” Fisher adds that by adding the curriculum change would also allow students to learn how to utilize an outside source, such as how to incorporate outside material, correctly cite the source, and correctly create a work cited page.

D

Photo by Oliver Yu/Lariat

FAREWELL: Instructors seal the deal to retire this year. Some may opt to return in fall parttime as part of agreement hammered out by teachers’ group.

51 SOCCCD faculty say goodbye thanks to golden handshake Long-term plan to save district $3.6 million will change faces in classrooms MARYANNE SHULTS

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he South Orange County Community College board of trustees adopted a resolution last week of a supplementary retirement incentive program. A total of 51 full-time eligible faculty at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College have opted to take part and will officially retire at the end of the 2010-2011 academic year according to Vice Chancellor of Human Services David Bugay. Also, those faculty members were offered the option to teach on a parttime basis after their retirement. Bob Ferguson has taught various psychology courses for over four decades. He came into the teaching profession with a background as an agent in the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and students were entertained with his anecdotal, real-life tales that made his curriculum come to life. He said teaching was never boring. “The retirement incentive definitely

had an impact on my motivation to retire. However, another event occurred last semester which was even more of a wake up call,” Ferguson said. “ I have had children of former students in my classes for years but I had a grandchild of a former student in my class last semester for the first time. It is time to hang it up when that starts.” Ferguson confirmed he will return as a part-time instructor in the fall. Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) has made available to the district a supplementary retirement plan, supplementing the State Teachers’ Retirement System / Public Employees’ Retirement System (STRS/PERS) program. The plan will provide a portion of one year’s salary over five years. “This [plan] provides financial saving to the district of $3.6 million over five years,” Bugay said. “ The positions will not be replaced for one year and will be filled by adjunct instructors.” During the 2011-2012 year, the colleges will conduct a hiring process to fill the vacant full-time positions. Those hired will begin with the 20122013 academic year. Lewis Long, president of the SOCCCD Faculty Association said there are two sources of savings for the district. “First, for the first year, classes will

be taught by part-time faculty with lower pay and without the same benefits,” Long said. “Second, the faculty who will be hired eventually to replace the relatively highly paid retirees will come in with much lower salaries.” The retirement incentive plan was conceived and proposed by the Faculty Association as part of a restructuring of the faculty salary schedule, Long said. Plus, it will make the district more attractive to new faculty and “continue to attract the best, most qualified” instructors, he added. There will be no reduction in the numbers of class sections, or growth in class sizes, as a result of this process. However, because of the dismal condition of the state budget and the resulting reduction in growth allowed to the colleges, there may be fewer class offerings for other reasons, Long said. Students will benefit from having fresh, enthusiastic new faculty members who have the advantage of recent education in the newest developments in their fields. “While the retiring faculty members are experienced, dedicated teachers, we can all benefit from fresh perspectives and knowledge of the newest developments,” Long said. “Also, because of the condition of the state budget, there are a lot of excellent teachers looking for jobs, so

Students react to bin Laden death KIMIYA ENSHAIAN MCKENZIE SIXT

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resident Obama announced Sunday night that al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was killed in a raid at a compound in Pakistan. The overall vibe the following day, across the world at both Saddleback and Irvine Valley College was that bin Laden was merely the symbol of radical terrorism. Some students said that his death does not end any problems while others were pleased with this news but believe nothing will change. “I feel like it’s a great accomplishment for U.S. but he’s spread his knowledge to his followers,” said Stephani Saltos, 20, psychology. “These people have been trained in the same manner he was, they’re just as dangerous for us.” For others like Chris Hooshmand, 27, psychology, bin Laden’s death was a victory of sorts, proving to the world that

the U.S. deals with its enemies eventually. “I’m happy they’ve (al-Qaida) realized you can’t cause trouble here and get away with it, it felt like he (bin Laden) was just laughing in our faces for ten years,” Hooshmand said. There were other students,

Jason Burwen/ Flickr: CC by-SA 2.0

photo credit

Osama bin Laden such as Isadora Sharon, 18, zoology, a previous New Yorker and witness to the September 11 attacks, who was not overwhelmed by the news. “I’m not really impressed

because I think there’s going to be someone to take his place,” she said. “For me I don’t really believe it unless I see evidence that it’s him and that it’s his body and more details on it.” Some compare bin Laden to ultimate evil. “I am thoroughly pleased that he is dead,” said Daniel Corning, 22, political science, “but, I want to see the devil dead.” With the help of DNA analysis and facial recognition, the government said it had confirmed his death. In previous cases of terrorist deaths there was an immediate release of photographic evidence of the killings. The cases of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s dead body, video footage of Saddam Hussein’s hanging, and pictures of Hussein’s two dead sons were given to the media as evidence.

kenshaian0@saddleback.edu msixt1@saddleback.edu

we should have a very deep pool from which to select new faculty.” Those who teach look for the best in their students, and communicate clearly that each one has untold potential, and this confidence can inspire their students to grow and develop more than they ever thought possible, according to Keirsey.com. In whatever field they choose, teachers consider people their highest priority, and they instinctively communicate personal concern and a willingness to become involved. “We all struggle with self-fulfilling prophecies that hinder us from achieving our maximum potential. My teaching goal at Saddleback was to motivate students to achieve beyond their individual expectations,” Ferguson said. “Also, I don’t believe that you have had a complete day unless you have helped someone in need who is not in a position to give you something in return. I have always tried to fulfill that philosophy with my students.” As a parting remembrance, Ferguson has established the Robert W. Ferguson scholarship fund to help needy students. To see the list of retirees, go to lariatnews.com.

mshults0@saddleback.edu

See UNITS on Page 2

Invocations continue for college ceremonies CARMEN ULLOA

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loophole in a recent court decision will allow invocations to continue at graduation and scholarship ceremonies at Irvine Valley and Saddleback colleges. The subject of religion in school is a hot-button issue. Most schools have invocations, or opening prayers, at ceremonies and board meetings. For several years, Saddleback and Irvine Valley College have held official prayer at numerous events including scholarships ceremonies, the Chancellor’s opening sessions and graduations. This practice caused indignation and unrest among students, professors, donors and community members which resulted in a lawsuit. Westphal vs Wagner was filed in Nov. 2009 at a District Court in Los Angeles.

Defendants including Tod A. Burnett, president of Saddleback College, held that these invocations were constitutional and did not violate the establishment clause and continued to practice invocations despite the claims. A settlement was achieved in early April 2011. The district will continue with their 40 year invocation tradition. However, at any event in which an invocation is held by the district, students and staff are not required to attend and will not lose their privileges, employment status or benefits. The district will continue to direct the content and form of their events, select the speakers and the order in which they speak and invocation shall not exceed two minutes, with the speaker not delivering any religious remarks. Read more at lariatnews.com

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Donation of new cars sparks excitement

Saddleback sees three new Kias donated to its automotive department AUSTIN MESSICK

The Saddleback College automotive technologies department recently received three new cars to be used in lab activities, including two hybrids that were donated by Kia Motors in Irvine. The donation included a 2011 Optima hybrid, 2010 Forte SX and a 2010 Forte hybrid, which totaled over $75,000. This gift presented the automotive technology department for the first time with its own two hybrid vehicles to be used as lab tools. “I want [students] to have an industry experience here before they go to industry so they have the highest skills to be in the work place,” said Cliff Meyer automotive technologies instructor and department chair. “So when they leave here they can go to work at a dealership, independent shop, specialty shop or whatever and they have seen all of the current latest and greatest tools and equipment.”

Units Continued from Page 1

Courtesy of Saddleback College

HYBRIDS: The automotive technologies department now have the chance to learn how to control and manage the high voltage hybrids, giving them a boost in their field and for the future of the automotive industry. With the addition of these new Kias, the automotive department now has about 20 cars built in 2005 and earlier, according to Meyer. Students will be able to work hands on with these new hybrid vehicles in Auto 220, alternative propulsion systems, which teaches students how to work on hybrid, electric, diesel and other new automotive technologies. The 2011 Optima is not yet available for purchase in the U.S., so the department has a tool that not even the American public can buy yet, which gives students a chance to obtain real world experience working with the most current automotive technologies. “You just can’t learn from books or videos, actually having a car here, especially one of [the Kias] that’s not even being sold in the U.S. at the moment, having that is phenomenal,” said Rajanpal Dhillon, 44, automotive technology. Dhillon is training in the department to become a part-time instructor, and said students will

learn how to disable a hybrid car, disable the power pack in the back, the difference in driving from a normal car, and how their regenerative braking works. He explained that regenerative braking consists of small motors on the brakes that recycle the energy used for braking back into the engine to conserve power. He also explained that hybrid cars differ from normal cars because they run about 50 percent on electric power and 50 percent gas powered. “It gives you a chance to work on [the hybrids] and learn how they operate, because there is such a lot of high voltage through the cars, so it’s good to learn them here because when you get out in the field you will know exactly what you’re dealing with,” said Aaron James, 45, automotive technology. Meyer said that some hybrids carry over 400 volts, which is enough to kill someone if they make a serious mistake while working on them.

Phi Theta Kappa inducts over 160 members from Saddleback College DAVID GUTMAN

Phi Theta Kappa Honor society held their induction ceremony for the Saddleback College students last Friday. This semester, over 160 students were inducted into the honor society from the Saddleback College chapter alone. “Over the years, Saddleback has produced over 600 active PTK members,” said PTK President Michael Clute. To be eligible for consideration to be inducted into PTK society, a student must be enrolled in 12 units of coursework that go toward an associates degree and keep a 3.5 grade point average. Phi Theta Kappa was founded on November 19, 1918 at Stephens College in Missouri. Members of PTK annually celebrate this day as Founder’s Day. The emblem of PTK has many symbolic aspects. The emblem consists of a golden slab, keyed at the top and the bottom with a black band in the middle. The gold is to represent the golden opportunities awaiting members. The black band is to represent the three affirmations of PTK: wisdom, aspiration, and purity. At the top of the symbol is the head of the Greek goddess Athena who is widely known as the goddess of wisdom and war. Every semester, the current PTK board members choose new students to be a part of their prestigious society. “Once you are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, it stays on your transcript, and is with you for life,” said Gina Shaffer,

“You can’t guess, you can’t think you know it, you have to be competent and be absolutely sure about what you’re doing and how you’re doing it and that’s our job,” Meyer said. Meyer stressed that having the most current vehicles and equipment helps the department to better prepare students to succeed in the workplace, and these new hybrids help to ready students for the future of the automotive industry. “As you see gas prices go up and they’re not going to go down. You’ll see people [turning in] their SUVs in and going into hybrid vehicles,” Dhillon said. “I think you’ll see more and more workshops having to have people trained in hybrid vehicles, and as I think we’re the only college at the moment with the new hybrid vehicles that are coming from Kia, I think our students would be above most of their peers doing automotive at a different college.”

All of which are skills students are expected to master when writing the research paper in 1B. For a student to master the requirements of English 1B, he or she must know how to incorporate outside material and subsequently cite the source in the proper format and style, Fisher said. The curriculum change would allow students sufficient time to become proficient. “Another advantage to the added unit is that it will allow us more time to review grammar and punctuation and to do it more thoroughly,” Fisher said. “So, we will be able to further prepare the students on multiple levels.” Irvine Valley College and many other colleges around the county already have English 1A as a four-unit course so to change the Saddleback would only equal the learning material. “In this process [of reviewing our proposal], we discovered

that Saddleback College is the only school in Orange County to offer a three-unit 1A equivalent,” Fisher said. “All other colleges meet with their students for four hours, whether the course was three or four units. Every other community college understands the importance of this course.” Currently Kevin O’Connor, the dean of liberal arts, and his staff is working toward scheduling English classes to not conflict with the next block period. “The co-chairs and the English department worked very hard so that students would get minimal impact,” O’Connor said. “They will still be able to take other classes after that by changing start and end times of the courses.” “Writing is a skill just like any other skill. If you don’t do enough to practice it, fluidity and coherence will never be achieved. If you don’t do enough to maintain proficiency, fluidity and coherence will ultimately be lost,” Fisher said. “This is absolutely one of the tenets that contributed to these much-needed curricular changes.” ecaicedo0@saddleback.edu

Upcoming Events Transfer Celebration College representatives will be coming again to Saddleback College for a Cinco de Mayo catered event When: May 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. Where: The Quad

amessick1@saddleback.edu

BOSI Project Reception and ‘Walking Tour’ Biennial Outdoor Sculpture Invitation presents project artistsand refreshments. When: May 5 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Where: Between the A100 Administration Building and B100 Campus Art Gallery

Get Your Associates Degree and go to Law School. Good Idea. Great Idea. All of the above.

photo by

That Dam Kat /Flickr: CC BY-SA 2.0

INDUCTION: 160 students participated in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society induction ceremony last Friday at Saddleback College. chapter co-advisor and instructor. The keynote speaker was Kevin O’Connor Dean of liberal arts. His main topic for the

“Once you are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, it stays on your transcript, and is with you for life.” induction was about being an above-average person. According to O’Conner, the Saddleback chapter has had a wide range of going above and beyond in student education and student life lessons. Nearing the end of the ceremony, Clute and his admin-

istration began the induction. The lights were dimmed as the students were called forth to receive a blue candle along with a white rose. According to Phi Theta Kappa, the candle represents the torch of knowledge and the white rose is meant to symbolize the beauty in life. Once all of the inductees attending were given their candle and rose, they lined up in a semi-circle around the audience. After repeating the PTK pledge, the candles were lit by passing the flame to each other. In closing the ceremony, Clute thanked all who attended the ceremony and wished the newly inducted members good luck. dgutman1@saddleback.edu

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Pinning ceremony honors 60 graduating nursing students

Briefly photo by

Oliver Yu/Lariat

TROUBLE ON UPPER CAMPUS: These signs prohibiting unofficial signs and fliers have always been put up around the Quad, but still multiple posters depicting hate speech targeting disabled persons were posted around the BGS building.

Offensive posters target specific group on campus KYLIE CORBETT Early last week on Saddleback College’s upper campus, scattered posters targeting the disabled were credited to the Poetry Club. However, the club’s president, Thomas Monroe, 27, philosophy, denied any association with the posters. “I was shocked anyone would try to pass off hate speech as coming from the Poetry Club,” Monroe said. “We have always been [against] bigotry, and a place where people come to share without fear of judgement.” After seeing the posters, Monroe quickly contacted Student Services. Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Juan Avalos,

stated “Our chief of police discovered one of these posters in the Business General Studies [building] last week. Campus police is currently doing an investigation on this.”

“It wasn’t wellwritten or tasteful, and was printed on forged Saddleback letterhead with Poetry Club’s name on it.” According to Harry Parmer, Saddleback’s police chief, the poem on the poster was directed towards disabled

people, and argued that they shouldn’t be allowed to ride buses. “It was very offensive language, but there’s no law against free speech,” Parmer said. “I can go to the mall and hear offensive language.” Justin Huft, 21, psychology, described the poem as “disgusting,” and decided to help take the posters down. “I think there is a fine line between poetry and free speech, and something that crosses the boundary of hate speech,” Huft said. “The problem arises when it’s posted in areas specifically to upset people.” In the poem, people with disabilities were referred to as “retards” and “fat slobs” according to Huft. “It wasn’t well-written or

tasteful, and was printed on forged Saddleback letterhead with Poetry Club’s name on it,” he said. Students that wander in and out from classes in the BGS building, may see signs posted on the windows that state “Posting signs or fliers on doors or windows is prohibited. Violators will be reported to the campus police.” This was the only policy violated by the individual who decided to put the posters up for everyone to see. Although the actions of the individual do not meet the elements of a hate crime, according to Parmer, the campus police are still investigating the situation, questioning the culprit’s motive and purpose. kcorbett5@saddleback.edu

‘Office’ star comes to Saddleback TV’s “The Office” star Rainn Wilson will be coming to Saddleback College to promote his book “SoulPancake: Chew on Life’s Big Questions,” this Friday at 6 p.m. Wilson, who plays Dwight Shrute on the Emmy award-winning NBC show, was brought to Saddleback with the help of the Baha’i Club. Wilson and his family are members of the Baha’i faith. Wilson is one of four authors who wrote the book, which is based on a website he and his friends started, soulpancake.com. The book blends philosophy, creativity and spirituality, said Wilson in an interview on the “Regis and Kelly Show.” The event will take place in Room 313 of the Science and Math Building and is free to the public. Seating will be available on a first come and first serve basis.

Another 60 students will be graduating from Saddleback College’s nursing program. There will be a ceremony honoring the graduates in the McKinney Theatre at Saddleback on Tuesday, May 17. The ceremeny is a traditional candlelight pinning. The candle lighting is a tradition passed on from Florence Nightingale, since the 19th century, according to the press release from Saddleback College regarding the ceremony. Graduating student Shaun Lampe will begin with a Class Remembrance Speech. Saddleback instructors Candy Nelson and Carrie Danko, along with graduating student Rebecca Seo, will preside over the ceremony.

Parking fines’ prices increase All parking fines excepting disabled and registration will see a $3 increase due to California State law. In addition to the new law increasing fines, California has increased their portion of taking of fines as well. The fine increase took during the last Trustees’ board meeting, when they approved it on April 25. The fine increase will go toward the state of California.

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Campus Comment: What is your take on Osama bin Laden’s death?

Emma Schwied, 20 mathematics

“I think it was planned and staged. That’s how America out-does the royal wedding.”

Robert Rodriguez, 30 social sciences

“It’s about time--go Navy! It’s good closure for the people directly affected before and after 9/11.”

Katy Harper, 19 park recreation

“I think we’re gonna get attacked; I’m happy, but I’m scared. It gives 9/11 victims’ families closure.”

Wilber Velasco, 21 undeclared

Nicole England, 22

“I think it’s about time. Been like a thorn in America’s foot, we can focus on the important things now.”

“It’s definitely amazing and justice has been served. It’s horrible that the world has come to this, it’s almost uncivil.”

theater

Matt Burris, 29 civil engineering

“Normally I don’t celebrate people’s deaths. They could have captured him alive and gave him a trial. “

Pros and cons of unit increase: Students and staff must step it up EDITORIAL BOARD The English 1A curriculum at Saddleback College will change its course from a three-unit class to four units. This change will take effect in the fall 2011 semester. Let’s take a look at a couple of the pros and cons with regard to the issue:

Pros:

The idea of making the English 1A classes into a transferable four-unit class is a good thing for a couple of reasons. First off, our public school system lags behind most other states, and that means our students are far less prepared coming into community colleges. To have the students learn the curriculum in their first years of

college would mean being more prepared in other courses that require competent writing skills. It benefits the student to catch up with the very same students they will be competing with not only in college, but in the future job market. What today’s youth do not understand is that life is not fair. The best candidates get the best opportunities. Secondly, core classes are required for a reason. These classes represent the minimum skills needed to succeed in the real world. Employers are going to hire the best. That’s what’s going to smack today’s college student right in the face when they are finished

with school. The better-educated students will get the better jobs. A caveat to the four-unit requirement is that not only are students going to have to step it up in the classroom, but the instructors

loss. So although some may think it’s a bad idea to up the units, maybe it’s the only realistic situation for today’s economy.

Cons:

“...with today’s economy it may be the only realistic way for the school to make its money.” will be required to step up their efforts as well. In addition, with today’s economy it may be the only realistic way for the school to make its money. Students should realize that if the school isn’t bringing in enough money to support its number of impacted students, then it’s ultimately the student’s

Overall, a four-unit class is a concept that will benefit the faculty more than the students taking the course. Two specific examples include the inconsistencies of instructors’ teaching styles and the additional money students will have for fork out for what equates to the same quantity and quality of learning.

Although the administration would like all instructors to be on the same page when it comes to the learning objectives, there will always be the stark contrast in teaching style of the laid-back, easy going instructor versus the strict authoritarian. The students will never be able to learn on an equal basis and therefore will not be benefiting from the four-unit course. Also this credit hour increase is wasting students’ time and money on language arts curriculum students should have learned in high school. Especially with the $26 to $36 a unit boost to Saddleback’s tuition effective for the fall semester. With the budget already in bad

shape, as most people are and should be aware of, more money could equal more dropouts in the long run. Furthermore, this could mean even more students staying quite longer at the community college level than they already plan. Before reaching college, students should have already learned the English curriculum. To prevent such drastic changes to a system that is already on shaky ground. Four-unit courses might weed out some students who are less incline to study and work for their grade, but overall is going to only serve to discourage the rest of them, and that should not be the goal of a community college. lariateditor@gmail.com

Osama: The price we pay for revenge is a steep one SHAWN HEAVLINMARITNEZ GUEST WRITER Newscasters, state officials, and citizens were equally gleeful this Sunday night, when it was announced that Osama bin Laden was dead. It was the moment that was to justify our actions in Afghanistan and Central Asia in the past decade; here was the butcher, a living symbol of our own impotence, delivered into our hands. Here at last was justice for the families of those murdered on 9/11. And yet in that time-span we have proven ourselves to be equally monstrous. The death of bin Laden has been rendered meaningless by our own crimes. It is during times of national

unity that dissenters are most vilified, and I cannot imagine that this sentiment will be very popular, but it needs to be said: in our quest to destroy a man who stood against American hegemony, we have murdered tens of thousands across the world, left hundreds of thousands homeless, and become a nation that holds detainees indefinitely and tentatively approved torture. In chasing after a murderer, America has twisted into a grotesque, a dark parody of our own ideals. We created a monster, were shocked when he acted monstrously, and then acted monstrously in response. It should be impossible to feel any joy or satisfaction in bin Laden’s death. How can this be justice when the legacy of our response, the war in Afghanistan,

has made us butchers far beyond anything he ever planned or executed? 3,000 Americans died on 9/11. But we have been directly responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in Afghanistan, and have created refugees numbering in the millions. Our special forces teams regularly raid the homes of unsuspecting villagers and kill innocent women and children. Our helicopters slaughter Afghan children collecting firewood, mistaking them for militants. Our bombs land in the midst of wedding parties. There are hundreds of incidents like this on record, but these war crimes are not held to be as terrible as those of our enemies. Why? Are these actions justified by bin Laden’s actions? The answer, of course, is no. Anyone

who claims to value human life must recognize that these crimes are as vile as anything al-Qaeda ever did, and condemn them in turn. That is why bin Laden’s death rings hollow. It has not brought justice. It has resulted in the death of thousands more innocents, and we have turned into the evil empire that bin Laden claimed we were. The crowds that are chanting “USA! USA!” and singing Queen’s “We Are The Champions” should not be encouraged or celebrated. To cheer on Osama bin Laden’s death is to cheer on the measures we undertook to kill him. It is to cheer on a massive military-industrial complex, an Executive branch that has no regard for the law, for a culture that celebrates death and destruction as long as

Courtesy of youtube

CAPTURED: Americans celebrate in the streets as the news of Osama bin Laden’s death is announced. the dead are not “ours.” If America is to ever be a true beacon of liberty and justice, its citizens must acknowledge these facts, and demand accountability from or stop supporting a government that carries these actions out every day. We have won a pyrrhic victory in a war that has made all of

its participants into war criminals. We can only hope that we will never face justice for our own atrocities committed in the name of catching a murderer, because it would force us as a nation to look at our bloody hands and wonder what we have done. sheavlinmartinez@saddlback.edu

Guilty as charged: Yes, I bought my puppy at a pet store CARMEN ULLOA Days after moving to the United States I got a dog. My parents always had cocker spaniels so I know the breed well. However, a cocker was a little too big for my way-too-small apartment, so I decided to buy the smaller spaniel, Cavalier King Charles. That’s how Polka, a tiny bundle of joy arrived into my life. I started taking her on walks, to dog parks and to beaches. People couldn’t help petting the new adorable puppy and as they showed Polka their love, they asked me where I had gotten her. My naive and honest reply, “at a

pet shop.” The sudden change on their faces, smiles turning into pursed lips, raised eyebrows teaming eyes of indignation, communicated a lot more than their silence. I realized I had done something wrong. I started researching and the more I read articles on the horrors of kennels, puppy mills, mass breeders, and pet stores, the more fear and guilt invaded me. I didn’t know what conditions my puppy was born in, and worse, her parents and siblings were probably suffering still. I felt horrible for buying her at a pet shop. Now I knew it was wrong and it felt wrong. I thought of a charming, not-so-white lie to

tell people every time they asked me the now-so-feared question; but I always ended up telling the truth. Yes, I am ashamed for having contributed to a business that benefits from abuse. A business that needs a lot more regulations and supervision than it has. Puppy mills are responsible for the birth and future of thousands of defenseless creatures. Pet stores are aware of these conditions. So I find myself guilty as charged. However, I do not believe that having adopted a dog from a shelter was a better choice. What background do I want my puppy to come from? From a place ran by people who profit from ex-

ploiting animals or from a place where people choose to abandon them? Which behavior do I want to reinforce? None. From the animal rights perspective, they are both are highly abusive situations. Pet shops sell animals that receive little or no medical attention, love or food. Shelter “give aways” are often victims of human negligence, being pets that come from owners who are cruel enough to abandon them. Is the first really much worse than the latter? My only option would have been getting the dog from a private breeder. If I were to do it again, this is how I would do it. My intention

“Saddleback’s student-run newspaper since 1968” Reporters: Kimiya Enshaian, David Gutman, Adam Jones, McKenzie Sixt, Carmen Ulloa Sarah Black Editor In Chief MaryAnne Shults Managing Editor Julie Tran News Editor

Austin Messick Leif Kemp Sports Editor Evelyn Caicedo Life Editor Oliver Yu Photo Editor

Kylie Corbett Arts Editor

Photographers: Oliver Yu, Dylan Lujano

Lee Eisler Web Editor

Ad Manager: Shawn Heavlin-Martinez

Dylan Lujano Opinion Editor

Faculty Adviser: Paul McLeod Instructional Assistant: Ali Dorri

Phone: (949) 582-4688 Fax: (949) 347-9483 E-Mail: lariateditor@gmail.com Web: www.lariatnews.com Address: 28000 Marguerite Parkway Mission Viejo CA, 92692

Photo by Carmen Ulloa

PET SHOP PUP: Polka was purchased at a pet store, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. is not to lessen the value of the admirable work of shelters, that do their best in rescuing these pets; but to point out the reality that makes a shelter and a pet shop

have something in common: people who abuse animals and lack of law enforcement to protect them. culloao@saddleback.edu

About the Lariat The Lariat is the student newspaper of Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. The Lariat is an independent student-run public forum. One copy of the Lariat is free. Additional copies may be purchased at the Lariat newsroom, located in the Village at Saddleback College. Letters to the editor are welcome. Please limit letters to 200 words and

include a name, valid email address and signiture. All letters are subject to editing. Unsigned editorials represent the views of the Lariat’s ediorial board and do not represent the views of Irvine Valley or Saddleback Colleges or the South Orange County Community College District. Lariatnews.com was launched in fall 2007.

LA R I AT

W E D N E S D AY, MAY 4, 2011

Students showcase artwork

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A&E brief Relief for Japan

For students who participated in the showcase, the final night came down to the “Best in Show” award KIMIYA ENSHAIAN Saddleback College students’ artwork was showcased during the Art Gallery’s annual Student Exhibition, judging and ultimately awarding the artist whose work was declared “Best In Show.” Judging took place last week and only students were allowed to vote. Dispersed around the gallery, the showcase included an assortment of art including paintings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry and “mixed materials.” A clay sculpture, entitled “Zurvan” depicting a man with horns, stands tall in front of the gallery. The artist, Marco Miyana, said students are encouraged by instructors to showcase their work.

photos by dylan lujano

/ lariat

FASHION ISLAND SHOW: Models walk down the runway at the Newport Beach Film Festival gala, which was hosted by the well-known Fashion Island. During the course of about 15 minutes, models walked down wearing different fashions from stores like Nordstrom.

Newport festival The 2011 Newport Film Festival begins April 28 and runs through May 5, with the short films of Saddleback College’s students being showcased May 4 at 5 p.m. A total of ten short films and trailers will be presented in the screening by Saddleback students at the festival. A range of 350 films will be presented in total from filmmakers representing over 40 countries. The students enter their films competing with fellow filmmakers from schools such as USC and UCLA. Directors, screenwriters and cinematographers will provide an inside look at the industry during a postscreening Q&A. Tickets to see the showcase are $5 a person. For details, visit the Film Festival’s website.

“Around the gallery the showcase had a wide assortment of student’s artwork.” All work is displayed with equality in the gallery whether the artist is an amateur or well seasoned. “I believe that this opportunity Bob Rickerson [the gallery’s director and curator] is providing for artists to come out and expose their work is a great way to gain them the recognition to become a success,” Miyana said. “When we are given chances to succeed in the world as artists, we can better represent the facilities that were provided to us at Saddleback as well.” The art was judged in two ways. First by sorting them in one of the four categories, “Painting/Watercolor” and “Painting/Oil Acrylic,” “Jewelry,” “Photography,” and “Ceramic/ Sculpture,” in which the students picked the pieces they enjoyed the most in each given category. First, second, and third place nominees in each category were then chosen and awarded. The second vote, entitled “Best In Show,” gave recognition to the piece seen and understood to be above the rest this year. Last night, the winner was awarded a $500 prize during the Potluck Artist’s Reception & Awards Ceremony. “For the artists, the personal passion to create art comes first and the benefits like the exposure we receive from our work,” Miyana said. “And the awards comes to our minds later.” This event gained the attention of students who did not know about the existing talent at Saddleback. “I don’t really know which ones I like the best, the ones I’ve seen so far are great,” said Adrian Scott, 22, undeclared. “I never knew we had such talented artists.” kenshaian0@saddleback.edu

To raise funds to aid those affected by the recent disaster in Japan, there will be a screening of the film “Gaia Symphony, No. 6” at the Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 19, at 6 p.m. Hosted by IVC’s Japanese program and Japan Club, all the proceeds made through this event will be sent to support those who suffered losses caused by the earthquakes and tsunami. Japanese filmmaker Jin Tatsumura, created this documentary series “Gaia Symphony” in an effort to bring forth the harmony he sees between humans and nature. The twohour documentary includes English subtitles. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with free parking available. Refreshments will be sold before the viewing and donations of $10 or more will go to UNICEF/ Japan Disaster Fund.

Q&A WITH ACTORS: Actors from the opening film “East Fifth Bliss” Peter Fonda (Left) and Michael C. Hall (Right) answer questions in a special Q & A after the showing. Michael C. Hall, known best for his role as Dexter in the show “Dexter,” seemed shy as he answered the questions.

Written by Kimiya Enshaian

‘The Invisible Bridge’ CARMEN ULLOA “The Invisible Bridge,” the second book by author Julie Orringer, is an 800-page book that many might choose to avoid for its length, however, the pages quickly fly by. A long book will seem short when its content is excellent and intriguing. Two brothers, Andras and Tibor, leave their homeland and family in order to find intellectual freedom and personal growth. They move to bigger cities in Europe that offer better opportunities, but later on find themselves in a journey of unimaginable adversity. The book also focuses on a separate story of Klara, a real, unique and unconventional woman, who falls in love with the right man. They have a wonderful relationship, but being Jewish denies them the happiness they both wish for and deserve. Their Jewish heritage, which should make them proud, is what they would escape for, places them at risk and constant danger. Orringer, an American writer,

sets her novel in Europe. She transports the reader to Hungary, they are made to feel part of its families, places, and people. She introduces the reader to smells, tastes and sounds that for most, are foreign. Orringer subtly plants ideas in the reader’s mind and that can challenge convictions. Through other characters she shows that hate, violence and rage can be the reaction of people who feel vulnerable, insecure and inferior. These feelings make them do horrible things in order to empower themselves. They torture who they admire and reject what they don’t understand. Putting the book down, which I’m sure the reader will do reluctantly, is similar to having to leave a place where you badly want to stay. The story will make the reader long for its characters and crave the next chapter. Orringer has succeeded in delivering the perfect mix of plot, characters, background and every single element of narrative. culloa0@saddleback.edu

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation projects are made possible by Tobacco Settlement Revenue Funds administered by the County of Orange Health Care Agency/Tobacco Use Prevention Program.

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SPORTS

W E D N E S D AY, MAY 4, 2011

Saddleback baseball sends Hodges out on a high note winning 3-0 in final game against Santa Ana LEIF KEMP Coach Hodges finishes his 42 year baseball coaching career with a record of 918-5246. The Saddleback College baseball team made sure the Jack Hodges era ended the same way it began, victoriously. The Gauchos defeated Santa Ana College 3-0 last Wednesday, extending retiring coach Jack Hodges record number of wins to 578. It was February 2, 1990 Hodges earned his first victory at Saddleback when the Gauchos defeated Moorpark College 8-7. Twenty two years, and 577 victories later, Hodges retires as the all-time winningest coach in Saddleback College history leaving a 578-364-4 record. Family, friends, and many former players listened to the pregame ceremonies as Saddleback College President Tod Burnett and Athletic Director

Tony Lipold praised the poised coach recognizing Hodges for his class and dedication to his players. Once the pregame festivities ended, it was time for baseball. Dylan Christensen, and Chasen White combined to throw a four hitter in shutting out the Dons 3-0, while Tanner Gore and Elliot Martin provided the offense. Christensen, a sophomore, pitched 6 ⅓ innings of 3-hit baseball before handing the ball to White. The freshmen White overpowered Santa Ana College, striking out 5 of the 8 batters he faced. Santa Ana pitcher Ben Burke was equally impressive, scattering six hits over 6 ⅓ innings and holding the Gauchos scoreless before Saddleback broke through for three runs with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning. Gore singled and took second when Santa Ana shortstop, Trevor Mango, under threw

first base resulting in an error. Ryan Forkel then sacrificed Gore to third base, and Christensen walked on five pitches. Elliot Martin, fresh off signing a scholarship offer to Valaraiso University, then doubled down the left field line, scoring Gore for the games first run. Santa Ana coach, Don Sneddon then replaced Burke with Seth Smith and instructed him to intentionally walk Saddleback first basemen, Lee Casas. Smith then uncorked a wild pitch scoring Christensen and advancing Casas and Martin to second and third base, respectively. Brian Carcerano then flied out scoring Martin, before Smith retired Tyler Pugmire on a routine pop fly to end the inning. White picked up the win with his stellar work, evening his season record to 1-1 lkemp4@saddleback.edu

photos by leif kemp

/ lariat

ALOHA: Saddleback baseball coach Jack Hodges with his wife Stephanie join Saddleback President Tod Burnett, and Athletic Director Tony Lipold, before the legendary coach’s last game.

photos by corey ellis

/ lariat contributor

VICTORY: Saddleback catcher Ashley Welsh gives a high five to Christina Bolin (#15) and Mandy Guitierrez (#9) after a victory over Fullerton College earlier in the season. The Gauchos won last Wednesdays game 4-2.

Saddleback softball wins final game 4-2, advance to Southern California regional playoffs AUSTIN MESSICK In their final regular season game the Saddleback College softball team won a 4-2 victory over Fullerton College at Saddleback last Wednesday. Saddleback ended their regular season ranked third in the Orange Empire Conference, with a 20-13 overall record and a 14-7 record in OEC play. The Gauchos also finished the season ranked seventeenth in the state and ninth in Southern California. Both teams were scoreless until the fourth inning when Fullerton took a 1-0 lead. With Niki Heida on first base, Fullerton’s shortstop Melissa Meyers attempted a bunt, but Saddleback catcher Ashley Welsh was able to scoop up the ball and throw out Meyers at first base. Gaucho first baseman Mandy Gutierrez then tried to throw out Heida as she advanced to

third base, but she overthrew the ball resulting in an error and allowing Heida to reach home plate. During the Gauchos next at bat in the bottom of the fourth inning, a two-run home run by Saddleback second baseman Nicki Jacobucci gave the Gauchos a 2-1 lead. The Hornets evened the score at 2-2 when Paridyse DeViney hit a single to left field allowing Ashley Zeidman to score in the top of the fifth inning. After the game went into extra innings, the Gauchos seized their victory when the Orange Empire Conference 2011 player of the year, freshman shortstop Christina Bolin stepped up to the plate in the ninth inning. Bolin smashed a two-run home run to left-center field, bringing in Emily Herrmann and giving Saddleback a 4-2 win. OEC softball player of the year and first-team all OEC

honoree Bolin led the conference with a .505 batting average, earned 11 home runs, and crushed Saddleback’s extra base hit record by earning 38 extra base hits. Freshman pitcher Chelsea Bertoglio also made first team all OEC, and freshman pitcher Mandy Gutierrez and sophomore outfielder Shannon Wilkison received second-team honors. The Gauchos will face Grossmont College in a threegame series in the first round of the California Community College Athletic Association’s Southern California regional playoffs, beginning this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Grossmont. The winner of the series will advance to the Super Regionals on May 13-15.

amessick1@saddleback.edu

CASH IN

YOUR TEXTBOOKS

Visit www.saddleback.bkstr.com for additional buyback hours and locations.

CHECK IN YOUR RENTALS

Rented textbooks are due back by May 20, 2011

Saddleback Bookstore Student Services Center 296SBB11

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la r i at

w e d n e s d ay, May 4, 2011

Scholar Baller program produces stellar results, many transfers Leif Kemp Austin messick Athletes are dumb. That is the general consensus when discussing student athletes. The tragedy of stereotypes is they generalize an entire group of people made up of several individuals, and more often than not, they are incorrect. The Saddleback College athletic department shatters the myth. Not only does Saddleback enjoy a rich athletic tradition, the student athletes that make up the department perform not only on their respective playing fields, but also in the classroom. In 2005, Tony Lipold, the college’s athletic director, made Saddleback College the first college in the country, community college, or fouryear institution, to install the Scholar Baller program for every sport the school participates in. While the NCAA has used the Scholar Baller program for years, typically it has only used it for the core sports of football, basketball, and baseball. The incentive program is also used to motivate a particular sport when its athletes are struggling with their classroom achievements. The Scholar Baller program is an incentive program for student athletes to don a patch on their uniform during their sophomore year signifying they are not only on track to earn their associate degree, but that they have maintained a 3.0 GPA in the process. There are now close to twenty California Community Colleges participating in the program. This past fall, Saddleback placed 115 of the 329 student athletes to the Athletic Honor

Photo by Leif Kemp/lariat

Transfer Success: To become a scholar Baller, a student athlete is required to be on track to obtain an AA degree and carry a 3.0 GPA or higher. Saddleback athletics had 115 student athletes qualify for Fall 2011. Saddleback College was the first to adopt the program for the entire athletic department. Roll for fall 2010 including 15 student athletes with a perfect 4.00 GPA. “Saddleback has a rich tradition of athletic success since the college opened. What some people might not realize is the academic success that our student athletes have also achieved,” Lipold said. “We are proud of these numbers and want the community to know just how well our student athletes are doing.” The statistics back Lipold up. Since 2009, 83 percent of sophomore student athletes have transferred to four-year institutions. Compare that to the general student population, where the statistics say that close to 80 percent of students fail to complete their associate degree within three years, or drop out altogether. The men’s cross country team took the Pepsi Scholar Team Championship crown

for 2008-2009, while the Gaucho’s undefeated state champion women’s tennis team finished as the top team in 2009-2010, finishing with a cumulative 3.51 GPA. The Pepsi Scholar Team Championship is measured by taking account of a teams performance both on the athletic field and in the classroom. Two Gaucho athletic teams are once again candidates for the 2011 award. The Saddleback women’s water polo team and the cross country team which completed their season ranked fourteenth in the state with a 3.52 combined GPA. While spring 2011 grades have yet to be determined, Gaucho student athletes are once again performing both on and off the field. Sixteen of the 34 student athletes participating in baseball have a 3.0 grade point average or better, according to Jerry Hannula, the sports

information director. “From day one I emphasize that at some point, ‘You’re responsible for not only your career in baseball, but your performance in the classroom as well,” said baseball coach Jack Hodges. “It’s not your parents, or your coach, an instructor or an umpire who determine your success, ultimately it comes down to you.” Saddleback College’s student athletes are succeeding as a result of the Scholar Baller program. It is an institutional ethos of hard work, both on the athletic field and in the classroom that is producing results. With leadership provided by the likes of Hodges and Lipold, whose priorities lie in not just winning but in developing the complete individual. Gaucho student athletes have taken advantage of the opportunity to continue their athletic and educational goals.

S addleback 2011 S c h o la r B a lle rs Parham Khansari, men’s tennis Andrew Kokinakes, men’s track and field Spencer Kuehn, baseball Sophia Larsen, cheer Eemaun Latifi, men’s tennis * Wayne Leon, baseball Hannah Lester, cheer Kaylie Lewis, women’s swim & dive * Kevin Lindeman, football Max Little, football Elliott Martin, baseball Cheyenna McCartin, women’s water polo * Will McKinney, men’s tennis Trent Merrill, men’s track and field Emily Montelongo, women’s basketball Kristine Montgomery, cheer Ashley Montgomery, women’s swim & dive Brian Murphy, baseball Lauren Nichols women’s water polo Rachel Novelli women’s swim& dive/water polo * Zach Nuno, baseball Jacqeline Oda, volleyball Erik Ogunsanya, football Chelsea Owens, women’s track/ cross country Lanny Papanikolas, football Matt Paradise, baseball Ian Parvin, baseball * Christina Perez, women’s track and field Antoinette Pham, women’s swim & dive Karley Pletcher, women’s tennis Brenden Poblete, men’s tennis Chris Poole, men’s tennis Andrew Powers-Davis, baseball Shawn Priester, football Tyler Pugmire, baseball Evonna Ramirez, women’s track/cross country Sean Reilly, football Matthew Reza, football Crystal Richter, volleyball Cameron Savage, men’s track and field Kevin Schick, football Clinton Schooler, men’s track and field Taya Sebring, women’s track and field Sina Sharifi-Hosseini, men’s tennis Sean Sierra, football David Skora, football Andrew Stark, men’s water polo * Johanna Stuart, women’s golf *

lkemp4@saddleback.edu amessick1@saddleback.edu

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Confirmed Transfers Baseball

Matt Paradise: Penn State Elliott Martin: Valparaiso Men’s Basketball Wendell Faines: Idaho Cross Country Kris Anderson: CSU Long Beach Chelsea Owens: UCSB Football Blake Harrah: Oregon State Max Little: Humboldt State Sean Reilly: UNLV Samuel Tautolo: Iowa State Steven Watts: Stony Brook Michael Frisina: Boise State Andrew Douglass: Robert Morris Taber Cheo Evangel Lanny Papanikolas: Weber State Matt Reza Cal Poly SLO Chais Pinesett: Jackson State Brad Curtis: SW Oklahoma State Alex Castellanos: Rhode Island Michael Campana: Humboldt State Women’s Soccer Brie Carter: UC San Diego Lindsey Doncast: UCLA Track & Field Jeremy Johnson: St. Mary’s (KS)

Saddleback athletic director Tony Lipold said that historically, Saddleback athletic programs have moved on about 80 percent of their sophomore athletes to four-year colleges and universities, and 50 percent participate in competitive athletics. This far exceeds Orange County’s 32 percent average of community college students who transfer, and Saddleback’s own 62 percent average. “It’s really indicative of the kind of people we get in athletics that are committed and are goal driven,” said Lipold. “They serve us and we serve them, makes us look good and then they’re able to move on so its a two way street, and that’s the coolest thing about it is to see them go on and succeed.”

Change Your

Daniel Tayenaka, men’s swim & dive Ricky Taylor, men’s golf * Charley Thompson, men’s tennis Avriel Tomaiko, women’s tennis * Jonathan Tran, men’s tennis Danielle Van Liefde, volleyball Edgar Vazquez men’s track and field Gilbert Viera, baseball Matthew Villanueva, men’s water polo/men’s swim Max Waters, men’s track and field Steven Watts, football Andrew Wellman, baseball Ashley Welsh, softball Shannon Wilkison, softball Kevin Witt, baseball Lee Woods, football David Wylie, baseball Michael Zangl, football Philippe Zarif, basketball

experienced faculty and access to premier academic support services.

• Transfer scholarships: Available for Saddleback College students

OPEN HOUSE at Costa Mesa campus Saturday, May 21 | 10 a.m. 3390 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92626

*Individuals with disabilities needing special assistance should call 714.429.5200 before the event.

Learn more at: www.jfku.edu or call 800.696.5358 © 2011 JFKU 9753

John Akiba, football Dustin Alewine, football * Auguston Anastasia, women’s water polo Kristine Andersen, women’s track / cross country * Jack Anderson, football Lauren Bagan, cheer Dillon Bales, men’s track Eric Barnard, men’s tennis Craig Belardes, football David Belz, football * Chelsea Bertoglio, softball * Christina Bolin, softball Tayren Burns, volleyball Michael Campana, football * Kasey Closs, football Remington Conatser, men’s track Carolina Conway, women’s swimming/water polo Allen Darmawan, men’s tennis Lindsey Doncost, women’s soccer Shaylee Edmonds women’s water polo Josh Eisenberg, men’s track & field/cross country Nicole Elias, women’s water polo Kim Feccia, cheer Lauren Fetter, women’s tennis Ryan Forkel, baseball Victoria French, women’s soccer Michael Frisina, football Joseph Fusco, men’s track and field Kelli Gibson, women’s track and field Jessica Goodman, women’s soccer Tanner Gore, baseball Scott Graves, football Myron Green, basketball Bayron Guajardo, men’s swim & dive * Mandy Gutierrez, softball Allyson Guzman, cheer David Hanlin, men’s track and field Blake Harrah, football Ashley Harris, cheer Jordan Helmkamp, baseball Devyn Higgins, women’s soccer James Hong, football Shyann Howard, cheer Mark Irwin, men’s track and field Nicki Jacobucci, softball Amy Jystad, women’s track/ cross country Kaelyn Kaichi, women’s track/ soccer Brennan Kelley, football

“If you look at your college as a house, the athletic program is not the most important room,” said Dean Smith, Hall of Fame basketball coach formerly of North Carolina University basketball, “It’s the front porch, it’s the first thing people see, and it’s the most visible area.” The Saddleback Gaucho student athletes are making their house the envy of the neighborhood. Along with producing 115 scholar student athletes, so far Saddleback College has confirmed that it will transfer 23 sophomore athletes in the fall semester. Of those athletes transferring, 18 intend on participating in athletics at their respective colleges, and 17 of them have accepted scholarships to help them continue their education.

Financial Aid Available Application fee will be waived for attendees. A Nonprofit University Accredited by WASC An Affiliate of the National University System www.nusystem.org

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LARIAT

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P hoto

credit youtube . com

‘Water for Elephants’ cites intrigue MCKENZIE SIXT

5 out of 5 lassos

Romance, magic, and sparkles bring the 1930s circus culture to theaters with “Water for Elephants,” a film based on the bestseller by Sara Gruen. The allure of the circus enthralls newcomer Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) as does Merlina (Reese Witherspoon), the wife of the Benzini Brother’s Circus director August Rosenbluth. The film darkens and the cruelty of the circus emerges as the forbidden romance between Jacob and Merlina progresses.

P hoto

credit youtube . com

‘Rio,’ a fun family film, or just a fun film EVELYN CAICEDO

4 out of 5 lassos

If you are in the mood for some sing-a-long tunes, over-the-top comedy, and an action-filled love story, then this film is must. The movie is about Blu, an endangered Macaw, who is flown back to his native Brazil from Minnesota to get matched up with a bird, Jewel, whose only goal is to escape and to live free in the jungles again. The movie stays true to the Brazilian culture with the time frame being Carnivale, an annual festival celebrated in Brazil, and Samba music during every action sequence. All audience types will remember the tunes, and the moments that kept them laughing and teary-eyed.

P hoto

by

The Lariat will continue its production September 14, 2011

C armen U lloa /L ariat

CAMPUS WILDLIFE: Wildlife and Environmental studies students missed out when a live snake wandered across campus last week, leaving a wake of shocked screams in its wake.

Answers from last week’s Sudoku and this week’s crossword puzzle are shown here

Sudoku

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LA R I AT

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Central America: Destination vacations for students CARMEN ULLOA Students are getting ready to take their finals and looking forward to relaxing during the summer. Janiee Laux, 19, biology, says her favorite destination for the summer is the beach. She usually visits Laguna Beach, but going to South America is on her list. “I’d rather be on the beach than anywhere else,” Laux said. Though she doesn’t do water sports, she enjoys just lying on the beach, swimming, and getting sun. Matthew Francis, 25, travel and tourism, says he would like to visit Alaska and Thailand. “I look for peaceful places that offer relaxing activities such as kayaking, long boarding, biking, mountain climbing, snorkeling,” Francis said. He would also like to get certified in scuba diving. Kelly Stone, 20, hospitality, likes cruises and beaches. Mexico is among her favorite destinations. Ashley Balabis, 21, human development, owns a timeshare on the beach in San Diego and that will be her destination this summer. For those who choose to travel abroad during summer there are many affordable and exciting destinations. According to Los Angeles Times reporter Tracy Wilkinson, more California surfers are going to ride the friendly waves in El Salvador, where civil war kept most tourists away for years. Robert Rotherham, a California surfer who lives in El Salvador, may be the coast’s biggest promoter. “What makes these waves extremely unique … is that they pivot, then come in as a long wall of water that doesn’t dump all at the same time,” Rotherham said. “These waves

2. Photo by By HappyTellus/ Flickr 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

1. Photo by by antiguadailyphoto.com/ Flickr 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

3. Photo by By Dave Cross/ Flickr 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

4. Photo by By mikebaird/ Flickr 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

STUDENTS AND THE SUMMER: Picture one shows one of the spanish churches in Antigue, Guatemala where students would be able to visit historical structures. Picture two is an image of the Mayan Ruins in Copan, Honduras. Three is of the luscious rainforests in Costa Rica. Picture 4 is a picture of La Libertad Beach in El Salvador which is known for top surfing destinations in the Pacific Ocean. are a dream.” Tourists who enjoy history and culture choose Guatemala. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization has named Antigua Guatemala “World Heritage.” According to UNESCO, An-

tigua was founded in the early sixteenth century and was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance. The city has kept its colonial charm, and its narrow streets are filled with cafes, bars, clubs, shops, and all kinds of

artistic and cultural ingredients. Indigenous tribes of several backgrounds live in the region. Their native dresses and dialects make the city even more colorful. White sand beach lovers and

anthropology fans visit Honduras. Honduras.com is a site that provides tourists with information about the country. “Honduras is a vibrant country, brimming with clear turquoise waters, pristine

beaches, lush jungles, breathtaking mountains, challenging rivers, and fascinating ancient Mayan ruins,” the website brags. According to Honduras Secretary of Tourism, Nelly Jerez, during Easter 2.3 million tourist visited Honduras. Fernando Poma is the vice president of Hotel Real and Resorts, a company that owns 18 hotels in the United States, South America and the Caribbean. He said that Costa Rica offers adventure tourism, particularly nature-oriented, including whitewater rafting, hot springs and extreme adventure sports. “All activities are available since Costa Rica is focused on adventure vacationing. Top activities include camping, rafting, nature trails and hikes.” According to Poma, Costa Rica is also a great place to do community service and learn languages. “Expensive sports can be enjoyed at a much lower price such as helicopter piloting,” Poma said. Costa Rica has become a favorite destination among Hollywood stars. Gisele Bündchen, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Pink, have all been spotted at the country’s beaches. Poma says celebrities choose them because they are secluded and are not as tourist oriented. “They are also exotic and wild,” Poma said. He explained that Costa Rica’s government assures that the beaches maintain their natural glamour and are not tainted by man. According to Poma, Costa Rica is even safer than most large cities in North America. The most visited hotels are in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama. “HR and Resorts offer weekend discounts and special packages for our visitors,” Poma said. culloa0@saddleback.edu

Photo by heraldpost/ Flickr 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

WORK IT OUT: May is posture month and many students are in hope of improving their wellness. With good posture comes many health and lifestyle benefits.

Exercise classes improve student postures for May JULIE TRAN

A balanced diet and adequate exercise are key components to keeping a person healthy, but there is another factor when it comes to one’s wellness. May is National Correct Posture Month and there is much more to the event than just sitting properly in a chair. Having good posture can lead to significant health benefits such as a longer lifespan as well as reduced back and neck pain. According to postureimprove.com, when the body is aligned correctly, the muscles and ligaments in the back are less overworked and prevent excessive strain on the spinal discs. This is especially important for people who tend to carry heavy objects such as backpacks. In a January 2004 study by Harvard University, children and teens that have a lot of weight distributed in their backpacks can experience muscle fatigue. From that fatigue, their posture can be greatly affected

and can cause problems such as scoliosis, a disease that causes the person’s spine to curve side to side. In terms of mental wellness, having good posture can also empower one’s self confidence. If a person is able to maintain a straight alignment in the back, then people perceive the individual as being assertive and possessing authority. “When you open up your body and take up more space, this activates the sense of power,” according to Adam Galinsky and Deborah Gruenfeld of the Kellogg School of Management. “This directly affects the way you think and act. Feeling powerful helps you take responsibility, take action and make powerful decisions.” In addition, when a person has a straight back, it creates the illusion of the individual being taller and slimmer in contrast to those who are slouching. However, standing around and sitting straight in chairs are not the only ways one can possess a suitable posture. There are exercises out there that can help one achieve an improved spinal alignment and they range

from light activities to hardcore physical acts. Among such exercises, Pilates is known to be one of the best methods when it comes to improving a person’s posture. Karen Jacobsen, a Pilates instructor at Saddleback, has been teaching the course for eight or nine years. She had an injury and had to strengthen her body to improve her wellness. In the process, Jacobsen fell in love with the program and eventually earned her certification to teach Pilates. Today, Jacobsen teaches college students how to improve the strength of their core muscles to achieve optimal fitness. “Pilates helps strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor, which helps to hold the spine muscles,” Jacobsen said. “By improving the core muscles, the person’s back will be more aligned.” Jacobsen also added that having a good posture can aid with bone strength, which can ease issues such as back pain as well as bringing in more energy. jtran82@ivc.edu

Health education · STD testing and treatment Cancer screenings · Family planning · Emergency contraception

www.SomeoneYouKnow.org

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SHOWCASE

W E D N E S D AY, MAY 4, 2011

Story and photos by Adam Jones

I never promised you a rose garden

Our England is a garden, and such gardens are not made. By singing ”Oh, how beautiful!” and sitting in the shade. ~ Rudyard Kipling Last week, South Coast Plaza’s usual tile and mortar was transformed into a colorful English cottage garden. Instead of flora that would require the cool and dreary climate of the British Isles, all the plants and flowers used were drought-tolerant, adapted for their native semiarid climate of Southern California. About 40 students in Saddleback College’s horticulture program competed in the weeklong 22nd annual Southern California Spring Garden show at the Costa Mesa mall against approximately 400 others with self-proclaimed green thumbs. Saddleback students worked tirelessly during the set up. Beginning Monday evening, April 25, students brought in heavy bags of mulch and soil as well as the masonry needed to house their garden. By 2 a.m., the majority of the students were overcome with fatigue and left, but a select few stayed on for another hour. Tuesday was a day off for the student competitors. With Thursday’s judging looming, the participants arrived Wednesday morning, refreshed and anxious to build their masterpiece. Working energetically into the evening, the spoils of their efforts resulted in the finished garden, in the middle of the mall between the the Apple and Fossil stores. “This is just like being back home,” a mall patron visiting from rural England told Larry Ward, one of the horticulturists. She was excited to see what the garden would look like when it was finished. Glad to have some well-deserved rest, Michelle Mareks,

a grey-haired 50-something horticulture student returned home for a few hours of sleep after working through the night on Wednesday making final touches and preparation. The judging would begin the next morning. Patty Nelson, a contractor in charge of the gardens inside South Coast Plaza, helped coordinate certain elements of the event. She explained that the judges were generally local “plant people,” such as garden writers, teachers, landscape designers, and other experts, qualified to be judging a competition of this nature. The theme of the show this year was international gardens. Farnsworth took his own twist on the theme by designing the garden after an English cottage garden, and then planted it with drought tolerant plants, to make people think about responsible, water-wise gardening. The majority of the plants were California natives. Jamie Durie, an award-winning landscape designer, television host and founder of the internationally recognized Australian company PATIO Landscape Architecture and Design, hosted a seminar as part of the Spring Garden Show. After the crowds had dispersed to some degree, he toured the garden displays to give feedback and observe. “It’s great work,” said Durie, in regards to the Saddleback entry. He complimented the students on their use of drought-tolerant plants that he knew from his native Australia, as well as some plants he had not seen before. Leslie Mowers, along with

Adam Jones / Lariat Staff

OH THE COLORS: Elementary school students were elated at all the different shades of colors, especially the deep, bright oranges of the California Golden poppies, a flower native to the semiarid climate.

Ward, showed the newly completed garden Thursday morning. After the judges finished their rounds on each of the displays, guests quickly began to approach the table to ask questions about the college, its programs, and the garden itself. Mowers told patrons about her business as a rose care specialist and gardener while speaking about the care of the plants in the garden. Ward, more interested in the design side of things, was quick to give recommendations to people interested in renovating their yards. Both students are eager to expand their professional careers. Elementary school students toured the gardens in groups with chaperons. The students were eager to call out the colors they saw and the names of flowers they knew. “Look at all the orange,” exclaimed the children as they oogled all the California Golden poppies. The students were proud of their work, and were quick to tell mall patrons what classes they had taken and learned from. Many of the students were from HORT 20, Introduction to Horticulture, and spoke highly of their classes and instructors. “It’s the best class,” Bradley Andrews, 23, psychology, and Connie Ribuado, 22, undecided, said, referring to Introduction to Horticulture. The pair found the class while searching for a transferable science course. They were surprised by how involved they became in the program, and recommended the class to anyone in need of a science course. “I have never been this involved in any class before,” Andrews said. “For this competition we helped set up, tear down, and spoke to [patrons].” Students of HORT 7, Intro to Landscape Design showed off the garden and explained placement and features, while students of HORT 106, Landscape Computer Aided Design, HORT 113, Soils and Fertilizers, and HORT 201, Professional Practices of Residential Landscape Design, also participated in the show and helped with the set up and tear down. On Friday and Saturday, students took shifts caring for and talking to the public about their garden. Many students were eager to take a shift at the garden, and it was staffed throughout. “I am very proud of my students and their work,” Farnsworth said at the end of the event. “They put on a great show.” The designer of the garden that won the professional competition at the show, Angela Woodside, is a former student of Saddleback’s horticulture program. Saddleback took second place in the college competi-

CUP O’ TEA?: Students from the horticultural program at Saddleback College assembled an English cottage garden using all native, drought-tolerant plants and flowers in the middle of South Coast Plaza.

tion at the show, with Orange Coast College taking first place among the colleges. Last year, Saddleback took first place with OCC taking second. The two schools have turned the competition into a friendly rivalry. “It’s a learning process, it’s all about teamwork. All of us learned the different plants, and worked as a team on the con-

struction side,” Mowers said, in regards to the Saddleback team and the competition. “This was my third year in the competition.” The dismantling of the garden started at South Coast Plaza at 6:30 p.m. with the students departing for the Saddleback campus by 8:30 p.m. The 150 plants and assorted materials used in the garden were then

taken back to the greenhouse and organized for future use. At 9:30 p.m., the final student left campus, their project complete. “It was fun. It was cool to see the display come together, and how creative the whole department is,” Regina Rodriguez said. She helped curate and dismantle the garden. “I definitely enjoyed being a part of it.”

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