Issue5 Fall 2008

CLUB DAY COVERAGE

PROPOSED NPR TEST STATION AT FOOTHILL COLLEGE

STUDENTS WITH SKILL PUT ON FOR CLUBS AT DE ANZA COLLEGE

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CAMPUS EVENTS

DE ANZA, DASB TO HOST MOCK ELECTION OCT. 28 Page 2 CAMPUS NEWS

NEW CAMPUS BUS STOP PRAISED, PROTESTED Page 5

La Voz Weekly VOLUME 42, ISSUE 5

The Voice of De Anza College Students Since 1967

NEWS Club Day grips college campus

OCTOBER 27, 2008

NAILBITER!

Student organizations held an outdoor expo at De Anza to showcase themselves and their members’ skills Oct. 16.

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Foothill College’s student radio may go to NPR District Trustee Hal Plotkin proposed turning the station over to National Public Radio.

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SPORTS Student athlete of the week Getting to know Kristi Whitmyre of the De Anza women’s cross country team. She’s actually pretty down to earth.

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Joe’s Sports Blurb Nolan’s time spent with the 49ers has been some of the roughest in the team’s history, and his departure was predictable.

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OPINION

KEN ENG/LA VOZ WEEKLY Facing a back and forth battle throughout, De Anza’s Lawrence Taylor (3) and offensive line struggle to find a gap in the Rams’ defense.

Dons score game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes remaining, besting persistent Rams Quan Luong LA VOZ NEWS

Editorial The system of ‘plus or minus’ grading in place at De Anza is unfair to students who work the hardest and sacrifice the most.

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Music industry’s tactics repelling honest patrons The recording industry’s anti-piracy tactics are really encouraging piracy and stifling technological creativity.

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INDEX Campus Events.......................2 DA Voices...............................3 Love Voz................................4 Sports....................................7 Economics for Everyone...........9 Opinion................................10 La Voz Weekly is a First Amendment newspaper, produced by students for the De Anza College community.

La Voz Weekly utilizes environmentfriendly soy-based ink.

The De Anza College Dons football team hosted the Gavilan Rams on Oct. 18 in a back and forth game with six lead changes. The Dons were trailing in the fourth quarter and completed the comeback, defeating the Rams 31-24.

With 10:47 remaining in the first quarter, the Dons capped off their first drive with a Lawrence Taylor five-yard touchdown run. This put the Dons ahead 7-0 early in the contest.

“If a player on my team is struggling, then they need to use their practice time to figure out their mistakes, so they know not to make the same mistake again,” head coach Dan Atencio said. “Our team is able to play with confidence, and the fresh-

man players this year are definitely improving with their game play.”

After a few stalled drives for each team, the Rams finally tied the score at seven with 9:58 to go in the second quarter. They did so on a one-yard run by Rams running back Connor Farotte.

On the Rams’ next possession, they took the See DONS, Page 7

New degree programs, A little sympathy for certificates at De Anza the devil in the details?

He’s got me on hold Maryann Sparelic LA VOZ NEWS

New certificate and degree programs at De Anza College this year include an associate’s degree in journalism, and certificates in environmental studies, leadership and childhood development.

The journalism degree has been a long-awaited inclusion to media and mass communications studies by many De Anza students. “The journalism degree teaches students civil engagement, empowerment and what it means to be concerned

about the issues,” said journalism professor Shagun Kaur.

“Instructors are working on bringing more integration in technology to teaching and engaging students on and offline, such as iTunes, YouTube, Facebook and podcasting,” said Kaur, who wants students to find their own connection to journalism by matching available technologies with their own interests. “If one student likes to get their news from CNN and another from The Daily Show, we have to make that OK.” Skills obtained in the journalism

See DEGREES, Page 9

Photos, video, breaking news:

LaVozDeAnza.com

It appears that the Federal Government has FINALLY settled on a plan – TARP II, or is it III? – that will be implemented in an effort to save our ailing credit markets and keep the economy from sliding into a deep and prolonged recession.

As a result, I have lately begun to im- Stephen Zill merse myself in a Economics for Everyone number of articles to learn more about the intricacies know quite a of the deal, and while doing my research, two things stood out: it seems

that the Treasury is no longer referred to as THE Treasury, but simply “Treasury” (fascinating); and the other thing is, the cliché used most commonly when discussing the particulars of the plan is always, “the devil’s in the details.”

Thus, it occurred to me that, the Treasury thing aside, this “devil” fellow must bit about the present See ZILL, Page 9

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CAMPUS EVENTS

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

OCTOBER 27, 2008

CAMPUS EVENTS Happenings around De Anza College Monday, Oct. 27 student debates on candidates, Props monday, OCT. 27, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., main quad

Join speech and debate students as they debate the candidates and propositions, and compare the U.S. electoral process with other countries’ systems of selecting national leaders.

CCC MOCK ELECTION PLANNING MEETING monday, OCT. 27, 6 p.m., council chambers, campus CTR.

Volunteers interested in helping with the CCC Mock Elections on Tuesday and Wednesday should attend a planning meeting or contact the DASB Senate office at 408-864-8690 or e-mail cccmockelection@gmail.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 28 CCC MOCK ELECTIONS TUESDAY, OCT. 28, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., main quad

Vote in the DASB-hosted Mock Election, designed to educate students about the process and procedure of the national election. For more information, contact the DASB office or email cccmockelection@gmail.com.

VOTING & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ART EXHIBIT TUESDAY, OCT. 28, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., main quad

De Anza students’ art and design projects that are focused on voting and civic engagement will be on display at the voting booths.

TRANSFER DAY TUESDAY, OCT. 28, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., main quad

Students can meet with representatives from over 40 California public and private universities and colleges for information on transferring and the application process.

STUDENTS AGAINST PROPS 4-6-8 with Christine Chavez TUESDAY, OCT. 28, 11:50 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Stage, main quad

Come hear Christine Chavez, District Director for State Senate majority Leader Gloria Romero, and granddaughter of Cesar Chavez speak on civil rights issues. Sponsored by Students for Justice.

FILM SCREENING: ‘engage her’ TUESDAY, OCT. 28, noon - 1:30 p.m., Admin 106

The documentary film “Engage Her: Getting Minority Women to Vote and Lead” explores why the vast majority of Latina, African American and Asian Pacific Islander women in the United States do not vote. A discussion will follow the film.

FALL QUARTER DATES Monday, Nov. 10: Veterans Day holiday Friday, Nov. 14: Last day to drop with a W Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 27-30: Thanksgiving holiday Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 9-12: Final exams Friday, Dec. 12: Last day to file for fall degree or certificate Monday, Dec. 15: First day of winter recess Monday, Jan. 5: First day of winter classes

WHAT’S HAPPENING? Let us know!

Send event notices to Happenings@ LaVozDeAnza.com by Wednesday noon preceding the week of publication. 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.

Wednesday, Oct. 29 CCC MOCK ELECTIONS WEdnesday, OCT. 29, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., main quad

Vote in the DASB-hosted Mock Election, designed to educate students about the process and procedure of the national election. For more information, contact the DASB office or email cccmockelection@gmail.com.

VOTING & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ART EXHIBIT wednesday, OCT. 29, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., main quad

De Anza students’ art and design projects that are focused on voting and civic engagement will be on display at the voting booths.

FREE FLU SHOTS FOR STUDENTS WEdnesday, OCT. 29, Campus CTR. Lower Level, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Free flu shots will be given to students with DASB cards in a clinic set up outside the lower level of the Campus Center, close to the Health Services office, opposite the ATC building.

FREE FLU SHOTS For FACULTY, STAFF WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29, Campus CTR. RMS A & B, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

District Human Resources is offering free flu shots to district-sponsored health plan members, spouses/domestic partners and retirees.

Thursday, Oct. 30 FREE FLU SHOTS For students THURSDAY, OCT. 30, Campus CTR. Lower Level, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Free flu shots will be given to students with DASB cards in a clinic set up outside the lower level of the Campus Center, close to the Health Services office, opposite the ATC building.

FREE FLU SHOTS For FACULTY, STAFF THURSDAY, OCT. 30, Campus CTR. RMS A & B, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

District Human Resources is offering free flu shots to district-sponsored health plan members, spouses/domestic partners and retirees.

DASB HAUNTED HOUSE Thursday, OCT. 30, Cafeteria fireside RM., 12:30 - 2, 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Get scared, have fun and enjoy the haunted house at the lounge beside the Rococo Cafe.

Free! Refreshments and prizes provided.

NETWORK OUTAGE THURSDAY, OCT. 30, DE ANZA WEB SITE

Due to equipment installation, some of the functions of the De Anza Web site, including registration and faculty pages may be down from 11 p.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday.

Saturday, Nov. 1 DE ANZA FLEA MARKET SATURDAY, nov. 1, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., PARKING Lots A & B

The De Anza Flea Market offers about 825 vendor stalls and can draw up to 20,000 shoppers.

Event will be held rain or shine. Entry is free; parking is $5 per vehicle.

SATURDAY student PARKING Saturday, nov. 1

Specially dedicated parking has been set aside for students on the top level of the Flint Garage on the first Saturday of each month while the De Anza Flea Market is in session. Students need student parking permits or need to show their DASB card to purchase a one-day student parking pass at the lower student rate.

Monday, Nov. 3 dasb funding requests due monday, nov. 3, by 4 p.m., student activities office

The 2009-2010 DASB budget applications, available on the DASB Web site at http://www. deanza.edu/dasb/budget, are due on Nov. 3.

For questions regarding funding possibilities, procedures and requirements, attend a DASB

Budget and Finance Committee Meeting on Monday, Oct. 20 or 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the Santa Cruz Room in the Campus Center. For more information, call Esha Menon at 408-8648695, John Cognetta at 408-864-8239 or Dennis Shannakian at 408-864-8757.

Tuesday, Nov. 4 election night party tuesday, nov. 4, 6 - 9 p.m., campus center

The De Anza community is invited to a special election night event sponsored by the Office of the President. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Tina Woo at wootina@deanza.edu.

Shlomo artzi in concert tuesday, nov. 4, 8:30 p.m., flint center

Shlomo Artzi, one of the most successful Israeli performers, fuses rock with native Hebrew strains. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster from $61 - $151.

Wednesday, Nov. 5 FREE FLU SHOTS FOR STUDENTS wednesday, NOV. 5, Campus CTR. Lower Level, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Free flu shots will be given to students with DASB cards in a clinic set up outside the lower level of the Campus Center, close to the Health Services office, opposite the ATC building.

Thursday, Nov. 6 FREE FLU SHOTS FOR STUDENTS THURSDAY, NOV. 6, Campus CTR. Lower Level, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Free flu shots will be given to students with DASB cards in a clinic set up outside the lower level of the Campus Center, close to the Health Services office, opposite the ATC building.

memorial for professor jean miller thursday, nov. 6, 3:30 - 5 P.m., campus center

A memorial will be held for English Professor Jean Miller, who passed away on Sept. 22 from complications associated with cancer.

ONGOING EVENTS art faculty/staff exhibition NOW - thursday, oct. 30, Euphrat, A-92

The De Anza and Foothill College Art Faculty/ Staff Exhibition in the Euphrat Museum presents a variety of artwork created by faculty and staff including sculpture, painting, drawing, prints, mixed media, photography and ceramics. Museum hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by arrangement. For more information go to: http://www.deanza.edu/euphrat.

FREE TUESDAY LUNCH WITH JIF EVERY TUESDAY, Noon - 1:30 p.m., Sunken Gardens

Come meet fun and interesting students from the De Anza Jews, Israelis and Friends club. A free lunch is provided during JIF’s weekly Tuesday gatherings.

PLANETARIUM SHOWS EVERY SATURDAY through dec. 20, planetarium

Journey to the stars with the Planetarium’s Infinium S Star projector and full-dome digital astronomy and laser light shows. Costs range from $7 - $9. Go to http://www.deanza.edu/ planetarium for a list of shows and times.

MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY, 6 - 9 P.M., PE 12L & MASSAGE ROOM PE 12U

The Massage Therapy Program Clinical class is offering massages every Monday and Wednesday evenings through Dec. 3. Appointment times are at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Cost for students is $10, faculty/staff is $15, the community is $20. To make an appointment call 408-864-5645. For more information see http://www.deanza.edu/ pe/massage/clinic.html.

COLLEGE REP VISITS

Schedule appointments to meet with representatives in the Transfer Center on the 2nd floor of the SCSB or by calling 408-864-8841.

Monday, Oct. 27 UC Davis: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. Tuesday, Oct. 28 Cal Poly Pomona: 1 - 4 p.m., Info Table, Main Quad Annual Transfer Day, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Main Quad Wednesday, Oct. 29 UC Santa Cruz: 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. Thursday, Oct. 30 UC Berkeley: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. Monday, Nov. 3 UC Davis: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. Thursday, Nov. 6 UC Davis: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. UC Santa Cruz: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. Monday, Nov. 10 UC Davis: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. Tuesday, Nov. 11 Academy of Art University: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Info Table, Main Quad Golden Gate University: 5 - 7 p.m., Info Table, Campus Ctr. Wednesday, Nov. 12 UC Irvine: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. SJSU: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Info Table, Main Quad Thursday, Nov. 13 UC Berkeley: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., by apt., Transfer Ctr. University of the Pacific: 1 - 2:30 p.m., Info Table, Campus Ctr. Lobby

UC APPLICATION HELP Free help with writing college application essays will be given at drop-in workshops at the Writing and Reading Center in room ATC 309. Tutoring is also available on a drop-in basis.

Monday, Oct. 27 12:30-1:30 p.m.: “Writing Prompt #1” Wednesday, Oct. 29 12:30-1:30 p.m.: “Writing Prompt #1” Tuesday, Nov. 4 12:30-1:30 p.m.: “Writing Prompt #2” 1:30-2:30 p.m.: “Writing Prompt #2” Sign up for an appointment for help with your College Application Essay starting Nov. 3.

SKILLS WORKSHOPS Free study skills workshops are offered throughout the day to interested De Anza students. Preregistration in L-47 is required. Times are subject to change; please see the L-47 white board for current information and locations.

Monday, Oct. 27 12:30 p.m.: Textbook Reading 2:30 p.m.: Note Taking Strategies Tuesday, Oct. 28 10:30 a.m.: Spelling Strategies 11:30 a.m.: Sentence Skills Wednesday, Oct. 29 10:30 a.m.: Communicating in Study Groups 11:30 a.m.: Writing Thesis Statements 1:30 p.m.: Time Management Strategies 2:30 p.m.: Critical Thinking Thursday, Oct. 30 10:30 a.m.: No-Freakin’ Speakin’ Speeches 10:30 a.m.: Vocabulary in Context 11:30 a.m.: Making Effective Decisions 1:30 p.m.: Writing/Grammar Web Resources Friday, Oct. 31 8:30 a.m.: Note Taking Strategies 11:30 a.m.: Concentration

OCTOBER 27, 2008

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

CAMPUS NEWS

CLUB DAY Students show up to see what groups have to offer them Sharon Su LA VOZ NEWS

Oct.16 was one of the biggest days of the quarter. Club Day. With songs resounding over the main quad, students walked along the aisles of booths, receiving flyers and signing up for various student groups. Those dressed up in cosplay, club shirts, produce and even the college mascot (the Don) brought added fun to the event.

Then came the exciting and touching performances. The Tae Kwon Do Club performed along with a song that went together with the moves of the performers.

Next came the Philipino Club, doing hip-hop moves and rapping. Students made a circle around the club members, waving their hands and cheering.

Four members from the Disabled Students Unlimited club made a wonderful performance.

W.I.S.E. 37 was as unique as always, dancing while holding up the sign “WISE37” and wearing PowerVote T-shirts.

The coveted final act spot went to the De Anza Cheer and Dance Team.

Judging by students’ reactions, it appears it was a success.

See LaVozDeAnza.com for more!

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ALERTLOG CAMPUS POLICE SERVICE: STRAY ANIMAL Thursday, Oct. 16 Location: Soccer, softball field Summary: Dog on soccer field.

THEFT: GRAND THEFT OVER $400 Thursday, Oct. 16 Location: S3 building Summary: Occurred yesterday.

TRAFFIC COLLISION: ACCIDENT – NO INJURIES Monday, Oct. 20 Location: Parking Lot B Summary: Report that vehicle, a silver Saturn, has been hit possibly by vehicle parked next to it.

THEFT: PETTY THEFT UNDER $400 Monday, Oct. 20 Location: Police Dept. 2103 Summary: Bike was taken yesterday.

REPORT: MISSING PERSON Tuesday, Oct. 21 Location: De Anza Summary: No further information available.

INVESTIGATION: INTRUSION ALARM Tuesday, Oct. 21 Location: Learning Center West LCW vestibule area Summary: Trouble alarm sounding.

TRAFFIC HIT AND RUN: PROPERTY DAMAGE ONLY Tuesday, Oct. 21 Location: Parking Lot A Summary: Dent in left side of rear bumper, silver 2005 Toyota Camry.

TRAFFIC HIT AND RUN: PROPERTY DAMAGE ONLY Wednesday, Oct. 22 Location: Parking Lot B Summary: No further information available.

INVESTIGATION: SUSPICIOUS PERSON Monday, Oct. 22 Location: PD Substation Summary: No further information.

INVESTIGATION: INTRUSION ALARM Monday, Oct. 22 Location: F2 Building Summary: Unknown audible alarm sounding.

COMPILED BY NARSU RAO

DA VOICES What De Anza students have to say

What is the best Halloween costume you have ever seen?

“A girl’s naked body painted as a fairy.”

“A half-man, half-woman.”

“Santa Claus.”

Lance Lesui

Shahan Stephanian

Anna Marino

“A bundle of grapes.”

“That freaky girl from ‘The Ring’ movie.”

“A sixfoot-seven banana.”

“A Franzia wine box with dispenser.”

Evan Lueck

Huy Du

Cory Kalina

Meghan Fitzgerald

“A flasher.”

Joaquin Duran

COMPILED BY LINA KWON

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CAMPUS NEWS

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

BASTYR CHANGED MY LIFE

Samyar Bukovcan, ND (‘08)

Read Samyar’s story:

knowledge.bastyr.edu

Health Psychology • Exercise Science & Wellness Herbal Sciences • Naturopathic Medicine Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine • Nutrition

OCTOBER 27, 2008

Four detailed steps to bring about more success in intimacy Step three: EMBRACE your partIn order to be successful in a relationship, there are certain factors that ner.

Embracing, meaning that you find need to be considered. There are four major areas that have to be covered your partner’s characteristics credible and understood individually before and desirable.

This is where you start to get really committing to another person. I will now go through these steps one by intimate with someone, by welcoming that person into your life. This one as I’ve understood them. step can be compared to enlightenStep one: EXPOSE yourself.

By exposing, I mean fully show- ment in Buddhism, which means that ing/sharing your personality, morals, you’re not being driven by your fears or desires. ethics and sexuality.

As long as you reThis step can also be member some of the called “Into-me-see” earlier statements, you (as in intimacy), beshould be fine embraccause if you don’t ing your partner and expose yourself, than letting that person into you won’t really be your life. Don’t forget open to love. In order that you’re two differto feel the love your ent people in a relapartner is giving, you tionship, and that you need to make sure need to respect that in that the person you’ve order to accept it and showed him/her really then embrace it. Don’t is who you are. Withtry to impose your holding the truth about Shabnam beliefs of right and yourself and acting a Mahmoudkhan wrong on your partner. part is going to make Love Voz The idea of right and you not feel loved by your partner, because you will never wrong is personal and situational-and know if your partner really loves you it changes all the time.

Step four: the ASSUMPTION OF or the role you’re playing.

When you choose to be a part of a GOOD WILL. Meaning that you have a mentality relationship, your emotional maturity has to have reached a certain level in that says “The other is more like us, order to be successful with your part- than unlike us.” If you assume that ner. Emotional maturity is essential in your partner’s heart is in the right a relationship as it is often tougher to place, that there are no bad intentions and that he or she isn’t trying to take feel love than to give it.

Everyone has fears and insecuri- advantage of you, that will affect how ties, but it’s crucial to have control you act in the relationship. If both of over these feelings and not act upon you are doing that, you tend to care them, since insecurities, fears, and for each other. You can’t do that in a controlling, are very destructive in relationship if you’re fearful of what a relationship. Make sure that your your partner’s intentions are.”

It’s important to know that good fears aren’t creating a prison for your partner, and there’s only one person intentions with a bad outcome can be who can deal with your insecurities- adjusted in the future through communication and education, while bad that’s you.

Last but not least, there’s the urge intentions with a successful outcome to control your partner. You can only sacrifice the innocence and the inticontrol yourself, if someone chooses macy of the relationship.

If you or your partner unintento cheat, he/she will without you having any power over it. It doesn’t mat- tionally mess up at times, it’s okay ter if you call 58 times per hour per – things can be fixed. You can talk about it and solve whatever the issue day – it still would’ve happened.

As individuals we are constantly is. But if you intentionally hurt your evolving and discovering new things partner, you’ll always know what you’ve done and about ourselves. you won’t be able Share and disEmotional maturity to forgive yourcuss these issues self-even though with your partis essential in he/she may never ner, so you can a relationship, as it is find out. This will grow and evolve often tougher to feel love affect how you as a couple. This are in the relawill keep the rethan to give it. tionship in a big lationship going way, maybe even and have you both involved in each other’s lives, without you even being aware of it.

You don’t need your partner to as opposed to you only evolving as criticize you or give you construcindividuals and not together. tive criticism or vice versa. You Step two: ACCEPT your partner.

Meaning that you accept your part- know when you screw up if you take ner, and yourself, for where and who a minute and think about it, be honest with yourself, take responsibility you/she/he is right now.

Remember that everyone’s perfect and nobody needs to tell you. Instead and unique in this world – there’s tell your partner how wonderful he/ only one of you. Accept who you are she is. Anyone can criticize you – not instead of comparing yourself with everyone can love you.

As a twosome, you should work as others – that’s where it gets really wrong. You can only be the authentic a team – transform your individual you, don’t ever think you can become weaknesses to strengths. As partners the ideal design of you, and don’t you can spin the bad stuff and make ever audition for anyone’s fantasy. it positive. Because, if your partner Know yourself, create a balance of loves you, they will see the person your good and bad qualities and ac- you’re hoping to be.

Saying and pointing out positive cept you for you.

People tend to enter relationships things about each other makes you with a lot of baggage, and usually elevate to the level your partner sees refer to them as “issues.” You should you. If you constantly hear that you’re know that you can’t really be success- ugly, fat and stupid, you will elevate ful in a relationship carrying all that to that level and start believing it. If around. If you are starting off a new you hear how amazing, wonderful relationship, you need to leave your and intelligent you are, you will unbaggage at the door, and walk in with consciously elevate and become that an open heart. A common mistake is person. Only an intimate partner can that people forget that we cannot pre- reflect your best self to you. dict the future, and we cannot change the past – there’s only the right here, If you have a personal dilemma, want and the right now. I can’t put my bag- to comment on Love Voz, or have gage on you and our relationship. It advice of your own, contact Shabnam belongs in the past. at: lovevoz@lavozdeanza.com.

OCTOBER 27, 2008

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

CAMPUS NEWS

PAGE 5

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

ALEJANDRO JIMENEZ/LAVOZ WEEKLY

Foothill College’s KFJC radio station may be forced to give up its underground format in district trustee’s plan to convert the facilities into NPR testing ground.

Foothill station KFJC clings to underground, may switch to NPR Alejandro Jimenez LA VOZ NEWS

Foothill College’s radio station, KFJC 89.7, could be on the fast track toward becoming a training ground for National Public Radio.

Founded more than 45 years ago, the student-run station started broadcasting mostly educational fare and now plays mostly alternative music.

In a recent Foothill-De Anza District Board of Trustees meeting, Trustee Hal Plotkin presented his vision for the proposed future program.

The concept centers on creating a student run news bureau through a partnership with the nationally syndicated radio network.

Since 1959, the Foothill station has been a source for underground rock and other music genres that might not receive airtime elsewhere.

Ploktin, who was part of the team that founded NPR’s segment “Marketplace” 24 years ago, said, “We

can expand and link Foothill with National Public Radio to develop the broadcast class into a news bureau for journalism, in which students and others can use the station to produce segments.”

The plan would mean a lot to Foothill students focusing on broadcast journalism. Four-year universities, such as the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communications, currently have these types of programs in place, but partnership between a major broadcasting company and a community college is a rarity.

Plotkin’s concept starts with gaining support from the college, the student body and the current radio staff. A suitable building and office space is also essential to making the news broadcasting program successful.

Participation in the radio program is open to Foothill students and requires enrollment in the broadcasting class. However, the sentiment

among several Foothill students within the radio program suggest they are content with the present format, and see no reason to add or subtract from a station that has been growing and working on its own without any major setbacks.

“This is a music station,” Eric Johnson, a disc jockey for the Foothill station, said. “The focus has been on music and learning about working in radio.” He said several people who started working at the station in the past are leading successful careers today. Still, Johnson said he is concerned about the current facilities being inadequate.

“Collections of records and CDs are overflowing,” he said.

Today, the station is mostly funded by listener contributions, but receives some support through local business as well.

Alejandro Jimenez is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: alejandrojimenez@lavozdeanza.com.

Ribbon cut for new bus stop

VTA abandons transit center plan at De Anza, settles for lone bus stop Sharon Su LA VOZ NEWS

On Oct. 20, the Valley Transportation Authority and De Anza College celebrated bus line 23’s new stop located on Campus Drive. The stop officially began operating on Oct. 6, but a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony had always been part of the plan.

In attendance were a host of De Anza administrators and student leaders, including De Anza President Brian Murphy and De Anza Associated Student Body President Terell Sterling, as well as Transit Authority officials.

“We thank the VTA for their cooperation,” President Murphy said during the ceremony. “They were very flexible and thoughtful. This new bus stop is a symbol of the relationship between the VTA and the college.”

Dolly Sandoval, Mayor of Cupertino and Vice Chair of the VTA Board of Directors, said that the project, originally planned as a massive Transit Authority busing hub at the center of De Anza’s main parking lots, was partially government funded.

Sandoval, who transferred from De Anza to UC Santa Cruz and graduated “before buses were created,” she quips, also served on the Foothill-De Anza District Board of Trustees for 10 years.

Sandoval said that, having worked more than eight years on the project and extensively in the last 18 months, the opening of the bus stop this quarter was beneficial for students and well worth the wait. She mentioned that the Transit Authority’s ultimate goal was to make transportation easy

for De Anza students and better connect residents to the college.

“Around 1,000 students rely on the VTA’s bus services everyday,” Sandoval said. “The VTA works on transportation and transit services for students, and we will try to work on services that serve the campus.”

After the ribbon was cut, Sandoval took the stage and ended the ceremony by saying, “The more rides, the more services, the more we can go from point A to point B.” Bus drivers showed interest in the occasion and approved of the new bus stop. “It’s fantastic!” said Sal Garcia, a Transit Authority bus driver for over 10 years. “This gives the students better access to transit security.

They used to have to walk farther.”

There are some who have reservations about the new bus stop, however. A group of De Anza students showed up to protest the event. They voiced concerns regarding the failed Eco-pass ballot initiative and the integrity of the Transit Authority itself.

The project was put on hold many times in the past few years due to disagreements over funding between the city and the college, and the Transit Authority’s own inability to produce the money necessary.

Still, Sandoval thinks the new stop is a sign of a healthy relationship between De Anza and the Transit Authority. “The VTA staff and the college worked very well together,” she said. “It’s great how the two government entities planned it all out so well to better serve the customers.”

Sharon Su is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: sharonsu@lavozdeanza.com.

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OCTOBER 27, 2008

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

SPORTS

SPORTS

PAGE 7

DONS SEASON

De Anza quarterback Isaac David (7) led the Dons on a late drive against the Gavilan Rams on Oct. 18.

KEN ENG/LA VOZ WEEKLY

DONS | De Anza defeats Gavilan in comeback Continued from Page 1 lead on a Matt Perkins three-yard run to the end zone, going ahead 14-7 with 7:26 remaining in the first half.

Just before the half, the Dons answered with quarterback Isaac David connecting with wide receiver Casey Modiri on a 13-yard pass with 2:22 left in the second quarter.

“We use our practice time to train really hard,” Atencio said. “The coaching staff makes sure that the players work hard in school and we always prepare for the next upcoming opponents that we’re going to play against. All the players on the football team cooperate well with each other and with our coaching staff, too.”

To open up the second half, the Dons’ defense gave up a 55-yard touchdown run by Farotte, barely two-and-a-half minutes in, regaining the lead over De Anza 21-14.

However, the Dons responded immediately when running back Chris Mendoza scampered into the end zone on a 16-yard run. But the Dons couldn’t tie the game as place kicker Jose Villanueva missed the extra point.

“This year, the freshmen have been a huge impact on the team and they are all improving with their skills too,” Atencio said. “It is really an honor for us coaching staff to work with all the football players on the

team and I am very proud of them and all the hard work that they have accomplished.”

With 3:55 to go in the quarter, Villanueva made a 26-yard field goal, as the Dons retook the lead 23-21.

The scoring continued as the Rams tacked on a 20-yard field goal after the Dons’ defense prevented them from scoring in the red zone. De Anza trailed 24-23 late in the fourth quarter.

Again De Anza had the answer for Gavilan as David led the team downfield. David connected on a 24-yard touchdown to receiver Kendall Hendon with just 1:33 left in the game. The Dons went for a twopoint conversion to go up by seven and converted to extend their lead to 31-24.

“We stayed focused on the game the entire time and we kept the communication going with each other, so that’s how we were able to pick up the victory against the Rams,” said A.J. Alvarez.

“To keep us motivated in the game, we never give up. We work as a team, we put our minds on the game, we play as a team and dream about winning the championship,” said Jerry Barnes.

Quan Luong is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: quanluong@lavozdeanza.com.

PHOTOS (2) COURTESY OF WAYNE SPALDING

Quarterback Isaac David (7) completed the winning pass to wide receiver Kendall Hendon (89) on a 24-yard hook-up as the Dons triumphed 31-24 over the Rams.

Student Athlete of the Week Kristi Whitmyre Women’s cross country team Major: Agricultural sciences

Quan Luong LA VOZ NEWS

De Anza College’s Kirsti Whitmyre isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. At a recent cross country meet, the freshman placed third in the Gary Judd Invitational held at Sierra College.

Whitmyre was a late addition to the women’s cross country team because she was not recruited by head coach Nick Mattis. “She’s from Gilroy,” Mattis said, “so she was out of our recruiting boundaries.”

No matter, as Whitmyre had already enrolled at De Anza, after transcript trouble with Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.

“She started a month late and she’s made a difference,” Mattis said. “She’s taken us from seventh in the conference to third.”

So let’s get to know Kristi Whitmyre: So how does it feel to be nominated as player of the week?

Whitmyre: I feel pretty cool about being player of the week, and I feel surprised about it, too.

What got you interested in

joining cross country?

W: In high school, my track coach got me into joining cross country, so that’s how I got interested in it.

What are some of your other interests?

W: I like to raise livestock and take care of animals.

After you’re done with your GEs at De Anza, what college are you planning on transferring to?

W: I’m planning on transferring to Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.

What’s your major? What do you want to do for a living or as a career?

W: I’m majoring in Agriculture Sciences and as I grow older, I want to become an agriculture teacher.

What are your favorite foods, music, TV shows, movies and books?

W: I love to eat spaghetti, I love listening to country music, I love watching the movie “Live Free or Die Hard” and the TV show “House.” Last but not least, I love to read books in general.

Do you have any siblings in your family?

W: I have a twin sister, two younger brothers and one older sister in the family.

PAGE 8

SPORTS

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

OCTOBER 27, 2008

The unemployment line just got a Turf.” If he was still that good of a coach, he would be a head coach little longer.

The firing of Mike Nolan isn’t going somewhere in the NFL. To add to that, "The Greatest Show to solve anything for the San Francisco 49ers. They’re not a very good on Turf" had some excellent players team every Sunday. They appear to offensively. The Niners have some be good on paper and when training good players, but J.T. O'Sullivan is camp rolls around, but they’re really no Kurt Warner of his Super Bowl days. He's a poor not that good. man's Kurt Warner Seeing them in perat best. Granted he's son, they just don’t never started in the look confident whatNFL until this year, soever – even in their he's making too many wins. They just somemistakes in an offense how get to where that relies so much on they’re going. It’s the the pass. blind leading the blind This offense needs over here. to be centered around It still comes down running back Frank to whether or not Gore. He is what the players make the makes this team tick right decisions on the Joe Chunnic and they feed off what field. It really is not he does. But they can't Mike Nolan’s fault The Sports Blurb feed off Gore if he's that quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan spends more time on his not getting a bulk of the touches each back than he does making a pass. and every quarter.

The 49ers blew a 9-point 4th quarHe’s the most sacked quarterback in the league right now, and that’s not ter lead to the Eagles because they couldn't take care of the ball, and Nolan’s fault.

Nolan's claim to fame is that he is they didn't trust themselves enough a "defensive guru," but his defense to get the ball to Frank Gore. He really isn't doing the job either. The touched the ball four times in the 4th defense is supposed to be the strength quarter and the Eagles just waltzed of this team, but everywhere you turn back into the game without much of cornerbacks Nate Clements and Walt a fight.

It's not Nolan who should be reHarris are being burned.

The only time Clements and Harris sponsible for all the things that haphave looked good is when other teams pen on the field. His job is to best make the mistakes for them. The De- prepare the team each week for the troit game was by far the 49ers' best game ahead. The head coach is just all season, but it was against a team the scapegoat for all the major things that go wrong. The coaches are the that had no idea what it was doing.

The Lions have fallen behind 21-0 ones that get fired, not the players.

DE ANZA LA VOZ AD 6.063” x in four of their games this year. That's They're the accountable ones.

Of course the players aren't responnot a quality win; everyone has been sible. They just go out and execute – destroying them this season.

The only thing offensive coordi- to the best of their ability – the game nator Mike Martz has done is make plan set forth by the head coach. But everyone expect something great out when it comes down to it, the coach of the offense. People need to realize is wrongfully the one to blame in all that this is not the same coach who these situations. Former coach Mike was running "The Greatest Show on Nolan isn't the one fumbling the ball,

ILLUSTRATION BY GALEN OBACK

Nolan makes his exit, loses head coach title, leaving workable Willis and band for Singletary

or the one throwing the interception, but he is that loveable scapegoat for when things go wrong.

And boy, did things go wrong and in a hurry. It started with Nolan's pick quarterback Alex Smith. Smith 7”of was highly regarded out of the University of Utah, where he ran the spread under now Florida head coach Urban Meyer.

It's been dramatically noticed by some that the spread offense doesn't really teach a quarterback how to properly read defenses. It also immediately shows their inability to take

a three-step, five-step, or seven-step drop from under center.

To add to the misery, the 49ers let major players slip past them in recent drafts. Aaron Rodgers was there for the taking, but the 49ers and Nolan went for Smith.

The lone bright spot for the Niners continues to be linebacker Patrick Willis. The young man has shown up to play every day, even with broken bones in his hand last season. He has the heart and determination to be the leader this team desperately needs.

He is new coach Mike Singletary's

project. This is what Singletary could bring to the franchise. If all the players respond to Singletary like Patrick Willis has, then this team will get better and it will be immediate.

Nolan lost this team, and for that, he's unfortunately been cast off to join Lane Kiffin, formerly of the Raiders, and Scott Linehan, formerly of the Rams, all of whom now fill the ranks of the unemployment line.

Joe Chunnic is the sports editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: joechunnic@lavozdeanza.com.

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OCTOBER 27, 2008

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

CAMPUS NEWS

PAGE 9

DEGREES | New certiďŹ cates in ZILL | A discussion with the dark lord fast-growing academic ďŹ elds on the Fed’s new deal Continued from Page 1

program give students a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of the media industry. Kaur said the progress in the Journalism Department is good and that more is on the way. More courses are being developed and teaching strategies are changing, she said.

Among the new certiďŹ cates being offered at De Anza this quarter is the Wildlife Corridor technician certiďŹ cate, which is designed to prepare students for careers in the fast growing area of environmental studies. The Wildlife Corridor program combines group work, lead-

ership classes and work experience all into one focused study. Wildlife Corridor technicians seek to link a series of environments together, allowing wildlife to move from one area to another and beneďŹ t from the resources there. “This ďŹ eld is one of the hottest areas for students to get jobs in,â€? said Pat Cornely, executive director of the Kirsch Center of Environmental Studies at De Anza. “With a few more credits, you can get your degree.â€? She added the certiďŹ cate program offers students the exibility of being able to work while attending a four-year college.

The programs were approved by

the curriculum committee and are geared toward students with speciďŹ c academic goals and who desire to specialize in these ďŹ elds. The programs usually take less than two years to complete.

CertiďŹ cates require 18-26 completed units, while associate’s degrees require 27-45 units and proďŹ ciency in math and English. The completion of certiďŹ cates is noted on ofďŹ cial college transcripts and there are no limits on the amount of certiďŹ cates that can be earned.

Maryann Sparelic is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: maryannsparelic@lavozdeanza.com.

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We’ll invest in you with a full-tuition scholarship.

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and created even more uncertainty and instability than we were already situation. So I ďŹ gured I could save trying to deal with. And ideally, it is myself some trouble by simply giv- more likely that, by emphasizing that ing the Prince of Darkness a call. (I approach, the taxpayers could actuhave a direct line ... surprised? Come ally come out ahead.

Me: Do you really believe that? now, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an economics instructor!)

B: [loud, prolonged I put together a list diabolical laughter] of questions likely beMe: Alright, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ing asked about the so important about the Fedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new scheme and LIBOR? dialed up the beast to B: The LIBOR talk about it. I was put (London Interbank on hold, which seemed Offered Rate) is the to last forever â&#x20AC;&#x201C; probrate of interest that ably due to the endless banks charge each stream of Barry Maother for short-term nilow being pumped loans. A lot of imporover the line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and tant lending rates are then ďŹ nally, olâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mebased on the LIBOR, phistopheles picked such as adjustableup. What follows are Stephen Zill the highlights of our Economics for Everyone rate mortgages. It has been slowly moving little Q and A. downward lately, and the TED spread Beelzebub: Hell-o?

Me: You really need to work on seems to be closing a bit. These are positive signs that maybe credit marsome new material. kets are starting to thaw.

B: What do you want?

Me: Maybe we should send the Me: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about my weekly column in La Voz Weekly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Economics for credit markets down your way.

B: Funny.

Everyone? I ďŹ gured it would be as Me: Wait a minute ... TED spread? good a time as any to give the details on what seems to be, more or less, Is that something I can put on toast the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;bailout planâ&#x20AC;? that the when I have my morning coffee?

B: No, you idiot. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the difference United States government has pieced together, as I am sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard between the short-term LIBOR and all about. And I ďŹ gured, based on all the interest rate on short-term U.S. the souls youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve no doubt collected Treasuries. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good gauge as to the from Washington and Wall Street, health of the credit markets. Historiwhoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d know more about this sort of cally, the spread tends to be around thing than you? So can I trouble you 0.3 percent (or 30 basis points), while just a few days ago it went up to 4.65 for a few moments of your time? percent (465 basis points). Scary!

B: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got eternity. Shoot.

Me: You should know.

Me: Thank you. So, besides the B: Silence, mortal. Anyway, like I much-publicized $700 billion that will be used to buy preferred bank said, the gap has closed some, which stock, and to maybe purchase bad is potentially a good sign.

Me: But everybody keeps saying debt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; aka â&#x20AC;&#x153;toxic paperâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what else weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re already broke! $700 billion? is included in the plan?

B: According to last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s La Voz Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that coming from?!

B: Silly man. For one thing, like â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yes, I read it; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a big fan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already told your readers about the recent Economics Nobel Prize windramatic scene where Treasury Sec- ner Paul Krugman (he owes me BIG retary Henry â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Godfatherâ&#x20AC;? Paul- TIME) said in an interview the other son gave the heads of nine major day, that is unlikely to be a problem. banks â&#x20AC;&#x153;a deal they could not refuseâ&#x20AC;?. For one thing, you people have the Having been chosen to volunteer for largest economy in the world, and the program which features the $250 hence, the largest tax base. In addibillion â&#x20AC;&#x153;capital injectionâ&#x20AC;? by way of tion, you can just simply keep on preferred stock purchases, the banks borrowing, because, believe it or â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which include Bank of America, not, foreigners are still very willing Wells Fargo, Citigroup Inc. and oth- to keep buying up U.S. government ers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; would, as long as they were part securities.

Me: Okay, my phone is starting to of the deal, have restrictions on their senior executivesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pay, be forced to get warm, so one last thing: do you avoid compensation programs that think this plan is going to work?

B: All by itself, perhaps not. Alâ&#x20AC;&#x153;encourage unnecessary risks,â&#x20AC;? and, of course, there will be no more of ready there are signs that banks have that â&#x20AC;&#x153;golden parachuteâ&#x20AC;? nonsense ... taken those ďŹ rst cash infusions and [here the phone is mufďŹ&#x201A;ed; can hear used them to pad their mattresses.

They have also made little effort to voices but not what is being said].

Sorry about that. Just some new debunk the notion that they may just arrivals. Lawyers, sports agents, the use that cash to buy up their weaker usual. Where was I? Oh, and the FDIC competitors. As much as the Treasury will do their part by offering unlimited has emphasized that the money they deposit insurance for non-interest- are getting is to be loaned, they have bearing accounts, and (for a fee) will no legal right to enforce it. Therefore, back for three years some debts issued consistent with the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only by banks, but thrifts and hold- â&#x20AC;&#x153;ďŹ&#x201A;ing it at the wallâ&#x20AC;? approach, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure if this plan doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do the trick, ing companies as well.

Me: Back to the $700 billion. Ini- other things will be tried. Already, the tially, Paulson was reluctant to take Fed has a plan to buy up to $600 bilthe â&#x20AC;&#x153;capital injectionâ&#x20AC;? approach, and lion in short-term debt, and there is instead hoped to free up credit mar- talk of Congress putting together yet kets by buying up all the bad debt that another ďŹ scal stimulus package along was clogging the system. Though the the lines of the one that was passed government will probably use some last February. Anything else?

Me: No, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m good. Thanks again. of our tax dollars to do just that, many believe the â&#x20AC;&#x153;capital injectionâ&#x20AC;? meth- If I think of anything, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll call you.

B: Feel free. Oh, and before I forod is superior to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;cash for trashâ&#x20AC;? get, be sure to take good care of that method. Why? B: Where do you want me to start? soul of yours. After all, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve a deal, For one thing, it is considered to be you and I. Me: Yeah, yeah. [click] more direct, hence more effective in So there you have it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just in time getting banks to start doing business again. Another reason is that, due to for Halloween, the devil and the detheir preoccupation with â&#x20AC;&#x153;moral haz- tails.

Happy trick-or-treating, everyone. ards,â&#x20AC;? the government instead created a â&#x20AC;&#x153;morale hazard,â&#x20AC;? because whenever they stepped in for a takeover, or to Stephen Zill is an instructor of ecofacilitate a takeover, the stockhold- nomics at De Anza College. He wrote ers got the short end of the stick. This this article for La Voz Weekly. Contact contributed to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;runâ&#x20AC;? on stocks, him at: zillstephen@fhda.edu.

Continued from Page 1

PAGE 10

OPINION

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

OPINION

OCTOBER 27, 2008

EDITORIAL

Grading ‘plus or minus’ unbalanced

The Voice of De Anza Students

Shawn McGann Editor in Chief lavoz@fhda.edu

Audrey Barker News Editor Matthew Larvey Features Editor Joe Chunnic Sports Editor Kelly Truong Opinions Editor Dae Kim Copy Editor Soheil Rezaee Video Editor Daniel Gamberg Website Editor

regardless of how many A-plusses you has. In other words, a student who consistently scores between 94-96 percent will have a higher GPA than a student who manages to score 100 percent every time and 93 percent only once.

It is a system of negative reinforcement, punishing one-time slip ups and rewarding repetitive marginality. Consistently doing just as much as is necessary to get by in the middle of the road is valued more in this system than exceeding above and beyond the highest expectations.

This is our future, and no menial matter. As students, we must demand that our great struggle for exceptionality be appreciated over those who chose the path of academic lethargy and conformity.

Either switch to a percentage based grading system that assigns numbers instead of letter representations for one’s accomplishments, or start acknowledging the upper echelon of “overachievers” by recognizing the value of an A-plus.

ILLUSTRATIONS (3) BY GALEN OBACK

La Voz Weekly

De Anza College has been using a plus/minus grading system for more than two years now. The system is an attempt to give students a more accurate and easily identifiable description of their performance.

While the system accomplishes this purpose, it has a very recognizable flaw: the refusal to acknowledge an A-plus. It eliminates any incentive to progress beyond what is required to achieve 96 percent, unfairly ignoring those who do.

Supporters of plus/minus grading argue that it is necessary for distinction in performance evaluation; they say that letter grading bunches people together and doesn’t allow students who work harder to distinguish themselves.

This argument is meaningless when applied to the A range of grades, since a minus grade detracts from one’s Grade Point Average but a plus grade does not add any benefit. This means working harder to get an A-plus is pointless, as a single A-minus will bring your GPA down from a 4.0

OTHER VIEWS Business Staff Beth Grobman Faculty Adviser grobman@fhda.edu Walter Alvarado Lab Technician alvaradowalter@fhda.edu Reza Kazempour Business Manager ads@lavozdeanza.com

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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.

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.

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Criteria by which GOP passes judgement dubious James Chen HIS OPINION

McCain and Palin’s attack on Obama’s supposed “friendship” with Bill Ayers is shameful – but, frankly, unsurprising. Their attempt to paint them as two peas in a pod, with the same radical ideology, merely serves to illustrate their own ideological shortcomings.

Let us assume for a moment that there is a friendly connection between the two Chicagoans. So what? Anybody with a body of friends that are more than mere reflections of themselves should understand quite well

that friends are not reflections of your own beliefs and faiths. Just as it is possible for Buddhists and Christians to befriend each other, just as it is possible for conservatives and liberals to interact in a civilly, Obama and Ayers’ supposed friendship says nothing at all about the beliefs of either man.

Friendship demands more than mere common ground. Friendship necessitates tolerance for where there is no common ground. Transcendence over philosophical differences is part of civil discourse, and part of the foundation of relationships.

Unfortunately, the Republican Party’s insistence on harping on the supposed connection between Ayers and

Obama would seem to suggest that they (Republicans) had skipped out on such preschool teachings.

Of course you can judge the character of a person by whom he or she identifies with – a certain pattern in their social circles gives an observer a general outline with which to judge a character. But even when accepting this, Obama’s “association” with Ayers is hardly damning.

In fact, the two barely know each other. It takes little research at all to determine this. For one, Ayers’ most politically active era – during his affiliations with the since-defunct Weatherman organization – was more than 40 years ago, when Obama was eight

years old. On the occasion that both men with each other, it was solely during anti-poverty fundraisers – and only 12 such meetings occurred.

And the monetary link? Ayers had donated a grand-staggering total of $200 to Obama’s reelection to the Illinois State Senate. The last time the two men got together was more than a year and a half ago.

If this is the Republican Party’s idea of a dangerously close friendship, I’d hate to know what standards they use to determine who’s an enemy.

James Chen is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: jameschen@lavozdeanza.com.

De Anza students need Marriage is a tradition, more clubbing choices but there’s no reason others can’t partake Soheil Rezaee HIS OPINION

One of the great opportunities offered at De Anza College is the number of clubs that students have the option of joining. But despite the choices, they’re all the same clubs students have seen in high school or at any other school.

If De Anza encourages diversity, shouldn’t it be shown through the clubs rather than have 50 clubs that are copies of their high school counterparts or clones of other campus clubs?

Let’s take clubs that encourage students to embrace faith. De Anza offers students a Muslim club, a Jewish club, a Buddhist club and a bunch of Christian clubs. But what about the poor fellows who worship Satan or the wise ones who wish to master the ways of the Force? There are no clubs for them.

Why aren’t they any clubs for Satan worshippers or Jedis? One would think living near San Francisco (the birth place of the Church of Satan) there would be at least one organization dedicated to the practice of worshipping the Dark Prince.

Then there are those who live life by the words of Ayn Rand and the philosophy of objectivism. Who needs the Bible when there are better lessons to be learned by reading

Atlas Shrugged? Such a club would be perfect for those people.

Or, religion aside, what about a real club that caters to a real sport, like a Fight Club? There are a few martial arts clubs, but all they do is have members break some wood, slap each other and teach all that “be respectful, Karate Kid” crap.

What is the point of a martial arts club if students aren’t knocking each other’s teeth out? A Fight Club would be perfect to cater to those who have a passion for handto-hand combat with the desire of blood-on-blood action.

Finally, there is the big irony that comes from the diversity category.

With so many cultural identities represented, it’s shocking that there is no such group that caters to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. It’s strange, since in California it’s the homophobes and racists that are usually blasted with fire hoses. If De Anza really wishes to live up to its reputation as a safe and open environment for all students, then such a club needs to be established.

With all these new ideas, it should not be long until someone picks up on them and tries to make one into a reality.

Soheil Rezaee is the video editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: soheilrezaee@lavozdeanza.com.

Bella Yashayev HER OPINION

Next week, Californians will be contemplating the concept of traditional marriage. Proposition 8, if passed, will eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Now, I do respect the ambition of traditional marriage supporters to preserve their interpretation of the act, but how and why that interferes with the right of others to live according to their own understanding, remains unclear to me.

Marriage is a tradition in which individuals bond in a union of commitment and responsibility. No definition of it has ever been consistent enough to become traditional. In fact, the present definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman has existed for barely 40 years.

Until 1967, when the case of Loving v. Virginia brought anti-miscegenation laws to an end, marriage was defined as a union between a man and a woman of the same race. Before that, polygamy used to be legal in the United States.

Perhaps our understanding of marriage has developed too fast, and it is alarming to imagine the institution’s definition becoming as broad as to allow marriage between siblings.

But this is not, by any means, a suf-

ficient reason to outlaw other forms of matrimony.

Supporters of traditional marriage often compare same-sex couples to incest. However, the difference is clearly significant, as the latter leads to an increase of physically and mentally challenged newborns.

Supporters of Proposition 8 argue that civil unions and domestic partnerships give gay couples all the rights and benefits of marriage. But arguing that is simply lying to ourselves by saying, “It’s okay for gays to marry, as long as it is called something else.” Moreover, this claim is simply false.

In many states, like Washington, the benefits of a civil union are very limited. Such unions also aren’t recognized on the federal level, meaning that when it comes to divorce, immigration, filling out tax forms and even sharing health benefits, gay couples will not have the same rights they would have if they could marry.

Marriage is a basic right of every human being. There is no need to protect it from anyone, especially not the LGBT community. Their intention isn’t to jeopardize its meaning, but exercise their right to be part of this long-existing institution.

Bella Yashayev is a freelance reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: bellayashayev@lavozdeanza.com.

OCTOBER 27, 2008

LAVOZDEANZA.COM

OPINION

Clashing beliefs primary concern when choosing a life partner

Have you noticed the new signs on campus yet?

Matthew Larvey HIS OPINION

Dae Kim

Dae Kim is the copy editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: daekim@lavozdeanza.com.

Illustration by GALEN OBACK

HIS OPINION

I’ve heard the appeal for interreligious dating. I’ve heard the implied accusations against people who do not date outside their religion. I have a problem with what’s been said.

Interreligious relationships have nothing to do with parents or parental approval. It has everything to do with religion. Religion is about God. The God that is more important than you, your friends or your family.

People who refuse to date outside their religion are not against open-mindedness or acceptance of others. People who refuse to date outside their religion are practical.

Religion is not Every religion believes a lifestyle choice. theirs is the one true religion and their God is Isn’t religion the one true God. supposed to be According to Christian the most important belief, everyone else will spend an eternity in thing in your life?

Hell. The person you are More important than dating – the person you marry – will suffer in gender or race? for all of eternity.

The only thing beyond Hell Suffer. That means life and death? pain. Endless pain. That doesn’t bother you?

If there is Long distance a spiritual divide relationships do not work. When there is between two people, merely a geographical how could it divide between two possibly work unless people, things fall apart.

If there is a spiritual one person doesn’t divide between two take religion seriously people, how is it possibly going to work unless or doesn’t take one of you doesn’t take the relationship your religion seriously seriously? or doesn’t take the relationship seriously?

How does a person wake up every morning knowing that the person they love is going to be cast down into the depths of Hell? Whose religion are the children going to adopt? You’re going to let a child decide upon his own salvation? You’re going to LET your child take up the WRONG religion? Do you expect your husband or wife to allow that?

Religion is not a lifestyle like being vegan or being a liberal or being a Lakers fan. Forgive the naive atheist, but isn’t religion supposed to be the most important thing in your life? Isn’t religion supposed to be more important than gender or race? Isn’t religion the only thing before life and beyond death?

You know those Jehovah’s Witnesses who go around knocking on doors and handing out pamphlets? You might call them annoying, but I call them religious – not the fake, phony kind of religious, but truly religious. They have dedicated a part of their daily lives to work for their God. Who is your God and what have you done for Him lately?

How many calories have you burned? How much effort have you exerted for your God? Are you truly thinking about God when in an interreligious relationship? How does that conversation go? “Hey God, I know I’m supposed to dedicate my life to You and Your Word but ... I met this Buddhist and ... the premarital sex is pretty good, so ... I’ll see you around OK?” Maybe my problem is, as an atheist, I hold religion to a higher standard than most religious people. Maybe religion isn’t all that important. Maybe you can put on and take off whichever religion you feel like, based on your mood.

PAGE 11

Professors’ political, social biases prominent in class, unavoidable relevance. This of course is a very effective and very biased teaching strategy.

HER OPINION Comparing Vietnam to Iraq is never optimistic, while Obama/Kennedy parallels Every facet of the average American’s are extremely optimistic. Thus a bias has life is influenced by our government. been introduced but also a valuable lesson From the schools we attend to the water learned.

This, however, goes far beyond the obwe drink to the very land our houses are on, some government agency has had its vious biases of history. Science teachers are by far the most politically influenced, say in such creation and development.

So it should come as no surprise that as seen in the subject matter they choose politics have a very prominent place in the to teach.

The famous example of this is the deciclassroom. There should be no questions surrounding the morality of educators in- sion to teach evolution. Charles Darwin’s troducing personal political biases in their theory of evolution was widely rejected lesson plans, but rather there should be in the early parts of the twentieth century and as a result, biolan acceptance of the ogy teachers refused relationship between to teach it. our educators and Lessons relating now our politics. to current political events thatSimilarly, creationism is I can remember are often taught to commonly regarded sitting in a history as incorrect, teachers classroom while my show students choose not to teach teacher professed his the relevance history has that. Regardless of own bias toward the the truth surroundDemocratic Party to modern society. ing either of the two and wondering, what theories, biology does this have to do with American history? A year later, an- teachers are making a conscious decision other history teacher told our class he was to teach what they want according to their a diehard Libertarian, which again left own personal beliefs.

Interestingly, such clear-cut bias is acquestions in my mind concerning the relcepted by a many people simply because evance this had to our education.

Many people would agree that this was they agree with what is being taught.

Ultimately, there is no way to support completely irresponsible and unrelated to our study of the subject. But when looked or oppose teachers introducing their biases at from another angle, it was completely in the classroom. In the same way that the appropriate. The famous quote, “History person grading our essays in the SAT is a is written by the winners” tells us that his- human being with his or her own ideas or the people giving us our news have their tory is in fact biased.

The books those teachers read from own beliefs to consider, everyone has his were written according to someone’s or her own opinions and ideas.

Thus we cannot become obsessed with opinion, and the teachers interpreting the texts undoubtedly interjected their own the fact that our economics teacher is opinions by choosing what to teach and glorifying Reaganomics or that our literature teacher is condemning the burning how to teach it.

Lessons relating to current political of books, but rather use it as a lesson to events are often taught to show students learn why our teachers teach the way they the relevance history has to modern soci- do and how can we grow and mature to ety. But those lessons are never balanced. someday form our own opinions.

Comparing the war in Iraq to the Vietnam War or Barack Obama to John F. Audrey Barker is the news editor for Kennedy is a clear – and very common La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: – method history teachers use to establish audreybarker@lavozdeanza.com.

Audrey Barker

Students may have noticed (or not) the campus entrances are now decorated with brand-spanking-new campus directories. The strategically placed maps are up and equipped with the revolutionary “you are here” feature to help guide confused youngsters, oldsters, gangsters and hipsters around the labyrinth of De Anza College.

Sarcasm behind us, my head has been bombarded with questions since I traveled around the campus to survey the signs. Questions like: “Who designed the signs? Who approved the designs? Couldn’t this have been done better?”

I quickly answer that last question by saying, yes, they could have been done better. It seems they were designed and placed in a haphazard and rushed fashion.

I can’t say every sign is bad. The sign by the library and the sign facing the Flint Center count as a few good exceptions, but the rest receive my unwavering scorn. The maps are too low, they should be the center focus, and the little directional arrows often point out what is already obvious (i.e. leaving campus by the Flint Center). I don’t think you need to devote a foot of sign space to an arrow pointing out the Flint Center parking. I mean, it’s pretty hard to miss a giant parking garage (unless you’re busy looking at a sign).

The small ones placed in areas such as the lawn between the library and the S-buildings are useful, but that tiny map on the bottom will probably rarely, if ever, be used by students. It will, however, be found most useful by our large population of grey squirrels, who, when they stand on their hind legs, can reach their little heads to just the right height to read the maps.

These new signs are there, but it is hard to imagine them getting much use. The best I can say for them is at least they aren’t nearly as much of an eyesore as the new building signs put up to replace the old wood placards. The tacky, brightly colored signs contrast sharply with the otherwise natural colors and mission style of the campus. Maybe if this were a train station in Monopoly instead of a college, these signs would feel more appropriate.

The unfortunate truth of this is that our Measure C bonds actually paid for this poorly thought out scheme.

Hopefully the signs will be removed and replaced by something better, but this would probably cost too much and someone would have to admit their mistake. So this can only end on a pessimistic note. We and the squirrels will just have to deal with it and console ourselves by asking: who cares?

Matthew Larvey is the features editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: mattlarvey@lavozdeanza.com.

RIAA encourages piracy with myriad of poor quality formats Josh Bays

HIS OPINION

What’s wrong with digital music download services? Digital Rights Management. It punishes the few consumers who do the right thing and pay for the music they download by severely restricting what they are allowed to do with it. Buying DRMcontrolled media means you don’t get to be in charge of your own property.

You are gambling each time you choose to use a pay service. In particular, Apple’s “Fairplay” (as Or-

wellian of a name as I can think of) DRM agreement limits the MP3 players and the number of computers songs can play on. And if your hard drive fails or your operating system needs to be reinstalled, you are completely on your own. You’ll have to pay for any digital downloads all over again. Other services, like Napster and Rhapsody, use obscure file formats that can only be used in Windows Media Player and with select portable music devices. In effect, every pay service is limiting your options so you will only be able to use their corresponding brand of player.

And if technology changes (as it constantly does), you will be left high and dry with a worthless file format.

If you read the fine print on the DRM agreement, you will find clauses that say you are breaking the law if you attempt to convert your files to another format.

Pressure from the Recording Industry Association of America – an influential lobbying group comprised of 1,400 recording studios, including the so-called Big 4 (Warner Brothers, Sony BMG, EMI, and Universal) – is one of the main reasons for such aggressive DRM policies from major

download services. Apple’s Steve Jobs has noted his distaste for DRM, but this is a particularly hollow statement coming from the most popular digital music provider with some of the most stringent DRM policies. Apple states its opinion quite clearly on its Web site, noting wisely that more than 90 percent of music purchased worldwide has no DRM whatsoever.

This means that all those CDs you buy can be copied as many times as you want, to any format and usable in any music player.

They are moving technology backward in a misguided attempt to

nullify the threat of music piracy. In doing so, they are only encouraging it. Why should consumers download low quality, troublesome files when they can get much better quality for free elsewhere?

I’m not advocating stealing music, but if the music industry continues to treat consumers of digital music (one of the few growing markets) with such contempt, I am more than sympathetic to anyone who does.

Josh Bays is a student at De Anza College. Contact him at: joshbays@lavozdeanza.com.

FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS HAVE NOT BEEN CUT

Millions of $$ are still available! Fill out the 2008-09 FAFSA now.

Go to http://www.deanza.edu/financialaid for more information and check out the nearly 100 scholarships available.

The Financial Aid Office is located in the Campus Center and the Baldwin Winery Building.