La Vol. 42, Issue 16 February 17, 2009
The week ahead JAPANESE-AMERICAN DAY OF REMEMBRANCE The California History Center presents the seventh annual De Anza College Day of Remembrance. Join with Japanese-American communities throughout the country who annually commemorate Feb. 19, 1942, when an executive order was signed that led to the imprisonment of over 120,000 JapaneseAmericans without due process or regard for their constitutional rights. Speakers include Shizue Seigel, author of “In Good Conscience: Supporting Japanese-Americans During the Internment,” and Richard Konda, executive director of the Asian Law Alliance of San Jose. For information contact Tom Izo in the California History Center at 408-864-8986. The day of remembrance will be held on Feb. 17 in room B located in the Hinson Campus Center
AFRICAN-AMERICAN GREEK NIGHT The Black Student Union and the African Ancestry Association present African-American Greek Night. For information contact Wendy White at whitewendy@deanza.edu. The event, which will be held in rooms A & B in the Hinson Campus Center, will last from 6 - 9 p.m.
ASL GAME NIGHT The American Sign Language Club is hosting a game night at De Anza, followed by an 8:30 p.m. social at Starbucks. Participants only need to know ASL numbers and letters to play Deaf Bingo. For information email deanzaamericansignlanguageclub@gmail.com. The game night will be on Feb. 20 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Room is to be announced
FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF CAMPUS EVENTS ON PAGE 2
INDEX What’s the BUZZ?..............p2 Campus Snapshot...............p3 Police Log.............................p3 Meeting Notes.....................p3 Economics for Everyone.....p5 Student of the Week...........p5 Artist of the Week...............p6 Editorial.................................p10 La Voz is a First Amendment newspaper, produced by students for the campus community of De Anza College
La Voz Weekly The Voice of De Anza College
Voz
SENATE ALLOCATES FUNDING TO PROGRAMS
Each presenter had three minutes to address the De Anza College Associated Student Body during the annual budget allocation meeting.
Features
Students, faculty study abroad Experiences from past trips and a look ahead to future destinations are shared see page 6
PHOTO BY ANDREA NOTT/LA VOZ
Junior Senator, Trish Pham, and Senators Sharon Su and Yoshie Takeuchi vote during the budget allocation meeting, held Feb. 11. Before the senate deliberated, Esha Menon, vice president of finance and budget, said the revenue this year for the De Anza College Associated Student Body has been the lowest in the past four years. Andrea Nott LA VOZ NEWS
Arts & Entertainment
Flea Market revealed
Experience the positive and negative vibe of the Flea Market, without physically going see page 7
With a few smacks of the gavel, De Anza College’s Associated Student Body President, Terell Sterling, began the meeting that would determine how much funding the DASB would give to De Anza’s programs. The DASB Senators sat in a “U” formation surrounding the audience, some wearing matching maroon polo shirts with a name plate propped up in front of each of them. Their duty was to determine which programs deserved to receive a portion of the remaining $30,000. The attendees comprised of program and club directors as well as students. Before each presenter had three minutes to address the DASB, Esha Menon, vice president of finance and budget said,
Students, faculty attend Global Warming teach-in Ernest Chavez LA VOZ NEWS
De Anza College participated in a Global Warming Solutions teach-in, along with over 100 other college campuses across the nation, on Feb. 5. The event was co-sponsored by the Institute for Community and Civic Engagement, the Department of Environmental Studies, Working
you only drive “ Ifyours car one day
a week less, and you drive five days a week, that’s 20 percent less carbon emissions that you’re putting out.
”
SHANE MASON VICE PRESIDENT OF WISE 37 to Institute a Sustainable Environment on the 37 Parallel and Students for Justice. However, other groups were also involved in organizing the
event. Students and faculty joined together from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to listen to panelists and speakers discuss the effects of globalization on earth’s natural habitats, the need for a green-industry to create jobs, minimize pollution and what steps De Anza along with the city of Cupertino could take to perpetuate this movement, locally. One of the first presenters, Robert Cormia, an instructor from Foothill College, spoke about the importance of taking a systems-approach to advance the role of green technology in industries. The purpose of a systems-approach is to understand that there is no one single solution to create a sustainable environment, rather an entire system, comprised of separate entities such as: renewable energy, a transmission grid, smart energy, efficiency, electric transportation, alternative fuels and Lead in Energy and Environmental Design certified buildings.
FLIP TO PAGE 4 FOR FULL STORY SEE “ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSED”
“We went through two days of budget deliberations and our revenue is the lowest it’s been in four years in addition to the budget cuts. So we had to take actions.” Then, she said to those hoping for more funding, “Now it’s time for you to convince us.” Some presenters said they appreciate the funds they have been allotted in the past. Latina/o Empowerment At De Anza, requested $5,052 and was budgeted to receive none. Outreach, a program that reaches out to high school, received zero funding as well. “We would be willing to take less,” George Smith said.
FLIP TO PAGE 3 FOR FULL STORY SEE “ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING”
Sports
The streak ends for the Dons see page 9
Opinion
Bruce Springsteen above the Constitution Cinematic artists like Mickey Rourke snubbed by the Academy see page 10
LA VOZ WEEKLY ONLINE www.lavozdeanza.com
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CAMPUS EVENTS
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
FEBRUARY 17, 2009
MINNIE HE PASSES, FUNERAL SERVICES HELD: De Anza student, Minnie He passed away on Feb. 1. Funeral services will be held on Feb. 19 at 1:30 in the Lima Family Mortuary, located in San Jose. He was recently accepted to UC Berkeley and was a business major. Her sister, Caroline, said she was lovable, quiet, never harmed anyone and kept a peaceful mind. Recently, He began to have emotional problems and cried a lot. Her sister asks all to remember these words: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.”
DEVELOPMENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NASA RESEARCH PARK: Chancellor Martha Kanter is expected to sign an agreement to join the Foothill-De Anza College District with the NASA Research Park, according to an article from the Mountain View Voice. The research park will take up three million square feet of space. The project will cost $220,000 this year, according to a San Jose Mercury News article. Furthermore, the park will create educational opportunities to the Penisula population. WRITTEN BY NITZAN BECK
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE FEB. 2: De Anza College scholarships are due Feb. 12. Over 25 scholarships are offered. Applications must not be missing any information, otherwise they will be considered incomplete and withdrawn. The Web site says, “please keep in mind that competition for scholarships is heavy. If you do not obtain a scholarship, there are other sources of assistance for which you may apply.” Visit www.deanza.edu/ financialaid/oases/ for more information. WRITTEN BY NITZAN BECK
GRAND OPENING OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN MARCH: The grand opening of the Visual and Performing Arts Center is scheduled to take place on March 6. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by tours as well as the Euphrat Museum of Art opening exhibition. The center seats up to 400 people, and has 50 seat classrooms. Art history, photography, intercultural studies and dance are some of the classes being taught in the newly opened center. Furthermore, the Euphrat Museum of Art has moved to the Visual and Performing Arts Center. According to the De Anza Web site, in an effort to maintain De Anza’s commitment to sustainability, the center was designed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.
CAMPUS EVENTS Tuesday, Feb. 17 JAPANESE-AMERICAN day of remembrance tuesday, feb. 17, 1:30 - 3 p.m., campus center, rm b The California History Center presents the seventh annual De Anza College Day of Remembrance. Join with Japanese-American communities throughout the country who annually commemorate Feb. 19, 1942, when an executive order was signed that led to the imprisonment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans without due process or regard for their constitutional rights. Speakers include Shizue Seigel, author of “In Good Conscience: Supporting Japanese-Americans During the Internment,” and Richard Konda, executive director of the Asian Law Alliance of San Jose. For information contact Tom Izo in the California History Center at 408-864-8986.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 Guardians of the word: drummers and story tellers Wednesday, feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., campus CTR, rmS A&B In celebration of Black History Month, Jaliya, Inc. presents the Guardians of the Word: Drummers and Story Tellers. For information contact Jennifer James at jamesjennifer@deanza.edu.
Thursday, Feb. 19 panel of judges, defenders: ‘Education not incarceration’ THURSDAY, feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., campus CTR, rmS A&B To celebrate Black History Month, a legal panel will discuss “Education Not Incarceration: How to Deter African American and Latino/a Students from Being Impacted by the Criminal Justice System.” Guest speakers include Judges La Doris Cordell, Rise Pichon and Sharon Chatman, and Deputy Alternate Defenders Steve Bermudez and Traci Owens. For information contact Jennifer James at jamesjennifer@deanza.edu.
african-american greek night THURSDAY, feb. 19, 6 - 9 p.m., campus center, rmS A&B The Black Student Union and the African Ancestry Association present African-American Greek Night. For information contact Wendy White at whitewendy@deanza.edu. .
Friday, Feb. 20
asl game night friday, feb. 20, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., room TBA The American Sign Language Club is hosting a game night at De Anza, followed by an 8:30 p.m. social at Starbucks. Participants only need to know ASL numbers and letters to play Deaf Bingo. For information email deanzaamericansignlanguageclub@gmail.com.
Monday, Feb. 23 yaaba soore - the path of the ancestors: ‘ON BECOMING A GREAT STUDENT’ MONDAY, feb. 23, 10 a.m. - 2:50 p.m., campus CTR, rmS A&B “On Becomming a Great Student: A View of the AfricanAmerican College Experience” will be held as part of the Black History Month celebration. This presentation focuses on techniques used by local African-American participants who have successfully moved through the education system, managed challenges, obtained college degrees and benefited from the college experience. The Yaaba Soore program supports dialog between members of the AfricanAmerican community and De Anza College students. For information contact Phong Lam at lamphong@deanza.edu.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 black students speak out: ‘a lesson for our teachers’ Tuesday, Feb. 24, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., Campus Ctr, RMS A&B In celebration of Black History Month, a panel of students will talk about what helps them succeed in classes. For information contact Cynthia Kaufman at kaufmancynthia@deanza.edu.
APASA LUNAR NEW YEAR RECEPTION tuesday, feb. 24, 3:30-5 p.m., Euphrat & Lobby, VPAC The Asian Pacific American Staff Association invites members, allies and the campus community to celebrate the Lunar New Year. APASA members will highlight their com-
WRITTEN BY NITZAN BECK
mitment to APA issues. Pearl Chang, newly appointed representative to the district Board of Trustees will be the special guest. Refreshments will be provided; prize drawing is at 4:30 p.m. At the event, donations to the Scholarship Fund will be appreciated, but not required. For information contact Tracy Chung at chungtracy@deanza.edu
Wednesday, Feb. 25 campus abroad: summer in sydney wednesday, FEb. 25, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Santa Cruz room
Meet to learn about the Campus Abroad trip to Sydney, Australia. For information and an application contact Kathy Fransham at 650-949-7614 or franshamkathy@ foothill.edu.
Thursday, Feb. 26 African Ancestry association scholarship luncheon thursday, feb. 26, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., campus ctr rms A&B Join in a scholarship luncheon during Black History Month to help support De Anza students. Enjoy good food and good company. Featured guest is Gemini Soul, a San Francisco Bay Area band known for their eclectic blend of jazz/funk fusion with an electronic element known as “Cyber Jazz.” Seating is limited; reservations due by Feb. 19 to wintersmarion@deanza.edu or lamphong@deanza.edu. Cost is $20 for general admission and $5 for students.
campus abroad: summer in china thursday, FEb. 26, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., santa cruz room
Meet to learn about the Campus Abroad trip to China. For information and an application contact Kathy Fransham at 650-949-7614 or franshamkathy@foothill. edu. This meeting will be repeated on March 12.
Wednesday, March 4 first 2 billion years of the universe wednesday, march 4, 7 p.m., smithwick theater, foothill
Astronomer Steven Beckwith, former director of the Space Telescope Science Institute and current vice president for Research and Graduate Studies for UC, will give a non-technical, illustrated talk on “The Dawn of Creation: The First Two Billion Years” as part of the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture. In 2004, Beckwith led the team that created the Hubble Ultra Deep Field Image, resulting in the discovery of the most distant galaxies ever seen. For information call 650-949-7888.
Friday, March 6 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER RIBBON CUTTING, TOUR FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 10 - 10:45 a.m., VPAC Join President Brian Murphy, faculty and staff from the Creative Arts Division, students and community members for the official ribbon-cutting of De Anza’s new Visual and Performing Arts Center. An optional tour will follow the event. The Euphrat Museum of Art opening exhibit is “Looking Back, Looking Forward.”
PIANO CONCERT: HOWARD NA FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 8 - 9 p.m., VPAC Howard Na, former De Anza College student and Van Cliburn Competition participant, will perform. Seating is limited; please RSVP to Tina Woo at 408-864-8709 by Feb. 27.
Saturday, March 7 DE ANZA FLEA MARKET saturday, MARCH 7, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., parking lots a&B DE ANZA WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 7:30 - 9:30 P.m., VPAC The De Anza Wind Ensemble will perform as part of the grand opening of the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Seating is limited; please RSVP to Tina Woo at 408-864-8709 by Feb. 27.
Sunday, March 8 SHRI KRUPA DANCE PERFORMANCE SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 3 - 4:30 P.M., VPAC The Shri Krupa Dance group will perform as part of the grand opening of the Visual & Performing Arts
WRITTEN BY NITZAN BECK
Happenings@LaVozDeAnza.com Send event notices to Happenings@LaVozDeAnza.com by noon Wednesday, preceding the publication week. Please type “Happenings” in the subject line. La Voz does not guarantee publication. All events take place on the De Anza College campus and are free, unless stated otherwise.
Center. Seating is limited; please RSVP to Tina Woo at 408-864-8709 by Feb. 27.
Thursday, March 12 BRIAN COPELAND TO SPEAK THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M., CAMPUS CENTER RMS A&B Brian Copeland, KGO Radio host and author of “Not a Genuine Black Man,” will speak at De Anza as one of Silicon Valley Reads’ series of events. His memoir is the foundation of his popular one-man show performed in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Classes are invited. Information about Silicon Valley Reads is at http://siliconvalleyreads.org/2008-09/.
sustainability management plan thursday, march 12, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., location tba
The campus Sustainability Plan will be unveiled to the campus community. For information contact Susan Malmgren at malmgrensusan@fhda.edu.
film director to speak, screen film thursday, March 12, 2 p.m., at 120
Director Elizabeth Farnsworth will screen her 2008 film, “The Judge and the General,” which was nominated for Outstanding Achievement by the Directors Guild of America. The documentary deals with a Chilean judge who uncovers long-buried secrets during a six-year investigation of former dictator Augusto Pinochet while confronting his own role in that dark past. A Q & A with Farnsworth will follow at 3:30 p.m. For information contact Susan Tavernetti at tavernettisusan@deanzaedu or 408-864-8872.
Sunday, March 15 CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 7:30 P.M., VPAC 115 This chamber orchestra performance with Loren Tayerle costs $10 for general admission and $5 for student admission. For information contact deanzamusic1@yahoo.com.
Friday, March 20 VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLES CONCERT FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 7:30 - 10 P.M., A-11, Choral Hall This performance by De Anza Creative Arts students costs $7 for general admission and $5 for student admission. For information contact Michelle Hawkins at hawkinsmichelle@fhda.edu.
SPIRIT HOUSE DANCES FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 8:15 - 11 P.M., VPAC 115 This performance by De Anza students costs $15 for general admission and $12 for student admission. For information contact Warren Lucas at 408-864-5416 or lucaswarren@deanza.edu.
Saturday, March 21 SPIRIT HOUSE DANCES Saturday, MARCH 21, 8:15 - 11 P.M., VPAC 115 This performance by De Anza students costs $15 for general admission and $12 for student admission. For information contact Warren Lucas at 408-864-5416 or lucaswarren@deanza.edu.
Wednesday, March 25 DE ANZA DADDIOS IN CONCERT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 7:30 P.M. VPAC 115 This musical performance by De Anza students costs $10 for general admission and $7 for student/senior admission. For information contact Steve Tyler at tylersteve@fhda.edu.
EXHIBITS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH through FEB. 20, De Anza Library The De Anza College Library is featuring a display titled “Celebrate Black History Month.”
INSIDE TERRORISM: THE X-RAY PROJECT Through Feb. 27, DE ANZA LIBRARY “Inside Terrorism: The X-Ray Project” is a photography exhibit that uses X-rays and CT scans from the two largest hospitals in Jerusalem to explore the effects of terrorism on civilian populations worldwide. The exhibit does not take
sides in the Middle East conflict, but documents the devastation to human life and the challenges to those in the medical field who work to save victims. For information see http:// www.x-rayproject.org.
‘Looking back, looking forward’ through THURSDAY, APRIL 16, vpac The Euphrat Museum of Art presents the exhibit “Looking Back, Looking Forward,” which looks at Silicon Valley’s varied and colorful growth through visual media and shared narratives, honoring the past and looking to the future. Over 10 artists will be featured, including Paul Pei-Jen Hau, who has a museum named after him in eastern China. For information go to http://www. deanza.edu/euphrat/inthemuseum.html.
ONGOING EVENTS PLANETARIUM SHOWS SATURDAYS through MARCH 21 Journey to the stars with the Planetarium’s Infinium S Star projector and laser light shows. Astronomy presentations include “Astronaut,” “Extreme Planets” and “Blackholes.” Light shows feature the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. Costs is $7-$9. For information, show list and schedule, see http://www.deanza.edu/planetarium.
MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, through MARCH 19 PE 12L & PE12U, SESSIONS AT 9:15, 10:15, 11:15 a.m. Enjoy a massage from a student in the massage therapy program clinical class. Cost is $15 for students, $20 for faculty/staff, $25 for the community. To make an appointment call 408-864-5645. More information is at http://www.deanza.edu/pe/massage/clinic.html.
ACADEMIC SKILLS WORKSHOPS
Skills workshops are small, interactive presentations to help students improve study skills. All workshops are open to any De Anza student, but students enrolled in Skills classes are given priority. Sign up in advance in the Workshop Sign-up Binder at the Skills desk in L47. Please confirm room locations in L47. Tuesday, Feb. 17 11:30 - Study Skills for Math and Science, S72 12:30 - Sentence Skills, L28 1:30 - Anti-Procrastination, L63 2:30 - Spelling Strategies, L21 3:30 - Vocabulary in Context, WRC Wednesday, Feb. 18 9:30 - Communicating in Study Groups, L26 1:30 - Test Taking Tips, L63 2:30 - Note-Taking Strategies, L21 Thursday, Feb. 19 1:30 - Engaging Ethics, L63 2:30 - Hot Topics/Cool Summaries, L21 3:30 - No Freakin’-Speakin’ Speeches, WRC Friday, Feb. 20 8:30 - Braingame: Concentration, L45
ACADEMIC CALENDAR Saturday, Feb. 28: Last day to drop a class with a “W.” Monday, March 9: Spring registration begins. Friday, March 13: Last day to add CAOS and Skills self-paced classes. Tuesday, March 17: Registration for new and former students begins. Friday, March 27: Last day of final exams; last day to file for a winter degree or certificate. Monday, April 6: First day of spring quarter. Saturday, June 27: Graduation.
FEBRUARY 17, 2009
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
Senate needs more mascots Daniel Gamberg LA VOZ NEWS
The Brainiacs, The Unicorns, The Dragons, are just a few suggestions in the ongoing contest to oust the “Don” as De Anza College’s campus mascot. The De Anza Associated Student Body Senate is determined to change the controversial mascot before leaving office senate President Terrell Sterling said. “We feel that it is not politically correct for De Anza’s environment anymore,” he said. “We’re going to try to move quickly.” As an incentive for participating students, the senate’s Marketing and Communications Committee is offering a $500 scholarship as first prize. Graphic designers and artists are encouraged to submit their designs to the communications committee who plans to prolong the original Feb. 11 deadline because they have recieved only three submissions June Yuen, vice president of the senate’s marketing and communications committee said. “I would like to extend the deadline to the end of the quarter,” she said. “We need more students to participate.” The communications committee is planning to send a mass e-mail informing students about the contest and upcoming election to better represent and involve De Anza’s population. Once all submissions are reviewed, a senate committee will select three finalists for students to vote on in a formal election process. Voting will be done by scantron for several days as senate organizers double-check names and student body cards to ensure only one vote is cast per person Sterling said, “We’re going to keep it as coherent as possible.” College administrators ultimately
determine and approve what mascot is appropriate for the college. Members from athletes, the bookstore and other college departments must reach a consensus on the students’ mascot choice as they will utilize and market the new mascot in their respective divisions. During the end of the year awards ceremony the college acknowledges students for the their achievements throughout the year, the reception will also acknowledge the winning artist in “a big red carpet event,” Sterling said. “It’s way for us to give back to students.” The senate is combining a sponsorship with the local community and approaching various campus program leaders to coordinate funds for the red carpet event Sterling said. At the event the artist will sign their original artwork while copies are displayed throughput the campus. Moreover, the artist will receive the first merchandise with their artwork on it. The campaign to change De Anza’s mascot came after Sterling approached college administrators about his vision he said. “I felt that I never really stood behind our mascot,” Sterling said. “I could never say with pride that I was a Don.” The “Don,” symbolizes a Spanish conquistador and has been De Anza’s mascot for more than 42 years. According to an excerpt from “De Anza College: The Founding and Early Years, A History on the Occasion of its 35th Anniversary,” by John Lovas, a deceased De Anza English faculty member, the “Don” was selected in 1966 over the “Gauchos,” “Vaqueros” and the “Fritos.” LV
Daniel Gamberg is the web editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: danielgamberg@lavozdeanza.com
Students donate blood
He said “If we can just have half, we won’t completely die.” Alex Giardino told the Senate regarding the Honors Program, “I took a $7,000 dollar pay cut to run this program.” With the administraion cutting her funding too, she said she would only be able to put in half of the time and the program would suffer. De Anza’s Graduation budget was also recommended to be cut by $6,000. Patrick Ahrens, Student Trustee, said, “I want to see us put our money in what we value and show how much we value our students moving on from De Anza.” The money would go towards food and water for graduating
>>Meeting Notes<< DASB Senate The De Anza College Associated Student Body Senate is the governing body of De Anza College. It meets every Wednesday afternoon.
WHAT HAPPENED: The 2009 - 2010 Budget First Vote, where campus programs funded by the DASB requested funding for the academic year, was held. WHY THIS MATTERS: The funding for student programs at De Anza College come from the DASB’s annual million dollar budget which is divided among the various services. WRITTEN BY ANDREA NOTT PHOTO BY ALEXIS BUSTOS/LA VOZ
De Anza Associated Student Body President Terell Sterling gives blood on Feb. 5.
on campus and said he should donate on Thursday. Among the throngs of sitting and standing students, first time donor Christalyn Hagion, 19, lay flat on her back, dizzy, losing consciousness on a bench by the door. Hagion’s first experience startled her, she said, but she’s willing to do it again. If you are interested in donating blood, contact the Stanford Blood Center at http:// bloodcenter.stanford.edu and click on “donate at a center” to request an appointment. Donators must be at least 17-years-old and weigh 110 pounds or more to participate and complete a questionnaire about medical, sexual and travel history. LV Yen Lai is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: yenlai@lavozdeanza.com.
Yen Lai LA VOZ NEWS
A steady stream of students volunteering to donate their blood came to the quarterly Stanford Blood Drive Feb. 5. Terell Sterling, president of the De Anza College Associated Student Body, was one of the students who volunteered to donate blood. Sterling encouraged his fellow Senate members to follow in his lead and give blood. “You never know when you’ll be utilizing someone else’s donation,” said Sterling. Nurses in white coats bustled around to provide accommodation for the large students. For some it was their first time donating blood. A recruiter approached Sia Mozaffari, 21, an electrical engineering major,
continued from page 1 | Annual budget meeting Diane Pierce, representing the photography department, asked for one more display case for student work. “We asked for six, but now we’re only asking for three, not six,” she said. She said she wants her students to be able to have exhibitions. Cross Cultural Partners was expected to lose half of its funding and asked for more money for student helpers. Nicky González Yuen, speaking on behalf of the Diversity Leadership Training said the program had trained about one third of the DASB presidents. This year DASB offered them no money as compared to $10,000 last year.
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students who will be sitting in the sun for hours during the presentations. Once all the senators presented time was up, the senators voted on a series of budget allotments. They voted that no programs would receive additional cuts, then moved on to whom would get some of the $30,000. During the discussions, the room was empty except instructor Beth Grobman. The senators discussed who they considered worthy benefactors of the remaining money. Some of the budgeteers who came to request more money, were not voted on to be considered for additional to receive funding by
some senators. By 10:40 p.m., the Diversity Leadership Training Project was approved to receive an additional $5,000, for graduation: $6,000, Insider magazine was approve $5,000 and LEAD was allotted $1,152. The rest of the money, $12,882, was divided in half for next year’s combination of summer and fall quarters and combination of winter and spring quarters, respectively. The senate members clapped and sighed, commenting on the late hour. Soon after, the meeting was adjourned. LV Andrea Nott is a reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: andreanott@lavozdeanza.com
Campus Snapshot
Inter Club Council The Inter Club Council is the governing body which allocates funds to De Anza College’s more than 50 clubs. The ICC meets Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Council Chambers.
WHAT HAPPENED: W.I.S.E. 37’s request for $2,000 was approved. WHY THIS MATTERS: W.I.S.E. 37 will be participating in Powershift ‘09, an environmental convention, in Washington D.C. from Feb. 27 to March 2. They will be urging politicians to take bold, comprehensive action in response to Campus Climate Challenge. WRITTEN BY ANSON LAI
Police Log SICK PERSON Location: Lot B Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1:08 p.m. INVESTIGATION Vehicle Stop Location: Lot E Monday, Feb. 9 at 7:31 a.m. BURGLARY Burglary Location: Lot E Monday, Feb. 9 at 4:31 p.m. TRAFFIC Reckless Driving Location: Stelling Garage Top Level Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 9:45 a.m. WITHDRAW CONSENT Withdraw Consent Student/Employee Notice Location: De Anza College Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 10:07 a.m. TRAFFIC COLLISION Traffic Accident - No Injuries Location: Stelling Garage 2nd Level Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 10:07 a.m. PROPERTY Lost Property Location: De Anza College Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7:25 a.m. VANDALISM Vandalism Location: Lot A Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7:29 p.m. INVESTIGATION Vehicle Stop Location: Lot B Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 2:07 p.m. DRUG VIOLATION Marjiuana Posession Location: Flint Parking Garage Top Level Thursday, Feb. 12 at 11:00 a.m. DRUG VIOLATION Marjiuana Posession Location: Stelling Garage Top Level Thursday, Feb. 12 at 11:22 a.m.
PHOTO BY ANDREA NOTT/LA VOZ
Two ducks swim in the fountain of the Sunken Garden rather then fly south for the winter.
TRAFFIC HIT & RUN Hit and Run/ Property Damage Location: Lot B Thursday, Feb. 12 at 11:47 a.m.
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LAVOZDEANZA.COM
Financial aid offers computers to students Colin Luk & Kellie Tse LA VOZ NEWS
The Financial Aid office is offering the Recycled Computers for Students Scholarship. Companies such as VMware and Roche Pharmaceuticals have donated computers to FoothillDe Anza College. These companies need computers, which are faster and more advanced for their scientific research, thus, after three years the used computers will be donated to the college. According to Susan Malmgren, the program coordinator, the district donates computers to a foundation which gives the computers to qualified students.
program is “ The safe through June 2010. ” SUSAN MALMGREN PROGRAM COORDINATOR Applicants for this scholarship must also be in need for financial aid. To determine the needs of the student, domestic students are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid application, while international students on F-1 Visas or under AB540 are required to fill in a Recycled Computers Scholarship Supplement. Additional criteria for potential applicants include being enrolled in at least 6.0 units, having obtained a GPA of 2.0 or better at De Anza and being able to show intent to use the recycled computers to advance
their academic goals. Applicants must also complete a questionnaire and attach a one paragraph essay titled “Why I want a Computer.” Most of the computers are PC desktops and very few are laptops. “There are two different levels for the computers”, said Malmgren, “A-Level computers consist of 1-3 GHz and students apply for them through financial aid. As for the B-level computers, which have less than 1 GHz, they will be donated to students who don’t qualify for financial aid or are freshman without GPA yet.” The package includes a mouse, a monitor, speakers, a modem for dial-up connection and a network adaptor for high-speed connection. The operating system includes Open Office, which is based on Sun Microsystems’ StarOffice, anti-virus software and Windows XP or Windows 2000. This program has given out close to 900 computers ever since it first started. The state grants, De Anza Student Body and donors contribute to a majority of the funding; therefore, the funds are separated from the budget cut. “The program is safe through June 2010,” said Malmgren. Currently, there are still around 300 - 400 computers left. The deadline for application is June 30. For more details and application form, students may visit the financial aid section under De Anza’s Web site http:// www.deanza.edu/financialaid/ oases/ or visit the financial aid bulletin board outside the campus center. Scholarships can be found under number 68. LV
Colin Luk and Kellie Tse are freelance reporter for La Voz Weekly.
FEBRUARY 17, 2009
continued from page 1 | Environment discussed If the Bay Area, alone, would invest in creating such an infrastructure, Cormia said this would generate 2.5 million jobs. Cormia also spoke about the need to separate ourselves completely from petroleum, not just foreign oil, but to stop using petroleum by the year 2030. Students also presented, often bringing up immediate solutions that people can take at De Anza, in order to work toward institutionalizing a sustainable environment. One of the student-panelists, Shane Mason, vice president of WISE 37, said, “Spreading awareness can start smal ... if you only drive your car one day a week less, and you drive five days a week, that’s 20 percent less carbon emissions that you’re putting out.” Students and faculty also spoke of such simple acts as a means to achieve a better living environment. During the program, a panel was set up comprised of local politicians who work closely with De Anza, including President Brian Murphy, Mayor of Cupertino Orrin Mahoney and staff for Congressman Mike Honda. PHOTO BY ERNEST CHAVEZ/LA VOZ
should be careful about the “ We level of personal sacrifice people should, or would be willing to make.
”
ORRIN MAHONEY MAYOR OF CUPERTINO
During a question and answer session, one of the facilitators, Keith Hubbard asked Murphy about De Anza’s commitment to sustainable-living policies in the face of state-mandated budgets cuts. Murphy said that despite budget cuts, De Anza’s commitment to the policies is “non-negotiable. Period.” Murphy went on to tell an anecdote about everybody wanting a jaguar car, to explain that as a community, people need to look beyond material possessions, and identify values that are more consistent with what’s best for the planet. However Mahoney, said, “We should be careful about the level of personal sacrifice people should, or would be willing to make.” When the floor was opened to questions from the audience, the panel of local politicians were asked about Eco Pass, a legislation that would allow students unlimited rides with Valley Transportation Authority by showing their student-ID cards, at a price of about $5 per quarter. The Eco Pass Initiative, which was voted on and passed by about 700 students in the Spring of 2008
A panel that consists of major campus adminstrators and local politicians discuss the importance of the enviroment.
in addition to why the policy has yet to be implemented. Murphy said there is no definitive time for Eco Pass to be established, and said a second vote is needed. VTA and De Anza were still in talks, and that no contract had been signed yet, said Murphy. The final segment of the teach-in was dedicated to inspiring and educating the audience members by leading them into several student-lead action workshops. The workshops ranged in subject from leadership skills, addressing issues of mass media, direct action, speaking out, national lobbying and methods of living that nurture environmental sustainability. WISE 37, who work closely with the ICCE and the department of environmental studies, announced Powershift ’09, which gives an opportunity for De Anza students to participate in a state-wide conference at the end of February, in Washington D.C. Around 10,000 students from across the nation are expected to attend, where they will be educated in sustainable technology, industry and careers. They plan to rally in front of the White House on the final day of the conference, to share their message with President Barack Obama. LV
Ernest Chavez is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: ernestchavez@lavozdeanza.com.
CLASSIFIEDS
SPORTS WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED FOR ONLINE SPORTS MAGAZINE (www.sjsportsreport.com)
San Jose Sports Report covers all SJ sports including the Sharks, Stealth, Sabercats, Giants, and many more. We are looking for writers/photographers to freelance for our staff. If interested please e-mail us your clips and tell us why you want to write for our magazine. All inquiries should be sent to reza@ sjsportsreport.com
Youth Swim Team Coach
Part time, April-July for club in Santa Clara. Rec league for ages 6-18. Manage assistant coaches. Send resume to:FPCC@comcast. net Minnie He, a DA student, passed away on Feb. 1. She was a business major and had recently been accepted to UC Berkeley. MInnie’s sister, Caroline, said Minnie was lovable and quiet, never harmed anybody, and kept a peaceful mind, body and spirit. Recently Minnie started to have emotional problems and was crying a lot. Her sister asks all to remember these words: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.” Funeral services are Thursday, Feb. 19 at 1:30 at the Lima Family Mortuary in San Jose. A reception will follow, with details given out at the funeral. All of Minnie’s friends are invited to attend to celebrate her life.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2009
There’s a great future in paper stephenZILL
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
faces of De Anza College Student of the week: Caroline Andrew
Opinion: Economics for Everyone I mentioned last week that economics is a “peculiar” subject. For example, it is the only social science to be awarded a Nobel Price. (Yea, yea, I know!) To add on, there can be years when the winners have diametrically opposing views such as in 1974, when the prize was shared by Austrian Friedrich Von Hayek and Sweden’s Gunnar Myrdal. While Hayek was a staunch champion and defender of free-market capitalism, Myrdal, was much less sure of the efficacy of laissez-faire capitalism and supportive of the idea of central planning. Another irony to the story is Myrdal would eventuality call for the abolition of said prize after American economist Milton Friedman, whose philosophy was much more aligned with his cowinner’s, won the Nobel in 1976. Often times economics is criticized for the lack of agreement between economists. There is a claim that if you had two economists discussing a topic you would have two different opinions – unless, ofcourse, one of those economists was Maynard Keynes, which in that case, you would (at least) have three different opinions. In truth, economists agree on many issues such free trade, and that free market capitalism is the best way to organize the economy. As for the latter, most economists today fall somewhere between Professors Myrdal and Hayek, who are at somewhat polar extremes. Still, there is a (fairly) wide range of opinions or disagreement as to how well the system works, and what role the government has in stabilizing the macroeconomy, proven evident with the recent stimulus plan. Circa early 1970s, Richard Nixon said, “We’re all Keynesians now.” The irony of Nixon’s quote is that “crude” Keynesian economics as policy prescription (and for that matter in much of the world of Academia) - that if the economy bean to sputter due to a lack spending in the private sector, government could pick up the slack and return the economy to full-employment by way of fiscal policy - was on its way out and would eventually be, for the most part, pushed completely out the door due to the stagflation of the 70s but would nevertheless continue to linger in the hallways. Ergo, we’re all Keynesians now – again. So what about the “stimulus package”, which has seemingly taken on a life of its own. I have begun to expect it to show up as a guest on Letterman? Though President Barack Obama recently declared that it is “universal”, all concur that government action is paramount or we potentially face a “lost decade” (see: Japan, 1990s). Additionally, although Vice President Joe “open mouth, insert foot” Biden recently claimed that every economist agrees with such sentiment, conservative economists such as Martin Feldstein, agree something needs to be done on the fiscal front. Those who belong in the Hayek camp, think it is a terrible idea. And the Myrdal followers are saying, why stop here? Let’s nationalize the banking system! Confused yet? Economics: pointless, bogus? Are you joking, this is what makes it so much “fun”! In the meantime, I would like to give you a little investment advice. To paraphrase the elder character in the 60s flick “The Graduate,” and his career advice to Dustin Hoffman’s fresh out of college character, “One word: Paper.” LV Stephen Zill is a professor of economics at De Anza College.
Andrew has talent for writing, poetry Brittany Sims LA VOZ NEWS
Every good talent takes time, practice and dedication, a fact which 19-year-old Caroline Andrew knows very well. She has been developing her gift of poetry and spoken word most of her life. She says she has written her whole life because it was passed down from her grandfather who is also a writer. She attended a private high school at The King’s Academy, where she was recognized early on as a freshman upon winning a speech contest. Now in her fifth quarter at De Anza College, she continues to do hyperbole spoken word; which are strong emphasis poems on a certain topic meant to stir up a feeling or create a certain impression on others. In addition, she writes traditional love poems. Her favorite is Allen Ginsberg, popular in the 70s and 80s,. She is inspired by random people she sees in her everyday life. Andrew has a learning disability known as dyslexia which makes it harder for the brain to process written language, particularly reading or spelling. But, for this brilliantly artistic student writing has never been an issue.
In fact Andrew said, “writing poetry is an easy way to express yourself.” Andrew defeats many stereotypes in society that claim those with a disability “can’t do” something; however, she has clearly shown she has a “can do” attitude on life. Although poetry is one of her fun pursuits, it isn’t the only skill that she possesses. Writing poetry is something she says she does for fun because she loves it and has hopes to be published one day. She is also interested in black and white photography, writes music in the genre of alternative pop- punk and is an assistant kindergarten teacher at a day care in Sunnyvale. De Anza instructors have helped tremendously in her pursuits to further develop her miraculous gift of writing. “Teachers at De Anza have taught me it’s important to be yourself and don’t take crap from people,” said Andrew. “De Anza is a place I can write freely because in high school and at home I have to censor myself.” Andrew’s major is Theater Production. She wants to do technical lighting and production for stages. She is a technician and lighting director for her church in Los Gatos. She says she loves
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SIMS/LA VOZ
Caroline Andrew, 19-years-old, theatre production major, has a talent in writing, which she inherited from her grandfather. In addition, she enjoys spoken word poetry, which she realized in her freshman year of high school.
stage work because there is a certain energy involved in it; theater production is all about “doing something and making something glow.” LV Brittany Sims is a freelancer for La Voz Weekly.
Artist of the Week: Joey Certeza
Certeza wants artists to collaborate Ernest Chavez LA VOZ NEWS
Joey Certeza is soft spoken, funny and likes to hang out, talk, draw, listen to music and then hang out some more. His art pieces are a reflection of his culture and what he sees in the world. He was born and raised on the island of Guam, and has lived in the United States for a year and a half. As a 20-year-old Fine Arts major with a minor in Ethnic Studies, he integrates his culture as well as his sociological and political perspectives into his artwork. His favorite environ-
PHOTO BY ERNEST CHAVEZ/LA VOZ
Joey Certeza, hopes to return to Guam, and establish a community center which would be, “ a place where kids can be creative and express themselves through drawing, painting, spoken-word and music and poetry.”
ment to work in is a collaborative one. “Like when you’re doing art on one side and another person is doing art on the other side, you get this vibe from artists, and you just go with it,” said Certeza. In addition, live music is the best to work to, but reggae and island music are good as well, he said. Certeza likes to draw tribal designs, and is careful to include at least a small design into every piece of art he makes. Certeza said he hopes his art influences others. “Art is a tool of media, it expresses points of views from around the world. I hope that art helps people to understand different realities and ideologies,” said Certeza. During last year’s International Workers’ Day held in May, Certeza made a fiery red and black piece calling for amnesty. Some other favorite subjects of his include media and junk food. He said, “I’ve done stuff on media because it’s all sadness and grief, but no happy things. And I’ve done stuff on how junk food and fast food corrupt the body.” Certeza is a social person and his art reflects this aspect of his personality. Much of his inspiration is drawn from the energy of others who are passionate about the same things he is, such as art, culture and different world-views. His motivation comes in part from instructors. “A lot of teachers are passionate about what they teach,
and when passion is involved, I tend to draw it. (Instructor) Rich Wood used to talk about Israel and Palestine, and I’ve made art pieces on that.” Although Certeza is mostly self-taught from an early age, he says that the De Anza College art courses have definitely “tuned up” his skills. He wishes art was more accessible to children. He says that in Guam, art is offered solely in high school, and there are no external art programs in the community. Although he likes California, he says that he plans to go back home eventually and establish a community center. He said the community center would be, “A place where kids can be creative and express themselves through drawing, painting, spoken-word, music and poetry.” The advice he gave to aspiring artists was, “Don’t think. Just do. You won’t know ‘till you try it out. And have fun.” One thing he hopes to see changed at De Anza is for the environment to be more expressive. Artists should come together to do live art in the main quad once a week, or display their work. He said, “I’m looking for De Anza artists willing to collaborate with other artists,” and provided his e-mail: jdcerteza@ gmail.com. LV Ernest Chavez is a reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: ernestchavez@lavozdeanza.com
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Joys of cutting the education budget soheilREZAEE
Opinion: As the World Burns For students all over California, the proposed budget cuts to the already under funded education has been on every one’s mind. If the cuts happen, several programs that are vital to student success could collapse. But with all the opposition to the proposed budget cuts to education and what it will do to the system, nobody has taken the time to think for a moment about the privileges of the cuts or who might benefit from them. Students may not realize it, but they gain the most from the cuts. With fewer resources, the schools will have to lay off some instructors, hence the first to go will most likely be that prick that failed you in Geometry and is constantly being flamed by everyone on Ratemyprofessor.com. With a lack of resources comes a lack of pointless books, and students will not have to read. Since books are boring, expensive and useless, instructors will be forced to have students pretend to read material off the Internet or better yet, watch a cute puppy do tricks on YouTube. Another benefit from having a lack of vital resources is that the administration would stop begging the government for funds, but instead look for sponsorship. There is a good chance students will respect a high tech facility named after Tom Cruise as opposed to some historically pointless social activist or Ronald Reagan. Outside of the campuses, there are a variety of organizations that could flourish if American students receive an inferior education. First up is the Religious Right, who for years has had a support base that, coincidently, consists of NASCAR dads, republicans, soccer moms and anyone who is just loathsome at science. When the masses are just too feeble to understand religion, it helps to have an opportunist to interpret everything, even though it’s not accurate. Then there is any industry that relies on its customers being either blind or nonchalant to its unethical business practices. Who cares if Wal Mart is exploiting Third World countries or harming the environment, as long as a consumer could purchase an abundance of useless materialistic commodities, then there is no real harm done. Next up is the Republican Party, who for the last 50 years has survived by warning the American people about the dangers of communism, terrorists, liberals, minorities, immigrants and anything else that is “un-American.” Why question or try and understand when it’s easier to be afraid and hate. Finally there is the entertainment industry, which is constantly struggling to find new ways of igniting our imagination. Their task would be so much easier if the public had no sense of culture and was only amused by simple poop jokes, the benefits of not having a decent education. But why stop at cutting the education budget? Why not cut the budget of the fire departments in California? Since it’s winter, a few burning buildings would warm up the neighborhood. With the dark satire aside, these ideas should have triggered an epiphany that brought about the realization of the effects such cuts will have on not just education but any public service that is vital to society. As we allow our government to continue to under fund our fountain of enlightenment while we grow more meaningless, in the end all we could do is sit back, have a cheap cold one and watch the world burn. LV Soheil Rezaee is the news and features editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: features@lavozdeanza.com.
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Study abroad across the globe Student travels to London Amy Franklin LA VOZ NEWS
Megan Escobar, 23, an accounting major, participated in a study abroad trip to London, Great Britain last fall. “The condensed class structure was stressful but we were each others support group. It was a struggle but we all came out of it together,” Escobar said. “Everything was jam packed into the few weeks that we had, and a lot of us got distracted by the city in the first few weeks and fell behind.” Escobar did find the classes rewarding, and now feels that she can pass any class. The Foothill-De Anza College District study abroad program encourages students to stay in a family’s home, called a home stay. Arranged through the school and American Institute for Foreign study, two students are set up per home. A benefit of doing so, is exposing a student to the way of life of a family in that country as well as getting an understanding of the culture. “One of (my) most memorable experiences was walking out of my home stay every morning and walking to the tube,” said Escobar. “I can still smell the air and feel the sun on my skin. Just the feeling of waking up in a completely different city, hundreds of miles away from mine was the most memorable experience. Organized by instructors Charles Lee and Marrietta Reber, Escobar and many of the students spent one weekend in Paris, France. Some students had already visited Paris and spent the weekend traveling to other places. While in Paris, Escobar and her friends crammed in as many places they could visit in two days including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc De Triomphe and Moulin Rouge. “It
PHOTO BY AMY FRANKLIN/LA VOZ
While studying abroad in England, Megan Escobar said the trip allowed her the opportunity to experience a different culture and form friendships with people she wouldn’t have otherwise met. was a beautiful experience,” said Escobar. While in London, Escobar spent time touring and watching plays. “I also learned to love the theater. By the first couple weeks I saw a play every day. And by the last week there were a couple days where I saw two plays in one day,” said Escobar. For Escobar, the study abroad trip was very rewarding, giving her the chance to experience another culture and giving her the realization that she wants to travel more in the future. Escobar was not only able to experience a different country while studying, but she was able to form friendships with people she would not have normally made friends with. “If I had the chance and it would help me, I would do it again,” Escobar said. “If you have the chance, do it.” LV Amy Franklin is a reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: amyfranklin@lavozdeanza.com.
GRAPHIC BY ALENA STAROSTINA/LA VOZ
Next stop: Beijing, China!
Instructor Charles Lee will participate in his second study abroad visit to Beijing, which will take place this summer. Maryann Sparelic LA VOZ NEWS
Charles Lee, English as a second language instructor at De Anza College, will embark on his second study abroad trip to China this summer. Lee’s first study abroad trip to China was in 2006. He described the experience as rewarding to see students working very hard. The constant interaction between instructors and students created a fun, learning experience. In those five weeks, Lee learned culturally along with his students. “Students loved writing. It became something they wanted to do,” said Lee. “Writing can feel like a chore
(sometimes).” The Chinese culture and environment is blended into the curriculum. This time, three general education English courses and one special topic, Survival Mandarin, will be offered. The summer trip will feature visits to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai as well as cultural attractions such as The Great Wall of China and Tiananmen Square. Furthermore the city of Suzhou is an addition from 2006’s trip. Suzhou, with differing architecture is known for its stone bridges and pagodas, tiered tower. The summer trip will also feature guest speakers from top Chinese universities who will pair out Chi-
nese and American students, enhancing thorough understanding of the global village. On his last trip, Lee recalls overhearing an American tourist ask directions from a young native in perfect Mandarin. The native responded in clear English. Lee said he stresses the importance of students learning how China’s influence is growing stronger and stronger. Lee said, “there is so much to see in China. I want to go again and again!” LV Maryann Sparelic is a reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: maryannsparelic@lavozdeanza. com
Students encouraged to participate in study abroad programs Amy Franklin and Maryann Sparelic LA VOZ NEWS
Immerse yourself in another culture; learn how other students live, try their food, all while earning academic credits. Every year, the Foothill-De Anza District teams up with an outside organization, American Institute for Foreign Study or Accent. The process begins when instructors from
Anza can be a lonely “ De place. It’s harder to find
that sense of community. This is an opportunity for students to meet and really make good lasting friendships which can be hard to do here.
”
MARRIETTA REBER INSTRUCTOR
both De Anza and Foothill are invited to apply, then one instructor from each school is chosen for the trip. Every year they look at who has applied and which two instructors have the ability to teach classes that would compliment each other. Two instructors, one from De Anza and another from Foothill, attend and offer classes in one or two subjects, allowing up to six classes to be offered during each trip.
The planned summer 2009 trip to Beijing, China led by De Anza instructor Charles Lee, will offer four English courses that fulfill general education requirements and a special topic course, Survival Mandarin. The planned summer 2009 trip to Sydney, Australia led by De Anza instructor, Matt Abrahams, will focus on Australia’s parliamentary form of government and environmental circumstances in two speech courses. The Beijing and Sydney trips will only have one instructor, limiting the number of classes to be offered. Don’t worry if you have already taken the course offered. Instructors are willing to accommodate curriculum by allowing you to earn those units elsewhere. In Sydney, to be held from July 6 till Aug. 4, students will home stay with local families, complete academic credit in speech course offerings while gaining firsthand experience on guided tours and visits, including a visit to parliament in Canberra, the Sydney opera house and the Blue Mountains. In Beijing, held from July 6 till Aug. 7, students will stay at tourist-style hotels and student bed and breakfast residences, study survival Mandarin and English courses concentrating on the Chinese culture, participate on walking tours sightseeing in Xian and Shanghai and visit cultural places such as, the Great wall and Ming Tombs. In order to qualify for study abroad, students must have a minimum of 12 units completed with at least a 2.5 grade point average and be at least 18 years old. Worried about paying for the trip? Don’t worry! Financial aid is available. The severity of the state cash crisis will not affect students because most of the money students’
use for financial assistance is federal said Cindy Castillo, financial aid director. Still Cal Grants, statefunded grants, will be covered by the district assuming reimbursement from the state said Castillo. The only obstacle remains is the willingness of students to sign up for a trip totalling a few thousand dollars. Past trips have been Florence, Italy, Paris, France and London, England. Program durations vary from about eight to ten weeks. With budget cuts, and the poor economy, the 2008 London trip was cut to six weeks. The students completed the rest of their six weeks here and received their full quarter credit. The Paris trip for 2009 Spring was cancelled as a result of low student involvement. Consequently on these trips, students have a tendency to be distracted and not take their studies seriously. “As a professor you want everyone to do great all the time,” said Marrietta Reber, who taught on the 2005 Salamanca and 2008 London trips. “It is an academic program. If they are doing really poorly, we can send them home.” Students stay at homes in the country who have offered to participate, which are called home stays. Two students designated to a room in each home. Before leaving, if a student has not requested a roommate, they are matched up with one based on questionnaires filled out before the trip. Some programs arrange for participants to stay together in apartments but they have found that home stays enhance the experience. “We want there to be a cultural exchange,” said Reber of the reason for utilizing home stays who has taught on the 2005 Salamanca and 2008, London trips.
AIFS organizes social activities for the students, which often includes one or two day trips. Although Reber has heard that this course may not always be offered in the future, students are traditionally required to take a one day per week course around the country that they are in such as British Life and Culture or Spanish Life and Culture. A different lecturer teaches each class. “When I was in Spain, they had a professional flamingo dancer come and do a demonstration and we were all up there trying it,” Reber said. “They were a tight group,” Reber said of the students on her trip to London. “Six of them are all taking the same class this quarter.” Accent, an independent study abroad program provider with a multinationl team concentrated in Paris, Florence, London, Madrid and Rome, works with colleges and universities in the United States, to plan academically challenging and culturally stimulating study abroad programs. Accent provides firsthand culture experience with on-site lectures, academic trips and tours that tell you the best places to eat, exchange money and survival language skills. Study abroad programs are a chance for students to get to make close friendships. “De Anza can be a lonely place,” Reber said. “It’s harder to find that sense of community. This is an opportunity for students to meet and really make good lasting friendships which can be hard to do here.” LV Amy Franklin and Maryann Sparelic are reporters for La Voz Weekly. Contact them at: amyfranklin@lavozdeanza.com and maryannsparelic@lavozdeanza.com, respectively.
FEBRUARY 17, 2009
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ENTERTAINMENT The flea market experience: the good, bad, all exposed Dear Diary, PHOTO BY KEN ENG/LA VOZ
On Saturday, the crowded De Anza Flea Market was full of women shuffling through piles of old clothes and shoes, men haggling for raggedy two dollar towels and others looking through piles of old, dirty, used tableware. It seemed as though people swarmed the tables where the old, useless items were, leaving behind the few stops where useful items could be found. One man seemed attracted to a dirty, armless, one-legged mannequin. It was a little creepy at first, but then I wonder if there is an emotional value in this kind of item for some. In another area, a person had a section of long tables with: used shampoo, body wash and other secondhand toiletries. Do people really buy this? A box of used Dream Pets for “only $2!” I don’t know why people pay two dollars for a tiny, dirty, used stuffed animal that you could get at a store for the same amount. Or, if it is a collectible, put your money towards a good one. If it is a Dream Pet, what good will it do if someone else has already been dreaming with it? I saw what looked like a faded, 20-year-old plastic wheelbarrow with a really old toy duck thrown inside of it. If it were my old wheelbarrow, I would throw it away! Or give it to
Diary Entry: 2-7-2009
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KEN ENG/LA VOZ
GRAPHIC BY ALENA STAROSTINA/LA VOZ
Went to the flea market today. It was my first time going, actually – though I used to live in Cupertino, I’ve never had the occasion to drop by. Given my experience, that might’ve been poor judgment on my part. The flea market was interesting. And huge. Really, really huge. Huge as in it stretched all the way down to the multilevel parking complex on the other side. Given that it was a sunny day – a welcome reprieve from the previous day’s hard rain – its attendance quickly swelled by noon, occasionally choking up the lanes of sellers. It was so packed that I could only move in the direction that the crowd was going. Small wonder too. There are all sorts of interesting things for the discerning eye – or, at least, for the bookworm’s eye, as I counted something like six or seven dedicated booksellers, ranging from trashy pulp fiction to a beautifully worn collection of ancient hardcovers. But the books weren’t the only thing that caught my attention. Some of the stuff sold there are clearly antiques – a steamer chest full of World War II letters, yellowed with age, and even a vintage gas mask. For the historically interested, there were cultural artifacts aplenty to sift through. Part of the flea market congestion could be blamed on the fact that entire families paid a visit. No
surprise as to why, as a good portion of the hawkers were selling toys of all sorts. Mostly kitsch, unfortunately, like cheap plastic soundmakers and old action figures, but there were nonetheless some things worth noting. The booth that was dedicated to all Legos, all the time, for example – Star Wars replicas aplenty, and quite a few rare sets too. The guy that was selling colored, cast-iron bells technically isn’t a kid-friendly booth, but he was quite enthusiastic about letting people “sample” his products. Impromptu bell harmonies were played throughout the day, especially by the kids. The ethnic diversity of the Bay Area is one of the greater pleasures of living here, and it shows quite vibrantly throughout the flea market. Some of the stalls wouldn’t look out of place if suddenly transplanted into a backstreet market in China. There were eye-catchers of all sorts too. Some were just visually impressive, like the giant cube of suspended rugs, each large enough you’d need a truck to bring home. Some, however, were just downright bizarre. A Bill Gates matrioshka doll? Really? The flea market’s a window shopper’s heaven. It’s worth visiting at least once, to wander around and take in the sights. Maybe I ought to schedule a return visit.
my nephew or niece if they happened to want it. Why people crowd into the market for dancing Coke cans, old plastic toys that aren’t worth a quarter and used Homies that you can get in toy vending machines, I do not understand. People may as well go buy new Homies and have it be their own Homie for 25 cents, unless these toys are collectibles. Another person was selling plain green plants for $25. The problem I found with these plants was that half of them looked partially brown, as if they were dying. Why buy a $25 dying plant when you can buy an $8 one at the store or a farmers market that is perfectly healthy? A table of used shoes! People must feel really comfortable going to the flea market and buying old shoes from random people. Who knows who wore them before? They didn’t look very clean, and what about getting a foot disease? And a box of what appeared to be really old used curling irons being sold for $5 each. I say just go buy a new one for $10. I’ve heard the saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and I think that everyone there really takes it seriously. After going to the market, it seemed that many people are sacrificing quality for the price.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2009
X-ray Exhibit of terrorist victims on display in library Bella Yashayev LA VOZ NEWS
De Anza College is the first community college to host “Inside Terrorism,” an X-ray photo exhibit of terrorism victims. Creator Diane Covert seeks to draw attention to global terrorism through the X-rays and CT scans she has collected. The Hadassah-Ein Kerem and the Shaare Zedek Medical Centers located in Jerusalem provided the majority of the photos on display. Although the photos are from the Middle East, the project doesn’t focus on regional issues. Covert said, “It’s not a matter of race, religion, ethnicity or any particular border dispute. Terrorism is a worldwide problem.” The idea for this project was born after hearing a National Public Radio report about the first woman terrorist seven years ago, she
said. When discussing terrorism, Covert said, there is too much emphasis on the terrorists and too little on the victims. The X-ray project is how Covert presents the horrible consequences of the terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. “It’s important (to give) voice to the victims of terrorism,” said Barbara Saphapira, chair of this year’s X-ray project bay area college tour. Saphapira worked closely with Covert and project co-sponsors Hillel of Silicon Valley, Jews Israelis and Friends Club, the De Anza College Library and The Euphrat Museum of Art to bring the exhibit to De Anza. “The X-rays are pure documentary photographs,” Covert said at a VIP reception on Feb. 9. “The impact from the X-rays is slow, unlike the exposure to bloody, horrifying images taken from news photographers.”
After viewing an image of a watch embedded in a human bone Cupertino Mayor Orrin Mahoney said, “The watch wasn’t
I believe we have a “ decent shot at ending
terrorism, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing (the project). DIANE COVERT CREATOR OF “INSIDE TERRORISM”
”
a part of the bomb… (It) was an innocent participant.” Among the guests were professionals from the medical field, who provided visitors with
The art of itching in public
Brittany Sims LA VOZ NEWS
It happens to all of us. We are in the middle of a date, out with friends at the mall, in class or someplace else where we don’t have access to the privacy of a bathroom – when we get the sudden urge, that annoying impulse to itch, scratch or pick at one of the most noticed parts of our body … the buttocks. Well, you don’t have to be embarrassed any longer with these helpful tips on inconspicuous ways on how to relieve that pesky itch or get rid of the wedgies we all have to deal with. The Wall: This technique is great if you’re out in public with friends. Find an edge of a wall (or pole) to lean up against. While talking to your friends, with your books or bag in one hand, use the edge of the wall to your advantage. Use your free hand on the side of the wall your friends can’t see and pick the wedgie or itch that area, by acting like you’re brushing off something on your pants.
When we get the “ sudden urge, that
annoying impulse to itch, scratch, or pick ...
”
The Twirl: This technique is great if you’re by yourself because people will think you dropped something or saw something so fascinating you just had to turn around. While you’re walking, turn your head slightly, and in the midst of your twirl around, get that annoying spot. No one will ever notice because you do this move very fast. Make sure that after you twirl, stop for a minute and look at something or walk in another direction (so you don’t look crazy just twirling around). The Spider: This technique is ideal if you’re standing or sitting. While sitting down or standing you can exclaim, “SPIDER!!!” or say nothing and just act like you have
a spider on you by brushing off and fidgeting your whole body. In all the commotion nobody will ever notice that you just scratched your rear end. The Bend-N-Snap: Everyone knows this move from the pretty-npink diva Elle Woods of the movie “Legally Blonde.” A move like that isn’t just for attention; with a little change to the move you can fix your itch with class and style. While bending down to pick up something you’ve dropped on purpose (you can kneel as well), do a little wiggle to situate where your “problem” area is, then snap up very hard as if you intended to crack your back. This should take care of it with ease because the force at which you snap should have had the strength to get rid of any itches or wedgie troubles. Hope these helped, and if you’re bold enough, just go ahead and do what you need to do, with no other cares on your mind. After all, it’s like a pimple: everybody gets it. LV Brittany Sims is a freelancer for La Voz Weekly.
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information about the scans. Physician A.K. Misra, representing the Hindu-American Foundation, came to share his knowledge and perspective on terrorism as someone who had a “firsthand experience,” he said. Jessica McBeth, a doctor from Valley Medical Center said the injuries in the photos were “devastating.” “I believe we have a decent shot at ending terrorism,” Covert said. “Otherwise I wouldn’t be doing (the project).” The exhibit was first displayed on the east coast and has already visited San Jose State University, Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. It will be on display in the library until Feb. 27. LV
Bella Yashayev is a freelancer for La Voz Weekly.
Apple v. Orange Topic: The most fashionable color?
Lina’s always right Orange is like a lime green mohawk or a seasonal Louis Vuitton bag. It screams, “Look at me! Look at me!” But the fact that it is ugly remains the same. Orange is like a Chinese character tattoo. It was the cool thing to do yesterday but “what on bloody hell was I thinking” tomorrow. Uniqueness and the oftenchanging trend define 21st century’s fashion world: the only reason why orange could even dare come close to “fashionable.” I can buy that orange is “in.” But remember, in this industry, “what’s in today is out tomorrow.” Keeping that in mind, a timeless style is the only one worth keeping. Black is appealing, flattering, sexy and classy. All in one. Where as orange, unique and tacky will do. There’s a reason why black keeps coming back. (Or just never left main stream.) It’s timeless! It has been making the ugly feel sexy, fat feel slimmer, messy feel tidy, since forever. Why are Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci so big? How is it surviving our current state of lack-of-money? There’s a classic of clothing and accessories that keeps each of the brands constant, invincible of our economy’s fluctuation. Once again, round of applause to timeless quality! One clueless writer states, “Looking good in orange is an accomplishment.” No, it’s a desperate cry for attention. A true fashionista doesn’t need an off-red color for spot light. After all, it’s all about who wore it best, not who stands out the most. Would Breakfast At Tiffany’s be the same if Audrey Hepburn had worn a little orange dress? We would be laughing at the hideous color, only looking for her guidance around Halloween season. I can’t address enough, Coco Chanel’s words, “fashion fades, only style remains.” Bottom line is ... Black lingerie? Sexy. Orange lingerie? I’ll give it cute. Black pencil skirt? Classic. Orange pencil skirt? It should not exist. LV
Lina Kwon is the A&E editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: arts@ lavozdeanza.com.
Dae’s never wrong Most fashionable color? Some might unsuccessfully argue that black is the way to go. Black? Really? Is vanilla your favorite flavor as well? Come on now, orange is full of win and we all know it. It’s easy to look good in black. But to look good in orange? Now that is an accomplishment. Only the truly fashionable can pull off an orange ensemble. Like a decent writer said last week, “An easy game isn’t worth playing.” Surprisingly enough, orange looks pretty good with black. Now that I think about it, almost every color looks good with black. It works well off other colors. I will concede that black is a good color … a good supporting color. How the Al Gore of colors succeeded to presidential status is beyond me. Did black invent high heels? Did black invent the pinstripe suit? I think not. So why all this undue praise? Because it’s convenient like McDonald’s? Because it’s an easy answer like “Go ask your mother”? Every year fashion people toss around colors for “the new black.” Even fashion people are sick of it. They are desperately trying to free themselves from the oppression that is the same old black. These black clad slaves of fashion are waiting for a leader – someone more fashionable than they to show the way. The fashion savior – the Fajesus if you will – shall deliver us from the played, tired black with the truly fashionable orange. It’s easy to follow. It’s heroic to lead. Black is for sheep. Orange is for champions. Join us! Let us shine a citrusy beacon of hope unto this depressingly obvious, run of the mill world! We shall rise and we shall crush Apple – I mean black – and remake the world of fashion into our deliciously orange colored likeness! LV
Dae Kim is the broadcast editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: broadcoast@lavozdeanza.com.
FEBRUARY 17, 2009
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Dons end 20-game losing skid, defeating Gavilan College 70-55
Quan Luong LA VOZ NEWS
The Dons’ 20-game losing streak came to an end Feb. 4, emerging with a 70-55 victory over Gavilan College. The Dons started slow, trailing 11-4, before head coach Jason Damjanovic called an early timeout. After the timeout, De Anza went on a 5-0 run, closing the gap to 11-9, showing they were determined to not let the losing streak continue. The Dons were without key contributors Travonne Edwards and Andrew KeAloha. Edwards left
for Los Angeles to visit his ailing grandmother. “We knew that our team had to step up and play extremely hard for Travonne’s grandma,” Adam Close said. “But it didn’t affect our ability to play well against Gavilan.” KeAloha broke his left wrist during practice, while attempting to dunk and got undercut. He is out for the remainder of the season and will require surgery to repair the broken bone. After the Rams knocked down a three pointer to take a five point lead, the Dons wouldn’t stop attacking the basket and made another 5-0 run to tie the game at 14.
Midway through the first half, the Rams answered the Dons, draining three-three pointers in a row over them to take a six-point 23-17 lead. The Dons and Rams went into the half tied at 36, as De Anza looked poised to end their losing streak. Early in the second half, the Dons began to frustrate the Rams by going on a 5-0 run for the third consecutive time to take a 41-36 lead. “We adjusted together as a team as Adam and Deshawn were going to get boards for us,” Kris Gingrich said. “Our guards did a great job forcing Gavilan to commit a couple of turnovers.” Midway through the second half,
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHUJI SHIMAKAWA
the Rams struggled to make their shots and committed a couple of turnovers as De Anza took control of the game. The Dons were able to hold the Rams to 19 points in the half, their best defensive effort of their difficult season. “Since we were able to play as a team, we were able to come out with a stunning victory against Gavilan,” Gingrich said. Gingrich and Close were a handful for the Rams, combining for 42 points. Gingrich led the team in scoring with 22 points and Close added 20 points and 10 rebounds, picking up his fifth double-double of the season.
Shooting guards Melvin Sneed scored 14 points, nine from the freethrow line, and Zach Stevenson had a double-double for the Dons with 10 rebounds and 11 assists. “We were able to play pressure defense on Gavilan, making key stops and kept on scoring points against them,” Damjanovic said of his team’s first win since an early season tournament. “We held them to 19 points in the second half and that’s how we won the game.” LV Quan Luong is the assistant sports editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: assistantsports@ lavozdeanza,com
The De Anza College men’s basketball team triumphed over Gavilan College 70-55, for their first victory since their second game of the season. Their 20-game losing streak ended in large part to Adam Close’s (bottom left) 20 points. Forward Kris Gingrich led the team in scoring with 22 points and had 10 rebounds, his fifth double-double of the season. The Dons’ defense troubled Gavilan, holding the Rams to only 19 points in the second half, De Anza’s best second half defensive effort this season. The Dons shot 45 percent from the field and made 15 of 20 free-throws in the streak busting victory.
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OPINION & Editorial Editorial Board Nitzan Beck Editor in Chief lavoz@fhda.edu
Joe Chunnic Managing Editor managing@lavozdeanza.com
Soheil Rezaee News Editor Kelly Truong Opinions Editor Lina Kwon A&E Editor Dae Kim Broadcast Editor Alena Starostina Graphics Editor Daniel Gamberg Web Editor Alejandro Jimenez Assistant News Editor
Quan Luong Assistant Sports Editor
Contributing Staff Ernest Chavez, James Chen, Amy Franklin, Patrick Gartner, Anson Lai, Yen Lai, Jonathan Mai, Andrea Michelle Nott, Maryann Sparelic, Vinh Vu
Business Staff Beth Grobman Faculty Adviser grobman@fhda.edu Walter Alvarado Lab Technician alvaradowalter@fhda.edu Reza Kazempour Business Manager ads@lavozdeanza.com
About Us
La Voz Weekly is a First Amendment newspaper written and published by De Anza College students. La Voz Weekly is partially funded by the De Anza Associated Student Body and is printed with soy-based inks at Fricke-Parks Press. All rights reserved; no part of La Voz Weekly may be reproduced without permission. Phone: 408-864-5626 Fax: 408-864-5533 lavoz@fhda.edu www.lavozdeanza.com Room L-41 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014 Come to Room L-42 Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. to attend the newspaper staff class.
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Letters to the editor, submissions and press releases are welcome and can be submitted to: www.lavozdeanza.com/letters Letters should be 300 words or less; letters more than 300 words may be edited for length. Letter content must not be libelous or intended to air personal grievances. La Voz does not guarantee that submissions and letters to the editor will be printed, nor does it guarantee coverage of events for which it receives press releases. La Voz reserves the right to edit letters and submissions for clarity in accordance with Associated Press writing style.
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INFO
Staff editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or the opinions of the La Voz staff. Opinions expressed by staff and contributors are the opinions of the individuals and not necessarily the opinion of La Voz Weekly.
De Anza College remains our first choice
Though the La Voz Weekly Editorial Board spends a great amount of time criticizing various aspects of life on campus, we still believe De Anza College should be anyone’s first option when it comes to California community colleges. This week, we would like to take the opportunity to give credit where credit is due. For one, our exceptional transfer rates deserve a round of applause! De Anza regularly ranks first or second in the state for the number of students transferring to UC and CSU campuses. We also have outstanding programs that exceed other community colleges’ standards and compete with some of the most prestigious universities. Our film/television department is the largest and most successful department of its kind in the entire California community college system. De Anza has won more Emmy Awards, Student Academy Awards and Focus Awards than any other two-year school in the nation. The animation program here com-
THE OPINION OF ThE LA VOz Weekly EDitorial Board petes with that of NYU, UCLA and USC for the top 15 spots on Animation Magazine. To support our superb programs and students’ scholastic abilities, we have instructors from a variety of
backgrounds teaching in personable settings. Many of our instructors concurrently teach at De Anza as well as four-year institutions, like San Jose State or Santa Clara University. We receive similar (if not the same) lectures as students at a four-year-university. But it’s only better here! We get to enjoy the lectures in smaller classes for cheaper prices. One aspect we take for granted is our beautiful campus and what it has to offer. Even with the L-quad trees long gone, our campus has more trees than San Jose City College has ever had. We have the Sunken Garden, IllustrationS (3) by GALEN OBACK
La Voz Weekly
FEBRUARY 17, 2009
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at least four more fountains spread out across campus, and our very own pond next to the Kirsch Center. A pond! Does Foothill College have a pond? No, they have hills instead. Beyond scenery, we have passionate and friendly faculty running the resourceful outlets on campus. All we have to do is reach out and use them. First, we have the building accompanied by its own pond, California native themed gardens and eco-system: Kirsch Center. Not only is it appealing to the eyes, but it’s educational too. Secondly, we have a certified planetarium that hosts astronomy and laser light shows every Saturday. Third, we have an incredibly resourceful library, available to students six days a week, that has papers from as early as the 1930s and an impressive Vietnam War collection. Last but not least, we have an awesome broadcast media center where Video La Voz is filmed weekly! De Anza doesn’t meet everyone’s standards all the time, but it deserves a standing ovation for what it has. LV
Snubbing Springsteen is unpatriotic soheilREZAEE It’s that time of the year. Oscar season: a time for the best films to receive recognition for their contribution to the cinematic arts. Yet for every film that should be recognized, there is always a great deal of injustice done to other works that truly deserve it. One of the biggest injustices of this year’s Academy Awards is “Grand Torino” not receiving a single nomination. How could the Academy possibly ignore this perfectly crafted work of art from Clint Eastwood? But that’s a small complaint next to the greater injustice of denying Bruce Springsteen a nomination for the theme song to “The Wrestler.” The song, which won a Golden Globe, is one of Springsteen’s best works since “The River.” Robbing him of a nomination has to be the biggest unpatriotic act ever committed, worse than burning a flag. After
all, Springsteen’s word is more significant than the Constitution. Other injustices include “The Dark Knight” not being nominated for Best Picture and Christopher Nolan being snubbed for Best Director. No film in 2008 was more impressive than “The Dark Knight,” which took viewers on a dark odyssey in a fight for justice in a corrupt world. A much better story than Brad Pitt aging backwards or someone playing a game show. Sadly, the Academy disagreed, nominating “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” for 13 awards and “Slumdog Millionaire” for 10. There is absolutely nothing Oscar-worthy about either movie – not even, in the case of the latter, the music. A. R. Rahman’s songs for “Slumdog Millionaire” are not at all impressive, yet the Academy felt they were more worthy then Springsteen. But on a positive note, Heath Ledger received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance as
the Joker. Another worthy nominee is Mickey Rourke as Best Actor for “The Wrestler,” a role he performed flawlessly. Rourke’s character as a down-on-his-luck fighter is almost similar to his own career in Hollywood. The only major competition Rourke will have is Sean Penn, nominated for “Milk.” Both delivered solid performances and are going to be major rivals for the category. With any luck, either “Milk” or “Frost/Nixon” will win the awards for Best Picture and Best Director. This
will undo the insult perpetuated by offering awards to “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Slumdog Millionaire” over both Nolan and Springsteen. LV Soheil Rezaee is the news editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: news@lavozdeanza.com.
Michael Phelps gets high vinhVU Stop the world, people. It doesn’t matter what is going on right now – the first black president in office, an economy in recession, the millions of other problems out there in the world – none of it matters. Why not? Because Michael Phelps, 23-yearold Olympic gold medalist, smoked pot. Why does smoking marijuana come with such a stigma? I believe the only reason is because it is illegal. There is evidence of people smoking marijuana dating back to the third millennium BC, yet America only began regulating it in 1906. That means marijuana has been illegal for less than one percent of the time that it has been in use. Because our society is so hung up on marijuana, we’ve thrown Phelps under the bus. That’s just horrible. Phelps is now being harshly punished and heavily scrutinized. Companies like Kellogg have already re-
voked his endorsements. However, people forget that he is still 23 years old: an age when people are just having fun, especially if you are on top of the world like Phelps. It doesn’t mean that you are doing whatever you want with no responsibilities, but that’s what the stigma of marijuana causes people to think. Smoking marijuana, even once, makes you a lazy disgrace of a person. As the commercials for “Above the Influence” (which make me giggle) gain hype, so does the stigma. I see what those commercials are trying to do – discourage teens from drugs – and I don’t necessarily disagree. However, people should realize that smoking marijuana isn’t the lifeending action it’s made out to be. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are many, many people who smoke marijuana. Marijuana is there – it is up to the person to know what is enough and when is enough. Did people forget that alcohol was made illegal for a short period? I feel that it is the same concept. Alcohol
was prohibited from 1919 to 1933, but during that time, there was constant debate at all levels of government while drug laws were passed without the general public’s knowledge. This is not to say I am advocating drug use, but I would like to see some unbiased and fair conversation about it. We should return to the debate on the legal status of marijuana. In my opinion, the only reason why marijuana is a big deal is because people make it a big deal. LV Vinh Vu is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: vinhvu@lavozdeanza.com.
FEBRUARY 17, 2009
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OPINION & Editorial
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INFO
Staff editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or the opinions of the La Voz staff. Opinions expressed by staff and contributors are the opinions of the individuals and not necessarily the opinion of La Voz Weekly.
Check your Gucci and Prada at the door, dudes patrickGARTNER Here is some fashion advice from a guy who dresses a homeless man. To be more specific, I want to give some keen advice about buying fake designer bags, shoes, clothes or accessories. In a nutshell: don’t do it. I have compiled a comprehensive list of three reasons why I believe anyone would want to buy fake designer stuff in the first place. I have also come up with three ways I believe those reasons are completely ridiculous. Before I start: some definitions. I do not want to exclude anyone, so let me clarify two terms I will be using often: Dudes: Men or women who do not care about being fashionable or trendy. Fashionistas: Men or women for whom fashion is number one, above all else. The first reason I came up with why any fashionista would buy fake designer gear would be to look cute for someone else. This sounds reasonable. I think it is fair to assume that everyone would like to be considered attractive and sometimes people cannot afford the Gucci-Prada B.S. Now let me poke a hole in this cute theory. If you are buying a cheap replica to look cute for a dude-type person, you have wasted the effort because dudes could care less whether or not you have the new-faux tote. Right? On the other side, if you were buying the forgery
to look cute for a fellow fashionista, wouldn’t he or she be able to recognize that you were fronting a falsity? Either way, it is a foolish waste of money and effort. Another reason behind purchasing fake bags would be to look rich in public. As a status symbol, I guess that sporting fancy-wear could give you an air of American nobility. But haven’t you ever heard the phrase, “If you have to ask how much it cost, you can’t afford it?” Maybe that sounds snobbish, but I think it is a great rule for us poor folk to live by. Who cares if you are broke? You don’t need to impress anyone by trying to pretend that you have disposable income. Also, I would like to reiterate this point for you fashionistas who are buying these imposters in order to look wealthier than you are – dudes don’t care, and fellow fashionistas are going to know that you’re bluffing. If you can’t afford the real thing, do not even bother. I think it would be more embarrassing to be caught with a designer knock-off than something inexpensive. The third reason that I can think of would be to keep on the cutting edge of new trends. If fashionistas are going to buy a fake bag to be trendy, well, I am not going to even bother with you because desiring to be trendy all the time is possibly one of the most fruitless endeavors I can imagine. And buying false copies of trendy bags, clothes or whatever is about
as lame as you can get. Why not find something cheap and used? What I am trying to point out here is that if you are not rich, cute or trendy, then you are not rich, cute or trendy. No Frauda or Niemen Bogus-counterfeit is going to help with that. Come over to the dude-side of thinking about fashion. It’s so much easier. Our clothes, bags and shoes have elastic and Velcro. We buy things that serve utilitarian needs so you are never left with im-
practical issues involving storage or comfort. I tell you, it is bliss. If you’re tired of trying to keep up with today’s crappy and expensive trends, then join me in the Sweatsuit Revolution and ridicule anyone who spends the money on fake designer crap – or real designer crap, for that matter. LV Patrick Gartner is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: patrickgartner@ lavozdeanza.com.
Bush officials need to be Eco-friendly corporations? held responsible for torture Not so much ernestCHAVEZ On Jan. 22, President Barack Obama released an executive order stating that Guantanamo Bay must be closed within one year, and the CIA and U.S. military must respect the Army Field Manual’s restrictions on torture. Though this is undeniably a step in the right direction, we must demand further action: an investigation into the disgusting acts of those who gave the torture orders, so that they may be prosecuted accordingly. The military judge overseeing the Guantanamo military tribunals, Susan Crawford, admitted to the torture in a Washington Post interview, saying, “We tortured Qahtani… His treatment met the legal definition of torture.” She explains that then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld approved the torture, and suggests that the responsibility went up to Bush himself: “I think the buck stops at the Oval Office… I think that someone should recognize that mistakes were made, and that they hurt the effort and take responsibility for it.” When Obama was asked about whether he would prosecute the officials responsible for these atrocities, he said, “I don’t believe that anybody is above the law... On the other hand, I also have a belief that we need to look forward as opposed to looking backwards.” But it isn’t backwards thinking to simply follow the regulations set forth by the Geneva Conventions, which states that individuals who are responsible for torture need to be prosecuted, regardless of their official positions. The American people voted for Obama on the basis of his campaign promises, two of which were to close Guantanamo and follow up by investigating the higher-ups who approved the torture. The statement “We need to look forward”
seems to grant political immunity to some of the most at-large American criminals. The ultimate goal here is not revenge. The goal is to make sure that illegal acts of torture never take place again. Logically, when you have a serious problem, you can’t just ditch it in one day. To truly solve a problem, you need to get to the root of it. If Americans and Obama are truly dedicated to the democratic process and human rights, we must do everything we can to ensure that innocent individuals are not detained unlawfully and subjected to torture again. In seven years, the Bush Administration detained more than 700 people at Guantanamo. Of these 700, almost 500 people were released with no charges - and no compensation for their time served, detainment without due process, or prolonged episodes of torture. It is undetermined what will happen to the current 200-300 imprisoned in Guantanamo. Many news sources are speculating that some will be released, and some will simply be shipped to international prison camps controlled by U.S. powers – like Bagram prison in Afghanistan. Our current moral and political stance on torture is an embarrassment to all Americans, as well as to American tradition. After all, it was our first president, General George Washington, who ordered that British prisoners be treated in a humane manner during the American Revolutionary War. It’s not just a moral issue of physically and mentally torturing innocent people. But on an international level, how can the U.S. claim that torture of Americans is wrong, if this is the precedent that our government is setting for the world? Ernest Chavez is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: ernestchavez@ lavozdeanza.com.
jamesCHEN It takes a pretty thick skull these days to dispute the problem of global warming. The evidence has become so blatant, so obvious, that even business leaders with a stake in refuting the claims of the incoming ecological disaster are finally saying, yes – there is a huge problem. That doesn’t mean, however, that they’re going to do anything about it. The priorities of a corporation are always, first and foremost, determined by its shareholders. The role of a corporation is not to please customers or pave the way to innovation, but to generate profit. After all, it is a business’s job to make money. Profit and growth are expected not in the long term, but within a time frame agreed upon by the shareholders. And though the disasters of global warming are the stuff of Hollywood nightmares, the time scale over which it occurs at is at a far different pace from shareholder expectations. Because ecological change occurs over the course of decades and centuries, the goal of making a corporation ecologically friendly runs directly counter to shareholder interests. Ecological projects cost millions of dollars with no immediately perceivable change or benefit, acting as a drain upon the company’s value. It is easier, then, for companies to simply greenwash themselves – to tout their supposed eco-friendliness and embellish every minor improvement to their production cycle’s environmental efficiency. Public relations is, after all, much cheaper than infrastructural reform. But don’t be fooled by greenwashing. Rath-
er, be outraged by it. The Airbus A380, one of the worst examples of greenwashing, is a multimillion-dollar aircraft that guzzles petroleum by the hundreds of gallons, spews it back out as atmospherechoking pollutants, and has a production and build cost on the environment comparable to pouring industrial waste right into the sewers. Yet it is celebrated as “green” by virtue of being slightly less taxing on our ecosystems than jets of comparable size. Or consider Comcast’s “PaperLESSisMORE” campaign. Comcast patted itself on the back for using less paper for their bills – an achievement advertised by a massive blitz of paper ads that easily offset any marginal benefits they could have claimed. And in the most common type of greenwashing, there are countless “organic” or “environmentally friendly” pesticides, cigarettes and other consumables whose intrinsic cost on the environment is high, regardless of how “natural” the ingredients used to make them might be. The guillotine of ecological impoverishment lingers over our children’s and grandchildren’s heads. Barring technological advancement that will make organic existence obsolete – an admitted long shot even amongst fellow transhumanists – our only hope for the continued prosperity of the human race is to wise up and not trash our own home. And one of the first steps we can take is to apply a stinging rebuke across the cheeks of the folks who pay lip service and cheer our efforts, but are tossing out beer cans and wrappers behind us. James Chen is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: jameschen@lavozdeanza. com.
thursday’s grilled fish @ De Anza’s cafeteria
broiled salmon, grilled zucchini, sweet pepper, yellow squash, portabella mushroom and pesto sauce (Wholewheat Roll Optional) RECIPE - 2 oz. Squash, crookneck & straightneck, broiled, drained, w/ salt - 2 oz Squash, zucchini, baby, raw - 2 oz. Peppers, sweet, red, raw - 2 oz. Mushroom, oyster, raw - 1 tbs Pesto with salt - 1 tbs Cooking Oil - 6 oz Finfish, salmon, Atlantic, farmed, raw
$7.50 Every Thursday we will be hosting a new grill special designed for those who enjoy the simplicity of grilled fish. The emphasis is on a low carb, fresh vegetable and healthy diet. Pending on the sauces we aim to keep the calories under 500. All of the menu items that change can be seen at: www.deanza.edu/diningservices/February2009.htm
The Cafeteria is located on the second level of the Hinson Campus Center.