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Palomar College, San Marcos, Calif.

www.the-telescope.com

Vol. 60, No. 15

Co111ets out of the playoffs

Increase in Pell Grant may not help Palomar

By Jason Dunn IHE TEtESCO

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The federal government's proposed budget increases the amounts students receive from Pell Grants, but California's community college students may not get any extra money.

The Bush administration has proposed raising the maximum Pell Grant award by almost 14 percent, or $550, next year, the largest increase in more than 30 years. It also calls for a 33 percent raise during the next five years, reaching a maximum of $5,400. The current maximum grant is $4,050.

A large part of calculating

how much students get from the Pell Grant is the tuition they have to pay.

Because California's community college students pay relatively low tuition, there is a disparity between what they receive and what students in other states receive, said governing board Trustee Nancy Chadwick.

"Right now, the California students get substantially penalized," she said.

According to information from the Financial Aid Department, about 1,400 Palomar students • SEE PELL, PAGE 6

Trustees approve new degrees for Fall 2007

By Jason Dunn f.

Palomar's Kris Petrovic (No. 30) completes a lay-up in a 71-64 victory over Southwestern College on Feb. 17. The Comets received an at-large bid after the game, but Compton College knocked them out of the playoffs Feb. 21 with a 72-54 defeat. See story on page 10.

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Palomar students will have new programs and new courses to choose from in Fall 2007.

Students will be able to work toward an associate degree in an apprenticeship as a plasterer or a residential wireman, or work toward a certificate of proficiency in public relations or broadcast journalism.

"Every year, new curriculum is being written," said Berta Cuaron, vice president of instruction. "We're always revising curriculum."

Other new programs are associate degrees in French, medical office management and alcohol and other drug studies.

Sixty-one new and re-activated courses were approved for the fall semester.

Cuaron said courses at Palomar undergo periodic evaluation.

"That's a constant for us," she said. "We're always doing that."

Governing board trustees approved the new programs and courses at their Feb. 20 meeting • SEE TRUSTEES, PAGE 7

Speaker challenges audience to act on global starvation Ry Kyle Ray D

While many were thinking about chocolates and sweethearts, Palomar Philosophy Professor William Leslie spent an hour of his Valentine's Day discussing global hunger and poverty. The discussion was part of Palomar's Campus Explorations program which this year has the theme of "Work and Poverty."

Leslie began his presentation by posing a question - is a person walking by a drowning child morally obligated to save him if he or she can do so with little risk of injury? Leslie said he believes the person is, and likened the 30,000 children who die each day from starvation and starvation-related effects to a child drowning in a pool.

The annual cost would be $19 billion to

eliminate starvation and malnutrition globally, $12 billion to educate every child on earth, $15 billion to provide access to water and sanitation and $23 billion to reverse the spread of AIDS and malaria, Leslie said. When compared to the $420 billion annual U.S. military budget and the $340 billion spent on the Iraq War so far, $69 billion to significantly improve the world is a justifiable cost, Leslie said.

To put these costs in perspective, Leslie said that Americans spend $8 billion per year on cosmetics and $400 billion per year on legal and illegal drugs.

Leslie spoke about the United Nations

Millennium Goals that were set in 2000.

He spoke specifically about goal No. 1 to halve the number of people suffering from hunger by 2015.

Leslie showed a clip from the movie "The Girl In The Cafe," in which a woman has the opportunity to encourage the leaders at a G8 summit to stop just talking, and to actually do something to end world hunger.

Leslie spoke about what he said were simple ideas that had made significant differences to the world hunger problem.

One example was microloans - small loans to people with no collateral that have enabled people in impoverished

countries to start businesses, and to grow the economy in regions where most live on less than a dollar per day.

Another example was PlayPumps in Africa- apparatuses similar to merry-gorounds that pump fresh water from the ground into storage tanks. Each PlayPump can provide clean drinking water for up to 2,500 people, Leslie said.

He said one of his causes is Heifer International, a program that allows people to donate livestock to a family in an impoverished nation. He said it's surprising the difference a goat can make in a family's life.

Leslie's final words of the presentation were "do something!"

The Campus Explorations seminars are held Wednesdays from 2 - 3 p.m. in Room ES-19. The seminars are open to everyone.

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THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

Study abroad offered

campus

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Spanish Professors Martha Evans (front) and Eduardo Peixoto present information Feb. 17 on the college's study abroad in Spain, which runs from May 19 to June 16. For information about the program, e-mail Evans at mevans@palomar.edu.

The Faculty Senate will hold its weekly meeting at 2 p.m. in Room SU-30. The meeting is open to the public.

• Inter-Club Council meeting

2/27

JEIUIIFER BlUER I THE TELESCOPE

• Faculty Senate meeting

The ICC will hold its weekly meeting at 12:30 p.m. ir1 Room SU-18. The meeting is open to the public.

"The Bicycle Thief," a 19481talian film about the threatened livelihood of the victim of a bicycle thief, will screen at 6:30p.m. in Room P-32. Admission is tree.

• Graduation deadline Students will not be able to register tor the May commencement ceremony after this date.

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• Deadline to apply for Police Academy Students will not be able to apply tor the Fall 2007 Police Academy after this date. For information, visit www.palomar.edu/policeacademy/ admission.html.

• Concert Hour "Initial Conditions," a local jazz trio, will perform from 12:30 p.m. in Room D-1 0. Admission is tree.

• Planetarium shows The planetarium will have two shows- "The Sky Tonighr at 7 p.m. and "Galaxies" at 8:15p.m. Student admission is $1 or $2. For information, visit www.palomar.edu/planetarium

• Scholarship deadline Students will not be able to apply tor scholarships offered through the Financial Aid Department after this date.

• Campus Explorations

• Literary journal deadline

Faculty members tor the Child Development Department will host a seminar on "The Status of Childcare Workers in America" from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room ES-19. The seminar is open to everyone.

Students will not be able to submit work to Bravura, the college's literary journal, after this date.

Written work can be e-mailed to rversaci@palomar.edu. Other work can be dropped off in Room P-2.

• Associated Student Government meeting The ASG will hold its weekly meeting at 1 p.m. in Room SU-18.

The meeting is open to the public.

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• Free HIV testing Health Services will host tree HIV testing from noon to 4 p.m.

Fake patients instrumental in training medical students seniors in the midst of a stroke. They also experience or medical training. The ranks ter. Beyond the money - fees range from include military retirees, stay-at-home about $10 to $50 per hour- people who can demonstrate physical exam basics sometimes offering up their own bodies so parents and people with flexible full-time play patients should want to build better doctors, not make up for their own bad As Bob Shepherd shufiled into a room at students can practice - and critique com- jobs.

Eastern Virginia Medical School, his whole munication skills.

The best candidates like to talk, don't experiences in health care by judging stuSome pretend to have medical abnor- mind delivering honest criticism and do dents too harshly, she said. body broadcasted pain - downcast eyes, "Here is where we want students to slow walk, flat voice and clasped hands. malities such as heart murmurs. Others well at memorizing the particulars of difHe wasn't sleeping well and didn't have an excel at portraying "challenging" patients, ferent cases, Kiraly said. Each case is make mistakes and learn from them," appetite, Shepherd told a room of would-be including people who are angry after a based on a real patient and comes with Gilva-McConvey said. "We are teaching doctors. A year earlier, he explained, he long wait to see a doctor, don't speak detailed symptoms, medical histories and them to make the transition between had lost his wife of 40 years.

English well or are devoted to a belief sys- life stories. While preparation time varies, books to real patients, and the best way to participants usually need about an hour of do that is to give them early clinical expe"I never thought that I would be the one tem such as voodoo. rience in a safe environment." here and she would be gone," Shepherd "The lesson is that you can never just cut training per case.

"There's much more to it than going in, Watching medical students improve is said, breaking into tears. "We did every- off communication or blow off people's thing together." beliefs," Kiraly said. ''Even if there's a pretending to be sick and going home," the payoff for Francine Gambo, who has A volunteer from the group of medical translator in the room, you still have to Kiraly said. "There's a real methodology to worked as a fake patient for 12 years. it." school applicants patted Shepherd's shoul- look at the patient when you're talking."

Gambo said she especially likes demonMotivation also is crucial, said Gail strating the slurred speech and muscle der, probed for details about his life and Participants represent a wide variety of gently talked him into counseling. That's racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, Gliva-McConvey, director ofEVMS' profes- weakness of stroke victims because her when the 62-year-old man snapped out of and only a handful has professional acting sional skills teaching and assessment cen- father once survived a stroke.

"I see it as a tribute to my father," she patient mode and turned into a teacher. said, "and as a way to make sure that "Your empathy was good throughout," Shepherd said. "Your open-ended quesfuture people who have a stroke will be in the hands of good doctors." tions were good, but you needed to ask me For medical students, working with peoa lot more of them. Also, you can't autople like Gambo is crucial for making the matically rule out some dementia in addition to my depression. You have to pay transition to real patients. attention to every word I say."

"It's like a toolbox that they help you build," said Lara Pappas, a third-year stuShepherd is one of a group oflocal resident. "You practice every skill you could dents who play a unique role for medical students -fake patients. Formally known possibly learn so you can pull out what you need with each patient." as "standardized patients," the 85-member Often, the encounters with fake patients group helps doctors-to-be learn how to don't even feel scripted, Pappas said. diagnose illnesses and, just as importantly, "They can be so real it's scary," she said. develop a good bedside manner.

The time commitment varies by the "If patients like you and trust you, they week, and patients can turn down roles if are going to open up and talk about things that are very sensitive," said James Kiraly, they're not comfortable, Kiraly said. communications trainer and media speShepherd, one of the few professional actors in the ranks, usually goes to EVMS cialist at EVMS. "They also are more likely to listen to you and do what you say. If it at least once a week. Along with playing the depressed widower on a recent visit, he even appears to a patient that you're not stripped off his shirt and patiently guided interested, that is really going to matter."

Ranging in age from 7 to 82, many of a future student through his first lung the fake patients have mastered a wide exam with a stethoscope. range of ailments. They can act the shame "It's good to get to them now," Shepherd said. "When the only thing riding on how of bed-wetting children, the denial of teenagers with eating disorders, the fear of Third year medical student Lara Pappas (left) examines the eyes of fake patient Francine Gambo. they do is the grade that they get - not somebody's life."

HIV-positive adults and the confusion of Fake patients help doctors-to-be learn bedside manner and how to diagnose illnesses.

By Alison Fr·eehling

MCT flEWS SERVICE

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ho ars p To Apply: Go to www.palomar.edu, click eServices at the top of the page, log in, click the Fin Aid Tab and select: ''Apply for Scholarships'' For more information,

to:www.palomar.edulfa/scholarships.h

alomar ollege Financial Aid and Scholarship Office

PALOMAR COLLEGE

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THE TELESCOPE â&#x20AC;˘ MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

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EDITORIAL

Honon program would greatly

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Faculty members will be polled this semester as to whether they think Palomar should have an honors program. We believe Palomar should have such a program.

Palomar already caters to diverse groups - students who want to take a few classes and learn a trade, students who want to earn associate degrees, students who want to transfer and students who want to improve their basic skills.

Palomar's motto is ''Learning for Success." It would be fitting to see Palomar also cater students who want to push Till tolllfl would to themselves to advanced stages t1ttommodt111 of learning. motirt111d 1tud1n11, One of the arguments opponents make is that an honors nothing mot~. program would create an elitist system at the college.

One of the proposed models for an honors program would not create such a system. Extra work assigned per class to students who want to be honors students would give all students the chance to be part of an honors program. The college would accommodate motivated students, nothing more. Palomar shouldn't stunt the potential success of these students just for the sake of those who are not willing to exert themselves.

The success of honors students would not detract from the achievements of non-honors students because the program would be open to everyone willing to work for it.

The college should give its students a chance to show what they are capable of, and give students who want to prove themselves an incentive to come here, instead of one of the other colleges in the area that has an honors program.

The implementation of such a program would not be easy, but we believe the rewards would far outweigh the drawbacks of the startup and maintenance.

Another argument against an honors program is that it would divert resources to students who need them the least. Faculty members would have to devote a portion of their time to honors students. It doesn't mean they have to neglect other students. Besides, we don't believe Palomar was ever meant to be an equalizer. We believe Palomar should try to do as much as possible to support all ofits students, and an honors program would help students immensely.

Last year, at San Diego Mesa Community College, all of the students in the honors program who applied to UC Berkeley were accepted, even into the Haas School of Business, which is notoriously hard to gain acceptance to.

SDMCC doesn't even have a transfer agreement with UC Berkeley.

Improved transfer rates are not the only perks of an honors program. Students in colleges that are members of the Honors Transfer Council of California, a consortium of 52 community college honors programs, can receive guaranteed housing, scholarships and acceptance into university honors programs.

These are tremendous perks for students who want to transfer. Palomar should incorporate an honors program for students who want to take advantage of them.

An honors program would help Palomar students for generations to come, and give them stronger educational benefits than Palomar would offer them without one.

We strongly encourage faculty members to support the program.

TeliScope Monday, Feb. 26, 2007

Volume 60, No. 15

FOtUSED ON PALOMAR The Telescope is published 11 times per semester. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, Palon1ar faculty members and staff members or the governing board trustees.

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS THE TELESCOPE, PALOMAR COLLEGE, ll40 WEST MISSION ROAD, SAN MARCOS, CA 92069 NEWSROOM ROOM TCB-1

DON WRIGHT I MCT NEWS SERVICE

Congress needs to take a stand

By Jason Dunn THE TElESCOPE

It looks like George W. Bush will have his way in Iraq if the

What was it trying to achieve in the meantime? Are the representatives doing nothing, but trying to appear to act for the citizens of this country? They're wasting the country's time.

The Iraq war is a crisis; there's no time for symbolic opposition.

The language of the resolution states nothing definite.

It reads

Democrat-led Congress' latest resolution is any indication of what it is willing to do.

At a time when about 100 U.S. soldiers are dying in Iraq every month, Congress has attempted to adopt a nonbinding resolution opposing a troop increase, and has set aside "Congress time for each of Now th11t th1 and the the 435 House t110/ution h111 b11n American members to speak people will for five minutes 11dopt1d by th1 Hou11 continue to about it.

11nd fljlttld by th1 support and What a comprotect the plete waste of S1n11t1, Congr111 i1 members of right b11ek wh111 it time. the United All that talk ltt/rtld.

S t a t e s and all this effort A r m e d over a resolution that has no power whatsoever, Forces who are serving or who and which the president has have served bravely and honsaid he will ignore, according orably in Iraq and ... Congress to a Feb. 15 Los Angeles disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush Times article.

I remember when the announced on Jan. 10,2007 to Democrats took control of the deploy more than 20,000 addiHouse and the Senate, and tional United States combat there was a ray of hope that troops to Iraq," according to a they would do something to Feb. 12 Los Angeles Times stop Bush propelling our article.

"Continue to support and troops into a deeper and deeper quagmire. Congress was protect the armed forces" going to nullify Bush's mad- how exactly? "Congress disapness. Now that the resolution proves of the decision" - well has been adopted by the what is Congress going to do House and rejected by the about it?

Several Republicans have Senate, Congress is right back made valid criticisms of the where it started.

EDITOR IN CHIEF JASON DUNN PHOTO EDITOR JENNIFER BAUER OPINION EDITOR ALMA HERNANDEZ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ASHLEY WARD SPORTS EDITOR JOHN SCAFETTA ONLINE EDITOR SCOTT ERLER AD MANAGER DOREEN SCHULl INSTRUCTIONAL ASST DONNIE BOYLE INSTRUCTIONAL ASST CHARLES STIINMAN

STAFF WRITERS ROY ALVAREZ, CRAIG BARETTO, ERIC BENNETT, JOE BRANA, CARISSA CASARES, ALEX CAVE, JOHAN DE LA TORRE, SHAHRAZAO ENCINIAS, KAREN HOEY, AMY HOLTON, DANIEL KANAKI, AARON LANARI, CHRIS MEYER, SHAIA MOORE, KRISTINA MORENO, DEVIN MORTENSEN, ALLISON PAGE, COLLEEN PAROLI, ALLIE RYAN, STEPHANIE ST. GERMAIN, ANTHONY SCHWARTZ, BRIAN WELSH

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS KATHRYN CHANDLER, HUGH COX, ELLIOT DE LISSER, JOHN GILL, JERRY HOLLIE, KURT LIGHTFOOT, OSCAR MARTINEZ

JOURNALISM ADVISER WENDY NELSON JOURNALISM ADVISER ERIN HIRO PHOTOJOURNALISM ADVISER PAUL STACHELEK

PHONE (760) 744-ll50, EXT. 2450 FAX (760) 744-8123, PLEASE WRITE: "ATTN: THE TELESCOPE" E-MAil TELESCOPE@PALDMAR.EOU ADYEIITISING E-MAIL TELESCOPEAD@PALDMAR.EOU

non-binding resolution. They have called on those in favor of the resolution to suggest a course of action instead of the meaningless debate they have engaged in.

Supporters of the resolution could better spend their time and energy following the proposal of John P. Murtha, DPa., who has proposed to link war funding to requirements to send only fully equipped, combat-ready troops to Iraq, and to requirements for them to have adequate time at home between deployments, according to a Feb. 17 Los Angeles Times article. There's a practical solution that would significantly slow deployment of troops, help our troops and force the president to work with fewer soldiers. It's not a vague, powerless resolution.

It's nice to know that the majority of representatives in Congress are opposed to sending more troops, but their time could have and should have been better spent dealing with the issue in a concrete way.

A resolution to vote against sending n1ore troops to Iraq would have been appropriate if supporters of the resolution disapprove of the troop increase. Such a resolution would have sent a clear message to the president, and it would have been one he couldn't ignore.

The Telescope welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters must be typewritten, and must be signed with the author's first and last names , and phone nun1ber. Phone numbers will not be published.

The Telescope reserves the right to edit letters for space and grammatical errors, and not to print lewd or libelous letters. Letters must be received one week prior to the newspaper's publication to be considered for inclusion.

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"National news because celebrity's aren't important to me. They're regular people."

MCT NEWS SERVICE

News media breed ignorance

By Kyle Ray THE TELESCOPE

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"Who cares who celebritys are dating, national issues are national and affect all of us."

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"National news, especially after 9/11. With elections coming up we need to know who's running so we aren't stuck in a rut again."

A few weeks ago, CNN apparently felt that the contents of the late Anna Nicole Smith's refrigerator was one of the top stories of the day. Why do I need to know the contents of Smith's refrigerator? How is Worcestershire sauce a news item?

People love celebrity news.

We love to see the people who appear to be on the top tier of society fail at love, success and life in general. Some of us even identify with celebrities and to some degree become emotionally invested in what happens to them. I'm not sure which of these scenarios speaks worse for the psyche of the general public.

CNN's job, like any other news organization, is to keep people informed about the events of the world so that the audience can understand and make intelligent decisions.

This function of news is especially important in a democracy. The news media need to bring the problems of the world to our living rooms

instead of the problems of an ex-model. News needs to show us the dangerous effects of complacency, and not the dangerous effect of a methadone and Worcestershire sauce diet.

I fear that we the people are more to blame for the poor quality of news. If CNN brought the weight of the world to everyone's living room, how long would they stay tuned? After a long day with their own problems, maybe they just want celebrity gossip and short news pieces to entertain them.

Celebrity news speaks to the inner high school student in all of us. Only now, in the absence of the popular kids, we have celebrities. Right there on TV and at the checkout lines is all the juicy gossip that went on in high school who's dating who, who's cheating, who broke up, who hooked up, who's getting fat, who's anorexic, who has a drug problem, who's best dressed and who's worst dressed. Welcome to America High.

America High isn't a far stretch, so let's have some

dumb fun -Angelina Jolie is the class president with lots of community service activities, Brad Pitt is the big man on campus, Jennifer Aniston is the popular girl who doesn't like Jolie because of the whole Brad thing, Jessica Alba is the hot new girl who no one can get close to, Katie Holmes is the sweet girl who started dating the weird possessive guy, Britney Spears is the one who used to be popular but then dated that burnout and is bald and gross now, and Paris Hilton is the promiscuous girl.

This all seems relatively harmless; however, this celebrity-fixated culture of ours has some negative effects. The popularity and ratings-grabbing ability of celebrity stories has eclipsed pertinent and important news.

Even as I wag my finger at the masses for being distracted, I must admit I am just as guilty as everybody else for this celebrity-obsessed culture. After all, I didn't have to look up anything to make the comparisons between celebri-

ties and high school stereotypes, but I did have to look up the following - On average, in the time it takes to read this article, 10 people died from AIDS and 40 died from starvation and starvation-related illnesses.

I understand why the news media are more focused on celebrity news than life and death issues around the world -it's simple - celebrity news is entertaining and makes us feel good, while news of widespread suffering makes us feel sad, guilty and uncomfortable.

But the fact is there are people in the world more in need of attention than Nicole Richie.

Community college students are adults, and though we can still have fun, it is up to us to be responsible, to be aware, to change the world for the better and to make a difference. Next time you're at the checkout line, pick up a Newsweek or Time magazine instead of an Enquirer, skip through the celebrity news (they have it too), find a story that hurts to read and try to do something about it.

Financial inequality no longer overlooked Minneapolis Star Tribune Editorial MCT NEWS SERVICE

AStLEY WILLIAMS

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"Well, I don't have time for news, so I get my news from magazines I read. They're more interesting."

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"National news definitely. I like the spin Fox puts on news, so I watch it with my family."

The gap between rich and poor in the United States is now wider than at any time since the Great Depression, yet every time commentators point this out they 1 are accused of rigging the statistics, impugning the virtues of rugged capitalism or simply fomenting class envy. ..1 • So it was encouraging to see Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke sound the alarm about income inequality last week during a speech to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Since Bernanke's job is to protect the nation's financial stability, he cannot be accused of subversive agitation, and since he's one of the nation's foremost economists he cannot be accused of mangling the data.

And the data are troubling. To take one example from Bernanke's text: The top fifth of American households now collects fully half the nation's after-tax income a share that has risen sharply since 1979

-while the bottom fifth collects just 5 percent -down sharply since the 1970s.

In 2004 the top 1 percent of households received 14 percent of the nation's aftertax income.

The latest spin in this debate is that inequality doesn't matter as long as all boats are rising. We agree with that argument, but it doesn't really describe what's happening in today's economy. A new analysis from the Congressional II Budget Office shows that incomes for the top 1 percent of households nearly tripled during the last 25 years, while incomes for the bottom fifth scarcely rose at all.

Of course inequality has its uses in a market economy. The prospect of wealth motivates people to get an education, work hard, take risks and save for the future - behavior that enriches the entire society.

But if people feel the system is stacked against them, if inequality grows too large and persistent, it can create a backlash against the very changes that make a nation productive - import competition,

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for example, and the introduction of new technologies. As Bernanke observed, "If we did not place some limits on the downside risks to individuals affected by economic change, the public might become less willing to accept the dynamism that is so essential to economic progress."

The real benefit of having a central banker address the problem of inequality is not just the credibility he brings to the topic, but the fact that his solutions are likely to make the economy more productive, not less. If the nation expects workers to accept layoffs as part of the economy's inevitable churn, he argued, then it should make sure they have excellent job training, some guarantee of health insurance and a measure of pension security.

And in a nod to important research by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, he pointed out that quality early-childhood education can improve the economic prospects of children from poor families.

One of the most pernicious ideas to take hold in political economy during the last three decades is that any investment in the common good _ public schools, subsidized health care, quality preschool can only be a drag on economic efficiency.

It's time to reconsider that idea. Take it from a central banker.

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THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

Governor issues first state funds for stem cell research By !\lark Abramson "HE tE ESCOh

The first $45 million in state money for stem cell research has been allocated to medical researchers, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced on Feb. 16.

The money is part of the state's commitment to stem cell research to treat or cure spinal cord injuries and diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Voters authorized Proposition 71, a $3 billion bond for stem cell research, in November 2004. Despite challenges to the initiative, the governor authorized the state in July 2006 to issue a loan of up to $150 million for stem cell research.

"Today we are making history," Schwarzenegger said. "(Scientists) are opening up possibilities that a few years ago we could only imagine. They are our new action heroes."

Schwarzenegger talked about the millions of people who would benefit from stem cell research, including his fatherin-law, who suffers from Alzheimer's.

"The initial grants are important because we all know that we cannot afford to wait when it comes to advancing potentially life-saving science," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

Schwarzenegger made the announcement in Burlingame, Calif., where the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine's board met to decide how to allocate the money. The institute was established in 2005 as a state agency to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research and research facilities.

"In one day, California made a dramatic step forward," said Robert Klein, chairman of CIRM's board, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee. "Today we have passed the

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President George W. Bush vetoed federal stem cell legislation in July.

Bush cited concerns that the legislation would "fund the deliberate destruction of human embryos" for stem cell research. In a statement released by the White House, the president said he is not opposed to human embryonic stem cell research derived from embryos that have already been destroyed.

Roman Reed, 32, joined the governor at the announcement. He has been confined to a wheelchair since he was injured playing football at age 19. He told the audience that one day he dreams of being able to hold his son high.

"What gets me through it is hope," Reed said. "Stem cells are going to get me out of this chair."

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• PILL: Average pays J J percent costs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

have Pell Grants and in Fall 2006, 329 students received the maximum amount.

The Pell Grant is the federal government's main financial aid program for low-income students. Aside from financial need, factors such as the cost of the school, status as full- or part-time student and length oftime the student is planning to attend the school are taken into consideration when awarding the grant.

Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., has introduced a tuition sensitivity bill that would give students in all states the maximum amount from Pell Grants, Chadwick said.

She said Palomar will support the bill.

Chadwick and College President Robert Deegan went to Washington D.C. from Feb. 12 to 14 to attend a legislative summit that Chadwick said was, in part, a reaction to the proposed budget.

Bad weather affected the summit.

Chadwick said an ice storm and sleet prevented lobbying efforts from taking place.

"That doesn't mean we won't continue to work on this," she said.

Pell Grants haven't increased since before 2002. In the 2006-07 academic year, the grant covered 33 percent of the average cost of tuition, room and board and fees at a four-year public school.

Twenty years ago, the award was enough to cover 60 percent of the cost of schooling.

"It looks like there's a favorable climate now to get that Pell Grant increased," Chadwick said. She added that before the installment of the newly elected Democrat-led Congress, the climate was unfavorable.

MCT News Service contributed to this story.

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THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

7

March 2 deadline for scholarship applicants

By Alma Hernandez THE THESCOP£

KATHRYN CHANDLER I Till! TEUSCOPE

Governing Board President Mark Evilsizer (center) speaks at the board's Feb. 20 meeting while flanked by Governing Board Vice President Darrell McMullen (right) and College President Robert Deegan (left).

• TRUSTEES: First issue of bond funds approved CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

and eliminated nine academic programs and 42 classes, because of low enrollment and low career feasibility.

The trustees also approved the issue of up to $235 million in general obligation bonds, the first installment of the $694 million the college will receive for facilities upgrades after the passage of Proposition M. The $235 million amount means administrators can opt for a five-year issue of bonds as recommended by the bond's underwriters. California law requires at least $23.5 million to be spent in the first year, at least $70.5 million in the first two years, $141 million in the first three years and all $235 million in five years.

"I'm just really pleased that we're at this point," said Governing Board President Mark Evilsizer.

~

Administrators plan to buy the land for a new campus in Fallbrook and land for a campus in the Southern area of the college's.

The funds will also pay for the construction of a new library/learning resource center, a remodel of the S Building, a new planetarium and multimedia lab, relocation of the baseball field, an addition to the Howard Brubeck Theatre and renovations to the Escondido Center.

In other business, Michelle Eichelberger, student trustee and associated student government president, brought up the ASG's campaign to allow transfer students to walk during commencement in a cap and gown.

"We feel they deserve to be formally recognized by the institution they've spent two years

at," Eichelberger told the trustees.

Eichelberger brought the issue to the governing board after the campaign reached an impasse in the Faculty Senate that would not allow transferring students to wear a cap and gown.

The trustees indicated they wanted the issue to go back to the Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate President Brent Gowen told trustees the group has spent more time discussing this issue than any other issue he remembers.

"We have so much on our agenda, and so much we have to discuss," he said.

Gowen didn't commit to the Faculty Senate revisiting the issue.

"I appreciate all sides sharing their perspective," Evilsizer said.

More than 100 scholarships are available through the Financial Aid Department at Palomar and students have until March 2 to apply.

One application is used to apply for all scholarships.

"It's an easy application process," said Mary San Agustin, financial aid director.

The online application can be accessed through student eservices on Palomar's Web site.

Students need to click on "View My Financial Aid" then "Scholarship Application."

They must answer two essay questions and turn in one letter of recommendation to the financial aid office.

Students must have a grade

point average of at least 2.5 and be enrolled at Palomar. If they are high school students, they must be registered for the Fall 2007 semester.

Students who are planning to transfer to a four-year school also can apply for the scholarships.

The financial aid office has sent e-mails and postcards to students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, San Agustin said.

She added that they have also lessened students' paperwork this year by reducing the required number of letters of recommendation from two to one.

"Maybe if we had a catchy phrase like 'free money -just apply,' students would apply,'' San Agustin said. "It's worth it."

JERRY HOLLIE I THE TELESCOPE

Student Monica Davis (left) speaks to financial aid counselor Javier Williams.

The Palomar College GEAR UP Program is hiring energetic college/university student employees.

PALOMAR COLLEGE®

We're currently accepting applications to fill

2007 Tutor/Mentor jobs for the Spring semester.

To qualify, you must have the following: • A minimum of 6 credit units for the fall/spring semesters • Knowledge, experience, and/or expertise in Math, Language Arts (reading/writing), and Language Support Classes • A GPA of 2.5, or better • Reliable transportation • Available at least I 5 hours a week

Tutor/Mentor {Provide academic assistance in-class and after school) • $9.00+ per hour • Get great work experience for your resume • Work in San Marcos orVista Middle/High Schools • Give back to your community and younger students • Participate in fun activities, events, and field trips • Excellent direct experience for future teachers/educators • Or, volunteer/serve!

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For Information on how to apply, contact: Joe Vasquez, Outreach Coordinator • (760) 290-2526 • Email: JVasquez@palomar.edu

8

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

!i Donnis Trio album needs direction Ill

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By Rigoberto Hernandez THE TELESCOPE

T H E DONN IS

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The Donnis Trio's new album "All Directions" is a solid mix of acoustic feel-good songs. The lyrics, however, { need more variety.

"All Directions" is the debut album of the San Diego band that was formed in 2005. The trio has played shows at coffee shops, nightclubs, The Belly Up, and even Borders Bookstore.

The trio is like other coffee shop and surfer bands that play to a mellow audience.

"All Directions" makes the listener feel like he or she is walking down the beach in Encinitas, or sipping a ALL cup of coffee at Carlsbad's Vinakas on a Friday night.

The album starts out with a fast tempo song, "Nothing Better Than of the beach," from "Nothing Better Your Love." It makes a good start to Than Your Love." the album. As soon as the guitar and "When we first met we were so drums begin building up, the vocals young we played out past the setting of the song sneak up and shock the sun," from "Tip of Your Tongue."

"Take off my shoes down to listener with the voice of lead singer Nate Donnis. ! The Donnis the beach, in an absentTrio minded hurry, to an ocean of "April21" is the best song ! on the album.

• "All blue, and the birds flving low, J • . a bou t mee t - 8 Directions" there's no other place The song IS you ing a girl at a bar, drinking, want to go but here," from "No Other Place." and wanting to become closer to her. Thi·s l·s a two-and:cvTCFFOURsrARS: "All Directions" is an ~...._ _ _.....,~ album that grows on the lisa-half minute folk song that shows the band has variation in tener. Fans of this genre and of their style of music, but not in their relaxing music will enjoy the album. lyrics.

Someone who comes across this A lot of the lyrics on the album album should patiently listen to it a only talk about being in love, or liv- few times. The songs start to grow ing a happy life alongside the beach. on the listener until he or she even"Summer night and we walk down tually gets caught in an upbeat the street down the path of the sand

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The sound T R. l 0 of the band is similar to The D a v e Matthews Band and to Jack Johnson.

At times, the resemblance to these bands is the problem with the trio.

The listener may feel as though he or she is listening to imi tators.

"Gorgeous Mess" and "A COURTESY PHOTO Chance With You" are boring, out of place songs. They do nothing to compliment the album.

"Gorgeous Mess" is a meaningless song that won't inspire anything in listeners.

The only thing worthy about "A Chance With You" is that the band blends some electronic sounds with their acoustic style of music.

The choruses for "Tip of Your Tongue" and "Walk on Air"' will have the listener singing along. These songs showcase the power and tranquility of Donnis' voice.

"Not Guilty" is a song that has a hit of jazz. The way Donnis narrates this song sounds like Jamie Cook of The Arctic Monkeys.

The song "Grateful" is a spiritual song that solidifies the bands theme of living a happy life.

"Oh lord I am so grateful to be alive," Donnis sings.

Track List 1. Nothing Better Than Your Love 2. Tip Of The Tongue

3. Walk On In 4. No Other Place 5. Not Guilty 6. Bound To Find My Way 7. Gorgeous Mess

8. Chance With You 9. April 21 10. Live To Be Happy 11. Going Home 12. Pills & Coffee 13. Grateful 14. Carry On

New Nintendo Wii games give players hands-on fun

By Billy O'Keefe C CAMPUS

SONIC AND THE SECRET RINGS For: Nintendo Wii From: Sonic Team/Sega ESRB Rating: Everyone Few video game mascots have had a rougher 21st century than Sonic, who has been party to one threedimensional letdown after another since showing promise seven years ago on the Dreamcast.

With "Sonic and the Secret Rings," Sega's iconic blue hedgehog finally gets his intervention. The Wii's unique controller all but forces Sonic to go back to the gameplay style that made him famous - blazing forward, jumping with precision, grabbing rings and busting some heads in mid-air for good measure.

Boring exploration, pointless mech levels, contrived teamwork garbage, a bewildered camera that doesn't know where to point ... all gone, replaced by a fast, singleminded, streamlined adventure that employs the Wiimote's motion controls with sterling results.

"Rings" plays as much like a racer as an adventure game, and it's laid out like a cross between the two as well. Each locale features a collection of levels akin to tracks in a race. Some merely ask you to stay alive, while others sport more clever objectives (don't break any jars in your path, beat x number of enemies before reaching the goal). Levels from different areas often become available out of order, and you're free to complete any open challenge, increase Sonic's abilities, and use that boost to tackle levels you previously couldn't lick (or simply replay completed levels in hopes of achiev-

COURTESY IMl&E

ing the top ranking in each). The best of both worlds are here - You get a decent enough story to glue the adventure together, but you also get plenty of motivation to replay levels long after you see how the story ends.

"Rings" scores additional points by tacking on a multiplayer party mode other developers might attempt to pass off as a standalone game ("Fuzion Frenzy 2," anyone?).

There are 40 mini-games here, and "Rings" offers multiple ways to play them (board game style, treasure hunt style, tournament style) and support for four players (or computer opponents of adjustable difficulty to fill in when necessary). Some of the mini-games are sloppy to the point of broken, but most are fun and quite a few of them are really inspired. Not bad at all for what essentially is a cherry on the sundae.

WII PLAY For: Nintendo Wii From: Nintendo ESRB Rating: Everyone (Mild Cartoon Violence) Everything the Wii is today, it owes to "Wii Sports," a freebie collection of sports games that everyone assumed would be a temporary diversion but instead materialized as the system's first killer app. Who can blame "Wii Play" for wanting to ride the same wave into people's collective consciousness? The price certainly is right- "Play" costs $50 but includes a $40 Wiimote, so it's essentially a $10 game if you have some use for an additional controller.

"Play" features nine mini-games which aim, in case "Sports," "Rayman - Raving Rabbids" and "WarioWare" weren't convincing, to demonstrate just how versatile that Wiimote really is. To that effect, it

COURTESY IMI&E

certainly succeeds. Games range from a "Duck Hunt"-style shooting gallery (point and shoot, Zapperstyle) to billiards (hold the Wiimote like a pool cue) to fishing (fishing rod) to "Pong"-style air hockey (paddle) to table tennis (ditto).

In terms of quality and control, "Play" aces every test. Billiards feels like billiards, fishing feels like fishing, and the stranger games , which include cow racing, a "Where's

Waldo"-style game involving your Mii characters and a fantastic little "Battle Tanx" knockoff, are great fun.

COURTESY IMI&E

Feature-wise, though... yikes.

While "Sports" certainly didn't do all it could in the options department, it did enough. "Play," however, offers next to nothing.

The billiards game features only one game style, and the table tennis game only ends if you complete (or fail to complete) a 100-volley rally.

There's no scoring. Since the only object of each game is to obtain a gold medal-worthy score, options (or even varying difficulty levels) aren't allowed. Once you've gone for the gold, little motivation exists to go further.

Some issues resolve themselves with a second player: Table tennis features scoring, while the games in general are more challenging and unpredictable. But that's not enough to keep "Play" from feeling like a giant tease.

It's easily worth the $10 if you could use a new Wiimote, but you'll wish you could pay four times that for a billiards game that combines this level of control with some real depth. Nintendo has made its case for the Wiimote's versatility; now it's time to make some games that speak to ours.

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

9

Textbook selection case in Florida raises ethics questions • Publisher 11/leged/y inlluented professor with 11 free trip to S11n Fr11neiseo

By Noah Bierman MCT NEWS S£RYICE

A Miami Dade College professor took a trip to San Francisco, paid for by a textbook publisher.

Weeks later, his three-member committee selected the publisher's book as required reading for all anatomy students at MDC's Kendall campus and the department chairman approved.

Retail cost at the college bookstore $178.50.

A recent state ethics finding on the trip two years ago has raised questions about MDC's ambiguous rules for choosing MELANIE BURFORD I MCT NEWS SERVICE textbooks. And it has opened a window The man who lodged the ethics cominto the nation's $6 billion textbook sors, said Pino volunteered his time to industry, in which prices have tripled in review books, an essential task for educa- plaint against Pino, Christopher Turley, tors. was a textbook salesman whose book the past two decades.

"It's far cheaper to ask professors to wasn't chosen. Turley has since left the MDC, the nation's largest community textbook company, which college, is a key market for publishers, give of their time, for just he said did not offer with more than 100,000 potential cus- expense reimbursement, tomers paying an average $800 per year than to pay us our hourly "This is normal prattiee. trips. for books and supplies, according to fed- rates to review these It's not 10mething "I didn't see the point things," Richard said. of going in and competeral statistics.

The ruling comes as uni- nllarious or ho11ible." ing... There's no transThe state ethics commission found parency on anything," probable cause that anatomy professor versities and colleges grap- Norma Goonen Alfonso Pino knew or should have known ple with how to construct ACADEMIC OFFICIAL AT MIAMI Turley said.

DADE COLLEGE Norma Goonen is the textbook company used the trip to conflict-of-interest policies without compromising proMDC's top academic offiinfluence him.

The panel declined to treat it as an fessors' authority to choose teaching cial.

"This is normal practice," she said. "It's ethics violation, in part because the materials.

MDC has no rules governing what pro- not something nefarious or horrible." weekend trip, which cost less than $700 MDC prohibits professors from acceptfor airfare and hotel, "left little time if fessors can accept from a textbook coming payment in exchange for choosing any ... to participate in junket-like activ- pany or what they must disclose.

One small company made headlines in books but allows payment for reviewing ities."

Pino declined interview requests. His 2003 when it offered faculty $4,000 to books, said MDC attorney Carmen attorney, Mark Richard, who also heads review and require books, according to a Dominguez. Payment limits are not defined, and professors are not required the union that represents MDC profes- Chronicle of Higher Education report.

to report them.

"Either the lack of effective disclosure procedures or the insufficiency of disclosure in this case is troubling," said Tony Alfieri, director of the University of Miami's Center for Ethics in Public Policy.

MDC's textbook policy, like some from other colleges, deals only with potential conflicts arising from books written by professors, who may not participate in selecting their own books. MDC, like other community colleges, is covered by state ethics rules.

Choosing textbooks is considered an academic freedom, and the choices tend not to be treated like typical government purchases, even when public universities are involved. The state ethics commission agreed that professors do not meet the legal definition of purchasing agents.

Overall, prices for books and supplies rose at twice the inflation rate between 1986 and 2004, according to a 2005 federal government audit. Textbook companies have increasingly put out newer editions of books more quickly - every three or four years instead of every four to five years - making it harder for students to buy and sell used books.

Publishers told auditors they update information and include more interactive extras to meet professors' demands.

The March 12, 2005, meeting attended

by Pino included 14 other professors from across the country.

"It's pretty widely done," said David Hakensen, a spokesman for the publisher. "This is the one way that we get feedback on our product."

A spokeswoman for Pearson's rival McGraw-Hill, Mary Skafidas, said her company also schedules regular faculty focus groups around the country to get professional feedback, though not to review specific books. She said professors are chosen for their expertise.

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THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

10

Comets pass test, then fail in playoffs Ry Anthony Schwartz

as both teams combined to double the 45 points scored in The Palomar men's basket- the first half. · ball team won their regular The Jaguars whittled the season finale against the score down to two at 55-53 Southwestern Jaguars 71-64 with seven minutes left, but on Feb. 17 at the Dome in a Palomar quickly came back, must-win situaconstructing their tion.

JAGUARS 6 4 strongest run of the The victory, cou- COMETS 7I night to lead by five pled with a with a minute left Cuyamaca win over Pacific in the game.

Coast Conference champions "The guys outscored them Imperial Valley, earned the 11-4 to finish the game," said Comets an at-large bid into assistant coach Brad the play-in round of the state Hollingsworth. "It was their community college playoffs. desire to not accept anything "I think we responded but their best. When we needwhen necessary," said head ed a stop, Chris Holloway coach John O'Neill. "The guys came up with a blocked shot stepped up when we needed with about a minute and a half to go. them."

The first half was a battle "Games like that come of defenses as the Comets led down to five or six key posses25-20 going into halftime. sions. We were able to convert The second half, however, in those situations." turned into a shooting spree E.J. Ross had a stellar game

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HUGH COl I THE TELESCOPE

Palomar players Kris Petrovic (left), Uros Vukovich (center) and George Jovanic (right) meet with their parents Feb. 17 as part of sophomore night.

for the Comets, scoring a game-high 23 points, while bringing down eight rebounds.

"I guess I did alright, but it's a team effort," Ross said.

"The team comes first."

It was literally a team effort as the Comets played everyone on the roster, including all sophomores who were taking part in their last home game of the season.

The sophomores led the way, as Palomar received strong play from Uros Vukovich (10 points) and Kris Petrovic (12 points and eight rebounds), who both scored in double figures.

"It's been the best experience I had," said Vukovich, who never played organized basketball until joining the Comets in 2005. "In high school I never really got a chance to prove myself. John O'Neill was the first coach to ever really give me a chance and it changed my life dramatically."

With players like Ross, Vukovich and Petrovic in their last season of eligibility and playing with their backs against the wall, the Comets did what was in their ability to keep the playoffs in sight.

Rather than putting success at the top, O'Neill was pained to think that there might be a letdown for the sophomores.

"These are really great kids, and that's going to be the

HUGH COl I THE TELESCOPE

Kris Petrovic heads to the hoop for a reverse lay-in Feb. 17 in a 71-64 victory over Southwestern. The win pushed the Comets into the playoffs.

hard part. It's not them the basketball players, it's the kids," O'Neill said. ''The chemistry is just outstanding."

Despite the crucial victory, Palomar was eliminated from the playoffs Feb. 21, losing 7254 to Compton College.

Dwayne Davis (13 points), and Holloway (10 points and

seven assists) led the Comets in defeat.

Palomar trailed 41-27 at halftime and cut Compton's lead to five points in the second half before the Tartars pulled away.

Palomar completed the season 17-13, finishing third in the PCC.

morts

IN BRIEF

Comets softball stays hot The Palomar softball team crushed Mt. San Jacinto 10-1 Feb. 14. Rachel Wright went 3-for-4 with a triple, two steals and two RBis. Sipau Lee-Noa pitched a no-hitter Feb. 15 as visiting Palomar defeated Santa Ana 3-0. Lee-Noa struck out four, as the Comets were led offensively by Ginalee Davis' two-run homerun and Jerica Fa'ausua's solo homer.

Palomar continued to stay hot Feb.18, as they pushed 30 runs across the plate on 28 hits to win big twice in the one-day Mt. San Jacinto College Tournament.

Ginalee Davis slugged a two-run homer and Krista Hayse threw a fiveinning one-hitter as the Comets crushed East Los Angeles 15-0 in the tournament.

Palomar came right back to rout Mt. San Jacinto 15-3. Jade Fa'ausa went 4-for-4 with three RBis and Natasha Dessow was 3-3 with two RBis and a steal.

bottom of the ninth in the Mt. SAC Tournament Feb. 14.

Zane Chavez went 2-for-3 for Palomar and was on base four times.

He singled twice walked and was hit by a pitch. Tim Deering was 2-4 and had an RBI.

Comet golfers down Riverside Blake Humphrey shot an even-par 72 to take medalist honors Feb. 14 as

Bullpen spells doom for Palomar liaseball team For the sixth time this season, the Comets saw a lead evaporate in the final three innings as the host Mounties rallied for three runs in the

sports CALENDAR M"IW

2/u

the Palomar men's golf team out-stroked Riverside 376-420 at the Victoria Country Club in Riverside.

Tyler Lyons shot a 74, Thomas Chu a 76, and Kyle Inman and Alberto Pesqueria a 77 for the Comets.

The victory came in Palomar's Orange Empire Conference opener.

Palomar basketball players honored Palomar women's basketball guard Sabrina Gonzalez was selected Co-Pacific Coast Conference Player of the year and also elected to the California Community College Basketball Coaches Association all-state second team Feb. 19.

Gonzalez averaged 16.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2. 7 assists for 26 games during the regular season.

On the men's side, E.J. Ross was selected to the All-Pacific Coast Conference team for the second consecutive season by conference coaches.

Uros Vukovich, was voted to the allconference second team.

Kris Petrovic and Matt Refner both received honorable mention.

Men's tennis sticks to slump JERRY HOLLIE I THE TELESCOPE

Palomar's Minh Lam competed in doubles Feb. 15. The Comets lost 9-0 to Orange Coast

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•Baseball Grossmont at Palomar- 2 p.m.

• Men's Tennis Imperial Valley at Palomar- 2 p.m.

• Women's Tennis Palomar at Cuyamaca- 2 p.m.

18

•Softball Palomar at San Diego Mesa -3 p.m.

The Comets had competitive play in singles from Kyle Anderson. Anderson started both single sets by getting out to two-game leads, only to drop both matches.

"The guy just overpowered me," Anderson said. ''Mentally, I don't think I was all the way in it."

The Palomar men's tennis team lost to Orange Coast College 9-0 Feb. 15, in yet another match that no Comet won a set in singles or doubles matches.

• Women's Tennis Palomar at San Diego Mesa -2p.m.

• Men's Tennis San Diego City at Palomar -2p.m.

• Baseball Palomar at Imperial Valley- Noon

Sipau Lee-Noa Sport: Softball Position: Pitcher/Utility High School: Helix HS Year: Sophomore

Palomar pitcher Sipau Lee-Noa threw a no-hitter Feb. 15 as the Comets defeated Santa Ana 3-0. Lee-Noa struck out four on the day.

Two days later, Feb. 17, LeeNo a followed up her no-hitter with a gem against the College of the Desert. She allowed only two hits, as Palomar won with the mercy rule in place 8-0.

Lee-Noa was voted to the National Softball Coaches Association All-American first-team as an outfielder last season.

• Men's and Women's Swimming Mt. San Antonio Invitational -All day 3/2-3/3.

• Softball Imperial Valley at Palomar -1 p.m.

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• Baseball Palomar at San Diego Mesa -Noon •Softball Mt. San Antonio at PalomarDoubleheader 11 a.m./ 1 p.m.

THE TELESCOPE â&#x20AC;˘ MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

11

Palomar pulverizes Pierce in blowout of the tournament.

"We played really well," said Palomar head coach Buck Meyers Field had a chilling Taylor. "Offensively we were resemblance to the windy city able to put together a big Feb. 17, as it seemed r-------., inning and get guys J into scoring position more like Wrigley BRAHMAS 18 and use the wind to Field than it did the COMETS home of the Palomar our advantage.

College baseball With the wind team. blowing the way With the aid it was today, we of a strong wind were able to capitalize." blowing out of~~:_ centerfield, ~ Inall,Palomar Palomar demolslugged three ished L.A. home runs, disPierce 18-3 in Who:Grossmont Colege mantling the Comet What: Pacific Coast Conference game Brahm as (9-6) the Invitational When: 2 pm., Feb. 21 pitching staff Tournament Where: Palonwbasebalfield and starter Jeff finale.

It stake: The Comets continue their Rodner in the The Comets PCC push, as they take on conference process. Right (7 -6) scattered fielder Marcus Grossmont Palomar won last year's h its rival 19 season series ~.;.,.,t the Griffins three Hatley (2-for-4, ._..., home run and throughout the afternoon , games to two. three RBis), first scoring runs in baseman Guy all but two innings to finish the Willeford and pinch-hitter tournament with a 2-0 record. Kevin Seaver Palomar defeated Cerro Coso (1-for-1, two-run home run) all 5-1 on Feb. 16 in the first game had round-trippers for the

By John Scafetta

THE TELESCOPE

vs.@

JOHIII GILL I THE TELESCOPE

Third baseman Andrew Hayashi went 3-for-4 with with two RBis in the Comefs victory.

Comets.

The offensive outburst was led by Willeford who went 4-for-5 on the day with a threerun home run and four RBis. He was a triple short of the cycle.

"We just played small ball and did our jobs by not taking too big of swings," Willeford said. "I was seeing the ball well today, and we just kept it rolling."

The Comets took more away from the game then just a win.

"It shows that we can put someone away," Taylor said.

"We scored 18 against Mt. San Jacinto (Feb. 6) and at that field it happens a lot. To score 18 runs here says a lot. This is not a hitter-friendly park and that's why we play the way we play."

The Comets extended a 4-1 lead in the fifth by scoring three runs, before putting the game out of reach in the sixth.

Altogether, Palomar sent 12 batters to the plate in the inning, scoring nine runs on seven hits.

Palomar then added two more runs in the eighth on a pinch-hit two-run homerun from Seaver to conclude the offensive explosion.

Despite the strong performance at the plate, the Comets suffered a scare early in the game when starting pitcher Joe Cates left in the top of third with a groin injury.

Cates had three strikeouts, while giving up only one unearned run.

"The arm felt great," Cates said of the first two innings pitched. "It was the first start that I actually felt 100 percent."

Cates, the 30th round draft pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2006 Major League Baseball draft, is less than a

JOHIII &ILL I THE TELESCOPE

Michael Cruz threw four and one-third innings, giving up one run in an 18-3 Palomar victory over L.A. Pierce at Meyers Field on Feb. 17.

year removed from an arm injury that benched him for the better part of last season.

"It will take less time to heal, but I'll be fine," Cates said of his injury. "The games we've lost, we've lost by one run late in the innings. Our bullpen picked it up today, kept our lead, and showed that they can do their job."

Reliever and spot starter Michael Cruz excelled out of the bullpen for Palomar, given up only one run in 4 1/3 innings to pick up the victory for the Comets. Walter Cale and Daniel Massinburge also had strong relief appearances for Palomar.

"I wasn't too concerned when (Cates) was hurt," Taylor said.

"We had Cruz, who has been our fourth starter to back him up.

Knowing you have another starter out there is great."

With their grueling non-conference schedule concluded, the Comets now head into Pacific Coast Conference play with a spring to their step.

"Other teams are doing well, but they haven't played the same schedule as we have," Taylor said. "I like how we played tough teams and have been in great games against tough teams.

We're prepared."

Comets show no mercy in demolition of Roadrunners ing as a team and becoming closer."

Sipau Lee-Noa, a Pacific The Palomar College softball Coast Conference first team team claimed victory in its player for the 2006 season who first home game of the 2007 is in her first year pitching, season Feb. 17 against the followed up a no-hitter on Feb. College of the Desert.

15 with a two-hitter against The Comets (5-7) didn't the College of the Desert. waste any time earning it Lee-Noa (4-3) began pitching either, as they defeated the this year after playing left Roadrunners 8-0, ending the field all four years at Helix game early at the bottom of high school and her first year the sixth inning r---------, at Palomar. with the mercy rule ROADRUNNERS 0 "It sucks we only COMETS 8 have 11 girls," Leein place.

Noa said. "It's After getting off to a slow like a big start at the adjustment. beginning of the We have to get

By Kirstina Moreno

THE TELESCOPE

r-VS. ~ used to it. We season, which ~..,.~l.... included two ~ lost a lot of doubleheader girls from last loses earlier this year that just month, the didn't have the Comets believe Who: San Diego Mesa College heart."

Some of the they are finally What: Pacific Coast Conference game Palomar playliving up to their Wilen: 3pm., Feb.28 potential.

Where: San Diego Mesa ers expressed "Our pitching It stake: Paloma' begiJs their confer- d i s a p p o i n tis getting ence season against ill Olympian Squad ment after the game was team that went 8-7 in the PCC last year. The better," called followcaptain Gina- Comets have won the conference the ing the 6th Lee Davis said. last 21 seasons. inning.

"We are "I wanted to definitely handling all the changes from last hit again," said Corey Boss, a year and are coming back freshman starting outfielder stronger. We are really grow- who had three hits on the day.

"I got out of my slump today, I haven't been hitting well lately, but my parents were here today so I wanted to really hit well."

"Boss was hot today," said first year head coach Scia Maumausolo. "All of the girls came off strong today, they really took the momentum from the first inning and kept it up through the whole game.

When they play that well I really can't ask for anything more. I am very proud of them."

The Comets kicked off the game with three runs in the first inning.

Sophomore first baseman Rachel Wright lead off the game with the first run ofthe day and finished the game with three total RBis. "Rachel lead off the game today and is still hot," Maumausolo said.

With 21 consecutive Pacific Coast Conference championships under their belt, the Comets definitely are under pressure to keep the current winning streak going.

"We started off the season fairly slow but that's usual," Maumausolo said. "They found a little momentum and ran with it, but whatever they are doing I just tell them, 'stay hot!'"

HUIH COl I THE TELESCOPE

Pitcher Sipau Lee-Noa tll'ew a two-litter against the Colege of the Desert on Feb. 17 in the season home-opener.

12

THE TELESCOPE • MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2007

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COURTESY TELESCOPE GRAPHICS

SPECIAL DELIVERY Bv Kristina l\1o•·eno • .I E ~

"E

What makes a player good is dedication to their sports and often a natural born talent. What makes a player great is the heart that they put into their sport. That's what Palomar baseball starting pitcher Nick Vincent says makes the difference.

"I figure it is whoever has the most heart who is going to come out on top," said Vincent, who was named to the preseason All-American team along with teammate Zane Chavez. ''You can have all the skill you want, but if you

• Pt1/omt1r stt1rting pitcher excel/in, on the mound, p/11ns to ttlrry over drive 11nd determint111on to Division I r11nks don't have heart, all that skill is going to do you no good."

Vincent, the ace for the Comets, may have a lot of heart, but is nowhere near short on natural talent and athletic ability.

"He knows how to pitch," said Palomar head baseball coach Buck Taylor. "He is able to see hitters weaknesses and just attack them, and that's what he does when he pitches -

Palomar pitcher Nick Vincent, who will head to Cal State Long Beach next season, is the ace of the Comet's pitching staff with a 1-0 record and 1.89 ERA.

"I don't know about being drafted," Vincent said. "It would have to be like pretty high to get me to not go to school - like top 10 percent."

"Personally, I don't think I am in the attacks hitters and forces contact."

Vincent started the 2007 season top 10. I have the stats and stuff, but I much the way he finished last year, don't throw 90 mph. I am not a big pitching his first complete game of the build."

Vincent may be doubtful about his season against Riverside College Feb. 7. The righthander dominated the No. future in professional baseball, but 2 team in the nation, throwing a com- others certainly see his potential. plete game four-hitter, while striking "He is one of our leaders," Taylor said. "He is strong. He will have out seven.

Along with facing one of the best thrown 300 innings while he has been teams in the country, Vincent also here.

"It really is all faced 22 professional about experience scouts watching his "You e11n h11r1 1111 the skill you and he has gained every pitch a a lot of that while that has w11nt, but if you don't h11r1 he11rt, thing he's been here. If become routine for 1111 th11t skill is going to do he is drafted I the Comet. you no good." think he is defi"They really don't effect my game," - Nick Vincent nitely ready both PALOMAR COMETS STARTING PITCHER physically and Vincent said. "I don't mentally." really go into a game While baseball is what Vincent does worried about the scouts, because in the end I know I still have to prove best, his education is also something he values. Despite all the traveling and myself.

"I go against the team and if they are practices involved with playing ball for a better team, I will step my game up the past 15 years, Vincent has still against them. I can't be thinking about managed to keep his head in the books.

Holding down a 3.33 GPA throughscouts."

Those same scouts are the ones out high school at Ramona, he has still trying to nudge Vincent away from maintained his grades at that same heading to Cal State Long Beach - the level since coming to Palomar.

"That's pretty much life - school and Division I powerhouse that offered him baseball," said Vincent, who was a 70 percent scholarship.

"It was definitely hard for him," Valley pitcher of the Year his senior Taylor said. "He had about 20 different year of high school.

Along with keeping up his grades, offers, but in the end he choose Long Beach to stay close to home so his Vincent also finished the 2006 baseball season as a second-team All-State and parents can watch him throw."

Vincent had plenty of offers from first-team All-Southern California Division I schools, but ultimately selection. He was also a runner-up for decided to pitch at CSULB and become the Pacific Coast Conference Player of leading the a 49er over San Diego State University the Year honors and a full-ride scholarship at the conference last season with a 9-2 record, and a 1.51 earned run average University of Hawaii.

Though Vincent has verbally with 82 strikeouts.

"Vinnie does a good job," said fellow committed to CSULB, the possibility of being drafted still is a strong possibili- starting pitcher Joe Cates. "He ty for Vincent - despite having approaches every batter with confidence and knows he can beat them." doubts.