The Telescope 63.1

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

PALOMAR COLLEGE, SAN MARCOS, CALIF.

A night on the town MOND AY, AUG. 24, 2009

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TH E-T ELES CO PE. COM

VOL. 63, NO. 1

Raising the flag Last beam put in place for the Health Sciences building Aug. 19 MAGGIE AVANTS THE TELESCOPE

KELLEY FOYT

| THE TELESCOPE

Brenden Webb connects during a game with Southwestern at Myers Field on April 25.

The former Comet center-fielder recently signed with the Baltimore Orioles.

Webb signs pro deal Former Comet signs a deal with Baltimore Orioles MAGGIE AVANTS THE TELESCOPE

One season with the Palomar College baseball team was enough for Brenden Webb to put himself on the road playing major league baseball.

Webb, a Mt. Carmel High graduate who starred as a center fielder for Palomar last season, turned down a scholarship to USC to sign with the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 2. He received a $250,000 signing bonus, along with $60,000 to go toward continuing his education within the next eight years.

Webb is now playing rookie ball for the Orioles’ team in the Gulf Coast League.Through four games, he was hitting .154 with one double and three runs.

“There are advantages to being able to start in the pros at

Opinion

an early age,” Webb said by phone from Sarasota, Fla., where the team is located. “It was a good time for me to sign.”

Webb, a 6-foot-3 190-pounder, wasn’t highly regarded out of Mt. Carmel, receiving recruiting attention only from Division III programs. So he chose to attend Palomar to help increase his stock.

The decision paid off. In one season for the Comets, he hit .342 (according to Palomar’s Web site) with eight home runs and 40 RBIs to earn scholarship offers from USC and Oklahoma State. He orally committed to the Trojans, even after the Orioles picked him in the 30th round of the amateur draft in June.

But Baltimore’s contract offer was enticing enough to make Webb spurn USC. “We are just proud of him,” Palomar baseball coach Buck Taylor said. “He went from nothing to everything in his nine months with Palomar.”

TURN TO BASEBALL DEAL PAGE 3

What Sotomayor means for America PAGE 5

Students returning to Palomar College after summer break may find it hard not to notice two new buildings near the Student Union that have sprung up since May. The large steel and brick buildings, one called the a Health Sciences Building and the other the Multidisciplinary Instructional Building, are nearing completion, according to school officials.

The 23,000 square foot Health Sciences Building, which will house Palomar’s nursing and dental assisting programs, is scheduled for completion in May 2010.

The first classes in the new building will be held in fall 2010.

“Both buildings are on schedule,” Chris Miller, construction manager, said. “It has gone really smoothly.”

The much larger Multidisciplinary Instructional Building, which is 110,000 square feet, is slated for completion in September 2010, shortly after the Health Sciences building. It will house the communications department as well as anthropology, multicultural studies, political science, accounting and business.

Once the lots were excavated, according to Miller, they sat empty while large pieces of struc-

KELLEY FOYT | THE TELESCOPE Francisco Arenas secured the final beam into place on the Health Sciences Building.

The new building is scheduled to open for classes in the fall semester of 2010. tural steel were being constructed offsite. The pieces were then shipped to the campus on large trucks in late June and early July.

“That is where there can be problems,” Miller said. “The pieces are being welded together offsite, and sometimes they don’t fit together once they get delivered.”

They were fortunate, however, that they didn’t have any major

problems when transporting the steel, Miller said.

Students and faculty alike said as the new buildings go up, they are looking forward to the new technology the structures will offer.

According to Candice Francis, the Dean of Mathematics and Health Sciences, there will be a nursing simulation lab with robotic mannequins.

“This is critical,” Francis said.

“Having somewhere for students to have real life experience will help them build more skills.”

Palomar will be the only school in the county with real-life simulation once the HS Building is completed, according to Francis.

Adam Cochran, a freshman at Palomar this year, noticed the new buildings. He was glad to hear that, as a nursing major, he would be attending classes in the HS building.

“Any update in technology is good,” Cochran said. “It is good to have modern facilities.”

Palomar student Sarah Sandoval said the current campus is crowded.

“And the buildings are old,” she said. “Last semester though, I had a class in the NS building. The classrooms in there are very nice.”

Seena Trigas, a U.S. History TURN TO NEW BUILDINGS PAGE 3

Palomar’s accreditation in question MAGGIE AVANTS THE TELESCOPE

Palomar College’s credibility as a California community college may soon be in jeopardy.

After almost three months of waiting for the March evaluation results from the A c c r e d i t i n g Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Palomar administrators have received notice that the college is on warning status and needs of several improvements before its accreditation will be renewed.

In a letter signed by ACCJC President Barbara Beno, Palomar was told that, under U.S. Department of Education regulations, they “must correct the defi-

Entertainment “District 9” is less than impressive

PAGE 9

ciencies noted by June 2011 or the Commission will be compelled to act [by terminating accreditation].”

For students, this could mean the loss of federal financial aid and the inability to transfer courses taken at Palomar to other schools.

“

Rest assured that we take these recommendations seriously.

”

— Robert Deegan Palomar President

Many Palomar students, however, were unaware of the warning.

“I had no clue there was a warning,” Palomar student Alex Key said. “Obviously, that is something we would want to know.

Sports

Students have no control over it, and it seems really unfair that we could get punished for it.”

Key is an English major who is planning to transfer to Cal State San Marcos.

“If I was here doing all this work and [Palomar] lost their accreditation, that would not be worth it,” she said.

Armando Ybhoa, a diesel technology student at Palomar said: “This is news to me. I think it is a bad thing. People think they are going to get their certification, which is why we are here.”

Even though some students are worried about the situation, school administrators said they have already begun working on the recommendations.

“Rest assured that we take these recommendations seriously,” Palomar President Robert TURN TO ACCREDITATION PAGE 7

Football season preview PAGE 16

2 | CAMPUS BEAT

What went on this summer?

Students free ride

Palomar students, faculty and alumni of the Radio TV and Cinema program at the 35th Annual Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards held in San Diego on June 13.

PAT HAHN | COURTESY PHOTO

Award winning trend continues for RTV Six awards were given to former and current Palomar students at the 35th Annual Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards.

Those recognized were of the Pacific Southwest region, which includes San Diego, Bakersfield, Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria in California along with Las Vegas, Nevada.

Loghan Call won the Student ProductionNews category with his weekly TV program “Prep Sports Live” on Cox and Time Warner Cable channel 16.

Roger Engle, Ben Kelley, Oliver KosaSomogyi and Jordon Vickery were the winners in the category of Student ProductionProgram for their film “Raiders of the Lost Tart.”

Palomar alumni Iris Caffin, won an Emmy in the Student Production-Program category for

her film “Hollywood Heights.”

Three of Radio and Television alumnus won Emmys in the working professional category.

Chris Maue, a photographer and editor won for his “Armless Umpire” in the SportsProgram Sports Feature Segment category.

Donald Sinatra, producer and editor won in the category, Editor (No Time Limit) Short Form for “The Zookeeper’s Wife – One Book, One San Diego.”

Kevin O’Hara, owner of Copperpoint Communications, received an Emmy in the Advanced Media-Informational/Instructional category for “Tech Prep.”

Now a total of 34 Emmy awards have been received by Palomar College students for their outstanding achievements. For more information about the RTV program call (760)7741150 ext. 2964.

Professor is featured Palomar success at the fair

This year the San Diego County Fair gave Palomar students top honors and in the Student Showcase competitive exhibit.

In a variety of divisions students won 20 Best of Class and Show as well as 32 Best of Class awards.

The Student Showcase Teacher Award was won by Palomar photography instructor Donna Cosentino.

In a press release from July 10, Palomar’s Vice President of Instruction Berta Cuaron was quoted as saying,“We are very proud of our students’ outstanding demonstrations of their knowledge, skills and abilities. Our faculty are experts in their fields and provide hands-on learning experiences that encourage and develFergal O’Doherty, a Palomar College English proPHOTO COURTESY OF PALOMAR COLEGE op individual students creativity and enhance fessor. employment skills.”

English professor Fergal O’Doherty was featured in the fourth annual Authors and Art event at the Museum of Living Artist at Balboa Park on July 9.

As one of a group of San Diego authors invited to participate O’Doherty read excerpts from his memoir, as well as a work of fiction.

O’Doherty, an Irish immigrant, writes in his memoir of growing up as a Roman Catholic, who lived in a neighborhood populated with British-identifying Protestants and Irish Catholic natives in Northern Ireland.

The piece of fiction is based on the early years of O’Doherty’s own immigrant experiences in New York City. The protagonist is a young man who is coming to grips with the fact that he is gay.

Other participants in the event were Rob Music Mania was the theme at this years fair.

Williams, Kimberly Dark, Glen Maxion and PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR Suzanne LaJoie.

CAMPUS WEATHER

North County Transit District has a more liberated approach to bus fare. During the first two weeks of the fall semester, rides on the Sprinter and Breeze buses will be free.

“Leaving the car at home gives students an opportunity to get to campus quickly, while also reducing the amount they would be spending on gas and parking permit fees,” NCTD Board Chair Bob Campbell said in a press release.

Student, faculty and staff with a valid fall semester ID card will be able to ride free from Aug. 24 through Aug. 28 and Aug. 31 through Sept. 4 (weekdays only).

“First time riders taking advantage of this free ride promotion will experience the comfort and convenience of the Sprinter light rail and Breeze bus system. We feel sure they’ll like it so much that they’ll come back to ride it again,” said Campbell.

Students can also get a reduced rate $47 a $12 savings on monthly Sprinter/Breeze pass with a valid ID and fall sticker at SU-201 Office of Student Affairs.Only a certain number of passes are available each month on a first come, firstserve basis.

Learn more about the “Free Rides to College” promotion by going to the North County Transit District’s Website at www.gonctd.com.

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009

CAMPUS CALENDAR Tuesday,Aug. 25 DISCOVER PALOMAR Gives students the chance to meet the different clubs on campus. Will take place in front of the SU buiding from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PALOMAR SYMOHONY Will hold auditions in D6 at 7 p.m. Student need to prepare two short contrasting excerpts.

Wednesday,Aug. 26 ASSOCIATED STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASG will begin its weekly meeting at 1 p.m. in SU204. It is a student organization made up of elected officials who serve on a campus-wide shared governance, as well as lobby State and Federal representatives on student issues.

For more information call the Office of Student Affairs at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2594.

PALOMAR CHORALE Will hold auditions in D10 at 7 p.m. No prepared requirement, but experience preferred.

PALOMAR WOMEN’S CHORUS Is holding auditions in D5 from 12-12;50 p.m. No prepared requirement.

PALOMAR /PACIFIC CONCERT BAND Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. in D6.Interview with director Kenneth Bell ffor section assignments at rehearsal.

President deceased

LIGHT UP THE SKY A comedic play by Moss Hart is holding auditions at Howard Brubeck Theatre. Prepare a short monologue at 7 p.m.

Thursday,Aug. 27 MECHA CLUB The Mecha club will meet at 4:30 in SU-17.

THE BLACK STUDENT UNION The Black Student Union will meet at 11:30 in SU-17.

Dr. Frederick R. Huber former Palomar College President died at age 94.

FILE PHOTO Palomar’s former President Dr. Frederick R. Huber died on June 22.

Dr. Huber was 94 years old and had served as president of Palomar Community College District for 13 years, starting in August 1964 and retired in June 1977. He saw Palomar double its population of students, staff and faculty.

Upon retirement dr. Huber was honored by the classified staff with a living memorial in the form of a tree planted on campus. The faculty also honored him with Administrative Emeritus Status.

Current Superintendent/President Robert Deegan stated in a press release June 24th, “His dedication and commitment to educational excellence is a legacy to the campus and the community.”

What goes here?

Do you know something we should cover? Let us know. Submit story tips or events via e-mail at the telescope@palomar.edu or call (760) 891-7865.

Monday, Aug. 24

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Thursday, Aug. 27

Friday, Aug.28

Saturday, Aug. 29

Sunday, Aug. 30

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PARTLY CLOUDY

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NEWS | 3

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE batting average and eight homeruns, Webb was placed in Major League Baseball’s draft last spring, with Baltimore picking him up in the 30th round.

Before deciding on the Orioles, Webb was also considering playing at the four-year college level at either Oklahoma State or University of Southern California.

NEW BUILDINGS

BASEBALL DEAL

Professor said seeing the new space is exciting.

“The technology is really important,”Trigas said.“The older buildings are not equipped for new technology like Internet and TV. The hook-ups don’t work well.”

Trigas said she hopes the classrooms are of an adequate size, as the current history rooms are small.

If Trigas gets lucky, she may even get to use one of the new classrooms. The HS Building will offer six additional classrooms for general use in addition to the classrooms and labs for nursing and dental students.

The college’s original plan for the site of the new buildings, according to the 2003 Facilities Master Plan was to remodel the S Building. That building, however, has since been torn down to make way for the construction of the HS and MIB buildings “That building was built in the 1960s,” Francis said. “But now we’ve been able to double the size of square footage by going up two stories, and offer cutting-edge classrooms to our students.”

According to Miller, the HS building and the MIB building were both designed with sustainability and functionality in mind.

The HS Building will be the first building on Palomar’s campus to generate its own electricity through the use of solar panels.

The MIB building also has the infrastructure to house its own solar energy system.

“The HS Building was paid for entirely out of a local voter passed proposition to update Palomar College,” Miller said. “Proposition M has made all this possible.”

The MIB building, while it is receiving some funds from Proposition M, is being funded mainly by the state, he added.

Next in line for new additions to Palomar are an industrial technology center, a planetarium, a baseball field on the site of the dirt parking lot and a humanities

Webb performed particularly well in Pacific Coast Conference games, batting .442.

“He led by example, if anything,” Taylor said. “He went through some struggles early on, but he took criticism well and improved phenomenally while he was here.”

We are just proud of Webb, who said he admires major league players like Ken him. He went from nothing Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter, is trying not to to everything in his nine put pressure on himself to move up the months with Palomar. minor league ladder — Buck Taylor quickly.

Palomar baseball coach “You just have to work hard,” he said, The deal with USC, accord“and they will see that you are ing to Palomar Head Baseball working hard.”

Coach Buck Taylor, was an 85 Brenden Webb, 19, former percent scholarship. center-fielder for the Palomar “Which is an outstanding Comets, signed with the scholarship,” Taylor said. “And Baltimore Orioles on August 2. he had already committed to His contract included a them when he decided to go $250,000 signing bonus, along with the Orioles instead.” with $60,000 to go towards conWebb had even signed up to tinuing his education within take a summer course at USC, the next 8 years.

Taylor said, when Webb got the After spending only nine offer from the Orioles. months playing for Palomar “There are advantages to College, where he had a .343 being able to start in the pros

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“

”

at an early age,” Webb said. “It was a good time for me to sign.”

When Webb gave USC the news, they were obviously a little upset about the switch, he said.

But due to the fact that they had also been players at one time or another themselves, they were OK with it.

Webb, 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, started playing baseball at the age of four and came to Palomar after playing his senior year at Mt. Carmel High School in 2007-2008.

He said chose to play with the Comets over going into Division Three because he had heard good things about the baseball program as well as the coaches.

The Telephone caught up with Webb during a telephone interview as he was in Sarasota, Florida, where he was staying while waiting for his contract to go through.

From there he will spend some time playing in the Orioles’ rookie league, the Gulf Coast League.

He could spend as little as a few weeks or a few months in the minors depending on how well he plays, Webb said.

“But no, I don’t think it is a lot pressure,” he said. “You

just have to work hard, and they will see that you are working hard.”

As for professional players that he looks up to, Webb said he admires both Ken Griffey, Jr., and Derek Jeter.

“They are good ball players,” he said. “And they stay out of trouble.”

And it is that kind of leadership that Webb gave to other players while he was at Palomar, Taylor said.

“He led by example if anything,” Taylor said. “He went through some struggles early on, but he took criticism well and improved phenomenally while he was here.”

According to Taylor, in addition to excelling in the classroom, Webb was a quiet leader on the field.

“He will be a great ambassador for our college and community colleges in general,” Taylor said. “I think he has an outstanding shot of making a career out of this.”

Swim Instructors Wanted Instructors $12-19 / hour Customer service $10 /hour Contact Brett at (760) 744-7946

Do your thing!

The Telescope, Palomar’s award-winning student newspaper, wants your creativity. Do you write? Draw?

Take pictures? Design a mean informational graph (hey, somebody does it)? Call us at (760) 744-1150 ext. 2450 or write ehiro@palomar.edu.

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4

| OPINION

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY AUG. 24, 2009

SPEAK OUT!

How does the recent tuition increase to $26 per unit affect you?

“

I don’t like having budget cuts on school...It doesn’t seem smart to me. District schools are cutting out PE and there are complaints that we are all fat. ‘Like government, wake up!’ It almost makes you want to run for politics.

”

— Seve Venegas, 21

“

I think it is necessary, but not convenient. But I understand. It’s worth it.

— Kristin Ackerman,18

” “

I think it is blown out of proportion. My boss bought $400 worth of Purell hand sanitizer for employees. I think that is ridiculous.

“

— Tiffany” Kuhl,26

It is not really affecting me.

As to what I think of it, that sucks. It makes out-of-state tuition even more expensive.

That sucks.

”

— Reece Alnas, 20

“

Personally it is not affecting me, but my sister goes here. My parents helped her with it. My boyfriend’s sister goes to Mt. San Jacinto. She had to dig down deep for it, and it is postponing car work, since she had to pay extra tuition fees.

”

— Leah Worth,18

MONDAY AUG. 24, 2009

Obama’s health care plan doesn’t get credit it deserves KELLEY FOYT THE TELESCOPE

President Barack Obama has been greeted with a warm welcome and an overall sense of acceptance from American citizens since entering office. Until, that is, talk of health care reform heated up in Washington along with the summer weather.

The current health care system is, without a doubt, flawed.

Obama’s health proposals will have a positive and lasting effect on the system.

As the economy continues to spiral downward, more and more Americans are becoming aware of this growing predicament.

Families should not be forced to make decisions between paying for groceries or medical bills. In some cases, families are choosing between hospital costs and paying rent, a situation which is appalling. Students are particularly likely to be affected, because they are at an age where they are too old to fit onto their parents’ plans but too young to have a steady income to afford their own premiums.

The health care industry, which is the largest industry in the country, accounts for approximately one-sixth of the entire U.S. economy, according to news reports. It’s a big deal and it has a huge impact on every citizen.

In the past decade alone,

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

EDITORS IN CHIEF | KELLEY FOYT, MELISSA LERAY OPINION EDITOR | MAGGIE AVANTS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR | CRYSTAL EVANS FOCUS EDITOR | ALEJANDRA JACKSON SPORTS EDITOR | JEREMY LEAL PHOTO EDITOR | SARA BURBIDGE ONLINE EDITOR | ERIC WALKER

VOLUME 63 NUMBER 1

COPY EDITOR | ERIC WALKER AD MANAGER | CRYSTAL EVANS DISTRIBUTION MANAGER | KEVIN THOMPSON INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS | CHARLES STEINMAN MATT NULL JOURNALISM ADVISER | ERIN HIRO PHOTOJOURNALISM ADVISER | PAUL STACHELEK

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, Palomar faculty and staff members or the governing board trustees.

employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have increased by 119 percent, a rate which is three times faster than cumulative wage increases, according to the National Coalition on Health Care Web site and statistics from the White House Web site. This means that while students are working towards a career, premiums are increasing at a much faster rate than salaries, a daunting statistic in the already intimidating economy.

Today, 21 percent of Americans struggle to pay medical bills, according to a poll by Gallup.This is a 3 percent jump from early 2008. Each percentage point accounts for about 2.2 million people, which means that in just a year, 6.6 million more people are facing life-changing decisions on a day-to-day basis. Between 2008 and 2010, approximately 7 million citizens will actually lose their health care coverage.

All of the problems in the industry are due completely to a defective system.The U.S. health care system should not be as complex as it is in its current state. Costs are continuing to skyrocket, and this problem stems directly from inefficiencies, unnecessary administrative costs, poor management, waste and fraud, according to experts on the NCHC Web site. As part of a domino effect, these problems increase the cost of government

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health programs, as well as health insurance for employers and employees.

Democrats tend to want to create a Utopian society in the United States in which all classes, low income to high income, are equal. Opponents of Obama’s policies view this negatively.

However, more than 80 percent of uninsured Americans come from working families -- it isn’t righty to deny them health care just because they are employees rather than CEOs. The president’s solution is organized into three goals on his Web site: reforming the health care system, promoting scientific and technological advancements and improving preventive care.

The current health care system needs drastic changes to maximize quality and efficiency, as well as expanding coverage to every citizen. Obama’s latter goals illustrate his dedication to the country and ability to fix the problem from the source. By funding scientific research, Obama is enacting reforms that will eliminate the need for increasing medical costs, and will extinguish the pain of individuals suffering from diseases and sicknesses.

We have the potential for one of the world’s greatest health care systems. Let’s give everyone the opportunity to find certainty in it.

The Telescope welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters must be typewritten, under 300 words and include the author’s first and last names, major and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters can be e-mailed to telescope@palomar.edu or delivered to the newsroom in Room MB-1.

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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OPINION | 5

MONDAY AUG. 24, 2009| THE TELESCOPE

Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s appointment is a good thing JARRED POWELL THE TELESCOPE

When President Barack Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor for appointment as a Supreme Court judge, the majority of people were saying, who is Sonia Sotomayor? I know I did.

From a diversity standpoint, a case can be made for Sotomayor.

On Aug. 8 she became the third woman and the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice to hold this office in the history of the United States. This is not to say that she is only where she is because of affirmative action, so to speak. Her record speaks for itself.

Sotomayor, 55, was nominated and appointed as a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by former President George H.W. Bush in 1992. She also was appointed circuit judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the second circuit by former President Bill Clinton.

Sotomayor gets her share of support from the Democrats. She also gets the same share of criticism and resistance from the Republicans.

For starters what’s not to like about her? She has lived an American dream similar to President Obama. Sotomayor was born in Puerto Rico and raised in a housing project in the South Bronx. Sotomayor was the valedictorian in both her intermediate and high school classes and won a scholarship to Princeton.

Her career as a lawyer, trial and appellate judge has com-

pletely been devoted to public service. She brings more federal judicial experience than any other Supreme Court judge in 100 years and more overall judicial experience than anyone confirmed to the Supreme Court in the past 70 years.

One thing that sticks out about Supreme Court justice Sotomayor are her views on abortion and gay marriage. She has a thin record on both of these issues.

Sotomayor has never ruled directly on a law that deals with abortion in 17 years of being on the bench. She’s also never ruled

on any gay civil rights, which brought opposition from conservative Republicans in the Senate.

Sotomayor should be able to handle the vigors that come with being a Supreme Court justice.

She has a proven track record and has overcome obstacles in life, including poverty, to reach her position.

She is young, bright and brings fresh new ideas to the Supreme Court. She will serve the government and the citizens of this nation well and is a firm reminder that anything is possible in this country if you believe in yourself.

She is young, bright and brings fresh new ideas...

OUR VIEWPOINT

Stop trashing the planet

DON WRIGHT | MCT CAMPUS

Trade schools out to rip students off GENE TRAINOR MCT CAMPUS

FORT WORTH, Texas—They offer the dream of a good-paying job in a high-demand field, easy admission, flexible hours and help with the thicket of paperwork to obtain federal financial aid.

For students who work full time, prefer hands-on training and want a degree or certification quickly, private, for-profit schools seem like an ideal solution. And some graduates have found career success.

But others may leave saddled with debt and little else. Many graduates find that public and selective private colleges won't accept transfer credits, or that the degrees or certificates won't land them a job.

Ultimately, taxpayers foot the bill when students default on their federally insured loans.

It's largely left up to students to determine the quality of the education—and they may find little to help them.

A telling indication of student success after graduation is the loan default rate, but that figure is difficult to obtain.

Lacking such know-how, students often rely on the schools' advertisements.

“It's much more direct sales,” said Barmak Nassirian of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and

Admission Officers. "Many of their targets are people who act on impulse. They see an ad."

Among the career schools are relatively new national chains such as Everest College, local institutions such as Iverson Business School, and longestablished national ones, such as DeVry University.

The vast majority operate for profit.

They may offer degrees and certificates in paralegal studies, hotel and restaurant management, construction management, and medical insurance coding and billing, among other areas. Most tend to attract lowincome, often minority students, experts say.

To get accepted, students often need a high school diploma or GED. College entrance exams, letters of recommendation and a record of extracurricular activities are usually not required, though students sometimes take exams to help with career placement and determine college readiness.

Students and former students said they were attracted to the schools by a great sales pitch and extensive advertising on TV and radio and in newspapers.

But some for-profit colleges have come under fire for what government officials call unethical practices.

Students graduating from these schools often find out later on that the degree they

received is not as marketable as they would have hoped.

Vanessa, one such student, said she was told she would earn $30,000 a year with a medical assisting diploma. Instead the jobs she was offered paid about $17,000. The single mother defaulted on her $25,000 student loan last year. Debt collectors call about every other day.

“Now I'm in debt over $25,000 with no medical assisting job,” said Vanessa, who did not want her last name published because she is embarrassed about her situation.

With taxpayer money at stake, the ability of graduates to find jobs and repay loans is an issue that in years past has caught Congress' attention. The default rate has been improving, but a gap remains.

The rate was 9.7 percent at for-profit schools for the federal Direct Loans and Family Education Loan programs in fiscal 2006, the most recent federal data available.

In comparison, rates were 2.5 percent for nonprofit private schools and 4.7 percent for public schools.

Johnson says she understands why proprietary students struggle to repay loans.

“They end up without a job, without a career, in $30,000 in debt and they're working at the checkout in a Wal-Mart,” she said. “Their lives haven't changed at all.”

Who’s trashing the ocean?

We are.There is a island 1,000 miles north of Hawaii estimated to being close to the size of Texas made entirely out of garbage.

When will people wake up and pay attention to things other than their own consumption?

Just about every 10 minutes TV shows another commercial telling the masses that they need to buy more of this product and use more of that product. Consume more!

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Municipal Solid Waste in the United States 2007 Facts and Figures” report, the U.S. generated just over 254 million tons of solid waste in 2007. If you break that down per person, it is 4.62 pounds, of garbage each of us have generated each day. About 50 percent of the waste is recycled, but that still leaves 127 million tons of garbage to go into landfills. How much of that garbage is excess?

Those statistics are for garbage that made it into landfills.What about the garbage that is left on beaches or gets washed down the gutters? Or how about the 5 pounds of garbage that tourists create on their pleasure cruises? Or the sailors on military and commercial ships? Do they carry their garbage home with them?

Not all of it.Where does the rest go?

Into our oceans.

The garbage patch is mostly made up of plastic, such as bottles, bags and fishing nets.There are many names for this garbage patch; the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the Pacific Gyre, the Eastern Garbage Patch, the Pacific Trash Vortex, or in the case of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration it is called “the concentrations of marine debris.” It doesn’t matter what it is called. It is not a part of normal ocean life, and not necessary.

This accumulation of discarded consumption should be addressed, and despite thinking that “it’s not my problem,” it is everyone’s problem.

A July 2008 EPA report titled, “Interagency Report on Marine Debris Sources, Impacts, Strategies & Recommendations,” says, “Marine debris can injure and kill marine wildlife, degrade ocean habitats, interfere with navigation safety, cause economic loss to shipping, fishing and coastal communities, and pose a threat to human health.”The garbage can pose a threat to human health.

The sun melts and ocean water breaks down the plastic debris into microscopic particles that are working their way into our food sources, by way of contaminated plastics being eaten by the sea life.

With all the harmful chemicals already being ingested by humans, why add to it? That is what people are doing to themselves and their children when they ignore a problem of this nature.

Get up and do something about it.

What can you do?

•Use a cloth bag. (Keep them in your car.)

•Get a reusable water bottle. (The aluminum ones can be more easily recycled.)

•Bring your own cup to work or school. (Don’t use plastic cups.)

•Clean up after yourself at the beach or anywhere you happen to be. (If you leave take your garbage with you. Better yet, take your trash with you and maybe pick up someone else’s litter too.)

•Look for environmentally friendly packaging when you go shopping. (More and more companies are coming out with these types of packaging, so take advantage of it.)

And of course the old R’s: Recycle, Reuse and Reduce!

6 | OPINION

All hail the King of Pop

MONDAY AUG. 24, 2009| THE TELESCOPE

Should Michael Jackson be hailed as a visionary or deemed a criminal?

GRAIANNE WARD THE TELESCOPE

Michael Jackson. He had quirks, but who doesn’t? Sure he hung out with younger kids and allegedly gave them ‘Jesus juice’ but someone’s personal life shouldn’t ruin their professional career.

Colin Farrell is a wild boy but a good actor.

Mel Gibson may seem insane but you have to admit he was good in “Mad Max,”“Conspiracy Theory,” and all the “Lethal Weapon” films.

Britney Spears and Mariah Carey both had their downfalls and seemingly crazy moments, but in the end their talent is buried right underneath all that madness.

It seems you have to be a little off to be creative in this world,so really can we say we didn’t expect this of Jackson,especially considering his childhood?

Are you wondering about Jackson’s alleged victims? It’s possible a kid told a story, then the parents embellished it and saw a way to make money.

The world is filled with more schemers than you would expect. We’re so quick to judge someone. He was found not guilty.

Kids do make up stories for attention.

Need I remind you of the Salem Witch Trials?

Don’t underestimate kids.A 13-year-old child is definitely old enough to lie.

The media either makes or breaks you. By 1993 after the first child molestation accusations the media turned its back on him, bashing his career to pieces.The man who used to have people around the world sitting in front of their televisions waiting for his newest premiere because they respected his talent. It’s a tragedy really,and we’ll never know the truth about Michael Jackson.

The media focused on all the negative stuff and bypassed all his accomplishments over his 50 years of life. Like the fact he was in the Guinness Book of World Records eight times in 2006 alone. He was the first African American to strongly crossover and gain a following via MTV. He was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was also named “The Most Successful Entertainer of All Time”by the World Records Academy.He had 17 No. 1 singles.

He’s won 13 Grammy awards and sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide. He has the biggest selling album of all time, “Thriller,” with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. How can you deny his talent?

He even holds the record for the most charities supported by a pop star. Thirty-nine are known about but he constantly donated anonymously and spontaneously.

He was loving toward every single person he met, child and adult alike — family, friends, and those meeting him for the first time. He was the exact opposite of his father with his caring demeanor, but he also was quiet, reserved and sickly.

He had lupus, vitiligo, and wore wigs because of the burns he obtained while filming the infamous Pepsi commercial in the 1980s when his hair caught fire from the stage lights. All these things he kept secret from the public,but he pushed through his illnesses and the accusations to be the best.

Once you see how fragile he was it makes you feel bad for beating him up.

As a child he had a strong,pure voice.As he grew older he made his voice take on a more unique sound that made it easy for impressionists to imitate him.You knew instantly it was a Michael Jackson song as soon as you heard his “ooh oohs” and hiccup voice.

His voice was always filled with excitement and got your adrenaline pumping.The catchy beat was an indicator as well. It didn’t matter what race, religion or gender you were, his songs had you tapping your toes or bobbing your head to the beat, even if you didn’t want to.

The moonwalk and robot left people

stunned when they saw Jackson first perform them on a television screen.He had made the impossible possible. Even still, millions can’t do the moonwalk or stand on their tippy toes to this day.

His music was his voice. He was very conscious about what was going on in the world and what people were saying about him.

He never needed a press conference because how he felt and what he needed to say was right there in the lyrics of his songs.

His paranoia,his frustrations with the media, and the loss of never having a childhood were just his way of telling his story all along.

All we had to do was listen.

He influenced artists like Usher, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and R. Kelly. Just about everyone out there mentions Jackson as being an inspiration to them in some way.

Those who love him believe and see what they want to see about Jackson. Those who loathe him saw what they wanted to see. In the end,the facts glared through the thick fog of fiction and hearsay. He was a wonderful singer, an amazing dancer and a huge activist for the world.

His heart didn’t give up, it gave o u t .

Michael Jackson changed the world.

M i ch a e l Jackson changed the world.

ERIC WALKER THE TELESCOPE

He “changed the face of music.”

He was a visionary in many ways, and worked to change more than just music — it seems that he wanted to change the world for the better as well.

The holder of several world records for his contributions, Michael Jackson seems on the surface that he deserves to be held in high esteem and immortalized, even idolized by all.

Regardless of what good he may have done, it is difficult to look past the allegations made against him.

Investigators found multiple drugs in his

home, including propofol — an anesthetic known to cause cardiac arrest.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated several doctors after discovering many medications in his personal medicine cabinet made out to pseudonyms of the singer.

It is widely believed that his drug use directly contributed to his death.

Even if it didn’t, the fact remains that he was a rampant druggie.

Is that really who we want to be holding up as an idol for the easily influenced youth of the nation?

If Jackson was known for anything other than his music it was his alleged child molestation. Again, it’s debated heavily, but the fact remains that his image and reputation are forever tainted.

And whether he actually engaged in sexual activity with the children or it was all a wacky sitcom-esque misunderstanding, there’s just something wrong with a grown man who would rather sleep platonically with little boys than women (or men — let’s not assume) his own age.

And how about his miraculous colorchanging skin and melting face? Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.

Maybe he really did have some diseases that required him to get dozens of plastic surgeries — although he denies having more than three.

OK, so maybe he is lying about that. But even if he did need to have the surgeries, there is still the undeniable story of a young black star growing up into a white superstar.

This was not a very good example to set for young African-Americans.

He may have been a victim of circumstance, but that still isn’t something to promote.

Either way, many skeptics still believe he has been lying through his teeth about the whole situation.

So he’s a bit eccentric.

Lots of stars are.

But those stars aren’t traumatizing little boys and getting hopped up on more drugs than “House,” before lying to the world repeatedly while simultaneously being praised as the best musical artist in history.

Enjoy his music. Blare his classic songs, dance to them, whatever. But do not hold him up as a martyr, or someone deserving of praise.

His beats were revolutionary, but that should be the extent of his legacy. We should never idolize drugaddled perverts.

Do not hold him as a martyr or someone deserving of praise.

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

ACCREDITATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Deegan wrote in a letter to colleagues. “Individuals and groups were assigned to begin the development and implementation process to comply with the…standards.”

The commission recommended four areas in which the college needs to improve to meet accreditation standards.

Planning Although the college has identified the plans it has in the areas of technology, facilities, the education master plan and human resources staffing, the commission recommended the college tie these plans more strongly in with its overall strategic plan.

ACCJC noted that the integration of all the plans will make it easier for the college to be more successful in divvying out funds annually to carry out each plan.

ACCJC also recommended that Palomar update its technology plan to address such major concerns as disaster recovery, data security and ongoing equipment replacement. This recommendation was previously cited in 2003, and the commission wrote that it has not seen enough improvement in this area.

According to Berta Cuaron, assistant superintendent and vice president of instructional services, the college’s strategic planning council has created a committee responsible for developing a planning model incorpo-

rates the budget.

Student learning outcomes The college also needs to clarify student learning assessment methods and set dates for completing student learning outcomes assessments, in order to meet the standards set for institutions accredited under ACCJC. For this to happen, the college would have to request cooperation from faculty, asking that they work together in documenting student progress, as well as stating expected learning outcomes from each course offered.

“There is going to be faculty resistance,” Palomar Governing Board Trustee Rose Marie Dishman said in a recent board meeting.“It makes their job harder, but we are going to have to do that.”

To further assist faculty in addressing this recommendation, the Learning Outcome Council’s steering committee held a workshop early in June, Cuaron said.

“We have developed a timeline that will take us through this year,” she said.

The timeline will be presented to the Faculty Senate and Learning Outcome Council early in the fall semester for review and adoption.

Palomar received a recommendation in 2003 about student learning outcomes, but again the commission did not believe the college had a solid assessment method in place.

Distance education The college offers distance learning courses via internet TV,

some of which include interaction between students and professors through video lectures and meetings. Palomar needs to ensure that its distance learning courses have the same quality of instruction that the on-campus courses do.

The recommendation has three key areas, according to Cuaron.

First, the college needs to define the minimum standard of training necessary for online faculty. Secondly, the college should define the minimum amount of in-person contact between online students and faculty.

Lastly, it should improve ways for students to evaluate their distance learning experience.

“It is an issue that many colleges are facing,” Cuaron said.

“It is hard to make students complete evaluations through an online class.”

Board of trustees policies Palomar faculty has been permitted to conduct informal evaluations of administrators. The problem, according to Cuaron, is that the evaluation process is not stated in the current governing board policy, and if administrators want to challenge the evaluation, they do not have formal due process rights.

ACCJC recommends that the administrative handbook be updated to include the evaluation process and define the due process rights.

Cuaron said the Faculty Senate is working with the vice president of human resources. They are looking at the education code as

well as what other colleges are doing.

Follow-up report The accrediting commission is requiring that Palomar submit a follow-up report by March 15, 2010, to show its progress and resolution in the recommended areas.

“We recognize that our timeline is short,” Cuaron said.

“The report will be our primary focus this semester.”

They plan to have the first draft to the Governing Board

by December, with final approval from the board by February. The report will then be sent to the accrediting commission by its deadline in March. Students hope that the college will take the warning seriously.

NEWS | 7

“It seems like they need to fulfill the four recommendations,” Palomar student Pauline Benitez said. “A lot of people are relying on this college to transfer out to a fouryear college.”

Benitez and fellow student Tiffany Balucanag are nursing majors at Cal State San Marcos who attend Palomar in the summer to take their general education classes.

“I came here because my academic adviser told me it was a good school,” Balucanag said.

“She even recommended some specific professors. This is a good school.”

To read the full letter from ACCJC and to learn more about Palomar’s accreditation, visit palomar.edu and click on the red accreditation button.

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THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

ENTERTAINMENT |

9

‘District 9’ excels despite inconsistencies

Copley is consistent with his acting even when the movie switches to the guns-and-explosions phase. None of the “District 9” can’t decide what kind of actors in the film are “stars” in the tramovie it wants to be. It starts off as a ditional sense, so it’s easy to see a permockumentary, introducing an alter- son as “Wikus van der Merwe” rather nate version of today’s world — though than, say, “Nicholas Cage with a bad a slightly unbelievable one, then it hairdo.”

The film’s casting is excellent, but becomes a generic sci-fi action movie due to the shooting location, many of full of explosions and swearing.

When aliens land in Johannesburg the characters speak with heavy and are promptly penned away in slums accents. It adds to the authenticity, or concentration camps, it is a not-so- but it can be difficult to understand subtle nod to 1960s-era racial segrega- the dialogue. Subtitles are used randomly, even when the tion in South Africa. But the MOVIE REVIEW characters speak clear movie abandons its alleEnglish. gories and moves on to ‘District 9’ The leaps in logic become a suspenseful tale HHH required to believe in its about a fugitive.

OUT OF FOUR STARS premise is the biggest The protagonist, Wikus Sharlto Copley, problem with the film. van der Merwe (Sharlto STARRING: Jason Cope, Robert Hobbs The aliens can suddenly Copley), is a bumbling but RATED: R understand English and lovable worker for the vice-versa, but neither weapons manufacturer race can speak the other Multi-National United, who ends up managing the camps where the aliens race’s language. This leads to some live. One day while on a routine patrol, bizarre “Han-and-Chewie” moments he is forced to abandon his wife when humans interact with the crea(Vanessa Haywood) and become a fugi- tures.

The documentary style is brought tive living in the slums.

At this point the documentary-style is back in what seems to be an awkward abandoned and the film moves on to attempt at a symbolic and ambiguous ending, but it is executed poorly. exploding bodies and alien weapons.

The narrative is thrilling, and the Although the special effects are well done, the blood and swearing get out of actors are some of the best unknowns hand. According to screenit.com, the in recent memory. It’s definitely “F-bomb” alone is used over 137 times, worth checking out — if you can hanwhich seems excessive even with an R dle the gratuitous swearing and exploding bodies, that is. rating.

ERIC WALKER THE TELESCOPE

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRISTAR/WINGNUT

10 | ENTERTAINMENT

MONDAY, AUG.. 24, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

COURTESY PHOTO

Minutes before they are to walk down the aisle, Henry time travels. He shows up just in time to meet her at the alter, only it is about 20 years in his future. The moment serves as an anchor drawing him there several times during his life.

‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ delivers on original premise CRYSTAL EVANS THE TELESCOPE

Claire Abshire, played by Rachel McAdams, lives an unusual life, as her husband disappears without notice and reappears in another time and place, without his clothes. Yet every time he disappears, she waits patiently for his return in the heartwarming romantic drama “The Time Traveler’s Wife.”

When Henry DeTramble, played by Eric Bana, is at the tender age of five he learns that he is not like everyone else. Just seconds from being

killed in a fatal crash, he finds himself standing on the side of the road and watches his mother perish in the wreck.

Bana meets his to-be wife when she is just 6 years old and he is in his 30s. However, when she runs into him at the library where he works as a young adult, he has not yet met her. She slowly tells him the story of how they met and the various meetings that have occurred in her past but in his future. Despite the fact that he disappears at various intervals for unknown lengths of time and that he has no control over where he is or will go next,

Bana works to develop a rela- comedic relief throughout the tionship with McAdams. movie. This is done through The writing of this story is several witty one-liners and impeccable. The first hurdle to also through the plot, such as overcome is being when Bana disappears just able to have the MOVIE REVIEW audience suspend minutes before ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ disbelief. Despite their wedding the fact that Bana is ceremony is HHH OUT OF FOUR STARS jumping through about to begin time and space, and STARRING: Rachel McAdams, Eric and then reapalways arriving Bana, Michelle Nolden pears, just 10 without clothes, the years older and RATED: PG-13 story is easy to buy with a signifiinto. cant amount of The next hurdle was to keep gray. the essence of the dramatic The acting was also of the quality in the story while still highest quality. The actors being able to create effective seamlessly pull off their dia-

logue in a way that is real and believable. And the on-camera chemistry between Bana and McAdams is easy to see. The romance is so believable that it is almost creepy when Bana goes back to see McAdams’ character as a child, as the love between the two feels so real.

“The Time Traveler’s Wife” is without a doubt the best date night movie of the summer. It will make you laugh out loud, cry till your eyes burn and leave you feeling as though you were treated to a wellcrafted movie that was actually worth the price of admission.

‘Post Grad’ disappoints despite big-name cast off the internet, Keaton’s character is made the brunt of many jokes, only a few of When Ryden Malby (Alexis which will actually make you Bledel) graduates from col- laugh. However, the fact that lege she quickly realizes that Keaton could pull off his the world does not always more often than not ludiaccommodate the plan that crous lines and physical comshe has made for herself in edy while keeping a straight the new comedy “Post Grad” face is impressive.

Bledel’s mother is played that just leaves something by none other than Jane lacking.

Bledel’s character has Lynch, who is famous for her always had a plan for her- hilarious dry comedy as seen self. She would get good in her characters in “Two grades in high school so she and a Half Men” and “Glee.” could get scholarships to pay Lynch’s character is by far for college. Then she would the funniest in the movie. major in English and do well She delivers lines about her enough to land a job at the son’s love of licking other hottest publishing house in children’s heads with such a Los Angeles. When she does- matter-of-fact tone of voice n’t get hired, Malby is forced that you cannot help but to move back home with her laugh out loud at the ridiculousness of the situation. eccentric famiCarol Burnett, ly.

MOVIE REVIEW who has been Her family is delivering superb ‘Post Grad’ comprised of acting performone familiar HH ances since she face after OUT OF FOUR STARS played Mrs. a n o t h e r . STARRING: Alexis Bledel, Zach Hannigan in Michael Keaton, Gilford, Michael Keaton, Carol “Annie” in the of late 80s and Burnett, Jane Lynch early 1980s, plays early 90s RATED: PG-13 the grandmother.

Batman fame, plays her dad whose charac- And her character in “Post ter is slightly neurotic and Grad” does not disappoint. definitely moronic. From From playing dead in coffins running over and killing the to determine which one she neighbor’s cat to landing will look best dead in to himself in jail for trying to claiming her family only sell stolen goods he bought likes her for her money, her CRYSTAL EVANS THE TELESCOPE

character keeps the audience entertained.

While the family delivers a funny and entertaining performance, the two main characters are a bit dull. Bledel and the boy who pined after her all through college, Adam, played by Zach Gilford, do not have much in the way of chemistry. There on scene performances are slightly awkward and do not feel genuine. Often their lines feel forced and hardly any of their conversation flows naturally.

Though the dialogue in the movie tends to be sharp, witty and generally very funny, the overall story does not get such high acclaim.

The whole plot can easily be summed up by saying, boy likes girl, girl likes another boy, first boy gets mad and leaves, girl realizes she loves him, the end. It is predictable and overplayed; having been seen in many teen movies that have come before, this one just doesn’t have the lively subplots to keep the movie going.

Though overall the movie is a flop, it will still serve well as a date night movie or a night out with the girls for a few laughs and a little COURTESY PHOTO reminder that finding a job When Ryden graduates from college, she soon discovers that life in the real world is not what after graduation is not she thought it would be when she can’t get a job and has to move back in with her parents. always as easy as it looks.

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

WHAT’S HAPPENING Friday,Aug. 28 Who: Social Green, Chris Murray, The Amalgamated What: Ska Invasion Where: Soma Cost: $10 More info: www.somasd. com

Aug. 28-29 What: Street Scene Who: Black Eyed Peas, Modest Mouse, Cake, M.I.A., Thievery Corporation, The Dead Weather, Silversun Pickups of Montreal Where: Downtown San Diego Cost: From $65 for a one day pass and $122 for a two day pass More info: www.streetscene.com

Saturday,Aug. 29 What: Grape Stomp Where: Orfila Vineyard Cost: $85 More info: www.orfila.com

Through Aug. 30 What: Wicked Where: Civic Theatre Cost: $32.50-68.50 More info: www.wickedthemusical. com

Tuesday, Sept. 1 Who: The Pretenders What: Rock Where: Pala Casino Cost: $24.75 More info: www.palacasino.com

Wednesday, Sept. 2 What: A Tribute to Elvis Presley Where: The Jumping Turtle Cost: Free More info: (760) 471-7778

Saturday, Sept. 5 Who: Nickelback What: Rock Where: Cricket Wireless Cost: $31 More info: (7619) 671-3500

Sunday, Sept. 6 Who: AC/DC What: Rock Where: San Diego Sports Arena Cost: $93.50 More info: (619) 225-0176

ENTERTAINMENT | 11 Waltz plays memorable Nazi in 'Inglourious Basterds' ROBERT W. BUTLER MCT CAMPUS

It takes only the first scene in Quentin Tarantino's World War II film "Inglourious Basterds" to convince audiences that they're watching the birth of a star.

In the opening moments of Tarantino's bloody, over-the-top "Jewish revenge fantasy" (it opens Friday), a French farmer is visited by Col. Hans Landa of the SS. Brilliantly portrayed by veteran Austrian actor Christoph Waltz, Landa politely invites himself into the nervous farmer's home and begins a conversation that is outwardly friendly but sprinkled with menace.

Landa asks for a glass of fresh milk. He encourages the farmer to light up a pipe with him.

As the conversation shifts from French to English, Landa talks about his reputation as "the Jew Hunter." It's all about the chase, he says, not a hatred of Jews. In fact, when Landa compares Jews to rats, it's meant as a compliment. Rats are smart, resourceful creatures who thrive despite our best efforts to exterminate them.

What motivates him, the chatty Landa tells the squirming farmer, is the challenge. He considers himself a great detective solving complex mysteries.

Now, about those Jewish families who used to live in this valley before the war ... the officials cannot account for one clan. Would the farmer have any information that might be of use?

Could he possibly point out where they're hiding ?

For almost 20 minutes, Tarantino gives us two men talking. But thanks to the 52-year-old Waltz's confident, creepy Landa, it plays almost like an action scene as the German wears down the resolve of his captive audience.

"The scene is like a battle," Waltz said in a recent phone conversation from New York. "There are advances and retreats, feints and furious attacks.

"The challenge was to really find the redeeming qualities in this person. Landa is quite the fascinating character_so smart, so well-versed and educated ... so relentlessly evil."

Evil or not, Hans Landa is the most memorable character seen in any movie this summer, and

COURTESY PHOTO

Christoph Waltz provides a performance in “Inglourious Basterds’ that will not be easily forgotten. The movie is sure to make him an instant star.

that includes Meryl Streep's Julia Child.

So completely does Waltz dominate his scenes that at May's Cannes Film Festival he walked off with the best actor prize.

"Waltz stands head and shoulders above the rest (of the cast) with a lusty performance in the juiciest role," crowed Variety.

The Times of London went gaga for Waltz's "fabulously silky menace."

The ostensible star of "Inglourious Basterds" is Brad Pitt, who plays an American officer whose unit of Jewish commandos operates behind enemy lines, scalping Nazis and spreading terror.

But in fact Waltz gets more screen time than the fabulous hunk.

Not bad for an actor who has spent most of his career on stage or TV screens in Germany. The only time English-speaking audiences might have seen him was a small role in "Goldeneye," a made-for-TV film biography of 007 creator Ian Fleming.

Waltz, who in the 1970s lived in New York City and studied at the Actors Studio ("I expected it to be great ... and it wasn't") and

Palomar tickets half price on Thursdays SARA BURBIDGE THE TELESCOPE

This fall, every first Thursday of the month, the Howard Brubeck Theater is offering specially priced tickets for most fall season performances.

Starting September 3, anyone can purchase an unlimited amount of tickets to as many shows as they wish throughout the season for half price.

According to Randy Hoffman, program coordinator for the theatre, Palomar is the only community college in California that has a Performing Arts Department which combines the dance, theater and music departments.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the Performing Arts Department’s inception, the theater will offer a series of highlighted performances.

under Stella Adler (" the forma- insisted that we rehearse and tive experience in my acting play them in real time. Without life"), says he was recommended all that stop and start, you really to Tarantino by a Berlin casting get the opportunity to play, to agent. really get things going, to estabAs soon as he read the lish the rhythm.

"Basterds" script he knew he was Most of his rehearsal time was on to something special. devoted to the farmhouse scene, "It was all on the page," Waltz Waltz recalled. said. "Every little detail. The "For other scenes, not so beats, the timing. Quentin had set much," he said. "Quentin didn't it all up for me. Once want to establish a MOVIE REVIEW you got into the form of security. He rhythm, it was like ‘Inglourious Basterds’ didn't want us too surfing. comfortable.

He HHHH "Where I had my wanted to keep OUT OF FOUR STARS fun was to devote two everyone on our toes.

STARRING: Brad Pitt, Melanie months to Landa's Laurent, Christoph Waltz "So after that scenes, to see what's opening scene, we RATED: R hidden there, what talked and rehearsed lies underneath." a bit, but not too What he discovered, Waltz said, much. He wanted us to surprise was a character who easily could him." have come on as a thug but chose A longtime resident of London, to be sociable, erudite and attrac- Waltz is fluent in German, French tive _ qualities that only make and English. But he's modest Landa more unsettling. about it: "Where I come from, Tarantino insisted that his that's nothing to write home international cast undergo a peri- about." od of rehearsals. Waltz was in his Suddenly a hot property with element. casting agents around the world, "I've done so much theater ... Waltz is in negotiations to take and this is where all that came in over the lead role in "Tatort," a handy," he said. "Films tend to long-running hit on German break up scenes, but Quentin public.

Hoffman also stated that the season usually opens with a festival. This year’s festival will be centered around Polynesian dances.

The festival includes live drumming and traditional food.

The first play of the season will be Moss Hart’s “Light Up the Sky,” which is a behind-thescenes comedy about a playwright’s first play, the speculations of its review and the before and after the waiting period of the play. Auditions begin this week.

The only way to purchase the First Thursday tickets is to go to the box office located in front of the theater.

For additional information on the 2009/2010 season, please contact (760) 744-1150 ext. 2453 or go ROB BACON | THE TELESCOPE to http://www.palomar.edu Calandra Crane played Harper in last year’s production of “Angels in America.” /performingarts/index.htm.

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| FOCUS

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY AUG. 24, 2009

Local hangouts offer alternatives for nights out

SARA BURBIDGE | T H E T E L E S C O P E

Oceanside Pier provides the perfect backdrop for beach-goers and tourists alike. A bonfire in one of the beach’s many fire pits provides an affordable alternative to the bars.

Del Mar

KELLEY FOYT THE TELESCOPE

There is more to San Diego than just the inside of a movie theater or the local Starbucks. These local hang out spots and neighborhood gems will keep your weekends from being anything but boring.

Oceanside

Del Mar Fairgrounds

The Royal Dive With live local music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. and open mic Tuesdays at 8,The Royal Dive is an intimate bar and concert venue. With great specials (Guinness for under $5) and free popcorn, the vibe is sure to be a hit.

Location: 2949 San Luis Rey Road

Carlsbad

Vino 100

The Del Mar Fairgrounds offer entertainment throughout all of the seasons. Now that the fair is over, visit the grounds for horse races through Sept. 9.

Starting Sept. 25, the Scream Zone, a haunted house, will be open to the public.

Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Not simply a wine store,Vino 100 has tastings every weekend and special events weekdays.You can’t beat wine tasting Sundays for only $1. Happy hour is 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays. On Tuesdays, enjoy two wine tastings for the price of one.

Location: 133 S. Las Posas Grand Plaza, Suite 142

La Jolla

Vista

Bonfire As one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, Historic Oceanside Pier boasts a length of 1,942 feet in length, according to beachcalifornia.com.

Beachgoers can spend a day in the sun and a night by a bonfire. Fire pits are first come, first serve and go quickly, so arrive early and bring your own firewood.

There are also fire pits located in Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Encinitas and Silver Strand State Beach.

Location: 200 N the Strand

but the establishment is all-ages. Catch the 383s on Aug. 28.

Location: 1660 Capalina Road

The Living Room

Boomer’s

Located within walking distance of La Jolla Shores Beach, The Living Room offers a unique experience with a two-level coffee shop. Downstairs, there is a mellow atmosphere where customers can choose from coffee or desserts. Upstairs is much more upbeat, there is loud music playing and customers can order drinks and hookah.

Location: 1010 Prospect St.

At this Boomer’s location, you’ll find two mini-golf courses, laser tag, battle boats, go-carts and two floors of video games. It’s open seven days a week and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Location: 1525 W. Vista Way

San Marcos The Jumping Turtle This small venue gives the audience an intimate connection with the bands that perform. There is a full bar,

Escondido Cruisin’Grand Held in the oldest section of Escondido, Cruisin’ Grand is a showcase of classic cars that park alongside the shops downtown. The show is held every Friday through the end of September.

Location: Downtown Escondido

Vinaka Café Start your night out at this independent coffee shop with free Wi-Fi and $1 coffee. Located next to the noisy Mr. Peabody’s, this café is a good way to relax with a few friends.

Location: 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 211

Encinitas E Street Café The E Street Café follows suit with the surf-town and artsy vibe that locals associate with Encinitas. Art is displayed in the cozy café, which offers coffee and a plentiful selection of teas, as well as pastries that include vegan-friendly cookies.

Location: 130 W. E St.

Pacific Q Billiards As one of the few establishments open past 10 p.m. in Encinitas (it’s open until 2 a.m. nightly), Pacific Q’s has eight regulation-size pool tables as well as foosball, Internet-ready game systems and a jukebox.

Pacific Q’s is open to all ages and serves food and alcohol.

Location: 1454 Encinitas Blvd.

COURTESY PHOTO

Rancho Bernardo Inn’s saline spa pool is surrounded by seven cabanas for guests to lounge and enjoy specially prepared cuisine from the spa’s Made Fresh Daily Spa menu. The Inn’s “survivor package” makes this an affordable getaway for locals and tourists.

FOCUS | 13

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Gaslamp Quarter

Rancho Bernardo

Dick’s Last Resort

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Dick’s Web site sums up the atmosphere of the establishment by stating that it “has always been known for its outrageous, surly, energetic waitstaff who inflict humor upon [their] guests. [The] atmosphere makes everyone feel like they’re temporarily breaking all the rules…and getting away with it.” There is live music every night, and never a cover charge.

Location: 345 4th Ave.

For a cheap escape from reality, this luxury resort Rancho Bernardo Inn is offering rooms starting at $19 a night as part of a special promotion through Aug. 31. Rooms, which typically start at $200, are available as part of a “survivor package.”

Guests are charged less for each amenity that they give up.

The catch: Guests give up breakfast, air conditioning, lights, sheets, toilet paper and even the bed, which is replaced with a small tent.

Location: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive

Altitude Sky Lounge Dance 22 stories above the Gaslamp District at Altitude with views of San Diego Bay and Petco Park. There are no covers at this lounge.

Location: 660 K St.

Hillcrest Extraordinary Desserts While the prices are a bit of an indulgence, Extraordinary Desserts offers food served with an elaborate presentation.

Contrary to the name, the restaurant offers full meals as well. The menu changes daily.The Hillcrest restaurant is the original location, but there is another in Little Italy that opened in 2004.

Location: 2929 Fifth Ave.

Middletown

Temecula Temeku Cinema This old-school theater has movies at a price almost anyone can afford, matinees are $3.50 and evening shows are $4.25. For gamers looking for a bigger experience,Temeku Cinema will rent out its theaters to gamers looking to play their games on the big screens.

Rates start at $45 an hour per theater and booking must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Location: 26463 Ynez Road

Jonny G’s Jonny G’s has three full bars and nightly DJ’s that spin hip-hop, top 40, rock, house and more.There is a dance floor, pool tables and darts that will save you a trip down to San Diego. Jonny G’s is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 2 AM. Location: 27725 Jefferson Ave Ste 101

Spin “Serious nightclubbing. Not so serious attitude.”

This two-story nightclub with an open roof plays hip-hop, dance/electronic, house and techno. Guest performer Mark Farina on Friday, Aug. 28. If you don’t want to spend top dollar, plan ahead and buy your tickets early or arrive early.

Location: 2028 Hancock St.

SARA BURBIDGE | THE TELESCOPE

The Vinaka Cafe serves up tarts and treats to the residents of Carlsbad .

14

| COMET SPORTS

Mt. San Jacinto or Bust

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009

Palomar’s cross country team takes a hike for season training

SARA BURBIDGE THE TELESCOPE

Every summer, the Palomar College cross country teams stop running across the terrain and start heading up.

The students prepare for the fall by hiking up Mt. San Jacinto.

Early in the morning of Aug. 11, the men’s and women’s cross country teams headed to Idyllwild to begin a grueling sixhour hike that led to spectacular views and painful blisters.

The two teams usually train together and stayed together most of the way up, stopping occasionally to take pictures and rest.

“Some places were really rough as we got closer to the top and it was harder to breathe,” said Alex Avilez, who joined the team last fall.

After hiking for four hours over dirt paths and past lodge pole pines into the wilderness, the runners finally reached the peak.

At 10,834 feet above sea level, the views from the top can include the San Gorgino Pass, the Pacific Ocean, the Colorado Desert and Mexico.

When the famous naturalist and author John Muir visited the area a century ago he found the view “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth.”

The students ended the day by hiking two more hours down the mountain for the return trip.

“The way back was probably harder,” said Avilez. “We were physically tired and some of us had blisters on our feet.”

Also during the summer, the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

teams had the opportunity to train along the beach in Carlsbad and Oceanside, kayak and swim to keep in shape.

Coach Hugh Gearhardt said the team is open to anyone, “those who are good and those who have never run before.”

“Don’t be a wimp — join cross country,” Gearhardt said.

The teams will open the season with the Palomar Invitational on Sept. 11 at Guajome Park in Vista.

Top: Cross country team hikes down a hill. Bottom Left: Members of the men’s team enjoy the view from a peak on Mt. San Jacinto. Bottom Right: The Palomar athletes take a group picture. Middle: Members of the women’s team jog along the coast.

COMET SPORTS | 15

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

COMET SPORTS PREVIEW Fall 2009

TELESCOPE FILE PHOTO

Palomar's Ryan De Luna (center) scores a goal for the Comets in a match last season. Men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s golf, women’s volleyball and football all start their season this week.

JARRED POWELL THE TELESCOPE

Women’s Volleyball The Comets go into the 2009 season missing many key players from their defending Pacific Coast Conference championship team. Most notably All-American Audrey Green, Alex Barsotti, Angela Hardy, Courtney Tanner, and Maria Cabrera.

“We lost a lot but we have a good core group of people coming back,” coach Karl Seiler said.

Among the returning players are center Aimee Bird, Cashel White and Shelley Morton who saw significant action last season.

They will be counted on to anchor a team that is short in size and experience.

“We don’t have a lot of size like we’ve had in the past but we have a lot of good ball control which will be helpful,” Seiler said.

According to Seiler chemistry for his team has been better than expected this summer from this young group.

“They’re getting along very well,” Seiler said. “I’m surprised actually. The honeymoon stage is over now people are really stoked to start the season.”

The Comets open the season Sept. 4 against San Bernardino Valley at the Dome.

ented incoming freshman lead by Beth Sellers and Jessica Milner.

“We have four golfers who should be consistently golf in the 70s,” coach mark Eldridge said.

“We are prepared to defend our conference championship and hopefully qualify for the state again. At this point, I believe that we’re a state contender.”

Men’s Soccer The Palomar men’s water polo team is trying to bounce back from disappointment last season.

The Comets finished 4-14-4 on the season and 2-4-4 in Pacific Coast Conference play.

“We only have four or five returners from last season,” assistant coach Robert Morales said.

“Last year was the worst year we’ve ever had.We had good players but no chemistry, but we should improve on that this season.”

There isn’t a lot of height on

this year’s team so they will rely on speed and team chemistry.

“We have a lot of speed and good ball movement so we should be able to hang in there this year,” Morales said. We have a couple of good leaders and everyone just follows. There isn’t any egos and butting of head.”

Returning starter Ceaser Pacheco is the team captain and leader.

Women’s Soccer The Comets are trying to bounce back from last seasons 89-4 overall record and 7-7-2 record in the Pacific Coast Conference.

However, they’re doing this with a new coach and a young team.

Pamela Campbell is the sole coach of the team, replacing Kim Cowan and Holland Hanson.

Campbell was an assistant at

Mendocino College in Ukiah in 2008 and also was head women's and men's coach at Lassen College.

“The biggest thing going into the year is team chemistry,” Campbell said. “Our chemistry is coming along but we’re very competitive.”

Men’s Water Polo The Palomar men’s water polo team finished the 2008 season 1114 overall and 3-4 in the Pacific Coast Conference and go into this season without an experienced player.

“I’m going to turn some heads with an all freshman team,” coach Brian Boynton said. “They’re very talented and hard workers. They aren’t weak.”

Chemistry is also important

Women’s Golf The Palomar women’s golf team saw saw group and individual success in the 2008 season.

They won the Foothill Conference championship, finished second in Southern California Community College championship and third in the state championship. They enter the 2009 season looking to improve on last season’s success.

Cora Busby, the defending Southern California individual champion returns from last season.They also picked up some tal-

and Boynton believes that his team has enough to win conference.

“With an all freshman teams I can mold them a lot better,” Boynton said. “They’re all on the same playing field. It’s better for the team chemistry.”

With a team as young as the Comets, leadership will be important. Chase Hensley and Mitch Kenny are players that will be looked upon for leadership.

“With the guys that I have, I plan on winning conference,” Boynton said.

Women’s Water Polo Coming off a 23-8 season, 5-1 in conference, head coach Kelly Falcone is very optimistic to repeat last season’s success.

“I’m very excited for the upcoming season,” Falcone said.

For the first time, I had 25 girls came out for the team this year.”

The Palomar women’s water polo team will look to returning player from last season Jackie Puccino for experience. She will be the leader this season.

Another key returning player is Samantha Seikkula.

“It’s been an extremely competitive summer of training,” Falcone said. “This is the best group of ever seen here, especially from freshman.”

With the exception of Puccino and Seikkula, everyone else on the team is freshman.

“We had a great season last year, but our goal is to make state,” Falcone said. “We were conference champions last year, but with the team I have this year our ultimate goal is to make the state tournament.”

COMING NEXTWEEK TELESCOPE FILE PHOTO

Amber Johnson of the Comets scored the second goal during second half ties the Griffins 2-2 on Oct 24, 2008 at Minkoff Field. Men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s golf, women’s volleyball and football all start their season this week.

Season previews of wrestling and cross country