Spring07totalissue5(march21)

Inside this issue:

FCC’s women of mettle pg. 5 City Jazz Festival pg. 8 Girl talk! pg. 10 Sports Tribute pg. 13-16

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2 Rampage

News

March 21, 2007

Rampage is an award-winning newspaper published biweekly by the Fresno City College Journalism 4 & 5 program and is a member of Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Views expressed in The Rampage are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresno City College, its students, administration or the State Center Community College District.

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Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, above the bookstore. Please keep all letters to a maximum of 250 words along with contact information.

Reporters Matthew T. Mendez, Leah Edwards, Joseph Rios, Ife-Chudeni Oputa, Maylin Tu, Buen Moua, D.C. Leavy, Eddie Ortiz, Johanna Tanori, Bianca Betancourt, Jen Langworthy, Shirley Nakagawa, Cody Gless, Francine Ramos

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Volume CXIII, edition 5

Since 1949

March 21, 2007

FCC Celebrates State Championships

By Cody Gless Rampage Reporter Let the celebrations commence!

The trophies were being raised and Coach Madec’s head was shaved. Fresno City College students celebrated the State Championship victories of not only the basketball team but also the wrestling team as well on Wed. March 14.

The victory celebration took place in the quad, near the fountain, with music, variety of food, including ribs, chicken, and hot dogs, and festivities that included vast media coverage by several local broadcasting stations and print media.

Speakers included Ed Madec Head Coach of the FCC’s men’s basketball team, various wrestling coaches such as Head Coach Paul Keysaw, and Asst.

Coach Tony Evanson.

The speakers and coaches gave their dedication speeches and gave praise to all those who had contributed to the teams’ successes, and led them to their many victories. These “shout-outs” went out to the players themselves, including M.V.P. Mark

FCC State Championship basketball players celebrate March 11, 2007 Victory

FCC State Championship Wrestlers celebrate December 9, 2006 Victory

Photos by Joseph Rios

Marciel of the men’s basketball team, along with many of the other players and school officials essential to the team’s success.

Some others given special mention during the celebrations included FCC President Ned Doffoney and Athletic Director Susan Yates, who was presented with the championship game ball, signed by the entire men’s basketball team.

The 2007 State Championship title has been the first championship that the current basketball coach has earned. Neither the wrestling team nor the basketball team has received a state championhsip since since 2005.

Several of the coaches boasted, “this is only the beginning” promising that as long as both teams maintain their current level of hard work and dedication, the college will be celebrating many victories and state championships in the future.

Old Administration Building slowly comes to life

By Ife-Chudeni Oputa Rampage Reporter The external phase of the A Legacy Renewed capital campaign kicks off today.

This phase of the campaign is geared to elicit community support for the renovation of the Old Administration Building.

“Now we’re really going into the external community,” said Olga Quercia, FCC music instructor. “We’re going to corporations, we’re going to foundations, and we’re going to individuals for large donations.”

The internal phase of the campaign was launched last fall and targeted FCC students, faculty, and staff. Since then Fresno City College has worked steadily to raise money for the project.“I think just the impact of students doing things … is what counts,” said Quercia. “That one dollar that that student gave is worth $100 dollars that I might give.”

The goal for the internal campaign was set at $1 million. The campaign has raised $1.3 million so far.“That’s exciting,” said Gurdeep Sihota, FCC College Activities Director and Campaign Director,

“to be able to go public and say, ‘Okay, we just need three more million and we’re set to go.’”

A number of events will be held to celebrate the launch of the external campaign and to continue raising funds. On Mar. 23, Friday Night Jazz will return to FCC. The event will feature local jazz musicians, food, and live and silent auctions Also, on Mar. 24, Fresno City College will host the Legacy Home Tour, which features more than 10 of the homes in Fresno’s historic Porter Tract. Those who attend will have a chance to tour both the interior and exterior of the houses as well as the OAB. FCC students, faculty, and staff who are interested in volunteering as docents for the home tour should contact the College Activities Office.

Soon after the launch of the external campaign the OAB will be shut down as the process of hazardous waste removal begins.

“People are going to start to hear a little more noise, and maybe that will get more people excited about it,” said Sihota.

A Draft Environmental Impact Report has been completed to address the effect the renovations will have on the Fresno

City College campus and the surrounding community.

“That’s part of the Environmental Impact Report,” said Ned Doffoney, FCC President, “to make sure that people are aware of what construction issues will arise as a result of the revitalization.”

A public hearing will be held on Mar. 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the District Board Room to discuss the report. Those who are interested have an opportunity to attend and

present testimony at the hearing.

In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to visit the building. . “We’re really going to push for tours and get people in there to get that last look of the building,” said Sihota. “To be able to get in there, the historical perspective is huge.”

Those who would like to keep updated on the progress of the OAB and the A Legacy Renewed campaign should go to www.oabalegacyrenewed.com.

Friday Night Jazz will bring music to FCC once again

Photo by Robin Vallentyne

Letters to the Editor 4 Rampage

News

Don’t act like a victim; work hard and stay in School!

Dear Editor, It is with great bemusement that I read your recent ‘edition on race’ (Feb. 21, 2007) and took note of some of the racist language promulgated by some of the interviewees.

One of the comments had to do with the fact that some minorities are imprisoned at a much higher rate than are people of European descent, ipso facto, ‘proof’ of racism.

The argument neglects to mention that about 90 % of prison inmates are male. By this convoluted logic, the law/police/prisons must also be sexist. A more heuristic explanation is that males commit a higher rate of crime; or is that too simple an explanation?

A familiar racist chant invokes the phrase ‘white privilege’ in attempting to explain ethnic differences. According to the latest census figures, (Asian) Indians, Japanese-Americans, and Chinese-Americans enjoy the highest income among identifiable ethnic groups in America. What do these groups have in common?

1. Successful groups delay having children until later in life 2. They tend to have less children 3. They are less likely to be in trouble with the law 4. Each of these groups are more likely to avoid drug or alcohol addiction 5. The educational attainment of a high percentage of these groups is very high-so many of them become doctors, dentists, computer types, engineers, etc. – all highly paid careers that are not likely to be shipped to India or filled in by illegals. Is this attributable to ‘white privilege’ or hard work and delay of gratification?

A recent study by Northeaster University found that the difference in employment between black and white dropouts is 20 percent but only 2 percent for those with a bachelor’s degree-something that could be attributed to choice of major.

Keep in mind: successful groups, despite a history of discrimination have never subscribed to the concept of acting like a professional victim - no need for a Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton – they just work hard.

Stay in school!

Fred skydog Emerling, Ph.D. Counselor

Appreciation of variances lead to richer communicaiton

Dear Editor, Cultural diversity in the work place is increasing nationwide. As a result, individuals are provided an opportunity to develop friendships with different ethnic groups. Some may allow prejudicial feelings to color their perception of fellow colleagues. This may lead to unnecessary problems and uncomfortable situations evolving in the work place.

Problems can develop when people focus on the differences between cultural groups. Yet, pretending that differences are non‑existent does not lessen existing tensions.

However, respecting cultural diversity is a healthy way of encouraging diverse friendships.

Acceptance of others’ languages, religions, histories, and aspirations, fosters positive communication and helps individuals to develop healthy cross-cultural friendships.

Friendships that cross cultural barriers offer those individuals a chance to experience the beauty of others’ cultures. Positive experiences unfold as individuals open themselves to accepting diverse cultures. Problems decrease between the various cultures when individuals make an effort to cross the barriers.

Perhaps, through exposure to cultural diversity in the work place, individuals will be provided a chance to develop acceptance of other ethnic groups. Acceptance of other cultures can begin when stereotypes and generalities are avoided. Viewing other racial groups from a positive perspective may help those overcome their reluctance to accept cultural differences. Appreciation of these cultural variances can lead to richer communication, reduce friction, and establish a positive work environment.

However, some individuals have difficulty crossing the cultural barriers and experience problems interacting professionally with other cultural groups. Harboring resentments towards other cultural groups can interfere with the ability to interact professionally. Difficult situations can unfold in the work place when perceptions are clouded by personal feelings. These situations may be initially unbearable as tensions, anger, and misunderstandings increase. Therefore, we are shaped to an extent by how we have been socialized to think, feel, and behave towards our world that surrounds us.

The reason for the proactive approach to diversity training is oftentimes not so much a sense of the organizations’ moral obligation but rather that attention to diversity issues will enhance the bottom line.

Essay Submitted by Sylvia A. Sanchez, M.A.

March 21, 2007

Celebrating Asian Heritage in April

By Buen Moua

Rampage Reporter Fresno City College Asian American Studies Program, within the Social Science Program, and the College Activities will be hosting and celebrating Asian American Month throughout April.

The first day back from Spring Break April 9, will start off with a bang, the Opening Day Show at 12 p.m. in the FCC theatre.

“We will be showing a part of a clip from last year’s Celebration Night Show, a song by one of the winners, we have about six performances including singers, a traditional Lao Dance to bring in blessings,… some students from Mr. Herrick’s class will read some poetry…we hope people come out for the Opening Day Show,” said Asian American Studies Instructor John Cho. Each day in April will have a different event, from Martial Arts workshops, to Battle of the Asian Bands, Poetry Day, a Student Film Festival, to the AsianFest 2007, a celebratory event of Asian Cultures with lion dances and performances, a free event for students, families, and outlying communities.

Currently a Columnist for The Fresno Bee and an organic peach and grape farmer on his family farm just south of Fresno, and award-winner, writer David Mas Masumoto will appear on Wed. April 18 at 11a.m. in the Student Lounge.

And on Sat. April 21, AsianFest will have range of activities for everyone young and old, acknowledging Asian groups that reside in Fresno. From 9a.m.-12 noon, there will be the celebration of martial arts featuring a variety of martial arts school from around the city including John Cho’s Kung Fu School. After that will be Cultural performances at the Free Speech area like the Central California Chinese Cultural Association Dance group, Hmong Cultural heritage Performers, Lao American Advancement Center Dance Group, Japanese Club of Bu-

chanan High School, and many more.

There will also be workshops where people can learn, see, and experience for example Asian folktales, language lessons, food samples from different Asian groups, artwork, music, and artifacts. Children’s activities will be at the Free Speech Area.

They can learn to play Hmong tops, make Origami, Chinese lanterns, and have their faces painted.

According to Cho, the celebration of Asian and Asian American culture had been at FCC for about five years, previously for only a week long. And this year will be three weeks long.

For more information about Asian American Month, or if interested in being a part of the festival events, call Asian American Studies Instructor John Cho at 442-4600,ext. 8349, or the College Activities at 265-5711.

9- Opening Day Show in FCC Theatre @ 12pm 10- Women’s Day-Film in Student Lounge @ 11 a.m.

11- Japanese American Internment in Student Lounge @ 11a.m.

12- Study and Travel in Asia in Staff Dining Room @ 11 a.m.

13- Martial Arts Workshops in Wrestling Room @ 8a.m.-4p.m.

14- Battle of Asian Bands in FCC Theatre @ 6p.m.

15- Celebration Night Show in FCC Theatre@ 7p.m.

16- Poetry Day in Student Lounge@ 11a.m.

17- Asian Gay and Lesbian Day in Staff Dining Room @ 11a.m.

18- David Mas Masumoto in Student Lounge @ 11a.m.

19- Law Day in Student Lounge@ 11a.m.

20- Student Film Festival in Student Lounge@ 11a.m.

21- AsianFest 2007 in Free Speech Area @ 9a.m.

22- Tennis for Fun in FCC Tennis Courts @ 10a.m.

23- Asian Lang. Game Show in Staff Dining Room @ 11a.m.

24- Asian Religions in Student Lounge@ 11a.m.

25- Anime Day in Staff Dining Room @ 6p.m.

26- Wars of Indo-China in Student Lounge @ 11a.m.

27- Asian Games in Free Speech Area @ 11a.m.

28- Asian Cultural Workshops in FCC Cafeteria@ 9a.m.

29- Reflections in Free Speech Area @ 12p.m.

30- Asian History Day Student Lounge@ 11a.m.

News

March 21, 2007

Rampage 5

Rampage highlights just a small sample of some of our prominent women in honor of Women’s History month.

F C C ’s Wo m e n o f M e t t l e Carolyn Drake, Dean of Health Sciences

Jothany Blackwood, Dean of FPCA

Small town girl to Pioneer

Become Who you want to be

the nursing field. Growing up in the small town of Akron, Ohio during the 1950’s and 1960’s, there was no nurse. She was the first nurse’s aid in Akron; she is a pioneer.

Drake was one of five African American women in her nursing school. Drake went to Akron City Hospital School of Nursing.

“Mostly everything I’ve been in, I’ve been in by myself.” said Drake.

Drake says being African American is a positive attribute and while she attended nursing school and the current position she holds today, she always strives to be the best.

Drake says she wants to be seen as a role model within the African American community and by women too. Drake is someone who is always trying to help people.

Many women who want to be accepted into the Nursing Program may feel discouraged, because 800 applicants are looked at and only 72 positions can be filled. Dr.Drake offers some advice to women who want to be in the nursing field, but are struggling, to keep persistence like she did. She continued that it’s hard, especially for minorities. Having more money equals a better education, but for those women who don’t have a lot of money a harder time lies ahead and Drake encourages those women not to give up.

Dr. Drake has been given many prestigious awards. The 10 Business/Professional Women of the Year, 1995 award means a lot to Drake. But her Rosa Parks award is her most meaningful to date.

Drake said that, as a woman and an African American, she has had to represent herself in both directions and that has been a struggle. At times she has felt backlash, but her education background and experiences make her the perfect choice for Dean of Instruction. Dr. Drake is affiliated with many organizations and the organization that is most meaningful to her, is the Black Nurses Association. It’s the organization she puts the most time and effort in currently.

In regards to the subject of retirement, it’s no where in sight. She doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. “I tell people you’ll probably find me dead on my desk.”

Laughed Drake. She still has a lot to do.

When Dr. Drake finally does retire, she plans on consulting with nursing and wants to do research on different nursing schools.

“If I were to step down, I’m confident that there will be plenty of good people to take over.” Said Dr. Drake “I’m in a good place.” said Drake.

A picture can speak beyond what some may say is worth “a thousand words.” It can capture more than just a moment in time or personal expressions; it is even used as identification. Jothany Blackwood, Fresno City College Dean of Instructions of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Division, said if she hadn’t gone back to school, her life was going to stay the same, and that was not a good picture.

“I recognized that I wanted to be this picture of who Jothany needed to be—I needed an education to do that,” said Dean Blackwood.

March is Women’s History Month, to celebrate women and those who have changed people’s lives and even the world. “The first thought that comes to mind is that it [Women’s Month] empowers young women who are still shaping their own identity. I think the students and people in the community are reminded of the daily celebrations and triumphs and even struggles of women who are just like them. You know when you see someone who looks like you or gone through similar experience, they face all the same obstacles, sexism, and all the things those who said they could not do and they did it,’ said Blackwood. “That gives you hope to be who you want to be in life. I think that’s the value of it. It’s to really empower people to see if they could do the same things in their lives.”

“My mother is my greatest inspiration and it is because she is also a dean of a college,” said Dean Blackwood. “As a single mother just like myself, she’s a woman who embodied integrity, leadership, and she has a great sense of humor. People loved her not for what she did but for who she was. And at the end of the day, I think that is the most important thing—is what kind of person were you and what kind of person you are to me—is reflected in how you change lives and touch people’s lives…So I want to be just like her, and I am today.”

Dean Blackwood is also inspired by African American woman novelist Toni Morrison, who received a Nobel Prize in literature in 1993, and a Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1988, for

Beloved. The way she uses words to capture moments in life to reflect life’s lessen, Blackwood said as a communicator and a writer herself, the writer part of her loves that.

Maya Angelou, Blackwood said is an incredible speaker. “She uses language to shape experience. Her voice is a weapon at times.”

Blackwood said she has had a very blessed life coming from the family that she did. She added that it was really finding her own voice and her own space in the world, which required her to leave Tennessee, which was one of the main hurdles in her life. “I never knew if I got a job because of my family, or if it was me,” said Blackwood. “So walking out I created my own identity and my own world and seeing that I was successful standing on my own feet was important to me.”

Another hurdle students don’t know about Dean Blackwood was she was a college dropout. She became a Blues singer in Chicago—a waitress during the day, and sang Blues during the night.

“I realized I didn’t like starving so I went back to college,” said Blackwood. “And so that was my wake up call—to realize when I was out there living my life just being an entertainer, how hard it was. I would actually look at people with backpacks getting on the bus and I would long for that.”

“I think it’s encouraging to people to know that they can step away from school and they can have life experiences that interrupt their educational plan—they can still get back on track and be what they want to be. Because I certainly did,” Blackwood continued.

Besides being an administrator here at FCC, she enjoys reading, having family events with her two children like travel, speaking in women’s groups to encourage women to be who they are suppose to be, and mentoring young women who Blackwood said, “may not have a positive role model in their lives, that they can see the way—that their environment doesn’t dictate who they have to be. They can decide who they want to be.”

“I would tell a young women to have an image of who she wants to be even if there’s nothing in her life or her environment that reflects her—that she could be that person, and then to begin to walk in that by having a support group, by going to school, by spending time around women who are doing the things she wanted to do so she can learn from them, and to realize that at the end of the day to always hold on to that picture of who God says she is and she will become that woman someday.”

in our past and currently in the world now.

We get to hear about some women that are doing extraordinary stuff.

Q: Have you ever experienced any discrimination based on your gender?

A: Oh yes; it’s interesting working in an educational environment. I think at times, it gets difficult especially when folks don’t quite appreciate your capability and your ability, but I think that’s pretty common for women in general. But what do you do? Do you back down or you step up and say I got this? Me, personally, I’m going step up and say I got this.

Q: Would you say that being a woman is a factor in reaching your current status?

A: No, I think it has just been my knowledge, skill and ability.

Q: Would you say that the glass ceiling has been shattered?

A: Oh no. I don’t think the glass ceiling has been shattered. I think, there are folks that still don’t believe women belong along side them, even close to them, unless it’s a

position that isn’t quite as well known.

Q: Did your mother have a big impact on your life? How so?

A: My situation is a little different. I didn’t know my mom for a long period of time. The culture (East Indian) that I come from is dominated by men and women aren’t quite considered. She actually ended up running away after giving birth to myself and my brother because she couldn’t stay in that type of lifestyle, an arranged marriage.

It was a very tough thing to do because she was disowned by both my father’s side and her side as well. I didn’t know her until I was eight or nine when she came back.

They had told me she had died, but then the truth comes out and you know that whole movie type of thing, it is real, it really does happen. I ended up doing the same thing. I didn’t want to be in a situation where I was going to be put in an arranged marriage. So, she impacted me in that she set the path, kind of laid the foundation, and said if you need to do this, I support you. So, I wasn’t going to get that internally, obviously because they

Photo by Todd J. Placencia

By Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporter Dr. Carolyn Drake was born in the small town of Akron, Ohio. She has become the shining beacon of what persistence and hard work can get you. Dr. Drake, Dean of Instructions Health Sciences Division, is one of the many powerful women on campus that we celebrate during Women’s History this month.

Dr. Drake looks at herself in two different perspectives, one as a woman and second as an African American. Women’s History Month and African American History Month are both important to Dr. Drake.

She likes to celebrate both being a woman and an African American. According to Drake Women’s History Month is very important, because it’s important to know the significant role women play in history and around the world.

“Women, who are instructors, can go on to become deans,” said Drake. “Women can be dean then go on to be chancellor or president, I don’t want to be president, but it’s possible.”

Dr. Drake always wanted to persue a career as a nursing d irector. “There was a lot of looking around,” said Drake “I went looking around for doctrines.”

There were a lot sacrifices according to Drake. She said the big payback for all her sacrifices is the work she has the opportunity to do.

Drake credits her success to teachers who said she couldn’t make it in the nursing field, persistence, and her friends and family who have always been by her side and shown her support. Most importantly Drake said she has always been a highly focused individual, “I keep my eyes on the prize.”

Drake recommends keeping your focus and pay minimal attention to negativity.

“If you have a goal in life, then go for it and never lose focus on that goal”, for Drake it’s about doing what you like, and she always liked was education.

It was the television show Marcus Welby, M.D. that attracted Dr. Drake to

Photo courtesy of Jothany Blackwood

By Buen Moua Rampage Reporter

Q & A with FCC’s Activities Director Gurdeep Sihota

Photo by C. Rodriguez

By Cinthia Rodriguez Rampage Reporter Q: Do you think it’s important to have a month that celebrates women?

A: Absolutely, we should celebrate women daily. I think some women don’t know the power they actually do have and the influence that they have on society.

Q: What exactly does Women’s History mean to you?

A:It gives us the opportunity to highlight the achievements of both women

would have thought I was crazy.

Q: Who are some of the women you look up to?

A: Besides my mother, women like Mother Theresa. Her humbleness, courage, how she just stepped out into all parts of the world. She was able to work with people in the slums and then she was in the homes of kings, queens and popes. To be all that and still be humble, to not lose focus of where you come from, that’s huge. That is heart.

I think someone who can be that humble in life and stay that way, is awesome.

Q: Do you think men and women are really equal?

A: No. Not in society; they can be equal, I think it’s choice. I just think it’s based on the relationship, wherethose people are. I don’t think there’s a good solid answer for that. www.edina.K12.mn.us

News

6 Rampage

“Enough is enough”

Deaf panel speaks out against barriers to success

By Jen Langworthy Rampage Reporter Fresno City College will host the CAD Deaf panel in the FCC theater on March 21, at 6:30 p.m. Six Deaf panelists will present their experiences growing up in a hearing world and the challenges they have faced.

The panel was organized by California Association of the Deaf (CAD) Fresno Chapter President and FCC student Shane Frazel, along with Bridge to Empowerment. (Program which Photo by Jen Langworthy CAD President, Shane Frazel speaks out about the teaches ASL to families with Deaf struggles of following his dreams as a deaf student in children) Frazel will be joined on a hearing world. the panel by Sarah Sempf, Ryan Palmer, Harvey Bradley, Steven Liu and well- not pursue his dreams. “The whole time I was a known Deaf poet and author Ella Mae Lentz. student at FCC, I heard others complaining about The purpose of the panel is to allow the their counselor. He would tell them ‘You can’t be Deaf a chance to share their experiences growing a nurse, you can’t be a football player, you can’t up in the hearing world. The panelists will share be a dentist…’the list just goes on.” stories of being forced to learn to speak, of havBarker’s advice to students who are ing inadequate interpreters or, in some cases, no told that they can’t do something is to “Ignore interpreter at all. them. Don’t let anyone stand in the way of your Frazel spoke of his own struggles, “One dreams.” Frazel agreed with Barker, “This has day I had a class and two interpreters didn’t show been going on for more than 20 years. It’s 2007 up. I wasted one hour of my education.” Frazel now and nothing has changed. We need to have added, “I went to my counselor and signed furi- a Deaf program, Deaf teachers, Deaf counselors, ously at him ‘Enough is enough.’” and a Deaf Director for our department. We need Frazel explained that he feels that the a staff fluent in ASL.” school is “Giving the Interpreter Coordinator a Cindy Hodges, an FCC Deaf ASL instruchard time, limiting her resources and not giving tor added, “cultural sensitivity and understanding her enough support. She has to be the interpreter of Deaf culture is vital.” coordinator and be interpreting herself at the Frazel continued, “We, Deaf people feel same time.” that FCC and DSP&S need to wake up. They Interpreter coordinator Christine Gough need to pay attention to our needs or we will said, “The Interpreting Department strives to meet take action. We know what’s best for us. Hearthe needs of each Deaf student; however signifi- ing people don’t understand us.” The goal of the cant budgetary constraints and other limitations Deaf panel is to help bring about awareness and make the effort more challenging. In a nutshell, the understanding. demand far exceeds the supply here at FCC.” Frazel said that one point the Deaf panel Andrew Barker, a former FCC student will make is that the Deaf are no different from said he wanted to become a teacher of Deaf chil- hearing people, “Deaf people can do anything dren but was told that he couldn’t. “My counselor that hearing people can do. We just can’t hear.” told me that my ‘disability’ would get in the way Frazel’s goal through the Deaf panel is of teaching. He told me I couldn’t be a teacher to strike a blow against oppression against the because I am Deaf.” According to Barker he was Deaf. “Now is my time, our Deaf time, to stand not the only Deaf student to be told he could up and to speak out.”

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March 21, 2007

Entertainment March 21, 2007

Staff Picks...

Ivan Martinez Library Aide Favorite Book: “Race, Crime, and the Law” by Randall Kennedy.

“I’m kind of a dork, I read stuff relating to my major in my spare time.”

Favorite Movie: “Gideon’s Trumpet” “It’s a true story about a guy who knew nothing about the law and ended up taking his case all the way to the Supreme Court.”

Musician: The Beatles and Miles Davis Thing to do: DJing TV show: “I don’t watch TV.” Major: “Political science. I’m going to law school.”

Quote: “There’s a lot of brainpower floating around here, there’s a lot ideas... the civil rights movement started on a college campus.”

7

Entertainment

8 Rampage

March 21, 2007

FCC Celebrates ‘Women in Jazz’ Photo by Scott Macleod

What do sushi, Tiger Woods, and good jazz music all have in common?

by Maylin Tu Entertainment Editor

It happens every spring. Last year, they had over 800 kids. This year, they’ll have even more. Last year, it sold out. This year—well, it will probably sell out again.

What is it, you ask? Why, the 17th annual City Jazz Festival, beginning Thursday, March 29th at FCC. The festival features performances and workshops by two top female jazz musicians: trumpet player Ingrid Jensen and Jazz Vocalist of the Year Tierney Sutton.

Adds festival director Mike Dana: “You’re going to be hearing the best on the planet.”

On Thursday the 29th, high school jazz groups from all over the valley will

perform, followed by an awards concert with Ingrid Jensen. The festival is noncompetitive, but will give deserving student musicians over $5,000 in scholarships to attend summer jazz workshops.

On Friday, The festival culminates with a performance by Tierney Sutton and her band.

Admission to the high school performances is free, while proceeds from the guest artist performances go towards FCC music scholarships. Tierney Sutton will also be giving a free jazz vocal workshop on Saturday.

The theme of this year’s festival, “Celebrating Women in Jazz,” aims at both appreciating and encouraging female jazz musicians, particularly those who might wish to pursue a less traditional route: “If you’re a singer you can be female and no one bats an eye, but there are not that many female trumpet players,” says Dana.

City Jazz Festival Thursday, March 29th 8:00am -5:30pm: Student performances, FCC Theatre (Free) 7:30pm: Awards concert with Ingrid Jensen, FCC Theatre ($10 General/$5 Student) Friday, March 30th 7:30pm: Tierney Sutton Band, FCC Theatre ($20 General/$10 Student) Saturday, March 31st 11:00am: Jazz vocal workshop, MS 135 (Free)

He notes, “What matters is if you can play.”

Jensen and Sutton will not only perform, they will also work with students in clinics.

“These are professional jazz performers. The really cool thing is that they get to work with these people. That’s a pretty amazing thing.”

Dana hopes that students and community members will take advantage of this opportunity to hear some good music-even if jazz isn’t their thing: “I don’t play golf, but if Tiger Woods came to town to play golf, I would go see that. . . Jazz would be like sushi, if you don’t even try it, how will you know if you like it?”

More info @ cityjazzfestival. com or (559) 442-8221

Review: Sean Chen Concert 18 year-old piano virtuoso plays to one rave review at Fresno City College

by Johanna Tanori Rampage Reporter

Music has a lot of genres.

Some are more popular than others, and we all have our favorites.

Some people like rock because it’s got a strong, forceful noise. Other people like pop because it’s fun and easy. Let’s not forget about folk and country—what wonderful guitar strumming! Personally, I prefer sound with a more synthetic origin. I admit: I’m a closet raver who loves dancing. Gross, I know.

But what about the musicians who are actually talented enough to create the music we all love? They have abilities mastered by hard work, discipline, and cold hard musical sweat. Even so, unless they’re famous and rich, we never see them. They remain a mystery only familiar to the most skilled You-tuber.

On March 10th, the mystery was cleared for my best friend and me. We decided to stop being hermits and attend the free clas-

sical music concert at the FCC recital hall, featuring 18 year old pianist Sean Chen. Thanks to faculty in the music department, Chen was invited to Fresno to play several pieces he has been working on for an upcoming competition.

So what’s so great about some kid banging away at the ole black and whites, you ask? Well make no mistake about it, this guy is seriously skilled.

After looking at the event program it was easy to see why he is so revered. The front and back of the pamphlet list things that most musicians could only hope to accomplish, and put everything I’ve ever done to complete shame.

Chen has done it all. At just eight years old he was a featured concerto soloist with the New West Symphony in Thousand Oaks.

Skip ahead to 2005 when Sean was invited to attend the XV International Chopin Competition held in Warsaw, Poland. Then in 2006, Sean was awarded his fourth scholarship from the United States Chopin Foundation and was the youngest contestant to be accepted

into the National Chopin Competition held in Miami.

“Well, you have to work hard and get your name out there and then hope for the best.”

Sean Chen,

Pianist Of course these are amazing things for anyone to complete at such a young age, but when asked about it Chen just shrugs, smiles, and says “They are all steps in achieving my goals. I just work on each step.” Currently, Sean is attending Juilliard School in New York, which he says is one of his biggest feats. “Of course the school I go to was really important for me. I like it there.” Chen is surprisingly sweet and down to earth.

He seems very comfortable about his success and his abilities.

The pieces that Sean performed at Fresno City were phenomenal. Each one showcased his

skills beautifully. He selected four composers, including Beethoven, Ravel, Ligeti, and Liszt. Beethoven was mastered wonderfully, as Sean made his Menuetto clear and concise. I thought that the sound was as sweet and simple as a country melody, and felt the urge to put on a bonnet and milk a cow or some other dairy animal.

I can’t say the same for Ligeti, who was the most contemporary composer that Chen chose.

There was a lot of…intenseness: periods of soft playing and then loud playing. It sounded like the tones were tumbling around on the piano. Sean called this “strongness”, and said that he chose from Legiti’s “The Staircase of the Devil,” “Because it’s difficult and versatile.” No thanks! Not for me Sean, sorry.

At least we did agree on one of the pieces. Ravel’s “Ondine” was especially beautiful. It sounded like glittery snow falling on silver paved side walks, or maybe a giant crystal ball spinning in a hallway of mirrors. I know

pretty far off right? Well maybe, but that’s what I heard when I listened to Chen play. It was just plain enjoyable.

After asking him a medium amount of boring questions like, why did you choose these pieces and did your parents force you to play; I asked him the one question that I really wanted to know the answer to: What kind of career can you have as a pianist, besides playing for weddings, funerals, and Quinceaneras? Chen laughed and didn’t deny the limited fields of work, but said, “Well, you have to work hard and get your name out there and then hope for the best.”

Spoken like a true overachiever, but I can respect that.

March 21, 2007

Entertainment

Review: ‘Handler’

by Maylin Tu Entertainment Editor

What to make of FCC’s latest theatre production—is it an opportunity to riff on a recent Samuel L. Jackson movie, a strange portrayal of religious excess—or perhaps domestic drama with a reptilian twist?

In truth, “Handler” is all these things and more. At its best, it compassionately explores complex spiritual and moral themes at the level of intense human suffering.

Written by Robert Schenkkan and directed by Chuck Erven, the play centers on Geordi and Terri, a middle-aged couple in the rural South. They have survived but not overcome a troubled history involving alcoholism and the loss of a child, and are devout congregants of the Church of the Holiness Way: a snake handling religious sect.

At the play’s beginning, Geordi is released from prison for some unnamed, but presumably heinous, crime. Soon, he reluctantly rejoins the church, and in a burst of either false bravado or bold faith, handles a snake for the first time.

My favorite scenes take place during the church’s worship services (with or without snakes): extremely well-choreographed, the music suitably and beautifully hypnotic—and for anyone who’s ever attended a Pentecostal place of worship—the timing is spot on.

I felt like I was getting to watch intimate, hidden rituals with none of the self-conscious embarrassment of the outside observer or non-participant; like a worshipper peeking through my fingers during service, trying to see what everyone else is doing.

The play captures not only the spectacle of the church service, but the internal workings of its culture: the primacy of “calling,” the uncontrolled emotionalism of collective religious experience, the one church member who can never share enough of her troubles--even down to the emotional subtext of worship itself.

Amazingly, “Handler” never treats its subjects with contempt or suffers itself to veer into caricature, even with the easy target of emotionally overwrought church members. It never condemns or judges, except in its portrayal of the blood hungry media and a slimy publicity agent.

In one particularly well written scene, the inner emotions of the churchgoers contrasts markedly with the outward expression of devoted worship they allow

each other to see. I loved that the people in the play were neither religious fanatics nor faithless cynics—there were shades of belief and experience rarely seen in any contemporary storytelling medium.

The acting was very decent, but I was more impressed by the supporting actors than the two leads. Brent Moser (Geordi) came off as too restrained and low key in his performance, while Kate McKnightWippern (Terri) had some nice moments tempered with a few shrill ones.

My attention slipped the most during some of the monologues, especially the dual monologue between Geordi and Terri, which made it difficult to follow some of the weightier themes.

I enjoyed Kelly Sanchez (Samuel) in his performance—in a recognizable and relatable role. Paul Parkey as Preacher Bob was quite good, Allison Bane (Alice) acquitted herself nicely, Nick Haas (Larry) did slick salesman superbly, and Jonathan Barcellos (Man-in-the-woods) certainly creeped it up as evil incarnate.

The music by Celtic band “The Highlands Lost” was amazing: alternating between feverish passion and haunting simplicity. The set design was ingeniously and functionally creative, and the costumes added immeasurably to the geographical and cultural context of the play.

Ultimately, “Handler” raises more questions that it answers. But I think it does remind us that there is something inherently alluring about “true believers”—people who let themselves go, giving up sane tradition and sober ritual for ecstatic emotional and spiritual experience.

Perhaps that is why the snake handling scenes resonate the most. In a time of moderate religious practice and the scorning of extremes (in religion, not culture), “real” belief fascinates and invites— Or at the very least, it reminds us that man is in need of something greater than himself—something slippery—that he reaches for, but cannot grasp.

Theatre/Dance Events High School Drama Festival April 11 8am-6pm Theatre City Dances Spring Concert April 26-29 7:30pm Theatre Actors and Dancers Showcase May 3-4 7:30pm TA-105 Teasers May 7-8 7:30pm

TA-105

Rampage 9

Woman’s intuition

by Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporter

“Premonition” tells the story of Linda (Sandra Bullock) and Jim Hanson (Julian McMahon), a couple that has the picture perfect life. They have a beautiful house, and two adorable girls, but are having marital problems One day Linda wakes up and finds out Jim has died in a car accident. Linda is devastated and so is the entire family. The story takes off when Linda wakes up and finds Jim alive. The same mess takes place throughout the entire film; Jim is dead, the next day he’s alive. The film is very confusing, but at the same time the plot is intriguing. Can this loving, sad-eyed wife see her husband’s demise? Can she alter the future? Or is she going crazy? Or is she being made to feel crazy by her distracted

man, her mother (Kate Nelligan), her unreliable best friend (Nia Long) , or her shrink (Peter Stormare)?

When Linda visits a priest and consults with him, he offers her some words of wisdom: “faith is believing in something beyond yourself.” Towards the end Linda loses sight of what she’s fighting for and in the end she does have a lot to fight for.

When screenwriter Bill Kelly incorporates two-bit psychological and spiritual poetry, the deep meaning is lost.

Premonition has a great art-house visual style and Michael Bay style explosions.

There’s great close ups of Sandra Bullock that show her character’s confusion and vulnerability.

Premonition is confusing, but for the most part heart-felt. Premonition is a film that tries to answer the question: if you had the opportunity to go back and tell someone “I love you” one last time, would you do it?

Views

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March 21, 2007

Girl talk!

Rampage reporters give their input on stereotypes, and the role of women Yeah, I shoot like a girl. And your point is?

by Maylin Tu Entertainment Editor I love stereotypes for one simple reason: they make my life so much easier. I can make accurate snap judgments about every person I meet.

For example, whenever a Hispanic girl walks by, I always keep a closer eye on my stuff. Problems with math? I ask the nearest rice eater for help. And that guy from chemistry who requested my phone number? He only wants one thing.

Sarcasm aside, there’s one particular stereotype I would love to see diving head first into the nearest empty swimming pool: Girls don’t do video (as in video production).

This is not true. I do video.

I am a girl.

And as a filmmaker of the female variety, I’d like to think I can shoot it up with the best of them, never mind that I wear skirts and can’t grow facial hair.

I would love nothing more than to be seen as a creator of moving images, not as a girl who just so happens to like making movies better than watching them or starring in them.

But, no matter—the “girls don’t do video” stereotype prevails. And it’s always the little things that get to you: Being a girl means hearing: “Camera is a guy’s job.”

It means directing a film, your friend showing up to help, and the actors asking him what to do.

It means always being given the least technical job possible.

It means introducing a guy as your co-producer and seeing the person’s eyes light up—because now they know who’s really in charge.

Being a girl means you must be the assistant, not the producer.

I’ve found through experience that shooting video is a lot like buying a used car. When I have a guy with me, whether he knows anything or not, the mere fact of male presence lends credibility to what I’m doing.

Because apparently, in the world of production, having a Y chromosome means you know more about everything--and you do it better.

But who am I to complain?

After all, as a girl, my emotions are constantly getting the better of me—so much so that there are whole days when I can barely function let alone yell “action” and “cut” at the right times.

Thank God there are so many competent men out there who can carry the load when we women filmmakers get weak and weepy and forget how to properly program our VCR’s.

Which leads me to the following statement: Don’t assume that just because I’m a girl I don’t know how to do CRAP. If I am ignorant or incompetent, at least give me the chance to prove it—or better yet, assume I actually know something.

Yeah, I shoot like a girl.

And your point is?

If you want to be treated the same, then you have to act the same

her to decide where the events of that evening should end.

This doesn’t make any sense to me. Years of struggle to gain women’s rights, countless protests, infinite debates and the birth of feminism in the pursuit of sexual freedom and the release of gender restrictions but you still find a debate in a gender role issue that’s non-existent.

Included in all of this is the wish for equalities such as equal rights, equal pay and the hope to be treated fairly. Yet men, on the other hand, are still given the responsibility of carrying the weight of our own gender role on our shoulders including, actions of social grace and chivalry, as well as picking up the tab and slack of the female gender with a smile on our faces.

Not to mention the fact that we have to tend to the emotional and physical needs of the opposite sex without complaining or hoping for any consideration in return of these thoughtful gestures.

This is because all the favors, rides, cash, dinners, and shoulders to cry on are all a part of the gender roles we’re expected to follow and accepted. When the hell did this double standard hit us? Why is it that women don’t have to conform to their gender role in any way shape or form but yet men do?

Women all say they want to be treated equally and have equal pay, yet men still have to be the ones to initiate the conversation when they like a girl. Men still have to pick up the tab on a date, regardless of whether it was the woman’s idea to have a night out.

Women can be gay, straight, or celibate, yet they are still wom-

ently, women have been putting it on themselves.

This stereotype has been around for as long as I can remember, but honestly I’ve never thought this way and I don’t think the rest of society does either, at least the part of our society that doesn’t go along with trends and

by DC Leavy follow the crowd merely because Rampage Reporter they want to fit in. I’m sure the free For years we’ve all heard thinkers in this world see the same the same old thing: “If a man equation in front of them and think sleeps with ten women, he’s a that they’re both sluts like I do.

As for the general populaplayer, but if a girl sleeps with ten guys she’s a slut.” Give it a rest. tion, I think this stigma has been I‘m sick of the same old redundant placed on the female gender beargument being used by the world cause of a few key details that I (mainly women) to justify their don’t think a lot of females realize argument that males in our society when they make this argument.

That is, we hold a higher regard have all the breaks.

First I really should tell you for women than we do men.

We as a society have come what started the chain reaction that led up to my current opinion to expect women to be more critical with who they sleep with. on women.

I was in Human Sexual- Why, you ask? Because a woman ity, and after hearing the “men has more to risk and lose than a are players and women are hoes” man in our society does, by being debate for the umpteenth time promiscuous.

A woman’s sexual organs I had a thought that seemed to explain how this societal norm are inside of her AND she carries was formed. I figured that this the responsibility of childbirth. To logic was taken merely from a me these two things imply that a male perspective and that’s why woman would be more restrictive women were judged so harshly on who she takes to bed with her for the same actions as their male and who she is involved with.

Let’s face it, when it comes counterparts.

A woman a few seats in to sex, the male gender in our socifront of me stood up and said I was ety isn’t the hardest to persuade. In wrong and that this was exactly fact, if any woman goes up to just the way she saw her sex as well about any guy and asks, “Do you as mine. She went on to tell me want to have sex?” 90% of their that she honestly felt that women answers are going to be yes.

You see, the act of interwho were as promiscuous as men with their sexual habits were to course is never truly finalized be viewed more harshly. This is unless the woman says so. She is HH225ME/Fresno St LTC Rampage 3/5/07 2:16 PM Page 1 Ken Bickel Brown Disk 74.5:HH225ME/F strange since most women blame the one that holds all the cards at men for this gender role but appar- the end of the night, and it’s up to See Gender roles page 12

Find out more about Army ROTC's Summer Leader's Training Course.

Contact MAJ Barry Whyte at 559-278-5460 or email at bwhyte@csufresno.edu or stop by RM 211 upstairs in the North Gym.

Views Ask the Interns

Rampage 11

March 21, 2007

Dear Psychological Ser-

vices, I’m an instructor at FCC and I’ve noticed, over the years, that some students don’t tell their employers that they are a student in school. They don’t let their employer know that they have a night class on “X Y Z” night.

They say “yes” when asked to work late, work overtime, or work a double shift.

Sometimes they fear getting fired. But, I think there may be other things going on here.

• Responsibility: Though it may seem irresponsible to miss a class you signed up to take, many students also have a financial responsibility to help support their families and/or children.

As such, responding to the needs of their families may often take precedence over their individual educational goals.

I would like feedback from all four interns on what they think is going on and suggestions for students in this predicament.

Thanks, Human Services Dear Human Services, There could be an endless number of possibilities as to the reasons why students may not want to disclose their student status to their employers.

Some of these reasons may include the following: • Money, Money, Money: The reality is some students may choose to work over coming to class because they simply need the money. The benefits of work (monetary compensation) are more immediate and often necessary to maintain student status, whereas the benefits of class are farther removed.

• Fear: Given the economic hardships that are often prevalent in this area, many students are hard-pressed to find employment so when they do, they may be afraid that disclosing student status may result in termination.

• Self-Consciousness: Some students, especially non-

traditional students (i.e., older and/or returning students), may feel a certain level of discomfort in disclosing their student status to an employer. They may be embarrassed and/or anticipate judgment from others who can’t relate to what they are going through, and thus may not be supportive of their efforts.

• Motivation: Due to the often overwhelming influence of the aforementioned areas, some students may begin to waver in their motivation and/or commitment level to their studies. Some may even doubt their ability to continue to juggle the various responsibilities.

With regard to suggestions for students who find themselves in any one or all of these predicaments, a good place to start would be asking for help from the appropriate resources.

One GREAT place to go for guidance in such matters is of course your campus’ user-friendly Psychological Services. J If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed with trying to balance school and work, reach out to someone who may be able to help; talk to your See Juggling work page 12

Give back to yourself

by Johanna Tanoori Rampage Reporter The clouds have dispersed and the air is warming.

Girls are shaking the dust off their booty shorts, and guys are noticing. Wake up you hibernating winter fatties; spring is coming!

If you’re like me, then you’ve been enjoying the weather and the promises of future tans to come.

And if you’re really like me, then you’ve been thinking about all of the miscellaneous activities that you can partake in now that the groundhog has actually seen his fat little shadow.

Yet living in the valley doesn’t only hinder your breathing abilities, it also puts a stale flavor in most of the stuff there is to do around Fresno (or as my friends so lovingly call it Fres- hell- no) The movies are too predictable, the mall too stagnant, and once those things are crossed off your list there isn’t much else to do within legal and moral boundaries. Luckily for this student body I’m the queen of making immoral things appear thoughtful and dare I say even gallant. So, let me make one unlikely suggestion, Volunteering!

That’s right some good ole fashioned, give your time to a better cause type of volunteering.

I bet you’re thinking, “What the hell? Volunteering? I thought this chick was going to tell me about some secret ongoing party that no one knows about.” Well as much as I wish that were true, fear not. I am here to inform you of all the crap you stand to gain from pretending to be a caring citizen. It can all be summed up in one statement, “One hand washes the other.”

My own volunteering history started out at the age of 11, when my mom thought it would be great for her two daughters to join a local chapter of 4-H. She wanted us to gain work experience, and to learn to socialize in an adult environment. Plus, they give out scholarships. Oh, and cookies at the end of every meeting. And while many of my fellow club members were busy milking goats and cows, my 4-H involvement was a little less animal and a little more people.

Every spring and summer a group of five or six other club members would get together and volunteer at various events in Fresno. We would wear our club Tshirts and parade around with com-

munity service on our side. One of our favorite places to volunteer was the Chafee Zoo. That’s right!

The Annual Ice Cream Safari, the Pancake Breakfast, and the Zoobilation were all events that I got to attend. We would serve food to guests, guide tours and even help with clean-up afterwards. It sounds pretty boring right? Well it wasn’t. Have you ever been to the Zoo after hours? It’s a fun and curious place to be, especially in the dark.

The funny thing about volunteering is that you always stand to gain from the experience, no matter how much you give.

One great example of this is seen on every University application.

College boards love it when you show that you have an interest in your community; this can always set you apart from other applicants.

Volunteering can also get you into places that you would like to be.

For instance, I have wanted to go see the Fresno Philharmonic, but tickets are $25-45 dollars and I don’t have that kind of money, so I have volunteered to help out at their next event, and they have promised to let me watch the show afterwards. Cool!

Www.volunteermatch. org is also known for giving out tickets to volunteers. During the summer they offered free tickets for the Annual New Rock Birthday Bash celebration, for anyone who would man their info table. This would have been a great opportunity to anyone who didn’t have the extra $50 to go to the show.

One last perk of Volunteering is the Food Factor. Most places looking for volunteers tend to treat them with the utmost respect (that way you’ll come back and volunteer again). One way that they use their persuasive powers is by feeding the heck out of you.

When I volunteered at the Zoo, they would let us eat ice cream and pancakes till we felt sick.

When I volunteered at the Fresno Convalescent home, they would allow us to eat as much Jell-O and fried chicken as we desired. It was great.

So you see, volunteering has its up sides. It’s not all about giving; it can be about taking too.

You just have to know where to take from. I suggest seeking out places that you like to be, or things you like to do and see if they need any help. Chances are they’ll say yes, and then you’ll really be raking in the benefits. By pretending to be Mother Teresa for a few hours you can give back to your community, gain social exposure, boost up your college resume, and expand your waist line. It’s a winwin situation.

12 Rampage

Juggling work Continued from page 11

teacher, rely on a friend or family member, talk to your academic advisor/counselor. Basically, reach out to any and everyone you feel you can trust. Heavy loads are always easier to carry when you have some help.

Hopefully this information will be of use to you. Thank you for taking the time to write in.

Good Luck, The Interns You can mail “Ask the Interns” letters to: Fresno City College Psychological Services c/o Dr. Brian Olowude 1101 E. University Ave. Fresno, CA 93741.

Letters can also be dropped off in the following locations: above the bookstore in Psychological Services or the Rampage office,

in the nurse’s office, DSP&S, or at the Career Center. We are looking forward to hearing from you Fresno City.

The information contained in this column cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals. Due to time and space (in the column), we may not be able to answer all of the questions provided. If you have serious psychological issues you should contact the Psychological Services Department on campus (ext. 8055) or another mental health professional. If you have a life threatening emergency contact campus police (ext. 8201) or dial 911! We make no guarantees concerning any treatment or action by any person following the information provided in this column. We are not liable for any damages that may result. The information offered can be regarded as trustworthy, supported by research, and reliable, however we make no guarantees of positive outcomes.

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C2?F @5<?A =2?6<1 <3 A6:2 W Linda Calandra, graduate, FPU degree completion program Development Officer, Fresno County Library

Working adults all over the Valley will finish their bachelor’s degrees in Business Management, Christian Ministries, Early Childhood Development, Organizational Leadership or Liberal Arts at Fresno Pacific University before the end of next year. Will you be one of them?

INFORMATION MEETING Thursday, April 5, 2007 • 5:30 p.m.

Call 453-3440 to reserve your spot.

5 River Park Place West, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93720 fresno.edu

Views Gender Roles Continued from page 10

and very few people in our society would think less of them or say otherwise.

On the other hand if a guy is gay or celibate in society’s eyes he’s not a man. This is portrayed in commercials, magazines, and even in the doctor ads for Viagra or Rogaine. The standard motto in our society is that a youthful good-looking male with machismo is what you have to be.

Even though the same can be said for women, there’s still a fan base fighting that issue from every angle: Obese Women’s rights, eating disorder campaigns, ”The View”, “The Tyra Show”, and even “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.

Yet I’ve never seen the “I’m fat, bald and happy” Foundation in my life. Instead it’s the Gold’s Gym ad or the Bally’s Total Fitness special for new club members. So it’s not the same if you think about it.

I’ve never been asked out on a date by a woman without knowing I had to bring my wallet in order to pay for HER. I’ve never seen any female get her boyfriend more than a $2 birthday card from Wal-Mart and a $5 bottle of cologne from the mall for their anniversary. On occasion I’ve seen the traditional $10 ugly digital watch from Sears, but that’s about it.

Men on the other hand can’t get away with this cheap display of love so easily. When it comes to picking a gift for the girl he’s with, or the woman he loves, it always seems to fall within the realm of our expected responsibility to go the extra mile and find the jeweled

Tiffany watch she’s been looking for, or search for the concert tickets to her favorite band. What about the $80 bottle of perfume you got her that could’ve paid off your PG&E bill?

It’s only for them. If we tried to get them the same cheap and inconsiderate gifts they give us then they wouldn’t be our girlfriends for much longer, and they know it.

I say females lost their seat at the special privileges table when they stood up for equal rights and started debating their role in our society. If you want to be treated the same then you have to act the same.

Now it’s your turn to try to pay back that extra effort that we’ve obviously wasted on you all these years. I say wasted because if you’re still going to blame us for all of your problems and for how you’re viewed by society, then it’s obviously wasted.

First we give you equal rights, then we don’t dare place a gender role on you in fear of being argued and yelled at, then we give you equal pay and just about anything you want, but you still find time to demean us and blame us for all of your problems.

If you really want to blame someone for the gender roles that you see in your head then blame all the people who taught them to you. Your mother and father who were the ones that gave you the ideals of what’s right and wrong as well as what’s expected of you.

Blame Disney for giving you the knight in shinning armor scenario

March 21, 2007 that you’ve dreamt of since your adolescence. The media is also to blame for giving you the views of what’s considered normal and reasonable through the eyes of our society. Lastly, you should blame the teachers that have taught you over the years for not giving you the ability to think for yourselves.

Screw this double standard B.S.! I’m sick of doing everything for women and not getting any gratitude in return. As if it’s part of my job to open the door for you, or take you out to dinner. It’s not in my job description to give you a hug and listen to your pointless stories and nonsense. It’s not in my contract to give you cuts in lines and go the extra mile to make you smile, but despite all of this, we stay with you even though you’re CRAZY!!!

Even though we’ve been doing these things for you with no consideration or gratitude from you except sex for the past 30 years we’ve been put on restrictions when it comes to expecting anything from YOU. We can’t expect you to be lady-like, a future wife, have our kids, or even stay at home and take care of the children. If we even try to label you under these categories a podium appears in front of us and we get a lecture from the high council of femi-nazis that have kept your gender role out of reach.

That’s like having your cake, eating it too, then taking our slice and making us pay the bill and after the meal is over you yell at us for you being fat. It’s your fault not ours.

Sports “Yo Adrian, I did it!” In command amidst the fog 13 Rampage

March 7, 2007

Continued from Page 15

Photo by Joseph Rios

FCC basketball team hoists their trophy after winning the state title.

Continued from Page 16 “I’ve never done that before,” he said.

Marcial explained that even the coaches got in on the action.

When they’re not on the court, they got their arms around each other, they’re laughing, giving each other piggyback rides, poking fun at one another, and, from what we saw at the fountain ceremony, they grab each other on the rear – coaches included.

They’re a band of brothers. They’re bonded together with a common love for the game and molded by the hands of an eccentric father-figure and a group of unique uncles.

To their credit, this team somehow managed to pull off the unthinkable while the glue was still wet.

Edwards said, “The closer we got to the end, we knew we were going to win it.”

Even modest Marcial found himself planning out how he was going to celebrate after winning the title.

Continued from Page 16

DeLeon.

Seven of Saddleback College’s 10 players were listed as many as six-inches taller that either of them. Five of them were taller than anyone on Fresno’s team.

Six of Antelope Valley’s ten were also taller than Edwards and DeLeon.

“It takes more than height,” said Edwards who grabbed 12 of the Rams’ 42 rebounds against Compton.

“They don’t work as hard as us,” said DeLeon who scored a game-high 16 points in the title game. “We have more heart.”

Coming from where they’re from, they explained, stepping up to the competition is an everyday thing.

Whether it was basketball, baseball, or even new sneakers – everything was a competition.

“Everything man,” said Edwards in a softened Bronx accent. “As soon as you walk out the door it’s a competition.

“I didn’t want to be overconfident,” he said, “but I was thinking: what would I do?”

So many had their doubts and so many stood in disbelief when they finally did it. The drive that took them from nothing to something and the family foundation they laid with every 5 a.m. practice, post-game workout, and study hall appearance gave them the edge over the rest.

They had what Apollo Creed called, “the eye of the tiger.” It’s what carried Rocky Balboa the distance in “Rocky I” and its what kept his fists swinging to victory in “Rocky II”.

Who do we credit for their success? The coaching staff points to the players and the players point to the coaches.

I give the trophy family. With some hustle and a whole lot of love, this team made history and pulled it off with class.

This reporter couldn’t have asked for a more compelling tale to tell.

Fresno City Rams: my hat’s off to you. Congrats.

ketball team and was playing with a group of kids during a practice. He went up, no more than a foot he said, and came down on one of the player’s feet.

The irony in the whole bit was that the boy’s last name was Jones.

When Marcial went to the doctor, he informed him that the injury in his foot was called a “Jones Fracture.”

Marcial spent much of his senior season on the bench nursing his foot. During the few times he was able to step onto the court, he showed what an unfettered commander he could be.

His leadership has a unique way of slicing through the discord. Whether it was through casual head nods, motions with a free hand, or shouting across the court, his orders Photo by Joseph Rios were always deliv- Mike Marcial takes it to the rack over Gerard Anderson from Saddleback. ered.

Marcial’s not sure what part of that future. What he is sure It took him a year off he wants to do now, he said. He about are the basics. school and another year off the wants to keep his options open.

“I want a family, kids, and a court to realize that the game As for a major, he’s undeclared. good job – the American Dream,” filled an aching void in his life.

He doesn’t know what career is in Marcial said. “I don’t care about Now, the freshman-leader brings his future; he doesn’t even know if being rich, but I just want to be all of those old qualities to the basketball is always going to be a happy.”

Rams’ table.

Quitting just isn’t an option for

I mean, you’re competing with everybody.”

“We don’t wanna say that it’s all about where we’re from,” said DeLeon. “But there’s so much going on [over there], you know?”

They might have come to the West Coast from the City, but it wasn’t where they began. DeLeon, the youngest of five children, spent the first nine years of his life in Santo Domingo, the capitol city of the Dominican Republic. And although he’s a U.S.-native, Edwards’ family is originally from Antigua, an island about 300 miles off the eastern shore of Puerto Rico.

“That’s why I like this dude,” said Edwards in reference to DeLeon. “It’s the island connection. He might speak a different language, but we’re brothers.”

That might also be why they succeed. Amidst a team of players who know adversity, these two witnessed it with a

different ocean at their backs.

Edwards went on to say that people in the islands work hours a day just to be poor at the end of it, live on dirt floors, and succumb to crime riddled lifestyles to make ends meet.

“That’s real struggle,” he said. “I don’t ever wanna knock anyone’s struggles, but I’ve seen a different kind of struggle.”

Edwards was quick to

gets up and does things because he has to. He’s the kind that has to be told over and over before he does it.

His mom was the one who stayed on him to do better when he was home. Howeve, Edwards hasn’t seen his mother since last July. He left home just after the turn of the New Year in 2006.

He attended Siskyous College with the intent on playing under Coach Ed Madec and followed him when he accepted the coaching job in Fresno.

His mom and 15-year old sister are the two things he misses most about home. Well that, and his mom’s cooking.

“She knows how to put it down,” Edwards said. “She cooks ox tail ...fish. I like fish, but only when she cooks it.”

DeLeon just started playing basketball last summer.

Yeah, last summer.

“When I came I couldn’t even shoot a left-handed layup,”

“... I couldn’t even shoot a left-handed layup,” DeLeon said. point out that he’s gambling on, what he calls, his “50th chance.”

He’s been given a lot of opportunities in his lifetime and he hasn’t always made the most of each one of them.

“Sometimes I think I didn’t live up to my potential,” said Edwards. “I don’t know how many chances I got left. I just want to get it right, right now.”

He made it clear that he is not the kind of person who

DeLeon said.

DeLeon, who wore a navy-blue Yankees cap, was a baseball player before he came to Fresno. He had never played basketball for any organized program before.

His older brother Adris played for Madec at Sikyous.

Adris told Madec that his younger brother would make a perfect addition to his program.

That must have been enough.

Before too long, George DeLeon was waving goodbye to Washington Heights and saying hello to the Central Valley and clenching a state title.

For the two of them, there were plenty of times they thought about just packing up and heading home. They’d ask themselves: was leaving family and home worth all this?

“Quitting? I don’t know what that is,” said Edwards. “I couldn’t do it. [And besides,] my teammates held me down.”

“We’re a family,” said DeLeon. “That’s the best way to put it.”

“That’s the only way to put it,” said Edwards.

Sports

14 Rampage

March 7, 2007

Fresno City Rams 2006-07

#2 Sultan Toles-Bay (5-11)

Stat Totals: 3P: 51/124; 122 Reb; 101 Stls; 332 pts; 97 Asts Coach’s Comments: “Old school basketball player, an old soul. Crafty, crafty, crafty. He saved the best for last.”

#3 Phillip Matcham (5-11) Stat Totals: 3p: 151/354; 509 pts; 12.0 Scor Avg; 50 Reb Coach’s Comments: “Sick competitor. A winning spirit second to none. Has the guts to take any shot and make it - at any time.”

Madec takes no credit for the win Photo by Joseph Rios

Coach Ed Madec joins the squad of mostly freshmen after winning the state title. Like many of his players, this was his first year on the team.

#4 Brent Grice (6-4) Stat Totals: 114 Reb; 171 Pts; 19 Blks Coach’s Comments: “Just a beautiful human being. Doesn’t realize his own strength. His teammates love him.”

#5 Daniel Valdez (6-0) Stat Totals: 3P: 22/68; 12 Asts; 78 pts Coach’s Comments: “Got tougher as the year went on. A really great kid to coach.”

by Joseph Rios Sports Editor

Coach Ed Madec has every reason to celebrate.

He’s in a new town, lives in a new house. He has a lovely wife, a baby on the way; he’s got a new job and his team just won the state championship.

“The least important of those things you talked about was the state championship,” said Madec after being asked how he felt in light of the things going on in his life. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say...”

Just as quickly as he answered the question about his life, he shifted the attention back over to his team.

“I like to think our kids would be getting the recognition they deserve if we’d lost that state

#10 Cory Billingsley (6-2) Stat Totals: 3P: 44/149; 81/228 FG; 106 Reb; 237 Pts Coach’s Comments: “High character. He’s a kid you never ever doubt his consistency, his agenda, or what he’s willing to do for you and your team. Probably the most steady kid all year.”

championship. A ball can bounce a certain way, a ref can make a call you don’t agree with, and your kids can react the exact same way.

“Sometimes people go through their life and they do the

fine young men.”

Even when Madec and the Rams celebrated their win over Antelope Valley on KSEE 24’s “Sports Central”, Madec told Anthony Flores that it was, “about

“...It’s amazing what a group of people can accomplish when no one cares.”

-Ed Madec right thing the right way, the way our kids did, and they don’t get rewarded. But if keep banging on the door, keep chipping away at the ice block, eventually it breaks open.

“We’re really proud of these guys, not just because they won a state championship; we’re proud of them because they’re turning into

these kids.”

When Madec’s not talking about his players, he’s talking about his coaching staff.

“I’m lucky to have assistant coaches …who help me better myself. I think I’ve learned more from my assistant coaches than they’ve learned from me.”

He continually stresses the intensity, the commitment, the drive, and the perseverance of his players and dedication of his coaches to their players.

To him, the journey was far more significant than the destination.

“We have a lot underdogs in our program, kids that were left over, kids that weren’t recruited real hard, kids that were undersized, kids that weren’t talented enough to play on some of those other teams. “ I think the world of these kids and their growth. We weren’t as talented as some of these other teams, but talent is defined in many ways.

“There’s an old saying, ‘It’s amazing what a group of people can accomplish when no one cares.”

COA Championship Bracket Compton College Game 2 - March 8

Antelope Valley Fresno City College

Antelope Valley Game 4 - March 8 71-69

103-99 (OT) FCC (90-77)

Fresno City College

Ohlone College

Champion Game 5 - March 10 #14 Mike Marcial (6-0)

Stat Totals: 77/191 FG; 108 Reb; 245 Asts; 105 Stls Coach’s Comments: “Just a phenomenal leader. So unselfish, such a winner. He’s one of those guys... you just look forward to being around him everyday.”

West Hills College Game 1 - March 8 Saddleback

FCC AVC 57-55 76-75 Game 7 - March 11

Game 6 - March 10

Yuba College Saddleback 65-47

Ventura CollegeGame 3 - March 8 82-75 Ventura College

Sports

March 7, 2007

Humble leader fills ball-sized void

A freshly shaved Ed Madec got up from his make-shift barber’s chair to begin introducing his players to a mildly attentive crowd near the fountain. He read off a few names while the rest of the team went to work on assistant coach Tony Amundsen’s soon-to-be bald head.

Freshman guard Mike Marcial mingled in the background as the names were read. He stood quiet beneath his sideways-slanted state championship cap and soaked in the festivities like any other spectator.

“Mike Marcial,” Madec called out. “Mike, get out here. Let ‘em see you.”

For a guy who was just awarded MVP of the state tournament, he seemed distant.

He weaved his way from behind the players and revealed himself to the crowd. He shot the scattered spectators a casual wave and a toothless smile only to return to the swarm around Amundsen.

That’s how Marcial is.

He never seeks the spotlight, never wants the fame or the notoriety.

He’s a pass-first, shoot far second kind of player. He’s an unselfish, blue-collar guy who only wants to better his team.

Marcial led the Rams in assists for each of the three games in the state championship tournament. During the regular season he tacked up 245 of the teams 657 assists.

No one else on the team

hit the hundred mark. As far as points scored goes – he’s sixth with 260.

Unselfish? You better believe it.

On a team like this year’s FCC team, he was the perfect leader. There was no room on the roster for a showboat, a Kobe, a Jordan, or a Lebron – only a Mike…Marcial that is.

The cold hard fact is that, individually, most of the guys on the Rams’ squad aren’t that great. They’re band of misfits that somehow fit.

They’re a middle-class family of orphans with Madec as the father and Marcial as the big brother.

On the court, he fills the role. His undersized team made the moves over and over on the inside and from beyond the arch.

His job was to feed them the rock so they could finish. And he did – 245 times.

In many ways, the crowd can tell a lot about a player by the way they handle themselves on the court.

Well, there are few finer than Marcial. His character radiates every time he passes on an open fast break, has the open three, but passes it inside, and when he bows his head instead of soaking up the praise. We saw it when, after sealing the victory over Antelope Valley, he hurdled the press table and ran into the stands to hug his mom.

It’s apparent when Marcial credits the team and critiques himself when he feels he didn’t come through. After he scored 13 points and made seven assists

Continued from Page 16 title. The scene was reminiscent of the Biblical tale of David and Goliath.

The mighty Philistine, Goliath, stood over seven feet tall and called out to the Israelite army, “Bring me a challenger. If I am defeated, my army will turn back.”

Out of the ranks came the iconic David, a smaller, younger soldier with all of the odds stacked against him and the fate of many resting on his shoulders.

Unprotected by armor and armed only with a sling, David was on the receiving end of taunts and jeers from the Philistines and Goliath himself. In one swift throw of a stone from his sling, David toppled the giant Goliath.

The giant wasn’t laughing anymore.

Just like that, Fresno City stepped up to each team. And just like that, they brought them to their knees.

First: Compton. We held our breath as Compton cut Fresno’s eight-point lead to none and positioned themselves to squash the Rams’ title hopes. Thanks to the first of two lucky bounces, the game continued. Mike Marcial sank a layup deep into overtime to take the lead for the Rams (98-96).

The Rams would go on to snatch the quarterfinal victory with a final score of 103-99.

Phillip Matcham led the Rams with 20 points and six three-pointers. Sultan Toles-Bay followed with 15.

Second matchup: Saddleback – another giant. FCC rebounded and came into the game swinging. They built up a 46-27 lead at halftime. Most thought it was about time, and some wondered if it was worth sticking around for the finish.

Maybe the Rams don’t like doing things the easy way.

They let the Gauchos creep back into the game. Before anyone knew it the team was facing another buzzer beater with only a few seconds remaining. Marcial found George DeLeon inside for two points that put Fresno back in the driver’s seat. Brian Minor held tight to a rebound after Saddleback’s DeAndre Myles missed a jumper from 15-feet as time expired.

The final: Antelope Valley.

The Rams would finally hold tight to a lead and win a game without all the drama. Fresno held about an eight-point lead for most of Photo by Joseph Rios the game. After two halves at the Freshman Brian Johnson scores a jam after snatching a steal against reigns, FCC took the title 90-77.

Saddleback College.

by Joseph Rios Sports Editor

Rampage 15

#15 George DeLeon (6-3)

Stat Totals: 120/225 FG; 195 Reb; 306 Pts; 68 Stls Coach’s Comments: “A kid with a tremendous work ethic. His intention is only to help the team. He has a heart of a lion.”

#20 Kenya Edwards (6-3)

Stat Totals:101/165 FG; 203 Reb; 242 Pts Coach’s Comments: “A gamer. He did all the dirty work and he never get the glory. If you’re going into combat you wanna make sure to have Kenya with you.”

#22 Daniel Mitchell (6-5)

Stat Totals:10/11 FG; 17 Reb; 21 Pts Coach’s Comments: “Been here since day one. Great Kid. Charlie Brown’s a winner, no doubt about it.

Photo by Joseph Rios

Players were given “State Champs” T-shirts like this one Mike Marcial is wearing. against Compton College, Marcial told the Fresno Bee, “I played like crap.”

Marcial’s basketball career has been a roller coaster ride to say the least. In high school he showed promise leading the Clovis High Cougar squad.

He was the same kind of

player then that he is now. He commanded the court like a general on the battlefield and dictated the flow of the offense.

His playing was cut short, though, when he broke his foot.

He helped out with an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) bas Continued on Page 13

Toppling giants: the Rams’ specialty

#31 Marlon Burnett (6-3) Stat Totals:76/191FG; 90 Reb; 47 Asts; 201 Pts Coach’s Comments: “Sled Dog, maybe the toughest kid I’ve ever been around. Just a tough-nosed warrior.

#32 Brian Minor (6-3)

Stat Totals: 140/319 FG; 3P: 38/108; 145 Reb; 400 pts Coach’s Comments: “Solid kid. Just continued to get tougher as the year went on. His future can be whatever he wants it to be.”

#33 Jonathon Hewitt (6-0)

Stat Totals: 244/525 FG; 111 Reb; 674 Pts Coach’s Comments: “Extreme talent.

Sports come east to him. He’s that talented, that athletic.”

#34 Brian Johnson (6-3) Stat Totals:70/182 FG; 76 Reb; 25 Stls; 188 Pts Coach’s Comments: “He’s a guy you want on your side. Like so many of our guys, he puts his individual ego aside for the best of the team.

March 7, 2007

Hustle and Love A

nyone who has watched at least one of the Rams’ basketball games will know what their secret weapon is: unity.

You can’t watch the team and not see it.

When the team is on, its like watching a carefully choreographed dance routine or like a magician pulling a rabbit from a ten-gallon hat – they leave you asking: how’d they do that?

On paper, they’re one of the smallest teams in the state. They only have one player taller than 6-4 and a whole mess of six-somethings down the line.

After Vance Walberg packed up for Pepperdine, the team only had two returning playJoseph Rios ers in JonaRampage Sports Editor than Hewitt and Phillip Matcham, respectively.

Walberg, who tacked up a 113-11 record and the team’s third state championship in its history left big shoes to fill for freshman coach Ed Madec.

Without FCC’s win horse in Walberg and a measly two players left on the plate, few had any faith that the team would pull off anything above mediocrity this season.

Heck, even the coaches had their doubts.

Madec’s premiere season with the Rams was wrapped as a rebuild year, a time for him to do some scouting, gather a team, and maybe get a few wins along the way – but nobody was going to grab their pitch forks if they pulled off less than a .500 season.

Followers of the team, frankly, didn’t expect much of anything.

What we got instead, was a team of Rudy Ruetiggers and a triumphant climax to a Cinderella story.

Kenya Edwards said it best while I talked to him last week after they’d won the title, “If we lost, we wouldn’t be sitting here [with you].

If we lost, they’d be like, ‘Pshh, we knew it.’”

While follwing the team, it became clear that FCC was sitting on something special. How special wouldn’t materialize until later.

Their uniqueness was apparent in the simple things they did as a team, the way they interacted on and off the court, and in the way they simply talked to one another.

Mike Marcial recently shared with me that, on the eve of a game, the team went out to play laser tag.

Yes, laser tag. It was treated like a practice.

Continued on Page 13

Sports

16

Perennial David slays three Goliaths

FCC overcame their lack of size to take down three of California’s best and win the state title

by Joseph Rios Sports Editor

With consistency in mind, they brought everyone along for the roller-coaster ride through the state championship tournament that began with an overtime thriller against Comp-

ton College, sank into a nail biter with Saddleback College, and arose to a leisurely drive past Antelope Valley.

When it was all over and done with, the Rams were crowned state champions. In doing so, they became the fourth team to accomplish that feat in Fresno City College history.

Fresno Junior College won it in 1955 under head coach Joe Kelly. Fresno City College won a second title under Kelly in 1963 when the Rams defeated San Diego City 76-69.

It took Fresno 42 years to win another. The third came

Rams’Heart

in 2005 under former head coach Vance Walberg. His team defeated San Bernardino 83-68 and sealed their undefeated season (34-0).

Fast-forward to mid-March 2007 and you’ll see a small, young team stepping up to an older, bigger one in hopes of capturing that Continued on Page 13

Photo by Joseph Rios

George DeLeon (left) and Kenya Edwards (right) went out to support Fresno City’s softball team in a recent game against Merced College.

beats for

by Joseph Rios Sports Editor

“W

New York

ashington Heights,” George

DeLeon said after being asked where in New York he was from. “It’s in Manhattan.

I had a lot of fun there. You know I love that. Ain’t that right Kenya?”

Kenya Edwards, who hails from the Bronx, kept laughing while he licked his lips and readjusted his slanted baseball cap.

“A lot of fun,” he said finally as he leaned back on the bleacher-bench behind him, “A lot of fun.”

The duet from the Big Apple are the

beating heart at the Rams’ center. When critics talk about the lack of size on the

team, they are the ones who feel the pain.

Both Edwards and DeLeon are listed on the roster at 6-3 and as forwards, but they play like much-taller centers.

During the state championship tournament they faced one giant after the other and shut down every one of them.

In the quarterfinals they faced Compton College. Compton’s roster has six of its 11 players taller than both Edwards and Continued on Page 13