Viewpoints 09-23-2010 issue

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September 23, 2010 An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving students since 1922. Vol. xxxVIV, No. 2

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‘Joseph’ cast ‘dreams’ big

inscape story see Pages 10-11 For a

Khai Le / Senior Staff Assistant

A celebration of color: Scenes from the first act of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” are performed during a dress rehearsal Sept. 15. The play is currently performing at the Landis Performing Arts Center until Sept. 26.


2 | September 23, 2010

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Serving students since 1922

Raise the Roar

The tailgate party starts at 3:30 p.m. and kick-off is at 6 p.m. Upcoming tailgate parties: Oct. 9, theme is Community Night and opponent school is Citrus College. Oct. 16, this is the Homecoming game against Orange Coast College. Nov. 6, the theme is Employee Appreciation and opponent school is Desert College. The events are held at the Riverside City College Practice Field. Parking will be in the parking structure off of Terracina Avenue. Open to the public.

Study Abroad in China

Time to pack your bags for the spring 2011 semester and head off to Beijing, China for an unforgettable experience. The trip will be from March 3 to May 14, 2011 offering courses in political science and philosophy. The cost of the trip is $6,499 and includes round trip airfare, transfers to and from the airport in Beijing, shared dormitory accommodations, walking tours and excursions, breakfast and lunch, medical and travel insurance, and the orientation materials. Things not included in the price are RCCD tuition, passport fees, personal expenses, security deposit of $150, air taxes and fuel surcharges. For additional information contact Jan Schall at 951-222-8340 or Jan.Schall@rcc.edu or Bill Despres at 951-222-8438 or Bill.Despres@rcc.edu or stop by Quadrangle 100.

RCC childcare has openings Riverside City College Child Development Center is offering childcare for family members on-campus. Space is still available for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Located on Magnolia Avenue behind the football field, RCCCDC offers excellent classroom activities and care. Contact Lynn Vazquez at 951-222-8505 for more information.

Students invited to free film festival

Are you a fan of movies? Then come on down to the film festival on Sept. 23 and 30 from 6-10 p.m. in the Bradshaw Cafeteria. Take some time for yourself away from the school stress and work and enjoy some good movies and free food with your ASRCC card during intermission.

Audition for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Before “Little Shop of Horrors” can be performed there must be auditions. This is an open call for professional non-union performers to audition on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Landis Performing Arts Center. Director and choreographer Roger Castellano asks that those who wish to audition bring a resume, headshot, a 110-word biography, and wear clothing and footwear for singing and dancing. Auditioners should prepare a song to sing that is appropriate to demonstrate personality and voice. Performance pay is available. For more information call Chuck Abernathy at 951-222-8100.

Convocation is here Join Riverside City College president Tom Harris and guest speaker Dr. Timothy White, Chancellor of UC Riverside at Convocation on Sept. 30 at 9:30 a.m. in the Quad. There will be no classes during that time.

Photography student exhibit The Riverside Community Arts Association will exhibit work by Riverside City College photography students for its autumn exhibition in its young artist gallery. Artist spotlight is the work of Rod Nelson. The exhibit will open on Oct. 13 and run until Nov. 13, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RCAA Arts Center at 3870 Lemon St. in downtown Riverside.

Under the spell of the ‘Bee’ The Landis Performing Arts Center will host the Broadway musical “The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee” for its off Broadway series. Performances will be on Oct. 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 30 and 31 at 2 p.m. Get your tickets early at the Landis Performing Arts Center. Call 951-222-8100 for tickets or visit www.landispac.com.

ryan lynch / Staff Photographer

coming soon: Construction continues on the Aquatics facility which is expected to be complete sometime during December.

Aquatics gets an upgrade Fatima ramsey Staff Writer Riverside City College’s construction boom continues with the new aquatics center scheduled to open in January 2011. The construction, which began in fall 2009, is being brought to life by the collaboration of Tilden-Coil Construction TM, and Austin Veum Robbins Partners (AVRP). According to the Tilden-Coil’s website, “Construction consists of a 65M x 25yd specialty deep water pool, new Pool Equipment and Storage structure, Team room, Locker structure, and site improvements to serve the new facility.” Tilden-Coil’s project manager, Tracy Ellis, said the construction progress is “completely on schedule.” There are 50 construction workers working eight hours a day on the development of the new facility. AVRP and Tilden-Coil companies came together to design the architectural structure of the facility and to build it. “Thus far, it is a challenging project, but it is enjoyable. It will be a nice feature on the Riverside campus,” Ellis said. Not only is the construction staff anxious to see the finished product but so are the coaches and athletes who will be enjoying the new facility. “It’s going to be a great facility for this college and the community,” said Water Polo coach Doug Finfrock. Not only will the new facility be great for the athletes, but also for the community. “The city, the county, the school, will be able to host events, and bring top level athletes to this area,” said the men’s Assistant Water Polo Coach, Jason Norhcott.

“Elevate aquatics,” Northcott said when asked what the new facility will have to offer. The new pool will be 65 meters long, which is much larger than the existing pool, which all the coaches and athletes described as “limiting.” Dive Coach, Jimmy Adams is mostly looking forward to training with good equipment. “It’s fun to watch,” said Adams, in regards to the progress of the construction of the new pool. “It’s a sweet pool, it will be fun to train there” Adams believes the new facility will make the teams stronger, and that a lot of positive things are soon to come from the new aquatics center. A couple of the athletes also shared their feelings towards the new Aquatics Center, water polo team member, Michael Robinson, and former team member Shawn Nolan. “It’s nice to have our own facility, and not to have to go off campus to train, the old pool works, but it’s outdated, it’s like a bathtub,” Robinson said. “Its hard swimming when you have the women’s and men’s team swimming at the same time,” Nolan said. Everyone is anxiously and patiently waiting for the grand opening of the new Aquatics center at RCC. The facility is expected to be finished in December, and will be celebrated with a grand opening in January. Everyone in the community is welcome to come and celebrate the grand opening of the new Aquatics Center on RCC’s campus. “It’s a pretty big deal, it will be a great thing,” Finfrock Said.


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Caitilin Eliason Staff Writer Grant money allows construction on the new Nursing/ Science building to continue at Riverside City College. In 2004, local voters approved a $350 million bond called Measure C, which provides funding for the construction of new buildings and classrooms at the three Riverside Community College District’s colleges. Orin L. Williams, associate vice chancellor for facilities planning, design and construction, said in a report that the local funding from Measure C qualified the district for matching construction dollars from the state. Riverside City College received $173.1 million from Measure C, and is using its share on a variety of projects, including the Nursing/ Science building. The project costs $56.8 million in total, with $15.5 million coming directly from the Measure C budget. In addition, Riverside City College’s School of Nursing was recently awarded a $999,964 federal grant, part of which will go towards building costs. Construction on the new nursing building comes at a time when nursing is in high demand. The current economic situation makes nursing an attractive career because it offers financial stability and competitive pay, but the college cannot currently train as many students as it would like. “RCC’s nursing department gets about 800-1200 applications for the registered nursing program every year, but only has 150 spots,” said Sandy Baker, dean of the school of nursing. According to Baker, the new building will enable 150 additional pre-licensure nursing students to join the program. In addition, it will allow the nursing program to offer more courses in areas such as critical care and emergency. Student Riri Purba was asked if the new nursing building would encourage students to pursue nursing.

Lauren garcia / Photo Editor

Progress is good: Construction progresses on the new nursing, science, and math complex building. She said that it might, but for the most part nursing students are committed to becoming nurses, and do not need a new building to convince them. “We want to come, we want to finish, we want to work hard. We are dedicated,” Purba said. Student Greg Walker, on the other hand, sees the situation differently. “The addition of the new building is increasing the number of classes, but that means it is also going to increase the number of people trying to take those classes. It will still be pretty difficult to get classes that the nursing students are trying to take,” Walker said. The ability to increase the size of the nursing program is not the only advantage of the new building; many hope it will give existing students more space and additional resources that are currently unavailable. “The biggest perk of the new building would be more space, so people can actually move,” said student Karina Bravo.

“Right now it’s like torture. Sixty people are in a room made for 40, and we are there for sometimes six hours a day,” Bravo said. Purba agrees with her sentiment. “We currently have only one bathroom for all of the nursing students, so more space is definitely necessary,” Purba said. The only negative either Purba or Bravo could think of was less parking, and other students agree. “The construction has made parking even more strenuous. It took a nice chunk of the lot away, so now everyone is trying to squeeze into the parking structure. Even at six in the evening, it is almost impossible to find a spot,” Walker said. The new nursing, science, and math complex is set to open in August 2011, assuming construction stays on track. “I won’t be here when the building is finished,” Bravo said, “But the new students will definitely enjoy it.”

lauren garcia / Photo Editor

Coming together nicely: The nursing, science and math complex is looking more like a building with its skeletal structure exposed to Magnolia Avenue.

September 23, 2010 | 3


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4 | September 23, 2010

News

Honoring the fallen heroes of 9/11

Takahiro Kurosaki Staff Writer Sandra Rodriguez Staff Writer

The ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was commemorated by the sixth annual event Support Our Troops; a Tribute to Our Fallen Soldiers, Remembering Our Heroes of 9/11 and the Families, at Fairmount Park in Riverside on Sept. 11. By businesses setting up booths and exhibitions, and a band playing music, people remembered those whose lives were lost on 9/11 and honored those who worked hard to rescue the injured. “We come out here to remember our heroes and to support our troops,” said Mary Badalamente, the host of the event and the representative of Moms of Military Prayer Support Group of Riverside Chapter of Inland Empire. “We’re so proud of all the businesses, all the volunteers and all the different clubs that come together,” Badalamente said. Hosting the event, the of mothers and female relatives whose loved ones are serving in the Armed Forces, encouraged local people and businesses to take part in the event so that they could support the event and their troops. “It reminds people of what happened on 9/11 and reminds people why we are at war,” said Roberta Cook. She has belonged to Moms of Military Prayer Support Group since 2005 due to her son being actively enrolled and overseas on and off for the past five years. The First Composite Group Association attended the event as a sponsor for their first time with a portable museum displaying World

War II history. “It (the event) is in honor of our troops,” said Col. Paul Kiener, the chief of staff. “A lot of the veterans that were in the Vietnam War were not respected when they came home ...so now they pay patriotism as a term no matter whether you’re for the war or against the war were still going to support our troops, our young men and women overseas that are fighting for our freedom.” The event raised awareness in the younger generation. Michael Enomoto a senior and Nicolas Munoz a freshman of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, attend the event every year as a part of servicing the community. “ 9 / 11 b r o u g h t a l o t o f Americanism to a lot of people young and old,” Enomoto said. Munoz discussed his pride at the nation’s immediate reaction to 9/11. “It shows how a country could come together and how strong a nation could be,” Munoz said. “It also made me proud to be a part of this nation and made me want to join the JROTC.” Badalamente knows how important the continued support of the younger generation is. “We’d like to have the younger generations come out and support because they are who are fighting our war now,” Badalamente said. “We just try to give back to our community and bring our community in, so they remember the special days in our history and support one another,” Badalamente said. At night the event held a candle light ceremony for the fallen soldiers and the victims of 9/11 and the MOMS also revealed two more fallen soldiers.

Katherine Starbuck / Editor’s Assistant

in memoriam: A firefighters uniform was placed on display to commemorate the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.

Still giving a face lift to the Wheelock Gymnasium

Construction continues as the gym is made earthquake safe and up to the date kathryn snyder Staff Writer The Riverside City College Wheelock Gym will be standing strong for many years to come. The renovation of the new Gymnasium is growing as students have dealt with the dust and debris of construction at the east side of campus for the past few months. The process of updating the gym for the RCC Tigers is long, but after almost 100 years of use by sports such as basketball and volleyball, a facelift is on the way for those athletes. Tidwell construction is in the process of rebuilding the gym. A construction worker in the process of renovating the gym said it should be done in about six months. They are working on making the gym earthquake safe, so students, faculty and staff are able to continue using it for many years to come. Since the college has been around since 1916, it is mandatory to renovate the structure to insure its safety.

The San Andreas Fault is close by and there are many other fault lines that run across the City of Riverside. The new gym is going to be three stories tall, with an elevator for better handicapped accessibility. The new design looks larger, and more efficient than the current gym, with updated seats, scoreboards and equipment, not to mention better offices for coaches. Michelle Daddona, coach of the woman’s fastpitch team is enjoying the remodeling of the gym. The remodel allows her to have air conditioning in her temporary office while they are building the new gym, which also will have an air conditioning system. Alicia Berber, head coach of the women’s basketball team, and a former student of RCC is excited to see the gym being remodeled. She jokingly said that the only difference now is practice is being held at the Huntley Gym, which is smaller. So it just means that the team

Lily Dsouza/ Editor’s Assistant

tear the roof off: Construction of the Wheelock gym in still underway and can see the progress the construction workers have done so far. has to run extra hard to make up Riverside City College athletes for it. are excited to see the new gym

after it is built. It should be finished in the next six months.


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September 23, 2010 | 5

Ryan lynch / Staff Photographer

Never forget : Friends remember and pay tribute to Moreno Valley student Norma Lopez during the Never Again Benefit Concert Remembering Norma Lopez event on Sept. 18.

Remembering Norma Lopez

talia fong Staff Writer On Sept. 18, the Moreno Valley College hosted Never Again Benefit Concert Remembering Norma Lopez. Lopez was a young girl was murdered in July while walking home from school. The concert helped benefit the Lopez family, with proceeds going towards a $39,300 reward for the community and investigation leading to an arrest and murder conviction. Bands performing included: Butterscotch, Alien Ant Farm, P. O . D . , P a l o m a C r u z , T h e Ringleader D.J. Ace, and special guest actor Danny Trejo. “It’s an honor to be part of this event and help in some way,” Cruz said. Butterscotch, from America’s Got Talent, played with Adam Lasher band. “We are really happy and proud to be part of a good event commemorating such a loss and celebrating her life through music,” said bass player Brock Pollock from Adam Lasher Band. Administrators of the Moreno Valley College expressed words of praise to hosting he event. “I am so glad that this college stepped up for the Never Again Benefit Concert for Norma Lopez,” said Moreno Valley College President Monte Perez after a few performances. Moreno Valley’s board member Victoria Baca wanted to express a few words to the community. “Supporting the concert is fortunate, unfortunately there isn’t

a word to name a parent whose lost a child, we hope this never happens again,” Baca said. “I hope what happened changes the community, not only their children.” The is a not traditional benefit concert. “I felt that we had to do something besides a normal car wash to raise awareness, because when something like this happens not only is the family hurt, the community hurts,” Baca said. At last, she gave her blessings to the Lopez family and families who came to the concert benefit. Mayor Bonnie Flickinger gave a few words about Lopez, and then introduced the Norma pledge. Elizabeth and Sonja Lopez, Norma Lopez’s sisters were the first two girls to receive bracelets with the Norma pledge. Lopez family members, followed by girls under 21 helped sign the pledge. Norma’s pledge read: “I don’t walk alone, I look around, I share information with others.” This pledge was written to remind young girls to be cautious and help prevent disasters like this. Many people thanked all who came to the event to support the Lopez family and to remember her and remind everyone to be careful when walking home from school. “I’d like to thank everyone for being here. It’s something that hit me hard, we will never forget never again will this happen,” said Jessie Molina. “Thank you all for being here and supporting community, built together we are here to celebrate the life of a beautiful young woman,” Perez said.

Ryan lynch / staff photographer

Photo op: Attendees of the Never Again Concert, to remember Norma Lopez, stop and pose for a quick photo on Sept.18. “Thanks for supporting this not know us, you gave us support. cause, we appreciate all of you Thank you for your prayers, your for being out here,” said band economic help, vigilance, and members after their performance. good wishes. God bless you all, Special guest Trejo thanked hope God gives each and everyone everyone for coming to the event back a thousand times all the great after giving his condolences to the things that were done for us,” said Lopez family. Laura Lopez, Norma’s aunt in Family members thanked Spanish. everyone as well for supporting “Thank you for coming, for the family. your time, there is no way I will be “Thank you for coming out, able to repay this back. I am very and whoever has made it out here,” thankful because my daughter is Sonja Lopez, Norma’s sister. not forgotten. Even those that were “Thank you very much for not able to make it still showed supporting us. For everything their support, and will always be because even though you guys did appreciated,” said Martin Lopez,

Norma’s father in Spanish. “God bless the Lopez family. It’s your hope that makes your prayers, God bless Norma Lopez. It’s our broken hearts that are here today, we have taken a step to keep moving forward and hear the Lopez family in the guide of God,” said a P.O.D. band member after a prayer. The band ended the concert by singing “Never Again,” In memory of Lopez. Those who were unable to attend the benefit concert may make any donation at any Wells Fargo bank location.


6 | September 23, 2010

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Viewpoints Staff

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Holland (951) 222-8495 viewpoints@rcc.edu eic@viewpointsonline.org MANAGING EDITOR Javier Cabrera (951) 222-8488 managingeditor@viewpointsonline.org ADVERTISING MANAGER Vanessa Soto (951) 222-8488 ads@viewpointsonline.org FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace Dan Evans SENIOR STAFF ASSISTANT Khai Le admin@viewpointsonline.org NEWS EDITOR Nita Gandhi news@viewpointsonline.org

OPINIONS EDITOR Sonja Eide opinions@viewpointsonline.org

SPORTS EDITOR Danielle Schmidt sports@viewpointsonline.org

INSCAPE EDITOR Juan Aguilar inscape@viewpointsonline.org

FEATURES EDITOR Shardai Perry features@viewpointsonline.org

Ca.gov

While you were out: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger greets fans at a department store in Korea

California’s financial legacy terminated

while on a trade visit to Asia. While he was away the budget impasse continued.

PHOTO EDITOR Lauren Garcia photo@viewpointsonline.org

STAFF

Jackie Adams Chad Arias Joel Avila Monique Berduo Christian Bowers Nicole Burdette Jesse Castro Kyle Crouse Meagan Cunningham Jasmine Daniels Courtney Doss Lily Dsouza Veronica Eastland Caitlin Eliason Michael Fawcett Talia Fong Dominique Franklin Leah Frost Sahara Garey Andrew Gonzalez Jason Ho Antonia Huerta Lonny Huff Mecedes Jaudon Richardson Jean-Baptiste Rebecca Kern Ashley King Takahiro Kurosaki Ryan Lynch

Johnna Mangham Fred McCarthy Christina Melgoza John Mendoza Vince Morales D’Zhane Parker Kaleb Pastores Garth Pullen Fatima Ramsey Sandra Rodriguez Denise Ruiz Gabriella Salas Sergio Santamaria Jasmeet Singh Clayton Skaggs Abrendal Smith Kathryn Snyder Kate Starbuck Cloie Swain Janae Terrell Steve Thomsen Jesus Tinajero Orozco Johana Vasquez Mailee Virgen-Aguilar Lanai Walton Malaika Williams Paul Wilmott Billy Yang

Apparently, Arnold Schwarzenegger was sent back in time to destroy California’s financial infrastructure. Maybe, he thought he could bully the economy into submission or perhaps he thought he could strap on a loin cloth and defeat it in an epic swordfight. Either way, in its current state, California is screwed. While Schwarzenegger didn’t get the state into this mess on his own, as governor he deserves most of the blame. For the past couple of years Democrats and Republicans have played the “we’re not signing a budget, until the last possible minute game.” For the unfamiliar, it involves introducing a budget that you know your opponent will never sign, and then trapping the entire state in a stalemate that closes government offices and endangers people’s well-being. The effect this constant push-pull has had on college students has been irreparable. Students have lost their financial aid, causing them to drop out of college or drastically alter their future plans. Colleges that receive state funding like Riverside City College must now make hard choices that involve class cuts, budget cuts and in some case the elimination of entire programs. The tension of this situation can be felt around campus. Important math and English classes are bursting at the seams with students, while financial aid and insurance considerations caused others to take classes they had no interest in, just to meet requirements. College is meant to be a time where students can explore their options and give themselves a better chance at future employment. With this budget impasse hanging over their heads like a guillotine, it’s hard to concentrate on learning statistics or writing about Shakespeare. In perhaps the most insulting turn of events, Schwarzenegger decided in the middle of this battle that it

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would be in the state’s best interest for him to head off to Asia for a week. As of this printing the standoff has lasted 84 days, causing state offices to close and employees to figure out how to live off of IOUs. California colleges continually have raised tuitions and fees to accommodate for the loss of government money. However, this is causing students to be priced out of an education. At this point, it’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong; it’s about solving the problems the politicians were elected to solve. College students by definition are poor and cannot afford to pay for the state legislature’s mistakes. Maybe Arnold could use the money that he made from “Batman and Robin” and “Collateral Damage” to help out, because let’s face it; he owes a refund to anyone who saw those films. Even more insulting is the fact that this is how the budget has been handled three years in a row. The continuous disrespect for their constituents shows that these legislators don’t care that they’ve turned California into a national laughingstock. It’s easy to say that this is what the state gets for electing an inexperienced actor as governor, however, that doesn’t explain why the rest of the legislature seems so out of touch and incompetent at times. California’s economy passed the crisis point a while back, it’s now on life support and the politicians seem more interested in arguing and pointing fingers than coming up with a cure. Maybe the only real solution is to go back in time and solve the problem before it happens. Someone get Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn on the phone.

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Viewpoints is a public forum, First Amendment newspaper. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. © 2010 by the Viewpoints staff, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA. 92506-0528. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief.


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Opinions

Same-sex marriage fight rages on cloie swain Staff Writer There is very little that people can’t argue about. The fact that the Boston Red Sox are just as awful as the Yankees now, the age old parents versus children debate of driving speed or the flow of traffic, or if Lady Gaga is a complete hack or the most brilliant entertainer of the last decade (totally the latter, just in case you were wondering). Unsurprisingly, gay marriage is also something that can incite battles on par with the third “Lord of the Rings” war sequence (Orcs are pretty good stand-ins for whatever your personal opinion dictates for your opponents). On August 4, Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot initiative to ban anything but heterosexual marriage in the state of California, “[failed] to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license...does nothing more than enshrine...the notion that oppositesex couples are superior to samesex couples. California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians...the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.” For those who enjoy having several hierarchical caste-like systems of citizen, this was an event cataclysmic enough to be considered in an outtake for the recent “2012” movie about the fabled doomsday. However, for the rest of California who voted the right

way to forbid the legal version of flipping the bird to every gay or lesbian Californian, it was a day on par with getting a free car from Oprah: completely awesome. But, as what always happens with things that get righted and make sense, there was a court filing lodged, and now those celebrating couples are currently in limbo in finding out if they can join the rest of humanity in entering an ancient, symbolic right of passage in declaring love and commitment to a single person. The current state of the case aside, a closer look is owed at the ruling itself. Opponents say it is a disgrace and blatant disregard of the wishes of the states’ voters. And to some degree they have a point. It is completely disregarding the 52 percent of the voting population that passed it. The power behind that lone point essentially dies right there (Read: That being due to the lack of rational reasoning behind the proposition to begin with). Unfortunately, considering how Proposition 8 (funded by such politically savvy entities such as the Church of Latter Day Saints, some varied construction companies, and other insightful individuals) is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights. That’s what it boils down to at the most basic level. No matter your opinion, if you have been educated in the United States there is a great chance that you have learned of the massive civil rights reform in the latter part of the twentieth century, famously making it illegal to discriminate based on race. There is always going to be opposition to living what some have dubbed “alternative lifestyles.” Two women walking down the street holding hands as a couple has the possibility of evoking

khai le / senior staff assistant

rally for the cause: A group of RCC students gather to protest Proposition 8. hateful words. Same goes for two men. To believe that a single ruling from a judge can change the cultural view on homosexuality would be naïve. But there is a movement forming in our society. Even in Riverside, where more “Yes on 8” signs littered front lawns than their opponents’ even days after it passed. More people are beginning to see that being in a committed gay relationship is, stunningly, not as different from a heterosexual one. With legal recognition of a relationship comes a sense of place in the community. Belonging with someone is

essential to some people, and having it recognized in the place you reside only reinforces that. Taking away someone’s rights to officially create a legal marriage due to something as trivial as who they want to be married to is behavior reminiscent of a knuckle dragging early human: uneducated and primitive. The whole point to the whole “freedom” shtick is that nobody should be forced into or banned from something. As long as it does not bring harm to others, it should be an individual choice and absolutely nobody else’s business. Religion, personal preference, and the “good ‘ole way I was

brought up” have no business in anyone’s life but your own. Proposition 8 legalized meddling, and it was the right call by Judge Walker to overturn it. The only way to prevent something like this from occurring again is by observing and learning from the saga that is Proposition 8. If we dare claim to be a free nation, we must defend the most essential part of our humanity. Being allowed to legally bind ourselves to whomever we love instead of idly watching it be put to a vote is what Judge Walker understood, and he made the right call in restoring rationality to the Golden state.

New York City: a place not big enough for a mosque

Antonia huerta staff writer The plans to build a $100 million Muslim mosque near ground zero in New York City have stirred up much heated debate involving people of all races and religious backgrounds. There is no doubt that since the tragic events of 9/11, the nation’s security has taken serious and sometimes extreme precautions to help prevent and prepare for a possible terrorist attack. The paranoia within the American people was awakened and directed at the religion of Islam by crying out against the construction of the mosque. The mosque is to be built in

an abandoned and run down Burlington Coat Factory store two and a half blocks away from ground zero. It will not only include a mosque but also a swimming pool, basketball court, auditorium, library, day-care facility, restaurant and cooking school that will be accessible to the public, a crucial fact that much of the mainstream media has failed to address. Twenty-nine out of 30 lower Manhattan communityboard members voted to approve it, yet another fact that many are not aware of. The Private Organization is building the center on land it legally owns and where hundreds of Muslims have already been praying since September of last year. On one side of the debate are those who oppose it. Nearly 70 percent of Americans in a CNN– Opinion Research Corporation poll say they are against it. This group is largely made up of those

who lost a loved one at the World Trade Center, as well as those who believe that it is insensitive to build a mosque near the World Trade Center. The most infamous of these opponents is Terry Jones who gained media attention with his claims to hold a burning of the Quran. While it is completely understandable that there is still much resentment because they were affected in a very personal matter, that is no excuse to condemn the entire religion as a terrorist threat. Protests are tearing the nation apart and bringing up entirely new issues. What started out as a plan to improve a place of worship has brought up issues like discrimination and civil rights. Discrimination is an enormous part of the entire matter. The fact that there are protests against allowing Muslims to pray at the site itself brings up the Freedom of Religion clause of the First

Amendment of the United States Constitution. Not only that, but nearby there is already a Jewish place of worship and nobody is protesting that. Being that New York City is a culturally diverse city, if the construction of the center is blocked, how will other religious practitioners feel? Surely they can’t feel safe knowing that the American government would have given in to popular sentiment so easily. It would also be the start of a religious persecution that would escalate out of control. On the other side of the debate are those who say there is nothing wrong with building a mosque as part of a recreational center. In fact, it would be a renovation. The site is already in need of repairs as recent ABC news reports have shown. The ceiling panels are torn and the conditions inside the building have been reported hazardous with little ventilation. Those who are in favor of

the construction also protest that everyone should have the right to exercise their First Amendment privileges and that is essentially what it comes down to. Muslim prayers have been taking place right next to the World Trade Center construction site to honor the memory of everyone who died on that tragic day. Yes, building a mosque so close to ground zero does initially raise the eyebrows of anyone in question, but when the circumstances are examined tediously, it comes down to free speech. It would almost be like not allowing crosses to be carried into a Catholic Church. The mosque is the Muslim symbol. The only way to bridge the gap with the Middle Eastern Muslims is to welcome them once again into the American way of life and try and restore the peace that existed before the attacks on American soil. It is really about restoring America to what it was before: a free nation.


Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922

8 | September 23, 2010

Opinions

RCC library is the new adult store sergio santamaria editor’s assistant The Riverside City College library is where most students go to check out a book, to copy some papers, and to do the usual studying with a couple of buddies. The biggest reason people go to the RCC library is to use the computers. Many people don’t have internet access in their home or even own a computer. So the RCC library computers are there to help that situation, but this recent occurrence might just ruin it for many people. A few students have been caught watching pornography in the library, and the question is if the library should put up filters on the computers. A computer filter is no different than any other filter. It does exactly as it says, it filters. In this case it would be installed to filter out all of the pornographic sites. In other words block everyone out from sites they shouldn’t be on. The filter is inexpensive and can be installed overnight to every computer in the library, and the program will be controlled through a main computer through administration. They will be able to control every computer the software is on and know exactly what web sites they are currently on. This will be a pain for the administration to undergo, but will this affect every other student using the computers

Lauren Garcia / photo editor

Rated x Web: This could be one of the last times RCC students have free reign over what they access online in the Digital Library.

for work or important projects? There are a big number of RCC students who depend on the library computers for their rescue. Let’s say a student has a paper to do for his Anatomy class, but he doesn’t have internet. He then goes over to the RCC library to gather up on some information. He was able to get a couple of facts, but he wasn’t able to go into the sites his teacher recommended. They

all came up “Blocked Site,” and this is due to the computers filter. This will become a big issue for medical web sites and artistic pages, but a much bigger issue for RCC students. Take into consideration the students who will use the computers for work and occasionally checking their e-mail, is filtering really necessary? Yes, there are a handful of students who watched

fulfilled, which raises the question: where is the money going? Twenty thousand students paying $43 each for parking comes out to $860,000. That’s $860,000 and there’s still no solution to the parking crisis? What on earth are students paying for then? Something smells fishy here, and it’s the smell of a money hungry administration. An administration that will gladly take your business but is less than willing to offer back service. Since when did education stop being a right and start being a business? RCC is turning into a corporate enterprise rather than a community serving college. The administration would rather spend millions on a brand new building than spend thousands on better parking. The new nursing building will only expand the nursing program by 200 students. Where is the logic in this? 200 students are added while 20,000 are forgotten about. This disruption of parking is not going away any time soon. The project is scheduled to be completed by January of 2012. That means two more years of students stressing if they’re going to make it to school on time or not. It is the administration’s job to provide parking for all enrolled students, who pay big bucks for books, classes and permits. They deserve the right to have a parking place suitable for their

busy schedules. With part time jobs and ride situations not every student can make it to RCC forty minutes early just to find a place to park. That is an outrageous waste of time that could have been spent on studying or finishing assignments. In the end, it’s the student’s grades that suffer. Being late and missing lectures means more failed classes. Failed classes means more time at RCC. More time means higher enrollment, and higher enrollment means more traffic. The administration sees the same equation except in their minds higher enrollment equals more money. The whole situation is one big disaster that keeps rolling round and round until students stand up and put a stop to it. The student body should not allow its administration to keep on taking without giving back. Money is obviously the only language the administration speaks and sees. In order to get their attention, students have to hit them where it hurts: their pocketbooks. A boycott of parking permits would force the administration to start creating more space. With the loss of parking revenues maybe administration would open their eyes. Imagine 20,000 students flooding residential and industrial areas all around RCC. The public outcry would be so great that more parking lots would spring up over night.

pornography before they were caught, but there is a good bunch more that will get caught off guard. Probably the biggest reason it wouldn’t be right to install filters is because it is unfair. It is quite unnecessary and embarrassing for the school district to have to be undergoing such a procedure. There should be another way to take hold of this situation unless it’s the only choice.

RCC students who use the library for their computers will be experiencing the change. Either the administration can go through every web site and make sure they are inappropriate, or they will be blocking needed web sites for many students. Computer filters will be the only solution to the RCC library, and let’s hope the public library won’t be the solution for other students.

Construction on campus causes less parking for students

chad arias editor’s assistant The only thing harder than passing classes at Riverside City College is finding parking to make it to them. The ongoing construction of the new nursing building is disrupting traffic so bad that it is an obstacle course to make it to class on time. Parking lots are closed and with a five-level parking structure that is completely full by 9 a.m., what is the student body to do? The administration has turned its back on the problem and failed to offer any alternatives to the parking nightmare. In this present economy the “average joe” is just looking to get his money’s worth. Twenty six dollars per unit and there’s no guarantee of making it to class on time. Forty three dollars for a parking permit and there’s no guarantee there will be parking. Twenty thousand students attend Riverside City College and most buy parking permits with the intent that this will assure them a parking spot decently close to their destination. Their intent is not being

jesse castro / staff photographer

construction dysfunction: The work on the new nursing building makes it difficult for students to find proper parking. The administration has no problem being deaf and blind to students pleas but how about the general public’s? The more support students have behind them the more likely their demands will be met. Alternative parking is not

an unreasonable demand. It is a service that should be provided to enrolled students. The administration will continue to take advantage of students so long as they are ignorant to the fact that the power of change is in their hands.


Viewpoints

Opinions

September 23,2010 | 9

Serving students since 1922

BP won’t own up to its mistakes michael fawcett Staff Writer

One may think that the company responsible for the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico would apologize for the faults they made that caused irreparable damage to families and the environment; yet, we find ourselves in a corporate debacle. BP has published detailed reports of what they believe caused the explosion and documented what they have done to try to rectify their mistakes. In these reports, remorse seems to be lacking. In the recent 193 page report, it never mentions the words blame, regret, apology, mistake or pollution. Do these kinds of words belong in the report? They probably do. While the report is highly technical and filled with incomprehensible ideas, some digging reveals it was a bad cementing job that contributed to the blowout and the blame is placed on Halliburton, the contractor responsible for the work. In a retort, Halliburton claims that it did the job to the requested specifications. Throughout the course of the past several months, BP seems to be spreading the blame across its contractors and making efforts not to connect the company’s name with the word “fault.” Consequently, this does not settle well with the offshore drilling company Transocean, who blasted the report as a self-serving attempt to conceal the fatally flawed well

BP

clean up time: BP chief executive Tony Hayward discusses the clean up operation with a coast guard representative. design. “BP blaming others for the Gulf oil disaster is like Bernie Madoff blaming his accountant,” said Robert Gordon, an attorney for those affected by the spill. The report is labeled as the “BP blame game” and for seemingly good reason. It goes on to say that human error was likely made by their employees on the rig; however, internal investigators say that the team did not identify any single action or inaction that caused this accident. Perhaps the accident was caused by negligence or errors unbeknownst to rig workers.

In any event, as Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), puts it, “BP is happy to slice up the blame as long as they get the smallest piece.” BP has purchased a significant amount of ad time on television to say that they are accepting full responsibility for the clean up and recovery of the gulf, but shouldn’t that be a given? While it seems like an attempt to make amends, it’s shallow at best. In the meantime the oil giant writes off checks to the government and families mourn the losses of the 11 killed in the accident. Apologies are due to them, as well as the American people.

Substantial harm has come to our shorelines and ocean, and affecting many local businesses and wildlife. The disaster displaced thousands of workers who are left pondering what’s to become of their livelihood. The labor department has set aside emergency funds for those displaced workers seeking reimbursement from BP until they can get back into the workforce. Furthermore, the impact on the environment has been detrimental and many species are suffering grave consequences thanks to the over 200 million barrels of oil that seeped into the ocean. Though repairing their image

after this disaster is going to be a public relations nightmare, pointing the finger elsewhere isn’t helping their case. Expressing a sincere apology and doing their best to atone for their wrongdoings may quell the anger many of us feel. It seems in BP’s best interest to be as forthcoming as they can be about what happened, and take responsibility for the events that occurred. A project of this proportion is checked for dotted i’s and crossed t’s. In closing, a proper explanation is due, and while BP did not return questions recently concerning an apology, hopefully one is on the way.

National security rules out over claims of kidnapping

dominique franklin Staff Writer Five foreign men have filed a lawsuit towards the Boeing Co. for their assisted role in kidnapping, yet the ruling in the court states that they may not sue under the pretense of national security secrets being leaked. The threat of secrecies being leaked does not fully justify disqualifying someone’s liberties. The group of men claim that they had been snatched off the streets, or while on business trips in other countries for interrogation. They describe having been blindfolded, shackled, stripped, and transported to C.I.A. “black sites.” They told stories of having been beaten, starved, and subjected to electrical shock to the genitals while there. As if that wasn’t enough, they were also held in darkness and isolated for months at a time. However, though they all told the same story, the case still received a 6-5 against ruling from the U.S. ninth circuit court of appeals. The

ruling concluded that national security was more important to even the most compelling necessity to protect liberty and justice. “This case requires us to address the difficult balance the state secrets doctrine strikes between fundamental principles of our liberty, including justice, transparency, accountability, and national security,” began the opinion written by Judge Raymond C. Fisher. Even still, the court stated that going forward with the case couldn’t happen because unclassified evidence had facts that were a part of a “mosaic,” and the court cannot order the government to “disentangle” innocuous information from what is secret. Pertaining to the issue, the majority state that “Taking a case to law in this situation would be a greater risk of revealing state secrets.” Every country has huge security secrets, which range from thousands of various subjects. Most of which being national security issues, homeland security, gathering Intel about who wishes to harm the country, to actually interrogating those individuals. Of course there are many more national security issues, but the point is that to take someone from their country for no reason, torture and beat them, and in the end tell

them, “No you can’t use one of your only remaining options,” under the basis of national security, is wrong. However, not receiving a fair trial seems to have become the “norm.” Ben Wizer, who represented the five men, stated that “Not a single victim of the Bush Administration’s torture program has had a day in court.” This case may not be subjected to Americans, seeing as the five men were foreign. However, it should still make one think about how far the former Bush Administration’s state secrets doctrine can reach. If it happened to them, how often can the state secrecy doctrine be used to dismiss a case? Eventually, if not addressed now by the public, the state secrecy doctrine can be used to dismiss any lawsuit against the government under the pretense of national security. Citizens may try to sue the government for which would be considered illegal acts, yet be denied because of the threat of secrets being released. Of course countries have an obligation to keep secret missions private, however countries also have an obligation to be just to their citizens. Furthermore, as we all live on one planet, countries have an obligation to be just to foreigners. September 11, 2001 is a date

Source: Central Intelligence Agency that will always be in American history, our hearts, and our minds. However, as unjust as the event was, it does not mean our government can live in a state of fear. Since that date, foreigners have been scrutinized with very little attention being shown towards issues that regard them. This group of foreigners had been essentially kidnapped and tortured for months. For these terrible crimes committed against

them, they demand that the Boeing Company, who helped assist their removal, pay for their suffering. Unfortunately, they were denied so that national secrets can be protected. Aside from five men having been told no, your suffering is not a big issue, the most important thing to pick up from this story is the states secret doctrine itself. Since when, in the land of the free and the brave, are people allowed to be tortured, and then receive no


Viewpoints

12 | Sept. 23, 2010

Serving students since 1922

A show ‘ahead of its time’ stephanie holland editor in chief

Anytime a theater company does a production of an Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical, there’s a certain amount of expectation involved. Even more so when that production is “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” one of his most popular and commercially successful shows. Performance Riverside’s production of “Joseph” opened at the Landis Performing Arts Center on Sept. 17. As a family friendly musical that prominently features a children’s choir, the Sept. 18 matinee attracted a varied audience. In only its second performance, the company brought to life a fun and enthusiastic version of a theater classic. Any version of “Joseph,” whether it’s on Broadway or in Riverside, hinges on the portrayal of the main character. As Jacob’s favored son Joseph, Derek Klena had a big role to embody. Joseph is part teen idol, part savior and his solos require a voice that will command the stage. Klena tentatively began with “Any Dream Will Do,” an upbeat sing-a-long that establishes Joseph’s likability. While Klena at times seems too young and inexperienced, he showed great confidence on “Close Every Door.” This is a soaring ballad that requires significant vocal control and Klena nailed it, finally becoming Joseph. As The Narrator, Stephanie Burkett Gerson must explain the show’s eccentricities and keep the audience engaged. She handle these duties exceptionally well, using her soaring soprano to capture the audience. She opens Act II with “A Pharaoh’s Story” immediately bringing the audience back into the show, making the plot’s craziness seem completely normal. Act II is also where the production’s showiest character, Pharaoh, makes his first appearance. Pharaoh is played as a Las Vegas style Elvis and Jason Webb really committed to the role and had a lot of fun with it. In “Song of the King” Pharaoh explains his dreams to Joseph and it’s a full Vegas number complete with screaming fans. As fun as this song was, it highlighted the show’s major problem, the busy staging. With a band, singers and back up dancers on stage and a chorus in front of the stage, the stage felt busy, at times forcing the audience to look for the featured singer. Another distraction was the choreography, which at times was sloppy and will hopefully be tightened up for future performances. In a show that features music ranging from disco to calypso to western, Performance Riverside invites the audience into the fun, crazy world of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and makes them want to stay a while. “Joseph” is the opening of a jam packed season that includes “The Sound of Music,” “Curtains” and two workshops and a performance by Tony winning Broadway legend Tommy Tune. Next up is “Little Shop of Horrors,” which runs Nov. 12-21.

Ralph Ybarra / special to viewpoints

‘go go go joseph:’ The cast of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” perform the finale number “Megamix” in Performance Riverside’s production.

Sept. 23, 2010 | 13


Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922

12 | September 23, 2010

Quality burgers close to campus Richardson jean-baptiste

Staff Writer

There are a lot of burger places near our campus but none as unique as Mission Burgers. I heard great things about Mission Burgers before I was assigned to give them a review. When I got this assignment I was really excited that I got the chance to finally experience the magic for myself. Mission Burgers seems like it is one of the premiere burger joints in Riverside County, I must admit. I hadn’t been there but when I asked a few people in the area about it, they had nothing but good things to say about the place. When what I should order came up, I kept in mind a couple of things that I would enjoy at any burger joint. When I finally arrived, I had a general idea about what I wanted. I kept hearing about this infamous “double pastrami c h e e s e b u rg e r ” f r o m e v e r y person I asked. Since I like both cheeseburgers and pastrami, I figured, why not? At first I was overwhelmed by the combination of the two but what the heck; you only live once. Right? So I jumped in head first and accepted the challenge. It comes with the double pastrami cheeseburger, deep fried onion rings, zucchini and French

billy yang / staff photographer

mmm...pizza burger: Front view of the restaurant with tastiest value meals near Riverside City College. fries which is enough to feed at least two people. It cost about $8, but I think it’s worth it. Although the food is greasy, it is similar to the concept of grease on a Philly cheese steak; it’s very necessary and it tastes like a little bit of heaven in your mouth. Mission Burgers also has something called a “pizza burger” and it is rumored to be a burger as big as a pizza. Now that’s a huge burger! Maybe when I come back, I’m going to take my little brother and we might try to tackle this

challenge. This place is really cool because it offers good portions and that’s a good thing when it comes to food. It also has televisions and they show sports which makes it the spot to hang out at on game day. They also have huge burgers and just about everything else other burger joints might have. As far as the commute from Riverside City College, it’s very close (practically around the block) so travel time shouldn’t be a problem.

The thing I might have a problem with is the place seems like it would get a “C” in the health department. It’s like one of those hole in-the-wall places you see a lot in Los Angeles, on just about every corner. In my book it would for sure receive an A in the food and taste department. So before you try to judge a book by its cover you should give it a shot and come to Mission Burgers. Have one of those famous double pastrami cheeseburgers or

maybe even try that pizza burger. All in all, I recommend this place to everyone in the city. Scratch that, the world. You should definitely put this place in your to visit category. I give it two thumbs up.

Mission Burgers 4606 Pine St. Riverside, CA 92501 951-682-7272

Vi ew p o i n t s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C a l e n d a r Sept. 24

Sept. 25

Sept. 26

MOVIES EVENTS “Legend of the Guardians: Vintage Paper Fair The Owls of Ga’Hoole” Glendale Civic Auditorium EVENTS in Glendale Rain: A Tribute To The epicenter twenty-ten Beatles Auto Club Speedway in Fox Performing Arts Center in Fontana Riverside Festival of Children Willie Nelson & Family South Coast Plaza in Costa The Greek Theatre in Los MOVIES Mesa Angeles MOVIES

EVENTS Juddy Shook Memorial Benefit Concert DiPiazza in Long Beach Sunday Funny Sunday L.A. Connection Comedy Theater in Sherman Oaks World Music Concert by Devakant First Congregational “Fame” “Fame” Church in Riverside “Surrogates” “Surrogates” “Pandorum” “Pandorum” “All Shook Up” at “All Shook Up” at EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS Landis PAC Landis PAC KARAOKE Library of Dust Daryl Alejandra Guzman at Alejandra Guzman at Hall and Lake Alice Saloon and UC Riverside Fine Arts in John Oates Pechanga Pechanga Eatery Riverside Norm McDonald Fairplex at in Riverside Norm McDonald at L.A. County Misalliance KOE Entertainment feat. Irvine Improv Irvine Improv Fairgrounds in Pomona Segerstrom Stage in Costa Dirtie Birdie UB40 Mesa. Mission Tobacco Lounge in Fox Performing Arts Center RCC Convocation Riverside in Riverside RCC Quad

Sept. 29

Sept. 30

Oct. 1

Sept. 27

Sept. 28

EVENTS Bridge Group At The Janet Goeske Center UC Riverside Fine Arts in Riverside Mozarella Mondays $5-$12/dish at the Jar in West Hollywood

EVENT “JM Barrie’s Peter Pan” (presented by threesixty°) Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa MUSIC T.I. “King Uncaged” Gucci Mane “The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted” Jimmy Eat World “Invented”

Oct. 2

EVENTS Infusoria at Artober Fest 2010 Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center in Moreno Valley 9th Annual Irvine Global Village Festival Col. Bill Barber Memorial Park in Irvine

Oct. 3

SPORTS UCR Woman’s Soccer vs. Cal Poly Adult: (18-64), $6 UCR Soccer Stadium at UCR “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” California Theatre of Performing Arts in San Bernardino


Viewpoints

September 23, 2010 | 13

Serving students since 1922

Inscape

The Summer Twins embrace cute Lonny Huff Staff Writer In order to fully understand the Summer Twins and who they are, you have to look past the stage and the recordings. If you ask Chelsea and Justine Brown, the founders of the band, what their childhood was like, they’ll tell you about being kids, running around barefoot at bluegrass festivals, or hiding in the racks at the vintage clothing store that their parents own. They’ll tell you about borrowing old records from their father’s record collection and their love of felines. They have been writing music together since middle school and still rehearse in the same small concrete basement that they’ve been playing music in since they were young. Together, they write a blend of dream pop and garage rock, arranged delicately over strong, repeating vocal harmonies. Chelsea’s lyrics tell simple stories of dreaming, honest self-doubt, and the difficulty of understanding the people who are close to you. Looking at their videos and photos, the brand characteristics of this band can only be described as unbearably cute. Their photographs show the girls tossing around a giant stuffed raccoon in a desolate field and staging a birthday party in the middle of nowhere. Watching their videos, you can see them in a garden joined by a backing band of costumed bunny rabbits, dressing up kittens, choreographing awkward dance routines, and getting into other kinds of adorable trouble. During their live performances, the girls are joined by Marcio Rivera on guitar and Angelo Anderson on bass. These performances make it obvious how graceful these four work together to create a live sound. It’s the kind of show that makes the music look simple, but if you pay close attention, you’ll notice a calm focus over all of them, which is the result of hours upon hours of practice and dedication. When they’re not making

Behind The Scenes: The Summer Twins are Justine Brown (left) and Chelsea Brown (right). music, they’re viciously tearing through thrift stores, hand-making birthday cards for friends, or redecorating their rooms. Walking into their home, there is more evidence of their personalities as you notice the antique furniture, the paint-bynumbers “last supper” painting hanging directly over the fireplace, and the massive amount of knickknacks crammed into every corner. Chelsea’s main source of inspiration is her cat, Tubby, who walks by occasionally, looking for attention. There are musical instruments everywhere, like the old piano that the girls have been playing for most of their life, sitting in the corner in the living room. Chelsea and Justine grew up in Riverside and spent a lot of time in the music scene in downtown Riverside when they were young, but recently started spending more time playing music farther away in Los Angeles and Orange County. This year, the Summer Twins self-released their first EP, “The Good Things,” and are currently working on a release with Burger

Records from Orange County, a label that focuses on vinyl and tape releases. They will be performing at .EDU fest, a music and arts festival, which takes place at the Riverside City College on Oct. 15. You can download their album for free at summertwins.bandcamp. com.

Joylyn Newell

Upcoming Shows • Sept. 28- The Continental Room in Fullerton at 9 p.m. • Oct. 15- .EDU Fest at RCC • Oct. 18- Live Performance on KXLU 88.9 FM Los Angeles at 5 p.m.

CLASSIFIEDS House for rent $940/mo + 350dep 909-239-9499 $5501rm pets ok desk w/ a comp running win7 yours to claim internet, pool table, trampoline, nice entertainment cntr, rec room, basket ball crt, and wood shop, Email - odinsnight@aol.com Notice to employees of fast-food restaurants You’re invited to take an online survey designed to test your feelings of your workplace and co-workers. Logon to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/23DF8Y3


Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922

14 | September 23, 2010

Inscape

‘Resident Evil’ lack of ‘Life’ Meaghan cunningham

Asst. Inscape editor “Resident Evil: Afterlife” was one of the summers’ most anticipated films. Alice, played by Milla Jovovich has been on a quest to find survivors while being hunted for her DNA by her previous employer, The Umbrella Corporation. Alice is the only match for the T-Virus. She has superhuman capabilities which allow her to combat 50 zombies at once and not break a sweat. Although the fundamentals for the movie are present, the fourth film has little relevance to the previous films. There are several parts of the film that were disappointing. The opening scenes are exciting but have nothing to do with the film. It opens in what seems like a normal street scene when a human looking vampire zombie kills a man and immediately wipes out a whole city. The film flips to what is the new hive for the Umbrella Corporation where executives monitor the virus and its subject. Once the alarm goes off indicating an intruder, combat units are sent to secure the entrance, when Alice’s clones from “Resident Evil: Extinction” drop by for some action. The special effects and graphics exercise the

3D aspect for viewers but the overall content is unoriginal and slow motion like “The Matrix.” As all of this is going on the evil villain played by Shawn Roberts escapes to his jet where he plans a clean take off which is abruptly interrupted. Alice has been traveling the world looking for remaining survivors when she hears a national broadcast for Arcadia, an infection free sanctuary. As Alice roams a vacant land she is attacked by a very unconscious Claire, played by Ali Larter. Claire is the familiar face to the film and delivers some insight as to where the survivors from the pervious maybe held. Alice and Claire continue the ever long search, when the duo spots a massive prison where millions of zombies are trying to enter and feed off survivors that have been stranded and waiting for rescue. To their surprise, Alice is not their rescuer from the nearby Arcadia. As the movie extends into detail of the survivors struggle and a family reunion; zombies are rapidly invading the prison, which gives the crew a minimum amount of time to get out. The crew discovers a way to flee the prison and get to Arcadia when a new arrival throws a

still dead: Milla Jovovich returns as Alice in “Resident Evil: Afterlife.” wrench in the plans. An enormous monster carrying a double sided steel scythe is there to kill and destroy whatever untainted blood is left in the penitentiary. This monster that comes from no where engages in a highly intense battle with Claire, and ultimately makes the movie worth watching in 3-D. The plot unravels and has little

to do with the original film but shows an evolution of the T-Virus and the saga’s infamous muscle skin mutated dogs. Without seeing the previous movies, you can enjoy the film for the special effects, the blood thirsty zombies, and the extreme fight scenes. However if you are a loyal watcher of “Resident Evil,” the

Sony pictures

fourth film is not like the first three. There is little to nothing related to The Hive, The Red Queen computer, or the original science used by the Umbrella Corporation. Overall “Resident Evil: Afterlife” has some great scenes, new faces, and a couple surprises that make the movie live up to its expectations.

‘Devil’ is another nail Shyamalan’s career coffin steve thomsen

Staff Writer At one point in the movie “Devil,” it is mentioned that the devil chose the audience present for a reason. I’m not quite sure why I was chosen for this particular audience, but I’m quite sure the devil himself had something to do with it. His agenda was simple: take an hour and a half from my life, never to have it back so it will forever be lost in the time I spent watching this film. But for writer M. Night Shyamalan who knows no other thematic device other than the classic “twist,” I’d think he’d be such an expert at the said

dance move that he’d put the classic “Pulp Fiction” dance scene between Uma Thurman and Jon Travolta to shame. So what is this strangely titled movie all about? Five strangers are all stuck in an elevator together, all suspicious of the others around them because that’s what happens when you put several strangers in any isolated space in a movie. There’s the aggressive black guy (Bokeem Woodbine), the random hot chick (Bojana Novakovic), the annoying idiot salesman (Geoffrey Arend), the silent brooding ex-military guy (Logan Marshall-Green), and an old woman (Jenny O’Hara), just

for kicks. There is also a vigilant detective (Chris Messina) and a whole supporting cast of characters who are trying to get them out before anything bad happens to them. And bad things do come to the unfortunate victims in the elevator. As the movie progresses we are presented with sequences where the lights go off then turn on and one of our elevator dwellers ends up dead. This setup is horrific enough, but is then twisted even further when one of the more religious security guards suggests that one of the people in there might just be the devil. I guess Scam-alan was

so in love with the eventual plot twist that he forgot that no one has found the devil scary in cinema since 1978. I won’t deny that the tension is high at some points and, for a PG13 movie, they really didn’t pull any punches with the violence. Each time one of our unfortunate victims bites the bullet (or chokes on shards of glass) we’re presented with a pretty grisly murder scene that never leaves the elevator. Not a bad addition, and very similar to “Saw” where the first thing we see is the dead guy in the middle of the room. That’s maybe the one positive thing I can say for the visual style because the rest of the movie

consists of close up reaction shots and really fake looking sweeps through the city of Philadelphia. And the plot twist! How much lazier is Scam-alan going to get? I will honestly say I guessed who the killer was as soon as I saw the supporting cast. I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say this: whoever talks the least throughout the movie is always the killer. Don’t be fooled by the obvious red-herrings. If you didn’t completely turn your brain off, you could probably guess it by the trailers alone. Just like the main character of “The Sixth Sense,” Shyamalan seems to not have realized his career has been dead the whole time: he just never noticed it.


Viewpoints

September 23, 2010 | 15

Serving students since 1922

Bittersweet ending for dean

nicole Burdette Staff Writer

Dean Lorraine Anderson would not be offended if you referred to her as “just another thrower.” Anderson will reach her 10-year mark as a member of the Riverside City College administration this November, and, only a month later, she will retire. She began her career here as the Director of the Passport Plus Program, and also worked as the District Dean of Admissions before becoming Dean of Enrollment Services in July 2010. She recently discussed her approaching retirement in December, the details of her seamlessly never-ending job responsibilities, plans postretirement, her goals before she leaves her position and strangely enough, starfish. It seems retirement is well deserved for Anderson, who oversees the transcripts office, Veterans Office, Student Financial Services and Outreach. “It’s a big job, probably bigger than most people know, but I feel appreciated,” she said. When asked what words of advice she might have for the incoming dean, Anderson simply said, “be prepared to multi task.”

christina Melgoza / Staff Photographer

closing time: Lorraine Anderson, Dean of Enrollment Services assists student Angel Rapicault in searching for his classes in the Administration office. It is a bittersweet semester for retirement is only months away, could do, and we agree,” she said. the Dean of Enrollment Services, she still has goals she would like “Our technology needs to be more but she explained that she is to accomplish before leaving intuitive. But when you consider looking forward to spending more her position. As an advocate for that we have 36,260 students in time with her family and “taking better online student services, she the district, I think we do a pretty a little more time for me.” would like to move forward with good job of getting them into the Anderson has a daughter electronic transcripts. system as applicants, registered and grandchild in France and is This year alone the Transcripts and graduated.” currently learning French with Office received 7,500 transcripts While family and more her husband as they plan to spend and sent out 4,000. personal time are appealing, it is more time there once she retires. “I think students would clear she will certainly miss the A l t h o u g h A n d e r s o n ’s probably say there’s still more we students and faculty that make

up RCC. “I have a lot to be grateful for, and I am grateful to have had this experience at RCC,” Anderson said. She remains passionate about the students at RCC. “The best part of my day is making a difference to someone. A person that I feel I touched personally,” she said. That type of impact is what Anderson has strived for in her time spent at RCC. It is reflected in her work ethic, and in “The Starfish Story” that she was kind enough to share. The story is that of a man who notices a fisherman walking along a shoreline riddled with starfish that, if left on the sand will die. The fisherman is walking along, throwing as many starfish as he can back into the water. This puzzles the young man, and he asks the fisherman why he bothers, explaining that the ones he might save won’t make a difference. The fisherman simply replied, ”It made a difference to those ones.” Anderson is a thrower. While her job is never done and there will always be room for improvement in regard to Student Services, she has impacted many individuals at this college in profound ways.

RCC is named Military friendly school of 2011

Mercedes Jaudon Staff Writer G.I Jobs magazine selected Riverside City College as a Military Friendly School of 2011, on July 6. This award places RCC in the top 15 percent of all higher education institutions in the Untied States. The award is based on nationwide interviews with student veterans. “Military Friendly School” is a distinction that determines which of the 7,000 colleges, universities, and trade schools nationwide offer the best education, value, and welcome. After serving in the Navy for six years in Iraq, Javeier Nunez came back to California to attend school. “I think Riverside City College offers excellent services for veterans,” he said For any student, attending college for the first time is a new experience, especially when your alone. “When I first got here I didn’t know anything or anyone, but thankfully the Veterans office provided me with all the information I needed,” he said. Nunez came to RCC because it was close to home and convenient, he had no idea that RCC had

so much to offer for student veterans. “I think RCC does deserve the honor of being named a Military Friendly school,” Nunez said. According to a press release from the college, there was 1,612 veterans certified to receive VA benefits from July 1, 2009 through March 1, 2010 at RCC. “This honor gives due recognition to our Veterans’ Services,” said Lorraine Anderson, dean of enrollment services, in the press release. Anderson also stated that Norco and Moreno Valley Colleges will be issuing separate certifications for the veterans they serve. RCC formed a Veterans’ Services Committee in September of 2008. A brochure in the counseling office contains the steps needed for certification and a listing of important information for Veterans returning to school. RCC has a website specifically for veterans. The website has changed Guidance 45, which is an introduction to college course, to meet veterans’ needs. RCC has had tons of events for the student veterans. These events include a Veterans day barbecue, a Memorial Day

observance with flyover and a 5k run to help raise scholarship funds for veterans to take the Guidance45 class. “The Veterans Office tries to follow all regulations set by Veterans Affairs,” Nunez said. The Veterans office has not always had great services for veterans though. At one point in time student veterans could not even see a counselor. There was one main counselor that made Student Education Plans for the students but in actuality never met with the students. Now student veterans are allowed to meet with counselors to discuss programs and go over VA student education plans together. “They make it a point to help veterans as best as they can so veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner” Nunez said. Due to a grant that RCC received, they can now open a home center for veterans. “This Fall we are expecting to open a one-stop center for veterans,” Anderson said. This one-stop-center for Veterans will have a lounge, computer software especially made for veterans, personal counseling and much more.

Lauren garcia / photo editor

be all you can be: The Veterans Affairs office, located in

the cafeteria, assists student veterans with class selection, planning and many other services.


Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922

September 23, 2010 | 15


Viewpoints

September 23, 2010 | 17

Serving students since 1922

A new coach was the answer D’zhane parker Staff Writer

The Riverside City College football team started its season strong with two wins. The early accomplishment is real big for the team after ending last season with a 1-9 record. The Tiger’s opened up the season with an impressive 64-28 victory against San Bernardino Valley College. RCC’s wide receiver, Sadale Foster, sent the crowd roaring after making the first touchdown of the night. Penalties were handed out, but that didn’t stop the Tigers from scoring. T h e Ti g e r s s c o r e d 1 5 unanswered points after Damian Robinson scored the Tigers’ second touchdown. S a n B e r n a r d i n o Va l l e y managed to keep the score close after cutting the lead to 15-8. With 14 seconds left in the first quarter, Stevie Will made a touchdown to end the quarter with a 22-8 RCC lead. The excitement after the first quarter kept the crowd on their feet cheering for the Tigers. After the first quarter finished, fans were still trying to catch a glimpse of the season opener and were overflowing Wheelock field, to the extent that most of them had to watch the game from a far. The Tigers kept running the score up after John Greenwalt made the third touchdown of the game to put the team up 29-14. With five minutes left in the first half, Andre Hunt carried the ball for a 68-yard touchdown to end the half with a Tigers’ 36-14 lead. “Looking back at last week’s game, I don’t want to come into the games too big headed,” Hunt said. “So its time to put that behind and play our hearts out every game. There is a lot of work to do.” During halftime, the crowd was entertained by the RCC marching band as the band kept the crowd hyped and excited about the first half. To begin the second half, Ryan Hosmeister scored a touchdown that was later followed by a few more touchdowns made by Sadale Foster and Kindall Mayes. Mayes’ touchdown came with a minute left in the game. Robinson caught the finale touchdown pass of the night to end the game at 64-28 for a Riverside victory. Janaar Barnes said he feels their year has started off strong and with a little more work they will be in great condition.

Christina Melgoza / editors assisstant

It starts at the line of scrimmage: Riverside City College had a quick but long possession to complete their first touchdown against Victor Valley College on Saturday, September 18. “Our year started off strong. the also undefeated Mt. San Looks like we should have a Antonio on Sept. 25. It is just not another regular great season as soon as our defense conditions a little more game on the schedule because we should be solid,” Barnes not only is coach Craft returning to h is o ld team w h er e w as said. “Very excited by the way s u c c e s s f u l , b u t b o t h t e a m s we played, our mental mistakes are entering the game with no were out of the way. A perfect losses. The current standings show way to start the season. All the hard work played off,” Marquis that Mt. San Antonio is tied with Pasadena for the National Cox said after the game. Sept. 18 saw another win Southern Conference. As for Riverside, they lead against Victor Valley, with a lead of nine points which the Central East Conference by brought the winning score to a half a game over Santa Ana. The pressure coming into 16-7. T h e f i r s t t o u c h d o w n o f the season was to win, but now the night was made by Andre that the team is winning; the question now is how much will Hunt. D e s p i t e t h e h i g h s c o r i n g the team be successful? game the team had in its first game; its second game was slow but it was another victory for the team. John Greenwalt, was the unofficial MVP for the Tigers for the night, by scoring Riverside’s winning touchdown. As the time was expiring with a few seconds left in the game, Victor Valley scored their only touchdown of the game to end the game 16-7. The new head coach, Tom Craft is happy with his team’s progress this season. “I’m very proud of the first two wins. It’s an inexperienced football team; 78 freshman and 15 sophomores,” he said. “They are working to improve for the homecoming game.” The Tigers have came out on top for the past two games but the challenge is just getting cHRIStina melgoza / editors assistant harder. The season kick off: Alex Alvarez, punter for the RCC Tigers kicks off after the team The undefeated RCC Tigers scored its second touchdown on September 18. now head to Walnut, CA, to face

Upcoming games:

Sept. 25 - At Mt San Antonio at 1 p.m. Oct. 2 - At Chaffey at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 - Vs Citrus at 6 p.m.

Oct. 16 - Vs Orange Coast at 6 p.m. It’s the first conference game of the season.


18 | September 23, 2010

Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922


September 23, 2010 | 19

Sports

Drama surrounds MLB playoffs Danielle Schmidt Sports editor

Men’s Soccer

Football Season Record Overall: 2-0 Conference: 0-0 Next game: 9/25 At Mt. San Antonio 1 p.m.

Season Record Overall: 2-1-4 Conference: 0-0 Next game: 9/28 Vs. Orange Coast 3 p.m.

Football Sept. 4

Bye week

Women’s Soccer Season Record Overall: 3-4 Conference: 2-1 Next game: 9/28 At Santa Ana 3 p.m.

Oct. 2

At Chaffey 6 p.m.

Oct. 9

Vs. Citrus 6 p.m.

Oct. 16

Vs. Orange Coast 6 p.m.

Oct. 23

At Golden West 1 p.m.

Oct. 30

At Santa Ana 1 p.m.

Nov. 6

Vs. Desert 6 p.m.

Nov. 13

At Southwestern 6 p.m.

Season Record Overall: 10-1 Conference: 0-0 Next game: 10/1 At Santa Ana 7 p.m.

Oct. 5

At Fullerton 3 p.m.

Oct. 8

Vs. Orange Coast 3 p.m.

Oct. 12 Sept. 11 RCC 64 San Bernardino Valley 28 Oct. 15 Sept. 18 RCC 16 Victor Valley 7 Oct. 19 Sept. 25 At Mt. San Antonio 1 p.m.

Volleyball

Women’s Water Polo

Season Record Overall: 5-4 Conference: 1-0 Next game: 10/2 At Claremont College TBA

Season Record Overall: 8-0 Conference: 0-0 Next Game: 10/1 At Cuesta Tournment TBA

Oct. 22

At Golden West Tournament TBA

Oct. 27

Vs. Golden West 3 p.m. * Home games will be played at

At Irvine Valley 3 p.m.

Sippy Woodhead Pool at the Cesar

At Golden West 3 p.m.

Chavez Center on 2060 University

Vs. Santiago Canyon 3 p.m.

Oct. 22

At Saddleback 3 p.m.

Oct. 29

Vs. Santa Ana 3 p.m.

Nov. 2

At Cypress 3 p.m.

Nov. 5

Vs. Fullerton 3 p.m.

Nov. 9

At Orange Coast 3 p.m.

Nov. 12

Vs. Irvine Valley 3 p.m.

Ave. Riverside

Women’s Water Polo Sept. 10

RCC 14 American River 9

Sept. 11

RCC 13 Fresno 3

Sept. 17

RCC 19 Chaffey Tournament 5

Sept. 29

At Orange Coast 4 p.m.

Norco College.

Oct. 1

At Cuesta Tournament TBA

Volleyball

Oct. 8

Vs. Northwood 11 p.m.

Oct. 13

Vs. Saddleback 4 p.m.

Oct. 15

At Golden West Tournament TBA

Oct. 20

At Fullerton 3 p.m.

Oct. 22

At Long Beach Tournament TBA

Oct. 27

Vs. Golden West 3 p.m.

Nov. 4

Orange Empire Conference

* All home games are played at

Men’s Soccer

Men’s Water Polo

Aug. 30

RCC 1 Rio Honda 3

Aug. 25

At Southwestern 5 p.m.

Sept. 3

RCC 2 San Diego 3

Aug. 27

RCC 3 Pasadena 1

Sept. 7

RCC 3 Citrus 2

Sept. 3

RCC 3 Chula Vista 0

Sept. 10

RCC 2 Palomar 3

Sept. 10

RCC 3 Mt. San Antonio 1

Sept. 14

RCC 0 Chaffey 0

Sept. 17

RCC 3 San Diego Mesa 0

Sept. 17

RCC 16 Imperial Valley 0

Sept. 22

At San Bernardino Valley 5 p.m.

Sept. 28

Vs. Orange Coast 3 p.m.

Oct. 1

At Santa Ana 7 p.m.

Oct. 1

At Irvine Valley 1 p.m.

Oct. 6

Vs. Saddleback 7 p.m.

Oct. 5

Vs. Santa Ana 3 p.m.

Oct. 8

At Golden West 6 p.m.

Oct. 8

At Fullerton 3 p.m.

Oct. 13

At Cypress 6 p.m.

Oct. 12

Vs. Cypress 3 p.m.

Oct. 15

Vs. Orange Coast 7 p.m.

Oct. 15

Vs. Santiago Canyon 3 p.m.

Oct. 20

At Irvine Valley 6 p.m.

Oct. 19

At Golden West 3 p.m.

Oct. 22

Vs. Fullerton 7 p.m.

Oct. 22

At Orange Coast 3 p.m.

Oct. 27

Vs. Santa Ana 7 p.m.

Oct. 26

Vs. Irvine Valley 3 p.m.

Oct. 29

At Saddleback 6 p.m.

Oct. 29

At Santa Ana 3 p.m.

Nov. 3

Vs. Golden West 7 p.m.

Nov. 2

Vs. Fullerton 3 p.m.

Nov. 5

Vs. Cypress 7 p.m.

Nov. 5

At Cypress 3 p.m.

Nov. 10

At Orange Coast 7 p.m.

Nov. 9

At Santiago Canyon 3 p.m.

Nov. 12

Vs. Irvine Valley 7 p.m.

Oct. 2

At Cal Baptist University 10 a.m.

Nov. 12

Vs. Golden West 1 p.m.

Nov. 17

At Fullerton 6 p.m.

Oct. 9

At Southern California preview at

* All home games are played at Norco College.

Women’s Soccer

Men’s Water Polo Sept. 10

RCC 12 Golden West 7

Sept. 15

RCC 23 Santa Ana 7

Aug. 27

RCC 0 Miramar 5

Sept. 17

12 Cuesta Tournament 13

Sept. 1

RCC 0 San Diego Mesa 1

Sept. 24

At Cal Baptist Tournament TBA

Sept. 3

RCC 1 Moorpark 3

Sept. 29

At Orange Coast 3 p.m.

Sept. 7

RCC 4 Mt. San Antonio 1

Oct. 2

At Claremont College TBA

Sept. 14

RCC 4 Golden West 1

Oct. 8

At Citrus Tournament TBA

Sept. 17

RCC 0 Santiago Canyon 1

Oct. 13

Vs. Saddleback 3 p.m.

Sept. 21

RCC 2 Saddleback 0

Oct. 15

At Cal Baptist 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 28

At Santa Ana 3 p.m.

Oct. 20

At Fullerton 3 p.m.

Oct. 1

Vs. Cypress 3 p.m.

Championship at Cypress College Nov. 6

Vs. Cypress 3 p.m. * Home games will be played at Sippy Woodhead Pool at the Cesar Chavez Center on 2060 University Ave. Riverside

Cross Country Sept. 10

Fresno CC Invitational at Fresno Woodward Park 10 a.m.

Sept. 24

At Golden West Invite at Huntington Beach Central Park 10 a.m.

San Diego Mission Bay Park 10 a.m. Oct. 29

At Orange Empire Conference at Mission Viejo Oso Creek Park 10 a.m.

Nov. 6

At Southern California Finals at San Diego Mission Bay Park 10 a.m.

Nov. 20

At CCCAA State Championships at Fresno Woodward Park 10 a.m.

Major League Baseball, America’s favorite past time never fails to wow and shock its fans with new surprises throughout the season. In 2009, the top teams in their Divisions were the Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Things have definitely heated up and changed dramatically this season, not only when it comes to the standings of the divisions but also the players traded between teams. The San Diego Padres and New York Yankees are just two of the teams that surprisingly pushed the Cardinals, Dodgers and the Angels out of the way for this years’ title of MLB Champions. This year the standings have completely made a 180 degree turn. One of southern California’s teams has definitely come out of left field this season, the Padres, with their 81-62 record. They are on the way to grabbing the national league west title, that is, if they can pull ahead of the San Francisco Giants in time. There were many attention grabbing trades made between the big league teams throughout the season. The Angels searched long and hard for a power hitter to replace Kendry Morales, but instead they picked up front line starting pitcher Dan Haren from the Arizona Diamondbacks, having to give up Joe Saunders and two other minor league pitchers. Another big trade this year was the Yankees trading for the Cleveland Indians’ fast throwing pitcher, Kerry Wood. With two weeks remaining in the MLB’s regular season, it is full-speed ahead to the playoffs, with the occasional, unpredictable twists and turns along the way. If the postseason began right now, the four division series openers would be Rays at Twins, Rangers at Yankees, Braves at Giants, and Reds at Phillies. Those speculative match-ups change almost daily. The odds for this year’s postseason are in favor the St. Louis Cardinals (National League Champions) vs The New York Yankees (American League Champions.) There is no doubt that these two teams are part of the top five franchises in the MLB today, so it really shouldn’t come as a shock that they could be playing in October for the World Series Championship. The St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees are two of the most popular franchises in baseball, both having a solid foundation of great history. Millions of fans will be there to witness The American and National League Division Series games which will begin on Oct. 6 and will be followed by the Championship Series games beginning Oct. 15.

Sports Briefs Men’s soccer begins slow Riverside City College men’s soccer team started its season with two wins, a tie and three losses. The Tigers swiped away Imperial Valley 6-0, in its last non-conference game on Sept. 17. The team resumes play against Orange Coast on Sept. 28, where they will begin conference play.

Goal keeper out for the season The women’s soccer team is off to a rocky start. The team’s current record is three wins and four losses. The team has also lost its new player. Freshman goalie, Jordin Crosby, will be out for the season after suffering a broken leg in a 3-1 loss against Moorpark on Sept. 3. The team now heads out to Santa Ana on Sept. 28, in hopes to getting back on the winning track.


Viewpoints

20 | September 23, 2010

Inscape

Serving students since 1922

ruthless competition: Players duke it out in Capture the Flag multiplayer mode for “Halo: Reach.”

games press

‘Halo’ reaches for the stars

Garth pullen Staff Writer

The behemoth of the console first person shooter is finally complete with the release of “Halo Reach.” The true swan song of the saga; this installment concludes Bungie’s involvement in the series’ development and, though hope was always a very real concept in the Halo universe, “Halo Reach” succeeds in evoking a much more visceral side of hope: destruction. Stepping into “Reach,” Bungie makes you immediately aware of the improved and seamlessly fluid menu design. There were a few moments where I felt a little unsettled when traversing the new customizable armory store but nothing a strict “Halo” fan wouldn’t welcome with open arms. After specifying my gender and selecting a load-out I was ready to kick some covenant tail in the campaign. The first thing worth noticing is the brutally intentional slow pace of the story. Not only does this resonate within the game’s cut-scenes, but is also displayed in the game-play sections that don’t allow the player full control. In effect, you’re forced to slog through quite a few of these moments while limited to sitting passenger seat in one of the many aircraft available throughout each stage. The pacing of the story wouldn’t be a real problem if, in the middle of all this somber chaos, there were interesting and dynamic characters to accompany you along the way. The reason Master Chief worked well as a character wasn’t because he was interesting in his lonesome, but the characters he surrounded himself with were aggressively opposite him when

channeling their emotions or challenging beliefs. Instead, we have brutish monotone types who seem devoid of all personality; which would be fine had they thrown in a couple of conflicting parties. When it comes down to it, this isn’t the weakest story in the “Halo” franchise, but it is the worst crafted. Even with a slightly disappointing campaign, “Halo Reach” manages to rectify that bad taste in your mouth with sweet multiplayer options and tight controls. Matchmaking options include everything from classic team death match to the much improved FireFight mode, making its second appearance since its introduction in the previous “Halo” title: “Halo 3 ODST.” In Fire-Fight, up to four players defend against wave after wave of increasingly difficult covenant resistance. The longer you stay alive, the more difficult the enemy forces become. One of the more addictive new game modes, Head Hunter, requires you to mow down your opposition in hopes to collect a skull-shaped token from the enemies’ remains. The more skulls you collect, the better. On the other hand, if you go too long without dropping off skulls at specified drop zones for points, the bigger a target you may become. With everything that’s going on in “Halo Reach,” believe me when I say that the amount of time that could be spent on this game is staggering for a first person shooter. I’m amazed Bungie held it together as well as they did. The vehicles, for the most part, function with great precision and ease.

games press

bone hunt: Skulls of defeated players are collected in Head Hunter multiplayer mode. Whipping around corners and plowing right through enemy forces with the Warthog never felt so good; while grabbing two teammates to ride gunner seat in the Falcon - a replacement to the previous titles’ playable aircraft - is a phenomenal rush in any eighton-eight multi-player match Though the story has a somewhat tedious air about it, the scope of what’s to be told really comes through for the title as a whole. With a game made up of so many components, it’s nice to see the level of care that went into a thoroughly balanced leveling system and customizable traits. Not to mention, the lead music designer from the previous “Halo” games makes a return to the series with some of the franchises most relevant motifs. From the very beginning the players knew how it would end

games press

vehicles: There are many vehicles to choose from in “Reach,” including some specifically for land roaming. and Bungie had to pull out all the tricks to really shock us into submission. I think the big time developer has been successful in conveying

the scope of these events, but somewhere along the way they may have forgotten the most important ingredient for the complete “Halo” experience: a gripping story.


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