Vol 43, Issue 12

Ja We nu dn ar es y 2 da 6, y 20 11

Vol. 43 No. 12

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, California

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Debbie Reynolds shares tales with KSBR ADAM JONES

A Photo by Oliver Yu/Lariat IN LOVING MEMORY: Zuki Roderick, a close friend of Robert Sickles from the Air Force, shares memories with friends and family about how they first met.

Student dies in stabbing on New Year’s Day

A

MARYANNE SHULTS

Saddleback College student died after being stabbed, following a New Year’s Eve party at the Hilton Hotel in Costa Mesa in the early hours of Jan. 1.

Robert Sickles, 27, of Mission Viejo and a group of friends were leaving the hotel at approximately 2 a.m.

A man sitting on a bench near the valet parking area flicked a cigarette at the group, which started a verbal argument, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s office.

The DA alleges that Adam Randy Baker, 23, Dana Point, approached Sickles and started pushing him.

Baker is accused of pulling out a knife, first slashing Sickles across the chest, and then stabbing him one time in the chest.

Brian McTeigue, 26, a friend of Sickles’, attempted to intervene to protect his friend and Baker is also accused of stabbing McTeigue one time in the back.

Other members of the group became involved in the fight to defend Sickles and McTeigue and detained Baker.

The Costa Mesa Police Department, who were already at the location answering an unrelated disturbance call, responded immediately.

The police said when the fight broke up it was discovered that Sickles and McTeigue had been stabbed and that Baker had also been injured.

Sickles and McTeigue were transport-

ed to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana where Sickles was pronounced dead.

McTeigue was treated and released.

The DA’s office filed charges this morning against Baker for one felony count of murder and one felony count for attempted murder, and a sentencing enhancement of the personal use of a deadly weapon.

If convicted, Baker faces a maximum sentence of 23 years to life.

The prosecutor will ask for $1 million bail once Baker is arraigned after he is released from Mission Hospital.

Sickles participated in various events including the javelin, long jump and decathlon for both the Diablos as well as the South Orange County Wildcats Youth Track Club.

He was selected as a USATF Nation-

al Medalist and was offered an athletic scholarship to Cal State San Marcos, according to the “Where Are They Now” page on the club’s website.

After graduating from Mission Viejo High School in 2001, Sickles attended Saddleback College.

But after the terrorist attacks of Sept.

11, he changed direction and enlisted in the Air Force. He served four years as a mechanic for the F-16 fighter jets.

He then worked in Salt Lake City for Boeing until the facility shut down due to the economic downturn, according to the Orange County Register.

After returning home, he once again began his academic path at Saddleback, concentrating in physical science.

See SICKLES Page 2

Budget cuts have small impact on SOCCCD colleges

I

DANIEL FALK

n order to balance a state budget facing a $25.4 billion deficit, Gov. Jerry Brown called for “sacrifice from every sector of the state” earlier this month, including $400 million in cuts to California’s community colleges.

Although many higher education school districts are being impacted by budget cuts, Saddleback and Irvine Valley Colleges will, most likely, not be troubled by the cuts, according to Acting Vice Chancellor of Human Resources David Bugay.

“Assuming the governor’s tax proposal passes, Saddleback and IVC will probably not be effected,” Bugay said.

“There might be possible preparations for budget impact, but currently, there will be no real change.”

South Orange County Community College District receives its funding from a basic aid district meaning that all the money it receives is generated by local property taxes.

According to Beth Mueller, SOCCCD’s director of fiscal services, the district calculates the amount of funding it would have received from the state through Senate Bill 361, which determines the formula for how

“If the tax proposal should fail, we could see as much as $900 million in cuts to the budget.”

—Carol Hilton, director of fiscal services colleges are paid. The district then subtracts that from the total amount of property tax revenue and then puts what is left into capital and emergency funds.

“It’s a little complicated,” Mueller said. “SOCCCD operates as if it is on state funding for its daily operations. It takes the amount of funding that it

would have received from the state through SB 361, and allocates it to the colleges.

Mueller said the rest of the money received from property taxes is put aside for one time uses on capital expenditures, like buildings, renovations and other projects.”

While the basic aid district relies solely on property tax revenue, which can fluctuate depending on market trends and tax rates, Mueller said this protects the district so that if it should lose its basic aid status, the day-to-day operations would be still be funded. However, the funding would come from state apportionment.

Gov. Brown’s proposed $12.4 billion in budget cuts are dependant on a tax increase proposal which the state thinks will be rejected by 80 percent of voters.

“The $400 million of cuts to community colleges is dependant on the tax increase,” said Carol Hilton, director of fiscal services at Saddleback. “If that tax proposal should fail, we could see as much as $900 million in cuts to the budget.”

There are 72 college districts in the state, and only three of

t the Norman P. Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo, people waited on Saturday morning, Jan. 15, to be members of a live audience.

They were there to see the legendary Debbie Reynolds who would be the guest at a broadcast of a new radio show.

The guests shared anecdotal tales. One woman had an original VHS copy of “Singing in the Rain” signed by actor Gene Kelly, and wanted it signed by Reynolds as well.

Another woman told her friend how her mother had been a cheerleader with Reynolds more than half a century ago.

Everyone in attendance had their own unique reason to be there, but ultimately they were all there for one thing, to see the great actress, singer and dancer Debbie Reynolds.

The curious audience members were given cards to jot down potential questions for Reynolds for discussion.

The doors opened and the crowd filed into the auditorium where Saddleback College’s radio station KSBR’s Gary Bergeson and Kelly Bennett prepared for their broadcast of “Breakfast with Gary and Kelly” on 88.5FM. The morning opened with plenty of jokes, the on-air cooking of apple blintzes by Tom Rill, and Dave Leckness, the mayor of Mission Viejo, throwing two frozen toaster waffles into the audience.

Several minutes before showtime, Reynolds appeared on stage accidentally, as a photographer had asked for some pictures of her with the crowd before the show started, and Reynolds allegedly walked right out of the room and onto the stage.

The crowd noticed instantly and was on their feet applauding Reynolds as the photographers took advantage of the error.

She briefly slipped backstage before reappearing for the opening of the segment of “Breakfast with Gary and Kelly.”

The show opened with Reynolds giving information about her career.

See REYNOLDS Page 6

Index Photo by Rafał Próchniak / Flickr: CC BY-SA 2.0 OBJECTION: Students protest proposed tuition and fee hikes at University of California at Santa Barbara in 2009. them are basic aid districts.

“The scary thing is, what happens when the proposed tax increase fails?” Bugay said. “The fear is that, if it fails, Gov. Brown will go after the basic aid districts.”

According to Bugay, if the state decides to take away the basic aid district status, “SOCCCD will be in a world of hurt.”

“If [that] happens,” Bugay said, “it will change how we do business in a number of ways.

The way we supply classrooms,

staff and support services will all have to be reconsidered.

Renovations and capital building projects might have to be postponed or shut down.”

SOCCCD’s final fiscal budget is expected to be finalized near the end of July, according to Hilton.

“There are many changes that will take place once the state legislators get involved,” Hilton said. dfalk1@ivc.edu

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In Brief

Wall submissions

S

addleback College’s literary magazine “The Wall” will be accepting submissions from aspiring artists and writers. The deadline for submissions is scheduled for Feb. 11. Submission forms may be dropped off at Village, Bldg.

7, or at Business and General Studies Bldg., Room 300. For more information contact Suki Fisher at (949) 582-4839 or by e-mail at sfisher@saddleback. edu.

Interfaith Panel

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s part of Diversity Week, Saddleback College will host its first, and possibly only, Interfaith Panel hosted by the Baha’i Club tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Student Lounge.

Tibetan Buddhism, Saddleback Bible Crew, Islam, Latter-Day Saint students and Baha’i Club will all have panelists representing their respective faiths.

The panel was introduced as a way of bringing campus community life together, said Baha’i Club Officer Mehrsa Imani.

The event will start by giving an overview of each religion. At the beginning of the program, audience member will be given a notecard to write questions on.

Moderators will select from and ask those questions to the panelists.

Specific questions about the afterlife, science, religion, and the role of women will be asked, and the panelists will answer specific questions from the audience.

“The panel is meant to be

a learning experience,” said Imani, “so people can better understand others’ approach to building communities.”

“It can also help the panlists clear up any misconceptions for their represented religions,” Imani said.

“The event is not for religious debate,” said Imani, “but for the encouragement for the discussion and understanding of others’ religions and cultures.”

For more information on the Interfaith Panel, go to http:// w w w. s a d d l e b a c k . e d u / a s g / Bahai.html to contact the Baha’i Club leaders and advisers.

Foundation embraces alummi

T

hrough the use of social networking tools, Saddleback College’s Foundation is working to take a different approach than in the past to reunite alumni.

With approximately 540,000 members of Saddleback’s Alumni Association and no coordinator, the organization is currently inactive.

A newly renovated alumni website is expected to be launched in mid February, including a Group page on Facebook.

New features will be introduced to allow alumni to reconnect, interact, blog, form groups or clubs, and exchange resumes, through one central network.

According to Director of Public Information and Marketing Jennie McCue, Saddleback may possibly be the first community college to go in this direction to contact and communicate with alumni.

Written by Sarah Black, Kylie Corbett, David Gutman

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SAS jump starts community togetherness T

KYLIE CORBETT

oday, Saddleback College’s Associated Student Government and Diversity Student Council are hosting a Social Action Summit, which includes a community action and volunteer fair. This free event kicks off at 1 p.m. in the bowl by the OCTA bus loop.

“The most significant aspect for the planning committee was working to plan a conference that provides actual opportunities for students to find their voice and take action in their communities,” said Audra DiPadova, director of student development.

“How can you take action and work to serve others if you can’t articulate what motivates and impassions you?”

There are a wide variety of non-profit and charitable organizations for the crowd to interact with, including opportunities to explore volunteer positions.

Justin Huft, 20, a psychology/cultural anthropology major and vice president of

Inter-Club Council of ASG, has helped plan the SAS event.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to go,” Huft said.

“This event will give students the opportunity to network with some local community volunteering organizations, as well as learn some important things about how to initiate a positive change at a grassroots level.”

Musician Jah Mex, who incorporates the sounds of jazz, Latin, soul and rock into his music, is making a guest appearance during the live reggae concert.

Team Rubicon, an organization that helps countries with natural disasters, will be taking time to explain its duties, mission statement, goals and how to get involved.

Free food and beverages will be served in the Student Services Building, Room 212, at 4 p.m.

After dinner, a Creative Expression Workshop and spoken word poetry performance by Project Vocal Outreach into

IVC book exchange saves cash for students

I

KIMIYA ENSHAIAN

rvine Valley College’s book exchange system aims to attract their students who seek to buy, sell and exchange used books.

The program began early 2007 after the vice president of Associated Students of Irvine Valley College saw how helpful this system was to the students attending Arizona State University and decided to implement this system at IVC, said Director of Student Affairs Helen Locke.

Some of IVC’s students are aware of this program, but since this program is studentrun without much exposure on campus besides fliers, a web link and an occasional posting on their college marquee, many students are still in the dark about this.

The program is available every semester for only IVC students since this online market only opens up to those who have an IVC student ID number.

“This online market provides students with access to 400 books on average,” Locke said. “These used books are coming directly from the students themselves so they determine the increase or decrease

in inventory.”

For buyers, the price for books varies depending on the book itself, and for sellers, the profit earned depends on if their book will be used the next semester by an instructor. If so, that means more money for them.

Students purchasing, or traders who are exchanging books with other sellers, can rest assured that they will pay less here than if they were to buy new books in the bookstore.

Locke said that since there are no specific school regulations set in place on the book exchange, sellers and buyers are expected to do business in a mature, honest, and friendly manner to prevent any problems from arising.

Since this system is only between the students, transaction details will only be addressed between those involved.

Details such as prices, shipping, quality, and any other information will vary between every transaction.

Locke also said that through the years that the program has been active she has yet to receive a complaint. kenshaian0@saddleback.edu

Creative Expression takes place. Project V.O.I.C.E. reaches out to young people, encouraging them to seek a better understanding of themselves, the world, and to realize that their values and beliefs are significant.

Afterwards, Jeffrey Briar will host a laughter yoga session.

The event wraps up with the Power of Words campaign, which originated with Saddleback’s Diversity Student Council emphasizing the choice of better words to help prevent harmful situations.

“If anybody walks away from the event feeling like they are empowered to make a difference in the world, then the event was a success,” Huft said.

“That’s what I’m hoping will happen. I want there to be a chain reaction of social action.”

ASG and DSC are not only holding this event for students, but instead, for anyone that wants to make a difference in the world. kcorbett5@saddleback.edu

Sickles Continued from page 1

Sickles’ parents told the Register he intended to transfer to the University of Oregon.

They also said their 6-foot-4-inch son was planning to be part of the Gaucho’s track and field team this semester.

“On behalf of all our faculty, staff and management, our deepest condolences go out to the family of Robert Sickles and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this extremely difficult time,” said Saddleback College President Tod Burnett.

“We are all shocked by Robert’s untimely death and will remember him as a beloved student and Air Force veteran who heroically served his country.”

Friends are invited to a celebration of Robert Sickles’ life Saturday, Jan. 8, from 1-4 p.m., at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs, V.A. Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 E. 7th St., Long Beach, CA 90822.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call Costa Mesa Police Department Det. Kevin Condon at 714-7545361 or Sgt. Ed Everett at 714-754-5395.

RENT NOW NATIONWIDE SAVINGS OVER

$60 MILLION* & COUNTING Saddleback Bookstore |

Student Services Center

www.saddleback.bkstr.com *Savings figured based on cost of new book price.

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LARIAT EDITORIAL BOARD

J

erry’s proposed budget: Is $300 really a big deal? California Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a spending plan for 201112 that includes profound cuts to higher education, as well as services for the poor, disabled and elderly. That translates to a lot of dough. The state faces a $25.4 billion deficit, including an $8.2 billion deficit in the fiscal year ending in July. According to the Sacramento Bee, Brown’s plan includes asking voters to approve temporary taxes in a June special election. To expedite this, the state legislature would have to act by the end of March to get a measure on the ballot.

Hence, Brown wants a budget deal in place by that deadline.

Let’s get past the political speak and break this down to how it will affect students attending public colleges. It would equate to $1.4 billion in cuts.

The Chronicle of Higher Educa-

tion said it “could prompt a new year of protests that decry higher tuition, stagnant employee salaries, and the growing inability of Californians to afford college.”

It also means the Cal State system may yet again be forced to cut undergraduate enrollment for the second time in two years.

For those of us in the community college system, $400 million of cuts are proposed. Yet, the governor wants the system to be prepared to accept and serve more students, w h i c h has Jack Scott, the system’s chancellor, up in arms and on the defensive. He told the Chronicle he estimates the failure of the ballot measure would come down to actual cuts of double the estimated amount. Now let’s break it down on a personal level for you, the student. Gov. Brown proposes that your tuition increase from $26 per credit hour to $36. A full-time student taking a 30-unit load per year now pays $780. At $36 per unit, it would increase to

$1,080, which is a $300 difference. That doesn’t sound so bad now does it? Look at it realistically. That is less than the price of a game console, or a shopping spree at the mall. Plus, it’s $300 towards your future, not your competitive gamer side or your fashionista-diva side. In comparison to other states, California has the lowest tuition in the country, according to a report published in 2007 by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. For example, community college tuition for schools in the Phoenix area is $71 per unit, or $2,130 a year. Students at Truckee Community College in Nevada pay about the same – however, their parking is free. The tuition and fees are even higher on the East Coast. At Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y., it costs $125 per unit, or $3,000 per year. That is more than double what we will be paying if the budget passes. Further-

“In comparison to other states, California has the lowest tuition in the country...”

more, when we don’t hesitate to drop hundreds of dollars on books, why should we be complaining about a $10 increase in units? It’s all for the betterment of our education, in the big picture. From an individual perspective, community college students who reside and attend school in California, especially those from privileged Orange County, the possible increase is viable. It makes sense. However, back to that big picture, the impact of the cuts will impact all Californians. Hopefully, Brown’s proposal will begin to move the state’s financial crisis heading back towards the black and out of the deep cavern of red where it now resides. We need stability. It’s our future this will influence the most. The majority demographic of a community college student, that is 20-something and still living at home, are here to either complete lower-division requirements to transfer to be able to further our educational goals, or we are here to learn a trade to be able to support ourselves and/or our families. Let’s not fret over $300, but let’s not lose sight of how this budget plan will affect us in the long term.

lariateditor@gmail.com

CAMPUS COMMENT By: Dylan Lujano

What is your pick-me-up of choice?

Stuart Scholten, 20 business

Demi Mirzary, 19 psychology

“Sour patch kids and an espresso shot gets me going. I like the sugar high. Not a fan of hardcore energy drinks.”

“Chai latte. It wakes me up and makes me feel better.

Really loud metal music gets me worked up and I can concentrate.”

Fashion vs. style: Is there a difference?

JULIE TRAN

T

hroughout society, we hear people calling each other fashionable or stylish.

Most people accept those two terms to be the same thing, but there’s a slight distinction with those words.

In a 2008 issue of InStyle magazine, actress Uma Thurman said, “Fashion is the machine that drives the business. Style, on the other hand, is an unconscious gift that money can’t buy. It’s being comfortable not only in your own clothes, but in your own skin.”

For many, wearing clothes is a way to express their emotions, their lifestyles, as well as what culture they belong to.

In Orange County, many people find it extremely important to follow on the current trends the fashion world throws at us.

From expensive brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel to chain stores such as H&M and Forever 21, many who reside in Orange County shop at these stores on a routine basis.

However, with all of the fer-

vor of keeping up with the most popular brands, I see that a majority of the people around me wear the same look. Even if the person is wearing the most expensive or trendiest-looking clothes out there, I don’t see a sense of individuality present. I do agree with the stereotyped assumption that fashion does have a significant influence on how people are viewed in the world, but in reality, fashion is an everchanging entity.

The world o f fashion is an extremely fast paced society in which one trend is born while another one dies. For example, at the turn of the 21st century, it was all about the bling. Track suits, polo shirts and the inevitable trucker hats were the must-haves for people to wear. Fast forward to

today and the “hipster” look is the most popular trend with the skinny jeans, vintage cardigans, and nerdy glasses. On the other hand, style is something that a person should embody and possibly create from within. When I consider a person to be stylish, that person should walk with a sense of confidence from the inside-out as well as have a sense of visual coordination.

Clothes c a n make or break the pers o n wearing them, but I feel it is also a personality factor that can contribute to the individual’s style.

For example, if one sees a female dressed in a retro shirt dress with black Mary Janes, that individual would probably think that she’s trapped in a different era. For that woman though,

“[Wearing] clothes is a way to express their emotions, their lifestyles, as well as what culture they belong to.”

she can feel as if her true self is being exposed to the world.

Although there are some fashion trends that should go away (UGG boots, anyone?), there are some that retain a sense of timelessness and can be revised to cater to the next generation. The little black dress is one such example of clothing that stands against the fickle fashion world and has staying power. A designer can change the cut, embellishment, or fit of the dress and such simple changes can transform that article of clothing into something more.

Despite the fashion world’s fickle personality, individuals can take some aspects of a current trend and incorporate it into their wardrobes. That way, the person can possess an eclectic mix of clothes that can display the individual’s true colors.

So, I ask of you to drop your fashion magazines and be adventurous with your clothing choices. Mixing things up can provide excitement to the items you wear and can allow your personality to shine through.

jtran82@ivc.edu

From the comic panel to the movie screen DAVID GUTMAN

I

love comic books. Period.

I’m not ashamed to admit it. I’ve been raised on a steady dose of “Spiderman,”“Batman,” “Green Lantern” and the “Justice League.” With being a comic book reader also comes a love for comic book movies. But to my ultimate surprise I’ve overheard many people talk about how they don’t like comic book movies at all because they are fake and unrealistic.“Comic book movies can’t be entertaining for both the regular folk and for the comic book fans,” a friend of mine said. “It would never work.”I’m going to state the reason why that is not true.

The movies “Sin City,” “The Crow” and the portrayal of the Spartans versus the Per-

sians at Thermopylae in “300” were all based on comic books.

The movies are so close to the source material that one can hold the comic book and watch the movie and see the similarities in the film. These people have been seeing and enjoying comic book movies for years and have not known it.

What really irks me, as a comic book fan, is when a movie is made based on a comic book and the screenwriter turns the source material on its head. Case in point: “The Dark Knight.” I personally love “Batman” and the stories written about his character, and that is what makes me hate the movie “The Dark

Knight.” To me, having Christian Bale growling and grunting like a football player with brain damage was bad enough but making it so that Batman never did any detective work in the entire film astounded me. Batman was introduced in Detective Comics #27 in May of 1939, and making him do no detective work was disheartening.

But the worst aspect about this is that the mainstream populace absolutely adores this movie.

I’ve tried watching the movie again and tried to watch it fresh like I’ve never read or even heard of Batman before and I still think the movie is bad.

That same friend of mine, who

“These people have been seeing and enjoying comic book movies for years and have not known it.”

said that comic book movies that cater to both bases would never be good, also said that he loved “Dark Knight.” Go figure. What people don’t realize is that comic book movies can and have been entertaining for both readers and non-readers.

Smash hits like “Spider-man” 1-3, “X-Men” 1-3, “Iron Man” 1-2, “The Incredible Hulk,” “Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World,” “Watchmen,” and many others who have had the screen treatment are true to their source material and are entertaining enough for the regular folk.

With a full heart I cannot wait for the other comic book movies coming out in theaters soon: “Green Lantern,” “Thor,” “Captain America,” “The Avengers” and many others yet to have a release date. In the meantime, I will see you at the movies.

Oliver Yu Photography Editor

Kylie Corbett Arts Editor

Austin Messick Leif Kemp Sports Editor

MaryAnne Shults Managing Editor

Lee Eisler Web Editor

Evelyn Caicedo Life Editor

Julie Tran News Editor

Dylan Lujano Opinion Editor

Reporters: Paul Ingvaldsen, Adam Jones, David Gutman, McKenzie Sixt, Kimiya Enshaian, Carmen Ulloa, Daniel Falk Photographers: Oliver Yu, Dylan Lujano Ad Manager: Shawn Heavlin-Martinez Faculty Adviser: Paul McLeod

Jena Slipp, 19 biology

“I have a torque or a 5-hour energy. It makes me happy, the world is great, and it doesnt make me jittery.”

“I like 102.7 because upbeat music gets me energized, it makes my mood chipper!”

Hal Beardall, 19 science

Mikel Mitchell, 21 business

“A banana every morning, it just feels right. I don’t like the taste of coffee and red bull taste like acid, I stick to the natural things.”

“My favorite songs from Kylie Minogue or Rihanna give me energy to wake up.

I sing out loud. Or a sugar free red bull, but I really don’t need extra energy.”

PIECE OF MIND “It’s a struggle as an actor to remain rooted and anchored to yourself while being so aware of what you look like to other people.”-Natalie Portman

“I just can’t go to the mall. It bothers me that I can’t be outside very often. And also to not ever be just ‘some girl’ again. Just being some chick at some place, that’s gone.”-Kristen Stewart

“I hate to say Cinder-fella. I feel like it tonight. I’ve watched the Golden Globes since I was an embryo. I won’t remember any of this. I kinda blacked out. I thought it was going to be Eric Stonestreet. I was rooting for him.”-Chris Colfer

“I gave the [director] my trust from the moment that I met him.

I think you can kind of tell immediately, personally, upon first glance, who you can give that to and who you should reserve that from. That’s kind of how I operate, anyway.”-Michelle Williams

dgutman1@saddleback.edu

“Saddleback’s student-run newspaper since 1968” Sarah Black Editor In Chief

Nathan Norman, 21 graphic design

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

About the Lariat The Lariat is the student newspaper of Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. The Lariat is an independent studentrun public forum.

One copy of the Lariat is free. Additional copies may be purchased at the Lariat newsroom, located in the Student Services Center 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, January 26, 2011

Students belt it out at Aida auditions

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ARTS & Entertainment

Dylan lujano Saddleback College held auditions for the upcoming spring theater production of Elton John’s “Aida.” Director Daniel R. Trevino and Choreographer Ellen Prince, held a two-part audition to cast the spring musical earlier this month. Students, alumni, first timers, and veterans, made up the diverse personalities of performers that attended the auditions.

“The competition is very intimidating, it’s hard to know whether to tell yourself you’re good so you can have a lot of confidence,” said Jena Slipp, 19, biology. “But then again you don’t want to be too sure just in case you don’t get the part and become really disappointed when you don’t get it.”

This was Slipp’s first audition for a Saddleback show, although she performed in Irvine Valley College’s fall production of “Bye Bye Birdie.”

When the audition time grew closer, voices could be heard rehearsing songs, with nervous energy consuming the moods of the people waiting to audition.

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t get nervous, but at the same time, those nerves usually end up helping me,” said Mikel Mitchell, 21, business.

Mikel added the nervousness reminds him that he’s not performing for himself in the mirror this time – it’s now in front of the decision-makers – the directors and choreographers.

With a turn out of about 60 people combined for both nights, half of them would be cut for a final cast of 30.

The weekend after the auditions the cast list was sent out to those who had auditioned via e-mail. Slip discovered she had earned the lead role, Aida.

DJ EAR to perform on campus in quad

W

eston Ahern, also known on Saddle­ back Col­ lege’s cam­ pus as “DJ EAR,” will be play­ ing in the Quad on Feb. 1, from 12 to 1 p.m. Any donations he receives will be donated to­ wards a club on campus.

For a long time, Ahern focused on orchestrating music for computer games.

In the past year, Ahern has played several local venues.

At a convention called CALIFUR VI: Fabulous Furry Funnies, Ahern DJ’ed for a crowd of over 800 people.

Although Ahern is currently majoring in music, he believes he will end up switching it to communications with an emphasis on radio.

Ahern currently has a shift ON-AIR at KSBR FM 88.5 at Saddleback, from 6 to 9 p.m. every Thursday night.

The circus is coming to town

T

he New Shanghai Circus will per­ form at Saddleback College’s McK­ inney Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m., promising acts with everything from “contortion to trapeze to group and solo bicycle riding,” according to a press release.

The troupe hails from Bran­ son, Mo., and have been per­ forming together for six years.

This Chinese-influenced per­ formance was elected to be the Best Show of 1999 in Branson, and the group was awarded a Golden Key from the Mayor of Branson in the same year.

Ticket prices range from $32 for general audiences, $30 for students, and $25 for chil­ dren. Tickets are available on­ line and at the box office.

Written by Kylie Corbett, David Gutman, McKenzie Sixt

Join the leaders Photo credit: CC BY_NC_ND 2.0 / vint falken / Flickr

Descent into madness: Natalie Portman stars as an

ambitious ballerina whose obessession over a role in Swan Lake leads her to experience increasingly surreal and violent hallucinations.

‘Black Swan’: A quest for perfection julie tran

B

allet is a form of dance that re­ quires precision from its dancers, but the journey to gain it is often debilitating.

Darren Aronofsky’s psycho­ logical thriller, “Black Swan,” explores the struggles one balle­ rina faces when given the role of the swan queen in her company’s interpretation of “Swan Lake.”

Natalie Portman plays as the protagonist, Nina Sayers, a young ballerina living in New York City who embodies the innocence and fragility of the white swan. Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) is the director of the ballet and pushes Nina to explore her dark side so she can play the role of the black swan.

However, a new danc­ er named Lily (Mila Kunis) joins the company and instant­ ly shows her prowess in front of everyone. To Nina, Lily is the personification of the black swan since she is more free-spir­ ited, yet lustful at the same time.

As the movie progresses, Nina succumbs to bouts of in­ sanity as she tries to explore her darker side and her animosity toward Lily escalates to a high­ er degree. The two characters engage in a rivalry that not only clashes their dance movements, but also their personalities.

The movie overall is a dark drama that catches the viewers with its stunning cinematogra­

phy. The camera follows Nina as if it was her dark side slowly catching up to her. It also adds a stalker-like element to the movie as the viewers see Nina fall apart in front of everyone.

In addition, the film also un­ veils the elusive world of ballet and the struggles all ballet danc­ ers face when performing. For example, a scene in which Nina tries to perfect a pirouette and through the strenuous action, she ends up breaking her toes.

As for the costumes depicted in the film, the extreme amount of detail going into every out­ fit is a true testament to the art of ballet. The white swan out­ fit shows the sense of fragil­ ity and purity through the us­ age of feathers, crystals, and layers of tulle. The black swan outfit shows a much darker ele­ ment with sleek lines, seductive makeup, and distressed edges to display the grittiness of the role.

“Black Swan” is a movie that digs deep into the subconscious.

Through Nina, the audience can see the internal and external conflicts artists go through in order to refine and perfect their skills. Although some elements of the film can be daunting for some viewers, it is a movie that displays the raw talent and de­ termination of these actors.

The emotions exposed in the film shows how much artists suffer and how it contributes to the degeneration of their minds.

Oscar winning composer Jeff Bunnell plays at Saddleback’s McKinney Theatre

M

usic apprecia­ tion and ap­ plied music students re­ ceived career advice from trumpeter, Jeff Bun­ nell, at the McKinney Theatre during Concert Hour last Thurs­ day, hosted by Conn-Selmer Inc. Following his performance of both a classical and then a more contemporary piece, Bun­ nell spoke about becoming an all-around better musician and what it takes to be a working professional freelance musician.

The concept “there’s always room for improvement” is one ritually followed by Bunnell.

“I’m always looking to­ wards becoming a better mu­ sician,” Bunnell said. “I’m not really thinking about today, I’m thinking about tomorrow.”

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Jeff Bunnell’s passion for music Mckenzie sixt

in AVIATION,

Making a living in the mu­ sic business for 30 years, Bun­ nell cautioned that profes­ sional successes such as his do not come from being a ‘good enough’ musician, but from be­ ing the best in your area of ex­ pertise. To become the best, Bunnell advised focused prac­ tice every day, hard work, de­ termination, and patience.

Some of Bunnell’s musical success include touring with Ray Charles, playing in over 40 different musicals, and achiev­ ing monetary success with nu­ merous studio recordings for feature films, as well as for tele­ vision and radio commercials.

“Up,” “Star Trek,” and “The In­ credibles” are a few of his recent film accreditations. “Up” won an Oscar for best soundtrack.

Bunnell believes his insight can be applied to almost any ca­ reer path in any industry desired.

“The only limitations that you will have on how good you will become on your instrument, or how far your career will go, are the limitations that you place on yourself,” Bunnell said.

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6

LA R I AT.

W E D N E S D AY, JANUARY 26, 2011

Lunar New Year brings fortune and prosperity

T

JULIE TRAN

he Lunar New Year is known to be one of the most important holidays on the Chinese and Vietnamese calendar.

For many of the students of Chinese and Vietnamese origin, the Lunar New Year is an occasion that allows them to connect with their parents and elders.

The traditions parents passed on to their children for generations are still present during every new year’s celebration.

One of the aspects of the Lunar New Year is the reliance on the zodiac animals.

There are 12 animals present in the zodiac and the cycle starts off with the rat and ends with the pig.

According to Joanne Chen, Chinese instructor at Irvine Valley College, the zodiac animals were used in a system to calculate the years. This helped people to figure out the ages of their peers as well as determine

the personality traits of an individual.

2011 marks the Year of the Rabbit. People who are born under this animal are known to be articulate, talented, as well as possessing good taste. Some famous celebrities born with this animal include Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Albert Einstein, and Whitney Houston.

Superstitions play a significant role in both the Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year and although some are outdated, most are still followed in today’s times.

Jenny Du, 19, nursing, said that her family is primarily Buddhist and follows traditions that correlate to the religion.

“At the beginning of the new year, we clean up the house in order to being something new for the future, specifically good luck,” Du said.

Some of the other superstitions observed in the new year include the avoidance of the number four. In Chinese mythology, the number four is akin

Reynolds Continued from page 1

Photo by Daryl Davis

NEW YEAR: Parade participants march down the street bearing flags and wearing the traditional Ao Dai during a Vietamese New Year event in San Jose, Calif., 2009. to the word “death” and many people of Chinese background avoid having four items placed together.

Many of the traditional foods consumed during the Lunar New Year carry a symbolic meaning. For example, those of Vietnamese culture, eat banh trung, a special rice cake consisting of seasoned pork, mashed mung beans, and sticky rice wrapped and steamed in banana leaves.

In China there are numerous dishes that are made for the celebration and most are consumed with the family to promote unity. One such popular meal prepared during the holiday is nian gao. It is a type of cake made from glutinous rice and the very meaning of the food’s name is

similar to the words “higher year” in Chinese. It is believed that when one eats nian gao, it will help the person succeed more in the upcoming year.

As for both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, one of the items they share in the New Year are small red envelopes filled with money. Called “hong bao” in Mandarin Chinese, “lai see” in Cantonese, and “li xi” in Vietnamese, they are normally given to children and those not married. The red color represents a sign of good luck as well as to ward off evil spirits.

Festivities are also a common occurrence during the holiday and families and friends gather together to ring in the celebration. The lion dance is one of the most iconic sights during

a Chinese or Vietnamese New Year festival and it displays tremendous energy. Two dancers mimic the movements of a lion underneath a lion costume and the performance is intended to bring prosperity for the year.

To learn more about the Chinese New Year traditions, please visit Joanne Chen’s Youtube channel at http://www. youtube.com/user/ivclaoshi. tion. The lion dance is one of the most iconic sights during a Chinese or Vietnamese New Year festival and it displays tremendous energy. Two dancers mimic the movements of a lion underneath a lion costume and the performance is intended to bring prosperity for the year. jtran82@ivc.edu

What is your sign? Zodiac changes

A

SARAH BLACK

professor from a community college is out to set the record straight, calling out 3,000 years of popular belief and Babylonian tradition and telling the world they’ve got their zodiac signs wrong.

Professor Parke Kunkle, an astronomer teaching at Minneapolis Community and Technical College and board member of the Minnesota Planetarium Society, has made clear that the current zodiac calendar is wrong, and has added a 13th sign, Ophiucus (ooh-FEE-yew-

kus), also known as the serpantbearer.

“In astronomy we look at the motion of the stars and the planets and what the background stars are,” said Kunkle in a radio broadcast with NPR. “But the Earth has wobbled a bit in its spin, and that wobble has changed where the sun is located on a given date.”

This means that when astrologers say the sun is in Pisces, it is now in Aquarius, et cetera, Kunkle said. Ophiucus is situated between Nov. 30 to Dec. 17, and is referred to as “The Serpent Bearer.”

In mythology, Ophiuchus, also known as Aesculapius

to the Greeks, was the son of Apollo and a healer. He was later struck down by Zeus for bringing a man back to life. The snake is held as his sacred servant.

Kirra Kudla, 18, fashion design, and a Pisces, noticed those of her friends who faithfully followed their horoscopes were unhappy with their changed zodiac signs.

“They’re unhappy about it until they read it and they like [their new sign], then they’re okay,” said Kudla.

“It’s not true,” said Caitlyn Tirella, 19, criminal justice, and a Scorpio, when she heard the news of the adjusted cal-

Photo by Sarah Black

ZODIAC: Prof. Parke Kunkle shocked many people Jan. 10 by saying the zodiac actually has 13 signs. endar. “I’m a Scorpio and you can’t change me.”

“Nineteen years into life, you can’t change someone’s sign,” said Kristine Cincotta, 19, un-

declared, and a Pisces. continued to lariatnews.com

sblack15@saddleback.edu

She admitted to being 78, and that 64 of those glorious years have been spent in show business. She currently spends 42 weeks on the road doing a one-woman show. On the evening of Jan. 22, Reynolds put on her one-woman show at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. Her most recent major performance was the west-end show, “Debbie Reynolds: Alive and Fabulous.”

During the show, Gary held up the stack of question cards and Reynolds was happy to oblige answers.

Lorraine from Mission Viejo asked which leading man was the best kisser. Reynolds’ immediate response was, “All of them!” but eventually she narrowed it down to Frank Sinatra as the best.

Reynolds talked about her talents, including singing, dancing, acting, and impersonations.

She then gave flawless impersonations of Katharine Hepburn and Barbra Streisand, much to the amusement of the crowd.

She spoke about how her career started, her learning to dance, and her family.

“My family, they’re all normal. They aren’t like me,” Reynolds said, as the crowd roared with laughter.

At the end of the show the crowd gave a standing ovation, and her fans eagerly rushed the stage. Reynolds was a good sport, obliging her fans, chatting and taking photos with them.

Mayor Dave Leckness called the show “invigorating.” He was happy to see KSBR involving the community, and was excited for more events like this one coming from the station. He encouraged Terry Wedel, the director of KSBR’s operations, and the staff to make these events more regular.

“Breakfast with Gary and Kelly” is a regular production of KSBR, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The station intends to do a monthly production with notables from the music and entertainment industries. Their next big show will be Feb. 5, with legendary guitarist David Becker as the on-air guest. ajones54@saddleback.edu

IVC basketball dominates President’s Cup S LEIF KEMP

itting in the Saddleback College gymnasium last Friday evening, one might have heard an unfamiliar sound. Depending on which side of the gym, the sound would be quite different. On one side of the gym, it was the sound of the Saddleback men’s basketball teams’ seven-game winning streak clanking off the home court rims, as the Gauchos lost to Irvine Valley College 69-58.

On the other side of the gymnasium, the sound was of 3-pointers ripping the nets, with IVC guards’ Ramon Mejia and Christian Mack combining to hit seven of 10 from beyond the arc. Orange Empire Conference leading scorer Travis Fulton continued his high scoring ways finishing with a game-high 21 points while also pulling down six offensive rebounds.

Gaucho women fall in nail-biter

D

AUSTIN MESSICK

espite a strong performance by center Audri Sargent last Friday night, the Saddleback Gauchos women’s basketball team was unable to hold off the Irvine Valley College Lasers in a 48-43 loss in the first

After ascending to the No. 1 ranking in the state the previous day, the Gaucho’s could not seem to hit a bucket, as they shot a season low 32 percent from the field, missing at least 10 easy layups.

“We just missed too many open shots and couldn’t seem to make a layup,” said Saddleback Assistant Coach Bob Becker.

Compounding the Gauchos shooting woes was IVC’s defensive intensity.

The game started slowly for the defending state champ Gauchos. Sophomore guard Prince Obassi missed three easy layups in the opening minutes and neither the Gauchos, or Obassi seemed able to recover. Obassi finished with 13 points on 4-12 shooting from the field.

The Lasers hounded Gauchos leading scorer Wendell Faines all evening by utilizing double, and sometimes even triple teams. It seemed the Lasers game plan was to make Saddle-

back’s other players beat them.

The 6-foot-9 center who is headed to play for the University of Idaho next season still managed to equal Fulton’s 21 points while pulling down eight rebounds and adding four blocks to further distance himself as the clear-cut shot blocker in the conference.

Despite Faines’ numbers, IVC sophomore center Ephraim Ekanem performed admirably when forced to defend one-onone. Ekanem also contributed a double-double on the evening, scoring 10 points to go along with 13 rebounds.

“E [sic] did a great job for us tonight. This was a big win for us - a career win” said Laser’s head coach Jerry Hernandez. “I think I might retire, now,” Hernandez joked.

With the Gauchos shooting so poorly, it enabled IVC to pull down a whopping 48 rebounds for the game. A telling stat that speaks to the level of intensity the Lasers brought to the game,

is the fact 18 of IVC’s rebounds came on the offensive side of the ball.

“They killed us on the boards,” Becker said.

The game marked the end of the first half of Orange Empire Conference play for the Gauchos leaving them at 5-1 in conference, 20-4 overall. They begin the second half of conference play this Friday when they travel to Riverside Community College to battle the Tigers at JW North High School at 5:30 p.m. The game will be played at the high school due to construction at RCC’s gymnasium.

IVC is 5-0 in conference play, 18-3 overall, and has one game left before ending the first part of the OEC schedule. They look to finish 6-0 and atop the first half standings when they travel to Cypress Community College tonight to take on the Chargers at 7:30 p.m.

half of the President’s Cup. This loss left Saddleback with a 1-5 record in Orange Empire Conference play and a 8-14 record overall. Sargent scored 17 points and had 19 rebounds in the interdistrict rivalry game.

“The main thing that we need to learn as a young team is to fight, to work as a whole, and to know that every game counts,” Sargent said.

Sargent is the only returner on this year’s team with a supporting cast consisting of 11 freshman. IVC is also a young team returning three players themselves.

During the first half the

game consisted of strong defensive play by both teams. The game began to get physical after IVC’s Ashley Washington banked in a 3-pointer with 12 minutes to go.

Saddleback began widening their lead through good ball movement and two consecutive baskets made by sophomore Sydney Gathright with six minutes to go in the half. Gathright was the Gaucho’s second offensive leader with ten points and six rebounds.

At halftime the Gauchos had a 24-17 lead over the Lasers .

The second half began with an IVC steal and an immediate

3-pointer to bring the score to 24-20.

Saddleback remained in control until the Lasers took a 4443 lead with 41.4 seconds to go.

After an IVC timeout and shot clock violation, the ball was back in the Gauchos’ possession.

The Gauchos then missed their next shot and were forced to foul sophomore guard Ashley Fajardo with 6.4 seconds left on the clock. Fajardo made both free throw attempts to bring the IVC lead to 46-43.

The Lasers were then able to steal the Gauchos’ inbound pass and Saddleback was forced to

lkemp4@saddleback.edu

Photo by Austin Messick

GUARD IT: Saddleback College center Wendell Faines, right, defends against Irvine Valley College center Ephraim Ekanem. foul again with 5.5 seconds on the clock. Fajardo made both of her final free throws to end the game at 48-43. With this win IVC advanced to 2-3 in OEC play and a 11-11 record overall.

“We really stressed free throws in the last few weeks so I felt relaxed and focused at the line,” Fajardo said.

IVC was able to rally back by executing their defensive game plan and shooting 34 percent from the field. The Lasers also had ten steals in the game.

“The keys to winning at the end were that we played together and executed the game plan the coaches had for us,” Fajar-

do said.

IVC was led by Fajardo who scored 12 points and was 6-7 from the free throw line sinking her last four free throws in the final ten seconds of the game.

Two other impact players for the Lasers were guard Raycie Haley and center Tyne McClure who both scored eight points.

Saddleback plays Riverside City College at JW North High School gymnasium this Friday at 7:30pm and IVC will play at Fullerton College at the same time. amessick1@saddleback.edu