CSUN is located in the heart of the p*rn Valley. The tale has been told in movies such as 'Boogie Nights' and 'Wonderland,' but what might be surprising to many students is the amount of literature the Oviatt Library has about human sexuality, which may be the second largest private collection on human sexuality compared to gold mines like the Kinsey Institute.
'When it was first here, the topic was very unique,' said Tony Gardner, 65, curator for 23 years at the library's Special Collections, which houses sex and gender books donated by Vern and Bonnie Bullough.
'You'll find these type of collections in big research places now, because gender study is such a recognized field.'
The Bullough collection is located in a sequestered, humidity-controlled section in the library's west wing in the Tseng Gallery. Security clearance is required to gain access to this massive and diverse collection, but even then, only researchers with specific requests can read one of the books'mdash;after signing a contract, of course.
The strongest characteristic of the collection is its broad coverage of various subject matter, ranging from pedophilia, prostitution and nursing to transvestites, gay rights movements and p*rn star pictorials. It is as worldly as the erudite Professor Bullough once was.
One of his many accomplishments, which ties into the human sexuality book and film collection at UCLA, is the success of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) organizations.'
This includes ONE, Incorporated Bullough's tie to UCLA. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles in 1959, and being fully submersed into gender and nursing studies, Bullough began writing about hom*osexuality and became part of a flourishing gay rights organization called ONE, Inc., which published a magazine and collected gay-related materials.
Bullough first became interested in sex around 1945, when he was going to high school in Salt Lake City, according to Gwen Brewer, 80, Bullough's widow.
' Bullough was dating a woman whose mother was a lesbian, and he would often hang out with the couple. Bullough, who was not exposed to hom*osexuality in the past, was fascinated by the partners' records of the Salt Lake lesbian community.
'He was not a hom*osexual,' explained Brewer, a retired CSUN professor, and president of Friends of the Library.
' '(People) often asked him to do things because he was neutral.' ONE, Inc. now has the world's largest research library and archive devoted to LGBT issues.
Accessible through the UCLA Film 'amp; Television Archive in a sunless area of Powell Library are over 1,500 films and 3,000 videos of LGBT and fetish subject matter donated by ONE, Inc. in early 2007. The majority of the collection is stored away and preserved at the UCLA campus, at the UC Southern Regional Library facility, which, upon request, can be retrieved for patrons.
The dungeon-esque area of the library stores a select amount of other films and DVDs, which reaches upwards of tens of thousands.
Mark Quigley, manager of the archive research and study center, mentioned how all moving images have, historically, been endangered by individuals who don't know how to properly preserve them, which often leads to the disposal of them. This space in Powell Library acts as a sanctuary for all movies (even 'Top Gun' laser discs).
'We're often the last stop before the landfill,' joked Quigley.
The ONE, Inc. donation came two years after Outfest'mdash;an organization that for 25 years, created a community between LGBT filmmakers and audiences'mdash;teamed with UCLA Film 'amp; Television. Together they created the Outfest Legacy Project, the world's largest publicly accessible collection of LGBT films, which reaches over 3,300 titles.
Quigley allowed me to screen a series of shorts made in the late 1970s by Pat Rocco, one of the first gay filmmakers. I watched this in the media lab, a gray-carpeted tomb with machinery circa 1986. Under the catalog description it says: 'Probably male hom*osexual erotic films.'
It opens in grainy black and white. A man is skinny-dipping, and when he comes out to oil himself in the backyard sun, you can see the Navy tattoos on his arms.
After some conversing with an intruding stranger, the camera zooms in on Navy Boy's erection, and he's invited the peeping Tom to his bed.
The rest of the shorts continue in such a way'mdash;meet, talk, screw'mdash;but the picture quality improves from black and white, to murky hues to the likes of your parents' prom pictures.
These films are part of UCLA to serve the public, and it's important to mention it's not all erotica. There's a significant cultural value have cultural value here, no matter what your orientation, it's important to cherish human desire.
'Sex is,' Gardner paused, crosses his arms with hand on chin, 'Everybody thinks about it'hellip; At least some time of the day.'
The CSUN Special Collections is like the neighborhood house that gets few visitors, but the ones who come are pampered. Often a patron will request a book on sex, and leave having glanced at cartloads of periodicals.
'People come from all over to work on the collection,' Gardner said. And why shouldn't they; the Vern and Bonnie Bullough Collection has over 5,400 items.
Behind the locked door, the room is at a chill 67 degrees and Gardner has laid out a stack of books on a metallic cart. He picked up one on prostitution by William Acton that once was part of Charles Dickens' library. The pages are gray and stiff with fading details like a dead body.
The next book is called 'Die Transvestiten,' and it's the first book on transvestites, written in German in 1910.
'The author, Magnus Hirschfield,' Gardner explained, 'Had nearly his whole library destroyed during the Nazi book burning.'
He continued going through the selection: 'The Freaks of Fashion,' depicts how corsets evolved through remote periods; 'The Tropic of Cancer,' a banned edition that was smuggled throughout the U.S. and even led to Supreme Court cases; 'Just Like the Flowers, Dear,' an under-the-counter book owned by Samuel Roth, who redefined what constitutes as obscene material unprotected by the First Amendment.
'(Bullough's) expertise was in different areas at different times,' Gardner said about the ranging diversity of topics, and the mass accumulation of items.
While he taught history at multiple universities, including CSUN, from 1959 to 1980, Bullough spent his time writing about various subjects pertaining to human sexuality.
'He was a very fast writer,' Brewer echoed of Bullough, who would hammer out essays and books sometimes on a weekly basis. 'He would wake up and respond to over 80 emails a day, and then continue writing.'
In 1981, after establishing himself in gender study circles, Bullough earned a bachelor's degree in nursing at Cal State University, Long Beach.
'It was funny because one of the required books he was reading was by him,' said Brewer.
And there, in stacks bunched together like drupelets, is a medical book from 1584 written in Latin'mdash;the oldest book on campus. It talks about various venereal diseases, and it records the first known account of syphilis.
Sadly, it didn't garner attention as much as Madonna's aluminum-covered, coffee table 'Sex' book, which Gardner said is probably the most popular book in the collection. 'People were lining up to see it.'
The latest addition to the human sexuality collection was a donation from the hom*osexual Information Center a faction branched off from ONE, Inc., begun in 1968.
The HIC is overflowing with historic materials, of which there are over 4,000 that Gardner has been cataloguing since receiving it in summer 2007.
' 'I'd like to do another 'Treasures of the Bullough Exhibit' because it has grown so much since we acquired it in 1973,' Gardner said.
I can't think of a better way to personify a historian than through the books collected over a lifetime.
A person can change America's outlook in so many ways, because of cavaliers like Bullough, more people are able to come out of the closet easier.
Recommendations from the Bullough stash:
'Science in the Bedroom: A History of Sex Research'
by Vern L. Bullough
From ancient Greece, to the profound sexologist Alfred Kinsey, sex and its assumptions have been debated, refuted, and debated again. Being the notorious history buff Bullough was, he's captured numerous voices that shaped what we know about sex today.
'XXX: 30 p*rn-Star Portraits' photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
This portfolio tastefully succeeds in painting people as they are'mdash;human. The photographer juxtaposes p*rn stars as fully clothed and then entirely nude. Its detailed craft spawned a HBO documentary on how the shots were created.
'Just Like the Flowers, Dear' by Robert B. Donnelly
Plate 28 in this humorous, informative sex book released in 1932 has human heads poking from an Egyptian Lilly with the caption, 'Who says flowers have no maternal love?' It's a good example, considering this book was banned in America, of how the First Amendment has evolved. (It's like a children's book.)
'Sex (book)' from Madonna
A silver baggy is imprinted with Madonna's face. Another little baggy includes a copy of her album 'Erotic'. The book is the better of the two, in that it brought sex to the coffee table with bondage, anilingus, and other fetishisms.
'Screw'
A weekly magazine begun in 1968 that celebrated the outrage caused by its lurid, tabloid articles and photos that pushed close to the edges of protected speech. The pages are frail and smell like an attic, but they provide a fair glance into the p*rn mainstream of back-in-the-day.
Justine Joli'mdash;one of her pictorials has her passed out in the hands of a robot circa 'Lost in Space''mdash;is shirtless using Nerdcore emblazoned stickers to cover her nipples, somewhere near 10 p.m. after my two drinks of Johnny Walker Red, and schmoozing with Members Only-clad hipsters and autographing pictures with silver Sharpies.
By day, the back ally of Golden Apple Comics on Melrose Avenue is strewn with sprouting weeds, rats nestling through crannies, and a pair of shoes tangled on telephone wire. Tonight, it's the same, still, but there's an open bar.
'I think people are passing through and seeing free drinks,' says Chris Carle, co-creator of Nerdcore. And maybe he's right, or perhaps it's the hottie models inside signing nude pictures of themselves.
The Nerdcore calendar is celebrating its third year of geek-fueled glory, releasing its sci-fi-inspired 2009 pictorials at (no duh!) a comic book store near Hollywood. Each year has an ongoing theme throughout the months: The '07 calendar, plugged in an issue of Playboy Magazine, featured everything vintage from arcade machines, like Q*Bert, to Nintendo's Power Glove to knee-high, '70s-style stripped socks.
'We were originally going to have a girl blowing dust out of a game cartridge for the cover,' Carle says, an IGN.com reporter that was worried of the stigma behind nude calendars. 'But I think the Karlie Montana shot with the Power Glove is an iconic image.'
Impressively, the first calendar, which Carle and co-creator Jon Gibson dumped their life savings into, took only two days to shoot. When it came to the 2008 'Heroes/Villains' calendar, their semi-lucrative turnout from '07 enabled longer production time and broader locations.
For example, in the July pictorial model Carli Banks studies the L.A. night and city skyscrapers, caped in red with her busty bosom puffed-out. This and many other props and special effects would've been financially impossible before, but it doesn't necessarily help the calendar, aesthetically.
'The second calendar blew the first one out of the water,' Carle hails. But I, kindly, would have to stop him after the word 'blew.'
It kills me to say it, but many of the '08 poses get repetitive and feel uninvolved. Yet if one picture stuck out the most, it was their take on Marvel's Phoenix. Engulfed in flames and bursts of fire surrounding her, Justine Joli erupted as a major force not to be messed with.
Carle steers me towards a girl with puce lipstick that's jittery from, as I'll find out, six cups of China tea. It's the Nerdcore Phoenix herself, Justine Joli.
'I need the caffeine cause I'm tired from humping my boyfriend non-stop for the past three months,' Joli opens up to me. She's not entirely a social butterfly as she is celebratory wallflower. A guy with pube-like facial hair dressed in jeans and a blazer approaches Joli. He puts on the self-important act and asks her if she'd like to star in a music video.
For most of these women here, it must happen all the time.
So I asked her if she considered herself a nerd. 'Well, I think so. I like cheesy stuff, and I loved 'Spawn' as a teen'mdash;the comics were dark, and it's a great, crappy sci-fi movie.'
She goes on tell me about Cheri Roberts, the now quasi-famous photographer behind Nerdcore's'hellip; core. Like many accomplished photographers, Roberts knows how to get what she wants without being overbearing. That, and she used to model nude for Playboy
'Experience helps in these things,' says Joli. 'Each pose takes like 15 minutes. She's constantly moving, and takes the reins through the whole process.'
Confidence is a staple to any photo shoot, and the 2009 calendar is a huge pay off. Each image hits its mark.
January portrays Karlie Montana decked out like a 'Tron' circuit board; for June, Sara Brinsfield (former girlfriend of Cherie Roberts) emerges from a green pool with 'Species'-like seductiveness; September mimics the original 1977 'Star Wars' poster with a topless Jana Cova and Georgia Jones ('So, you have a sister.' '- Darth Vader); and Bobbi Starr styles a nice little android gunslinger ode to 'Westworld' in November.
'It's like a baby,' says Carle, of the 10-month shooting period. 'It's gooey, it's smutty, and I love it, love it, love it!' Tonight is also the first night anyone sees the finished product.
Besides the images, Nerdcore prides itself in listing regular and 'nerd' holidays. For instance, April 12 is Easter Day as well as being the day Mad Max was released (1979) and when the Monolith was discovered on the Moon ('2001: Space Odyssey').
Next to me are three guys commenting on this year's improvements. 'The dates and events are organized so much better,' says one of them.
'Dude,' says another, 'I Googled the girls here tonight, and half of them are in p*rn.'
ooking around, the girls are fun and outgoing. The type you could be yourself with and joke around. But these guys perceive it otherwise.
'Dude, is it really no wonder?'
So, I tell them they're f*cking douche bags, and make my way to have my picture taken with Zoli Suicide and Georgia Jones. There's a green screen, laptop, strobe flashes, and steroid-pumped guns against the back wall of Golden Comics.
The photographer had a drag of my cigarette earlier, so she puts me to the front of the line. I'm not sure what the background will eventually be, but I pose with Suicide and Jones, cautioning them on my sweaty armpits. As it turns out, the entire calendar was shot in front of green screen.
Later on, I sidestep to the front of the store and buy my calendar. And the cover image is my personal favorite with a simplicity ringing back to the videogame-themed 2007. Crystal Klein drapes herself on top of a soft white blanket like a sex vixen akin to 'Barbarella: Queen of the Galaxy.' She wields a futuristic revolver and reveals nothing but curves with a warm, despondent stare.
Jon Gibson is a leap away from me standing with 3-D artist Erik Van Pelt, dressed like an East Coast kid with a scarf wrapped thickly around his neck. (Later on he'll be pants-ed in front of the green screen, taking a picture with Cherie Roberts.)
'So,' I begin (and I know he's been asked this over again), 'What is next year's theme?'
And, of course, he gives me a smile'mdash;equal parts totally affable and rock star obnoxiousness. 'Hrm,' he eggs me on. 'Guess.'
Justine Joli'mdash;one of her pictorials has her passed out in the hands of a robot circa 'Lost in Space''mdash;is shirtless using Nerdcore emblazoned stickers to cover her nipples, somewhere near 10 p.m. after my two drinks of Johnny Walker Red, and schmoozing with Members Only-clad hipsters and autographing pictures with silver Sharpies.
]]>A third of the way.
That's how close the Cal State Northridge women's basketball team is to matching its season-opening 21-game losing streak from last season. Standing at 0-7, the Matadors haven't quite performed as well as they thought they could at the start of the season. The team chemistry they raved about and the 'not looking back' attitude that they carried into the 2008-09 campaign has yet to translate into a victory.
And just as they looked to be getting on track with a strong showing in Alaska against Jackson State, the UCLA Bruins shot them back down to reality. A reality that has seen CSUN win just one of its last 36 games spanning back to the 2006-07 season. However, even after a 43-point loss to the Bruins, Head Coach Staci Schulz seems to feel somewhat content.
'We have had a very challenging schedule again this season,' she said. 'We have played well in many moments, but haven't learned to take control of the flow of the game. That's our biggest challenge.'
Northridge will try to conquer that problem Sunday when the San Jose State Spartans visit The Matadome. The Spartans (1-4) are coming off of their first victory of the season as they squeaked by Sacramento State last Friday when senior Natalie White sank a jumper at the buzzer to give San Jose State a 49-48 win. White has been the Spartan's backbone for the past three seasons, leading them in scoring since her sophom*ore year.
Sophom*ore Analee Viena-Lota still leads the Matadors with 8.7 points per game, despite her struggles lately. After shooting 43 percent in the first three games, she has shot just 8-of-33 in the last four. It's difficult to win when your leading scorer is shooting 24 percent from the floor.
Like CSUN, San Jose State had its share of troubles last year, going just 3-28. And, aside from its one victory, this season has been similar to that of the Matadors. One close loss, and many not-so-close ones is what both squads have suffered. Is another lopsided game in the cards for Sunday?
Date: Sunday
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: The Matadome, Northridge
Series Record: Spartans lead 7-1
Last Meeting: Spartans 59 @ Matadors 55 (2007)
Interesting Fact: The Spartans have averaged over 60 points a game in all of their losses. They scored 49 the one time they won. Meanwhile, the Matadors have scored over 60 only once.
Matador to watch:
Jasmine Erving, center, freshman
Erving is coming off the best game a Matador has had this season. She scored 21 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked four shots in Sunday's loss at UCLA. ?She is a presence in the middle on both ends of the floor because of her long reach and - despite missing all of the preseason and playing limited minutes early in the year - the coaching staff says they are excited to see her on the court. Look for her to play more minutes down low for Northridge.
Spartan to watch:
Natalie White, guard, senior
The Spartans have been held together offensively by White for the last three years. She has been San Jose's leading scorer since she started playing consistently in her sophom*ore year and has increased her points total in every year. She doesn't shoot too efficiently from beyond the arc, although she launches many three-point attempts. Northridge should look to make her a pass-first guard, something she doesn't do very well.
What did she say?
Staci Schulz, Matador Head Coach
On the team's 0-7 start:
'Of course it's difficult. I expected to win more games and I'm not satisfied with the lack of
success. However, the team's fight is still there and we will battle on.'
CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell was back at The Matadome late Wednesday working with his players to accomplish more of what's been the goal thus far this season: getting better.
Sunk deep four games below .500 and owning a five-game losing streak, the Matadors '- who according to Braswell somehow did get bet better during the skid - came off the floor hard-breathing and sweaty, concerned more about a newly-found problem that few ever thought could have upset them this early: confidence.
'(Our confidence) is up and down,' said guard Deon Tresvant. 'It's not where it needs to be.'
Yeah. Losing five in a row '- no matter how well you played '- will do that to you.
'But we're gaining it back as the games go by,' he went on. 'I could see it.'
Good for the Matadors. Because they will need some of it and much more if they hope to upset No. 12 UCLA and end their streak Sunday at Pauley Pavilion. The game, set to start at 7:30 p.m. will be the first between the squads since 2000. In that occasion, CSUN shocked the college basketball world by escaping with a 78-74 road win. That year they went on to advance to their first-ever '- and only '- NCAA Tournament.
This season's supposed to be their second-ever. Everyone and their mothers have selected them to take the Big West Conference and get a berth in the Big Dance. It sure isn't looking anything like the favoritism was warranted thus far, but CSUN doesn't feel like it's time to jump off the bandwagon either.
'At the end of the day, you're not as good as you think are and you're not as bad as you think you are,' Braswell said, echoing the message of the day to his team. ' The truth lies somewhere in between.'
The Matadors have been hearing that all season long from their coach - now more than ever. As far the Bruins go, only they know how good they think they are.
But they're getting help with that. The country is telling them they're 12th-best in the land.
The core of guards Darren Collison, Jrue Holliday and Josh Shipp has given the Bruins something the Matadors should know all about: expectations. UCLA's are a hundred times bigger, though. Many anticipate their return to the Final Four for a fourth consecutive time.
UCLA is 4-1 entering tonight's game at No. 8 Texas. CSUN is one-win-and-struggling.
'It's adversity,' said Matthew Wallace, who got the start at Drexel Monday and led the team with 12 points. 'Adversity for a good team is good. All great teams go through it.'
'I have no doubt that we're going to come out on top from (this funk).'
It took them some late free throws to beat modest Miami (Ohio) 64-59 Nov. 13 and lost to unranked Michigan 55-52 a week later. They bounced back by winning their next two by a combined 52 points.
'It's great to play UCLA at this point,' said Tresvant, one of the more confident Matadors despite having shot only 29 percent from the field so far this season. 'It gives us a chance to show our heart and show that we're no walkover team.'
'We just got to stay positive,' Matador starting center Tremaine Townsend said. 'We can't bring each other down and split apart. This is where we got to come together.'
They're struggling offensively, shooting just 41 percent; struggling in the record, just 1-5; and struggling with their own confidence. Not many are giving Northridge a chance.
It makes sense.
'(UCLA) is a Division I school. They're in the Pacific 10 Conference and we're in the Big West. Most people should (not gives us a chance),' Braswell said. 'I'm okay with that.'
'(But the) bottom line is: the game has to be played. We'll show up on Sunday and we'll see what happens.'
Gulp.
Date: Sunday
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles
Series: UCLA leads 4-1
Last Meeting: CSUN 78 @ UCLA 74
(Nov. 21, 2000)
CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell was back at The Matadome late Wednesday working with his players to accomplish more of what's been the goal thus far this season: getting better.
]]>For many students the California State University system was a relief compared to the tuition they would have to pay at a UC or private institution. However, this upcoming year due to the state budget cuts to the CSU, 10,000 qualified applicants will be turned away which could have long-term dire consequences for not only those students, but the state itself.
In fact, the California legislature allocated $215 million less than what the CSU system needs to cover the current increase in enrollment and expenses. Connie Llanos of the Los Angeles Daily News reported that the CSU system is expecting a midyear cut of $66.3 million, in addition to a trustee approved $31.3 million cut.
It's one thing to turn away unqualified students, but to turn away 10,000 qualified students is an injustice. It's an injustice to the students of the state to put up even more barriers.
What the CSUs have basically been forced to say to qualified students is that they don't care if they meet the requirements because their campuses are full.
CSUN campus officials expect the total full-time student enrollment to decrease by 1,100, while the freshman class will see a decrease of 625 students.
With the economy the way it is, students were flocking to CSUs. In early October the CSU received almost 50,000 applications for fall 2009, up 21 percent from the same time last year. Transfer applications to CSUs are up 40 percent over previous years.
While they may never admit it, the state of California is indirectly stating that education is not a high priority. We all expected budget cuts, but to have to deny 10,000 students because of it is shameful and a huge slap to the face.
Many of us have gone through the California educational system since kindergarten up until high school. While I don't expect a degree handed to me on a silver platter, for many high-school graduating seniors the budget cuts and the hurdles they cause will be a harsh welcoming to the real world.
The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education's report 'Measuring Up 2008' found that college tuition and fees has increased by 439 percent.
The cost of tuition continues to exceed family income and the cost of other necessities, like medical care, food and housing, said the report, which foresees that if these trends continue higher education will be out of reach for most Americans.
The report also pointed out that those students who manage to get into a higher education institution would be graduating with even more debt since over the last decade student borrowing has more than doubled.
What about those of us who are currently enrolled at a CSU? We can expect packed classrooms, more than the ones we already have. This in turn will make it harder for students to graduate since they won't be able to enroll in the classes they need and create a bigger pool of students.
Then the quality of the education we receive will decrease since there will be less qualified staff to deal with us students. I recall professors passing people in general education classes just to get them to graduate quicker, or because they were too lazy to grade all of the work. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of that in the not too distant future.
Faculty members shouldn't depend on having a cost-of-living increase this year or the following either. Apart from having less faculty members the ones that are left will be overworked and unhappy. Is that what we really need?
State legislatures are concentrating too much on the present when the real factor they should be concentrating on is the future workforce of the state.' We will have a larger percentage of a non-college educated workforce. As it is, a college degree is a lot like a GED. Then I'm sure many jobs will be out-sourced and further hurt the economy.
]]>For many students the California State University system was a relief compared to the tuition they would have to pay at a UC or private institution.
]]>An ambitious group of recent CSUN graduates and close friends have decided to forego traditional corporate climbing to create a nightlife-focused social networking web community, betting their hopes and fortunes on an idea that took 14 months to develop.
YourSocialPlate.com launched in open beta Nov. 21, meaning the website is fully operational and accepting new members while final changes are made. A free membership allows users to write reviews and share information about their communities and interact with each other. YourSocialPlate was crafted to carve a niche by providing a mix of features not found in other ventures of its kind.
Company CEO and CSUN alumnus Artin Hovsepian describes YourSocialPlate as a combination social network, nightlife review destination and virtual concierge.
An idea for how to make a living from something he was passionate about led Hovsepian to build a team with diverse skills and the willingness to take a risk.
Hovsepian teamed with CSUN alumni Ara Asatourian and Omid Halavi, close friend Razmig Dermugerdichian and marketing professional Ali Farzin to build the company from the ground up.
'We sacrificed our graduate school entrances to enter this venture,' Hovsepian said. 'You need to compete with the big boys from the very beginning.'
Successful social networking websites can bring in huge money. In 2005 Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. bought MySpace parent company Intermix Media for $580 million, with the popular social networking website the key piece of the deal.
Starting a business from scratch can be risky, though, with just over 60 percent of all new businesses closing within their first 6 years, according to data from the United States Small Business Administration.
Asatourian, the company's chief marketing officer, who attained a bachelor's degree from CSUN in business management in 2006, believes YourSocialPlate will succeed by offering users a place to go for nightlife reviews from people they can meet and interact with online.
In its current form, the website supports venue reviews, creating a profile with user-uploaded photos, making friends.
To further differentiate YourSocialPlate from similar ventures like Yelp.com and Metromix.com, the team chose to build the community reviewing platform around four specific categories: hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and nightlife events.
'We want to target a niche market, because businesses are much more interested in advertising on a site that is in their market,' Hovsepian said.
The team has faced all manner of challenges along the way, not least of which was finding funding for the project. They have relied on a combination of seed funding from personal friends and family and angel investors, or private individuals who invest their personal finances.
The team raised more than $150,000 in capital, Hovsepian said. This was predominantly spent on web design, marketing consulting and data entry. Without a stream of money coming in, a start-up company is not able to cover its costs until advertising and other forms of revenue fill in the gaps.
'Other than getting people to believe in you, the hardest part is taking those first steps. A lot of people have great ideas, but they don't want to take the risk,' Hovsepian said.
Peter Elsesser, a web designer and application developer for the Pasadena Unified School District, stresses the importance in an idea's early stages of seeking the counsel of individuals with a technical background in the industry.
'Sometimes with new companies, especially when you get venture capitalist funding,' some of those investors will want to come aboard in management positions. In any kind of tech company, you want to make sure you are bringing people in who have been in those types of technical positions before,' Elsesser said.
For coding, data entry and site design, Hovsepian brought in Los Angeles-based GreatNet Solutions, where Halavi serves as CEO. They employed a team of data entry workers in India to create the more than 10,000 venue listing pages now featured on the site.
Though YourSocialPlate is now open for business and growing in its user base, the team is fixing errors and adding new functions as needs arise.
'We are still in the process of working out some kinks, adding things and trying to see what works and what doesn't as far as user experience,' Asatourian said.
The team is in the process of implementing a partnership with OpenTable.com which will allow YourSocialPlate users to make reservations online for restaurants or clubs they are interested in. Hovsepian hopes to come to similar agreements with online travel agencies and ticket vendors.
They are developing a system of points that will reward frequent venue reviewers with gifts, such as a dinner at a local restaurant.
The next steps, he said, are to work out any issues necessary to move the product from beta to its final version, and to spread the word. The company has employed a street team who will be visiting college campuses across California in the spring.
'You can launch an amazing product, but if you don't have the marketing behind it, it will fail,' Hovsepian said.
Asatourian has generally positive feelings about his undergraduate experience in the business program.
'The CSUN program prepared me for putting together a team and reaching out to different people in the industry. The business degree was very beneficial in that way,' he said.
YourSocialPlate.com is in its fledgling stages, and its founding partners are feeling the pressure that comes from the lack of full-time work with an established company. Still, they are frank and positive about their belief in the vision's success.
'We hope it is successful so that we can repay some of the many people who have helped us over the years. We are CSUN alumni, and we hope to give back,' said Asatourian.
What YourSocialPlate.com has to offer:
-' Allows users to create their own profiles.'
-' Write and read reviews of clubs, resturants and hotels.' '
-' Calendar listings of upcoming events throughout the city.
An ambitious group of recent CSUN graduates and close friends have decided to forego traditional corporate climbing to create a nightlife-focused social networking web community.
]]>Drive down Pacific Coast' ' Highway with the windows down, the music up, the wind in your hair, and come to a final stop at Duke's in Malibu.
Located at the water's edge, Duke's in Malibu was created in honor of Duke Kahanamoku, a famous Hawaiian surfer, Olympic gold medalist and actor. The theme of the restaurant recreates an island environment with a beachfront view, floral patterned furniture, and the constant sound of crashing waves.
Duke's is one of many restaurants from the TS partnership comprised of long time friends and co-founders Sandy Saxten and Rob Thibaut. They wanted to build restaurants in a variety of locations where they would want to live, accompanied by great food and an upbeat environment.
There is a separate menu for lunch and dinner, with lunch more casual and dinner being a bit more upscale. Lunch items consist of salads, sandwiches, and Baja fish tacos ranging from $10 to $20, with a variety of seafood such as seven spice ahi and sesame hibachi that are offered seasonally and vary in market price. The dinner menu features what Duke's calls 'fresh island fish.' In Hawaiian tradition, fishermen respected the sea by only fishing for certain fish during certain seasons. Duke's honors that tradition and guests should inquire about fish options with their servers for available seafood.
Their most famous appetizer is the Panko Crusted Calamari for $8, which consists of 10 calamari strips, goldenly fried and served with guava co*cktail sauce. A popular 'Island Favorite' is the Crispy Coconut Shrimp for $13.95 during lunch and a larger portion for $17.95 during dinner. The coconut shrimp is skewered with sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce.
Dukes' limited selection of desserts is hardly anything to complain about. Their featured dessert, Hula Pie, is made with macadamia nut ice cream, piled on a dark chocolate cookie crust, drizzled with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and topped off with more macadamia nuts. For only $6.50, one Hula Pie can feed about four people. Advertised as the dessert that 'sailors swim to shore for in Lahaina,' Hula Pie is tasty enough to satisfy any mainlander.
The main dining room serves lunch, dinner, and a buffet brunch on Sundays. A short distance away from the formal dining room is the Barefoot Bar. Here there is a rectangular bar with bartenders in Hawaiian shirts serving up a variety of draft and bottled beers, wine by the glass, and eight fruity beach drinks along with an outside patio overlooking the ocean. A favorite recommendation from many Duke's servers is a tall glass of the Lava Flow, a blended drink of pineapple juice, coconut syrup, strawberries, and rum topped with a pineapple slice for $7. The Bar offers a simple menu of eight entrees consisting of burgers, sandwiches, and tacos all served with crispy waffle fries.
The restaurant also has a beach party schedule. Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. there is an Aloha Hour, with special pricing on Barefoot Bar entr'eacute;es. Tuesday is Fish Taco Night and tacos are $2.50 at the bar from 4 p.m. until closing. Wednesday is Wine Night where guests get half off their choice of bottled wine with the purchase of two entrees. Fridays are made for Mai Tai Madness with $4 Mai Tais all night and Hawaiian dancers for entertainment from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The only thing that's a little less than paradise is the parking situation. There is limited parking on the street and valet parking is basically the only other option, but valet is affordable and the drivers are friendly and careful with the vehicles.
So get in your car, grab a couple friends, and head out to Duke's to experience a bit of local paradise before the winter cold sets in.
Duke's Malibu
At the Water's Edge in Malibu
21150 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA' 90265
Drive down Pacific Coast' ' Highway with the windows down, the music up, the wind in your hair, and come to a final stop at Duke's in Malibu.
]]>The Ceramics Guild held their annual sale over the weekend, raising money for art department clubs.
The sale was Friday and Saturday in the Art Center Courtyard with clubs like the Ceramics Guild, Animation Club, Illustration Club and Photography Club selling samples of their work.
'All the presidents of the clubs got together to make this a department-wide sale,' said Michelle Kim, the president of the Public Art Club and a ceramics major.
'Everything here is student-made,' said Ceramics Club President Arlene Monzon, also a ceramics major.
Each student was given a table of their own to display their works and the money raised by the art sale will be used to fund field trips, guest speakers and other events for the students in the art department.
Cory Bluemling, a ceramics graduate student, had recently sold a number of large pots to the school that will be displayed in the Art Center Courtyard and used as tree planters.
Items sold by the ceramic students included one-of-a-kind coffee mugs, planters, bowls and necklaces with circular ceramic pendants about the size of a half-dollar, all of which were hand made.
According to Manzon, the ceramic works start off as a wet piece of clay which is shaped by hand.
The piece is then allowed to dry and is placed in a kiln, or a large, purpose-made oven, where the dried piece of clay is fired for up to six hours.
After the initial firing the piece is painted, glazed and fired again, this time for about 10 hours, depending on the piece.
On Friday the clubs hosted a walk-through, displaying student artwork, according to Monzon who had some of her work displayed.
A total of 15 students displayed work for the walk-through in a total of 13 rooms.
'It is a chance for the public to walk through the studios,' said Monzon. 'It was open to friends, family, fellow artists'hellip;anyone and everyone.'
'There's a lot of great work,' said Hector Enriquez, the president of the Illustration Club. ' Different artists from different realms getting together.'
The Illustration Club sold prints and original works by its members, said Enriquez.
According to Enriquez, the inspiration for his work came from action movies from the 1980s and comic books.
The event ran from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Another walk-through of work done by Masters of Fine Arts students will be held on April 26, 2009 and the Associated Students is also working with Art Department clubs, as well as other clubs on campus, to organize a similar sale at the Farmer's Market held at the Northridge Fashion Mall, according to Kim.
Kim said the Public Arts Club is also working to arrange a map of the public art on campus.
'People always wonder what public art is,' said Kim. 'It can be anything from a statue in a museum to graffiti, anywhere the public can see it.'
]]>The Ceramics Guild held their annual sale over the weekend, raising money for art department clubs.
]]>The University Student Union (USU) is hosting an 'Up All Night' event during finals week in which they strive to create a comfortable studying atmosphere for students on campus.
'Our main focus is academic success,' said Hamid Jahangard, Program Coordinator for major events in the USU.' 'This event started about six years ago. We saw a need for this, so as a union we thought we should get involved.'
The events, hosted by the USU during finals week, are split into two parts and will take place from Thursday, Dec. 11 to Tuesday, Dec. 16. The morning half, which is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is in both the USU and the Satellite Student Union (SSU). Meeting rooms will be available for students to use as study rooms. The union is also giving out free study kits that consist of scantrons, pencils, pens, and candy.
The other half of the event at the SSU, which is located by the dorms at the corner of Lassen and Zelzah Avenues, will feature 24-hour study rooms available to students with crafts set up for a little break from studying. Also, every night the union will be giving out free dinner to 100 students from restaurants such as Chipotle, Pizzasaurus Rex, McDonald's, and Subway.
'We want to provide an opportunity to study and get away from studying,' said Jahangard.
For a break from studying during the weekend, the USU will collaborate with the Union Program Council, and show a free screening of the film 'Pineapple Express,' from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Sunday, Dec.14 in the Shoshone Room in the SSU.
To relieve physical stress, one night during the event, there will be a relaxation therapist available for a 25-minute relaxation exercise to rejuvenate students before they get back to studying.?
The massage therapist of the Klotz Student Health Center will also be giving free five-minute massages to students. These will take place every night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This isn't the only service offered by the health center, as there are many different aids available to promote student health in such a stressful environment, such as the atmosphere of finals week.' Sharon Aronoff, Health Educator for the Klotz Student Health Center, said the health center will be available during regular business hours.
'It is important that students know that we are available to them not only during finals week, but all throughout the semester,' said Aronoff.
Massage therapy is available at the health center for students. Outside of the free five-minute messages during the 'Up All Night' event, they are also available by appointment for 50 minutes, with ten minutes added to prepare for the appointment. These appointments are $25 for students.
Acupuncture therapy is also another stress relieving therapy available at the health center. The specialist is accessible by appointment only. Appointments are one hour and cost $20 for students.??
'We also have nutrition counselors on campus that can tell students what type of brain food to eat, in order to help them function well,' said Aronoff, advising that these counselors are also available by appointment. '
The Living Well Llounge is yet another feature of the health center. It is the satellite location of the health center, located at the University Student Union, directly across from the fitness center. Its regular business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursdays and Friday from 10a.m. to 2 p.m.
'We do free yoga there every Wednesday from 12 to 1 p.m.,' said Aronoff.
'It's a great place for studying with comfortable furniture. We also have a computer available there for students to use and print from.'
These services are available throughout the semester for anyone who needs access to them.
'When students are thinking about health and well-being, there are always things available at the health center, from massage therapy all the way to the pharmacy,' said Aronoff.
University Student Union 'Up All Night' Map of Services
]]>The University Student Union (USU) is hosting an 'Up All Night' event during finals week in which they strive to create a comfortable studying atmosphere for students on campus.
]]>Need a place on campus to relax or study for finals?'
Here are some suggestions:
'bull; Oviatt Library. The popular location has many meeting rooms, tables and areas for group or individual study session
'bull; University Student Union (USU) located on the east side of campus off E. University Drive
'bull; Satellite Student Union (SSU) at the corner of Lassen 'amp; Zelzah Avenues
'bull; Living Well Lounge at the USU
'bull; Botanic Gardens located south of the USU
'bull; Art 'amp; Design Center, north side grassy area
'bull; Sierra Hall, roof.' There is no shade, so you may want to bring a parasol or other means of sun protection
'UP ALL NIGHT' FAST FACTS
'bull; Held at the USU 'amp; SSU
'bull; From Thursday, Dec. 11 to Tuesday, Dec. 16
'bull; Free dinner to first 100 students from Chipotle, Pizzasaurus Rex, McDonald's 'amp; Subway
'bull; Free five-minute massages from 7 to 10 p.m
KLOTZ HEALTH CENTER FAST FACTS
'bull; Massage therapy: $25 for 50 minutes, $9 for 15 minutes
'bull; Acupuncture: $20 for 1 hour, $10 for 30 minutes
'bull; Chiropractic care: $5 per visit
To schedule an appointment for services, call (818) 677-3666 and select option 1.' According to the center's website, their peak hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit www.csun.edu/shc for more info.
Need a place on campus to relax or study for finals?' Here are some suggestions:
]]>It took eight games, but the Northridge women's basketball team picked up its first win of the season, defeating San Jose State 69-63 Sunday afternoon at The Matadome.
'We learned from all the other games and put it together for this game,' Matador Head Coach Staci Schulz said. 'All together top to bottom.'
Senior Ashley Blake led Northridge with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including three from behind the arc. She delivered two of them when the Matadors really needed a boost.
Leading by one with 5:59 remaining, Blake hit two consecutive threes that put the game away. The Spartans (1-6) didn't get closer than four the rest of the way.
Despite having been winless, the Matadors (1-7) closed it out and didn't let the game slip out of their hands. They held their largest lead of the game at the 2:57 mark, 61-52.
'Whatever I could do to help my team win is what I'm going to do,' said Blake, who also had a career-high six rebounds, season-high five assists, and three steals in an all-around effort.
'Beyond the shooting, she had a fantastic game,' said Schulz. 'She played like the senior she is.'
With less than two minutes remaining and the Spartans trailing 61-57, it was time to send the Matadors to the charity stripe and extend the game. Good strategy, but Northridge came through in the clutch, making eight of 10 free throws to close the game out. Guard Tonicia Tademy hit five of six, putting a nice finish to a solid 10-point, six-assist and five-rebound game.
'We competed for the whole 40 minutes,' Tademy said. 'Competing in spurts is not enough.'
The Matadors definitely didn't compete in just spurts, especially not in the first half. A 5-4 San Jose State lead quickly turned into a Northridge lead that they held for the duration of the first half. With the score tied at 22, a Bianca Davies field goal gave the Matadors a 24-22 that eventually climbed to 31-24 and a 33-29 lead at halftime.
To start the second half, the teams traded the first four baskets. Two Chasity Shavers free throws tied the score up at 44-44. The Spartans took their only lead of the half at 45-44 when Kelly Blair hit one of two free throws.
Davies played 15 minutes off the bench. As a unit, the Northridge bench outscored the San Jose State bench 18-7. Bridgette Conejo led the charge with seven points in 15 minutes.
As a team, the Matadors (1-7) shot 7-for-15 from three-point range, with an overall field goal percentage of 45.5. Center Jasmine Erving and forward Analee Viena-Lota helped Northridge control the paint, combining for 19 of the team's 26 points in the paint, and collecting 13 rebounds.
The Spartans were led by forward Shaunna Ridge's efficient shooting. She made three of four three-point attempts and her 16 points came on just nine field goal tries. Guards Chasity Shavers and Natalie White had 13 points apiece. White, however, struggled to find a rhythm offensively, making only five of her 17 attempts. She also turned the ball over seven times.
Northridge can now focus on putting together a string of wins and not have a losing streak in the back of their minds.
'We played better,' Schulz said. 'Better is what it took.'
The Matadors will look to continue to turn their season around as they travel to Fresno to take on Fresno State Tuesday at 7 p.m. Then it's off to Las Vegas to compete in the UNLV Holiday Tournament Dec. 19-20. Northridge begins its Big West Conference season Jan. 2 at Pacific.
]]>It took eight games, but the Northridge women's basketball team picked up its first win of the season, defeating San Jose State 69-63 Sunday afternoon at The Matadome.
]]>For the third straight game, at home, against the College of the Canyons, the CSUN Hockey team (6-7) had a lead going into the third period.
For the third straight time, they couldn't hang on.
Three years ago, COC ruined the Matadors' perfect season with a third-period comeback. Two seasons ago CSUN had a 4-1 lead in the third. COC came back again and won the game in overtime 5-4.
On Friday night, the Matadors had a 3-1 lead going into the final 20 minutes, but COC's Tyler Gilmore netted the winning goal of a back-and-forth nightmare that went to overtime and the Cougars left the Valley Ice Center with a 6-5 victory.
'I was definitely having flashbacks to the previous games,' CSUN forward Jason Bobich said.
Things started well for CSUN. Sean Park took a pass from Tom Duma on a breakaway and beat COC goalie Michael McGrath for the only goal of the first period.
Dusty Jordan received a pass off the half wall from Ryan Jackson and beat McGrath again on a breakaway at 13:29 of the second period to give CSUN a 2-0 lead. COC battled back on a goal by Daniel Chao. Late in the second period, Steven Stoll received a pass from Chris Gale' and beat McGrath to give CSUN a 3-1 lead.
In the third period Sean Park got his second goal of the game to give CSUN a 4-1 lead. Two minutes after Park's goal, Viktor Luka cut the lead to 4-2. Two minutes later Gilmore, playing in his first game of the season, cut the lead further to 4-3.
Penalty problems haunted CSUN again. Halfway through the third period Eric Stelnick scored the first power-play goal of the game to tie it at four.
'We started running around more in the third and that created more traffic in front of me,' said goalie Geronimo Cebrero.
The Matadors would get the lead back at 5:17 of the third period. Gale centered the puck off the right wing to Bobich. The puck deflected off of Bobich's skate and into the net. The referee signaled goal.
'I was surprised it was called a goal,' Bobich said. 'I was trying to kick the puck up to my stick and it ricocheted into the net.'
Michael Crow then converted on a five-on-three power play with 2:29 to go in regulation to tie it again at five.
In overtime Gilmore skated the puck end to end, stepped into the slot and fired the puck under Cebrero for the winning goal.
'A.J. Bernhardt pushed Gilmore wide and I couldn't get to him until after he released the shot,' J.P. Gale said.
CSUN is the second-most penalized team in the Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association.
CSUN ended the night 2-for-7 on the penalty kill and 0-for-5 on the power play.
Cebrero had 33 saves,
'Geronimo has been a No. 2 goalie his whole career, but now he's realizing he's a No. 1,'' J.P. Gale said. 'We let him down tonight.'
]]>For the third straight game, at home, against the College of the Canyons, the CSUN Hockey team (6-7) had a lead going into the third period.
]]>After the fact, UCLA Head Coach Ben Howland admitted he had been worried about the Matadors.
CSUN justified that concern Sunday night. But it did it 20 minutes too late for its hope of ending what's now a six-game losing streak.
The Matadors (1-6) dug themselves a huge early hole which even a second-half offensive outburst wasn't able to overcome. Tremaine Townsend had 23 points and Kenny Daniels added 13, but a balanced Bruin attack that saw it assist 22 of its 35 baskets led No. 12 UCLA to a cruising 87-65 win over CSUN at Pauley Pavilion.
Josh Shipp and Jrue Holliday had 14 points apiece for UCLA.
'We were on our heels defensively in the first half,' CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell said. 'We were overcautious, worried about what they were doing instead of what we needed to do.'
CSUN went with a zone defense that did little to prevent the Bruins from getting anything they wanted offensively in the opening period. UCLA's ball movement had the Matadors skipping from left to right to try and cover the top and the wings, but to almost no avail. With only three minutes gone in the game, the Bruins already led 9-2.
CSUN responded. It got within four. Then, an 11-0 run by UCLA opened up a double-digit lead it kept throughout. The Bruins were ahead by 22 with 4:17 left in the period. They shot 64 percent from the field for those first 20 minutes.
Northridge finally figured out a way to put up points, but that still mattered little. The Matadors hiked their shooting up to 60 percent in the second half, but the Bruins also kept their hand hot. UCLA shot over 50 percent itself and finished the rout without any major complications.
Townsend airballed his first two shots, but went on to make 10 of his next 13 attempts.
'I was in a good groove, but it still wasn't good enough,' he said.
It wasn't all bad either, though.
The Matadors went from lowest to highest at the end of the first half. At one end, CSUN had a two-on-one fastbreak end in disgrace. With the man advantage, 6-foot-4 Rob Haynes went up for what should have been the simplest layup of the game, but instead had it become a sandwich as 6-foot-1 Jerime Anderson pinned his shot against the backboard. Northridge had its vengeance right away, though. In the very next possession, Daniels stole a pass intended for Anderson and headed the other way as time ran out in the period. The Bruin tried to repeat the feat, but Daniels' hops made all the difference in the world as the starting forward gave Anderson a facial that sent the Matadors into halftime having cut the 22-point deficit to 41-27 and with something good to feel about.
UCLA, which was coming off a 68-64 loss at No. 8 Texas on Thursday, didn't give many more of those in the second half.
Three three-pointers - two of them by Darren Collison (13 points) - helped expand the UCLA lead to 56-23 with 16:09 left. CSUN stuck around and even managed to cut the deficit to 15. A subsequent 7-0 run by the Bruins, however, killed any hope of a comeback. Leading 77-57 with just over four minutes to play, Howland emptied his bench. Braswell also waved the white flag two minutes later.
'Obviously I'm not happy. Nobody likes to lose,' Braswell said. 'But I think we got better. Our execution was better.'
Braswell and the Matadors were also in search of a confidence-booster. Earlier this week, just days removed from their fifth straight loss, the coach admitted that some players were doubting themselves. Guard Deon Tresvant, who scored seven points in this one, didn't deny the statement, but said the team's confidence was growing by the game.
If anything they didn't lose a lot of that Sunday night.
'We did do some good things,' said Daniels. 'Things we worked on and we saw improvement on.'
The Matadors hope all that improvement can finally translate into a win Tuesday when they finally come back to The Matadome to face Denver at 7:05 p.m.
'We can't wait to get home,' Townsend said. 'We got to turn this thing around.'
]]>After the fact, UCLA Head Coach Ben Howland admitted he had been worried about the Matadors.
]]>The current budget cuts in the California State University system have had far-reaching effects on many CSU students and the crisis is expected to worsen next fall.
While some students have not experienced the budget cuts first-hand, others already dealing with the results are sharing how the situation has affected them.
Some professors are encouraging students to send a message to state legislators and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to help stop budget cuts in higher education, and to let unaware students know about the crisis.
Current CSUN student Danny Santana, 19, who is double-majoring in history and Chicana/o studies, said he has been affected by the CSU budget cuts this year because of the 10 percent student fee hike and not being able to afford on-campus housing.
'I know last year, I was able to afford living on campus and now 'mdash; everything, the price of housing, has gone up. Tuition, of course, definitely has gone up,' Santana said. 'My financial aid was able to cover my housing (last year) but this year it was only able to cover the first two months and I had off-campus housing, which was a lot cheaper and financial aid wasn't able to cover that.'
Santana said even while having a job, he was not able to afford housing and now has to drive from home to the university.
'I'm actually commuting right now from South Central all the way here to CSUN,' Santana said. 'It's a three-hour bus drive and that's without traffic.''
Since many of the classes have been cancelled, Santana said he would not be able to graduate from CSUN in four years. He now expects to graduate in five years.
'I know I still haven't finished my core requirements for history and I'm already on my second year and even after this year, I'm not going to have my core requirements for my history major done with because just of the lack of availability of classes,' Santana said.' ' '
'
Santana is part of Students for Quality Education, an organization on campus that opposes the CSU budget cuts. Santana, along with other SQE members, attends rallies and protests that oppose the budget cuts to higher education. Santana recently attended the rally that took place at the Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 18-19 in order to let state legislators and CSU officials know how the organization feels about the current CSU budget crisis and to stop the budget cuts from continuing.
'Personally, why I'm going is pretty much in defense of my education,' Santana said.
'The reason why we (SQE) were at the Board of Trustees is to first of all keep (Chancellor Charles B. Reed) accountable because he gave $31.3 million back to the state, so that's money we really needed that we could of used,' said Santana. 'So that's just a shame because he already knows that we're really going through a financial crisis and (the CSU Board of Trustees is) talking about bigger cuts, so we don't know what this means for students.'
Darrell Tripp Jordan, a bio-technology major, opposes the budget cuts in the CSU system because the state will lose many future leaders.
'Ten thousand lawyers, administrators, great teachers, all these people for the future'hellip; They come from the CSU system,' Jordan said. 'So we're losing a lot of great future people.'
'A lot of good students that couldn't afford (going to a university) are not going to be here and then they have to take that long run,' Jordan said. 'People get stuck at city colleges and I don't like that at all.''
Many professors and lecturers are aware of the budget crisis that is affecting many of their students. Monica Turner, a Pan African studies lecturer, encouraged her Pan African studies 151 classes (PAS 151) to attend the rallies at the Board of Trustees meeting in November. Since PAS 151 is a public speaking course, the rallies were an opportunity for students to speak out about the current CSU budget cuts, Turner said.
'I teach public speaking and to me we have to move beyond speaking into action and this was a way of giving them (students) exposure and practical experience on how to use their voices to affect change, so it was a very powerful project to take them out of the artificiality of the classroom and give them real life experience,' Turner said.'
Turner has heard many of her students share their stories on how the budget cuts have influenced their lives.
'I'm extremely concerned about the students because many of the students, the constituency that I serve, come from impoverished backgrounds and education is the ticket out of poverty,' Turner said.
Turner said she was inspired by her student's stories.
'I think what really inspired me the most is when a couple students said to me, 'Professor Turner, I will not be able to come next semester,'' Turner said. 'They're already in debt.
They're already working and now they're being forced back into the workforce with limited skills, no degree, and student loans. I think that's unconscionable.'
'Some of these (students) catch as many as five buses from the inner city to get here. They're working two jobs. They're strapped financially,' Turner said.'
Turner expressed her thoughts on Gov. Schwarzenegger proposing the budget cuts to the CSU system.
'For the first time we're closing the doors to the CSU system,' Turner said. 'I don't think that's the legacy that Governor Schwarzenegger wants to leave office with, that he basically contributed to the undoing of a major revenue in the California economy.'
'I understand that there's a sense of urgency and that maybe we're trying to figure out how to go about doing this, but I don't think closing the door to opportunity is the way,' Turner said.
Turner's PAS 151 classes, along with the SQE, joined on Thursday and Friday on campus to encourage CSUN students and others to fill out fax forms that will be sent to the Gov. Schwarzenegger in opposing his proposed budget cuts to the CSU system.' '
One of Turner's students who became aware of the crisis in the CSU system this semester is first-time freshmen Alejandro Hernandez, double-majoring in graphic design and Chicana/o studies.
Hernandez said he had many reasons other than being in Turner's PAS 151 class to be out on campus encouraging students to fill out fax forms.
'As a student, I'm out here because I pay out of my pocket so tuition increase is going to affect me greatly,' Hernandez said. 'Right now, I have to work two jobs. I have to help pay my rent. I have to help my mom pay her rent because she's only working one job because of the economy.'
'(People) are losing their jobs so I have to do my part by just coming here and spreading the word because a lot of the students aren't aware of what's going on and I see it as like, 'Wow, how can these students not be aware of what's going on?' and I just want to spread the awareness,' Hernandez said.' '
Hernandez explained why education is needed today.
'If you look at it, education helps people,' Hernandez said. 'When someone's educated, they don't go to the streets to do violence. They don't go to the streets to tag. When people become educated, they know what's better. Just by educating people there will be less people getting into trouble, less people going to prisons.'
'He's (Gov. Schwarzenegger) putting money to the prison system so he wants people to go to prisons. He wants people not to be educated,' Hernandez said.
The state of California currently faces an $11.2 billion budget deficit that is expected to increase to $24 billion by 2010. Because of the state's budget deficit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state Legislature has to cut about $97.3 million from the CSU budget. The $97.3 million budget cut comes after Gov. Schwarzenegger proposed a $66.3 million mid-year budget cut in addition to a $31.3 million one-time cut that was approved by the Board of Trustees in October, said the CSU.
It is expected more budget cuts will be proposed for the 2009-2010 CSU academic year.' This would mean the CSU system would have to turn away 10,000 students to all 23 CSU campuses. This comes after CSU applications for fall 2009 are up about 20 percent from last year. All CSUs have seen a growth of first-time freshmen applications, especially among minority students.
CSUN, a university with a high minority population and a university with a high number of first-time freshmen applicants, will also be affected next fall with the recent budget cuts in the CSU system. CSUN officials say CSUN will turn away roughly 1,100 first-time freshmen for the fall 2009 semester.
CSUN faculty members have heard various estimates of how many first-time freshmen have been turned away from CSUN so far '- the current highest estimation is about 600.
Provost Harry Hellenbrand said he thinks the number of students expected be turned away from the campus will end up about 4 or 5 percent lower than the estimated 1,100.
Although 10,000 first-time freshmen will be rejected next fall, Santana and Hernandez encourage first-time freshmen applicants not to give up in higher education.
'I definitely encourage first-time freshmen to get involved because they (Gov. Schwarzenegger and state legislators) denied access to 10,000 (incoming freshmen) and that's just crazy because this is the first-time Cal States have decided to do that,' Santana said. 'The Cal States actually said, 'Sorry, but we cannot afford to keep you in the university. Even though you did it, we cannot afford to keep you.''
'It's not your fault,' Hernandez said. 'First of all, you can't blame yourself for not getting into the institution. I would say blame the governor.'
Students who oppose the budget cuts in the CSU system are encouraged to fill out fax forms. To find out more information on how to fill out a fax form, how to join an organization like the SQE, and to learn more about the proposed budget cuts to the CSU system, visit www.allianceforthecsu.org or www.calfac.org.
]]>The current budget cuts in the California State University system have had far-reaching effects on many CSU students and the crisis is expected to worsen next fall.
]]>In a time of mounting school fees, slashed education budgets, tight-fisted student loan lenders and an uncertain fiscal future, never before has maintaining a clean financial sheet been so crucial to college students.
But many are finding it hard to do just that, said Citibank financial advisor Elaine Kazuko Takehara, who spoke to students about debt management at the University Student Union's Ventura Room on Dec. 3.
' 'The number one problem a student faces is credit,' said Takehara, bemoaning the spendthrift culture so many college-goers have taken up.
She said many young adults, enamored with owning their first credit card, often make extravagant lifestyle purchases without considering the consequences.
'I'd say the most important thing is self discipline,' she said.
Takehara emphasized five things a student should consider before making a purchase.
She said they should ask themselves if they really need the item, and if they must have it right away. They should also ask what would happen if they do not buy it right away and question how they have gotten along thus far without it. Most importantly, they should ask, 'How much will this really cost me?,' she said.
Takehara illustrated how when using credit cards, what initially is thought of as a bargain may eventually leave a consumer with a sour taste in his or her mouth '- especially after taking into account various charges and interest rates. She also described how an unpaid debt could lead to years of payments.
Takehara, who said she' bought her own house at 21, stressed the importance of a good credit rating in securing home and car loans in the future.
'Make the minimum monthly payments'hellip; If you fall behind they will increase the interest rates,' she said. 'If you are having difficulty, work with the banks and tell them you are a student.'
Takehara floated the idea of using eBay as a source of extra cash, proposing that debt-ridden students put the extra cash from the venture towards settling debts.
She also advised students to 'decrease spending on lunch, gasoline, Starbucks.'
Takehara acknowledged the disparity between credit card interest rates and the standard interest rates given by banks to those who open saving accounts.
'Don't start saving until you get rid of debt,' she advised.
Journalism student Marlene Salinas said she took away some helpful tips from the talk.
The 19-year-old said she had around $600 debt and that the tips on credit card management were what she took away most.
Stacey Price, 21 and also a journalism student, said although she had no debt, the talk was pivotal in illustrating the importance of good credit.
Takehara offered some parting words for students to follow.
'Have a goal in mind,' she said, 'set a budget and stick to it, practice good spending habits, once you're dug out stay out.'
]]>In a time of mounting school fees, slashed education budgets, tight-fisted student loan lenders and an uncertain fiscal future, never before has maintaining a clean financial sheet been so crucial to college students.
]]>It happened during winter break. On Jan. 17, 1994, at 4:30 a.m., CSUN sophom*ore Melissa Lindell was sound asleep in her dorm room in Building #10. Not far away, in Heather Hall, CSUN junior Robby Lowell was lying in bed thinking, 'We haven't had an earthquake in a long time.' A minute later, Robby's bed was shaking so hard, he had to hold on to avoid being thrown to the floor.
At exactly 4:31 a.m., 15 years ago, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook the Los Angeles area. The Northridge quake left 57 people dead, thousands injured, and countless buildings damaged or destroyed to the tune of $15 billion. All 107 buildings on the CSUN campus were damaged, some beyond repair. But there was a silver lining in the midst of the dark clouds that defined this natural disaster: Students Robby and Melissa fell in love.
While the ground was shaking, Melissa, a child development major, was in shock. 'It wasn't until after the R.A. pounded on my door that I put on my clothes and ran out of the building.' Melissa soon found herself standing in the dorm parking lot in the dark with several other students. Meanwhile, Robby had his own reaction to the quake. 'I thought it was a bomb,' said the RTF (radio/TV/film) major. 'It was pitch black because the power was out, so I had to feel my way out of the room,' said Robby.
After he and his roommate forced open a jammed emergency door, Robby was outside in the parking lot too, where the R.A.s were passing out sheets and blankets.
'It was freezing cold outside,' said Melissa. 'I asked Robby if he wanted to share a sheet.' Robby recalled, 'We saw blue lights and sparks in the sky'mdash;it was the transformers blowing out across the city.'
But there were also sparks flying between Robby and Melissa. After a mutual friend introduced them, Melissa asked Robby if he wanted to share the blanket with her. Robby agreed, and as they huddled close, the chemistry grew, even as the earth rumbled with aftershocks. Robby remembers his initial 'pick-up line' was, 'What's your major?' Since the R.A. informed the 400 or so students outside that it was unsafe to re-enter the dorms, about five quake refugees spent the next day at Melissa's mom's home in Encino.' 'My mom was on a honeymoon cruise through the Panama Canal,' Melissa said. 'She didn't have access to a land line, and had to spend around $700 to satellite a phone call to me.'
When they finally connected days after the disaster, Melissa told her, 'Mom, I've met the man I'm going to marry.'
The Granada Hills home of Melissa's brother, Steve Kesten, was red-tagged after the quake. 'My sister told me that she met this amazing guy. I said: 'What? There was an earthquake and you were picking up guys?'' said her other brother, Rob Levy. The 'pick-up' blossomed into a wonderful courtship, and on April 26, 1998, CSUN graduates Robby and Melissa tied the knot.
Currently, Melissa is the director of a preschool and Robby works in the film business.
Each has followed through with their passion from their CSUN days. And talk about coming full circle: Melissa's parents are going back to the Panama Canal this January on another cruise. 'Which means there will be another earthquake,' said Robby.
]]>All 107 buildings on the CSUN campus were damaged, some beyond repair. But there was a silver lining in the midst of the dark clouds that defined this natural disaster: Students Robby and Melissa fell in love.
]]>The Bush administration is once again trying to chisel away at Roe vs. Wade.
President George Dubya announced last week his plan to pass a resolution to the 'right to conscience' rule, which currently protects doctors, health providers and medical institutions who receive federal funding from being discriminated against if they refuse to perform or refer abortions based on their religious or moral beliefs.
Under Bush's new rules, this protection will extend to anyone who assists in the performance of abortions, sterilization or any other surgery in which they morally object, along with any institution or program that is 'related in any way to provide medicine, health care, or any other service related to health or wellness,' states the proposal released by the Department of Health and Human Services.
This announcement is merely Bush's last-ditch effort before he leaves the Oval Office to dissolve the protective barriers between church and state under the guise of a thinly veiled, broadly defined rule that will create more bureaucracy and difficulties for the reproductive rights of women.
The First Amendment is necessary to protect citizens of their freedom to practice religion.' At the end of the day, doctors, nurses, surgeon's assistants and other medical professionals are simply citizens behind the white coats, stethoscopes and scalpels and by no means should they be exempt from this right to stand by their beliefs.' However, they also have an obligation to the rights of their patients seeking their medical knowledge and help.
The three laws to be reinterpreted under Bush's new resolution are the Church Amendments, which states hospitals and other medical facilities receiving federal funds cannot force personnel to perform abortions if it is against their beliefs; the Coats Amendment of 1996, which protects hospitals or individuals who refuse abortion training; and the Weldon Amendment, passed in 2004 which states federal agencies and state programs cannot discriminate against insurance companies, hospitals and other medical entities for their refuse to provide, cover or refer abortions.
The problem with this resolution, other than it's a blatant attempt by Bush to inject the church into women's reproductive rights by claiming they are protecting the rights of morally conscience people in medicine, is that the definition of those covered under the rule blankets the entire spectrum of those workers in the field.
According to the proposal, everyone from the operating surgeon, assisting nurse or employees designated to clean specific surgical instruments who have a 'reasonable objection to the objectionable procedure including referrals, training and other arrangements' are protected.
How thin should 'reasonable connection' be spread?' The person responsible for preparatory procedures, such as applying an alcohol prep pad for a needle, injection may refuse to do their job simply because they feel the need to apply their personal convictions against an innocent patient.' What happens when a victim of rape decides it is too painful to carry a child resulting from a sexual violation, and the only attending nurse refuses to assist in the abortion?
Additionally, instead of prescribing birth control, providing condoms or referring the patient to take the Plan B pill, a physician or pharmacist can instead give a figurative prescription of the Book of Genesis if their religious or moral beliefs dictate that women should not control their birthing abilities in the slightest means.
The new rule states it 'does not limit patient access to health care, but rather protects any individual health care provider or institution from being compelled to participate in, or from being punished from'hellip; (services that violate) their conscience.'
Despite this claim, the regulation does in fact stand in the way of women's rights through a broad definition that allows those in the health industry to not only practice medicine, but administer their religious beliefs on their patients who, regardless of their sex, race or creed, require help. By eliminating the avenues of access to these services, the administration is in fact going against what it purports to do.
In passing this regulation, Bush is leaving it up to President-elect Barack Obama and Congress to get caught up in the tangled, bureaucratic mess of instituting another rule to trump over this one.
Women's rights are just the tip of the melting iceberg if this resolution is passed before Dec. 20.' The rule may also cover end-of-life procedures such as assisted suicide and artificial insemination.
By passing this rule, Bush is allowing free reign of acting through faith rather than acting on behalf of the good faith of the patient.
]]>President George Dubya announced last week his plan to pass a resolution to the 'right to conscience' rule, which currently protects doctors, health providers and medical institutions who receive federal funding from being discriminated against if they refuse to perform or refer abortions based on their religious or moral beliefs.
]]>The Cal State Northridge women's basketball team came home Sunday night for the first time in 15 days and picked up its first win of the year, defeating San Jose State 69-63. It must feel good to be home.
But now it's time to hit the road again and not return home for another 15 days.
The Matadors don't have a lot of time to savor the victory that snapped their 16-game home losing streak, one that dated back to the 2006-07 season. Tuesday night they head north to Fresno State to battle with the Bulldogs at the Save Mart Center.
Northridge must have as much confidence as it has carried in quite some time, coming off what has to be considered as its best overall performance this season.
Offensively, the Matadors logged a season-high in points, field goal percentage and assists. Defensively, they held San Jose State to 63 points, the lowest mark a CSUN opponent has hit this season. Northridge also continues to improve on its fouling problem, holding the Spartans to just 17 free throw attempts on Sunday.
So perhaps things really are beginning to look up for Northridge. Head Coach Staci Schulz feels so, saying that the team finally put it all together on Sunday for a complete game. Now, it must be said that the Spartans weren't really top-notch competition, so we'll see how the Matadors fare against Fresno State, which is 5-2 on the year and has yet to lose at home this season.
Fresno State has used the same starting lineup in all of its games and its definitely a small one. The Bulldogs' tallest starter is a 6-foot-1 forward, while all other four are under six feet tall. This could be a huge advantage for the Matadors, especially bigs Jasmine Erving and Neeta Sreekanth who could potentially have their way underneath the basket.
Date: Tonight
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Where: Save Mart Center, Fresno
Series: Bulldogs lead 13-4
Last Meeting: Bulldogs 69 @ Matadors 58 (2007)
Interesting Fact: After 43 years, Fresno State was selected to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance last season. The Bulldogs lost to Baylor in the first round.
Matador to watch:
Ashley Blake, guard, senior
Blake has been a mainstay in the Matador rotation since her freshman year and she's certainly stepped up when the team needed it most. Her back-to-back three pointers late in Sunday's game helped seal the victory for Northridge. The guard is averaging 12 points, five assists and four rebounds in the last three games. Her leadership is key for the team to perform well.
Bulldog to watch:
Bailey Amundsen, guard, senior
Amundsen is definitely the leader of the Fresno State squad. She is tops in points, with over 13 a game, and rebounds, with nine a game. She is a pure scorer from all over the floor, shooting 46 percent from the field, including 44 percent from behind the arc. She also shoots over 82 percent from the free throw line, so the Matadors must work to keep her away from it.
What did she say?
Staci Schulz, Matador Head Coach
On the first win of the year:
'I was absolutely pleased with the effort. It was key to get the ball in the paint and we did that. Blake played like a true combo guard. They are definitely progressing out there.'
The Cal State Northridge women's basketball team came home Sunday night for the first time in 15 days and picked up its first win of the year, defeating San Jose State 69-63. It must feel good to be home.
]]>The Matadome isn't exactly your typical state-of-the-art arena, but it sure is going to feel like a million bucks to some homesick, down-kicked Matadors tonight.
And it's because its modest, 1,600-seat home court is where CSUN last saw a win. That was almost a month ago and against a Division-III rival. After that, Northridge packed its bags, visited six different venues and came out a loser from all of them.
It's home-sweet-home time for the Matadors, though. They face Denver tonight.
CSUN's six-game road trip was a disaster. They were close in only two of the games (at Bakersfield Nov. 21 and at Drexel Dec. 1) and were blown out in the rest. The last one was a visit to No. 16 UCLA on Sunday. The Matadors were outplayed, out-shot and out-hustled in the first half. They woke up in the second 20 minutes, but by then it was too late for anything but trying to learn a lesson. The Bruins ended up winning comfortably, 85-67.
But CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell said he wasn't overly disappointed with the accomplished during the trip, one that hit its lowest point when the Matadors lost to the Roadrunners 67-65 due to what the coach defined as lack of effort. Braswell now feels his team's execution is better, as is its fight.
And in comes Denver, which '- along with a heavy dose of a home crowd - is just what the doctor ordered for the Matadors. The Pioneers (1-5) got its lone win of the season Friday in dramatic fashion, with guard Kyle Lewis hitting a game-winning 15-foot jumper with two seconds left in regulation. They're a young team. Their most-experienced players at the level are a couple of juniors (guards Tom Chott and Nate Rohnert).
The Matadors know they aren't in position to overlook anyone, though. Many of their fans will gather to support them for one last time before heading into winter break. They don't want to disappoint.
Date: Tonight
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Where: The Matadome, Northridge
Series: This will be their first-ever meeting
Interesting Fact: Gregg Popovich, a four-time NBA champion as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, obtained a master's degree in Physical Education and Sports Sciences from Denver.
Matador to watch:
Tremaine Townsend, senior, center
Townsend looked out of it to start the game at UCLA and even airballed' his first two field goal attempts '- something that drew a popular chant from the Pauley Pavilion crowd. The center settled down soon, though, and missed little thereafter. Townsend made 10 of 15 shots and led all scorers with 23 points in the losing effort. He also managed to stay out of foul trouble, something he's struggled with this season. Against a bunch of young Pioneers, the senior needs to match the effort, lead by example and end the losing streak.
Pioneer to watch:
Nate Rohnert, junior, guard
With two seasons under his belt (both with Denver), Rohnert is the most experienced Pioneer on the squad. The 6-foot-5 guard out of Parker, Colo. is the team's leading scorer at 15.3 ppg and also a deadly three-point shooter, with an average of over 46 percent. The only problem is that, even though the guy is young, he's got to be getting tired. The junior is averaging 37.5 minutes on the court per game. That gives him about two minutes to rest per contest. Those Denver guys sure got some lungs.
What did he say?
Bobby Braswell, CSUN Head Coach
On the road trip and the team's reaction to it:
'In my whole tenure here, we've never been through a stretch like this where we had to play this many road games in a row. Unfortunately, we couldn't get any home games, but our hope is that it made us tougher and stronger for (the Big West Conference schedule), and we'll find that out soon.'
The Matadome isn't exactly your typical state-of-the-art arena, but it sure is going to feel like a million bucks to some homesick, down-kicked Matadors tonight.
]]>Two brand-new hybrid cars took center stage at the Los Angeles Auto Show, what has become the biggest event in the world for new model introductions.
Though gas prices have dropped to four-year lows amid an economy in recession, new models from Honda and Chevrolet offer some significant advances in technology and styling and could become the first real challengers to the Toyota Prius for king of the green car hill.
The Honda Insight, released in 1999 as a 2000 model, was the first mass-market hybrid on sale in the United States. It sold in small but steady numbers, but was much slower than other Honda small cars like the Civic and lacked a rear seat.
The new Insight, which will go on sale next April, is a five passenger sedan and features styling which matches that of other Honda cars but looks more like a Toyota Prius than anything else on the market. It will be powered by a small four cylinder engine and an electric motor with power stored in the same type of nickel hydride batteries used in hybrids on the market today. Honda promises a base price under $20,000 while the current Prius starts at more than $22,000.
Chevrolet is straying far from the mold by offering a hybrid car with brand-new technology that will allow it to go 45 miles or without ever dipping into the gas tank. The model, known as the Volt, uses a new type of lithium ion battery that is much more expensive to produce.
Chevrolet says the Volt will be released in 2010 as a 2011 model, though an exact date has not yet been set.
Because of the cost of the batteries, the Chevrolet Volt will be set at a higher price point than the Insight, parent company General Motors says. But as GM struggles to stay afloat, Chevrolet representatives at the auto show promised deep tax breaks for Volt buyers.
With more and more automakers pushing the envelope of alternative powertrain technology, the real winner will be car buyers as each company tries to push the high efficiency model to greater heights.
]]>Two brand-new hybrid cars took center stage at the Los Angeles Auto Show, what has become the biggest event in the world for new model introductions.
]]>Fernando Moreno became a criminal justice major to combat the gang violence he grew up with in the Lennox area. While visiting that very same area, he was shot and killed in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Moreno was standing in front of his mother's house in Inglewood at 3 a.m. when a light colored car approached him, said Sergeant Infante of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Following an argument with one of the male occupants of the car, one of them brandished a gun and fired several shots into Moreno's upper body, said authorities.
'It's really ironic,' said Braynt Ortiz. 'He was studying criminal justice to and then to die from gang violence.'
Moreno was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance, and after several tests, the doctors informed his girlfriend that he was brain-dead. Moreno was taken off life support and died at 7 a.m. Monday morning.
Moreno had a 2-year-old son with his girlfriend, Alexandra Acosta.' She said apart from being noble and caring, Moreno was very smart and committed to not only providing for his family, but receiving a higher education.
'He grew up in a bad part of town and saw past it,' Ortiz said. 'When his son was born he moved out of Lennox.'
Moreno worked full-time at a Chevron gas station in Manhattan Beach and went to school full-time, so he was usually only home at night. However, this didn't mean he never attended to his son, said Acosta.
'You know how some mothers tell their husbands 'do this' or 'do that,' well I never had to do that with Fernando,' Acosta said.
Moreno's family is seeking donations to cover funeral costs.' For those interested in donating, please contact Bryant Ortiz at sufferdajoy@yahoo.com.
]]>Fernando Moreno became a criminal justice major to combat the gang violence he grew up with in the Lennox area. While visiting that very same area, he was shot and killed in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, Dec. 6.
]]>After the Cal State University system and the Union of Auto Workers (UAW) failed to reach an agreement over fee waivers, the Union of Academic Student Employees (ASEs) announced a strike beginning at 7 a.m. today.
The UAW proposed full fee waivers for its student members, which the CSU estimated would cost $8 to $11 million a year, said the CSU.
'CSU's continued unlawful practices have prevented UAW and CSU from reaching agreement on a new contract,' the UAW Local 4123, CSU's UAW chapter, stated in a release on their website.' 'The goal of the strike is to convince CSU to bargain lawfully and reach agreement with UAW as quickly as possible.'
In a statement, the CSU said it 'is prepared to take appropriate legal actions, should the UAW proceed with their planned concerted activities.'
The AWU, which represents 6,800 teaching assistants, said in their statement that the 'goal is not to 'shut down' campus or prevent students from accessing campus.'
The strike will occur in front of Manzanita Hall.
After the Cal State University system and the Auto Workers Union (AWU) failed to reach an agreement over fee waivers, the Union of Academic Student Employees (ASEs) announced a strike beginning at 7 a.m. today.
]]>During the holiday season, in what is normally a small and quiet suburban neighborhood of Woodland Hills, a transformation takes place.
What started as a tradition over fifty years ago has become a seasonal San Fernando Valley destination. Numerous residents decorate their houses and yards with Christmas lights every year creating the popular attraction, Candy Cane Lane.
The lack of snow in December doesn't keep residents of the eight-square block area between Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street from creating their own winter wonderland. At no cost anyone can drive by and share in the neighborhood's holiday spirit.
For the residents of Candy Cane Lane an ordinary string of lights outlining their homes is not enough. A spectacle of colorful lights, moving reindeer, nativity scenes, Santa Clauses in every size, and large ornaments hanging from tall trees, complete with holiday music, barely sums up what to expect in this neighborhood.
By driving or walking around the area you can spot an eclectic variety of pop culture icons from Mickey Mouse to Pokemon all part of the holiday yard exhibits.'
Ryan Glowaski, a resident in the neighborhood and CSUN alumni has been participating in the holiday festivities for four years now. He said it is a tradition for residents to pass down the decorating from one generation to the next. He added that owners tend to sell their houses to buyers who promise to continue with the tradition.' Some even leave behind decorations for future families.
Glowaski currently resides in the house where his mother -in-law grew up. She was part of one of the first families who started the Candy Cane Lane light festivities.
Glowaski said he uses about 50,000 light bulbs in his display, including a 20-foot-long Merry Christmas sign, and a snow man with artificial snow.
If you ask Glowaski why he chooses to spend long hours decorating and then taking everything down after the holidays, he smiles and offers a simple answer.
'I decorate for people like you who come every year to enjoy the lights,' said Glowaski.
His wife and children stand outside as he continues his work. Glowaski's wife adds that they continue to decorate because they know all kids, especially their own, will enjoy it.
When they're not decorating their own house, the Glowaski's take time to enjoy their neighbors' holiday displays.
'We tend to drive around Candy Cane Lane three to four times a week,' said Glowaski.
Another resident of the neighborhood, Sonny Lopez, resides on the street titled, Candle Light Lane. He moved to Woodland Hills about 40 years ago.
'When I bought the house there was a sign that said Candle Light Lane and I asked the real estate agent what that meant, but she wouldn't tell me. She told me to wait until the holidays came around and I would find out.'
Ever since then, Lopez and his family have been adding to their light display every year. With decorating taking a couple of weeks to set up the they start right after Thanksgiving. Though there is no set date for the displays to come down the Lopez family keeps their decorations up until Jan. 8.
'I enjoy looking at children's faces when they see the lights,' said Lopez.
Extremely proud of his family tradition, one of his favorite parts about Candy Cane Lane is the visitor interest.
'People love to hear about how long it's been,' said Lopez.
Whether you are all about the holiday spirit, or need a boost to get into it consider taking a trip down Candy Cane Lane.
View Larger Map]]>
During the holiday season, in what is normally a small and quiet suburban neighborhood of Woodland Hills, a transformation takes place.
]]>Four years ago when I began taking my journalism courses I had hopes that upon graduation there would be jobs available for me. Never did I believe that within that time the entire concept of journalism would change as well as the business market.'
Recently, the Tribune Company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy stating that it is $13 billion dollars in debt. For some this may not come as a surprise because we have seen a handful of large corporations file for bankruptcy like a domino effect all through out the year. Yet for journalism students, this is more than just another corporation.
The Tribune, which owns the Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, nine other daily newspapers, 23 television stations and the Chicago Cubs serves as a symbol of a prominent news corporation that for decades has survived through many economic trifles, yet the times could not have been worse for a recession.
Amidst the constant change of digital technology that affects almost every aspect of the media, professional journalist are struggling to adapt and master video and audio skills that have begun to dominate new forms of journalism. For many these simple skills have become vital in order to secure their rapidly vanishing jobs in today's market.
For college students who plan to pursue a career in journalism this may feel discouraging, especially since our entire education has been based on teaching traditional forms of journalism. Not until recently has the journalism department tried to effectively incorporate new media courses into the program that teaches students how to use and produce multimedia packages that are necessary to fulfill both print and online needs.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that just like any other industry, journalism is a business and like every large market in our economy it also has been hit. For journalists this just comes at a bad time. This is all due to cause and effect.
In the news industry how it's always worked is that news media companies majorly depend on advertisem*nts for profit. However, with the economy in a recession many businesses are forced to cut back on advertisem*nt spending given that they, too, have lost profits and or do not have enough money to spend since they are also facing possible bankruptcy.
Regardless, our outlook should not be to give up and call it quits because the business outlook of the media is suffering. Instead this is a time when we must call for reforms in the way our market has been managed and to look for new ways to make up for the losses we have suffered.
At a time when 2 million jobs have been lost already and daily reports show that more jobs have been cut, it is fair to say that we have hit the trough of our economic cycle, and there is only one way to go: up. Our field has been bombarded with constant changes and may seem extremely unstable, yet this is always the process before stability cools over the turmoil.
Although the media industry has suffered through many ups and downs and its future looks bleak, journalists have always been taught to be more flexible and to quickly adapt to the situation, just like what is demanded from them during their practice in the field.
It is safe to say that the jobs will always be there for journalists. Perhaps not as it has been for the past hundred years, but the role still needs to be filled no matter what the form of communication is.
The need for the government watchdog has never been more important. During times when government spending is at their peak, with a $700 billion buy out for the housing market and another possible $15 billion buy out for the car industry, journalists must be there to secure that none of the money is being used by corrupt politicians for their own personal gain.
If that is not enough, the possibility of President-elect Barack Obama's 'Economic Recovery Plan' being passed by Congress allowing the possibility of another $400 to $700 billion to be spent on resurrecting the economy, is safe to say that the jobs for journalists are still in demand if not in dire need.
]]>Four years ago when I began taking my journalism courses I had hopes that upon graduation there would be jobs available for me. Never did I believe that within that time the entire concept of journalism would change as well as the business market.
]]>I'm surprised first of all that I enjoy a CSUN toilet long enough to space out, but the University Hall bathroom is near perfect, lacking only that of a bathroom attendant ('A spritz of Ralph Lauren before criminology, sir? Perhaps, a Mentos?'). But it's not the best on campus.
As my parting gift for students of this fine institution, as I take the reins of a doomed future, I bestow to thee CSUN's finest, most opulent lavatories. Coming from a guy ashamed to admit how many excursions were made home to go Number Two, these locations are gold.
First'mdash;before I map out the best seats'mdash;you should know the world is divided into three types of people: crumplers, folders, and non-wipers. Oddly enough I was born with a sixth sense to differentiate whom.
Those who crumple toilet paper are often crass, frivolous, outgoing individuals who disturbingly plow through meals at dinner as though to prove something. They're also under the belief that their finger won't slip through the unfolded sheets. (It'll happen.)
Folders are not better people, just neater. Potty time is a transcendental experience.
Sometimes we even hang our shirts on the door to center ourselves. Using a minimum of four sheets, we feel that we protect our fingers from slippage. (We are also wrong.)
The non-wipers of America are either too poor (feel free to use my column) or don't mind bearing skid marks during coin-op laundry day. I haven't befriended any non-wipers, but my guess is that they're very forgetful.
At CSUN the only major concern, besides finding the golden toilet, is the scratchy, see through TP we're cursed with.
For us folders, I recommend a leg's length of sheets per wipe for durability purposes'mdash;and for the love of whatever theological idol you believe in, don't use the second floor Oviatt Library bathrooms.
It should go without saying that first floor stalls are always a sad story, but booby traps are erupting within the Tseng Gallery. Auto-flush toilets are a joy for germaphobes, but not with faulty sensors, jetting premature swirls upwards like a filthy bidet.
'Psychology is mostly a female profession,' an unnamed Sundial reporter whispered to me during class. 'The department is on the third floor of Sierra Hall, and not many guys pass through there.'
He mentioned how since it's an older building the bathrooms have larger floor plans. 'These things have to be carefully researched.'
Amen to that! While I haven't had the chance to explore the Art department, Juniper Hall, and several others, I have sampled numerous stalls, spending hours of study time atop porcelain thrones playing Tetris on my phone'mdash;or, as I nicknamed, 'Poop-tris.'
Traffic is a pertinent tool in choosing your personal stall. Enough human bodies consistently gathering in one area leaves a scarlet letter of stanky-ness. Always avoid the first and second story of any building, the exception being University Hall nearby the main staircase.
Places like Citrus Hall (Science Hall 3) have decent stalls on the third. The elevator smells like axel grease and is slower than molasses, which left me dancing with sweaty anticipation. So give yourself time to ascend to the red checker-tiled think tank.
Across the walkway in Eucalyptus hall you'll find an epic failure in this one-room shanty. It's the type of nightmare Ewan McGregor swam through in 'Trainspotting.'
Then somewhere along my crusade, I ran into John Gides, an English instructor, who revealed a treasure map.
'Uh,' he began after I asked which bathroom he uses. 'Well, the seventh floor of Sierra Tower has a little stench to it,' he said. 'But the eighth floor is golden.'
And so it came to be. The seventh floor smells like a biohazard dumpster behind a nursing home, but the eighth floor is pristine.
The white and cornflower blue tiles have a glowing aura that sings, and there's one sink, one urinal, and one roomy stall large enough to waltz in. In the stall, overhead, is a metal bar connecting the partition to the wall. This is good should you feel like hanging your coat or umbrella. If you cough hard enough it will echo throughout the duration of your visit.
' As for the lady's rooms, I did not get a chance to visit. But I'm sure, location wise, that the same goes for you.
And that is my gift. The ivory tower in which the golden potty lies. It's yours. Enjoy it over your endless pursuit for a bachelor's degree. And no matter where you venture, in bathrooms or in life, I hope you find your place.
]]>I'm surprised first of all that I enjoy a CSUN toilet long enough to space out, but the University Hall bathroom is near perfect, lacking only that of a bathroom attendant ('A spritz of Ralph Lauren before criminology, sir? Perhaps, a Mentos?'). But it's not the best on campus.
]]>Like most history-rich films pertinent to our times, we could only wish they'd been released earlier. This rings true about 'Milk''mdash;the new Gus Van Sant-directed biopic about Harvey Milk and the gay rights movement expanding from the Castro District'mdash;and the recent firestorm over Proposition 8. Had this been released before autumn, we may be living in a discriminatory-free California.
The power to influence plays a major character, but having 'power,' as described by Sean Penn's character (the first openly gay politico elected to office), is not the main objective.
'It's not about personal gain, not about ego, not about power,' says Milk (Sean Penn) in a tape recording shortly before his death. 'It's about the us's out there.'
Self-proclaimed as the 'Mayor of Castro Street' in San Francisco, Penn plays the aggressive populist that becomes the booming voice of the gay rights movement. He begins by opening a camera shop with boyfriend Scott Smith (James Franco), and rallying gays to the area, eventually gaining support and popularity from all sides when rallying his forces to boycott Coors from San Francisco bars.
The film chronicles Milk's political ascension from 1970 '- 1978, and is strung together with traditional narration and a melodramatic structure of Oscar-caliber performances from Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, and Diego Luna ('Y Tu Mam'aacute; Tambi'eacute;n').
'Things have changed, but they haven't changed,' Brolin said during an interview in regard to gay rights issues.
He went on to mention different religious organizations perception of gay marriage, 'I'm upset that many communities don't believe this is a civil rights issue. I think it is.'
After playing the fervent portrayal of Bush in Oliver Stone's 'W.,' Brolin eerily electrifies the screen once more as newly elected supervisor Dan White. He befriends Milk, also an elected supervisor (achieved with inspiring tribulations), and the two begin lobbying for each other's votes.
As their political careers take different turns, the relationship falters between White and Milk, inevitably reaching the film's tragic (yet influential) conclusion.
Aside from the politic-heavy set 'Milk' invigorates, the movie marks Gus Van Sant's fluent return to a more mainstream Hollywood after festival-circuit films like 'Elephant' and 'Last Days.'
However, the gay community has never been justly portrayed till this film with every man-on-man kiss lusher than the last. When shooting on the set, Diego Luna said kissing Sean Penn was overrated. 'It was too dry,' he said laughing. 'I guess he didn't care too much about me.'
Luna went on to say that Sant confidently provides every actor with 'the moment,' making every performance that much stronger and flawless.
Inter-spliced within the film is actual footage of opponents to gay rights during the late '70s battle, which lend a documentary feel to Milk's story of internal struggle.
'It's not easy to walk into a room filled with straight people who might be antagonistic and in introduce yourself as the gay guy,' said screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. 'Harvey was great at it. But I wish it did happen more in the fight against Proposition Eight.'
'Milk' draws a straight line between respect and tolerance, and becomes an agent of change.
With the still continuing fight against Proposition Eight, the lack of a strong singular voice begs us to ask: 'Where is Harvey Milk now?'
And as that old clich'eacute; goes, history is bound to repeat itself again. Let's only hope 'Milk' can echo for a long time to come.
Dedicated to Dylan Miles, a harrowingly magnificent voice that could've influenced so many others. Bless you.
]]>Like most history-rich films pertinent to our times, we could only wish they'd been released earlier. This rings true about 'Milk''mdash;the new Gus Van Sant-directed biopic about Harvey Milk and the gay rights movement expanding from the Castro District'mdash;and the recent firestorm over Proposition 8.
]]>Aloud medley of hard rock meshed with bluesy sounds best describes Night Horse's latest album.' 'The Dark Won't Hide You' is an aggressive depiction of fading love and a prospective spiritual future.' Although the album barely tops half an hour, the six tracks deliver a screeching tour de force paired with classic rock tunes.
The Los Angeles-based group was founded in late January 2008.' The dark lyrics of this latest effort keeps the listener on edge as the fast rock pummels the eardrums.' At times melodic and calm, the domineering intensity and passion of the rock 'n' roll are constantly present.
' In the title track, 'The Dark Won't Hide You,' issues of introspection, self-revelation and self-understanding are touched upon.' 'Turn the page you gotta open the book / To make the change, you gotta look at yourself' sings Sam James Velde.' He continues with the idea of honesty in the following lines, 'How you gonna run when you know the dark won't hide you?''
An appropriate name for the song, the title also defines the album succinctly.' The album would be missing a vital ingredient without the singer's style and overbearing persona.'
Formerly part of a group named Bluebird, Velde spent a few years roaming the underground music world in vain searching for an appropriate rock 'n' roll group.' Night Horse proved to be exactly what his artistic endeavors desired.
'Wicked Love' explores the longing that a lonesome man feels toward an indifferent woman.' 'She makes you smile and now you're a child,' expresses Velde as the music gets louder and heavier.' During a middle section, as the music and tempo slow, the vocalist continues, 'She flies in on a painted wing / She's the one you've been dreaming of' reminding the listener that love is heavenly in its illusion.' By the end of the song, the meaning of its blatant title hints at the outcome of 'another chance for you for wicked love.'
Overall the theme of the album is uplifting and inspiring if not a bit too energetic. The lead, rhythm, and slide guitars played by Justin Anthony Maranga and Gregory Hill Buensuceso dovetail each other in a powerful fashion.
'The Dark Won't Hide You' is a dim path into an individual's psyche that still manages to retain some hope and optimism in a bleak world.
Four stars out of five
]]>Aloud medley of hard rock meshed with bluesy sounds best describes Night Horse's latest album.' 'The Dark Won't Hide You' is an aggressive depiction of fading love and a prospective spiritual future.
]]>Local band 'Road to Bremen' is on the road to success performing around the valley in hopes of affecting fans around the world with their music.
Darren Massey, lead singer, has been writing and performing music for years.' Massey and band mate Nick Alley have been writing and performing music since they were in eighth grade.' While in college, the other three members Johnny Ashkar, Nate Beck and Danny Bell joined the band to complete the Road to Bremen crew.
All of the members of the band are influenced by many styles of music and their sound is a composite of every style that interests them.'
'We sometimes describe our sound as the soundtrack of the roaring '20s just as the stock market crashed,' Massey says. Massey has been influenced by Queen, The Beatles, The Beachboys, Duncan Sheik, Radiohead and more.
RTB avoid comparing themselves to other bands because it 'aides in generalizing and we personally don't think that works for describing our music,' Massey says.
In its current form, the band has been together for roughly a year, but Alley and Massey have been working together for many years.' The members of the band range from ages 20 to 25.
Massey says that ideally they want their songs and their music to mean something to people.'
'We want them to evoke emotion,' Massey says.' 'If a song makes you shed a tear of joy, great, but if the song makes you angry or disgusted, we are equally satisfied for having done what we aimed to do,' Massey says.
For Massey, his dream is to be able to play music to the point where it is his only job.' ' He doesn't care about the fame or fortune he just wants to play music for as long as he is happy doing it.
RTB has played at almost every major Los Angeles venue.' Their next move is to expand outside the Los Angeles area and on to other areas of California.' After that, they would like to expand to other states and perform their music worldwide.' '
RTB is currently part of an international battle of the bands.' They have made it to semi-finals, which will be at the Roxy in April.' If they win, they will advance to the regional finals at the Key Club in Hollywood. where the winning bands will play in the international finals in Germany.' In the Battle of the Bands, the audience has a lot to do with which bands moves on and Massey is very appreciative of those who support them.
They have a debut album set to be released in December called PLUG!' To promote their album they will be giving out free copies at their shows preceding the release of the album.
RTB performed at CSUN on November 19.' ' Students gathered around to watch the performance in the University Student Union.'
Visit RTB at myspace.com/roadtobremen or their Facebook page for upcoming shows and events.
]]>Local band 'Road to Bremen' is on the road to success performing around the valley in hopes of affecting fans around the world with their music.
]]>CSUN's board of directors met Monday in the University Student Union to discuss issues and projects to better student life on campus. '
One issue was regarding amplified sound in the USU and the Satellite Student Union in regards to performances and other events.' Amplified sound is electronic amplification and mechanical amplification of any sound.' Currently, there are restrictions for performances in the Plaza del Sol located in the USU.' ' USU performances are allowed Wednesday and Thursday only from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. '
The motionwould allow performances to be three times a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.' This would allow nighttime performances as well as daytime performances.' Pre-recorded background music or voice amplification for public speaking that is minimally amplified is permitted on any weekday as long as it does not interfere with any other scheduled event.
This motion, which was approved byt he board, would prohibit foul language in public performances.' The performers would have to sign a contract in advance agreeing to adhere to this rule.' This would decrease foul language and make it a 'family friendly, ultimate college experience,' Board of Directors Chair Dan Monteleone said.
The next motion that was brought up was adding console gaming to the new Games Room.' The consoles include X-Box 360, Playstation 3 and Wii systems.' The coin-op video games aren't as popular anymore and with new and improved technology, console gaming is in demand. '
'This will enhance the campus and update the technology,' Finance Director Travis Daniels said.' In a survey last year, 80 percent of students said that they would use console gaming, and said they would pay up to $5 an hour for it. The motion passed and for $4,789, console gaming will be implemented in the gaming room.' Students will be charged $3.50 an hour to use these services.' '
'Students wanted this on campus for a while,' Monteleone said. '
There was also a motion to purchase five, nine-foot pool tables to add to the Games Room. '
'This will bring in new tables to get a new feel and a better experience for students,' Daniels said.' Currently, there are six pool tables, but they are roughly 35 years old and worn out. These new pool tables would be contemporary black and chrome models.' It would cost $10,000 to purchase and move these pool tables.' These new tables will improve the quality of play for students and will enhance the look and feel of the Games Room. '
The Games Room will be moved below the Fitness Center.' There will be a computer lab implemented in the old game room for students to access computers because computers are high in demand on campus.' 'They are renovating it now, and will be available to students next semester,' A.S. Attorney General Michael Ryan said.
Another motion passed for renovation of the Fitness Center and locker room renovation, which would cost $29,700.' This would support pool and Fitness Center functions and add a pool to the recreation center.' Renovation will take up to two months.
'This will make it easier for students to access a pool on campus, and have a ten lane pool,' Ryan said.' The pool on campus is only open for the swim and water polo teams and some classes.
]]>CSUN's board of directors met Monday in the University Student Union to discuss issues and projects to better student life on campus.
]]>CSUN's Model United Nations (MUN) team at traveled to the city of Xian in China over the Thanksgiving weekend to participate in the International Model United Nations Conference.
During a 10-day period, five student delegates from the MUN team represented the country of Kazakhstan on issues of global warming and economic development, and received the Outstanding Delegations Award.
Samantha Carnell, head delegate for the China trip, along with her fellow MUN teammate discovered the opportunity for the first international conference in China and asked their advisor, professor Peter Kappas, if the trip would be possible.
Kappas encouraged the students to seek funds from the school since the MUN team had a strong record of doing well in national conferences.
In 2007 the MUN team received the Outstanding Delegation Honor, MUN's equivalent of first place. In 2008, they competed against over 3,000 students in the national conference held in New York and repeated their success, representing Afghanistan and taking the top overall honor.
Alexandra Cole, associated professor from the department of political science, was the adviser for the China trip.
Last May when her students came back from the conference in New York, there was discussion about a China trip being in the works. Cole, along with Kappas suggested finding the money to fund the trip due to MUN's continued success.
'I suggested that the students go in with the argument that the MUN team has a winning track record so it would be important to go. It's like USC making it to the Rose Bowl and not showing up,' said Cole.
With her professors' encouragement, student delegate Carnell attended an Associated Students meeting during the summer and presented her case. The MUN team was allotted $36,000 for the entire year, and a large portion of that money funded the trip to China.
Cole, who is currently on sabbatical this semester, was asked to be advisor on the trip since she would not have to leave any classes when accompanying the students to China.
An advisor's role is to regularly go to committee meetings, addressing any concerns they may have, and overall making sure that they are prepared for the competition, said Cole.
Cole said that her biggest international challenge as an adviser was making sure that the entire team was together and that no student got lost.
'There was an extra level of stress, the Chinese people are very punctual and in California we're used to being a few minutes late to things. I picked up on that pretty early and made sure all the kids were where they needed to be,' said Cole.
Jorge Guerrero, a 33-year-old economics and political science major, was the only male delegate on the team. Guerrero, along with his partner, Marguerite Sanvictores, won the award for Outstanding Position Paper on the special session on global warming during the conference.
Position papers are similar to research papers where delegates assume the position of their country on a certain issue and debate on that issue according to their country's policies.
Carnell and her partner also won an Outstanding Position Paper award for their work in the economic and social plenary.
If the MUN delegates could tell CSUN students anything about what they do, Carnell and Guerrero both agree that the opportunity to be a part of MUN has been extremely beneficial.
'MUN is definitely worth considering. Sometimes there's a misconception that its 'child's play,' but it is not an easy class, it's very intense and you have to be very educated on your country's issues,' said Guerrero.' 'MUN helps students professionally develop their public speaking skills, and it is a bond you share with your classmates, as well as an opportunity to represent your school well.'
'It's not only a class, there is team spirit similar to a sports teams. MUN gives you an opportunity to be a part of something special that CSUN has to offer, and it's a valuable program.' It's the most valuable thing I have take from CSUN,' said Carnell.
]]>CSUN's Model United Nations (MUN) team at traveled to the city of Xian in China over the Thanksgiving weekend to participate in the International Model United Nations Conference.
]]>He became a criminal justice major to combat the gang violence he grew up with in the Lennox area and while visiting that very same area he was shot and killed in the early hours of the morning on Saturday.
'It's really ironic,' said Bryant Ortiz his friend and CSUN student. 'He was studying criminal justice to stop gang violence and then to die from gang violence.'
Fernando Moreno had just arrived at his mother's house after picking up a friend from a party. After he had parked the truck he was driving, Moreno noticed that it was a little off and reparked it.' This was one of his pet peeves, said Alexandra Acosta, his girlfriend and mother of his 2-year-old son, Alex.
As he was stepping out of the truck a light-colored car stopped next to him, and it was then that one of the occupants asked Moreno where he was from, Acosta said.
'He kept saying he wasn't from anywhere and that he wasn't into that stuff and then they shot him in the head,' Acosta said this past Monday, hours after Moreno was taken off life support.
Before speeding away from the scene, the driver identified himself as belonging to a local gang, said Acosta.
Moreno was taken to the UCLA hospital in an ambulance, and after several tests the doctors informed Acosta he was brain-dead. Moreno was taken off life support and died at 7 a.m. Monday morning.
In August, Sheriff Lee Baca said in L.A. County there had been 5,800 deaths due to gang violence.
Ortiz, a junior business finance major, said that despite having grown up in Inglewood, Moreno was never attracted to the gang life.
'He grew up in a bad part of town and saw past it,' Ortiz said. 'When his son was born, he moved out of Lennox.'
Acosta said apart from being noble and caring, he was very smart and committed to not only providing for his family, but receiving a higher education.
He worked full-time at a Chevron gas station in Manhattan Beach and went to school full-time so he was usually only home at night. If he passed all of his classes, Chevron would reimburse his tuition, said Acosta.
'When the semester was almost over he would be worrying that he wasn't going to pass his classes.' He would say 'Babe, we really need the money,'' Acosta said.' 'Then he would come home with three A's and a B that would crack me up.'
Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for his son Alexander, said Acosta.
'You know how some mothers tell their husbands, 'do this' or 'do that,' well I never had to do that with Fernando,' Acosta said. 'He was the most caring father when he was around him.'
When things would get tough or those around Moreno would get frustrated, he would always say, 'Life's a circus,' Acosta recounted.
For Moreno, she said, a perfect day would be a day spent surfing without a care in the world. Spanish-language soap operas were one of Moreno's guilty pleasures.
'Not a lot of people knew and he would be so embarrassed if he knew I told people, but he loved watching novellas together,' Acosta said. 'I sometimes missed them on Friday and when I would see him on Saturday he would fill me in.'
Moreno is survived by his 11 brothers and sisters and his mother, Lorena Alvarez. His father passed away when he was 12. Moreno was also the first in his family to go to college.
'I told him I was very proud of him and that I was sorry I couldn't help him go to college,' his mother, Alvarez said. 'But he told me, 'It's okay mom, I'm going to do it and I'm going to work hard.''
When Moreno was 16 he started his first job at McDonald's. When he wasn't working, he would volunteer at his school, his mother said, adding that he was always dedicated to school.
'He would always follow through with his studies and would always give his brothers and sisters advice.'
When Moreno had the choice he loved to eat hand-made tortillas and red enchiladas.
She was proud of the father he became and loved to watch him interact with his son, Alex, because he was always caring and playful, said Alvarez.
Despite the fact that he was in his mid-'20s, he was a kid at heart, Alvarez said. When he would visit her, Moreno would always go outside and play with the kids.
'He would come in joking and playing,' Alvarez said. 'He was always very funny and I'm going to miss that, how could I not?'
Moreno's family is accepting donations; those who wish to help can contact Bryant Ortiz at sufferdajoy@yahoo.com
]]>He became a criminal justice major to combat the gang violence he grew up with in the Lennox area and while visiting that very same area he was shot and killed in the early hours of the morning on Saturday.
]]>After almost two hours, Associated Students held their last meeting during which they gave out a total of $8,950 to clubs, organizations and themselves while also passing several resolutions that would go into the next semester.
A move, backed by President Miguel Segura, to remodel the front desk was also shot down after concerns from several of the senators that the timing for such a move wasn't right.
Segura wanted to remodel office since it hadn't been remodeled in twelve years and the desks used in the senator's offices were too bulky among other issues.
'I understand that the office hasn't been remodeled in over 12 years, but if you think about it right now is not the time and we don't have enough money,' said senator Luis Carbajo.
While senators Carbajo and Abel Pacheco suggested that the renovation of the front office be turned into a two-step process, thereby only spending a portion of the costs now the measure was completely dismissed.
A resolution by the University Affairs committee to set aside at least five rooms for the Deaf Studies Department to use was also passed. The resolution also stated that rooms would be renovated with consultation from the department and would be available for use no later than the fall of 2009.
Another resolution was passed; it would compensate the finance committee's work as they prepare the annual budget for the 2009-2010 school year. It was created as an incentive to keep them on, since it takes a lot of time to train someone new said Sam Scruggs.
'It would pretty much compensate them for the 40 hours they would be putting in'hellip;they help speed along the bureaucracy and allows for different points of views,' Scruggs said.
'The finance committee plays a central part in assisting senators in making the best decisions in allocating money to clubs and organizations.'
The policies committee, headed by senator Andrew Collard, passed a resolution amending the number of times a senator can be absent in the by-laws so that they're parallel with their constitution.
'It's already in the constitution so we just wanted to make sure we're concurrent with our constitution,' Collard said.
The resolution stated that a senator could have three unexcused absences or five absences total. These must also be recorded in the minutes, should a senator exceed the number of allowed absences they will have to vacate their seat. However, exceptions can be made with the A.S. President.
The Blues Project, a peer suicide prevention program, run by University Counseling, was awarded $2,100.
'I think we should allocate the money because they are doing a great job and service for students,' said senator Montana Pham.
The Following Clubs' and Organizations'
Constitutions Were Passed:
'bull; CSUN Triathlon Team
'bull; Basketball Club?
'bull; CSUN Paintball?
'bull; Minerva Leadership Organization
'bull; Swedish Student Club?
'bull; Bachelor of Science Nursing Student Association?
'bull; Chinese Student Association?
Allocations:
'bull; Recreation Management Association $1,100
'bull; Minerva Leadership Organization $1,100
'bull; Society of Women Engineers $2,400
'bull; Blues Project $2,100
'bull; Finance Committee $2,250 for their annual budget stipends and amenities
Appointments to election committee:
'bull; Sarah Edman
'bull; Qundeel Khattak
'bull; John Takashima
After almost two hours, Associated Students held their last meeting during which they gave out a total of $8,950 to clubs, organizations and themselves while also passing several resolutions that would go into the next semester.
]]>A lecture with Hunter Lovins was held at CSUN Tuesday to spread the word to college students about environment sustainability.
Lovins, president of Natural Capitalism Solutions, gave a presentation that expressed the concern of the environment, and how we need to improve the quality of life in ways that enhance and protect the earth's life support systems.'
Natural Capitalism Solution's mission is to educate senior decision makers in business, government and society about the principles of sustainability.'
'We need a miracle,' Lovins said.' We can buy time by radically reducing resources more effectively.' Biomimicry is an approach enables a wide array of materials to be produced with low energy flows, in processes that run on sunlight, with the constant reuse of materials and the elimination of toxicity.' 'We are eating down the capital of the earth,' Lovins said.'
Lovins provided examples of companies that changed something simple and saved thousands of dollars.' A company that used 6,300 computers and monitors, were put in sleep mode or stand by when they were not in use.' These computers were shut down when they were not in use, and saved the company $700,000 a year.'
Another company that remained nameless shut off lights that weren't needed, and saved $650,000 a year.' These companies saved money and helped save resources.
Walmart has invested $50 million in sustainability.' For Super Walmart's they have put doors on the refrigerated food aisles.' These food cabinets have light detectors so the lights are dim until someone comes up to the grocery case.' They also implemented different light bulbs that do not omit as much heat.
UPS is working with companies to use hybrid trucks.' This will increase fuel efficiency by 60 to 70 percent.' ' '
Ninety percent of our time is spent in buildings, said Lovins.' Some schools have gone to 'day lighting,'' which is uses natural light rather than artificial light during the day.' This has lead to higher test scores for students.'
'If we don't get a hold of it now 60-90 percent of species will be gone,' Lovins said.' Students are the leaders of today.' 'I believe in the capacity of the human species to rise to the challenge,' Lovins said.'
To go along with 'going green,' there was an organization informaing students on December 18, 'A Day Without a Bag.' This day will promote the use of reusable totes rather than plastic bags for a day.' Plastic bags are made from fossil fuels, which are nonrenewable resources that we cannot afford to waste.' They create pollution and can kill marine life in the oceans.' 'We will be giving away 20,000 reusable tote bags all over the county to make sure we practice what we preach,' Eveline Bravo, Beach Programs manager said.' 'This will promote education and awareness of usable tote bags.''
Lovins said that people don't change until they hit rock bottom.' 'We're hitting rock bottom,' Lovins said.' 'We have all the technologies to solve the problems facing us.'
]]>A lecture with Hunter Lovins was held at CSUN Tuesday to spread the word to college students about environment sustainability.
]]>Following one of the few turnovers CSUN had Tuesday night, starting forward Willie Galick fell to the floor grimacing in pain and placed his hand near his ankle as an injury timeout was called. He hopped on one foot to the bench, possibly dropping Head Coach Bobby Braswell's blood pressure a few dots.
A few minutes later, he was hopping again, but back on the court, and it became official: the only thing that could have spoiled the winning return of the Matadors home was just a scare and CSUN is again on the right track.
Northridge (2-6) came back to the scene of their then-last victory nearly a month ago and found an answer to their fans' question 'Are we ever going to win again?' by obliterating Denver 80-53 at The Matadome.
'It means a lot,' said center Tremaine Townsend, whose 14 points helped CSUN snap a six-game losing streak. 'But we still know where we're at. We know what we got to do to keep on succeeding.'
Winning in a rout was step 1 of that and it came easily. Facing a team which has an age-average of under 19, the Matadors took advantage early and often. Less than seven minutes had ticked off the game clock and CSUN was already up by double digits, 12-2.
The Pioneers eventually found someone who could hit a shot '- mainly Rob Lewis, who led all scorers with 18 '- and managed to keep the score decent. Northridge went into halftime leading 35-22.
CSUN scored the first basket of the second and Denver never got closer than that the rest of the way. The Matadome crowd, who had waited 25 days to see its home team again, was able to see its Matadors defend the home court. CSUN is 2-0 in the building.
'One thing coach (Braswell) tells us to do is to protect our house if we want to win the conference championship,' said point guard Josh Jenkins, who went back to the starting lineup after a brief two-game stint as a reserve player. 'That's one of our main goals this year: to focus on getting wins at home.'
It was Jenkins himself who made it happen this simply for CSUN. The point guard had 13 points of his own, but the stat line that mattered most was the assist -turnover ratio: 9 -2
'Josh was as good as he's been all year,' Braswell said. 'He made big plays and easy plays. He got the ball to people that were open. He was like a general out there.'
'When he plays that way we have a chance to be successful.'
Jenkins came into the game as one of country's leader in turnovers. No point guard wants his name next to that label, so he decided to do something about it, he said.
' 'Just all the naysayers over there,' Jenkins said when asked what the difference for him personally during Tuesday's game. 'From the Daily Sun(dial), to the fanatics, to all the polls that say I'm No. 1 in the nation in turnovers. I felt I had to prove that I'm a much better point guard that I've shown previously.'
He did and thanks to that '- along with 14 points from Galick and 13 from Tresvant '- the Matadors got the losing monkey off their backs.
]]>Following one of the few turnovers CSUN had Tuesday night, starting forward Willie Galick fell to the floor grimacing in pain and placed his hand near his ankle as an injury timeout was called. He hopped on one foot to the bench, possibly dropping Head Coach Bobby Braswell's blood pressure a few dots.
]]>Beware struggling head coaches in the National Basketball Association: the front office is trigger happy. Six weeks into the season and already four teams have made changes at the head coaching position.
The most recent firing came Monday when the Minnesota Timberwolves fired Randy Wittman after a dismal 4-15 start to the season. Given his poor performance, the move is justified, but what Wolves owner Glen Taylor said is ridiculous.
According to Taylor, Wittman hadn't lived up to the 'goals and expectations' considering the 'talent' he had to work with.?
And what talent is that exactly? Taylor is just trying to make himself feel better, because he put together this roster of duds. They have Al Jefferson, and that's pretty much it. Oh, and my main man Mark Madsen (can't forget about the Mad Dog). Randy Foye, Rashad McCants, and Corey Brewer are all works in progress that haven't showed much progression thus far in their careers.?
Again, Wittman probably wasn't the guy in Minnesota. His record (38-105) in nearly two full seasons on the job suggests as much. The NBA is a player's league, though, and they should take accountability when things go bad just as much as they receive praise when everything is going right.?
P.J. Carlesimo, Eddie Jordan, and Sam Mitchell have been the three other casualties.
Carlesimo lasted just 13 games in Oklahoma City, Jordan was axed two days later (11 games into Washington's season) and Mitchell was fired after the Toronto Raptors lost nine of their first 17.?
The Thunder own the worst record in the league, because they don't have a player who can will them to victory. Kevin Durant is only in his second year and still hasn't got the handle on the professional game. He puts up good numbers, but he needs to learn how to lead a team that needs exactly that: leadership.?
The Wizards have been without Gilbert Arenas all season. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison didn't do enough to aid Jordan when the rest of the team was quitting on him.?
Mitchell is a former Coach of the Year award winner and should have been given more time to turn this season around. He is a proven head coach, but the league has always been about 'What have you done for me lately?'?
There are other head coaches around the league who haven't done much lately. If you think four head coaches is enough for one NBA season, then think again fellow NBA apologist. There is a strong possibility that at least three more head coaches could be packing their bags before the end of the regular season.?
- Reggie Theus, Sacramento Kings?
I know what you're thinking. Can the Sacramento Kings really get rid of the guy who played as Coach Bill Fuller in five episodes of the 1995 television series 'Hang Time?' Well my fellow '90s kids, the brutal truth is that Theus did a better job of coaching there than he has coaching the Sacramento. ?
The Kings are 5-16 and they enter this week's back-to-back set against the Los Angeles Lakers riding an eight-game losing streak -- and of the past four losses, three have been blowouts of 26, 23 and 33 points.?
Kevin Martin has been injured for most of the season, but Theus has a decent roster to work with and hasn't been able to get it done.?
- Mike Dunleavy, Los Angeles Clippers?
The Clippers' 4-16 start has them sitting No. 14 in the Western Conference, slightly better than the hapless Thunder. The problem for Clipper fans is that Dunleavy took over as general manager after Elgin Baylor was shown the door, giving Dunleavy some leverage.
And when has owner Donald Sterling ever done what's right for the organization??
Dunleavy's clash with superstar Baron Davis is typical Dunleavy. Davis needs the freedom to play the game that former coach Don Nelson gave him in Golden State. The Clippers have the roster to compete night in and night out, but Dunleavy has to go if this team hopes to go anywhere.?
- Terry Porter, Phoenix Suns?
It wasn't too long ago when the Phoenix Suns were one of the best teams in the NBA, running and gunning and averaging over 100 points a game. But then General Manager Steve Kerr arrived and changed the whole philosophy by trading for Shaquille O'Neal and signing Terry Porter as the head coach. The result is what you see now: an unhappy 12-9 basketball team. ?
One could argue that the Suns of old weren't going to win a title, but at least they got close. This year's team will struggle just to make the postseason. Or, as Jim Mora, Sr. once exclaimed, 'Playoffs!?' ?
The changeover in Phoenix from Mike D'Antoni's offensively-oriented system to Porter's defensive-minded schemes is running into resistance from certain corners of the Suns locker room, notably from Steve Nash who hasn't looked like a two-time MVP. ?
In the NBA, a head coach needs to accommodate to his roster of players, good or bad, and at the same time, earn the respect of those players. Most coaches are able to do that. The others end up in a mid-December column.
]]>Beware struggling head coaches in the National Basketball Association: the front office is trigger happy. Six weeks into the season and already four teams have made changes at the head coaching position.
]]>The Cal State Northridge women's basketball team entered Tuesday night with confidence. The Matadors heads were held high coming off of their best offensive effort all season.
Now, all that's in their minds is their worst offensive performance in nearly 34 years.
The Matadors (1-8) were defeated by the Fresno State Bulldogs 68-29 Tuesday night at the Save Mart Center in Fresno.
The 29 points is the lowest single-game output since Northridge scored 27 points against UCLA on Feb. 3, 1975. That was the first year of the program's history.
'That was just kind of a nightmare,' said Matador Assistant Coach Abby Vaughan. 'We just couldn't execute. We struggled from the start all the way until the end.'
With just over a minute left to play, CSUN was standing at 25 points and staring history in the face. But Freshman Bridgette Conejo sank a runner and then, with just five seconds remaining, senior Tonicia Tademy hit a jumper to keep the Matadors from tying the record.
Northridge scored the game's first basket, but didn't put up much of a fight after that. Down by six with eight minutes left in the first half, the Matadors could only muster up a single point the rest of the way and went into halftime down 30-11.
'We played decent defense in the first half,' Vaughan said. 'It kept us in the game somewhat, and we figured our shots would start falling, but they just didn't.'
The offense picked up slightly in the second half, but the defense was unable to hold the Bulldogs, who improved to 6-2 on the year.
Bailey Amundsen, Jaleesa Ross, and Monique Arnold led Fresno State with 12 points each. Ashley Blake led all Matadors with five points.
Northridge has 10 days off until it travels to Nevada to take part in The Desert Classic in Las Vegas. The Matadors will battle the UNLV Rebel on Dec. 19 and then, depending on the outcome of that game, take on either Southern Mississippi or Oklahoma State the following day.
]]>The Cal State Northridge women's basketball team entered Tuesday night with confidence. The Matadors heads were held high coming off of their best offensive effort all season.
]]>The United Auto Workers (UAW) union announced strikes at CSU campuses will be postponed pending negotations over fee waiver benefits between the CSU and the union of Academic Student Employees (ASEs).
The UAW Local 4123, which represents the CSU's 6,800 ASEs, announced Tuesday they would hold off on strikes after Senate President Pro-Tempore Darrell Steinberg urged both parties to meet again and attempt to reach an agreement.
In a letter to CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed, Steinberg wrote, 'ASEs provide much of the critical, face-to-face education that makes CSU such a great university system.'
Steinberg also said 'ASEs took a 7% wage cut when fees increased this year... without a fee waiver, the average (academic student employee) earns a mere $1.80, after paying student fees.'
In a statement, the UAW Local 4123 said they 'believe that Senate President Steinberg will be a helpful influence on negotiations and will move CSU administrators to bargain lawfully and help us reach agreement on a fee waiver.'
The AWU proposed full fee waivers for its student members, which the CSU estimated would cost $8 to $11 million a year, said the CSU.
'Student fee hikes are funding a $111 million increase to the CSU budget this year.' This has an inequitable impact on ASEs... (who) are the only group of unionized CSU employees that does not receive a fee waiver benefit,' Steinberg said in his letter to Reed.' 'Fee waivers are a standard benefit for ASEs at universities across the country, including the University of California.'
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union announced strikes at CSU campuses will be postponed pending negotations over fee waiver benefits between the CSU and the Union of Academic Student Employees (ASEs).
]]>Daniel Blake, director of the San Fernando Valley Economic Research Center (SFVERC) at CSUN, is retiring next month after 30 years at the university.
Economics professor Bill Roberts will take his place, and Blake will assist in Robert's transition until the end of the school year, according to a statement from the university.
According to the center's website, the SFVERC 'collects, assembles, analyzes and disseminates economic, social and demographic information of the San Fernando Valley and related areas,' including Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas and other cities.' The center was established in 1997.
]]>Daniel Blake, director of the San Fernando Valley Economic Research Center (SFVERC) at CSUN, is retiring next month after 30 years at the university.
]]>He became a criminal justice major to combat the gang violence he grew up with in the Lennox area and while visiting that very same area he was shot and killed in the early hours of the morning on Saturday.
'It's really ironic,' said Bryant Ortiz his friend and CSUN student. 'He was studying criminal justice to and then to die from gang violence.'
Fernando Moreno had just arrived at his mother's house after picking up a friend from a party. After he had parked the truck he was driving Moreno noticed that it was a little off and reparked it, this was one of his pet peeves, said his girlfriend and mother of his two-year-old son Alexandra Acosta.
As he was stepping out of the truck a light colored car stopped next to him, it was then that one of the occupants asked Moreno where he was from Acosta said.
'He kept saying he wasn't from anywhere and that he wasn't into that stuff and then they shot him in the head,' Acosta said this past Monday, hours after Moreno was taken off life support.
Before the driver sped off he identified himself as belonging to a local gang.
Moreno was taken to the UCLA hospital via ambulance, after several tests the doctors informed his girlfriend and mother of this two-year-old son, that he was brain-dead. Moreno was taken off life support and died at 7 a.m. yesterday morning.
In August Sheriff Lee Baca said that in L.A. County there had been 5,800 deaths due to gang violence.
Ortiz, a junior business finance major, said that despite having grown up in Linwood Moreno was never attracted to the gang life.
'He grew up in a bad part of town and saw past it,' Ortiz said. 'When his son was born he moved out of Lennox.'
Acosta said that apart from being noble and caring, he was very smart and committed to not only providing for his family, but receiving a higher education.
He worked full-time at a Chevron in Manhattan Beach and went to school full-time so he was usually only home at night. If he passed all of his classes Chevron would reimburse his tuition.
'When the semester was almost over he would be worrying that he wasn't going to pass his classes he would say 'babe we really need the money',' Acosta said.
'Then he would come home with three A's and a B that would crack me up.'
Despite his busy schedule it didn't mean he always made time for his son Alexander, said Acosta.
'You know how some mothers tell their husbands 'do this' or 'do that' well I never had to do that with Fernando,' Acosta said. 'He was the most caring father when he was around him.'
When things would get tough or those around Moreno would get frustrated he would always say 'life's a circus' Acosta recounted.
For Moreno, she said, a perfect day would be a day spent surfing without a care in the world. Spanish-language soap opera's was one of Moreno's guilty pleasures.
'Not a lot of people knew and he would be so embarrassed if he knew I told people, but he loved watching novellas together,' Acosta said. 'I sometimes missed them on Friday and when I would see him on Saturday he would fill me in.'
Moreno is survived by his eleven brothers and sisters and his mother, Lorena Alvarez. His father passed away when he was twelve. Moreno was also the first in his family to go to college.
'I told him I was very proud of him and that I was sorry I couldn't help him go to college,' his mother Alvarez said. 'But he told me it's okay mom I'm going to do it and I'm going to work hard.'
When Moreno was sixteen he started to work at his first job, McDonalds. When he wasn't working there he would volunteer at his school, his mother said, adding that he was always dedicated to school.
'He would always follow through with his studies and would always give his brothers and sisters advice.'
When Moreno had the choice he would love to eat hand-made tortillas and red enchiladas.
She was proud of the father he became and loved to watch him interact with his son Alex because he was always caring and playful.
Despite the fact that he was in his mid-twenties his personality was very juvenile, Alvarez said. When he would visit her Moreno would always go outside and play with the kids.
'He would come in joking and playing,' Alvarez said. 'He was always very funny and I'm going to miss that, how could I not?'
Moreno's family is accepting donations; those who wish to help can contact Bryant Ortiz at sufferdajoy@yahoo.com
]]>He became a criminal justice major to combat the gang violence he grew up with in the Lennox area and while visiting that very same area he was shot and killed in the early hours of the morning on Saturday.
'It's really ironic,' said Bryant Ortiz his friend and CSUN student. 'He was studying criminal justice to and then to die from gang violence.'
]]>During the holiday season, in what is normally a small and quiet suburban neighborhood of Woodland Hills, a transformation takes place.
What started as a tradition over fifty years ago has become a seasonal San Fernando Valley destination. Numerous residents decorate their houses and yards with Christmas lights every year creating the popular attraction, Candy Cane Lane.
The lack of snow in December doesn't keep residents of the eight-square block area between Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street from creating their own winter wonderland. At no cost anyone can drive by and share in the neighborhood's holiday spirit.
For the residents of Candy Cane Lane an ordinary string of lights outlining their homes is not enough. A spectacle of colorful lights, moving reindeer, nativity scenes, Santa Clauses in every size, and large ornaments hanging from tall trees, complete with holiday music, barely sums up what to expect in this neighborhood.
By driving or walking around the area you can spot an eclectic variety of pop culture icons from Mickey Mouse to Pokemon all part of the holiday yard exhibits.'
Ryan Glowaski, a resident in the neighborhood and CSUN alumni has been participating in the holiday festivities for four years now. He said it is a tradition for residents to pass down the decorating from one generation to the next. He added that owners tend to sell their houses to buyers who promise to continue with the tradition.' Some even leave behind decorations for future families.
Glowaski currently resides in the house where his mother -in-law grew up. She was part of one of the first families who started the Candy Cane Lane light festivities.
Glowaski said he uses about 50,000 light bulbs in his display, including a 20-foot-long Merry Christmas sign, and a snow man with artificial snow.
If you ask Glowaski why he chooses to spend long hours decorating and then taking everything down after the holidays, he smiles and offers a simple answer.
'I decorate for people like you who come every year to enjoy the lights,' said Glowaski.
His wife and children stand outside as he continues his work. Glowaski's wife adds that they continue to decorate because they know all kids, especially their own, will enjoy it.
When they're not decorating their own house, the Glowaski's take time to enjoy their neighbors' holiday displays.
'We tend to drive around Candy Cane Lane three to four times a week,' said Glowaski.
Another resident of the neighborhood, Sonny Lopez, resides on the street titled, Candle Light Lane. He moved to Woodland Hills about 40 years ago.
'When I bought the house there was a sign that said Candle Light Lane and I asked the real estate agent what that meant, but she wouldn't tell me. She told me to wait until the holidays came around and I would find out.'
Ever since then, Lopez and his family have been adding to their light display every year. With decorating taking a couple of weeks to set up the they start right after Thanksgiving. Though there is no set date for the displays to come down the Lopez family keeps their decorations up until Jan. 8.
'I enjoy looking at children's faces when they see the lights,' said Lopez.
Extremely proud of his family tradition, one of his favorite parts about Candy Cane Lane is the visitor interest.
'People love to hear about how long it's been,' said Lopez.
Whether you are all about the holiday spirit, or need a boost to get into it consider taking a trip down Candy Cane Lane.
]]>During the holiday season, in what is normally a small and quiet suburban neighborhood of Woodland Hills, a transformation takes place.
]]>Following one of the few turnovers CSUN had Tuesday night, starting forward Willie Galick fell to the floor grimacing in pain and placed his hand near his ankle as an injury timeout was called. He hopped on one foot to the bench, possibly dropping Head Coach Bobby Braswell's blood pressure a few dots.
A few minutes later, he was hopping again, but back on the court, and it became official: the only thing that could have spoiled the winning return of the Matadors home was just a scare and CSUN is again on the right track.
Northridge came back to the scene of their then-last victory nearly a month ago and found an answer to their fans' question 'Are we ever going to win again?' by obliterating Denver 80-53 at The Matadome.
'It means a lot,' said center Tremaine Townsend, whose 14 points helped CSUN snap a six-game losing streak. 'But we still know where we're at. We know what we got to do to keep on succeeding.'
Winning in a rout was step 1 of that and it came easily. Facing a team which has an age-average of under 19, the Matadors took advantage early and often. Less than seven minutes had ticked off the game clock and CSUN was already up by double digits, 12-2.
The Pioneers eventually found someone who could hit a shot '- mainly Rob Lewis, who led all scorers with 18 '- and managed to keep the score decent. Northridge went into halftime leading 35-22.
CSUN scored the first basket of the second and Denver never got closer than that the rest of the way. The Matadome crowd, who had waited 25 days to see its home team again, was able to see its Matadors defend the home court. CSUN is 2-0 in the building.
'One thing coach (Braswell) tells us to do is to protect our house if we want to win the conference championship,' said point guard Josh Jenkins, who went back to the starting lineup after a brief two-game stint as a reserve player. 'That's one of our main goals this year: to focus on getting wins at home.'
It was Jenkins himself who made it happen this simply for CSUN. The point guard had 13 points of his own, but the stat line that mattered most was the assist -turnover ratio: 9 -2.
'Josh was as good as he's been all year,' Braswell said. 'He made big plays and easy plays. He got the ball to people that were open. He was like a general out there.'
'When he plays that way we have a chance to be successful.'
Jenkins came into the game as one of country's leader in turnovers. No point guard wants his name next to that label, so he decided to do something about it, he said.
'Just all the naysayers over there,' Jenkins said when asked what the difference for him personally during Tuesday's game. 'From the Daily Sun(dial), to the fanatics, to all the polls that say I'm No. 1 in the nation in turnovers. I felt I had to prove that I'm a much better point guard that I've shown previously.'
He did and thanks to that '- along with 14 points from Galick and 13 from Tresvant '- the Matadors got the losing monkey off their backs.
]]>Northridge came back to the scene of their then-last victory nearly a month ago and found an answer to their fans' question 'Are we ever going to win again?' by obliterating Denver 80-53 at The Matadome.
]]>November of 2001 was devastating for many then-CSUN students and Matador school spirit '- if there was any. Citing money problems that would endanger the continuance of other university sports programs, then-'rookie' President Jolenne Koester decided to kill Northridge football.
Almost seven years later, every September, we still ask ourselves, 'How come we don't have a football team?' Well, that was your answer.
Some elaboration: They weren't any good. They didn't generate enough revenue to stay.
Anyways, even without a squad, we still follow college football. There's still USC and UCLA. They're the 'home' teams.
The NCAA football season begins today and both the Trojans and Bruins '- teams that most CSUN football-lovers follow- have things to prove. Anything less than playing in the championship game will be an unsuccessful season for USC, while UCLA can call the year 'fruitful' if they become Bowl-eligible.
Here is a preview of the teams we follow because we don't have a team (and even if we had it, we'd still follow these two):
USC Trojans: 11-2 (7-2 Pac-10) in 2007
Let's start with USC, the football pride-and-joy of Los Angeles '-since the city has no professional team either- The Trojans are ranked No. 3 in the nation by AP and remain in top shape to win its seventh consecutive Pac-10 title on the back of its defense and yet another young, on-the-rise running back in Joe McKnight. USC, however, looks more vulnerable than usual this season due to two reasons: the quarterback situation and its offensive line.
Every college team goes through a phase of change when players graduate. The Trojans went from having a Heisman trophy-winning quarterback in Carson Palmer, now with the Cincinnati Bengals to another one in Matt Leinart, who just took a step back in losing a QB race in Arizona. Then it was John David Booty's time, and he wasn't bad, but he didn't live up to USC's skyscraper-high quarterback standards. Now it's Mark Sanchez's turn, or will it be Mitch Mustain's?
Sanchez has been with USC for three years and had an 'interesting' career. He followed his hero (Palmer)'s footsteps into Trojan land in 2005; was suspended by the team after his arrest over a sexual assault investigation in which no charges were filed against him in 2006; made his first start and won while throwing two interceptions in 2007; and was designated as the starting quarterback only to get injured and put in doubt his status this year. On Tuesday, Sanchez was cleared to play in USC's Saturday opener at Virginia, but looked rusty and threw two interceptions in practice. Maybe he's still hurting and won't admit to it. Whatever it is, if he doesn't perform, head coach Pete Carroll won't doubt in sitting him.
Mustain, on the other side, has that quarterback pedigree Palmer and Leinart had. He was one of the most highly-regarded incoming football players in the history of the NCAA with a 44-1 high school record. He chose to go to Arkansas University in 2006 and, as a starting true freshman, had an 8-0 record. He came to USC in 2007 and sat out the season due to transfer rules. He's eligible this year and gave Sanchez a run for his money in the quarterback fight this summer. Now, with the projected starter hurting, it could soon be Mustain time.
The quarterback controversy may not matter as much if its offensive line doesn't get better, which likely won't happen this season. USC lost three key members of the protection service to the NFL and could be susceptible to some monster defensive lines and pass rushers '- say like, Ohio State's, who they play on Sept. 13. The Trojans do have some talent there, like guard Jeff Byers, but just in case, whoever ends up winning the quarterback job should work on the speed of their release.
With an elite defense and a group of big, fast receivers who have a year's experience under their belts to add to the mix, USC shouldn't have major difficulty to win the conference. Challengers like Arizona State, Cal and Oregon will have to visit the Coliseum to take a crack at the big bad wolf of the Pac-10. The Trojans should win it, but their vulnerability should worry their fans. Especially since USC seems to always find a way to blow their chance to play for the national title.
UCLA Bruins: 6-7 (5-4 Pac-10) in 2007.
Moving on to the at-best average Bruins, who had a coaching staff makeover this summer, is a bit painful. They got a quarterback maharishi in Norm Chow only to have their top two quarterback choices fall to injuries. First, it was backup Patrick Cowan suffering a career-ending knee injury. Then, it was the starter, Ben Olson -who was already coming off an injury-plagued 2007- breaking his foot earlier this month. Olson is out at least until October.
Someone's got to throw the ball, however, and UCLA found its man in a JUCO transfer. Kevin Craft will take the field as a starter on Monday when the Bruins host No. 18 Tennessee '-given he doesn't injure himself somehow. Craft has some amazing stats from his career at Mt. San Antonio College, but still has to prove he can succeed on this stage. His 4,231 yards and 44 touchdowns from last year should give him some confidence as well as having Chow to direct him.
UCLA's biggest weaknesses after the quarterback: Just like USC, the offensive line, and its cornerbacks.
The Bruins really are at a lack of players to protect their inexperienced quarterback. The situation is so bad that the starting center will be someone who used to be a guard last season. UCLA will have to find a way to develop its young line fast if it hopes for Craft to stay healthy. And on defense, the Bruins don't have enough talent or depth on the secondary to keep the rest of the Pac-10 off its territory through the air. It doesn't help either that standout linebacker Bruce Davis moved on to the Pitsburgh Steelers. Having someone like Davis behind the line would have at least put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and give the passing defense some relief.
As far as running backs and receivers go, the Bruins are well-positioned in the Pac-10. Kahlil Bell had half of a monster 2007 season, rushing for 795 yards (an average of 5.6 yards per carry) and leading the team in touchdowns (5) while playing in only eight games. His year was cut short due to injury, but he's back to carry UCLA's running load. That and a tandem of breakout receivers give the Bruins weapons to counter against its vulnerable defense. Perhaps the biggest weapon of all, though, will be their kicker, Kai Forbath, who made 25-of-30 kicks last season and led the team in scoring with 105 points. The kid can kick. He was 5-of-5 in field goals of at least 50 yards in 2007.
The schedule is killer for the Bruins and it will never get easier as long as they play in the Pac-10. Their only way through it is to grow up and get better fast. UCLA, who was picked to finish fifth in the conference, is an enigma, a sleeper. They could go 9-6 or 5-10 depending on their in-season progress. With new head coach Rick Neuheisel and his history of turning teams around, the Bruins could be a year or two away from challenging USC, or whoever takes over the Pac-10 this season, for the conference crown. Not this year though.
Other top teams:
Georgia plays in the SEC, the toughest conference in college football, is ranked No. 1 in the nation and expected to finally break through after always being a top-10 team but not playing in the championship game in almost 30 years. Ohio State lost its second title game in as many years in 2007 and looks to change the trend this season. Oklahoma will rely on the nation's most accurate passer in quarterback Sam Bradford to get to the top. Rounding up the best five, Florida will be carried by a potential 2009 first-overall NFL pick, Heisman-trophy winning, junior quarterback Tim Tebow, who can kill opposing defenses with either his arm or his legs.
In 1999, the Matadors averaged 313.2 passing yards per game. The stat ranked eight in the nation among Division I-AA teams. Enjoy college football season.
]]>The NCAA football season begins today and both the Trojans and Bruins '- teams that most CSUN football-lovers follow- have things to prove. Anything less than playing in the championship game will be an unsuccessful season for USC, while UCLA can call the year 'fruitful' if they become Bowl-eligible.
]]>During the holiday season, in what is normally a small and quiet suburban neighborhood of Woodland Hills, a transformation takes place.
What started as a tradition over fifty years ago has become a seasonal San Fernando Valley destination. Numerous residents decorate their houses and yards with Christmas lights every year creating the popular attraction, Candy Cane Lane.
The lack of snow in December doesn't keep residents of the eight-square block area between Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street from creating their own winter wonderland. At no cost anyone can drive by and share in the neighborhood's holiday spirit.
For the residents of Candy Cane Lane an ordinary string of lights outlining their homes is not enough. A spectacle of colorful lights, moving reindeer, nativity scenes, Santa Clauses in every size, and large ornaments hanging from tall trees, complete with holiday music, barely sums up what to expect in this neighborhood.
By driving or walking around the area you can spot an eclectic variety of pop culture icons from Mickey Mouse to Pokemon all part of the holiday yard exhibits.'
Ryan Glowaski, a resident in the neighborhood and CSUN alumni has been participating in the holiday festivities for four years now. He said it is a tradition for residents to pass down the decorating from one generation to the next. He added that owners tend to sell their houses to buyers who promise to continue with the tradition.' Some even leave behind decorations for future families.
Glowaski currently resides in the house where his mother -in-law grew up. She was part of one of the first families who started the Candy Cane Lane light festivities.
Glowaski said he uses about 50,000 light bulbs in his display, including a 20-foot-long Merry Christmas sign, and a snow man with artificial snow.
If you ask Glowaski why he chooses to spend long hours decorating and then taking everything down after the holidays, he smiles and offers a simple answer.
'I decorate for people like you who come every year to enjoy the lights,' said Glowaski.
His wife and children stand outside as he continues his work. Glowaski's wife adds that they continue to decorate because they know all kids, especially their own, will enjoy it.
When they're not decorating their own house, the Glowaski's take time to enjoy their neighbors' holiday displays.
'We tend to drive around Candy Cane Lane three to four times a week,' said Glowaski.
Another resident of the neighborhood, Sonny Lopez, resides on the street titled, Candle Light Lane. He moved to Woodland Hills about 40 years ago.
'When I bought the house there was a sign that said Candle Light Lane and I asked the real estate agent what that meant, but she wouldn't tell me. She told me to wait until the holidays came around and I would find out.'
Ever since then, Lopez and his family have been adding to their light display every year. With decorating taking a couple of weeks to set up the they start right after Thanksgiving. Though there is no set date for the displays to come down the Lopez family keeps their decorations up until Jan. 8.
'I enjoy looking at children's faces when they see the lights,' said Lopez.
Extremely proud of his family tradition, one of his favorite parts about Candy Cane Lane is the visitor interest.
'People love to hear about how long it's been,' said Lopez.
Whether you are all about the holiday spirit, or need a boost to get into it consider taking a trip down Candy Cane Lane.
During the holiday season, in what is normally a small and quiet suburban neighborhood of Woodland Hills, a transformation takes place.
What started as a tradition over fifty years ago has become a seasonal San Fernando Valley destination. Numerous residents decorate their houses and yards with Christmas lights every year creating the popular attraction, Candy Cane Lane.
The lack of snow in December doesn't keep residents of the eight-square block area between Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street from creating their own winter wonderland. At no cost anyone can drive by and share in the neighborhood's holiday spirit.
]]>CSUN's Model United Nations (MUN) team at traveled to the city of Xian in China over the Thanksgiving weekend to participate in the International Model United Nations Conference.
During a 10-day period, five student delegates from the MUN team represented the country of Kazakhstan on issues of global warming and economic development, and received the Outstanding Delegations Award.
Samantha Carnell, head delegate for the China trip, along with her fellow MUN teammate discovered the opportunity for the first international conference in China and asked their advisor, professor Peter Kappas, if the trip would be possible.
Kappas encouraged the students to seek funds from the school since the MUN team had a strong record of doing well in national conferences.
In 2007 the MUN team received the Outstanding Delegation Honor, MUN's equivalent of first place. In 2008, they competed against over 3,000 students in the national conference held in New York and repeated their success, representing Afghanistan and taking the top overall honor.
Alexandra Cole, associated professor from the department of political science, was the adviser for the China trip.
Last May when her students came back from the conference in New York, there was discussion about a China trip being in the works. Cole, along with Kappas suggested finding the money to fund the trip due to MUN's continued success.
'I suggested that the students go in with the argument that the MUN team has a winning track record so it would be important to go. It's like USC making it to the Rose Bowl and not showing up,' said Cole.
With her professors' encouragement, student delegate Carnell attended an Associated Students meeting during the summer and presented her case. The MUN team was allotted $36,000 for the entire year, and a large portion of that money funded the trip to China.
Cole, who is currently on sabbatical this semester, was asked to be advisor on the trip since she would not have to leave any classes when accompanying the students to China.
An advisor's role is to regularly go to committee meetings, addressing any concerns they may have, and overall making sure that they are prepared for the competition, said Cole. Cole said that her biggest international challenge as an adviser was making sure that the entire team was together and that no student got lost.
'There was an extra level of stress, the Chinese people are very punctual and in California we're used to being a few minutes late to things. I picked up on that pretty early and made sure all the kids were where they needed to be,' said Cole.
Jorge Guerrero, a 33-year-old economics and political science major, was the only male delegate on the team. Guerrero, along with his partner, Marguerite Sanvictores, won the award for Outstanding Position Paper on the special session on global warming during the conference.
Position papers are similar to research papers where delegates assume the position of their country on a certain issue and debate on that issue according to their country's policies.
Carnell and her partner also won an Outstanding Position Paper award for their work in the economic and social plenary.
If the MUN delegates could tell CSUN students anything about what they do, Carnell and Guerrero both agree that the opportunity to be a part of MUN has been extremely beneficial.
'MUN is definitely worth considering. Sometimes there's a misconception that its 'child's play,' but it is not an easy class, it's very intense and you have to be very educated on your country's issues,' said Guerrero.' 'MUN helps students professionally develop their public speaking skills, and it is a bond you share with your classmates, as well as an opportunity to represent your school well.'
'It's not only a class, there is team spirit similar to a sports teams. MUN gives you an opportunity to be a part of something special that CSUN has to offer, and it's a valuable program.' It's the most valuable thing I have take from CSUN,' said Carnell.
]]>CSUN's Model United Nations (MUN) team at traveled to the city of Xian in China over the Thanksgiving weekend to participate in the International Model United Nations Conference.
]]>It was the last game of the regular season and the standings were tighter than airport security. The Matadors knew someone had to be out. They knew it could be them. They even knew that, at home, against the No. 10 team in nation, they were favorites for the fall.
What they didn't know is that it would be this cruel.
UC Irvine's Irving Garcia took a ball from the sideline at midfield with less than three minutes to play in regulation and juked all Matador who crossed path on his way to the heart of goalkeeper Kevin Guppy's box from where he set up Carlos Aguilar from three yards out for the 2-1 game-winner Saturday afternoon at Matador Field.
The win gave the Anteaters the Big West Conference championship. It gave the Matadors (8-7-4. 4-3-3 Big West) the boot out of the conference tournament.
CSUN, who would have been the league champ had it won - that's how close things were - was eliminated in the same fashion in which it lived the season: undermanned and fighting. The Matadors got down 1-0 early in the second half, then suffered the loss of defender Jeremy Hohn. Hohn received a red card in the 60th minute after CSUN began to lose its head due to frustration.
'I was disappointed with the red card of course,' said Matador Head Coach Terry Davila. 'It was a deserved red card. Irvine battled. We got down to 10 men, but we got the best of the game. We started creating opportunities, getting behind them.'
Davila credited the Anteaters (12-1-6, 5-1-4) for keeping their composure. With less than 30 minutes left to play, the coach tried to bring that back into his team. After Matador Nicholas Hamilton got hurt blocking an Anteater shot with his face, there was a time stoppage. Davila took advantage of it to gather his troops and deliver the message. 'Let's go fellows, we're all right,' he said.
And the fellows listened. The Matadors calmed down and began to put pressure on the UC Irvine end of the field - something they hadn't accomplished all game long. Cameron Sims had back-to-back chances in the 70th minute, but his shots weren't potent enough to beat goalie Andrew Fontain. Camilo Rojas had better fortune. In the 71st minute, the forward finally made Matador Field get on its feet to celebrate - for one last time in 2008. A free kick-pass from Sunghyun Kim found Rojas all alone inside the box and the sophom*ore wouldn't waste the chance.
The momentary tie had CSUN in the postseason. But they weren't satisfied.
'We were going for the win. We had to get the win,' said senior defender Ben Cox, who played his last game as a Matador. 'We didn't want to go to overtime, especially with 10 men. We wanted to finish it in regulation.'
The Matadors had chances to do so. Momentum was up in the air. CSUN and the Anteaters traded attacks, but UCI was closer. Anteater midfielder Matt Murphy had the last of his five shots on goal saved by Guppy with six minutes left. Guppy, a senior, stood tall in his last game at CSUN. He had nine saves in the match. He couldn't stop the last shot of the game, though.
No one could.
'(Garcia) beat four players,' said Davila of the heartbreaking goal that eliminated the Matadors. 'It's not like he was one-on-one. He beat four players, including the keeper. It wasn't like we were totally out of balance. He made a great play. It was a great individual effort.'
When asked about the play, Garcia himself said he 'didn't know how he did it.' Numerous Matadors, incredulous to what just had taken place, not wanting to accept that they weren't going to be in the postseason, fell to the ground and covered their faces in disappointment.
Two minutes later, once the game was over and the Anteaters ran onto the field to celebrate, there was more of the same. Defender Dylan Riley had his head on the ground as an assistant coach came over to try to console him. Cox couldn't hide the pain if he tried. It was all over his face in the form of red eyes. Kim sat alone on the bench with his head down.
'It was a tight year in the league,' said Cox. 'If we would have won we would have been first place, if we lost'hellip; it's rough to go out with a loss, rough to go out with 10 men. It's jut tough'hellip;'
In a league where four points separated the Big West champion from the fifth-place team, the Matadors, tough is an understatement. But CSUN had its chance. They were dominated in the first half. They lost their heads in the second after Matt Murphy opened the scoring and got down to 10 men. That's when they decided to wake up. In a game of such magnitude, that was too late.
'If you would have told me that, with all these injuries,' said Davila, whose team lost multiple starters throughout 2008. 'That we would have had an opportunity to win the Big West championship in an elimination game with UC Irvine, the No. 10 team in the nation, I would take it.'
]]>It was the last game of the regular season and the standings were tighter than airport security. The Matadors knew someone had to be out. They knew it could be them. They even knew that, at home, against the No. 10 team in nation, they were favorites for the fall.
What they didn't know is that it would be this cruel.
]]>An ambitious group of recent CSUN graduates and close friends have decided to forego traditional corporate climbing to create a nightlife-focused social networking web community, betting their hopes and fortunes on an idea that took 14 months to develop.
YourSocialPlate.com launched in open beta Nov. 21, meaning the website is fully operational and accepting new members while final changes are made. A free membership allows users to write reviews and share information about their communities and interact with each other. YourSocialPlate was crafted to carve a niche by providing a mix of features not found in other ventures of its kind.
Company CEO and CSUN alumnus Artin Hovsepian describes YourSocialPlate as a combination social network, nightlife review destination and virtual concierge.
An idea for how to make a living from something he was passionate about led Hovsepian to build a team with diverse skills and the willingness to take a risk.
Hovsepian teamed with CSUN alumni Ara Asatourian and Omid Halavi, close friend Razmig Dermugerdichian and marketing professional Ali Farzin to build the company from the ground up.
'We sacrificed our graduate school entrances to enter this venture,' Hovsepian said. 'You need to compete with the big boys from the very beginning.'
Successful social networking websites can bring in huge money. In 2005 Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. bought MySpace parent company Intermix Media for $580 million, with the popular social networking website the key piece of the deal.
Starting a business from scratch can be risky, though, with just over 60 percent of all new businesses closing within their first 6 years, according to data from the United States Small Business Administration.
Asatourian, the company's chief marketing officer, who attained a bachelor's degree from CSUN in business management in 2006, believes YourSocialPlate will succeed by offering users a place to go for nightlife reviews from people they can meet and interact with online.
In its current form, the website supports venue reviews, creating a profile with user-uploaded photos, making friends.
To further differentiate YourSocialPlate from similar ventures like Yelp.com and Metromix.com, the team chose to build the community reviewing platform around four specific categories: hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and nightlife events.
'We want to target a niche market, because businesses are much more interested in advertising on a site that is in their market,' Hovsepian said.
The team has faced all manner of challenges along the way, not least of which was finding funding for the project. They have relied on a combination of seed funding from personal friends and family and angel investors, or private individuals who invest their personal finances.
The team raised more than $150,000 in capital, Hovsepian said. This was predominantly spent on web design, marketing consulting and data entry. Without a stream of money coming in, a start-up company is not able to cover its costs until advertising and other forms of revenue fill in the gaps.
'Other than getting people to believe in you, the hardest part is taking those first steps. A lot of people have great ideas, but they don't want to take the risk,' Hovsepian said.
Peter Elsesser, a web designer and application developer for the Pasadena Unified School District, stresses the importance in an idea's early stages of seeking the counsel of individuals with a technical background in the industry.
'Sometimes with new companies, especially when you get venture capitalist funding,' some of those investors will want to come aboard in management positions. In any kind of tech company, you want to make sure you are bringing people in who have been in those types of technical positions before,' Elsesser said.
For coding, data entry and site design, Hovsepian brought in Los Angeles-based GreatNet Solutions, where Halavi serves as CEO. They employed a team of data entry workers in India to create the more than 10,000 venue listing pages now featured on the site.
Though YourSocialPlate is now open for business and growing in its user base, the team is fixing errors and adding new functions as needs arise.
'We are still in the process of working out some kinks, adding things and trying to see what works and what doesn't as far as user experience,' Asatourian said.
The team is in the process of implementing a partnership with OpenTable.com which will allow YourSocialPlate users to make reservations online for restaurants or clubs they are interested in. Hovsepian hopes to come to similar agreements with online travel agencies and ticket vendors.
They are developing a system of points that will reward frequent venue reviewers with gifts, such as a dinner at a local restaurant.
The next steps, he said, are to work out any issues necessary to move the product from beta to its final version, and to spread the word. The company has employed a street team who will be visiting college campuses across California in the spring.
'You can launch an amazing product, but if you don't have the marketing behind it, it will fail,' Hovsepian said.
Asatourian has generally positive feelings about his undergraduate experience in the business program.
'The CSUN program prepared me for putting together a team and reaching out to different people in the industry. The business degree was very beneficial in that way,' he said.
YourSocialPlate.com is in its fledgling stages, and its founding partners are feeling the pressure that comes from the lack of full-time work with an established company. Still, they are frank and positive about their belief in the vision's success.
'We hope it is successful so that we can repay some of the many people who have helped us over the years. We are CSUN alumni, and we hope to give back,' said Asatourian.
]]>An ambitious group of recent CSUN graduates and close friends have decided to forego traditional corporate climbing to create a nightlife-focused social networking web community,
]]>Barack Obama will officially take the office of President of the United States today at the inauguration ceremony. It's required by the Constitution that a newly elected president take the oath of office before they can officially enter the presidency. Additionally, the new president delivers the inaugural speech, which is an opportunity to showcase the ideals that will shape many of their future policies.
Out of all the presidential skills needed to succeed, we know that President Obama knows how to deliver a speech. We also know that he can inspire and raise money through the Internet. What we don't know yet is if he will have a successful presidency. But one thing is for sure: he has energized a group of people that has never played a major role in a U.S. election before: it's us, Generation Y, aka- CSUN students.
The inauguration is the launching point for his presidency. It is a time of hope and promise and, for the moment, we don't have to know all the details. He represents the hope that anyone who's born in the U.S. can grow up to become president.
After eight World War II generation presidents and two more from the Vietnam War era, a new spin-off generation will be in charge.' As Obama said in his June 3, 2008 speech, 'America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for this country that we love.''
He will not only be our first black president, but our first Internet president. The Internet played a vital role in not only getting the issues out, but also bringing in campaign contributions and getting campaign merchandise into the people's hands.
In one of Kennedy's speeches he electrified the nation by posing a question directed at the youth of America 'ask not what your country can do for you'hellip;' So the real question today is what will Obama say to build upon his slogan 'Yes We Can.'
'We can, and we did,' but now what? What can we do and how can we do it?' He got the votes of many people that have their own priorities for America. His inaugural speech will help tell the world his priorities, but probably not how these things will happen, because this is just the beginning of the 'honeymoon' period, where everyone still thinks that they're going to get what they want out of this president. That's not going to happen because his base of support is too broad, too widespread across the political aisles.
What separates Obama from the rest of the pack is simple: he has not yet acted as an ideologue.' He's a liberal democrat that at least so far, has reached far beyond his base.' He communicates and touches almost every kind of American. Young and old, rich and poor, Democrat, Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, gay or straight; Americans have risen above partisan interests and sent a global message.
He has broken down barriers, not just of race, but also of religion and political parties, and from the looks of his cabinet choices, appears like he means it. Reaching across partisan lines he has appointed former Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, kept Robert Gates as secretary of defense and Marine Gen. Jim Jones as his White House national security adviser.
In addition he is having the hom*ophobic evangelical preacher Rick Warren giving the invocation, and his flip-side opponent, the openly gay Reverend Gene Robinson, an Episcopal bishop, who will lead a prayer at the Lincoln Memorial. All are bold and intelligent moves; they offset each other. And maybe he will be able to keep us united by future counter-weighting decisions.'
One thing for certain is this president will be different. This Inauguration bash is one for the record books. The President of the United States will party with the Beastie Boys.
'We have never been just a collection of red states and blue states. We have been and always will be the United States of America,' Obama said on election night.
Barack Obama will officially take the office of President of the United States today at the inauguration ceremony. It's required by the Constitution that a newly elected president take the oath of office before they can officially enter the presidency. Additionally, the new president delivers the inaugural speech, which is an opportunity to showcase the ideals that will shape many of their future policies.'
]]>As the new semester and year begin, the Daily Sundial also resumes its duties. In honor of this new beginning, our staff has resolved to provide our readers with more significant and in-depth information on the CSUN community, California State University system, California and the Nation.
We enter 2009 in an interesting if not difficult time. The United States is embroiled in two wars, a rapidly growing economic crisis and the beginning of a new presidential administration promising sweeping changes.
The State of California, like the U.S. at large, is grappling with growing unemployment, layoffs and staggering financial troubles. California faces a $42 billion budget deficit, a shortage that directly affects the CSU system.'
CSUN employees, staff and students will no doubt face many challenges in the coming months as this lack of funds creates new and unexpected obstacles. As for the foreseeable consequences, the CSU Chancellor's office has implemented a number of mandatory measures meant to help lower costs.
These include, employee travel restrictions, cancelling all non-essential equipment and supply purchases, as well as instituting hiring and salary restrictions. First, a general hiring freeze on all positions except for those that are vital to the university and then a salary freeze for all vice presidents and higher-level administrators.
The Chancellor's Office has also ordered that all campuses halt construction funded by state revenue bonds, namely the Valley Performing Arts Center and Chaparral Hall at CSUN.
Prior to the Chancellor's cutbacks, university officials announced during fall 2008 that CSUN was 'impacted' and that the campus would be restricting the number of students admitted during the fall 2009 semester. While this may not directly affect us this spring, this means that the university could potentially turn away 10,000 students come August.
On top of all this, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has also proposed dramatically limiting Cal Grants. This would absolve the state from providing aid to qualified students just as the CSU prepares to increase fees by 10 percent in order to deal with the diminishing state budget.
With the numerous challenges and changes we face in this new year, we at the Daily Sundial will continue to do our best to provide you with the latest and most vital information. To borrow a well-used political catchword, 'change' is all around us. Good or bad, it is constant.
In light of this, the Daily Sundial has embraced change both physically and philosophically. In an attempt to evolve and remain relevant in the ever-changing news environment, we are adopting new means of bringing our readers information.
Aside from altering our print design and layout, we will continue to emphasize and increase our online presence. Stressing the interconnectivity of print, web and multimedia news, we hope to take advantage of media convergence to provide our reporters and readers with the tools and information they need to participate in this complicated and remarkable social, political and economic climate.
]]>There are two murals on campus that showcase the talent and creativity of art majors. The first is in the Plaza Del Sol Theatre, which was created by Keiko Tanabe and Angela Bernal. The second piece is going up in the Noski Auditorium. This piece was created by Lena Sayadian, Maria Magdalena Cruz, Christina Gutierrez, Ashley Mistriel and Elva Aguilar.
Originally, six groups of students from Laurel Long's illustration class presented ideas for the mural. Tanabe and Bernal's design that was chosen. She said, 'We were so happy and felt very proud of it.'
Leslie Gillman, the CSUN facilities reservation director, said the Performing Arts Center Theater in the USU was being rented out by the Academic Resources department. Professors gave a wish list as to of what they wanted to have done to improve the aesthetic quality of the theater. Some of these ideas included installing in new lighting and technical details to help liven up the bland look that it had, but it was the idea of a mural that won in the end. The cost of the mural was then shared between the USU and Academic Resources.
Bernal and Tanabe spoke to Professor Laurel Long about their intentions, concepts and inspiration right from the beginning.
'We wanted to use images relating to the intellectual exploration of science and humanities, such as Da Vinci's invention drawings and Beethoven's musical notation, and combine those with abstract color fields that represent the natural elements of earth, water and fire. We wanted to visually represent the different areas of university study,' they said.
But it wasn't all cut and dry when it came to putting the winning mural up. It took about one month to create the design, and it was much too small to upscale into the mural. The irregular shapes of the design posed additional problems.
Sayadian, a senior, was the lead artist for the Noski Auditorium mural. At the age of 12 she looked more seriously into art and had aspirations of becoming a cartoonist. Sayadian eventually changed her mind in CSUN and wanted to become an illustrator.
Her inspiration for the mural came with simplicity. 'Well, the theme was introduced to the whole class, which was innovations and inventions, and it just took off from there. My group and I brainstormed several ideas and we came up with a simple outcome that would get the message of the continuity and flow of ideas through to the viewer,' said Sayadian.
Last year CSUN was working on remodeling the Noski Auditorium, but there was only enough money to put in new flooring and paint the chairs. The result was an auditorium with new chairs and a new floor, but aged acoustic panel walls.
' ' '
This mural also took about one month to design. Currently it is not up, but it is expected later this spring.
' ' '
Lena felt very satisfied with the project. 'Our idea was chosen out of many from the class, and I am glad to be a part of the whole process,' she said.
]]>There are two murals on campus that showcase the talent and creativity of art majors. The first is in the Plaza Del Sol Theatre, which was created by Keiko Tanabe and Angela Bernal. The second piece is going up in the Noski Auditorium.
]]>With its brick walled interior, richly colored brown booths, dark wooden tables and soft lighting, diners don't need to travel far to feast on Argentinean cuisine and get the Buenos Aires experience.
Buenos Aires Grill, which opened in March 2002, is located just off of Nordhoff Street on Corbin Avenue. The restaurant offers a variety of Argentinean dishes that are all served in a relaxed atmosphere just moments away from the CSUN campus.
When guests first enter they are greeted by friendly hosts. The walls are lined with shelves filled of bottles of wine, sports memorabilia and black and white portraits of dancers. Flat screen televisions are spread throughout the restaurant, each showing a different soccer game.
Moments after guests are seated, sourdough bread is brought out accompanied by the house sauce, a mix of garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, and vinegar.
For starters, Buenos Aires Grill offers appetizers such as Tortilla Espa'ntilde;ola, a traditional Spanish potato tart, and the house specialty, empanadas, baked Argentine turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
The menu has a large selection of main course items, ranging from seafood pasta to Caesar salads with your choice of chicken, steak, or shrimp. A popular dish is the grilled portobello salad, made with baby spinach, grilled portobello mushrooms and topped with fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and olive oil.
In addition to vegetables and pasta, Buenos Aires Grill specializes in a variety of meat prepared fresh on an open grill. The menu showcases 'family items' such as Parrilla Buenos Aires, Parrilla Argentina and Parrilla Completa. These are large dishes of differently prepared steak accompanied by sides of sausage and shortbread, meant to feed parties of two or more.
For guests who dine solo, the menu offers a generous selection of smaller dishes. The sandwiches give customers a taste of Buenos Aires Grill's meat for a fraction of the price of the large family-sized dishes. The Buenos Aires Sandwich is $8 and consists of sirloin strips, melted provolone cheese, saut'eacute;ed julienne onions, and roasted red 'amp; green bell peppers. On weekdays, sandwiches are accompanied by a side dish and customers can choose from items such as home made mashed potatoes, Spanish rice, or saut'eacute;ed creamed spinach.
The restaurant also features a long brick bar that serves wine and beer. The wine list features eight types of cabernet sauvignon and seven types of Merlot from Argentina as well as white wine from Italy.'
Monday through Thursday the restaurant hosts a wine tasting from 4 -7 p.m. Wine tasting is available upon request and guests can sample up to four wines chosen by the manager from different parts of the world depending on the day of the week.
No meal is complete without dessert. When guests are done with their main course, Buenos Aires Grill has their own unique recipe for Panqueques Argentinos, an Argentine pastry crepe filled with dulce de leche, a special milk caramel, topped with a touch of chocolate syrup and caramelized sugar. For $6 an item, guests can also choose from cr'egrave;me brulee, tiramisu, and Tarta de Manzana, an apple pie pastry filled with caramel and cinnamon.
Whether you're craving large portions of grilled meat or just looking for a place to sip wine and watch a soccer game, Buenos Aires Grill is the perfect getaway in the middle of Northridge.With its brick walled interior, richly colored brown booths, dark wooden tables and soft lighting, diners don't need to travel far to feast on Argentinean cuisine and get the Buenos Aires experience.
Buenos Aires Grill, which opened in March 2002, is located just off of Nordhoff Street on Corbin Avenue. The restaurant offers a variety of Argentinean dishes that are all served in a relaxed atmosphere just moments away from the CSUN campus.
When guests first enter they are greeted by friendly hosts. The walls are lined with shelves filled of bottles of wine, sports memorabilia and black and white portraits of dancers. Flat screen televisions are spread throughout the restaurant, each showing a different soccer game.
Moments after guests are seated, sourdough bread is brought out accompanied by the house sauce, a mix of garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, and vinegar.
For starters, Buenos Aires Grill offers appetizers such as Tortilla Espa'ntilde;ola, a traditional Spanish potato tart, and the house specialty, empanadas, baked Argentine turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
The menu has a large selection of main course items, ranging from seafood pasta to Caesar salads with your choice of chicken, steak, or shrimp. A popular dish is the grilled portobello salad, made with baby spinach, grilled portobello mushrooms and topped with fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and olive oil.
In addition to vegetables and pasta, Buenos Aires Grill specializes in a variety of meat prepared fresh on an open grill. The menu showcases 'family items' such as Parrilla Buenos Aires, Parrilla Argentina and Parrilla Completa. These are large dishes of differently prepared steak accompanied by sides of sausage and shortbread, meant to feed parties of two or more.
For guests who dine solo, the menu offers a generous selection of smaller dishes. The sandwiches give customers a taste of Buenos Aires Grill's meat for a fraction of the price of the large family-sized dishes. The Buenos Aires Sandwich is $8 and consists of sirloin strips, melted provolone cheese, saut'eacute;ed julienne onions, and roasted red 'amp; green bell peppers. On weekdays, sandwiches are accompanied by a side dish and customers can choose from items such as home made mashed potatoes, Spanish rice, or saut'eacute;ed creamed spinach.
The restaurant also features a long brick bar that serves wine and beer. The wine list features eight types of cabernet sauvignon and seven types of Merlot from Argentina as well as white wine from Italy.'
Monday through Thursday the restaurant hosts a wine tasting from 4 -7 p.m. Wine tasting is available upon request and guests can sample up to four wines chosen by the manager from different parts of the world depending on the day of the week.
No meal is complete without dessert. When guests are done with their main course,
Buenos Aires Grill has their own unique recipe for Panqueques Argentinos, an Argentine pastry crepe filled with dulce de leche, a special milk caramel, topped with a touch of chocolate syrup and caramelized sugar. For $6 an item, guests can also choose from cr'egrave;me brulee, tiramisu, and Tarta de Manzana, an apple pie pastry filled with caramel and cinnamon.
Whether you're craving large portions of grilled meat or just looking for a place to sip wine and watch a soccer game, Buenos Aires Grill is the perfect getaway in the middle of Northridge.
]]>With its brick walled interior, richly colored brown booths, dark wooden tables and soft lighting, diners don't need to travel far to feast on Argentinean cuisine and get the Buenos Aires experience.
'
]]>So, classes have started and students are busy buying scantrons and hunting down that elusive biology lab workbook. But just because the semester has begun doesn't mean the fun needs to end. 'Movin' Out,' the Grammy Award winning Broadway musical, featuring the music of Billy Joel, is at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall Jan. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m.
'Movin' Out' is the 2003 Tony-Award winner for best choreography and best orchestrations. The show follows Brenda, Eddie, James, Judy and Tony during the Vietnam War era and its perplexing aftermath. Struggling to find an identity in a confusing time, these five friends come together to try and make sense of the lives they lead and the world they live in.
Billy Joel's classic songs 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me', 'We Didn't Start the Fire' and 'Uptown Girl' are just a few of the familiar tunes that help tell their story. Unlike a traditional Broadway Musical, the show's staging consists of a main pianist / vocalist accompanied by a band and chorus who are usually suspended over the stage. The main action of the show is a series of dances arranged by the world-renowned and Tony-Award winning choreographer Twyla Tharp.
Tickets
Call (818) 677-2488, or visit the box office outside USU's Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall. A limited number of student tickets are available for $20. Tickets are $60 for non-students and $48 for seniors. Can't make it to 'Movin' Out?' Check out the performance exhibition calendar for the spring 2009 season at www.csun.edu/amc for all visual and performing arts events happening on campus.
]]>So, classes have started and students are busy buying scantrons and hunting down that elusive biology lab workbook. But just because the semester has begun doesn't mean the fun needs to end. 'Movin' Out,' the Grammy Award winning Broadway musical, featuring the music of Billy Joel, is at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall Jan. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m.
]]>CSUN communications grad student Esha Momeni, who was arrested and jailed in Iran in mid-October of last year, is still unable to leave the Middle Eastern country after a travel ban against her was renewed.
Iranian Judiciary spokesperson Alireza Jamshidi told AFP January 13 that the ban was reissued because a 'new issue has opened and the examination of this issue will take about one month.'
Momeni, who had been working on her thesis project on Iran's women's rights movement, was arrested October 15, 2008 after she was pulled over for allegedly passing another vehicle illegally on a highway.' Her property was then seized, including video footage for her thesis documentary.
The student was released on bail November 10 after spending 25 days in solitary confinement at Evin prison in Tehran.
Momeni had been interviewing women's rights advocates with the One Million Signatures campaign, an organization seeking to change Iranian law to recognize women equal to men.
The student is also a volunteer with the organization's California chapter.
Hassan Hussain, a close friend of Momeni and her family, told the Sundial last November it was 'frustrating' that the Iranian government was issuing conflicting information on Momeni's status and providing 'intentional misinformation' on her ability to return to the United States.
At the time, Iranian officials said the student would be allowed fly back to the U.S., but travel restrictions had been placed against Momeni, Hussain said in November.
An event will take place on Friday at USC's United Universal Church to bring awareness to Momeni's situation.' The performance will include Iranian musicians, poets and singers and begins at 8 p.m. at 817 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, 90089.
]]>CSUN communications grad student Esha Momeni, who was arrested and jailed in Iran in mid-October of last year, is still unable to leave the Middle Eastern country after a travel ban against her was renewed.
]]>Meet Randy 'The Ram' Robinson. Twenty years ago, Randy was at the height of his wrestling career, fighting 'The Ayatollah' at Madison Square Garden. Now watch as Randy works at a local store unloading trucks and eventually working the deli counter. Watch as he sits at the local strip club, Cheeques, drinking a cold one and remembering the good old days as Cassidy the naked stripper gives him a lap dance.
Randy, with his long, bleach-bottle-blond hair performs in local wrestling matches, trying to reclaim some of his glory. Watch as Randy, played with a raw sincerity by Mickey Rourke, sleeps in his truck after being kicked out of his trailer.His hair, up in a ponytail, exposes the hearing aid in his ear. Randy watches himself pumping a buffet of drugs and steroids into his body. That body, with its decades of war wounds, finds itself in the hospital.
Now meet Cassidy, the aging and tired stripper with a nine-year-old son. Watch as Randy tries to connect with not Cassidy, but Pam, the person behind the desperate stereotype. Cassidy, played with understated courage by Marisa Tomei, naked and exposed, similar to Randy in the ring, fights to stay relevant in a business that takes everything from them and leaves nothing in return. They take their respective stages, grasping futilely for something to replace the numbness.
Stephanie, played with brutal agony by Evan Rachel Wood, is Randy's abandoned daughter whose birthdays he never remembered. Randy apprehensively attempts reconciliation with Stephanie on the sidewalk in front of her house, only to watch her yell at him and walk away. Then we see the strangers, father and daughter, sit and talk about all that wasn't. We watch as Randy looks at his daughter and proclaims, 'I am an old, broken down piece of meat,' and we finally see.
Then we say good-bye to Randy, Cassidy and Stephanie. The direction, by Darren Aronofsky, succeeds at never letting the story escape into melodrama. The screen goes black and we see nothing but what we hear is Bruce Springsteen singing, 'Have you ever seen a one trick pony in the field so happy and free? If you've ever seen a one trick pony then you've seen me. Have you ever seen a one-legged dog making his way down the street? If you've ever seen a one-legged dog then you've seen me. Then you've seen me, I come and stand at every door.'
'
Five out of Five Stars
]]>Meet Randy 'The Ram' Robinson. Twenty years ago, Randy was at the height of his wrestling career, fighting 'The Ayatollah' at Madison Square Garden. Now watch as Randy works at a local store unloading trucks and eventually working the deli counter. Watch as he sits at the local strip club, Cheeques, drinking a cold one and remembering the good old days as Cassidy the naked stripper gives him a lap dance.
'
]]>Deon Tresvant, the Matadors' leading scorer, and Dallas Rutherford, a freshman reserve, have been accused of stealing more than $6,600 in merchandise from a Porter Ranch Best Buy on New Year's Day.
Things don't end there. The son of CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell, Jeffrey Braswell, allegedly is involved as well (along with a fourth person, actor Phannuel Gbewonyo, 28).
'I have no idea what's going on with that,' Tresvant said during a quick telephone conversation on Jan. 6, the day the news broke out. 'I don't know anything about that.'
The younger Braswell, who - as of the date of the alleged incident - worked for the store, has been accused of logging into a cash register using the password of an employee who had the holiday off and allowing Tresvant, Rutherford and Gbewonyo to check out items without paying for them. The thefts were discovered when Best Buy officials found a discrepancy at the register.
All four are scheduled to appear at San Fernado Superior Court on Monday. Braswell is charged with one count of second-degree commercial burglary and three felony counts of grand theft over $400. Gbewonyo, Tresvant and Rutherford are charged with one count each of second-degree commercial burglary and grand theft over $400.
Jeffrey Braswell, a CSUN student, was arrested Jan. 3 and released three days later on his own recognizance. His three co-defendants were arrested Jan. 5 and released the same day after posting $20,000 bail each. Beginning with a game against UC Davis on the same day of the latter arrests, Tresvant and Rutherford have been withheld from games 'until these issues are clarified.' They have been allowed to practice with the team, though.
'Obviously, I'm disappointed with the circ*mstances that have taken place with my son Jeffrey and the allegations regarding Deon (Tresvant) and Dallas (Rutherford),' Bobby Braswell said in a Jan. 6 statement. 'At this point, we will allow the judicial process to unfold. As far as my son's involvement, it is a private matter that my family and support system will deal with.'
Two days later, the coach faced the media at a press conference at the university and officially announced he was behind his players.
'We will continue to support these young men throughout this process,' Braswell said.
There is a feeling that at least Tresvant will be back sooner rather than later. The Matador was in attendance at CSUN's last game at Long Beach State on Saturday and seemed in good spirits while hanging out with team members post-game. Kenny Daniels, the starting small forward, even paid Tresvant respects by pointing at him, who was sitting in the stands, after drilling a 3-pointer near the end of the game the Matadors ended up losing 74-68.
Tresvant, who is from Long Beach, wasn't in much of a mood to offer his comments on the allegations afterwards, though.
'I'm tired of talking about it,' he said.
Meanwhile, another intriguing storyline is the fact that Rutherford is the son of Dudley Rutherford, the pastor of the Shepherd of the Hills church in Porter Ranch, which is the church Bobby Braswell belongs to. His son, Jeffrey, and the younger Rutherford have grown up together, according to Willie Galick, CSUN's starting forward. Everyone in the CSUN locker room knows the younger Braswell but he hangs out with a select group of people, Galick said. Also, Dallas Rutherford's sister, Kayla, is a member of the Northridge basketball family as well. She plays on the women's team.
The Matadors have gone 2-1 without Tresvant and Rutherford. At this point, the earliest they could be back is Jan. 29 at UC Santa Barbara, three days after their court date. They'll be facing one of their biggest rivals of all time: Best Buy.
]]>The son of Head Coach Bobby Braswell, Jeffrey Braswell, and Matadors Deon Tresvant - the team's leading scorer - and Dallas Rutherford have been accused of stealing more than $6,600 worth of stuff from a Porter Ranch Best Buy on New Year's Day.
]]>Josh Jenkins walked out of the locker room expressionless and alone, only with the pizza every team member gets afterwards to show for yet another night of offensive struggles. His last chance to redeem himself had gone up and rimmed out in the final seconds, ending the hopes of the Matadors (6-9, 3-2 BWC), who lost to Long Beach State 74-68 Saturday afternoon at the Walter Pyramid.
His backup, at point guard, Mark Hill - playing in his first game ever with CSUN - had earned the right to take his place in the rotation in the waning moments of the tight affair and responded by drilling back-to-back 3-pointers which cut the 49er lead to 69-66 with 1:42 to play. Just then, as a timeout was called, Hill, the hot man, was sent to the bench.
'Mark was getting tired,' Head Coach Bobby Braswell said.
Not playing in a real game for quite some time will do that even to a Division-I player. Jenkins went back in for Hill but couldn't do much to change things thereafter. After T.J. Robinson of LBS put back a shot that missed the rim completely to make it a five-point game and Jenkins missed a 3-point attempt with 17 seconds left, the game had been decided.
'I don't know about that,' Hill said when asked why he was taken out of the game for all but the last 12 seconds of crunch time. '(Jenkins) is just as good. He can make some big shots. It was Coach's decision.'
Hill had missed more than he had made in the first half. It was a different story in the second period, though. The point guard made 3-of-4 3-pointers in the last 20 minutes of the game. One of those gave the Matadors the only lead they had in the second half.
That advantage, 56-55 with 7:30 to go in the game, disappeared in a blur (10 seconds). CSUN could have at least had multiple leads in this one, but it missed six of 13 second-half free throws, 12-of-24 overall.
And then, there was the beginning of the game.
'Defensively, the first half was horrendous, absolutely horrendous,' Braswell said.
The Matadors couldn't stop Long Beach State in the first half and allowed it to shoot 55 percent from the field. Donovan Morris, perhaps the best player in the Big West, ate them alive and scored 15 of his 22 points in it. Perhaps it wouldn't have been as bad if CSUN at least would have made a shot, but at 31 percent, it considered itself lucky to go into halftime trailing by only eight, 40-32.
'We had to fight that much harder to make it back,' center Tremaine Townsend said.
The second-half rally was fueled by Townsend, Hill and Kenny Daniels. Townsend ended up with a new double-double (12 points and 16 rebounds) while Daniels had 12 of his 15 points in the period. After Daniels threw one of his 3-pointers in to draw CSUN within two midway through the half, he pointed up at the stands, where Deon Tresvant '- the Matadors' leading-scorer who hasn't been able to play while clearing up off-the-court problems - was watching.
Whether Tresvant could have saved his team on this day is impossible to tell. What is a fact, though, is that the 49ers (5-0) kept CSUN at bay and are the undisputed first-place team in the conference.
First place is where the Matadors are supposed to end up at the end of the season and they have found a new weapon to help that cause. Their next game is at home on Wednesday, against the Titans, a team they already destroyed once and on the road.
]]>Josh Jenkins walked out of the locker room expressionless and alone, only with the pizza every team member gets afterwards to show for yet another night of offensive struggles.
]]>CSUN's dream of housing one of the San Fernando Valley's first major venues for music and theatre was put on hold as a result of the state's approximately $42 billion budget deficit.
Construction on the $125 million Valley Performing Arts Center, along with a new science building, was put on at least a 90-day hiatus after the university received a memo from the state's Department of Finance in mid-December of last year.
The memo, which addressed several agencies including both the Cal State University and University of California systems, stated that there would be a temporary freeze on disbursem*nts issued on state-funded projects.
The memo, issued Dec. 18, 2008, said in order to balance the state's budget and maintain funds for 'day-to-day operational needs,' state-funded loans to CSU and UC systems, the California Community Colleges, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and others would be frozen until January.'
'The inability to issue debt is directly attributable to the State's worsening fiscal condition,' stated California Director of Investments Daniel S. Dowell on the State Treasurer's website.' 'Current projections by the State Controller show the State will run out of cash to pay its bills in February, while the Department of Finance projects a budget shortfall of $40 billion' in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
Gailya Brown, director of the PAC's Imagine the Arts campaign, said the university's 'hope is that this suspension will last no more than 90 days.' It all depends on what happens in Sacramento.'
Associate Vice President for Facilities Development and Operation, Colin Donahue, said construction on the PAC is 25 percent complete.' As of the end of the year, 'there was approximately $25 million of completed work,' he said.
C.W. Driver, the general contractor hired to work on the PAC, was notified of the construction suspension by the university on Dec. 29, 2008, said Donahue.' The crew then completed the necessary safety precautions, such as securing the steel frame and welding and protection from environmental elements, in order to ensure the site was secure during the suspension.
Donahue also said several other 'minor capital projects' were affected by the halt in construction, including 'handicapped accessibility upgrades and minor upgrades (to buildings), anything that was funded through state bonds.'
'A lot of it might not be immediately visible to students,' Donahue said.' 'We have a very large campus, if you count in just our academic buildings (which are) 4 million square feet, so we continually upgrade (and) improve them.'
He stressed the importance of those funds because they go directly into maintaining the campus.
The Valley PAC is being constructed on Nordhoff Street and Lindley Avenue east of Nordhoff and Cypress Halls, which house the theatre and music departments, and is projected to be completed April 2010, with the public unveiling to take place in October of that year.
The science building, which will be named Chaparral Hall, is about 80 percent complete with $34 million used so far in construction as of Dec. 31 of last year, said Donahue.'
The project's total cost is an estimated $45 million, he said.
Projects that were not affected include the G3 parking structure on Zelzah Avenue, new student housing and the Recreation Center, he said.' Those projects are being funded by the CSU, not from state bonds, Donahue said.
The ability to quickly restart building and the university's ability to pay construction company C.W. Driver remain Donahue's concerns.
'We have a really dedicated team,' said Donahue. 'Retaining the key personnel in both the contractors and the subcontractors'hellip;has some impact on (our) ability to start up.'
The PAC is being funded by $75 million in state bonds and $50 million in private donations.' So far, $22 million in private funds have been received, and an additional $28 million needs to be raised, said Brown.
'The ($22 million) has been put in a short-term account and has gained a little bit of value, it has not been affected by the fluctuations in the stock market,' she said.' Brown also said the university has reassured the donors to the PAC that their money has not been affected negatively by the economy.
'What this issue really does is it drives home the reality (of how) the private component of that partnership (to fund the PAC) is so critical,' said Brown.' 'We've had some very supportive calls from our donors'hellip;Most people see this for what it is; it's a state-wide issue.'
Due to the state's budget deficit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature cut $97.3 million from the CSU budget, the Sundial reported last December.' An estimated 10,000 students will be denied enrollment, with roughly 1,100 first-time freshmen to be turned away from CSUN in fall 2009, reported the Sundial.
Tony Bell, spokesperson for L.A. County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, said 'because of the state's inability to get its financial house in order, the (Performing Arts Center) will be delayed, and it is indicative of the need for structural reform at the state level.'
Antonovich, who supervises the fifth district which includes the San Fernando Valley, donated $500,000 to the PAC.
Bell said the supervisor 'feels the Performing Arts Center will be a very positive asset to the Valley and to our county'hellip;It will provide our residents with a superb venue for the arts that will have a very positive impact on the surrounding community.'
Brown said the PAC is expected to 'be a revenue-generated facility,' but that it was too early to predict exactly how much money the center would bring to CSUN.
'Hopefully, the Legislature resolves this issue and re-establishes funding,' said Brown.
]]>CSUN's dream of housing one of the San Fernando Valley's first major venues for music and theatre was put on hold as a result of the state's approximately $42 billion budget deficit.
]]>Former CSUN student Iris Pupo, 20, was prepared to return to her status as a CSUN student after spending a semester at Los Angeles Mission College. However, as a former recipient of full financial funding at CSUN, she was not prepared to hear that she would have to pay for her tuition out of pocket.
'I would have to pay upfront by the time school started,' Pupo said. 'Since I don't have the money, I can't go.'
While Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency for California Jan. 15 during his State of the State address, CSUN students, faculty and staff continue to feel the impact of budget cuts to the California State University system.
The state's economic slump led Schwarzenegger to release a summary of his 2009-2010 budget proposals Dec. 31, 2008, before releasing the formal budget Jan. 9.
The proposals call for the CSU system to continue with cost reductions in the amount of $66.3 million. Also included in the proposals are a 10 percent tuition increase and a cut in funding for student aid programs like the Cal Grant program.
The CSU system has responded to the cost reductions by cutting back on first-time freshman admittance, suspending construction projects on campus and putting a hiring freeze on all positions except those necessary to keep the university in service.
Brian Ferguson, communications specialist for the California Faculty Association, expressed general concern in regards to the governor's proposed budget cuts effect on institutions of higher learning.
'It's a bad decision for the long term prosperity of the state,' said Ferguson.
Ferguson's stance that the cuts impede on the university's ability to produce college graduates due to the limit on first-time freshman admissions and fewer available sections per class is shared by James David Ballard, a CSUN associate professor of sociology.
'Its dreams deferred,' said Ballard. '(For) those who want to go to school it may take a little longer. Those who are already in school, it may take longer to graduate.'
Speaking hypothetically of what could be the outcome for faculty, Harold Hellenbrand, CSUN provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said the campus could potentially have 90 fewer faculty positions.
Ballard said that tenured faculty members do the majority of student advising in their respective departments as well as develop new classes to keep up with the technological and social changes occurring in the workplace.
'If no one keeps up with the new technology, classes become old and stale,' Ballard said with respect to the potential decrease in faculty members.
Though the governor's proposals overall lesson the CSU system's funding, there is an increase in funding for nursing enrollments to supplement the state's need for nurses in the health field. This could allow for 340 full-time nursing students.
Ferguson said that he sees this increase as a good thing. However, he questions whether it will be that effective.
'Three-hundred and forty new nurses seem to be a drop in the bucket,' Ferguson added.
During the governor's State of the State address he warned that the severity of the economic situation in California would need the sacrifice of all Californians.
'Now, of course no one wants to take money from our gang fighting programs or from Medi-Cal or from education,' Schwarzenegger said. 'Of course not.' No one wants to pay more taxes or fees. But each of us has to give up something, because our country is in an economic crisis and our state simply doesn't have the money.'
In that spirit, Pupo is returning to community college where she currently receives full funding, a move Hellenbrand suggests for anyone in her situation.
'First I would maximize the amount of work I could do at a community college level,' he said. 'Secondly, I would sit down with the loan people on campus and I would take a hard look with them as to what loan money is available.'
As Pupo returns to LAMC there is one thing that she said CSUN provided that she cannot get at her community college.
'I go to class and go home' said Pupo. 'It's not like I can really get involved like I did at CSUN.'
]]>Former CSUN student Iris Pupo, 20, was prepared to return to her status as a CSUN student after spending a semester at Los Angeles Mission College. However, as a former recipient of full financial funding at CSUN, she was not prepared to hear that she would have to pay for her tuition out of pocket.
]]>' Share your thoughts.
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]]>After another dominant performance by All-American Senior Eric Vance on Friday, the men's volleyball team improved to 5-0 on the season and 2-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.'
Vance has shown a lot of poise in the early season, leading his team to these victories and putting up big numbers, like his 25 kills in the team's latest victory over UC Irvine, 3-1. Before that, CSUN gave itself the luxury of also beating UCLA. Twice.
'We're pretty hot right now, but we've got to stay hot throughout the season,' said Vance after the team's second win over the Bruins on Wednesday. 'We can't let down.'
CSUN won the Elephant Bar/UCSB Championship Tournament to open this year's season.' CSUN, which is ranked No. 2 in the nation, began its championship run with a win over the No. 8 Bruins, a game in which Vance had a game-high 21 kills while freshman Matt Stork posted an impressive 49 assists in his first game at the college level.
CSUN kept the ball rolling in the semifinals of the tournament with a 3-1 victory over UC Santa Barbara in which Vance recorded 19 kills and was helped by Junior Mike Gaudino, who had 15 kills of his own.' Part of what helps this CSUN team to be so dominant at the net is the presence of 7-foot middle blocker Jacek Ratajczak, who had a team-high six blocks.
Vance was the difference at UCSB, but some of the attention was taken off him due to the strong play of Sophom*ore Tanner Nua, who had 11 kills, and Junior Kevin McKniff, who knocked down nine.
Eventually CSUN made its way to the finals, where it beat Stanford, 3-1, to claim its first Elephant Bar/UCSB Championship since joining the tournament in 1996.' Vance knocked down a match-high 20 kills while Ratajczak and Gaudino also added double-digit kills in the winning effort.' In the end, Vance was named tournament MVP, finishing the weekend with 60 kills.
That brought this squad to a 3-0 start coming into its first MPSF game at Pauley Pavilion against, once again, UCLA.
Vance delivered once again, with a solid double-double performance, executing 18 kills and getting down low for 10 digs.' Nua helped the winning cause with eight kills while McKniff added seven.' CSUN was able to control the tempo at the net in the first game due to big play from Ratajczak and Nua and coasted to a 3-0 victory.
'We're trying to send a message that we're trying to be the team to beat,' junior outside hitter Mike Gaudino said after the win. 'Hopefully we'll continue that through the year.'
Their next test was on Friday night at UC Irvine, the No. 5 team in the nation.
Vance demonstrated why he is an All-American and had a season-high 25 kills and 10 digs, accounting for his second double-double of the season.' Also, Nua and Ratajczak had 11 kills apiece while McKniff had 10 of his own and eight blocks. It all resulted in a 3-1 win. '
Stork has been assisting at a high level, allowing dangerous hitters like Gaudino, Vance, McKniff, Nua and Ratajzak to fire hard at opposing teams.' Then, by winning the battle down low at the net, the team is able to control the game.
Are they thinking National Championship?
'It takes all of us firing on all cylinders, playing as a team,' Vance said.' 'We have the potential and we're reaching it right now. We just have to stay steady.'
CSUN will host its first game of the season Wednesday. The rival of turn will be the Gauchos (2-3, 0-2 MPSF).
]]>After another dominant performance by All-American Senior Eric Vance on Friday, the men's volleyball team improved to 5-0 on the season and 2-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
]]>The CSUN women's basketball team won 88-84 in overtime against the Long Beach State 49ers on Saturday and finished the winter break with three wins and three losses to add to their overall 4-13 record and 1-3 Big West Conference record.
Freshman Jasmine Erving helped lead the team to victory by scoring 25 points. She also had 11 rebounds, which brought her to her second career double-double. She is averaging 9.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season.
Another standout in the win was Katrina Thompson.
Thompson scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. These numbers set new highs for the junior.'
This game not only helped bring them back into the semester with a victory but also snapped a 21-game losing streak to Big West teams. Their last win against a conference opponent had occurred in March of 2007, when they defeated Cal Poly.
The Matadors are nine games below .500, but compared to last year's 1-26 season, they are headed towards a brighter future.
In their first win of the break, against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22, it was Ashley Blake who stood out by hitting a 3-pointer with a few minutes left in the game to give the Matadors a 47-41 lead. CSUN ended up with a 54-47 win.
The win put the Matadors at 2-10 before their home match against Columbia on Dec. 28.
Whitney Ligon was the standout that night. The senior led Northridge with 22 points, all of which she scored in the second half of the Matadors'' 74-64 win.
The win streak ended there, though, and their next game started another streak, a losing one.
The Matadors lost their next three games, all conference ones.
The first loss was a 63-58 decision in Stockton against Pacific on Jan. 2. Senior Tonicia Tademy scored a career-high 19 points in the loss. CSUN attempted to rally back but fell short to the Tigers.
The next loss came at the hands of UC Davis two days later. The Aggies won by a score of 86-66.
Four of their players finished in double-digits scoring. Ashley Blake and Analee Viena-Lota finished with 19 and 12 points respectively while Ligon and Thompson chipped in 11 points apiece.
The next game brought their third straight loss in conference, to UC Riverside, 72-62.
Tademy set a career-high in scoring with 24 points and with the help of Ligon, the two combined for 43 of the team's total game points.
On Wednesday, CSUN will face Cal State Fullerton.
]]>The CSUN women's basketball team won 88-84 in overtime against the Long Beach State 49ers on Saturday and finished the winter break with three wins and three losses to add to their overall 4-13 record and 1-3 Big West Conference record.
]]>I had planned out my perfect trip for this winter break a long time ago. I bought my plane ticket from Los Angeles to Houston, and from El Paso to Washington, D.C. I figured I'd kill three birds with one stone and visit as many people as I could over our extra long vacation. I also thought I'd head over to D.C to attend and/or cover the inauguration of our 44th president, Barack Obama. I have a friend in the area that was willing to take me in and I went shopping for warm clothes in advance. As I soon found out, a place to crash was the only base I had covered.'
Although I thought I didn't need a ticket to mull around the Capitol and National Mall during the swearing in ceremony and the subsequent parade, and although I thought I could get a press pass the second I landed in D.C, I had neither option available to me. Since then I've been trying to see if I could somehow get a ticket at the last minute. I had settled on walking around the area along with the millions of people who, like me, were not able to get tickets. I figured I'd bask in the experience, get some good quotes and video footage, oh yeah, and freeze. By some miracle, however, I just got a ticket for the 50th swearing in ceremony at the National Mall, and I still get to freeze.'
Like I mentioned, I did go shopping in Los Angeles before heading out, but for some reason, I severely underestimated the January weather in D.C. I'm not sure if I forgot that D.C is in the East Coast, or if I was just confident that I would be OK in thin V-neck shirts and sweaters. Since I've been here, I've been made fun of and gotten long stares as I walk Downtown with only three layers on.
That was back when I could walk Downtown without getting bumped into and pushed around. Since I had lived in the District before, I can say that I'm pretty familiar with the area, but this is definitely not the D.C. I left five months ago.
Getting around, whether by car or train, has become increasingly difficult, as people are coming into the tiny city and its neighboring suburbs. In the past two days, I've gotten stuck in a crowd of people at Union Station, and in a line of cars down Georgia Avenue.
But enough complaining. After all, I came back for a reason, right? Although I was used to regular rush hour and humid weather, this D.C on steroids is getting ready to swear in the first African-American president. This D.C is attracting millions of people to witness an historical event. Sure, the District has a lot to offer tourists from all over world, of all shapes and sizes, and of all religions and colors, but I know that today they are here for something and someone very special. As a woman from Texas I met today told me, everyone is here for the same reason, and they are all thinking and feeling the same thing.
]]>I had planned out my perfect trip for this winter break a long time ago. I bought my plane ticket from Los Angeles to Houston, and from El Paso to Washington, D.C. I figured I'd kill three birds with one stone and visit as many people as I could over our extra long vacation.
]]>I had planned out my perfect trip for this winter break a long time ago. I bought my plane ticket from Los Angeles to Houston, and from El Paso to Washington, D.C. I figured I'd kill three birds with one stone and visit as many people as I could over our extra long vacation.
I also thought I'd head over to D.C to attend and/or cover the inauguration of our 44th president, Barack Obama. I have a friend in the area that was willing to take me in and I went shopping for warm clothes in advance. As I soon found out, a place to crash was the only base I had covered.'
Although I thought I didn't need a ticket to mull around the Capitol and National Mall during the swearing in ceremony and the subsequent parade, and although I thought I could get a press pass the second I landed in D.C, I had neither option available to me. Since then I've been trying to see if I could somehow get a ticket at the last minute. I had settled on walking around the area along with the millions of people who, like me, were not able to get tickets. I figured I'd bask in the experience, get some good quotes and video footage, oh yeah, and freeze. By some miracle, however, I just got a ticket for the 50th swearing in ceremony at the National Mall, and I still get to freeze.'
Like I mentioned, I did go shopping in Los Angeles before heading out, but for some reason, I severely underestimated the January weather in D.C. I'm not sure if I forgot that D.C is in the East Coast, or if I was just confident that I would be OK in thin V-neck shirts and sweaters. Since I've been here, I've been made fun of and gotten long stares as I walk Downtown with only three layers on.
That was back when I could walk Downtown without getting bumped into and pushed around. Since I had lived in the District before, I can say that I'm pretty familiar with the area, but this is definitely not the D.C. I left five months ago.
Getting around, whether by car or train, has become increasingly difficult, as people are coming into the tiny city and its neighboring suburbs. In the past two days, I've gotten stuck in a crowd of people at Union Station, and in a line of cars down Georgia Avenue.
But enough complaining. After all, I came back for a reason, right? Although I was used to regular rush hour and humid weather, this D.C on steroids is getting ready to swear in the first African-American president. This D.C is attracting millions of people to witness an historical event. Sure, the District has a lot to offer tourists from all over world, of all shapes and sizes, and of all religions and colors, but I know that today they are here for something and someone very special. As a woman from Texas I met today told me, everyone is here for the same reason, and they are all thinking and feeling the same thing.
]]>I had planned out my perfect trip for this winter break a long time ago. I bought my plane ticket from Los Angeles to Houston, and from El Paso to Washington, D.C.
]]>The untamed noise of a jackhammer, the sight of men in florescent orange t-shirts, and the view of mountainous piles of dirt can finally be over and done with. Well, that is, for the next 90 days.
We no longer have to beware of the bright yellow caution tape rearing our campus walks now that the construction of the new Valley Performing Arts Center has been suspended due to a shortage of state funds. This also means that the piles of dirt will remain there, untouched, until CSUN receives more money.
This predicament leaves two different types of questions lingering. For the people who care about this development, how long until CSUN gets the money from the state so construction can resume?
The answer to this one is easy and quick to respond too. They don't know. CSUN has been directed by the CSU system to inform contractors to expect a 90-day suspension. That is the equivalent of one semester with a barren field of dirt.
The second question applies to the people who had absolutely no idea what the pile of dirt was even for. What is the point of having a performing arts center anyway? This question is more likely posed by the students of CSUN who may have thought it was a new parking structure (Wouldn't that be more useful?).
The point is the Valley Performing Arts Center will offer a chance for the community to consume their dose of the arts without traveling to Hollywood or Pasadena to watch a play. It allows the opportunity for more jobs to arise in a time where unemployment is at its peak. We are in a recession, remember?
But that is the real point right there. We are in a recession. Why did CSUN choose to start something that inevitably would hit the wrath of the state department? That real answer stays within the administration. The spiel they give us is that the idea to create this center was to enrich the community and allow for easier access to the arts in the San Fernando Valley.
The truth is this: the Valley Performing Arts Center was a concoction created more by the community and the administration at CSUN rather than the students of CSUN really desiring a performing arts center.
'A resolution by the California State University System pledging basic support for building a performing arts center at each of its campuses, together with great demand among community and University leaders for such a facility, prompted Cal State Northridge to make building the Valley Performing Arts Center part of its master plan as well as a presidential priority' according to the website.
What should be 'presidential priority' is figuring out a way to decrease tuition each semester, and how to save the students money on textbooks. However, that may not be
such a concern for the community.
It is without a doubt that each student at CSUN should embrace the arts and be cultural in that aspect? Yet with a university that lacks so much school spirit, what are the chances that the Valley Performing Arts Center will be fully put to use? Now we have to wait an unknown length of time to get those statistics.
Of course, now that the university has delved into establishing the center for the community, there is no other choice than to finish what was started. The postponement will not only delay this dream to be realized, but cost more money to start up again. Let's just hope that the state decides to fund the money soon. Actually, let's pray that America gets out of the recession so people no longer have to witness these kinds of downfall.
]]>The untamed noise of a jackhammer, the sight of men in florescent orange t-shirts, and the view of mountainous piles of dirt can finally be over and done with. Well, that is, for the next 90 days.
]]>When 19-year-old, freshman math major Xavier E. Gomez, tried out for a defense position on CSUN's Soccer Club he did not make the cut, still he continued to show up for practice.
His dedication and determination eventually paid off, said Soccer Club President Carlos Hernandez.
'Later in the soccer season all of our goalies flaked for a reason or another and since Xavier was around all the time, I informed him about it,' Hernandez said.
Gomez told him that he had never played goalie but he would do it to be a part of the team.
On Jan. 3 the goalie and Kappa Sigma Fraternity pledge died in a car accident in the early morning in Porter Ranch. The exact circ*mstances of the accident are still under investigation.
'He stood out among approximately 30 people in the club because of his very enthusiastic and talkative personality,' Hernandez said. 'He played a good season.'
The last time Hernandez saw Gomez was at the team's first practice, a day before he died.'
'(Xavier) said he was excited to start on Spring League. He left that day with the usual smile on his face,' Hernandez said. 'I think that's the way I'll always remember him.'
Caring, determined and happy is how his sister Tatiana Gomez remembers her brother.
'He was always joking around, making people laugh,' she said.
Gomez was very involved at school and in his community, said Tatiana.
'He wanted to try new things everyday and if he wanted something, he would try his hardest to get it,' Tatiana said.
Gomez was the first from his family to attend college. Tatiana will soon follow in his footsteps.
He was a math major, but he also loved music. In his senior year at Gardena High School, he taught himself how to play the guitar and wrote songs.
He was fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language and had a strong sense of humor as well as a knack for making people laugh.
Frankie Salazar, his friend since middle school, remembered Gomez going to Sacramento to perform one of his songs.
He was nicknamed Flash, due to him being a fast runner and his friends described him as charming, motivated and hard headed, but in a good way.
Last summer, he was one of about 50 selected high school students from across California to be a part of Youth Leadership Forum, a guidance program for high school students with disabilities. Gomez was hard of hearing.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, he was actively involved in his school and community, Tatiana said.
While in high school, he worked at a local Internet caf'eacute; in South Central and in his senior year, at a local Albertsons. Though he had a busy schedule, he also made time to volunteer.
One summer, he volunteered at Carson Hospital. Another time, along with his sister, they volunteered with L.A. Bridge, a community gang prevention program, to clean neighborhood streets.
'Xavier was not only wonderful to get to know, but he stood out,' said his YLF Counselor Gina sem*nza. 'He was intellectually curious, emotionally mature in ways I don't often see among many youth.'
Apart from being considerate of others he was incredibly articulate, creative and quick thinking, sem*nza said.
sem*nza recommended him to represent the YLF program to the media and said she was not surprised when Xavier did a wonderful job with an interview for a Spanish-speaking morning program.
'Xavier's life was cut too short.' He was both incredibly talented and kind, a combination not easily found,' she said.'
A high school friend, who like Gomez, was hearing impaired, recalled that Xavier would project his positive attitude on the people around him, bringing out the best in them.
'He was always there whenever his friends needed him,' said Alma Altamirano. 'He was such a wonderful guy and we learned a lot from him. We thank him for having been there for us.'
In Altamirano's opinion Gomez taught her two important life lessons, the ability to forgive and be more social. Before she had met him, Altamirano was extremely shy but through their friendship she became more extroverted.
Gomez is survived by his nearly two-year-old daughter, Daira Patrica Gomez, who Tatiana says looks a lot like him.
'She's really smart for her age too,' she said.
His also survived by his parents Claudia Marquez, Jose Gomez, his brother Alexis Marquez and his sister Tatiana Gomez.'
'It was very hard for my parents, but seeing all the support has made it a little easier,' said Tatiana.
'
The family would like to thank Kappa Sigma and everyone who has donated and been supportive throughout their ordeal.
To make donations, email claudiamarquez@netzero.net'
When 19-year-old, freshman math major Xavier E. Gomez, tried out for a defense position on CSUN's Soccer Club he did not make the cut, still he continued to show up for practic
]]>They're down a leading scorer, their starting point guard can't buy a bucket '- he admitted so himself '- and, in a span of 20 days, they've gone from looking unbeatable, to courageous, and, ultimately, to vulnerable.
They, the Matadors men's basketball team (6-9, 3-2 Big West), also just got a much-needed boost in the form of a 5-foot-11 transfer at the same time they dropped a road game against the top team in the Big West Conference, which meant a fall to a four-way tie for second place in the league.
But even though Deon Tresvant (13.3 ppg) isn't playing and Josh Jenkins has only shot 9-of-46 in the past four games, the Matadors can't be too surprised at the roller coaster (although some events were more unforeseeable than others). Head Coach Bobby Braswell has said it throughout the 2008-09 campaign that started with an overwhelming favoritism: The Big West 'is going to be crazy.'
The wild conference ride started in Fullerton two days before the end of 2008. CSUN never looked more dominant as it thrashed the defending league champion Titans, 90-64, in their home court. Two weeks later, already without Tresvant, it needed a spirited second-half lockdown to overcome UC Riverside and place itself in more calm waters.
The current shook up a bit on Saturday as league-leading Long Beach State stopped the Matadors' bid to catch up to it by beating them 74-68. Jenkins played a season-low 18 minutes at the same time as his new backup, junior point guard Mark Hill, made his debut with CSUN and helped lead a late charge that eventually fell short, but gave the team a new window: Hill's quickness.
Cal State Fullerton (8-10, 2-4) will visit The Matadome tonight with revenge in their heads. They're not the team that represented the Big West in the NCAA Tournament in 2008 anymore, but they still have a few weapons (like league leading-scorer Josh Akognon) and the conference's best offense.
Date: Tonight
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: The Matadome, Northridge
Series: Titans lead 32-25
Last meeting: CSUN 90 @ Fullerton 64, Dec. 29, 2008
Interesting fact: In their latest match, the Matadors handed Fullerton its worst home loss in nearly seven years. CSUN shot 60 percent from the floor en route to a 26-point win.
Matador to watch:
Mark Hill, guard, junior
Hill arrived from Tulsa last year but could not play due to eligibility rules. That was until the Matadors' last outing at Long Beach State, where the junior stepped in as point guard Josh Jenkins' backup. Hill was impressive in crunch time and buried three second-half 3-pointers to finish with an 11-point, three-assist debut. CSUN ended up losing to the 49ers, 74-68, but won itself a quick, hungry guard. The junior will be playing in his first home game of the season.
Titan to watch:
Josh Akognon, guard, senior
Having already faced the likes of Manu Ginobili and Dirk Nowtizki in his career, very little will make Akognon's back hair stand up. The senior, who played against the aforementioned stars while representing Nigeria in the 2006 FIBA World Championship, averaged 20.2 points per game while leading his Titans to the NCAA Tournament last season. He's followed up on that by, as of his last game, being the seventh-highest scorer in the nation. Akognon's averaging 23.4 ppg.
What did he say?
Bobby Braswell, Head Coach
On Mark Hill's debut as a Matador Saturday at Long Beach State:
'He made some great decisions. He made some great passes and hit a couple of big three's, obviously. It's going to be good to have a true backup point guard. It's something we haven't had all year.'
]]>Cal State Fullerton visits The Matadome at 7 p.m. as the Northridge men's basketball team looks to bounce back from its first road loss of the conference season.
]]>Some people have big footprints. CSUN has a big footprint, carbon footprint that is.
In an effort to make the CSUN campus more eco-friendly, the campus Greening Project formed the Institute of Sustainability to increase awareness of environmental issues and promote student and' faculty involvement.
The Greening Project, facilitated by Diane P. Stephens, director of Academic Resources, was a joint effort to enforce the overall green project on campus.
The Green Core Team emerged, comprised of faculty and staff, who expressed an interest in similar environmental issues. Dr. William P. Jennings, dean of the College of Business and Economics, led the movement to get the Institute of Sustainability approved.' The institute was enacted with three initiatives in mind.
The first initiative involved creating an institute for research of campus sustainability, the second was to assess the impact of ecological effects on campus and the third was to change the cirriculum to involve one or two general education courses on sustainability, as well as to promote interdisciplinary teaching between departments.
In addition to the initiatives, The Stakeholder Group was formed to implement a forum for students to come together with ideas and projects for campus greening efforts. This group allows students to contact the institute to find ways to get involved with projects and events on campus.
Dr. Ashwani Vasishth, the director of the Institue of Sustainability who teaches courses on sustainability and international development, realized that the earth's climate change combined with globalization would create issues in the environment and decided to take action.
Vasishth was met with enthusiasm and support from the Office of the Provost, who approved his manifesto for a greener campus.
'A key constraint in making the campus more sustainable was finding a way to relay the information. The biggest complaint from students was how to get involved with campus efforts,' Vasishth said. 'There are a hundred-thousand things we can be doing on campus, from recycling to conserving water.'
Dr. Nancy Kurland, a professor in the Department of Management, who is involved with the Institute of Sustainability and currently doing research on water and water shortages, emphasized the importance of getting involved.
Getting involved 'is critical to the sustainability on campus, the community and the earth,' Kurland said.
The Institute of Sustainability is funded through Academic Affairs. It has applied for grants from the EPA, and should hear back within the next month.
The National Teach-In On Global Warming, a grassroots movement that enlists the help of colleges, universities, high schools and businesses, works to engage in better solutions towards global warming. Along with the Institute of Sustainability, National Tech-In On Global Warming will host an event on campus. The event is scheduled to take place on February 5 at 10:45 a.m. in the USU Grand Salon. The event will focus on campus sustainability and climate change.
Andy Lipkis, founder and president of the TreePeople, a nonprofit organization focused on using nature to help solve ecological problems, will be the keynote speaker for the event. Additional faculty concerned with climate change issues will also take part in the event.
For more information and ways to get involved, visit blogs.csun.edu/sustainability or call the Institute of Sustainability at 677-5929.
]]>Some people have big footprints. CSUN has a big footprint, carbon footprint that is.
]]>Where have you gone, LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers fans turn its lonely eyes to you. What's that you say, Dean Spanos, L.T. will soon leave and go away?'
If this jingle sounds familiar to you, it should, but not because it is a remix of the 1968 tune 'Mrs. Robinson,' a song performed by Simon and Garfunkel with the chorus honoring Joltin' Joe DiMaggio's heroic stature, but rather, it is today's rendition of the treatment directed towards franchise players in sports.
In the eyes of the Chargers, the face of the team, city and partly the league just washed down the drain like the can of soup he endorses. For Tomlinson and Charger fans, the thought of living without one another will be as tough to digest as minestrone.
Ever since their playoff exit to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game in which Tomlinson did not even suit up due to a groin injury, the Chargers have publicly voiced that L.T.'s future with the team will be reevaluated.'
'We talked about the situation and I just tried to explain everything that must be considered,' Spanos, the team president said on the club's offseason plans. 'I told him we haven't even started our discussions and won't for a while, so don't jump to any conclusions. And I told him I would call him personally to make sure he's aware of everything that's going on.'
To put all that in layman's terms, Tomlinson should start phoning other teams, pack his bags and then be on the look out for Tatum Bell.
What happened to the good ole' days of Hall of Famers like Dan Marino, Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, Jim Kelly and countless others playing it out with one team while making loyalty with the organization a two-way street?
Consider me an old talking head who doesn't realize the business aspect of sports, but I collected cards of the above players when their uniforms all had the same color scheme in my yesteryears, and not having continuity these days is disappointing. A page of trading cards for today's collector features an athlete donning four different jerseys in five years.
The legendary Jim Brown, who retired after a short lived, nine-year career as a running back for the Cleveland Browns, says it best in his autobiography, Out of Bounds.
'Two things I always knew about my league, the NFL: You don't ask for favors, you don't hang around. A man might love the game, but the game loves no one. The game will use what he has, (then) discard him. The sh-- isn't personal.'
So Tomlinson, who lifted the organization out from the doldrums of Ryan Leaf and into a perennial contender every year, should not take this slap in the face of being traded personal? Should he go Sanders and abruptly retire or blame the shambled offensive line he ran behind? Should he throw his team under the bus for not re-signing all-world fullback Lorenzo Neal? Whatever the case is, it will be the second consecutive season where a NFL superstar - Brett Favre being the other - is dealt with a force out.
News flash to the Chargers and the rest of the league: The force-out rule no longer exists. And can you seriously imagine the dexterous L.T. delivering pizzas outside of San Diego County as he so aptly does in his ad campaign for Oggi's Pizza?
But much like his records, Tomlinson has carried on with class amid speculations.
'I've tried to be the best professional, best player, best person in the community that this organization has ever seen, that's what I've always tried to do and will continue to do because that's who I am,' Tomlinson recently said in an interview. 'I think it's ridiculous to be talking about trade and me not being here, that's just my personal opinion. I started here and I want to finish here. But it's not up to me anymore. That's the disappointing thing.'
Over the course of his sub par season, and again in recent weeks, the ubiquitous word on Tomlinson was that at age 29, in running back years that equates to 45. He simply lost 'the step' he once had to outrun opposing defenses.'
However, what needs to be considered is that he only carried the ball a career-low 292 times, which mostly parlayed into quarterback Philip Rivers developing into the Pro Bowl-caliber gunslinger he is now. That in itself merits for a Terrell Owens-like tantrum from today's super-selfish athlete.
But not L.T. General Manager A.J. Smith, Spanos and the Chargers think shaving off $8.8 million from the salary cap and turning to the papier-m'acirc;ch'eacute; Darren Sproles and the ambisinister Michael Bennett will make them better than the 8-8 team they were this season.
Those two are far reaches from Tomlinson, who is currently 14th on the all-time rushing list with 11,760 yards in only eight seasons. Barring any setback in 2009, i.e. finding a future employer, Tomlinson will leap into seventh place joining some of the games most revered.
L.T. missed the AFC divisional playoff loss against the Steelers earlier this month and hardly played the year before because of a knee injury in the conference championship game versus New England.
If the saying is true that you are only as good as your last transaction, then L.T. will soon be looking for P.T. in a city other than San Diego.
]]>LaDainian Tomlinson is just latest example of teams' 'loyalty' to their franchise players.
]]>The Matador women's basketball team (4-13, 1-3 Big West) travels to Cal State Fullerton (6-9, 3-2) tonight in hopes of breaking an 0-9 record on the road this season. They are coming off a big overtime win against the Long Beach State 49ers on Saturday.
'That game was very important,' Head Coach Staci Schulz said. 'It was important for us to come back and I'm proud of our performance.'
That was their first conference win of the season and their fourth overall. The Matadors have already surpassed their win-record of last season, which was only one.
Tonight, the Matadors will need a big performance from freshman, center Jasmine Erving. Against the 49ers, she put up a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. That set a career-high in scoring for her and it was also her second career double-double. Erving credits her performance to the guard play and good passes in the post, giving her easy scoring opportunities.
Schulz said Erving is doing a nice job as a freshman and they are trying to build around her.
Another player who's been hot is Tonicia Tademy.
'(Tademy) is a phenomenal player and probably one of the best point guards to play at CSUN,' Schulz said.
With these two working the inside-out game, it should be an exciting one at the Titan's gym.
Date: Tonight
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Titan Gym, Fullerton
Series: Titans lead 26-5
Last Meeting: Feb. 28, 2008, CSUN 55 @ Titans 59
Interesting Fact: The Matadors haven't beaten the Titans since March 9, 2006. In that occasion, they played each other at the Big West Tournament in Anaheim, where CSUN eventually lost to UC Santa Barbara.
Matador to watch:
Freshman Jasmine Erving, center
Erving is coming off a 25-point game against Long Beach State on Saturday. She also had 11 rebounds, giving her the second double-double of her rookie season. As for tonight's game, Jasmine said she's excited to be able to play in her hometown of Orange County. She hopes to put up similar numbers against the No. 5 team in the Big West Conference. In Jasmine's words: 'It should be a really good game.'
Titan to watch:
Freshman Megan Richardson, guard
After falling short to Pacific Saturday, the Titans are looking to grab a win at home. Richardson is coming off a 21-point game, which set a career high for the freshman. She is averaging 15 points in the last four games, which has been instrumental so that her team could break even in those outings. This rookie has only been getting better. In her last three games, she scored 15 points against Cal Poly, then18 against UC Davis and finally 21 against the Tigers.
What did she say?
Staci Schulz, Head Coach
On tonight's matchup:
' 'We're looking at two even teams. We've beat teams they haven't and they've beat teams we haven't. It'll be a battle at their place.'
The Matador women's basketball team (4-13, 1-3 Big West) travels to Cal State Fullerton (6-9, 3-2) tonight in hopes of breaking an 0-9 record on the road this season.
]]>Sitting on the shoulders of his grandfather, 4-year-old Sean Patrick Henderson knew why he was at the nation's Capitol on Jan 20, in 20-degree weather.
'I want to see the president,' said the toddler awaiting the inaugural parade of recently sworn-in President Barack Obama.
His grandfather, Rev. Lee Henderson, of San Jose, Calif., wants to make sure Sean remembers this moment by taking lots of pictures and showing them to him when he's older.
Although they are a generation apart Sean and Lee are bound by the electricity coursing through the city on this historical day, the inauguration of the first African-American president of the United States.
'It's important for black and white children all over the world to realize that they can do anything no matter who they are or the color of their skin,' Lee said.
According to CNN polls, Obama received 96 percent of the black vote, 67 percent of the Latino vote, and 63 percent of the Asian vote.
Hailing from Indianapolis, Devante Bluitt, 16, watched the inauguration along with millions in person.
'I realized that if you want to do something and put your mind to it anything is possible,' said the high school student.
Obama defeated the odds despite people's opinions of him and the color of his skin, he said.
'He's opening up doors and breaking down the color barrier,' Bluitt said.
The people that voted for him and made their way down to the Capitol and National Mall filled the streets of Washington, D.C. to witness first hand the outcome of their vote.
Call it historic, call it groundbreaking, call it awe inspiring, but for those who were there or watched on their televisions or computer screens across the globe, this marks the beginning of a new era, one of hope and change.
Some onlookers were brought to tears as they basked in the moment that was unfolding before their eyes that will impact past, present and future generations.
Kelly Smith, 26, and her sister Danielle, a law student at Loyola in Louisiana, traveled to the Capitol, after their mother bought them tickets to the inauguration.
'The election was very invigorating for our family and I'm sure for people all over the US and the world,' Danielle said. 'I think this is a historic election for everyone, not just African-Americans, because Barack Obama is an inspirational figure.'
He's an intelligent man who is here for all people, Danielle said.
'It's not about black people, it's not about white people, it's about people as one,' she said.
'I feel like an American not (necessarily) a black American.'
Her sister Kelly agreed that Obama's win inspired unity in all people.
'The spirit here is wonderful and I am happy to be a part of it,' Kelly said.
She mentioned a piece on CNN that looked at people that black kids looked up to. It found that three years ago they were more inclined to idolize African-American athletes as opposed to politicians and public figures.
However, with Obama now running and winning the presidency the same kids who looked up to Michael Jordan now look up to Obama.
To Kelly, this is proof that Obama is not only reaching out to the younger generation, but also causing an impact on the way they view themselves and their aspirations.
'That's very inspirational,' Kelly said.
Amani Williams, 10, a local Washingtonian joined the millions of others who for a day changed the city she called home.
'I think this is cool to witness history in the making,' Williams said. 'For all us kids because we are happy to have a black president as a leader that is ready to fight for our country.'
]]>Sitting on the shoulders of his grandfather, 4-year-old Sean Patrick Henderson knew why he was at the nation's Capitol on Jan 20, in 20-degree weather.
]]>La Teisha Anderson, 19, Public Health Sophom*ore is very excited about the new President.' 'It's so exciting because I never thought we'd have a black President,' Anderson said.' 'It makes me want to work harder.'
It makes me feel everything is possible,' said Harriet Laing, 25, Biology Senior.
'The speech was excellent,' said George Fekaris, 27, Creative Writer Senior, who listened to Obama's speech on KCRW this morning.' 'I was moved and inspired and really felt his commitment to changes I want to see happen.'
'I hope he can follow through on all he promised,' said John Venegas, 22, Creative Writer Junior.' 'I wonder if any of it can really happen.'
'I have high hopes but medium expectations,' Venegas said.
'My fear is that we are putting everything into one man and he is only one man,' Heather Miller, 36, School Psychology Senior said.
]]>The Big Show committee accumulated nearly $40,000 in debt and is asking for a $12,000 transfer from Student Production and Campus Entertainment (SPACE) to help relieve them. The leftover debt will be settled by taking funds from other event programming committees. No money has been requested from unallocated reserves, although possibility still looms, said administrators.
'That's where we go into other A.S. accounts, but we are tight everywhere. There might be a chance that we will be going back to unallocated reserves,' said Audrey Younna, SPACE executive director. 'We aren't proud of it, but it is something we did try to prevent. This is the first time this has ever happened.'
According to the annual budget, A.S. has $28,514 in unallocated reserves offered to help clubs and organizations with student funding.
Big Show had the highest turnout since the first Big Show eight years ago with 6,219 attendees, about 800 of whom were not CSUN students
'We upped the (ticket) price thinking it would be worth it. Based on our own hunches and estimates, Ludacris was a bigger artist. We didn't know why we didn't get the ticket sales. It was a big shock to us. It is a bad economy. The students pay for this. This is a gift back for them.'
The number of ticket sales expected from non-CSUN students were not high enough to make the forecasted $60,000, despite the $10,000 spent on advertising. Outside sources generated about $20,000.
When asked about using money from unallocated reserves, Senate Representative Andrew Collard of the Finance Committee said, 'If they (SPACE) come they will have to come up with a good argument.' I am strongly against unallocated. Students pay for it all.
'It's unfair to take out money from comedy and lectures. They didn't have a back up plan. It is kind of irresponsible. They should have other ways to pay for it. I don't want a SPACE bailout,' said Conor Lansdale, a Senator Lower Division I.
'I did like it, but if we are struggling then I think that it's unnecessary,' said Brandi Beard, a 19-year-old sociology major, who attended the Ludacris concert. ' I don't think that they should take the money from unallocated reserves.'
]]>The total budget for the Big Show was $195,000.
]]>The legacy of Notorious B.I.G. reigns supreme after a solid biopic of the life of East Coast rapper Christopher Wallace is portrayed by the film's underdog cast.
Jamal Woolard, who had little acting experience prior to the film, gives a stellar performance as 'Notorious' by capturing the very essence of the rapper's demeanor.' Since Biggie had asthma, Woolard had to go through fierce training at what producers called the 'Biggie Boot Camp.''
A once 280 pound Woolard blew up to a 340 pound 'Biggie' size.' Woolard told reporters that he captured the iconic swaggering voice by putting a cotton ball in his mouth and spitting as much as possible.' One can pick up on this swagger during scenes of the rapper in the studio and on stage.
Woolard portrays Biggie from age 17 and captures the dual personality that lurked behind the shades and sizable mass of the famous rapper.' The growth of a struggling rapper and hustler that morphs into a man determined to make right what was wrong is a constant theme throughout the movie, including reconciliation with his mother, being a father to his son, and clearing the air with all the women he has ever wronged.
The case for who's responsible for the rapper's death is subject to debate on both sides. The movie places much of the blame on Tupac Shakur and 'Suge' Knight for instigating the beef. The movie's opening scene reveals that Biggie has been shot and killed.' It proceeds to differentiate the West Coast, which produced hard-edged gangsta rap while Sean Combs and Wallace crafted a more pop-oriented synthesis.'
The animosity that develops between both sides provides an interesting perspective on how the two opposing coasts dealt with the rivalry that would eventually end in tragedy.' That rivalry further illustrates how much power Shakur and Biggie had on waging war from coast-to-coast.'
Despite the fact that the movie is told through a one-sided lens, it remains praiseworthy because of Jamal Woolard's performance as Christopher Wallace.' ' '
]]>The legacy of Notorious B.I.G. reigns supreme after a solid biopic of the life of East Coast rapper Christopher Wallace is portrayed by the film's underdog cast.
]]>After eight years of being shut out from the secret workings in the government, journalists are still concerned with the future of journalism. Even with Barack Obama as our new president, the journalists' worry continues.
Throughout George W. Bush's eight years in office, journalists were restricted from obtaining and viewing information about governmental proceedings. Since it's a journalist's job to seek the truth and report it, having government information available to the public is crucial to the execution of the job.
Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration refused to release names of detainees imprisoned for being suspected of being Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters in Guantanamo Bay, and ordered a vast amount of documents and data be removed from agency websites.
The Bush administration also created secret deportation hearings where all immigration hearings and files were closed to family members and media. This made it difficult to find out when hearings were being conducted.
The OMB Watch website said 'The Bush Administration Secrecy Policy' didn't allow families and communities to protect themselves by removing data on airport and environmental safety.
Unlike Bush, Obama co-sponsored a bill to create a Web site to allow citizens to search government databases for information on contracts, grants and awards.
Obama also planned to make White House communications public, conduct regulatory agency business in public, and release presidential records.
With Obama sponsoring this bill, Americans will stay informed about government occurrences, and journalists can fully report fair and accurate information.
Although the change still remains to be seen, the anticipation of the bill gives the United States a sense of security that our health and safety is better protected.
The Bush administration once argued that allowing public access to government records can help terrorists, and the public accepted this. Journalism at that point could only report what the government gave them access to.
To see Obama willing to co-sponsor the same bill Bush took away, makes me believe Bush's administration used that as an excuse to cover-up the damage it was creating.
Regardless of what people think about public access to government records, journalists deserve the right to keep the public informed.
When the Bush administration was in office many of us were worried about the future of journalism. Now that Obama supports an open government and free press, journalists can continue to report accurate news.
Americans will regain a sense of security because they'll be informed of what the government is working on and what laws are amended.
Not only am I informing Americans about what's going on with the government but I am trying to send the message about how important it is for non-governmental officials to have access to government records.
During the Bush administration when government information was revealed, people were shocked to see that journalists didn't report information sooner. But with the restriction on government records there is only so much a journalist can do.
Obama is freely open to fixing the rights journalists once had before Bush was in office. I feel more confident and look forward to the future of journalism because with more government records accessible, the future of journalism provides better opportunities to inform the public of everything the government is up to.
]]>After eight years of being shut out from the secret workings in the government, journalists are still concerned with the future of journalism. Even with Barack Obama as our new president, the journalists' worry continues.
]]>I have been a graduating senior at CSUN for the past three semesters. My major is biology and unfortunately, throughout my enrollment at CSUN, I have repeatedly come across a major loophole in registering for classes through the Solar system. I have come to notice, that if a transferring student from any community college is trying to register for a class that has certain pre-requisites, and those pre-requisites have been taken at a community college, the Solar system will not recognize those classes. Hence every time I have to go through the biology department either in person or over the phone during their office hours to have my pre-requisites checked and rechecked in order to be given a permission number for enrollment in that particular class. If there is an opening, but the office is closed its just tough luck for me. Although I have tried to bring this issue up on several occasions, but the matter is still unresolved.
I do understand due to the cut back in the school budget CSUN cannot afford to offer all the classes listed on their schedule, and that some classes are only appropriate for certain semesters. Still I see the need in expanding some of the classes or at least adding additional classes that meet that particular section of course-requirement. Recently I have received an e-mail from the biology department announcing they have added some new classes, but not to my surprise none of the classes offered were falling under the category of 'Ecology and Environmental Biology.' This means no help to me, or anyone in my position.
Once again today I faced the same old problem with registering for a certain biology class. Having checked the night before there were several openings in different classes I need to graduate. But since I couldn't register for these classes due to the FLAW in the system, I set my alarm for 8:00 am, so I could call the biology department to get the necessary permission numbers. By the time I called the department, all but one of the classes were full again, and the one class that still had one opening did close right away, since the department was running a thorough background check, as if it was the FBI.
Anyone with half the brain would know that the glitch in online registration process can simply be solved by just inputting the data (previously taken pre-requisites at community colleges) by hand and save it there so there won't be a recurrent problem. But why didn't anyone think of that? I have heard enough apologies from each person in the advisem*nt center and the biology department staff, but what good is an apology to me if I am to become a graduating senior for the fourth semester?
This complaint may or may not do any good. As a matter of fact, I am sure it will be ignored, but it's worth a shot that maybe in the future a student with similar problems won't have to suffer as much as I did. I'm simply tired of begging teachers to add me in their classes each and every time, not knowing for a week or two whether someone made it in the class or whether he/she has to stay another semester is agonizing and rather frustrating. I do not want sympathy; I just want what is rightfully mine.
Sincerely
Shahin Haji*zadeh
biology major
More than 200 students from 40 San Fernando Valley high schools displayed their best work for the 12th Annual High School Art Invitation, which opened Jan. 12 in the campus art gallery.
Six pieces of work selected by the art teacher from each school are displayed in the gallery until the end of this month.
'By having the high school artists display their work, they also have the opportunity to compare their artistic performance with that of their peers and to consider CSUN, and more specifically the art department, as their destination for higher education,' said Jim Sweeters, interim director of CSUN's Art Galleries.
Various types of media are spread through out the gallery in a rhythmic fashion and might also strike a chord if assembled back to the natural form.' Kendall Follert transposed an actual cello into a carved piece that embodies a Spanish woman dancing.'
Other exhibitors like Ivan Ballinas challenge street taggers to get their art where it belongs'mdash;in an art gallery.' His title piece, 'Controlled Chaos,' uses spray paint and marker on canvas to illustrate city life downtown.'
Many of the exhibitors were trained by art teachers, who received their training at CSUN, said Michelle Giacopuzzi, the exhibition's coordinator.
The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., and on Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. A closing reception will be given on Friday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m., where certificates of merit will be awarded.
For more information regarding the exhibit, call the gallery at (818) 677-2156.
More than 200 students from 40 San Fernando Valley high schools displayed their best work for the 12th Annual High School Art Invitation, which opened Jan. 12 in the campus art gallery.
]]>I instantly felt connected and inspired by the characters of Ray Bradbury's 'The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit,' which opened Saturday night at the Fremont Centre Theater.
The quaint, white theater provided a nice escape to my busy schedule while I enjoyed some of the simpler things.' 'The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit' gave me that opportunity with its comedic relief and lucid, yet meaningful message.
Director Alan Neal Hubbs helped tell the story of five young Latino men from East Los Angeles, Dominguez (Adrian Elizondo), Villanazul (Joaquin Garay III), Vamenos (Daniel V. Graulau), Gomez (Rudy Rodriguez) and Martinez (Eddie Ruiz), who are short on cash, but not on hope.'
They each pitch in enough money to buy one crisp white suit, rich and lush like the color of vanilla ice cream.' Gomez describes the suit as, 'White as a summer dream, white as angel wings.'' The suit represents confidence and while it is a material item, it will help give each man the self-assurance needed to realize his dreams.'
The suit can help one get the prettiest girl on the block, have confidence to be an impressive public speaker, be a hit with the ladies and be a social success instead of a social pariah.' Joaquin Garay III, who played the role of Villanazul, felt the play embodied culture and buddies coming together for one purpose.
The play is relatable and meaningful on many different levels.' 'It's about wanting to fit in and about being accepted,' said Daniel V. Graulau, who played Vamenos.' He recommended seeing the play because, 'It suspends you from the day to day pressures in society.' It provides an escape from reality.'' I'd have to agree with him completely.
'
There's a fight scene in which they use a strobe light to create a slow-motion effect.' I must say it is clever to recreate a slow motion scene in a live performance without any digital effects on your side and still make it believable.'
The actor who played Toro Ruiz, who instigates the fight scene, had already performed in the play 13 years prior.' Paul Renteria enjoyed revisiting the play and being a part of the production again.
Ray Bradbury's 'The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit' is a spirited production.' It not only contains a commendable underlying message, but it provided strong humor throughout.' It truly is a lighthearted, sensational play.
I instantly felt connected and inspired by the characters of Ray Bradbury's 'The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit,' which opened Saturday night at the Fremont Centre Theater.' '
]]>Lose things, keep things and change things. New Year's resolutions create so much hype at the beginning of each year.
During this time of the year people start to make promises to change things they do not like about themselves.
To accomplish some of these goals people often make sacrifices and invest money in their resolutions.
Some popular New Year's resolutions trends in the United States involve losing weight, spending more time with family and friends and saving money.
CSUN students are more concerned with things like attending church frequently, staying focused in school, and eating healthier.
The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions came about in 153 B.C. and' involved Janus, a mythical king of early Rome who was placed at the head of the calendar.
Roman legend said that Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. He became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.
Statistics from the myGoals website expect New Year's resolutions involving health, fitness and career interest to decrease, while the resolutions involving finance, education and family relationships increase.
Despite financial obligations, 2009 has a new trend of resolutions; not making changes at all.
Shawntel O'Leary, a Deaf Studies major is one of many who decided not to make any changes this year.
'With 2009 being the designated year for change, I felt it would be a good idea for me not to come up with any guidelines,' said O'Leary. 'I would just live life and adapt to any changes this year provides.'
Keshia Jervis, a CSUN senior, said that she did not make any New Year's resolutions because promises are made to be broken.
'The beginning of the year should not be the excuse that you use to change something,' said Jervis. 'Most of the time many people end up failing to meet resolutions they make for themselves.'
Statistics show that 52 percent of participants were confident in the success of their goals, while only 12 percent actually achieved their goals. People break their New Year's resolutions because they have so many other things to do.
Although there are people that refuse to make changes, there are still consumers who are interested but cannot easily afford to make resolutions that cost money.
With weight loss as one of the most popular resolutions every year, companies such as Weight Watchers and NutriSystem discount their prices on food so that people can diet properly and save money.
For those who work out, gyms are offering discounts. Bally Total Fitness offers a free guest pass for up to two weeks. Curves offers the first month free followed by 50 percent off monthly memberships. Gold's Gym offers free enrollment and a 30-day money back guarantee.
For those who have a difficult time sticking with their resolutions, sources from Associated Content recommend that you inform your friends of your plans so you can get the support and confidence you need to finish.
Regardless of the difficulties of keeping, breaking or not making resolutions at all, the best way to handle resolutions is to always remain flexible.
Lose things, keep things and change things. New Year's resolutions create so much hype at the beginning of each year.
During this time of the year people start to make promises to change things they do not like about themselves.
The nationally second-ranked Matadors host a game for the first time this year as No. 10 UC Santa Barbara visits The Matadome Friday night. CSUN (5-0) will look to continue its undefeated season.
After a big win last Friday over UC Irvine, the Matadors are poised to compete for a National Title, which means that every game counts.' Currently they are 2-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Earlier in the season the Matadors defeated the Gauchos in the Elephant Bar/UCSB Tournament.' In that game, Senior All-American Eric Vance had 19 kills to go with four service aces.' He was aided by Junior Mike Gaudino's 15 kills as CSUN cruised to a 3-1 victory.
In order to win tonight, Vance and Gaudino will need to play the same way they did in that first game and they will also need help from freshman Matt Stork, who is the team's leader in assists.' Juniors Kevin McKniff and Jacek Ratajczak will need to play tall by the net and help the team by blocking shots.
]]>The No. 2 Matadors host a game for the first time this year as No. 10 UC Santa Barbara visits The Matadome Friday night.
]]>Lose things, keep things and change things. New Year's resolutions create so much hype at the beginning of each year.
During this time of the year people start to make promises to change things they do not like about themselves.
To accomplish some of these goals people often make sacrifices and invest money in their resolutions.
Some popular New Year's resolutions trends in the United States involve losing weight, spending more time with family and friends and saving money.
CSUN students are more concerned with things like attending church frequently, staying focused in school, and eating healthier.
The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions came about in 153 B.C. and' involved Janus, a mythical king of early Rome who was placed at the head of the calendar.
Roman legend said that Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. He became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.
Statistics from the myGoals website expect New Year's resolutions involving health, fitness and career interest to decrease, while the resolutions involving finance, education and family relationships increase.
Despite financial obligations, 2009 has a new trend of resolutions; not making changes at all.
Shawntel O'Leary, a Deaf Studies major is one of many who decided not to make any changes this year.
'With 2009 being the designated year for change, I felt it would be a good idea for me not to come up with any guidelines,' said O'Leary. 'I would just live life and adapt to any changes this year provides.'
Keshia Jervis, a CSUN senior, said that she did not make any New Year's resolutions because promises are made to be broken.
'The beginning of the year should not be the excuse that you use to change something,' said Jervis. 'Most of the time many people end up failing to meet resolutions they make for themselves.'
Statistics show that 52 percent of participants were confident in the success of their goals, while only 12 percent actually achieved their goals. People break their New Year's resolutions because they have so many other things to do.
Although there are people that refuse to make changes, there are still consumers who are interested but cannot easily afford to make resolutions that cost money.
With weight loss as one of the most popular resolutions every year, companies such as Weight Watchers and NutriSystem discount their prices on food so that people can diet properly and save money.
For those who work out, gyms are offering discounts. Bally Total Fitness offers a free guest pass for up to two weeks. Curves offers the first month free followed by 50 percent off monthly memberships. Gold's Gym offers free enrollment and a 30-day money back guarantee.
For those who have a difficult time sticking with their resolutions, sources from Associated Content recommend that you inform your friends of your plans so you can get the support and confidence you need to finish.
Regardless of the difficulties of keeping, breaking or not making resolutions at all, the best way to handle resolutions is to always remain flexible.
]]>Lose things, keep things and change things. New Year's resolutions create so much hype at the beginning of each year.
]]>More than 200 students from 40 San Fernando Valley high schools displayed their best work for the 12th Annual High School Art Invitation, which opened Jan. 12 in the campus art gallery.
Six pieces of work selected by the art teacher from each school are displayed in the gallery until the end of this month.
'By having the high school artists display their work, they also have the opportunity to compare their artistic performance with that of their peers and to consider CSUN and, more specifically the art department, as their destination for higher education,' said Jim Sweeters, interim director of CSUN's Art Galleries.
Various types of media are spread through out the gallery in a rhythmic fashion and might also strike a chord if assembled back to the natural form.' Kendall Follert transposed an actual cello into a carved piece that embodies a Spanish woman dancing.' Other exhibitors like Ivan Ballinas challenge street taggers to get their art where it belongs'mdash;in an art gallery.
His title piece, 'Controlled Chaos,' uses spray paint and marker on canvas to illustrate city life downtown.'
Michelle Giacopuzzi, the exhibition's coordinator, said many of the exhibitors were trained by their art teachers who received their training at CSUN.' ' '
The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., and on Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m.' The Gallery will be closed Jan. 19 and a closing reception will be given on Friday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m., where certificates of merit will be awarded.
For more information regarding the exhibit, call the gallery at (818) 677-2156.
]]>More than 200 students from 40 San Fernando Valley high schools displayed their best work for the 12th Annual High School Art Invitation, which opened Jan. 12 in the campus art gallery.
]]>The Colleagues Room opened its doors exclusively to CSUN faculty and staff Jan. 12, offering employees the opportunity to meet around linen-covered tables with centerpieces of fresh-cut flowers and a second floor aerial view of the campus.
As students ascend the stairs to the Sierra Center's second floor, they're encountered with the frosted doors of the Colleagues Room and mixed feelings as to whether the cut in student seating to accommodate the room is beneficial to the CSUN student population.
'I think that because it is a closed-off area it can be utilized as a (separate) section but I don't think that it should be an exclusive section, an area that keeps people out,' said Ashley Slothower, a sophom*ore art major.
Though still open to students on rainy days, the room was formerly used by the campus community to study, complete assignments and work on group projects.
Dave Nirenberg, director of commercial services for the The University Corporation, a non-profit auxiliary corporation providing commercial and administrative services to the campus, said students were taken into consideration during development of the Colleagues Room.
'We were very concerned about that,' said Nirenberg. 'We took this action to (the TUC) board of directors which has six students sitting on it. We took comments from them and they had some of the same concerns.'
However, Nirenber explained that although there's a decrease in the seating area on the second floor of the Sierra Center by approximately 70 seats, various seating projects have increased seating elsewhere on campus.
'In the last five years we have created 1,300 seating spaces for students,' said Nirenberg. 'Last year we created the deck project within the Matador Bookstore.' That project in total added 150 seats to our inventory of seats. Last fall we opened up the Arbor Grill, another 300 seats.'
Alexander Standridge, a senior computer engineering major, acknowledges the seating area increase' at the Matador Bookstore and Arbor Grill, but finds fault in both locations.
'I've been over to the bookstore,' said Standridge, 25. 'It's kind of nice but there's not a lot of seating and there's not a lot of outlets for laptops. And the seating over by the Arbor is outside.'
The only area designated for faculty and staff to congregate on campus before the creation of the Colleagues Room was the University Club, located at the corner of Dearborn Street and Zelzah Avenue. However, the University Club's location isn't central to the campus and is open to students as well as CSUN employees.
'We had requests from (the TUC board of directors) and other community members to look for another opportunity to create a place that was more campus-central and to provide a space where faculty and staff could get together and enjoy lunch or breakfast,' said Nirenberg.
Nirenberg also said Sierra Center's second floor was the only place on campus that could be used as a functional dining and/or meeting area.
The Colleagues Room is slowly starting to serve its purpose in providing a space for CSUN employees from different departments to congregate.
'I'm happy to see three of my colleagues from physics here because the first two times I was here I was by myself,' said Michael Neubauer, professor of mathematics and director of developmental mathematics.
Nirenberg said the Colleagues Room is still in its experimental phase and if the TUC finds that faculty and staff haven't made good use of the space, then it could easily be reopened to students.
Neubauer, who has already visited the space three times, thinks it will be nice to see faculty and staff that he doesn't get the opportunity to see on a regular basis.
'I hope it works and I hope people will make use of it,' said Neubauer.
]]>The Colleagues Room opened its doors exclusively to CSUN faculty and staff Jan. 12, offering employees the opportunity to meet around linen-covered tables with centerpieces of fresh-cut flowers and a second floor aerial view of the campus.
]]>Big performances from Whitney Ligon and Jasmine Erving helped the Matadors win their second straight conference game of the season, against the Cal State Fullerton Titans Wednesday night. CSUN won 87-82.
Ligon had an impressive night scoring 28 points, a career high.' She currently leads the Big West Conference in points per game, averaging 17. She also leads the league in three-pointers.
She showed why she is the top scorer.But she couldn't get it done alone.' Inside the paint, she had help from Erving, who scored 24 points with 11 rebounds. Erving now has her third career double-double. She is only a freshman.
After scoring 25 points in Saturday's game against Long Beach State, Erving came back with another double-double game, helping CSUN get its second conference win in a row.
The Matadors (5-13, 2-3 BWC) are moving in a positive direction, but there could be a few setbacks.' Analee Viena-Lota came out of the game in the first half after injuring what appeared to be her right foot. There have been no updates on her injury, but she didn't play the rest of the game.' Vienna-Lota has shown some good play so far this season, but Head Coach Staci Schulz says that she hasn't tapped her potential yet.
Another player who was sidelined late in the game was Bianca Davies.' Davies went down with about eight minutes left in the second half. It seemed as if she landed wrong on her left ankle, which left her in great pain.' Davies gave a loud cry when she went down. The pain was seen in her face.'
Davies also had problems last season with injuries, allowing her to play in only 10 games.' This Saturday the Matadors travel to UC Irvine to play a team that currently has no wins in conference play. With that, there is great potential to get their third straight win in conference play.' With Ligon and Erving continuing to play the way they have, it should be another exciting game in Anteater country.
]]>Big performances from Whitney Ligon and Jasmine Erving helped the Matadors win their second straight conference game of the season, against the Cal State Fullerton Titans Wednesday night. CSUN won 87-82.
]]>CSUN point guard Josh Jenkins shook his head after his second 3-pointer of the night went in midway through the second half. Perhaps the point guard didn't believe his eyes. After all, he had been shooting the ball at less than a 20-percent rate over the past four games.
'I was looking at my teammates, shots were going. I was like 'finally,'' he said.
But his offensive anomaly went to waste. By the end of the night, it wasn't just Jenkins not believing what he saw: 91-87. A Fullerton win. At The Matadome. For once, the senior's offense was not to blame even remotely for another slip in the Big West Conference. If anything it was because of him CSUN (6-10, 3-3 BWC) even took a lead on this Wednesday night.
The Matadors had trailed by double digits throughout the match to a Fullerton squad that supposedly was all about Josh Akognon, the conference's leading scorer, but, behind Jenkins' 18-point second half, CSUN took a 69-65 with 8:19 remaining.
That wasn't enough for a team that had dug itself out of a 13-point hole. Akognon answered the call with a 3-pointer to cut the lead. Then, his sidekick, a freshman of all things, buried CSUN.
Actually, he did that all night long.
Jacques Streeter did as he pleased with whoever guarded him. The first-year player scored 27 points, gave his team the lead for good with a free throw with 3:51 left, and helped maintain it with a jumper 170 seconds later to make it 86-82 in favor of Fullerton.
'He probably had his highlight night,' said Jenkins, who had 19 points and seven assists. 'He was just taking it to me.'
CSUN cut it again to two, just so Akognon could reappear again seconds later to remind everyone that while the Titans aren't just him, it is him who they go to when clock enters its golden age. The senior didn't seal it by putting the ball in the basket, but he might as well have, given the position in which he left his teammate, Ray Miller, to make the game-cooling layup with 30 seconds left.
'That was Akognon's best play of the game,' CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell said.
Akognon came into the night as the seventh highest scorer in the nation. It didn't show for most of the night. At 23.4 points-per-game, a mark that tops the conference's next highest scorer's average by more than six points, the senior looked almost human, until crunch time, where his play-making abilities resurfaced.
It was a combination of experience (Akognon) and new blood (Streeter) for the Titans while it was a mix of defenselessness and questionable offense for the Matadors. At one point, in the waning moments, Braswell was so disgusted with his team's attacking possession that he stomped the floor and yelled in frustration: 'That's not good offense!'
Tremaine Townsend (14 points and 13 rebounds) was also one of the best offensive options, but the senior fouled out with 2:13 to play. The game was lost long before that, though, Jenkins said.
'We tried to make our way back in the second half, but it was too late.'
CSUN allowed Fullerton to shoot 51.7 percent from the field.
Two Matadors that weren't in attendance for CSUN's prior home game, vs. UC Davis Jan. 5, were back in the building on Wednesday, but did not play. Deon Tresvant was behind the Matadors bench in street clothes, same as Dallas Rutherford.
CSUN's next game is Saturday. They will host UC Irvine.
]]>CSUN point guard Josh Jenkins shook his head after his second 3-pointer of the night went in midway through the second half.
]]>The CSUN police department reported that there was no damage or injuries after a 3.1 earthquake struck two miles southwest of Northridge at about 12:46 p.m. according to U.S. Geological Survey-Cal Tech Seismic Net.
]]>The CSUN police department reported that there was no damage or injuries after a 3.1 earthquake struck two miles southwest of Northridge at about 12:46 p.m. according to U.S. Geological Survey-Cal Tech Seismic Net.
]]>The provost's office recently issued a press release discussing steps the university will take to meet the demands of a hamstrung budget. The number of full-time entering freshmen will be reduced from 4,100 to 3,500 by prioritizing prospective students with higher scores and local residency.
But it's not just prospective students and transfers who will be affected. The university will be cracking down on returning students as well. Financial aid appeals will be granted far less frequently for students who haven't met satisfactory academic requirements, and students with a 1.0 GPA will no longer be placed on probation. They will be disqualified.
Perhaps most interesting is what the release calls the '140 inquisition,' which will mandate that all students with 140 units or more meet with their department chair to determine whether or not they even know what their degree requirements are. A hold will be placed on these students until they do so.
Some may think these policies are unfair. I support them wholeheartedly.
The budget crisis must be dealt with, and the only just way to carve students out of the system is to identify those who simply can't produce a satisfactory academic performance. There is no reason a student with a 1.0 GPA should be able to keep his or her seat at the expense of a qualified incoming freshman who hasn't had a chance. Scores that plunge this far below a reasonable mark do not indicate a student who lacks ability '- it indicates a student who lacks either a work ethic, or any prescience concerning his or her own life. No leniency is warranted.
The cause of the 140 inquisition is understandably more complex. These are students who have simply remained at CSUN for too long and have taken classes far in excess of the 120-unit requirement. Do they lack ability? No. Do they lack ambition? Maybe, but probably not. I have a feeling the culprit behind the lingering student is simply confusion.
CSUN students tend to change majors quite frequently. I've met people who have changed majors up to five times. Many of them work hard, but have no idea what they want to do with their lives.
Who can these students talk to about this specific problem, which seems so pervasive at this university and is now affecting the budget? I would hypothesize that these students know what they want, but external pressures such as parents, professors and popular opinion compel them to pursue a life course that isn't their own. These pressures lead to confusion. Confusion leads to more units, more units lead to delayed graduation and delayed graduation leads to budget problems.
Perhaps the 140 inquisition will help put these students on track, but it feels as though the discussions these students will have with their chairs come about 80 units too late. Students shouldn't declare a major simply to earn a bachelor's degree, and the university should take steps to ensure students are entering programs that match their own wishes for their own futures.
As a graduating senior who has been at CSUN for four years, and is leaving in time with units to spare, I've realized the ingredients required for a timely graduation are simply hard work and confidence in one's desires. That means being at CSUN for a specific reason, and not simply coming to this university because one doesn't know what else to do.
The provost's plan provides a logical (and refreshingly less lenient) approach to a short-term solution. But as a long-term solution, these issues should be identified and addressed early on in a college student's career.
And finally, a message to incoming freshmen: Know what you want before declaring a major. Make sure it's in accordance with what will make you happy. The bottom line is that this is all that matters. Think about it '- hard. You have two years of general education to do so. You'll save everyone a lot of heartache in the end.
]]>The provost's office recently issued a press release discussing steps the university will take to meet the demands of a hamstrung budget. The number of full-time entering freshmen will be reduced from 4,100 to 3,500 by prioritizing prospective students with higher scores and local residency.
]]>There is a new Web site showing college students other ways of taking notes, one post at a time.
The two-year-old site known as 'I Slept through Class,' shows students how to post, blog and search for any notes in any subject that they might have missed during a class lecture.
Allison Barber, director of marketing for the site, said that it not only helps students obtain notes they missed, but also provides assistance to students that have difficulties taking notes in class.
'The site is a great resource for students who might have a hard time taking notes in class or may have missed class discussions due to athletic purposes,' said Barber. 'It's like your own online study group.'
Much like a MySpace or Facebook, students are prompted to first become members before obtaining any notes. Students sign up by entering a valid college email address, creating a password and entering the name of the school they attend.
After applying, students will receive a confirmation email and then presto! Students can start researching for class notes in any subject from art to women's studies to math.
Students earn points for each note posted whether it is a Microsoft Word, One point, PowerPoint, Excel or photo document. For a certain amount of points students can earn rewards such as gift cards, PayPal or redeem cash.
'Some students are visual learners and some are not,' said Barber. 'We want to make sure the site appeals to all learners of every kind that is why the site was created.'
Barber also mentions that before notes are posted they are reviewed by a staff member to make sure the work is not plagiarized or if there are any copyright issues.
Notes are then posted on the site giving access to any other members around the country.
Founder and CEO, Ryan Sapp, said he started the site because at the time he was an athlete attending the University of Dayton and was missing too many classes with no time to take notes.
'I saw too many students who were missing class for activities either for school or because of work and thought why not launch a website that provides notes for students by students,' said Sapp, who added he worked on the site during his summer break and launched it online in 2007, partnering with the Hollis Interactive Company, a website designer based in East New England.
Sapp said there has been positive feedback from schools that have embraced the site, but acknowledges that there are a few negative responses.
'It is not always going to be positive, but we have 15,000 active members and the number is growing,' Sapp said. 'We have about 900 schools logged on to our site, I think that speaks for itself.'
Among the 900 schools currently active on the site are CSU Long Beach, CSUN, UCLA, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and San Diego State.
CSUN psychology major, Maria Alegria, said she has heard about the site but has not gotten a chance to log on herself.
'I have heard about it from friends that have either used it or have visited it,' said Alegria. 'It sounds like I need to check it out though, because I didn't know so many schools were involved.'
Sapp said they are continuing to update the site and now a new feature allows students to search for jobs as well as internships.
There is a new Web site showing college students other ways of taking notes, one post at a time.
]]>As millions gathered in Washington, D.C., and in their living rooms last Tuesday to watch President Barack Obama sworn in as the nation's 44th president, the promise of a new era was curtailed by the realities we face as a nation.
Proclaiming the challenges, economic, social and political, confronting the country to be serious and grave, Obama nonetheless asserted that they'll be met.
'On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics,' said Obama.
In many ways, Obama's inauguration speech was a call to action. It was also a moment for the country to engage in authentic and purposeful self-reflection. As our country faces unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, it's time for our generation to 'set aside the childish things,' Obama spoke of.
The current economic collapse has been endemic of the problems which lay dormant in American society for quite some time. We bought the illusion of our own permanent grandeur at wholesale. The last decade saw a consumer-driven society whose preoccupation with material things distorted its concept of reality. America became a fitting metaphor for the Hummer. An ostentatious, oversized, militarized and gas guzzling entity that couldn't sustain itself for long.
Generation-Y has come of age during this very precarious time. We are often called the wired generation, desensitized to living out our entire lives online, exposed for the entire world to see.
In an attempt to become hyper-connected, we have instead grown more isolated from one another. For too long we have accepted a pre-packaged ideal of happiness and patriotism.
By equating fulfillment with an unending pursuit of material things, we have driven ourselves into debt. By rejecting or ignoring alternative definitions of patriotism and service to our country, we have failed to actively pursue work that enhances our society.
President John F. Kennedy once made a similar appeal of the American people to become engaged in their government. They responded with the Peace Corps, the civil rights movement, marches on Washington and a level of political engagement that has begun to be resurrected once again.
At CSUN we experience a microcosm of the problems the country faces. Budget cuts are impacting the availability and quality of our education. At the same time, the university is hemorrhaging money on projects which have caused an outcry among the student body, viewed as unnecessary. Will our response remain one of complacency or will we heed President Obama's call to action?
The beauty of America, as President Obama said, is that it can change. And it must once again, with ingenuity, innovation and a fierce commitment to its democratic ideals.
Now is a critical time for America. President Obama is confident these challenges will be met. How we choose to respond to his expectations and how high we set our own is entirely up to us.
As millions gathered in Washington, D.C., and in their living rooms last Tuesday to watch President Barack Obama sworn in as the nation's 44th president, the promise of a new era was curtailed by the realities we face as a nation.
]]>On Saturday night, after CSUN point guard Josh Jenkins got a steal, teammate Rob Haynes did something he rarely ever does. As Haynes stood alone behind his spot of preference, the 3-point line, and Jenkins delivered the ball to him, the Matador rose up and drilled the shot.
Three-pointers Haynes makes in bunches. Screaming with emotion after a make, which is what he did in the midst of the Matadors' 74-55 win over UC Irvine, is not usually under the senior's gameday to-do list.
'He's not that emotional on the court.' Jenkins said. 'He's not that emotional off the court.'
On a night where Haynes was the only Matador with points to his name more than 10 minutes into the game, keeping CSUN (7-10, 4-3 BWC) afloat during an Icebergy start while taking on the challenge of slowing down the Anteaters' best shooting man (Brett Lauer, 17 points), he could have pumped his chest and done backflips. Not many could have said he didn't have the right to.
'Rob started it off for us,' CSUN forward Willie Galick said. 'He weathered the storm.'
That storm was an early 11-4 Anteater lead. Haynes did his best to clear it and Galick helped bring daylight. Galick, regularly a starter, came off the bench and rebounded (11 times) from a zero-board performance against Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday that had left Head Coach Bobby Braswell annoyed. Galick also added 19 points while making 11-of-14 free throws.
But even with Galick's best showing of the season, the Anteaters (6-13, 3-3) didn't go away. After Lauer completed a three-point play with 6:52 left in the game, UC Irvine was within 50-49.
Then, it was Jenkins' turn to rise up and drill.
The point guard scored eight points in less than a minute in the middle of a 20-2 run that put CSUN up 70-51 with 2:19 to play. The senior did it with such ease that it was easy to wonder whether all the struggles could have been avoided earlier, with a little more vitamin JJ.
'I was just waiting to pick my shots,' said Jenkins, who had 17 points. '(The Anteaters) gave me a few feet and I was kind of feeling it.'
The margin of victory was probably nowhere close to what it should have been.' If' it hadn't been for Haynes, it probably wouldn't even have been a victory.
'He's been one of our most consistent guys,' said Braswell, who was happier about Haynes' defense on Lauer than about his 12 points.
The beginning of the game wasn't easy to forget, although fans should try. More than a quarter of the game's total duration had gone by and CSUN only had four measly points. The Matadors were shooting 20 percent from the field and trailed by seven. All of the home team's points belonged to Haynes.
Then he had three more and that kick-started an 'offensive explosion' that saw the Matadors score 22 points in nine minutes. They headed into halftime leading 29-26.
Haynes allowed CSUN to stick around and so did the Anteaters' inability to take advantage of a slopfest. UC Irvine's shooting was even more woeful than that of the Matadors. Their late push was only good enough to raise their first-half shooting percentage to 32 percent. CSUN wasn't much better. They only made 33 percent of their first-half attempts.
'It was real ugly. We couldn't score,' Jenkins said.
Ugly? Not to Braswell.
'It looked pretty to me,' said Braswell, a defensive enthusiast. 'Just what the doctor ordered.'
The second half must have looked prettier to the coach. CSUN only allowed the Anteaters to shoot 28 percent while making half of its shots itself.
CSUN forward Tremaine Townsend scored only four points, but grabbed 15 rebounds.
]]>On Saturday night, after CSUN point guard Josh Jenkins got a steal, teammate Rob Haynes did something he rarely ever does. As Haynes stood alone behind his spot of preference, the 3-point line, and Jenkins delivered the ball to him, the Matador rose up and drilled the shot.
]]>The transition to a new school can prove to be a daunting one. With a campus as large as CSUN's, that' process is made even more complicated. The university campus is sprawled across 365 acres, with a seemingly endless collection of buildings. In order to survive your first year at CSUN, it's important to become acquainted with several key places.
As a student, one of the most important buildings on campus definitely has to be Bayramian Hall. There are 14 student services provided in this building, many of which are required for enrollment and graduation. It is here that students pay for classes, visit the financial aid and scholarship office, get their student identification cards and register for exams. The University Counseling Services are also located here, providing students with a valuable resource to help address any problems they may encounter.
The Career Center, which is located in University Hall, provides students with guidance and assistance in locating internships and jobs. There are peer educators, as well as staff, who are able to advise on resume writing, job searches and various workshops.
For some students, the Oviatt library is just the massive building in the middle of campus and in front of the' main lawn. For others, it is a quiet place to escape to study, do research and even rent movies. To check out books, remember to obtain a student identification card from Bayramian Hall.
The Klotz Student Health Center, located next to the new science building, offers a variety of health service for students. The center houses optometry and dental clinics, a pharmacy and provides immunizations and nutrition counseling.
The University Student Union has several food and retail locations, such as Subway and Sam's Clothing. The Associated Students offices are also on the same plaza, in addition to the involvement center.
To break up the monotony of daily routine of classes, make sure to stop by the recently renovated Games Room, where there are pool tables, video games and a lounge area.
The more artistic among us can also spend time at the CSUN Art Galleries, which often have interesting exhibitions, not to mention a great gift shop.
For some local off campus food, nothing beats Pita Pockets, located on Reseda Blvd. across from campus. They serve traditional Middle Eastern food at reasonable prices.
In an attempt to save as much money as possible, the cheapest gas prices near CSUN can be found at an ARCO gas station located on Nordhoff Street and Wilbur Avenue. The prices here are typically significantly cheaper than anywhere else.
Looking to unwind after a long week of classes, McG's Irish Pub 'amp; Grill on Devonshire Blvd. is a preferred location for many CSUN students. The atmosphere there is always conducive to having a good time and they are open until 2 a.m. daily.
While there is a lot to discover at CSUN, being familiar with these 10 places will help make your time at school more productive and enjoyable.
]]>The transition to a new school can prove to be a daunting one.
]]>On Saturday night, after CSUN point guard Josh Jenkins got a steal, teammate Rob Haynes did something he rarely ever does. As Haynes stood alone behind his spot of preference, the 3-point line, and Jenkins delivered the ball to him, the Matador rose up and drilled the shot.
Three-pointers Haynes makes in bunches. Screaming with emotion after a make, which is what he did in the midst of the Matadors' 74-55 win over UC Irvine, is not usually under the senior's gameday to-do list.
'He's not that emotional on the court.' Jenkins said. 'He's not that emotional off the court.'
On a night where Haynes was the only Matador with points to his name more than 10 minutes into the game, keeping CSUN (7-10, 4-3 BWC) afloat during an Icebergy start while taking on the challenge of slowing down the Anteaters' best shooting man (Brett Lauer, 17 points), he could have pumped his chest and done backflips. Not many could have said he didn't have the right to.
'Rob started it off for us,' CSUN forward Willie Galick said. 'He weathered the storm.'
That storm was an early 11-4 Anteater lead. Haynes did his best to clear it and Galick helped bring daylight. Galick, regularly a starter, came off the bench and rebounded (11 times) from a zero-board performance against Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday that had left Head Coach Bobby Braswell annoyed. Galick also added 19 points while making 11-of-14 free throws.
But even with Galick's best showing of the season, the Anteaters (6-13, 3-3) didn't go away. After Lauer completed a three-point play with 6:52 left in the game, UC Irvine was within 50-49.
Then, it was Jenkins' turn to rise up and drill.
The point guard scored eight points in less than a minute in the middle of a 20-2 run that put CSUN up 70-51 with 2:19 to play. The senior did it with such ease that it was easy to wonder whether all the struggles could have been avoided earlier, with a little more vitamin JJ.
'I was just waiting to pick my shots,' said Jenkins, who had 17 points. '(The Anteaters) gave me a few feet and I was kind of feeling it.'
The margin of victory was probably nowhere close to what it should have been.' If' it hadn't been for Haynes, it probably wouldn't even have been a victory.
'He's been one of our most consistent guys,' said Braswell, who was happier about Haynes' defense on Lauer than about his 12 points.
The beginning of the game wasn't easy to forget, although fans should try. More than a quarter of the game's total duration had gone by and CSUN only had four measly points. The Matadors were shooting 20 percent from the field and trailed by seven. All of the home team's points belonged to Haynes.
Then he had three more and that kick-started an 'offensive explosion' that saw the Matadors score 22 points in nine minutes. They headed into halftime leading 29-26.
Haynes allowed CSUN to stick around and so did the Anteaters' inability to take advantage of a slopfest. UC Irvine's shooting was even more woeful than that of the Matadors. Their late push was only good enough to raise their first-half shooting percentage to 32 percent. CSUN wasn't much better. They only made 33 percent of their first-half attempts.
'It was real ugly. We couldn't score,' Jenkins said.
Ugly? Not to Braswell.
'It looked pretty to me,' said Braswell, a defensive enthusiast. 'Just what the doctor ordered.'
The second half must have looked prettier to the coach. CSUN only allowed the Anteaters to shoot 28 percent while making half of its shots itself.
CSUN forward Tremaine Townsend scored only four points, but grabbed 15 rebounds.
]]>On Saturday night, after CSUN point guard Josh Jenkins got a steal, teammate Rob Haynes did something he rarely ever does.
]]>After a low-energy first half on Saturday afternoon, it was CSUN senior Ashley Blake who sparked the Matadors (5-14, 2-4 BWC) to an explosive comeback against UC Irvine.
Blake started the second half with a 3-pointer, giving a quick jolt to the Matador offense. It was also the last three of her 19 points that brought hopes of a third straight Big West Conference win for CSUN.
Down 46-43 with 22.7 seconds left in the game, the Matadors needed a big play. That's when Blake banked in her fifth 3-pointer of the game to tie it.
But UC Irvine (4-15, 1-5) was left with 15 seconds to come up with a big play of their own and it did just that, feeding Kim Barnes for a layup with 1.5 seconds to go. CSUN's counter attempt was an intercepted pass. Game over. The Matadors' two-game winning streak came to an end at the hands of the previously winless-in-conference Anteaters, 48-46.
Northridge scored only 11 points in the first half. It wasn't even until 10 minutes into the game that it scored its first field goal, courtesy of Whitney Ligon.
Fortunately enough for them, the Anteaters didn't start off so hot either. UC Irvine shot 25 percent from the field in the first half.
The Matadors shot it worse, though (16.7 percent). They were able to get to the basket but the ball wasn't falling for them. For a team that has led the Big West in scoring so far this season, everyone was playing below par.
Even forward Jasmine Erving, who had been on fire over the past two games, struggled on this night. She was coming off back-to-back double-doubles, but, against UC Irvine, she was less than stellar. The freshman was just 2-of-8 from the field and scored four points.
It was in the second half that CSUN asserted itself. Blake was the one that began the push for the Matadors. Firing off three's, the senior gave the team what it needed to show that CSUN wouldn't go down easily.
However, size proved to be a big problem. The six-foot-two Erving picked up her fourth foul with 9:22 to go in the game, forcing her to take a seat and wait till crunch time. In her place came 5-foot-11 forward Analee Viena-Lota, who played tough but was outsized by Irvine's forwards Jovana Petrovic and Kelly Cochran.
Erving came back, but fouled out with 3:42 left. The loss of her presence showed in the end, as the Anteaters felt free to drive to the basket and ultimately got the game-winning layup.
The last three games, including Saturday's, have been settled in the last moments. Unlike their overtime victory over Long Beach State on Jan. 17 or their four-point, last-minute win against Cal State Fullerton Wednesday, this time they couldn't get it done.
Katrina Thompson had 15 points and 11 rebounds for CSUN. No other Matador had more than four points.
The Anteaters were led by their hero of the night, Barnes. She had 11 points. Cochran scored 10.
Although CSUN only has two conference wins, over the past three games it has shown it can keep up. The Matadors will need to do more than keep up in their next game, though, as UC Santa Barbara comes to town. The Wednesday game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip-off.
]]>After a low-energy first half on Saturday afternoon, it was CSUN senior Ashley Blake who sparked the Matadors (5-14, 2-4 BWC) to an explosive comeback against UC Irvine.
]]>The No. 2 ranked Matadors continued their dominating play Friday night sweeping No. 10 UC Santa Barbara, 3-0, in their home opener. The win gave CSUN their first 6-0 start in school history.
'We're playing good volleyball, serving well, siding out well,' CSUN Head Coach Jeff Campbell said. 'We're trying to set up a system where it doesn't matter who we play. We can make minor adjustments and maintain what we want to do and still come out on top.'
Leading the way for the Matadors were senior Eric Vance and sophom*ore Tanner Nua, who combined on 25 of the team's 50 kills. Nua dominated the second set with two big blocks and seven kills. The last one gave the team the set.
After, Nua was all about the team.
'We're coming together as a team really well,' Nua said. 'We're bonding together as a team like we never have before.'
Vance, the National Player of the Week, got things started for the Matadors with a kill. UCSB would get within 8 -7 in the first set before CSUN went on a 22 -14 run to finish it. Vance and Junior Jacek Ratajczak combined to block sophom*ore Jeff Menzel kill opportunity on set-point to give Northridge the 30-21 set win.' '
The Matadors never trailed by more than one point in any set. The only time the Gauchos threatened was in the second set, but back-to-back service aces from junior Mike Gaudino put away any chance for a comeback. Gaudino finished with eight kills, five digs and two aces.'
In the third and final set, the teams went back and forth trading leads until a hitting error by Gaucho sophom*ore Cullen Irons and another pair of aces, this time from Junior Kevin Mcniff, gave the Matadors a 14-11 lead. The final frame was the toughest for Northridge.
The Gauchos got within 29-27, but the set was put away on a Mcniff kill.
With the win the Matadors won their sixth straight and improved to 3-0 in the Mountain
Pacific Sports Federation. Northridge is dominating opponents this season, having won 18 of 22 sets and swept two of their last three opponents.' None of their matches have lasted more than four sets.'
The best start in school history before this season was during the 1985 season when the team began the season with five straight victories before losing their sixth game to USC.
This is also Campbell's best career start to a season.
'I hate to sound redundant, but we take it one game at a time,' Eric Vance said. 'We can't focus on our record. We have to take every game like we are the underdog. Every game like we have nothing to lose.'
The Gauchos were led by Menzel's 13 kills, which tied him with Nua for most in the game. UCSB's loss was their second to the Matadors this season. They also lost at their own UCSB/Elephant Bar Invitational 3-1 on Jan. 9. The loss dropped them to 2-4 and 0-3 in the MPSF.
Freshmen Matt Stork had 45 assist and helped the team to their best hitting percentage of the season .416.
Game notes:
Eric Vance needs six kills to move past Dan Rhodes for tenth place in the school's career kill list.
Halfway through the first set, Gaucho players and coaches were complaining to the referees about flickering flashes that were coming from the Matadome's roof. Then, towards the end of the third set, their coaches were complaining that Matador players were asking for the floor to be wiped every time the Gauchos won a point.
CSUN heads back on the road next weekend, traveling to Hawaii for two matches on Friday and Saturday before returning home to open a five-game homestand, beginning Feb. 6 against Long Beach State.
]]>The No. 2 ranked Matadors continued their dominating play Friday night sweeping No. 10 UC Santa Barbara, 3-0, in their home opener
]]>One year ago Chicano/a studies major Lizbeth's alarm clock rang at 5:30 a.m., after a quick shower and breakfast she would dash out the door to catch the 6:15 a.m. bus making its way towards CSUN.
Around 8:30 a.m. Lizbeth was off the bus and heading to her first class along with thousands of other students.
She was one of hundreds of undocumented students that have entered California's institutions of higher learning. It is for this reason that she refused to give her full name.
Unfortunately for those undocumented graduates the opportunity to use their degrees will be scarce.
'I want to go to law school,' said Lizbeth, a recent graduate and AB 540 student at CSUN who despite having earned her degree, continues to work at her minimum wage job at a restaurant.
'It's difficult because of my status in this country. Having a degree is great but without citizenship I can't use it.'
In 2001, Assembly Bill 540 was passed into law permitting undocumented to pay in-state tuition in California.
However AB 540 is about to be challenged in California's Supreme Court after a lawsuit questioning the legality of the law was filed in 2005 by out-of-state students and their parents.
The lawsuit Martinez vs. Regents of the University of California alleged that education officials are violating federal law by granting in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants while not offering the same lower fees to students from outside California.
Originally, the case was denied by the courts in 2006 but has now resurfaced to be reviewed by the state Court.
William Gheen, president of the Americans for Legal Immigration, an organization that opposes AB 540 said the bill contributes to an increase in undocumented immigrants at tax payers expense.
'It is ridiculous that American students are given limited seats in college while illegal aliens are taking their place,' said Gheen. 'This bill rewards families that break the law.'
Every year an estimated 50,000 undocumented student's graduate from U.S. high schools and about five percent will move on to college, according to several studies conducted by Roberto Gonzales, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Washington.
Other studies estimate that there are 65,000 undocumented students who graduate from high schools every year across the nation.
'What some people don't understand is when you're an AB 540 student, you don't have an opportunity to receive financial aid, you have to pay it all yourself,' said Lizbeth. 'There are many limitations, and I don't think people aware of that.'
Lizbeth would work 40 hours or more as a full-time student and would travel for hours as she used public transportation to get around the city.
A study called Loss of Talent: High Achieving Undocumented Students, released in 2007 that looked at academic achievement and socioeconomic tensions among undocumented students, showed that of the 65,000 undocumented students that graduate every year nationwide 13,000 enroll in universities.
The study also found that 57 percent of the 171 students that were studied worked 40 hours or more a week and 67 percent of them have a grade point average of 3.0 or better. The number of AB 540 students can't be confirmed, as the California State University system doesn't keep track of AB 540 students. They are not allowed to make that information public due to a confidentiality agreement said Lizbeth.
Lizbeth also said that not all AB 540 students are undocumented. The bill also benefits students who attended high school in California, but moved away after they graduated. If they choose to attend college in California this piece of legislation allows them to pay in-state tuition as opposed to non-resident fees.
Currently at CSUN state residents pay $1,876 for tuition per semester, but non-residents pay an additional $339 per unit. An out-of-state student or an undocumented student taking 12 units would pay $5,944 a semester.
Attorney Nicholas Espiritu of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, who has worked on the case with different organizations since its inception is optimistic and said they will continue to advocate for the rights of AB 540 students.
'We are going to continue to promote higher education to these students and make sure college is accessible and remains available,' said Espiritu.
According to Espiritu, about 1,800 students in California qualify for AB 540, about one-third of them are undocumented students.
Despite their circ*mstances, Espiritu said, the students he has worked with are somewhat used to being in 'precarious situations.'
'Some are afraid and uncertain,' said Espiritu. 'But, they remain resilient and not easily deterred.'
Another piece of legislation that undocumented students and their supporters are hoping to pass is Senator Gilbert Cedillo's SB 1301, the California DREAM Act, which was vetoed by
Governor Schwarzenegger for the fourth time last year.
The DREAM Act, which stands for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, would allow undocumented students who have graduated from college in the United States to receive conditional residency and eventually legalization.
Pedro is president of Dreams to be Heard a national organization here at CSUN, whose mission is to support AB 540 students as well as educate the community about immigration rights.
Peter said he is not worried about the Supreme Court taking on the case but is more concerned about the DREAM Act.
'We are not worried, we are glad that the Supreme Court will be hearing arguments because that is what we were hoping for,' he said. 'Our next focus would be on getting the DREAM Act to be passed.'
]]>One year ago Chicano/a studies major Lizbeth's alarm clock rang at 5:30 a.m., after a quick shower and breakfast she would dash out the door to catch the 6:15 a.m. bus making its way towards CSUN.
]]>A pilot textbook rental program is still working out its glitches while continuing to provide reduced price books for the spring semester.
During the fall term only 35 percent of the books rented from the Matador Bookstore were returned by the Dec. 19 deadline, said Amy Berger, director of the Matador Bookstore, via e-mail correspondence.
'Rather than charge those students, the bookstore extended the deadline and has been contacting students to remind them to return the books,' said Berger.
The program's success relies on students returning books before the next semester starts because any time lag causes a shortage of inventory for students enrolled in future classes.
Still in its pilot phase, the Rent-A-Text program started when five professors signed on to make their textbooks available for rent through the Matador Bookstore.
As previously reported on by the Daily Sundial, professors Michael Neubauer (Developmental Mathematics), Ivor Weiner (Special Education), Ashley Skylar (Special Education), Meiqin Wang (Art) and Dianne Philibosian (Recreation and Tourism Management) have signed on for the three-year commitment.
In order to participate in the program there must either be a commitment by the instructor or the department to use the book for three years, Berger said. The commitment for this pilot program is two years.
Berger said if a student chooses to rent books, he/she pays 35 percent of the purchase price and secure the rental with a credit card.
Students need to meet some conditions in order to return rentals without incurring additional fees.
'The (credit) card is not charged as long as the book is returned at the end of the term, in salable condition,' said Berger.
Some students didn't know the Matador Bookstore's pilot textbook rental program existed.
'No, I didn't know about it,' said Mark Guirguis, a junior film major, when asked about the program.
Brianna Duffy, a junior music major, is aware of the Rent-A-Text program but prefers to buy her books through the Matador Bookstore.
'If I don't rent I can keep my books and use them for the rest of my life instead of renting them and having to give them back and spending only a little less money,' Duffy, 20 said.
Since the program isn't available to the whole campus, students have resorted to alternatives to the Matador Bookstore to find reasonable prices for textbooks.
'I would try to find somebody who had the book or actually if you go online there are several online places that you can buy the book from and it is way cheaper than the bookstore,' said Guirguis, 28.
Zane Beima, a senior music major, admits there are issues with ordering books through online sites such as Half.com and Amazon.com.
'I tried the online (Web sites) a couple of times but (the book) comes too late, and by that time you have assignments due,' Beima said. 'It becomes troublesome.'
Another issue with purchasing textbooks online is that unlike the bookstore, the books aren't categorized by professor,' said Duffy, but often by book title or International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
'I'd say make sure you know exactly what books you need if you're going to go to Amazon or Half.com,' Duffy said. 'At least in the bookstore they tell you exactly what your professor wants you to have.'
There are a few new Web sites offering students the opportunity to save money on textbooks.
DavesCampus.com provides a Web site listing with the best prices for textbook. There is also CampusBookRentals.com that allows students to rent their textbooks at a reduced price and to return them by mail at the semesters end.
The Rent-A-Text program hasn't been offered to the whole campus just yet as it irons out some of its kinks. It's still in the feasibility stage, Berger said.
Berger urged anyone who rented books last semester and hasn't yet returned them, to contact the bookstore immediately to avoid additional charges and keep the program running.
'Success of the program is dependent on the campus agreeing to use a particular title for multiple terms,' she said. 'As well as students remembering to return rental texts at the end of the term.'
]]>A pilot textbook rental program is still working out its glitches while continuing to provide reduced price books for the spring semester.
]]>Many organizations on campus promote academic achievement and exemplary character which allows for like-minded individuals to go on and achieve great accomplishments. This definitely rings true for CSUN's very own Tau Beta Pi or TBP. CSUN's chapter of TBP, California Kappa, has initiated 941 members through July 31, 2008 and continues to receive new members.
As one of the nation's oldest engineering honor societies, TBP was founded in 1885 by Edward H. Williams and as a whole represents the entire engineering profession with 221 collegiate chapters in 16 districts across the United States.
In order to become a member of TBP, one must be in the top one-eighth of his/her junior class or top one-fifth of his/her senior class. CSUN requirements state that while a student is a TBP member they must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2. Another requirement involves being an engineer or computer science major in order to be eligible for this prestigious organization.
Brian Meadows, president of TBP, understands the difficulty required to obtain membership.
'It's not easy to join and get in,' said Meadows, who acts as a coordinator for the rest of the society's officials.
To become a member of TBP, one must first be invited into the honors society, in which senior members like Meadows pick the candidates based on his/her academic achievements.
TBP members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the society in a positive light as well as maintain solid grades.
Under Meadows' term as president, 60 students received invites but only 27 became members.
'To be in TBP you have to be pretty dedicated,' said Meadows.
Like his fellow TBP member, Dr. Ali Amini shares the same honor society sentiment of promoting esteemed character by stating that the goal in establishing the society was to bring merit engineers who not only excel academically but integrity-wise as well. As an advisor to the CSUN chapter, Amini has interviewed his fair share of potential members and insists that grades are not the only trait needed for initiation.
'We look at public perception as well,' said Amini when asked about the interview process regarding future TBP members.
Students who are selected gain the opportunity to excel in not only their fields of study, but are also granted the opportunity to do community work, tutoring, and other communal acts.
TBP also has programs to help improve its members' skills. For example, the TBP Engineering Futures Program provides engineering students with the tools needed to succeed by offering sessions in people skills, group process and analytical problem solving.
The engineering society has garnered a world-wide reputation because of its high standards for membership. TBP is a door-opener for its members. According to the TBP Web site,' members are recipients of the National Medal of Technology, corporate CEOs, astronauts, and even NFL players.
Former TBP president Stacey Ross, a member since 2004, notes that 'becoming a Tau Beta Pi member offers many rewards.'
Ross is a manager at UCLA in the area of material management. She is also a national officer serving on various committees for TBP including tutoring K-12 math and science programs to establish the importance of these subjects as well as prepare grade school students for competitive success in those respective disciplines. Still attending CSUN, she is currently pursuing a master's degree in Engineer Management in order to become a patent agent.
According to Ross, TBP is an organization that rewards scholastic achievements. Membership doesn't just end after college life, but bears representation of students hard-earned achievements.
'Once you become a Tau Beta Pi, you're a lifetime member,' said Ross.
This spring seems bright for the engineering society since the current president, Meadows, is looking for more involvement and new activities for TBP members including celebrating the 40th anniversary of the CSUN chapter.
Many organizations on campus promote academic achievement and exemplary character which allows for like-minded individuals to go on and achieve great accomplishments. This definitely rings true for CSUN's very own Tau Beta Pi or TBP. CSUN's chapter of TBP, California Kappa, has initiated 941 members through July 31, 2008 and continues to receive new members.
]]>Hillary Rodham Clinton was approved as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State Wednesday, by a Senate vote 94 to 2. The confirmation came a day after Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) called for further debate over former president Clinton's foreign business relations. Cornyn, ironically, went on to praise Clinton and voted in her favor.
Following her confirmation, Obama joined Clinton at a press conference at the State Department. Signaling a resurgence of cooperative American diplomacy in the world, Obama and Clinton announced the selection of George Mitchell as the special envoy to the Middle East. They also announced the selection of Richard Holbrooke as a special representative, whose focused regions will be Afghanistan and Pakistan.
There's been much speculation on the relationship between Clinton and Obama. They had one of the most competitive primary seasons in recent history. Furthermore, the often analyzed effect of the presence of Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, has persisted.
At the State Department press conference, Obama and Clinton presented a united and genuine friendly front.
Together, they spoke of ushering a new era in American foreign policy and the role of American diplomacy abroad.' ' '
Clinton received an enthusiastic welcome accompanied by applause and cheers, at the State Department.
Addressing the crowd of employees at the State Department, Clinton said, 'There is nothing I welcome more than a good debate and the kind of dialogue that will make us better. We cannot be our best if we don't give that to ourselves and each other.'
However, it doesn't go unnoticed that in selecting Clinton, Obama has confirmed a secretary of state whose intelligence, capacity and popularity contributes to her political and international capital. Both former lawyers, President Obama and Clinton share a similar approach to problem-solving and critical thinking.
Together, they have the potential to institute tangible and significant change in American foreign policy. In order to do so, they will have to work as a team, free of personal ego.
For Clinton, the position as chief diplomat of America will allow her the opportunity to play a vital role in the make-up of the Obama administration.
Clinton also warned employees gathered at the State Department that the challenges they face are daunting and will prove to be extremely difficult. As Secretary of State, Clinton has the opportunity to be at the forefront of resolving conflicts that have waged for decades. The first months of her post, as well as the Obama presidency, represent the short window of time to capitalize on the potential for effective diplomacy and reform.
The international community's attention is now focused intently not only on Obama but also on Clinton.
A primary focus of Clinton's agenda, and has been an ardent and longtime champion for women's and children's rights, is the treatment of women at home and abroad.
'Our foreign policy must reflect our deep commitment to help millions of oppressed people around the world. And of particular concern to me is the plight of women and girls, who comprise the majority of the world's unhealthy, unschooled, unfed, and unpaid,' said Clinton during her Senate confirmation meeting.
Clinton went on to emphasize that women worldwide remain the most vulnerable to being marginalized in political and social discourse and action. Clinton pledged the support of the Obama administration in standing firmly as an 'unequivocal and unwavering voice in support of women's rights in every country on every continent.'
In understanding that women's rights are human's rights, and pledging her support to help end inequalities and oppression, Clinton will be a female secretary of state for women and men everywhere.
]]>Hillary Rodham Clinton was approved as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State Wednesday, by a Senate vote 94 to 2.
]]>Language in laws protecting student privacy is changing for school safety, after the U.S. Department of Education decided to revise regulations in how a school can release student information.
Terry Piper, vice president of Student Affairs, said that the standards under which a campus can release student information because he/she pose a threat have been lowered.
'Previously it was required to have very high level evidence that a student was indeed a danger,' said Piper. 'Now the standard has been lowered so we don't have to be able to prove that the student is a danger if we have reason to believe the student is a danger to themselves or others.'
According to the U.S. Department of Education, changes to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law protecting the privacy of students educational records went into effect Jan. 9 in response to the mass shootings at Virginia Tech in April 2007.
'These changes and clarifications will help school officials respond to emergencies more quickly and effectively,' said U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, in a prepared statement.
'The regulations balance student privacy with school safety while facilitating research to ultimately improve education.'
School administrations must document the emergency and reason for disclosing such information, Piper said.
The law also permits state and local educational authorities as well as federal officials to make further disclosures of personally identifiable information from education records on the schools behalf.
CSUN has always taken a conservative approach to obtaining or releasing student information, said the Vice President of Student Affairs.
'We have taken a student's privacy and safety very seriously,' said Piper. 'With these new updates we will incorporate and continue to make that judgment carefully.'
Piper said the language permits the campus to notify administrators and parents that a student is a threat as long as officials have a 'strong reason to believe' they are a threat.
Universities, like CSUN, have the right to release any 'directory information' about a student so long as the student themselves don't indicate that they want to prevent such access, according to CSUN's registration guide.
Directory information includes any information obtained by the school upon registration like a student's name, address, and phone numbers among other information.
Nicholas Echevrri, CSUN health science major, said he feels the revisions are good for universities, but hopes it reflects the students' needs.
'I have no problem with (FERPA) reevaluating the law and improving it,' Echevrri said. 'My only concern is that they think of students rights first and inform us of the changes to be made.'
Ashley Abiva, a CSUN marketing major, said it's always better to revisit something to find ways to improve it, but feels the Virginia Tech tragedy couldn't have been prevented.
'It is hard to say that things like this could have been prevented if this law was looked at earlier,' Abiva said. 'However, now we can go back after learning and through experience and review what should change and what should stay.'
The changes to FERPA also make the campus accountable for information that third parties, like corporations or outside contractors who do work for the campus, have access to.
'When we hire someone they have access to student records they need to do their job,' said Piper.
CSUN would have to keep a record of why these third parties would need that information as well as how they use it.
Piper said students will be notified of any changes by a formal letter or public notice.
'These changes are helpful and CSUN will continue to make sure student's privacy is kept private,' said Piper.
]]>Language in laws protecting student privacy is changing for school safety, after the U.S. Department of Education decided to revise regulations in how a school can release student information.
]]>The Los Angeles area is notorious for being a hub for up and coming musicians and raw talent. We Are The World, out of Echo Park, is at the head of the pack with a style and presence all their own. We Are The World mixes electronica dance music with a wild stage show that boasts musical, artistic and theatrical talent.
Too many words in the English language describe We Are The World's brand of music and off-the-wall stage performance. Some that come to mind are crazy, eccentric, original, outrageous, mind-blowing and spectacular, but one thing is certain: It's obvious We Are The World puts a huge amount of time and effort into creating a stage show that one has to witness live to truly appreciate.
We Are The World is comprised of four members: Robbie Williams, Megan Gold, Ryan Heffington and Nina McNeely. Their music is probably best described as experimental electronica which is a seed that has been growing quickly in the underground scene. The fast-paced beats and catchy synth hooks make it enjoyable for both the hardcore fan and the budding neophyte.
Listening to the music alone would be cheating oneself of experiencing what We Are The World is truly capable of. The live performance is what truly separates We Are The World from other artists in their genre.
Recently on January 24, We Are The World played at the Echoplex in Echo Park.' From the get go, the two main dancers mesmerized the crowd and seemed fatigueless throughout the entire performance. The dance arrangements ranged from intricate in sync dance moves, to simple but wild leaps across the stage and to a romantic style duet number. At one point, break-dance-style popping had the crowd roaring.
They wore costumes reminiscent of a scene straight out of 'A Clockwork Orange,' back derbies with black wigs that covered their faces, white dress shirts, black suspenders, red ties and nylon stockings to cover their faces. One has to wonder why they would go to such great lengths to conceal their identities, but it only added to the suspense and the originality of the show.
Twice during the show there were technical issues where the music stopped playing, but that didn't faze the band at all. They actually kept singing and dancing despite the problems and the crowd didn't seem to mind one bit.
We Are The World put on a spectacular unexpected finale that left everyone in the audience at their feet in awe and applause. To give it away would be like giving away a magician's secret or revealing the ending to a movie more than worth seeing.
We Are The World not only tell a story through their music, but also through dance and performance that complements the musical aspect in a way like no other. They have so much passion on stage that the crowd could feel how much of themselves We Are The World put into their music.
]]>The Los Angeles area is notorious for being a hub for up and coming musicians and raw talent. We Are The World, out of Echo Park, is at the head of the pack with a style and presence all their own.
]]>As I walked into the crowded theater to view 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop,' I knew it wasn't going to be the most intellectually inspiring film, but I was at least ready for a good laugh.' Too bad I didn't get that either.' In the midst of all the never-ending fat jokes, I only started to laugh a couple of times.
Considering the audience started clapping when the opening credits were rolling, I questioned if it was really for the movie or the fact that the previews finally came to an end.' To my surprise Mall Cop generated $33.8 million in its opening weekend.' It may have stolen the box office, but critics and reviewers like me have been left wondering why.
Paul Blart (Kevin James) is a single-father living with his mother (Shirley Knight) and daughter (Raini Rodriguez).' After failing the state trooper test he remains a dutiful mall security guard, which he later debates should be security 'officer' instead of 'guard.' Heavy stuff we're dealing with here, no pun intended.
Blart is the target for obvious fat jokes that don't get better as the movie goes on.' He is also the clumsiest mall cop '- excuse me, security guard '- as he constantly falls, slips and runs into objects.
While surveying the mall perimeters, he spots Amy (Jayma Mays) and finds love at first sight.' Or should I say klutz at first sight?' While trying to impress her with his strange and worthless facts, Blart fails any chance of being suave and we get more of the same awkward character.
Unbeknownst to Blart, a team of thieves have shut down and secured the mall with hostages, one of them being his beloved Amy.
It's Blart's time to step up and be the hero who saves the mall and his loved ones.' Some of the thieves he tries to outsmart are professional skate-boarders and X-Game racers. The main thief, Veck (Keir O'Donnell) lacked convincing evil characteristics every villain should have.' ' ' ' '
While I didn't find the fat jokes and clumsy falls side-splitting, there were some people laughing.' When I looked behind my seat, I found a row of eight-year-old girls giggling.' At least they found it enjoyable.
Two out of five stars.
]]>As I walked into the crowded theater to view 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop,' I knew it wasn't going to be the most intellectually inspiring film, but I was at least ready for a good laugh.' Too bad I didn't get that either.' In the midst of all the never-ending fat jokes, I only started to laugh a couple of times.
]]>Welcome to Now Hear This, a new weekly column designed to present CSUNers' eclectic musical tastes to the world (or, at least, to Northridge)! Think there's too much Katie Perry, Fall Out Boy and Rhianna on the airwaves? Corporate radio certainly won't give anyone their required daily-dose of new music. One's peers will.
Lifehouse '-
'It's real uplifting. A lot of music nowadays'hellip; they always talk and whine about all the bad things that happen. Sometimes you have to acknowledge all the good that happens as well.'
Alex Ahlstrom,
Information Systems Junior, 21
'Movin' Out' opened last week on January 20 for a short two-day engagement here on campus. With promises to deliver absolute uninhibited rock and roll, the company did not fail to deliver.
The band, suspended above the stage, did Billy Joel proud. They flawlessly belted all 24 tunes with the vigor and enthusiasm one expects from a rock concert.
To their claims of top-notch dancers and choreography, the ensemble again did not disappoint. A group of 15 or so dancers executed two hours of demanding and exhausting choreography without batting an eye, or so the audience was led to believe. Individually, as a dance exhibition or as a rock concert, they all performed well and put on an entertaining show.
However, when it came to the fusing of the two, song and dance, the objective of the piece became quite muddled. In their defense, they claimed that the show had a very loose plot and that it was more of a rock ballet. I would definitely have to agree.
The program said there was very little dialogue '- that was a grave understatement. The only dialogue, if you can even classify it as that, is a few 'hup-two-three-four's' from an army general early on in the show. I am not saying that I need a show to spell out its subtext for me in order to enjoy it. I rather like going to see theatre that makes me think or forces me outside my comfort zone. People come to the theatre for an experience. But I think the preconception of the 'Movin' Out' experience was a tad misleading. For those who attended the performance looking for what we would call a 'musical,' I think they might have been disappointed. Though, once getting over the initial shock of 'this isn't what I thought it would be,' the show was quite entertaining.
' ' ' The show opens with a light and innocent portrayal of the American teen. A group of friends fresh out of high school are laughing and dancing, falling in love and dreaming of the future. There's the young lovers (the prom king and queen) newly engaged, the tough greaser who doesn't fit in, the aspiring jock slash army recruit, the new girl in town, 'uptown girl,' and a gaggle of cheerleaders and soldiers played by the rest of the ensemble. These teens see their happy, safe little bubble burst before their eyes with the dawn of the Vietnam War. While the guys are shipped off to the army the girls nervously await their fate. 'We didn't start the fire,' an emotional and violent number tells the story of the men at war who fight, fail and die. When the men return home the prom queen finds that her king has died. While in mourning, the greaser feels responsible for his friend's death and slips into depression. The friends seem to lose their way and themselves and in a lewd sex montage it seems they have hit rock bottom. In the end they are re-united and they find love and happiness in eachother.
' ' ' In order to make sense of the plot the audience needs to do a lot of filling in the blanks. Still, deluded plot line or not, it seems difficult to see this show and not have a good time. The music was excellent and the dancing was superb and visually stunning. Twyla Tharp's reputation is held up indeed.
To put it plainly it was a good show. Would I see it again? It really depends. Bottom line: If you're in the mood for some foot tapping and a bit of good old-fashioned rock and roll, 'Movin' Out' is highly recommended.
'Movin' Out' opened last week on January 20 for a short two-day engagement here on campus. With promises to deliver absolute uninhibited rock and roll, the company did not fail to deliver.
]]>Welcome to Now Hear This, a new weekly column designed to present CSUNers' eclectic musical tastes to the world (or, at least, to Northridge)! Think there's too much Katie Perry, Fall Out Boy and Rhianna on the airwaves? Corporate radio certainly won't give anyone their required daily-dose of new music. One's peers will.Now
Stiff Little Fingers '-
' 'It's an 80s punk band. I've listened to them since I was a little kid, so it just kind of comes naturally. I like the intensity of their songs. Sometimes they're a little poppy too, like the Ramones.'
Christian Cardenas,
English Junior, 21
Many felt Monday was a date in which at least one question would be answered about the unpredictable 2008-09 Matadors. With senior guard Deon Tresvant and freshman reserve Dallas Rutherford scheduled to be arraigned at San Fernando Superior Court over the alleged Best Buy New Year's thefts on this day, many thought Monday was crucial and deciding to learn whether CSUN was going two men short or twelve feet bigger for the rest of the season.
The day came, and not much happened.
Tresvant and Rutherford did not enter a plea Monday, a court clerk said the same day. They have a new arraignment. It's scheduled for Feb. 26 at the same place.
'It's just part of the process,' CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell said Monday night. 'When you deal with the legal system you don't get to get things done on your time table.'
Jeffrey Braswell, the coach's son, was allegedly also involved in the situation. He too is due in court on the same date. His father, the coach, has said repeatedly he will not get into details regarding the case because it's a personal, family matter, so instead he was asked about his players' playing status.
And according to his reply, those two Matadors could be back any day. That's not necessarily a good thing, if you're a CSUN follower.
'We (he and the university) will make that decision if and when is time to make that decision,' he said.
Jeffrey Braswell, Tresvant and Rutherford were charged with commercial burglary and grand theft for allegedly stealing more than $6,600 in merchandise from a Best Buy located in Porter Ranch on New Year's Day. A fourth person, Phannuel Gbewonyo, 28, was also among the ones charged. Braswell, who - as of the date of the alleged incident - worked for the store, has been accused of logging into a cash register using the password of an employee who had the day off and allowing Tresvant, Rutherford and Gbewonyo to check out items without paying for them. The thefts were discovered when Best Buy officials found a discrepancy at the register.
Bobby Braswell said the ongoing judicial process didn't allow him to say when or if Tresvant and Rutherford will be back. What exactly is that process? He didn't say. He made it clear, though, that while it will be a month before his pupils appear before a judge again, that doesn't mean CSUN can't get them back in uniform prior to that.'
'I've never said that (court appearance settlings) was the only way they'd get back to playing,' he said. 'They've not been officially suspended. They've (just) been withheld from games.'
But again, it's all a mystery. No clues have been thrown. The players could be back in the next game, or their season could be over.
'Anything can happen,' Braswell said.
Rutherford and Tresvant have been allowed to practice with the team. The freshman was present at the last two home games, a loss to Cal State Fullerton and a win over UC Irvine. Tresvant was at The Matadome for the game against the Titans, but was nowhere in sight on Saturday as CSUN defeated the Anteaters.
A couple of Tresvant's teammates said they haven't seen him around or talked to him.
'I don't think he wants to talk to anyone right now,' one of them said.
After Saturday's game, Braswell said he didn't know why Tresvant hadn't shown up. On Monday, he offered a possible reason.
'This is obviously a very difficult time for him, so I'm giving him and Dallas some leeway here,' the coach said. 'It's not a normal circ*mstance. There's days that they're up and days that they're down emotionally, and it's very difficult.'
'I'm leaving (being around the team) to their best judgment at this particular time. It's not an issue with me.'
Last season, Tresvant was on the All-Big West Conference Second Team and was voted Best Sixth Man by the league's coaches while leading CSUN in scoring, averaging 13.9 points in 26.1 minutes per game. In 2008-09, Tresvant averaged 13.3 ppg in 12 games, again being the Matadors' top scorer.
Rutherford averaged 0.8 points in six appearances.
The Matadors have gone 3-2 without them. Among active players, forward Tremaine Townsend leads them in scoring at 12 ppg. He's also averaging 8.8 rebounds per game.
CSUN plays at UC Santa Barbara on Thursday.
]]>Deon Tresvant, Dallas Rutherford and Jeffrey Braswell did not enter a plea Monday regarding the allegations that they stole from a Porter Ranch Best Buy on New Year's Day, a San Fernando Superior Court clerk said. Their arraignment was rescheduled for Feb. 26.
]]>Welcome to Now Hear This, a new weekly column designed to present CSUNers' eclectic musical tastes to the world (or, at least, to Northridge)! Think there's too much Katie Perry, Fall Out Boy and Rhianna on the airwaves? Corporate radio certainly won't give anyone their required daily-dose of new music. One's peers will.
Gym Class Heroes '-
'They're underground hip-hop. They have a new type of style, a unique type of music.'
Caroline Gutierrez,
Political Science Junior, 21
'
]]>Welcome to Now Hear This, a new weekly column designed to present CSUNers' eclectic musical tastes to the world (or, at least, to Northridge)! Think there's too much Katie Perry, Fall Out Boy and Rhianna on the airwaves? Corporate radio certainly won't give anyone their required daily-dose of new music. One's peers will.
New Witch '- 'They're different. They're bringing back the old heavy metal, which I like.'
Jasser Aljuraiban,
Marketing Freshman, 25
'They are like a sensitive Oasis that has a mellow rock vibe.' However, they rock out live.' I saw them at the Wiltern last night.'
Chris Clemons,
Political Science, Grad Student
'Ever since these boys aired on Making the Band, I've been waiting for their CD to come out.''
Monique Young,
Development, Freshman
'The simple beats lay a nice foundation to the lyric flow.'
Bryan Katz,
Kinesiology, Junior
'
]]>'It's rap music that's not just for boys.' I think girls can relate to his music too.'
Ashley Turner,
Sociology, Junior
Lit mostly by white candles over 150 people assembled in a church and despite being brought together by oppression and struggle the energy remained positive and welcoming.
Friends, family and supporters of Esha Momeni, the communications graduate student who was detained a little over three months ago in Iran as she documented a grassroots movement opposing discriminatory laws against women, hosted the event to support and pay tribute to her.
'What happened to Esha brought us all together,' said Shahriar Azimi an information systems major at San Diego State University, who met Esha through the One Million Signatures Campaign.
'She was very passionate about what she was doing and very full of positive energy.'
While Momeni was released from Evin prison on bail in November, Iranian officials have not permitted her to leave Iran.
The event on Friday night 'A Night of Music, Poetry and Reflection' included poetry recitals, musical performances and speakers.
Mehr Ensemble performed spiritual Iranian Sufi music on the steps of the altar sitting on Persian rugs. While Elahe Amani, a gender, peace and social justice activist at California State University, Long Beach and Fullerton read traditional Iranian poetry from the podium.
Momeni's boyfriend, Hassan Hussein, remains hopeful that she will return to the states soon, despite the lack of developments in her case. Still he appreciates her release from prison and is worried about her studies and education.
'We support and miss her,' Hussein said.
The One Million Signatures Campaign that Momeni was documenting is making strides in 15 provinces in Iran, said Yassmin Manauchehri, a musicology graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles.
'The goal and aim of this campaign is to gather one million signatures opposing discriminatory laws against women in Iran and telling the parliament in Iran that people don't want this,' said Manauchehri.
Momeni however is not alone and her struggle should serve as a reminder of that, said Soraya Fallah, chair of Women's Rights Communications in the U.S. and coordinator for the Society for Human Rights in Iran.
'We focus on Esha because she is a U.S. citizen, but there are thousands more wrongly imprisoned,' Fallah said. 'It's very important for us to remember all of them.'
Momeni's thesis advisor, Melissa Wall, described how persistent she was about going to Iran to work on her graduate project despite being warned about the danger and consequences in going by several advisors.
'She's a wonderful student,' Wall said. 'Very interested in ideas very easy to work with, much beloved by other students and faculty.'
Roja Bandari, a long time member of the One Million Signatures Campaign, met Momeni two years ago at one of their events.
The arrest of Esha Momeni as some believe wasn't because of a traffic violation, Bandari said, this was all planned from the beginning and her arrest was actually very violent.
Authorities stopped and surrounded her in middle of the freeway without warning, broke into the car forcing her out, she said. Even though the Iranian government has arrested other members, she was the first person from outside of Iran that was arrested.
The church lobby wall displayed a collection Esha's photographs as well as a t-shirt she designed for the One Million Signatures Campaign.
'She was an artist, so it's great that they're incorporating (her) art,' Cklara Moradian, member of the campaign.
The first half of the night concluded with a speech by another member of the grassroots campaign Omid Koohi.
'This wasn't the first time that my dreams of academic excellence in Iran and for Iranian students was broken,' Koohi said.
He ended his speech by saying that support for the movement is not restricted Iranians, in fact people all over the world are supporting this movement including the Dalai Lama and six other Noble prize winners.
'Together we can transform the future for women in Iran and our society.'
Lit mostly by white candles over 150 people assembled in a church and despite being brought together by oppression and struggle the energy remained positive and welcoming.
]]>Minutes before checking in to fly back to Los Angeles after my Christmas vacation in Australia, my handbag was stolen right under my nose. I took my eyes off of it for a split second to bid my parents farewell and thieves took advantage of a prime opportunity. My tropical vacation in paradise soon turned into the vacation from hell, as I learned that I had been the target of Internet con men.
It has only been a week, but I'm not the latest victim of criminals who have been targeting travelers' identities at an Australian airport a trend that's growing according to authorities.
Yesterday the Queensland Police reported another tourist's handbag had been stolen from the Cairns International Airport.
While it appears to be your everyday theft, leave your handbag unattended for a split second and in a flash it is gone, Queensland Police Detective Murray Ferguson says that the thieves have a specific target in mind.
It's not money, traveler's checks or credit cards they are after, but photo's.
'Drivers licenses, passports and holiday photos is what they want,' Ferguson said. 'They can scan in these pictures and use them to create other types of documents and forms of identification. However the biggest problem right now is the lonely-hearts scam.'
The scammers join legitimate dating Web sites and use the stolen pictures to attract members of the opposite or same sex. Once they have contact with another dating Web site member they insist on Emailing them privately so as to avoid the constant security checks by Web site coordinators.
'Then comes the hard luck story by around the fifth email. My mother is sick, my sister is sick,' Ferguson said. 'At first the scammer refuses any offers of money made by the victim but quickly they give in and it is usually with the promise of a long term relationship.'
The Queensland Police said last year it worked with the Nigerian Economic Financial Crimes Commission to arrest a man in Nigeria who had scammed $20,000 from an Australian dating Web site member. The victim believed he was sending money to help the woman of his dreams, but was actually being conned by a 23-year-old man.
According to Police Minister Judy Spence while the Queensland Police are world leaders in the investigation of Internet-based crime, the estimates of financial loses to Queenslanders for Internet fraud are estimated at half a million Australian dollars a month.
Ferguson said the actual figure would be much higher if all Internet crime was reported.
'Many people do not report that they have been the victim of Internet fraud as they are embarrassed,' he said.
While it's not exactly known as to why two weeks ago a Swedish backpacker, yesterday a Canadian tourist and last week myself were victims of Internet fraudsters, Ferguson said identity thieves generally target young female tourists.
As Queensland Police vigorously patrol airports for theft and trawl the Internet for scams, criminals continue to use stolen photos to procure victims into their Web of deceit. In the meantime I will be waiting by the mailbox in the scorching summer heat for my new passport and work visa to arrive from the U.S Consulate, so I can make it back to CSUN in time to finish my journalism degree.
]]>It has only been a week, but I'm not the latest victim of criminals who have been targeting travelers' identities at an Australian airport a trend that's growing according to authorities.
]]>We all remember what she wore the night America elected the campaign for hope to run the nation. That horrid black dress, with sprinkled devilish red beading accumulating in the front and that accentuated square figure is a historic fashion sin. Since the moment that dress was projected on the jumbo screen on election night, Michelle Obama became a victim of harsh, relentless fashion criticism (High definition didn't help her either.).
She may have obliterated her status as a first lady fashion icon with her repeated disasters, but one thing is clear about this woman, she is secure in her own skin.
No matter if it's what she's wearing, Obama is getting her own beaming spotlight, and as first lady, everyone is examining how she will fulfill her new job. Americans are fixated to learn if she will be more of an activist like Hilllary Clinton, or a traditionalist like her predecessor, Laura Bush.'
It's easy for us to try and seek a comparison to judge her by. We want her to be fashionable like Jackie Kennedy, outspoken like Hilary Clinton and graceful like Nancy Reagan, but in reality, Obama is in a first lady category all on her own.
She has already built an unparalleled resume as the first African-American first lady, the first to be a descendant of slaves, the second-youngest since the 19th century, one of the most well-educated (Princeton and Harvard), and the most career-oriented up to now (as a lawyer, municipal official and hospital executive).
Obama knows she will be under an intense level of scrutiny for what she's wearing or the things she's saying, but what Americans will see is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin. She is not concerned about what this country thinks looks good on her or what she should wear, but rather what good she will do for this country in the next four years.
In an interview broadcasted last Wednesday, Jan. 21 on ABC's 'Good Morning America,' Obama said that she and her husband have 'come to grips' with the way their lives have changed 'and we welcome the challenges as long as we can do some good stuff.'
We've already heard her husband acknowledge her as the rock in the family and the love of' his life, but will she be the rock for this nation and will Americans fall in love with her?
While her opponents were trying to portray her as an angry black woman during the campaign, Obama spoke about how she will use this platform to help distressed military families, volunteerism and how to tackle the difficulties of balancing work and family.'
Without a doubt, her focus as first lady already seems to be oriented around the word 'family' and that starts with exemplifying a strong relationship with hers. The Obamas have become the authentic and desirable family role model and that's all thanks to Obama, who is the self- proclaimed 'mom-in-chief.'
Obama will contribute immensely to the next four years, even if it's by embodying a strong, black woman. Minorities across the nation can resonate with her struggles and persevere in the way she has. Obama has become the quintessential role model to women of color in this nation.
For those waiting to be disappointed, keep on waiting because this woman is not the type to fail easily at her job. Her fashion choices may be in question from what we've seen so far, but for now, we can leave the trendy ensembles to Jill Biden.
]]>We all remember what she wore the night America elected the campaign for hope to run the nation. That horrid black dress, with sprinkled devilish red beading accumulating in the front and that accentuated square figure is a historic fashion sin.
]]>Houses can be bought or rented, cars can be purchased or leased and now textbooks come with that same option.
The virtual world now offers students an alternative way to save money with online companies like Skoobit.com, a service that gives students the option to rent their textbooks.
Skoobit's textbook rental Web site was created to alleviate student frustration of standing in long lines and purchasing expensive textbooks.
Leticia Orozco, a child development major, said renting textbooks is a good idea.
'It's good for people who get financial aid or loans at the beginning of the semester. This allows them to spend money on something else,' said Orozco.
Christopher Blythe, founder of Skoobit, said he thought of the idea for the Web site his senior year when he realized that traditional business models were changing and his school bookstore at the University of Michigan would eventually be online.
'I thought that setting up an online book rental company would be a great opportunity similar to Netflix.com,' said Blythe. 'In this case students won't be stacked up with books they don't need, and if they want it at the end of the semester they will always have the option to purchase the book.'
The popularity of renting textbooks has taken hold on the CSUN campus too. The Matador Bookstore has its Rent-A-Text program that allows students to rent textbooks from the on- campus store. However, rentals are limited to only a few classes.
Skoobit has access to more than 2 million books from various vendors. Students are offered a wide range of books starting with a minimum rental fee of $10.99 a month per textbook.
For some students renting is not an option. Romando Pinado, a biology major, purchases new textbooks because the codes in the back of new textbooks are required for his' assignments.
However, one major problem many students encounter when they purchase new textbooks is that often times books are only good for one semester either because a professor has decided to change course material or a newer edition is printed. As a result, students cannot cash in their books for money at the end of the school term because the book has lost its value.
'Some' books are only good for one semester, you pay over $100 for it and then the next semester no one uses it,' said Orozco.
Samantha Minton, a broadcast journalism major, said she uses a Web site called Chegg.com that plants a tree every time a book is rented.
Just like Chegg, Skoobit is also an 'eco-friendly' Web site that recycles used books and plants a tree for every textbook rented.'
Skoobit also offers new users a 14-day trial period on unlimited textbook rentals and free priority shipping and handling for all students.
Once a student's trial period is over, they can choose from Skoobit's various rental plans or simply return them if he/she is not satisfied.
If a student decides to keep the textbook rather than return it after the 14-day grace period, he/she pays the book's retail price minus the rental fee already paid.
While the Matador Bookstore has experienced difficulty with students not returning their books on time, Blythe says that Skoobit has not experienced the same tardiness.
When textbooks are at the end of their rental period, students can log onto their Skoobit account, print out free packing and shipping labels, package the textbook items and drop the textbooks off at any UPS location.
Information for book rentals can be accessed on each company's Web site.
Houses can be bought or rented, cars can be purchased or leased and now textbooks come with that same option.
]]>With school tuition and textbook prices continuing to increase every semester CSUN students are looking for new and better ways to save their money.
Some local stores are trying to provide students with alternatives. Although not directly associated with CSUN, off-campus bookstores such as A+Textbook have been advertising cheaper books for students.
'I think it's important for the school not to have a monopoly on it and competition is always good for the students at least,' Connie Sue, manager of A+textbook located across the street from CSUN on Reseda Blvd, which opened its doors in December.
'If the Matador Bookstore was the only place to get the books it would be unfair.'
Sue added that her store price matches all new and used books to make sure they're cheaper.'
CSUN is home to the Matador Bookstore that, unlike its competitors, is heavily staffed and contains a wide variety of all textbooks to meet the needs of students.
'We stock all required and recommended books in adequate quantities on a timely basis to meet student needs,' said Amy Berger, manager of the Matador Bookstore.' 'Other bookstores have no relationship with this campus, much less faculty and may find it almost impossible to collect and verify adoption information, a job that has become more complicated as course materials options have increased.'
Some CSUN students like Michael Callahan, 27, philosophy, haven't found the A+Textbook discount store very helpful in finding books.
'They didn't seem to have any of the textbooks I need and also didn't know when they would be restocked,' said Callahan.' 'So I ended up paying a boat load for my books at the campus bookstore anyway,' he added.
Berger did admit she does expect to see the price increase to continue after considering that the textbook inflation rate has been about 6 percent over the past six years.
However, she did mention that the bookstore will have other alternatives for textbooks available in the near future.
'The Matador Bookstore will have more eBook titles available for students, which are priced about 40 percent lower than a hard bound book,' said Berger.
Some CSUN students like Jovana Smolovie, 18, sociology major, would love to save a little extra cash and buy alternative textbooks.
'I think it's a great idea.' It would give me money to spend in other places,' said Smolove.
Other students go online to buy their textbooks but wouldn't mind going a cheaper and more convenient route such as eBooks.
'I haven't used the bookstore in years,' said Andrew Sandstoe, 23, urban planning major. 'I use half.com and eBay, but I would definitely try out an eBook if it saves me money.'
A+Textbook does not offer any alternative textbooks such as eBooks, but do guarantee that you will buy for less and sell for more than you would at the Matador Bookstore.
'In the future we will have more sales and promotions for cheaper books,' said Sue. 'Right now we have a 5 percent off special on the total purchase which students can take advantage of.'
The reason why the prices keep increasing is because CSUN orders custom textbooks, Sue said, which are books edited specifically for the class.
'However it could have its benefits because they are specifically tailored to the class,' said Sue.
Berger said the Matador bookstore is doing their best to help the university and the surrounding Northridge community with their 'higher prices,' something off-campus bookstores cannot offer.
'We provide a financial return to the university and contribute to the economy by hiring people from the community along with students from the university,' she added.
]]>With school tuition and textbook prices continuing to increase every semester CSUN students are looking for new and better ways to save their money.
]]>Last week, as the starters for the NBA All-Star game were announced, it became more apparent that the game has become a popularity contest.
After having players like Bruce Bowen of the Spurs and Yi Jianlian of the Nets almost selected by the fans to start, it's clear that the whole process needs some tweaking. Bowen and Jianlian, who are reserves on their teams, could have cost some deserving players a chance to make the squad.
However, thanks to a late push for Amare Stoudemire of the Suns and Kevin Garnet of the Celtics, a disaster was avoided. Still, this and other issues concerning the All-Star weekend need to be addressed by the NBA.
No. 1 is the coaching situation. The coach whose team has the best record in each conference gets to coach his respective conference's team. What happened to rewarding the coach for taking his team to the Finals (something the MLB does)? Or how about simply rewarding the coach that does the best job, like Gregg Popovich of the Spurs and Stan Van Gundy of the Magic? Popovich lost two of his stars for 20 games and somehow managed to have his team atop the Southwest Division while Van Gundy has turned a young Orlando team into a true contender whose pushing the likes of the Cavaliers and Celtics for the top spot in the East.
No. 2 is having the top players participate in the dunk contest. Last year's dunk contest was exciting. Why? Because you had a young superstar like Dwight Howard as part of it. The last time the dunk contest was as exciting was when Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis all participated. What the NBA should do is put up a substantial money prize for the winner of the contest. Tell me, what superstar is going to resist a chance to make an extra million?
The final thing is the uniforms. Can we decide on one or simply have the players wear their own team uniforms with the conference of the host city wearing the home jerseys? Personally, I like the blue and white's from the early 90's. Stick to those.
Although a disaster was avoided thanks to a late rally from the fans, it still doesn't excuse the fact that Allen Iverson of the Pistons and Stoudemire are starting. That could cost a player who deserves to make the team as a reserve.
Now 'the question' rather than 'the Answer' as Iverson has become as of late in his career, the guard has managed to deteriorate another team. Since being traded to the Pistons, Iverson has caused the team to lose the great chemistry Detroit was known for. Chauncey Billups, the player he was traded for, is the total opposite. He has led the Nuggets to the division lead in the Northwest.
Stoudemire, a 6-foot-10 power forward, did not deserve to start because he was selected as a small forward, a position he doesn't play. Plus his stats and team's record doesn't compare to those of Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavericks and Pau Gasol of the Lakers respectively.
Here are the players who deserve to make the squad as reserves Thursday. According to NBA rules, coaches must select two forwards, two guards, one center and two wildcards to fill the rest of each conference team's roster.' ' '
In the West, at the forward positions, Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol should go in. Nowitzki is putting up better numbers this season than during his MVP campaign of two years ago, averaging 25.8 points and 8.5 rebounds a game. Gasol's numbers are not as great (17.5 points and nine rebounds a game), but what gets him is that he is the second best player on the team that's No. 1 by a great margin in the conference.
The two guards should be Billups and Brandon Roy of Portland. Billups has led the Nuggets to a 28-13 record since being traded from Detroit. Averaging 18.7 points while dishing out 6.7 assist per game, Billups' leadership at the point has made Denver a top team in the West. On the other hand, Roy is the unquestionable leader of a young Blazer team that currently holds the sixth spot. Besides providing leadership day in and day out, Roy leads the team in scoring and assists.' ' ' ' ' '
The center should be the one and only Shaquille O'Neal of the Suns. Every All-Star game, O'Neal was responsible for making the game fun. It is only fitting that now, in perhaps his last season and playing for the host city, he is rewarded with making the team. More than anything he deserves to make it because he's had a solid season. Besides Yao Ming, not one Western center has had a better season than Shaq.
The two wildcards should be Tony Parker of the Spurs and Paul Millsap of the Jazz. Parker makes it because his team is second in the conference and because he is posting career-highs in points and assists. Millsap deserves it for helping Utah stay in playoff contention while stars Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer were out with injuries. As a starter this season, Millsap has averaged 18.2 points and 11.4 rebounds a game.
In the East at the forward position, the players that should make it are Paul Pierce of the Celtics and Danny Granger of the Pacers. Pierce is the leading scorer for the defending champs and the go-to guy down the stretch. Granger on his part has been this year's NBA breakout player. He is fourth in the league in scoring, only behind LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Kobe Bryant.
The guards should be Devin Harris of the Nets and Joe Johnson of the Hawks. Harris leads the Nets in four categories: points, assists, steals and minutes played. Right about now, Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban must be regretting having traded him for Jason Kidd. Then we have Johnson, the heart and soul of a young Atlanta team that last season took the eventual champions to seven games in its playoff series. This season, Johnson leads the team in points and assists as a shooting guard.' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
At center, it should be Chris Bosh, who is perhaps the best power forward in the east. Bosh is forced to play center in Toronto because the organization hasn't been able to find someone to play alongside him.
The two wildcards should be Jameer Nelson of the Magic and Andre Iguodala of the Sixers. Nelson has helped Orlando to its best record since the Shaq-and-Penny-Hardaway days. He has become the point guard the Magic has been missing for the last few years, posting career highs in points and assists. Iguodala, like his team, started off slow as he tried to bring Elton Brand along, but, after the team changed coaches, the Sixers went to more of an up-tempo style. Iguodala has flourished since, averaging 17.6 points and 5.3 assists.
]]>After having players like Bruce Bowen of the Spurs and Yi Jianlian of the Nets almost selected by the fans to start, it's clear that the whole process needs some tweaking.
]]>The Matadors are putting out the welcome mat for the Big West Conference-leading Gauchos, but to win they will have to pull the rug out from underneath them.
The Matadors had a rough game on Saturday against UC Irvine, but were able to get back into it with the help of senior guard Ashley Blake.
Blake had a 19-point night against the Anteaters. Of those 19, 15 came from beyond the three-point line. Blake said that her confidence came from a halftime phrase from Head Coach Staci Schulz.
'Coach told us we weren't playing at our level,' Blake said. 'Once she said 'let it rip,' I knew I could keep shooting and not worry about her getting upset.'
For Schulz, it didn't make sense because they were shooting so well in warm-ups and they haven't had a problem scoring so far this season.
'I just told them to 'let it rip' and Ashley did that in the second half,' Schulz said.
A problem that the Matadors had late in the game was rebounding and keeping players out of the paint.
'We let them start too deep in the paint and our help side defense wasn't efficient,' Schulz said.
The Matadors will need to fix that if they are going to beat a Gaucho team that has forwards who average around 6-3 in height. The Matadors' tallest starter is Jasmine Erving, who stands at 6-2.
Schulz doesn't think size will be a problem, even though they will be outsized at every position.
'Santa Barbara is a methodical team,' she said. 'They read defense well and they play solid 'D'.'
To beat the Gauchos Schulz plans on pressing a lot.
On the subject of pressing, Blake said that they would need to go at them with a lot of energy.
As long as the Matadors play smarter, play the same offense they have, make the right reads and keep the passes low, they should have a good shot at winning, Schulz said.
]]>The women's basketball team will take on first-place UC Santa Barbara tonight at The Matadome. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
]]>The Sundial wants you to tell us the best CSUN has to offer. Vote for your favorites now through February 5 and take our poll on the top local spots. After you complete your ballot, you'll be eligible to win an iPod Nano. We'll publish the winners and runners-up in a special section on March 26.
'bull; Ballot must be received by February 5, 2009
'bull; Official ballots also available in the Daily Sundial.
'bull; One ballot (paper or online) per person.
Co-sponsored by the Matador Bookstore and Apple Computers
Vote Here!
]]>The Sundial wants you to tell us the best CSUN has to offer. Vote for your favorites now through February 5 and take our poll on the top local spots. After you complete your ballot, you'll be eligible to win an iPod Nano. We'll publish the winners and runners-up in a special section on March 26.
'bull; Ballot must be received by February 5, 2009
'bull; Official ballots also available in the Daily Sundial.
'bull; One ballot (paper or online) per person.
Co-sponsored by the Matador Bookstore and Apple Computers
Vote Here!
]]>The Sundial wants you to tell us the best CSUN has to offer. Vote for your favorites now through February 5 and take our poll on the top local spots. After you complete your ballot, you'll be eligible to win an iPod Nano. We'll publish the winners and runners-up in a special section on March 26.
'bull; Ballot must be received by February 5, 2009
'bull; Official ballots also available in the Daily Sundial.
'bull; One ballot (paper or online) per person.
Co-sponsored by the Matador Bookstore and Apple Computers
Vote Here!
]]>The Sundial wants you to tell us the best CSUN has to offer. Vote for your favorites now through February 5 and take our poll on the top local spots. After you complete your ballot, you'll be eligible to win an iPod Nano. We'll publish the winners and runners-up in a special section on March 26.
'bull; Ballot must be received by February 5, 2009
'bull; Official ballots also available in the Daily Sundial.
'bull; One ballot (paper or online) per person.
Co-sponsored by the Matador Bookstore and Apple Computers
Vote Here!
]]>The name might sound strange but the food at Spitz Little Tokyo will appeal to most. The new location in Little Tokyo, joining the wildly successful Spitz Eagle Rock, is a welcomed addition to downtown Los Angeles.
Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, Spitz offers a varied Middle Eastern inspired menu, including doner kebabs, a sandwich made from minced meat, wraps, salads, and an assortment of delectable side dishes- not to mention' its award-winning gelato, voted 'best ice cream in the universe,' by TIME magazine.
What sets Spitz's doner kebabs apart is that the meat is cut into thin strips, modeled after the kebabs served in cafes in Spain. According to the Spitz Web site, it was there that one of the co-founders, Bryce Rademan, first became introduced to the doner kebab. When Rademan returned to the United States, he decided to team up with his friend Robert Wicklund to create the restaurant. That's the story of how Spitz came on the Los Angeles culinary scene.
More importantly however, are the menu's items. The fried pita strips, served with hummus, make for a wonderful appetizer to share with friends.' The classic chicken doner is served on a choice of lavash or focaccia bread. The thinly-sliced chicken is served with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, chili sauce and Spitz's famous Tzatziki sauce. The flavors blend together wonderfully and are surprisingly balanced between spicy and cool.
Side dishes include the popular crispy sweet potato fries. The seasoned thinly-cut French fries aren't greasy and have the right amount of crunch to them. For those who are more health conscious, Spitz offers large portions of its fresh salad, served on a bed of romaine lettuce with feta cheese, tomatoes, olives and onions.
Most of the meals at Spitz are around $10, which makes this caf'eacute; one of the few affordable and delicious options.
A great accompaniment to your meal is the extensive selection of different wines and beers at the bar.
There is no table service, instead you order your food at the counter and seat yourself.
Another reason Spitz has garnered a cult following among a certain set of young hipsters is because it sells freshly brewed coffee and iced tea from the trendy boutique coffee shop LAMILL.
During peak business hours, Spitz is overflowing with people. The restaurant attracts a varied group of clients. During the day you can see corporate business suits, young college students and tourists enjoying the delicious food.
The European inspired industrial d'eacute;cor and the intimate seating arrangement allow for easy conversation. At night, the outside patio is full of people. The relaxed atmosphere and the unpretentious decorations and menu items have helped Spitz carve out a niche on the Los Angeles scene.
Unfortunately, the parking situation at Spitz is typical of the downtown Los Angeles area. Street parking is limited and extremely difficult to find. There are, however, parking lots throughout the area, most offering a flat daily rate of about $5.
Whether you are grabbing food on the go or eating out with a large group of friends, Spitz is the perfect place to enjoy good food at reasonable prices. Spitz is also within walking distance of retail shops such as American Apparel, making it a great way to spend the day.
While Spitz Little Tokyo is located far from CSUN, the delicious food and relaxed atmosphere make this caf'eacute; worth the drive.
'
Spitz Little Tokyo
371 E. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours:
11 a.m. '- Midnight
7 days a week
The name might sound strange but the food at Spitz Little Tokyo will appeal to most. The new location in Little Tokyo, joining the wildly successful Spitz Eagle Rock, is a welcomed addition to downtown Los Angeles.
'
]]>As a fan of vampire films, before the unfortunate dawn of 'Twilight', I've learn to expect disappointment 90 percent of the time. What began with classics like 'Nosferatu' often get bled dry to satiate commercial interests (two words: Tom Cruise). Vampire lovers, once lured, encounter an experience with little plot or bite. Thus, the 2003 release of the action-horror film 'Underworld' '- portraying the origin and centuries-long war between vampires and Lycans (werewolves) '- shockingly renewed the immortal thirst.
A back-story as intelligent and developed as 'Underworld' demanded a prequel. The series followed in 2006 with a moderately successful sequel, 'Underworld: Evolution.' This installment details the fall of the twin fathers of both species. To fans' disappointment, the film did little more than capitalize on Kate Beckinsale's rising stardom. Never fear 'Underworld' fans! The third film returns to the series' original glory, and even surpasses expectations.
In a Romeo-and-Juliet version of immortality, 'Rise of the Lycans' depicts the archetype of forbidden love reverberated in the previous films. Set in the ancient past, before vampires were driven underground, the prequel fully explains the circ*mstances leading to the vampires' enslavement of Lycans and the resulting blood feud. The beautifully crafted story drives our emotions, heightened due to the fast-paced action and visual effects. At the center of the film is the star-crossed, legendary relationship between the vampire king's daughter, Sonja (Rhona Mitra) and the first hybrid werewolf, Lucian (Michael Sheen).
Michael Sheen, a quickly rising industry name and star of Academy-Award nominated 'Frost/Nixon,' provides depth and range in his stunning portrayal of Lucian. Sheen's sheer brilliance gives the film significance in a genre not well known for its caliber of performance. In contrast, Bill Nighy, as Viktor, spits out his lines with the same bored expression he wore at the Jan. 22 premier. Despite the divergence, true Underworld fans and those of the genre will appreciate Patrick Tatopoulos directorial debut. Given a higher visual effects budget, acting and script, the prequel actually surpasses the original's prominence.
As a fan of vampire films, before the unfortunate dawn of 'Twilight', I've learn to expect disappointment 90 percent of the time. What began with classics like 'Nosferatu' often get bled dry to satiate commercial interests (two words: Tom Cruise). Vampire lovers, once lured, encounter an experience with little plot or bite. Thus, the 2003 release of the action-horror film 'Underworld' '- portraying the origin and centuries long war between vampires and Lycans (werewolves) '- shockingly renewed the immortal thirst.
]]>Artistic portrayals of western and eastern German politics during the Cold War are on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Jan. 25 through April 19.
'
'Art of Two Germanys/Cold War Cultures' is an exhibit of approximately 300 paintings, sculptures, photographs, multiples, videos, installations and books from 120 artists.
Through their work, artists re-created life and despair of German politics from the Western liberal democracy of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Eastern communist dictatorship of the German Democratic Republic through the Cold-War era.' With integrations from modern to classic art forms, their stories were told.
Curator Stephanie Barron said the exhibit demonstrates, 'thematic threads related to history and politics.'' Barron's main goal was to have as many different art forms as possible and multiple ways to consider the time period.' Her hopes were to increase the focus and study of Germany.' 'I want the work to change people's expression of German art,' Barron said.
The exhibit marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which opened its gates in 1989 and ended the separation between Eastern and Western German Berliners.
The German artwork presents two very different viewpoints in one museum. The line and wall is no longer separated.' Sabine Eckmann, director and chief curator of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University was one of the contributing authors for the book, 'Art of Two Germanys/Cold War Cultures.'
'(The exhibit) is a historical narrative between East and West.' It is a subjective engagement with history,' Eckmann said.' Germany's government through the Cold War is seen through the perspective of many artists.' Some include Via Lewandowsky, an artist who grew up in East Germany as a young boy, and Achim Freyer who spent most of his life in Germany and made his debut to the United States in 2002.'
Lewandowsky contributed the piece, 'Gefrorene Glieder Brechen Leicht' or 'Frozen Limbs Breaking Easily.'' The 10-foot tall canvas shows two heads on one body, symbolizing the two viewpoints of Germany; East and West.
The piece signifies the push and pull of both sides and how Germany would eventually collapse if something didn't change.' 'The situation would fall a part.' Somehow, sometime,' Lewandowsky said.' '
Lewandowsky recalled experiences as a child that fostered 'Frozen Limbs Breaking Easily.'' 'I remember when I was a child, my family got back from hiking and was stopped at a crossroad,' he explained.' It was 1967 and the family was passed by 10 or more military vehicles.'
But Lewandowsky didn't experience the violence first-hand while living there.' 'Police were present, but you kept going on your daily life and it was not so difficult, but there were unspoken, mysterious moments of violence and images of power.''
The underlying theme of violence was consistent throughout the exhibit.' Georg Herold weighed in on Lewandowsky's artwork saying, 'There is this connection with violence and expressionism.'
Eckmann viewed Lewandowsky's piece as destructive.' Eckmann said a lot of the artworks strike her as being beautiful, but revealing ugly sides as well.
Through mediating the two, alluring with the ugly, visitors can experience the violence in Germany and how it might have looked.' As an example, artist Herold created a piece titled, 'Laokoon.'' It is a beautiful sculpture made out of a vacuum hose.' Its outside is pleasing to the eye, but the inside plays a recording of a famous speech by Adolf Hitler.' 'The piece is more meant to be ironic.' It parallels the East German dictatorship and cultural policies,' Herold said.'
Achim Freyer, artist of 'Seest'uuml;ck' or 'Seascape,' shared his view on the theme of violence in the art.' 'Much of the art is not engaging in violence, but it is violent.' The art has the power in order to stand up against or next to violence,' Freyer said through a German translator.
He expressed that the works are very dark, aggressive and brutal in form.' 'We can discover the differences in the art between two political systems,' Freyer said.
'Art of Two Germanys' is in LACMA's new Broad Contemporary Art Museum and is broken up into four chronological sections.
1945 to 1949 is the first exhibit and follows the defeat of Nazi Germany when the nation was divided by the Soviet Union, United States, Britain and France.' Berlin itself was divided into four sections.' Political tensions were great, and ultimately the Cold War began.
The second section covers the 1950s.' Artists in East Germany aspired to create works that serviced the state, such as the state's political and ideological goals at the time.' The West looked for new materials and abstract pieces to devise.
The 1960s and 70s makes up the third section.' The definition of art expanded and new forms were developed.' Political tensions between the East and West were heightened with the erection of the Berlin Wall in 1961.
The last section is the 1980s.' This encompasses postmodernism issues as the Cold War began to end.' 'Violence is the governing principle,' Sabine Eckmann said.' 'Much of the work is addressing the difference from the Holocaust to West German terrorism to East German communism,' Eckmann explained.
The compelling exhibit goes into the depths of East and West Germany through the Cold War.' The display's curators are Stephanie Barron and Eckhart Gillen.
LACMA is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd.' Call 323-857-6000 for tickets and exhibit hours.
Artistic portrayals of western and eastern German politics during the Cold War are on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Jan. 25 through April 19.
]]>The passion for books takes a turn into fantasy land in the just released film, 'Inkheart.'' Everyone, at some point in their lives, has had a special book, one that comes to life as they read it over and over again. That's this story, except the characters literally jump out of the book and into real life.
At first the tale of 'Inkheart' plays out like a knockoff of the early 1990s film 'The Neverending Story,' but unlike that movie the reader doesn't go into the book '- the book comes out into the real world.
' Ironically, the film is based on the best-selling book by Cornelia Funke. It stars Brendan Fraser as Mortimer Folchart and Eliza Hope Bennett as Folchart's pre-teen daughter Meggie. They love books, and share a real gift for bringing characters from their books to life '- a real person takes the character's place. 'Inkheart' is a fantasy adventure that sends this father and daughter on a quest of unimaginable danger and wonderment.'
The film has a fantastic supporting cast led by Helen Mirren, and includes Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbent and Andy Serkis. Each actor really embodies their character, we saw the conflicts between the written character and whom they want to be.
This was Bettany's best performance since 'A Knight's Tale.' In 'Inkheart,' he plays a tortured hero who longs to return home to his simple life as a fire juggler.' ' '
The film has incredible performances, a typical plot and not overly impressive special effects; but there wasn't a dull moment. To see a film expecting it to be great is just begging to be disappointed. I didn't know much about the movie and found it surprisingly good. Overall, in this violence-oriented digital age, it's nice just to sit back and slip into a magical world. I think the film will help reenergize kids to read instead of playing games. It's an amazing, fun adventure.
The film has action, heartache, magic and a dangerous quest. What more could anyone ask of a modern-day fantasy flick. This is a must see for anyone who loves films like 'Harry Potter,' 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.' or if you just like Brendan Fraser. But if your expecting a 'Lord of the Rings' classic, this isn't for you.
]]>The passion for books takes a turn into fantasy land in the just released film, 'Inkheart.'' Everyone, at some point in their lives, has had a special book, one that comes to life as they read it over and over again.
]]>The inspection license posted in the B3 parking structure's elevator is dated Aug. 16, 2007 and written on the same permit is the expiration date: one year.
Various elevators on campus have been running with expired inspection licenses since August of 2008.' With the start of the semester students are noticing the five-month delay in state elevator inspections.
'I've noticed (terminated licenses) since my freshman year,' said Taryn Jordan, a senior health administration major. 'I always pay attention to the elevator permits. The very first one I saw was in Bayramian Hall and that was in '05.'
Bill Sullivan, the energy manager for Physical Plant Management (PPM), said that state inspectors, employed by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), set the schedule for when the checks will occur and when licenses will be renewed.
'The elevator inspectors set that schedule up and the permits are good for a year but (the elevators) are always running at about 18 months,' Sullivan said. 'So it's a matter of the inspectors not being able to schedule it.'
According to Sullivan DOSH has an inspector shortage and doesn't have the man power needed to monitor the elevator before the certificates expire.
Al Tafazoli, the principal engineer of the elevator, ride and tramway unit for DOSH, said that CSUN has about 70 to 80 elevators and that inspectors started checking for the campus on Jan. 16.
'Hopefully all the elevators will be finished by Feb. 11,' said Tafazoli. 'It will take about a couple of weeks to do all the inspections.'
Sullivan explained some tests done by state inspectors are to ensure the safety of the elevators before licenses are renewed.
'I know (inspectors) do a load test where they load the elevator up to about 1.5 times what it's capable of doing and run some tests,' Sullivan said. 'Of course, there are electrical and physical inspections.'
Once the maintenance is carried out, inspectors write the requirements and give a deadline for the university to meet those conditions before a license can be renewed. If the requirements aren't met in the allotted time, the elevator is shut down.
Sullivan said students shouldn't be worried about their safety when riding in the campus elevators because regular maintenance is done to all the elevators throughout the year.
'The elevator company that we have - (Amtech Elevator Services) '- they're on contract with us and they come out and do all the scheduled maintenance anyway,' Sullivan said. 'So maintenance is being done. Tests are being done. It's just the permitting that isn't done.'
Jordan, 21, doesn't find the regular maintenance to elevators reassuring.
'I don't believe it is a good argument because (administrators) may say that but what the permit reflects is reality,' said Jordan. 'The reality is that (the campus) is not up to par with standards. The can say they constantly do maintenance on it but the permit doesn't reflect that.'
Tafazoli also said students shouldn't be too worried about the elevators.
'The elevator is one of the safest man-carting machines,' Tafazoli said.
With the reassuring words from PPM and DOSH workers, Jordan remains wary of the elevators on campus.
'I don't feel safe for many reasons. Not all because of the expired permits,' she said. 'I actually take the stairs no matter where I am.'
]]>The inspection license posted in the B3 parking structure's elevator is dated Aug. 16, 2007 and written on the same permit is the expiration date: one year.
]]>A recent study conducted by The University of Colorado and The University of British Columbia said students improve cognitive skills when participating in class discussions with the use of clickers.
The research suggested using clickers to answer questions and allowing students to discuss the questions, enhances social cognitive skills.
Clicker uses three components; the response pad (or the actual clicker), the receiver and the software that displaying the information recorded.
'You take the first answer and discuss it. After discussing it, you hear what other people's arguments are and then you pole again. Then you are able to see how changes take place,' said David Levin, director of Academic Technology at CSUN.
The study surveyed 350 genetic course students who were asked to individually answer a question projected on a screen. After being given time to ponder answers the students were instructed to discuss it with his/her neighbors.
After doing so, students were instructed to answer the same question again individually. Then they were given the second question to answer without the help of their peers.
The report 'Why Peer Discussion Improves Student Performance on In-Class Concept Questions' found the average number of students who answered correctly increased from 51 percent to 68 percent.
Although some CSUN students and faculty might agree the study may be true, a divide as to whether or not the value outweighs the cost.
Political science professor and former clicker user, Lawrence Becker agrees there's some truth to the study.
'Clickers have some value but the pedagogical value is not worth the cost that students will have to pay to purchase them,' he said.
'You are paying 50 bucks to buy it and you may never use it again,' said Diego Perez, a junior biology major.
Vahan Khodanian, finance major, said that clickers are popular in large classes. he said that students receive feedback at a faster pace than they would otherwise.
'The only good is that teachers don't have to grade papers and you find out your performance quicker,' said Khodanian. 'It is so quick that you can see why you answered the question the way that you did.'
Sociology professor and current clicker user Ellis Godard said, clickers help to keep the attention of the class and can help students to overcome shyness and eliminates peer pressure. Students are able to easily participate and give immediate feedback, he added.
'(Clickers) are useful tool that other faculty should consider. They're easy and efficient and they are kind of fun,' he said.
Godard encourages clicker users who're concerned about the price to look into Response Hardware, which gives students the option of using handheld phones such as the blackberry instead of clickers and it only cost about $15.
]]>A recent study conducted by The University of Colorado and The University of British Columbia said students improve cognitive skills when participating in class discussions with the use of clickers.
]]>CSUN held Meet the Clubs day in front of Bayramian Hall yesterday giving students the opportunity to meet new people, start networks and express themselves to the campus and surrounding community.
Fraternities such as Lambda Chi Alpha were out to promote their organization to help build a positive image towards student life, said Neil Sanchez, 22, re-elected president of the fraternity.
'One thing we stress is academics,' said Sanchez, philosophy major. 'The better you do in school the more you'll evolve personally and professionally.'
Sanchez is also trying to mitigate the stereotype against fraternities while expanding the basis of their membership recruitment program.
'We want to introduce and interact with students through our membership recruitment program,' he added.
Many sororities were at the event as well such as Alpha Omicron Pi who promised everyone who goes through new member period will find lasting friendships, learn great communication skills and most importantly promote good or improve human quality of life through philanthropy.
'One of the things we are doing right now is research for juvenile arteries,' said Justin Pugliese, the 21-year-old vice president.
Pugliese said joining the sorority really helped her move from New York go more smoothly.
'I made lot of friends through this,' said Pugliese. 'Definitely found people who will be at my bridal shower,' she added.
Different clubs such as the CSUN Ceramics Guild were out promoting their art and gallery show that is being held from February 20 through the 26 in the West Gallery on campus as well as looking for new members who are interested in ceramics.
Arlene Monzon, 25, president of the ceramics guild, said the their club is generally for people who want a career in ceramics and looking for a jump start on networking, building contacts and meeting schools which offer Masters of Arts (MA) or masters in fine arts (MFA) degrees.
Students interested in arts outside of ceramics have the opportunity to join the new Public Arts Club, which was started less than a year ago.' The public arts club lets members exchange information and ideas about the creation of public art and encourage professional development in a social and academic atmosphere.
'Public art is anything that the public can view,' said Michelle Kim, 27, president and graduate student. 'It can be a sculpture in a museum to graffiti art on a wall. For our members the sky is the limit.'
Other clubs or societies, such as the Medieval and Renaissance Society at CSUN is an educational organization dedicated to the research and re-creation of medieval and renaissance culture.
Chris Taylor said people could expect anything when attending one of their fairs.
'You'll see anything from the making of brewery, root beer of course, to great medieval costume to large combat fights and tournaments,' said Taylor a.k.a. Greylonde who is double majoring in computer science and astrophysics.' 'You can make it out to what you want it to be.'
Robinson Abraham, a 22-year-old media management major, had a great time looking at the various clubs and signing up for one that will actually teach him how to shake his grove on the dance floor.
'I just joined the ballroom dancing club because I have friends who are getting married this summer and I'll probably need to know how to dance for that and I'm hoping it helps me meet some girls,' he said.
]]>CSUN held Meet the Clubs day in front of Bayramian Hall yesterday giving students the opportunity to meet new people, start networks and express themselves to the campus and surrounding community.
]]>The Matadors take their No. 2 national ranking to Hawaii, a place where they have lost their last five matches.
Cal State Northridge visits No.12 Hawaii for back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday. The Stan Sheriff Center, home arena of the Warriors, has not been a very pleasant place to play at for the Matadors over the years.
CSUN has played 24 matches in Hawaii since 1977, when the men's volleyball program started at Northridge. CSUN has gone 3-21 in those matches, losing their last five and getting swept the last two trips to the Big Island.
This season has been a struggle for the Warriors, getting out to a 1-6 overall record and losing all four Mountain Pacific Sports Federation matches while only winning three of 15 sets.
CSUN, which is off to the best start in its history, looks to add to the Warriors' miserable start by getting solid performances from senior Eric Vance, sophom*ore Tanner Nua and freshman Matt Stork.
'We never look (past) any team. Every team is really good in this league,' Vance said. 'Every team is really hard to beat.''
After the two game-match in Hawaii this weekend, the Matadors return home to host Long Beach State on Feb. 6. The match will be the first of five consecutive at home for Northridge.
Both matches against Hawaii will be available via live video streaming (uhstreaming.oceanic.com) and audio webcast (espn1420am.com).
Matador to watch:
Matt Stork, freshman, setter:
Last week, Stork had a season-high 45 assists against No. 10 UC Santa Barbara, helping the offense to its best hitting percentage this season (.416). The reason for his stellar play as a freshman might have something to do with being the son of former U.S. Olympian and current CSUN women's volleyball coach Jeff Stork.
Warriors to watch:
Steven Hunt, freshman, outside hitter:
Hunt is leading the Warriors in kills as a freshman. In his last 3 games he has cumulated 58 kills, averaging 5.3 kills per set. For the year he is averaging 4.04 kills per set.
Gus Tauniga, freshman, outside hitter:
Tauniga is part of the youth movement for the Warriors. He is third on the team in kills with 53, and is averaging 2.21 a set this season. In his last match against BYU Tauniga had 10 kills and 2 assists.
What did he say?
Jeff Campbell, CSUN Head Coach:
On facing the Warriors at the Stan Sheriff Center:
'That is a very good team, that is very tough at their place'
]]>The No. 2 CSUN men's volleyball team travels to Hawaii to battle the Warriors (1-6). The Matadors have dropped their last five at Hawaii.
]]>Sixty seconds is how long it takes to brush my teeth in the morning. Thirty seconds is how long it takes to dry myself after a shower. Fifteen seconds is the amount of time an Israeli boy has to run to a bomb shelter '- this would be easy if last week's attacks hadn't taken his leg.
For eight years, rockets have been fired indiscriminately from the Hamas-controlled Gaza territory. It's no surprise 94 percent of children in the Israeli town of Sderot suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Like any other responsible government, Israel reserves the right and responsibility to defend its citizens.
In the words of President Barack Obama, 'If somebody was sending rockets into my house where my two daughters sleep at night, I'm going to do everything in my power to stop that, and I would expect Israelis to do the same thing.'' '
Attempting to begin a new peace process, Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, displacing 8,000 Israeli Jews and leaving behind greenhouse industries and priceless memories. Millions of dollars in financial aid were given to the Palestinian government to build playgrounds and support the economy. Instead, the greenhouses were destroyed, along with the opportunity to construct a better life for the Palestinian people.
In June 2007, Hamas, categorized by the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, overthrew the democratically elected Palestinian government, ruthlessly murdering all other parties and their affiliates.
Article 13 of the governing Hamas charter reveals their true agenda: 'There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and vain endeavors.' Hamas continues to refuse to recognize the state of Israel and calls for its total destruction despite international pressure.
Why would a government be so violently opposed to recognizing a country that's supposed to be a partner in peace? Why do Hamas school textbooks have no mention of Israel? Why does Hamas' version of Mickey Mouse preach world domination and Jewish hatred on HamasTV?
It's unfair to Palestinian children who must grow up in a society and public educational system that's a breeding ground for hatred and violence. Until kids are taught peace, there'll be no peace.
Hamas' charter states, 'The Day of Judgment will not come about until Muslims fight, killing the Jews'hellip; The stones and trees will say O'Muslims'hellip; there's a Jew behind me, come and kill him.' It's important to emphasize this isn't the majority view of Muslims, but the radical view supported by Hamas. Moderate Muslims believe they're to live in harmony with the masses and accept differences in religious beliefs and practices.'
Headlines such as 'Israel targets a UN school' or 'Israel attacks mosque' are misleading. People are deluded into thinking Israel intentionally attacks educational and religious civilian institutions. Instead of building bomb shelters and protecting Palestinians, Hamas fires rockets from civilian-populated centers using them as human shields. Why are Iranian-made weapons and artillery stored in mosques and schools? On Al-AqsaTV, Abu-Bilal al-Ja'abeer proudly proclaimed when he received a telephone warning from Israel, instead of evacuating the area, Hamas announced a huge party and invited everyone to the building. Palestinian lives aren't meant to be gambled with.
In the past year alone, more than 3,200 rockets and mortars have showered Southern Israel. In America, using a gun to shoot a person and missing is attempted murder and grounds for prosecution. During a six-month 'ceasefire,' Hamas fired more than 600 rockets and mortars into Southern Israel. The world is crying humanitarian crisis, yet when both sides agreed to a three-day ceasefire to allow for in humanitarian aid, Hamas deliberately fired more than 300 missiles at Israeli towns.
Since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead, Hamas has seized more than 73 million pounds of humanitarian supplies provided by Israel and selfishly distributed them solely to its operatives. Instead of smuggling weapons, why doesn't Hamas 'smuggle' in the food and water Palestinians so desperately need?' Why does Hamas not allow injured Palestinians to cross the Egyptian border to seek medical attention?' And why can Palestinians in Gaza be legally executed for speaking out against Hamas?
To Israel, every civilian death is a tragedy on both sides; to Hamas, a victory. None of us want this war, not Palestinians and not Israelis. It sickens me to see civilians dying and getting injured on both sides. However, I understand before peace can be achieved, the infection must be removed. Palestinians shouldn't be punished for their democratic choice. I hope and pray moderate Palestinians who fear the extremists will finally rise to the peace negotiating table.
Israel is at war with Hamas, not the Palestinian people. Some may say Israel's actions are disproportionate. I agree. If Israel exercised proportionate force, it would indiscriminately shower Gaza with more than 7,000 rockets and mortars, just as Hamas has done to Israel. Instead, Israel takes all possible precautions to minimize unnecessary loss of life and solely targets Hamas' infrastructure.
If Hamas laid down its weapons and accepted Israel's right to exist, the Palestinian people would have food on their tables and we would be one step closer to peace. If Israel laid down its weapons, there would be no Israel.
]]>Sixty seconds is how long it takes to brush my teeth in the morning. Thirty seconds is how long it takes to dry myself after a shower. Fifteen seconds is the amount of time an Israeli boy has to run to a bomb shelter '- this would be easy if last week's attacks hadn't taken his leg.
]]>Forward Tremaine Townsend doesn't care for the new late practice time. Fellow big man Willie Galick doesn't like it anymore than that.
'I'm not a big fan of it, but it's what we got to do,' Galick said with a smile.
The Matadors have switched up to evening practices, giving way for the men's volleyball and women's basketball teams to go at it before themselves. What's wrong with a bit of camaraderie?
'It messes up the whole eating schedule,' Galick said.
Other than the surfacing of a few disappointed players not loving the reality that late meals have become, not much has changed since the Matadors' last outing Saturday, a 74-55 win against UC Irvine. Senior guard Deon Tresvant and freshman reserve Dallas Rutherford have not returned to the lineup yet and any conceivable idea of when that coul happen remains concealed within Head Coach Bobby Braswell's mind.
'Anything can happen,' he said Monday, regarding the players' return date.
The only certainty at this point is that CSUN will be on the road for it next two games: Tonight against UC Santa Barbara (8 p.m.) and Saturday at Cal Poly (6 p.m.).
The Gauchos and Mustangs are eight and ninth place respectively in the nine-team Big West Conference while the Matadors are locked in a three-way tie for second. Of course, a recent home loss to seventh-place Cal State Fullerton should be enough to make CSUN have some extra respect for its neighbors of the North.
'You can't take any team lightly, especially in this conference,' Townsend said. 'Standings are up and down. No team is as bad as you think they are just because of what the standings say.'
Matador to watch:
Josh Jenkins, senior, point guard
Jenkins has come alive offensively over the past two games, averaging 18 points in 21 minutes played and making nine of 15 3-pointers. As Jenkins goes, so does CSUN. For the Matadors to move ahead of the pack in the Big West, the point guard's offense needs to stay up.
Gaucho to watch on Thursday:
Chris Devine, senior, forward
Devine has always been a force. In his four seasons as a Gaucho, the now-senior never averaged below 12 points per season. He and his team had a rough outing in their last game, scoring only 36 points in a defeat at Pacific Saturday. He'll have a chip on his shoulder.
Mustang to watch on Saturday:
Lorenzo Keeler, junior, guard
His Mustangs were a lifeless 0-5 in the Big West before a two-game road swing by Pacific and UC Davis resurrected them. Keeler was the main reason for this resurgence, averaging 22 points in the games. His performances made him the conference's Player of the Week.
What did he say?
Willie Galick, CSUN forward
About not relaxing against on-paper lesser teams:
'Everyone's going to bring their A-game because we were picked to be No. 1 and everyone's coming at us like we're still No. 1. I know that's still in the back of their minds and they still want something to prove.'
]]>The CSUN men's basketball team will be on road Thursday and Saturday to face UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly respectively.
]]>Though the Matadors were able to keep it close in the first half, the Gauchos ran away with the game in the second, showing why they are the No. 1 team in the Big West Conference and winning, 75-58, on Wednesday night at The Matadome.
The Matadors were only down by eight at halftime, but foul trouble and big play from Jenna Green of UC Santa Barbara gave the Gauchos a comfortable 14-point lead that they kept almost the entire second half.
Green had 26 points Wednesday night, many of those coming from inside the paint. Green's height made it easy for her to clear the paint for short shots under the basket. Standing at 6'4'', she was about three inches taller than any of the Matador forwards. She also had 13 rebounds.
As far as the fouls, UCSB scored 28 points from the free-throw line. It was a big factor for the team, CSUN Head Coach Staci Schulz said.
'Fouls were a big problem,' Schulz said. 'They scored a lot from the free-throw line and it hurt us a lot.'
Schulz said her team tried to attack, but it didn't get the calls it needed.
One player that attacked the basket late in the game was guard Whitney Ligon.
Ligon scored 17 points and hit seven free-throws, a couple of them coming off hard fouls.
Helping out in the game, Katrina Thompson scored 10 points and had 10 rebounds. In the first half, she out-rebounded Green on the defensive side of the court.
Thompson battled inside the paint with the 6-foot-4 Green, but still was able to score six points in the first 20 minutes.
CSUN kept it close in the opening half. At the end of it, they were only down by eight, 36-28.
The fouls put the Gauchos at the line many times, giving them a big amount of their points. Sixteen points came from the free-throw line in the first half.
Green ruled the paint early, with 6-2 forward Jasmine Erving not seeing a lot of play time. Green finished the first half with 15 points and five rebounds.
The Matadors worked the post with Thompson and the outside with Tonicia Tademy. Tademy liked shots from the left side, most of the time pulling up from that corner.
Even with the match-up difference, Thompson managed to gather three defensive rebounds while Green had no offensive ones.
Rebounds affected second-chance shots. The Gauchos out-rebounded CSUN 50-33
The Matadors' next game will be at home on Saturday against Cal Poly. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
The CSUN women's basketball team lost to Big West Conference-leading UC Santa Barbara, 75-58, Wednesday night
]]>Santa Barbara '- Vincent Cordell had gotten the first start of his young Matador career and proceeded to reward Head Coach Bobby Braswell and point guard Josh Jenkins' trust in him by mishandling a perfect first-half pass and letting it turn into a Gaucho possession.
'(Cordell) missed one of my passes,' Jenkins would say later. 'He said, 'that's my fault,' and I said to him, 'don't worry, I'm going to come back to you, so be ready.''
And thanks to Cordell's readiness, Jenkins was able to win two matches Thursday night: one against the loud Gaucho fans, who decided to select Jenkins as their favorite target of harassment, and one '- the most important '- against the actual Gauchos, 72-70, at the Thunderdome. Jenkins danced into the heart of the UC Santa Barbara defense in the waning moments of the game, handed the ball to Cordell, who was standing all alone under the basket, and the prepared junior made what turned out to be a game-winning layup with 11 seconds to go.
UCSB tried to go for the win after, but Jordan Weiner missed a 3-pointer with three seconds left and D.J. Posley's near-midcourt heave off the offensive rebound wasn't close close and CSUN (8-10, 5-3 BWC) was able to breathe easy and celebrate the modest, but tough win.
'This is going to give me a lot of confidence,' Cordell said.
His game-winner was his only make of the night. How did he get that open?
'I can't give the play away,' he said with a smile.
The Matadors, playing without their leading scorer (guard Deon Tresvant) again, weren't in position to give anything away on this night and, for the most part, they complied with the goal. However, they lost another key player to a scary injury. Starting guard Rob Haynes had to be helped off the court wearing a neckbrace after he dove for a loose ball and apparently hit his head early in the first half. The postgame diagnosis was a concussion and that he'd be fine. In the game, though, his absence meant a great hit to the Matadors' already-thin lineup.
Haynes was taken to a local hospital. In a way, though, he never left the building. The Matadors had him present all the way down to the moment the final buzzer sounded.
'In the huddle, they just kept saying, 'let's do this for Rob,'' Braswell said.
Rodrigue Mels took the huddle message to heart. The reserve guard scored eight of his 13 points in the grueling second half. His steal with two minutes to go turned into the last two of his points and gave CSUN a three-point lead. He, along with forward Tremaine Townsend (13 points and nine rebounds) and guard Kenny Daniels (14 points), was one of the Matadors that knew someone had to step up.
'We had to get this win for Robbie,' Mels said.
The pesky Gauchos, who were led in scoring by forward Chris Devine (16 points) and guard James Powell (14 points), would manage to tie it, 70-70, following a free throw from Jaim'eacute; Serna with 43 seconds to go. Then, CSUN milked time and had its point guard dish some trust back into a first-time starter for perhaps the easiest basket of the night.
A minute or so later, Jenkins was dishing something else to the Thunderdome's student section, who had gone from calling him 'fat' to nicknaming him 'Gary Coleman.' Jenkins 'respectfully' gave a last look at the crowd of more than 3,000 and gave them a winner's good-bye wave.
Gary Coleman?
'I thought it was a bad joke,' said Jenkins, who stands at 5-10 and weighs about 185 lbs. 'But it was just so funny because they kept chanting it.'
For 39 minutes and 49 seconds, it was a good laugh. Then, it was time to frown.
]]>Vincent Cordell made a layup with 11 seconds to go and the Matadors men's basketball team overcame the loss of starter Rob Haynes to injury and got past UC Santa Barbara, 72-70, on Thursday night.
]]>Fresh, clean and green.
Green products have taken over the marketplace from house-ware to furniture and even technology, and one thing is true, green is in and here to stay.
Being eco-friendly is becoming trendy these days as people are becoming more aware to the consequences of ignoring the environment. Businesses are growing around the trend, such as the Green Business Alliance, an agency that aids in providing guidance to businesses on how to live green, and the Good Housekeeping Eco-Seal of Approval which brands products that are made from recyclable material.
The online apparel and accessories company IXG, which stands for 'I Work Green, I Play Green, I Live Green, I X Green,' has a slogan, ' Be Green in all you do.' With products such as, 'I Teach Green' and 'I Ride Green,' IXG emphasizes the importance of being environmentally friendly.
Consumers are realizing a conscious need to live and buy green. Larger retailers such as Target are beginning to sell well-known brands that produce green products at competitive prices.
Seventh Generation, a brand of environmentally safe products, has committed to making a difference by saving natural resources, reducing pollution, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment and making the world a safer place for the next seven generations.
Seventh Generation also donates 10 percent of its profits to non-profit community, environmental, health and business organizations working to help change the world. More information about seventh generation products such as where to buy them and coupons can be found on the Web site.
From chain stores to local stores, green products are continuously being sought out. Tanya Peel, president and owner of All Green Things Inc., an online green products store located in Woodland Hills, aims to change the way we live and think through her unique line of products and ideas.
'Some of my products come from villages in which women are helping to earn a paycheck to enrich the lives of their children as well their own lives,' said Peel.
Peel offers many fair trade products, such as handbags made from reclaimed inner tubes of 18-wheelers and diverted tires made from petroleum, which would otherwise sit in a landfill for many years. She also carries organic green home products, beauty products, and even biodegradable baby diapers that don't spoil in a composite.
'Something that can be made biodegradable into the Earth like it was meant to be is what defines organic,' said Peel. She believes in the cradle-to-cradle process, changing the way companies do business by taking into account how the product is made, how the workers are treated, and how it is shipped. The book, 'Cradle To Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things,' written by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, describes the process as a reshaping of the marketplace between the economy and the environment.
A video documentary on storyofstuff.com called 'Stuff' gives viewers a small taste of the impact consumerism has on the environment. The documentary gives insight into how things are made and where they are thrown out.
'We are doing a disservice to humans when we purchase things and don't know where they came from,' said Peel.
If you're looking to buy products that are environmentally friendly, Peel warns that people should not be fooled by the many advertisem*nts for so-called green products. 'Everyone needs to research for themselves about products, where they came from, and what they are made of,' said Peel.
Fresh, clean and green.
Green products have taken over the marketplace from house-ware to furniture and even technology, and one thing is true, green is in and here to stay.
Like many people, reading has always been a passion for James David Ballard. For someone who describes himself as a voracious reader, being diagnosed with dyslexia transformed that passion into a challenge.
Ballard, a sociology professor at CSUN, has spent his life overcoming adversity and defying the limitations of his disability.
'In fifth grade I was diagnosed with a reading problem, this came out because even though I made it that far in school, I had difficulty reading. I got some training to overcome the immediate problems, which made it easier to read,' said Ballard.
Writing remains an issue he struggles with, says Ballard, because there are particular words that he cannot physically see.
'I still have writing issues, for instance if you get an email from me you will probably find misspellings. Such as 'from' and 'form,' I will make that mistake constantly. I literally cannot see that it's incorrect because in my mind it looks correct,' said Ballard.
After receiving the proper help from his school, Ballard says reading helped him move beyond his problem and he was able to read.
Ballard now reads several books a week and says that on vacations, he packs a minimum of twenty.
'Starting in fifth grade my love for reading began. I didn't think I would ever make it through college. Now, I regularly publish articles, I write government reports about terrorism, even though I still have those writing issues,' said Ballard.
Ballard is also the CSUN director for the Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence. The courses he teaches prepare students who want to go into law enforcement and intelligence services.
A lot of effort and hard work goes into the editing process, says Ballard. 'The writing is quick and easy, but the editing takes me three times as long.'
Academia had not always been the career path Ballard imagined for himself. In fact, growing up he believed he would go into construction.
'My dad was a working class guy who had an 8th grade education and I thought I would be a construction worker. We came from a working class family. Then I spent some time at El Camino College and after started working in the aerospace industry,' said Ballard.
During that time Ballard made aircraft and worked on flight hardware and missiles. He worked on the very first shuttle that was carried across the country, working on the pieces that held it to the Boeing 747.
'Then somewhere along I decided that I wanted to be a professor and finished my undergraduate degree at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. I was probably 33-years- old when I went back to school, then got my masters and worked on my PhD in sociology for seven years at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas,' Ballard said.
The focus of his studies has always been criminology and political sociology. He studies crime, politics and terrorism.
'Fifteen years ago when I started no one cared about terrorism and then September 11th happened. I write about the protection of nuclear power plants and how they can be used as a weapon. I have been privileged to testify in front of congress, travel all over the world and work with NATO,' Ballard said.
'For a working class kid who should have been in construction, this has been a dream. I went back to school because I wanted to teach. I come to school everyday with a smile on my face, I love my job,' Ballard said.
While at Jacksonville State University, Ballard remembers taking a class with a professor who grabbed his attention. He says that Dr. Rodney Fiery inspired him to become a professor.
'He inspired me to do something more, to study politics and get a PhD. When I work with my students, I remember Dr. Fiery who encouraged me to reach higher. He gave me confidence and let me know that I could do it. Convinced me that I could do it, he is one of my heroes and I hope in my classes to do the same, to inspire and give them the same chance to live their dreams the way I have,' said Ballard.
Ballard has taught at CSUN for seven years now. Recently he has become the co-president of the California Faculty Association. He says that he enjoys working around the university to help make it better.
'It's not easy work being a professor but when you have the love for what you do, it makes it easier. Every class I teach I talk about my learning disability and how it can be overcome, we have a great center here on campus,' Ballard said.
The Center on Disabilities at CSUN provides services to about 840 students with different disabilities and offers students an opportunity to receive the help they need.
'It's not easy, it's never easy, but you can find the tools to overcome it. Many students are ashamed and hide their struggle, don't want their disability to follow them to college, they don't seek the help they need, there is no stigma, it's about getting through and being successful. Writing isn't about just putting something on paper, it's about making it worthwhile, having it mean something,' Ballard said.
]]>Like many people, reading has always been a passion for James David Ballard. For someone who describes himself as a voracious reader, being diagnosed with dyslexia transformed that passion into a challenge.
]]>There are times when we have to look around and wonder what in the world the 'powers that be' are doing, and why are we letting them do it? The economy is in shambles and CSUN is spending thousands to upgrade the Games Room.
Every student needs a study break once in a while, something to relieve stress. But with all the financial cutbacks going on, and there are sure to be more on the way, a few improvements to the Games Room can't be the answer to relieve any financial problems especially not for the students.
Here's the point. CSUN has money to buy a variety of fancy toys, but not enough to hire more professors or open a new section or two of vital classes that students desperately need to graduate.'
Where are their priorities?' Shouldn't we be trying to manage this school more efficiently? Make sure the money is going where it needs to? Maybe even putting in lab equipment, supplies, textbooks, or how about maintaining financial aid ahead of improving the Games Room.
The decision to upgrade the Games Room was a result of a taken by the A.S. Finance Committee last year. More than 80 percent of students said they would use the upgraded Games Room in the University Student Union. Based on that, CSUN has spent more than $4,700 on the improvements.
If someone asks students if they like playing games and would like newer ones available to them, of course the answer is yes. But does anyone ask the students where they think the money should go, or give them options of how to spend the extra money? No.
What do we get for that much money? Glad you asked. The room will be equipped with new pool tables, X-Box 360s, Playstation 3s, and Wii systems instead of the old coin-operated machines.
Everyone likes to have fun, but is this necessary, especially with the current economic state?
Did it even occur to the administration that if there was an influx of money that maybe students dependent on financial aid might be able to benefit from it more?
I know if the funds for the new Games Room had been used for a more pressing cause, it wouldn't make a dent in our financial troubles. But not prioritizing how money is spent is absurd. Such as spending $4,700 on the Games Room and still charging students $4 an hour to play. Additionally, students will be spending many hours there when they could be studying, which in turn, produces bad grades, a possible reason why takes CSUN students an average of six years to graduate.'
It's not that these things won't be appreciated, but the overriding argument is too much money is being spent on luxury items. Students are here to be students. The mall is minutes away from campus, the pub is right there. CSUN should build more labs with better equipment, or how about maintaining an adequate faculty. Maybe that's too much to ask?
Maybe a better way to reduce costs is to have the average CSUN student graduate in 5 years rather than six. That would cut cost by over 16 percent. Rather than cutting classes, thus taking students even longer to take their course requirements, my message to our school is to increase staff and classes so students can graduate sooner.
OPINION CORRECTION
Yesterday's opinion article, 'Education should be CSUN's priority, not the Games Room' by Devin Brown, stated that the funding for improvements to the Games Room came from A.S. The funding came from the University Student Union. In addition, there will not be Playstation 3's in the new Games Room and there will be coin-operated machines.
There are times when we have to look around and wonder what in the world the 'powers that be' are doing, and why are we letting them do it? The economy is in shambles and CSUN is spending thousands to upgrade the Games Room.
]]>From what we at the Daily Sundial understand is we go to a university to attain more knowledge. As a staff, we've always noted the lack of requirements in our college and in others in the time we've spent at CSUN. This translates into a lack of knowledge, but more importantly a lack of understanding.
Put in terms of reading how would a reader be able to make a critical analysis of Plato's 'Republic' if they skipped through the pages?' The thesis would be picked up, but the principles and applications would be substandard and crude.
Class requirements reflect the basic understanding a student has in his or her field and if we can get the amount of required classes to increase it should directly affect the student's depth of knowledge.
The reason classes such as composition aren't taken can be attributed to the administration and/or ourselves. The first because they're currently concerned with budgets (as well as making sure students graduate sooner rather than later), so they cancel classes and try to limit the time spent in college by number of units accumulated.
Cancellation due to low enrollment also prevents students from taking a class that will benefit them. The system forms a paradox, educated yet without substance. It's as if they don't care about education.
The students on the other hand on this campus come and leave like bad take-out food does to your digestive system. They're taking what is available which is never filling.
By taking classes other than those listed in your section of the university catalog could be to your own benefit.'
As a staff we all come from creative majors, ranging from journalism to art. We've all taken classes outside what is required of our major.
The basic principles taught are concept, craftsmanship, and composition. What students don't understand is they're for the most part learning exercises in their fields: art and shadowing, history and research, journalism and notepads.
The most important component is the development of a concept, but it seems to almost always be left out of the process or handed to you. The concept will always be there, but it's never pushed out of your brain and made sense of.
Being technically proficient with materials and media isn't sufficient as it takes intellect to be able to form a concept. It should be the student's responsibility, but without the availability of classes we're left on our own.
There are classes that offer a technical skill that can build towards a conceptual thought. This is true not just for art, but for other colleges as well. The history department has classes that help build research skills. Even though the student can build an extensive database, without a carefully formed thesis their research will be a string of facts with no aim.
It's time the student body realizes the benefit their's. If a student uses the excuse of 'not enough time' to take classes, then they should reconsider their career as a student.
Classes offering more to a student than units towards graduation should be required. Exceptional classes should be brought to the attention of students and not canceled.
San Luis Obispo -- The game was in the bag and CSUN guard Rodrigue Mels thought an alley-oop pass from half court wouldn't hurt his team's chances at its third consecutive win. Being up 77-66 with 50 seconds to go can give someone that kind of a feeling.
The ball flew 30 feet in the air to its recipient, forward Kenny Daniels, but had a little too much elevation. Daniels' fingertips touched it, but couldn't complete the two-pointer and the ball scurried down to the floor towards a Mustang.
'(Mels) knows it wasn't a smart play,' CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell said afterwards.
Questionable offense it was, but the Matadors (9-10, 6-3 BWC) figured to live with that on a night where the senior stepped up and into the starting lineup, survived two lightning-quick early fouls and scored all 16 of his points in the deciding second half of Saturday's 79-68 win over Cal Poly (5-13, 2-6) at Mott Gym.
Mels had a deja v'uacute; experience in this one. For the second consecutive game, the guard picked up two fouls in less than five minutes into the game. He took a seat and didn't get into the game again until the second half started.
'I was playing bad defense,' he said.
But just like on Thursday at UC Santa Barbara, location of CSUN's prior win, Mels came second-half ready. The senior, who started in place of an injured Rob Haynes (concussion), drove left and right, pulled up for jumpers, and moved without the basketball searching for scoring lanes. In one occasion, with 12:42 remaining, Mels even went Manu Ginobili, crossing a defender left, coming back to his right, and doing the same to the next Mustang before laying up a perfect left-handed layup.
Thirty seconds later, his 3-pointer from the top of the key gave the Matadors a 14-point lead, 58-44.
'I came out hot,' Mels said.
Cal Poly didn't fold. Not on a night that was supposed to be its nationally-televised announcement of arrival as a true challenger in the Big West Conference. The Mustangs had come into the night just having beat Pacific and UC Davis, both on the road and it still looked like a third straight win was well within reach after Charles Anderson's 3-pointer made it a six-point game with 7:17 left.
From that point on, though, CSUN forced the Mustangs into missing eight of 10 shots and kept them at least eight points away.
'Defense again,' said Braswell, whose team limited Cal Poly to 36.5 percent shooting. 'That's what's been keeping us in games.'
CSUN's offense didn't hurt either. The Matadors shot 53 percent and made seven of 13 3-pointers.
Only one of those threes belonged to Mels, while another one was Mark Hill's. The remaining five were all courtesy of point guard Josh Jenkins (18 points). He seemed unable to miss in the fist half. His back-to-back threes to end it turned the Mustangs' last lead of the game into a five-point CSUN advantage. From then on, Mels took the scoring torch.
The Matadors have now won three straight games and are 4-1 on the road in conference play. Following an 0-6 early-season road trip that made their status as 'Best in the Big West' look shaky, they're beginning to look more and more like, well, the best in the Big West.
'I've always felt we were the No. 1,' Jenkins said.
Long Beach State's (11-9, 6-2) still officially No. 1 in the conference, ahead of the Matadors by 1/2 game. CSUN's had it rough lately, losing players due to legal matters (Deon Tresvant, Dallas Rutherford) and injuries (Haynes). From this, Braswell's come to the conclusion that his team is actually the underdog instead of No. 1.
The battle gets only tougher for underdogs when they're on the road. On Saturday night, Mott Gym, was greened-out and Braswell might have suggested he would have liked to see a few red t-shirts in the crowd of nearly 3,000. Not many CSUN supporters were seen at the three-hours-away school.
'I think we had one fan or maybe two in the stands,' Braswell said with a smile.
Someone who did seem to have brought his personal fan club along was Jenkins. In the first half, the Mustang crowd began to chant a nickname that was very familiar to the point guard. It was one made famous by UC Santa Barbara fans irked at him a few nights earlier. The name had traveled north along with the Matadors.
'All these people by the beach 'hellip; I don't know, man,' Jenkins said.
Funny thing, though. The crowd was not directing the chant at Jenkins, but instead at his backup, Hill.
'I had a good laugh at it because I knew it wasn't towards me,' Jenkins said.
It was all laughs at the end of the night. Even Mels got a chance to crack a smile at his end-of-the-game offensive dare that was lucky enough to not become a turnover, but just a Braswell timeout and a stare.'
'I learned from that,' Mels said.
]]>The game was in the bag and CSUN guard Rodrigue Mels thought an alley-oop pass from half court wouldn't hurt his team's chances at its third consecutive win.
]]>The silent killer of smoking comes in many forms. Serious smokers know the damage they are doing to themselves, but there's another kind of smoker known as social smokers.
Some doctors say that social smokers don't exist. Others disagree; they call them 'chippers.' A chipper is an occasional smoker who does not smoke with the regularity or frequency that is typical of addicted smokers.
The term, and was coined in the 1980s by psychologist Dr. Saul Shiffman, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Studies done by medicinenet.com state social smokers smoke less because of the good quality and the relaxing atmosphere they put themselves in to smoke. In recent years Hookah Lounges have been sprouting up all over the country making social smoking less taboo and more 'cool' among young adults.
According to the American College of Health Association, one cigarette can weaken your heart causing it to work harder and spiking your blood pressure.
The American College of Health Association also found that being a social
smoker plus thirty minutes of exposure to second-hand smoke is as dangerous as
smoking everyday. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, some
which have been proven to have cancer-causing agents, including arsenic, lead and
mercury.
'I've been smoking for six years, I agree with bans on smoking, but I don't want to be lectured,' said Vanessa Smith, junior, psychology major.
Current CSUN policies prohibit people to smoke within 20ft of any building. Dr. Kathleen Young, chair of the smoke free task force states, 'It is our job to assess and see if the current tobacco policies are being enforced on campus. The task force works with the green movement under the Clean Air Act keeping the campus free of pollution from cigarette butts and is supported by the American Lung Association.'
According to the National Cancer Institute cigarettes are more addictive than heroin. Within ten seconds the nicotine reaches the brain and instantly tells it, 'Puff more.''
'If your not addicted what would make you continuously put poison into your body?' said Janis Martin, wellness coach at the Klotz student health center.
A number of surveys show that a large amount of U.S. smokers don't smoke every day and this trend appears to be growing. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse up to 15 million U.S. smokers claim they don't light up on a daily basis. Many of them say they are trying to quit. However many light smokers known, as chippers have no wish to quit. These are people who smoke no more than a couple of cigarettes a day.
Until recently, not much was known about chippers. Most research focused on the heavy daily smokers, people who had between ten and twenty cigarettes a day. These are people who experts says smoke anywhere they can, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse website these people smoke when they are stressed, happy eating, full, working or relaxing.
Chippers are a different breed; they have particular situations and places where they smoke. Some, but not all, are social smokers.
'Yes, some people are social smokers, however there are more people who think they are then they actually are. One cigarette is not enough, they start to make excuses to be in social settings to get their fix, or once in there setting they have between ten and twenty cigarettes in one night,' said Martin.
In a survey conducted by the Bacchus Network, the largest student health organization in the world, 60 percent of students are non-smokers, meaning they never smoked a cigarette. And about 10 percent of students are smokers who use cigarettes everyday or every other day. This leaves an estimated 30 percent who most likely do not consider themselves smokers, but smoke a couple of times each week or month.
'I don't smoke more or less at anytime. Smoking is more mental than physical it's an addiction but you can quit or start when you want,' said Marina Kantarchyn, junior, psychology major.
Many social smokers think they can quit whenever they want, but half of adolescents who start smoking will continue to smoke for at least 20 years, according to the Bacchus Network.
'Nicotine has an emotional control over a person. It's great when you quit not being at the drug's whim. People smoke for different reasons, but mainly they start to fit in and be a part of the group,' Martin said. 'Cigarettes should not be used to control a persons weight, it will take years off your life.'
On average the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that smokers die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers.
Doctors are now telling people to beware of third-hand smoke in addition to secondhand. Third-hand smoke is the residue of smoke left on furniture by smokers. This can cause serious health issues for people with sensitive respiratory systems, especially children.
Social or not smoking has definite negative effects, it's pertinent to seek assistance and the health center on campus can help, said Martin.
For substance and alcohol addiction assistance on campus call (818) 677-3666 and ask for an appointment with wellness coach Janis Martin.
]]>The silent killer of smoking comes in many forms. Serious smokers know the damage they are doing to themselves, but there's another kind of smoker known as social smokers.
]]>When Melissa Castaneda took out a loan from Bank of America three years ago to help pay her tuition, she didn't know the difference between a federal and private loan. It was a technicality that cost her.
Because the loan wasn't subsidized, Castaneda now struggles to work full-time and be a full-time student.
'I don't want to continue making payments all of my life, I don't want to be in debt forever,' said Castaneda, a 21-year-old junior liberal studies major, who is among the two-thirds of all four-year college students nationwide who have taken out a loan according to a recent study, conducted by The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS).
The institute's Project on Student Debt shows that over the past decade the amount of graduating seniors' loan debt increased to 108 percent nationally.'
Approximately 54 percent of CSUN students have taken out federal loans, according to Gregorio Alcantar, a financial aid advisor.
'I believe students who were recently laid off and depended on that income may have to rely more on financial aid to meet their expenses,' said Alcantar, who believes more students will take out loans after the unemployment rate increases and Cal Grant funds are reduced.
'Students who did not have the need to borrow student loans may now have to borrow to meet their needs.'
About 20 percent of all private loans are being used nationwide by four-year college undergraduates, graduate students and parent loans found the institute.
Although federal loans are available for students who fill out their FAFSA regardless of their income, government representatives are considering raising the amount students can borrow, according to Edie Irons, TICAS communications director.
Irons believes the government should step in and rescue the students. Adding that financial aid is attractive to students who want to avoid taking out a federal loan, much less a private loan.
'Private loans are easier to get because you don't have to fill out the FAFSA, which can seem complicated for students,' said Iron.
'There are lots of students who are missing safer and cheaper options,' said Iron before adding that almost half of students who have taken out private loans are eligible for federal loans. 'Private loans should be a last resort because they can be so risky.'
Irons' belief is that many students do not understand the difference between federal and private loans.
'A lot of students don't understand,' Irons said. 'If you're 18, you haven't had much experience dealing with the difference between subsidized loans or unsubsidized or interest rates. They're not reading all the fine print.'
Taking out a private loan was easy and it didn't matter where it came from, said Castaneda. However, she now realizes her mistake in taking out the loan and rather work for her money.'
In 2002, 45 percent of students who look back at all the money they borrowed report they would have borrowed less. Alcantar believes that students can learn to avoid borrowing fewer amounts of loans if students learn to budget themselves.
During the past five years tuition and fees at public universities have risen by 57% nationally. This semester, students did get the money they were promised by Cal Grant if they were eligible but the payments were delayed due to a lack of funding from the state.
While a recent report made by the California Faculty Association, shows that nearly 2.6 million Californian undergraduate students faced an average of $1,723 per student. Tution and fees at public universities have risen 57 percent nationally. Even though eligible students get money from Cal Grants, the payments were delayed due to a lack of state funding.
Yvonne Stewart-Buchen, spokesperson for the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), said she doesn't know what the 2009- 2010 budget will be for the Cal Grant and that it all depends on what Gov. Schwarzenegger presents.
For more cost saving tips check the Sundollar at http://apps.dailysundial.com/sundollar/
]]>When Melissa Castaneda took out a loan from Bank of America three years ago to help pay her tuition, she didn't know the difference between a federal and private loan. It was a technicality that cost her.
]]>The Matadors (5-16, 2-6 BWC) played the Mustangs close the entire game, but, in the end, they weren't able to close it out and lost 68-61 on Saturday at the Matadome.
Though she was quiet in the first half, the Matadors needed to keep their eye on Cal Poly's number 12, Kristina Santiago.
Santiago scored 29 points in the Mustangs' prior game, against Pacific, and ended with 18 on Saturday. Sixteen of those came in the second half.
'You know, we had her at two points in the first half,' CSUN Head Coach Staci Schulz said. 'We allowed her to get too close to the rim and that's a high-percentage shot for her.'
Santiago also had six rebounds, something the Matadors were trying to prevent.
'We need to keep rebounding and we need to keep people out of the paint,' Schulz said.
A player that worked hard to get those rebounds was CSUN's Katrina Thompson. Thompson finished the night with 18 points and six rebounds. She has scored in double-digits in seven of the Matadors' eight Big West Conference games so far.
Matching up against the Mustangs, Thompson had to work harder as an undersized forward. She is only 5'8', but there is something that makes her play at the level of bigger players.
'It starts with heart,' Thompson said. 'Our coaches pointed that out the other day and I just want it. I want to get better every day.'
Her heart carried her to the title of Player of the Week for the end of January.
'It felt good to get Player of the Week,' Thompson said. 'My teammates helped me get it too. Without them, I wouldn't have gotten that recognition.'
In getting better every day, she also said that she does everything she can to make 'her bigs' better. One of those players is freshman center Jasmine Erving.
Erving had 10 points and 10 rebounds against the Mustangs in a game where she played more minutes than in her last two games combined. Erving had also earned the title of Player of the Week, a week before Thompson.
In the opening half, it was Erving who led the team in rebounding. Going into the locker room, she had six points and seven rebounds.
Coming out of the locker room, it was Ashley Blake who got things started for CSUN.
Her first basket of the second half was a 3-pointer, giving the team a quick jump-start, just the way she did a weekend before against UC Irvine.
Blake said she feels very comfortable behind the three-point line and it showed as she finished with four three's.
Her 3-pointers weren't enough for the win, though, and part of the problem was her team going away from what it did in the first half.
'We just went away from what we were doing,' she said. '(Schulz) had mentioned in the locker room that we went away from what (our coaches) said about (Cal Poly) in the scouting report.'
Schulz said they stopped doing the things that were working for them in the opening half.
'They weren't cutting through and we were bumping cutters,' said Schulz about the way CSUN defended the Mustangs early on. 'We stopped doing that in the second half.'
The Matadors next game is on Feb. 11.
'We need a bit of a break,' Schulz said.
Some of the players agree. The break will be beneficiary.
'This break will help us out,' Thompson said. 'It will help us get ready for the second part of the Big West season.'
The Matadors are sixth in the Big West. In their next game, they play against Long Beach State, a team they already beat once before this season.
]]>The Matadors women's basketball team (5-16, 2-6 BWC) played the Mustangs close the entire game, but, in the end, they weren't able to close it out and lost 68-61 on Saturday at the Matadome.
]]>Hawaii came into their weekend series against CSUN losers of six straight and nine of their last 10 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation matches, including the first four this year.
All that changed when they swept the No. 2 team in the country, the previously-undefeated Matadors (6-2, 3-2 MPSF), in back-to-back games.
Fifty-nine service errors by the Matadors helped the Warriors pull out a 3-2 win (21-30, 30-28, 22-30, 30-23, 15-12) on Friday and a 3-1 victory (30-26, 21-30, 32-30 and 30-26) the day after.
Senior All-American Eric Vance did all he could to prevent the Matadors from losing and had 59 kills in the two matches. On Friday, Vance was a killing machine in the second set, hitting 12 of the 20 kills the team had in the game.
Leading the way for the Warriors were sophom*ores Brennon Dyer and Joshua Walker.
The two combined for 65 kills and 35 digs. Dyer was an unexpected starter after freshman Gus Tauniga, the starter earlier this season, was sent to the bench.
The Matadors got off to a fast start on Friday, but errors early on allowed the Warriors to stay in the game. Up 12-11, CSUN finished the set on an 18-11 run to end the first set.
But then came the service errors. Twenty-two of the 33 they committed for the game came in the losing sets. Eleven of those came in set two.
Helping out Vance offensively in the first match were junior Mike Gaudino and sophom*ore Jacek Ratakczak. The two combined for 20 kills and 20 digs.'
Perhaps feeling the effect of their first five-set match of the year and having to come back the next night contributed to the Matadors' 3-1 loss on Saturday night. The loss was the eight consecutive for CSUN at Hawaii and marked the third time in row they been swept in Honolulu.
The Warriors (3-6, 2-4 MPSF) picked up were they left off and defeated the Matadors 30-26 during Saturday's first set. The set featured 11 ties. The teams were even at 25-25, but the Warriors took command then and outscored CSUN 5-1 to win it.
The Matadors came back to win game two behind Vance's eight kills. CSUN lead by as many as nine and won the game 30-21.
Up 28-26 in the third set, the Matadors were unable to close the set. The Warriors tied the game at 28 on a Walker kill. Then the teams traded the next four points before Hawaii pulled out the set (32-30) on back-to-back kills from Walker and freshman Steven Hunt.
Out of gas in the fourth set, Northridge fell behind by four early. The Matadors got within 22-21, but that's as close as they got and lost 30-26.
The Matadors were out-blocked by the Warriors both nights, 17-10 on Friday and 36-19 on Saturday.
Game Notes:
A special play was pulled off by Hawaii on Friday night. Attempting to save a ball that ricocheted off a teammate, a Warrior went beyond to the Matadors' side of the court and hit the ball back to his teammates. The play resulted in a kill for Hawaii's Steven Hunt. 'hellip; In the second set of Friday's game, Vance moved into tenth place in the all-time kills' list.' He had a season-high 32 kills for the night. 'hellip; After getting swept last weekend CSUN is 3-23 all time at the Stan Sheriff Center.
]]>After starting the season 6-0, the CSUN men's volleyball team dropped back-to-back games at Hawaii on Friday and Saturday respectively
]]>They met in the basem*nt of the Oviatt Library, room 316, sat around confidential documents and reported their findings to a faceless representative from the National Security Agency via web cam.
CSUN's Intelligence Community meeting on Jan. 23 is what spy novels are made of. The meeting open to the public, RSVP required, didn't allow any recording devices because the research discussed at the meeting may become the students' first act of combating terrorism.
California State University, Long Beach, San Bernardino and Northridge were the contributing campuses in the service learning project, 'The Transit Country Problem' which looked at what it is about certain countries that make them more attractive to terrorist groups and transnational criminal organizations.
Whenever someone from the NSA spoke, the web cam discussion screen froze and a plain female voice, Amber, came from the speakers.
Known widely for their air of secrecy and controversial programs, such as their warrantless surveillance program, the 'No Such Agency's' shroud of mystery lifted an inch when they asked three California State University Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (IC-ACE) campuses to look into terrorist and criminal organization's attraction to specific countries.
CSU IC-ACE recruits students that want to pursue a career in a government agency like the NSA, Federal Bureau of Investigations or Central Intelligence Agency. CSUN offers an undergraduate program.
CSUN students that participated in the study and the NSA did not reply to requests for comment in time for print. CSUN Intelligence community advisor and Associate Sociology Professor Dr. James David Ballard said that he counseled his students to not speak to the media because they may be potential federal agents and they need to 'protect (themselves) ... and their specific careers.'
The research results and methodology that CSUN and CSUSB students from the IC program did last fall was presented to the NSA and has received positive feedback, CSU-ACE Consortium Director Mark Clark said, so much that the NSA expressed interest in implementing in into their program.
'I think it's phenomenal,' Clark said. 'It might actually help them in ways like never before.'
NSA representatives have expressed satisfaction and interest in the students' findings, Clark said, specifically the executive director of the Institute for Analysis.
The NSA posed a real life problem the agency is continuingly dealing with and asked graduate students from California State University, San Bernadino and undergraduate students from Northridge to formulate a solution, Ballard said.
CSUN and CSUSB were challenged by the NSA to answer the question: What makes some countries more attractive to terrorist and criminal organizations?
Each developed a methodology for collecting data. CSUSB's two graduate classes and CSUN's one undergraduate class, 27 students, made up the 70 to 80 students involved in the project.
The CSUN students looked at four proxies: drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking and government corruption.
Though the NSA gave positive comments about the students work, Ballard said, 'The model . . . wouldn't' work in practice.'
Ballard linked the weakness of the CSUN student's model to the proxy's they chose to follow.
'Proxy may not be as robust as we had liked,' Ballard said.
CSUSB tracked countries plagued with Civil War, criminal groups home country, and the countries that fall within their target radius, such as neighboring countries.
CSUSB and CSUN instructors started exchanging information midway through the fall semester course and are almost finished with putting together a final collaborative report.
CSULB students aided CSUN students with mapping tasks.
The final report is still being finalized, Clark said, but the NSA have indicated they want to include the methodology and research the students produced into their own data analysis process.
'It's going to change how we look at the problem,' Clark said. '(We're) helping junior analysts. They want to use our method.'
During the students' research, they discovered that a lot of the quantitative data they collected was unreliable, Clark said. There was no Census for some of the information, he added, and at times the data seemed made up.
'There was no trust in those numbers,' Clark said.
Even though the data was unreliable, Ballard said. 'It wasn't the endpoint, it was the idea of how to put together these proxies,'
The students also found an increase in arms dealing, Ballard said, where there was presence of peace keeping military forces.
'Some United Nations security forces are selling weapons to locals,' Ballard said. African nations, European nations and the Middle East were areas included in the research.
The students didn't go through any controversial means like the ones the NSA has been involved in (i.e. data mining or warrantless wire-tapping). The foundation of the research came from electronic library sources such as the government publications link on the Oviatt Library Web site, domestic and foreign government Web sites, said Oviatt Library Accounting 'amp; Receiving Supervisor Donna LaFollette, the students go-to library troubleshooter.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence awarded a multi-year, multi-million dollar grant in fall 2006 to start California State University IC-ACE.
Universities include CSU Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton, Long Beach, Northridge, San Bernardino and Cal Poly Pomona.
They met in the basem*nt of the Oviatt Library, room 316, sat around confidential documents and reported their findings to a faceless representative from the National Security Agency via web cam.
]]>CSUN freshman guard Dallas Rutherford pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor grand theft Friday in San Fernando Superior Court after allegedly stealing merchandise from a Porter Ranch Best Buy. He was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to complete 200 hours of Caltrans service. He must also maintain a C-minus grade-average at the university.
A felony count of second-degree commercial burglary was dismissed as part of the plea deal.
Rutherford was one of four defendants charged with grand theft after he, teammate star Deon Tresvant, Jeffrey Braswell - Head Coach Bobby Braswell's son - and actor Phannuel Gbewonyo allegedly stole $6,600 worth of merchandise on New Year's Day.
Rutherford has returned $1,300 worth of merchandise - two iPods, two Xbox game systems and video games - to Best Buy. Tresvant, Braswell and Gbewonyo are scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 26.
Bobby Braswell said Saturday that a final decision regarding Rutherford's status as a member of the basketball team could be coming soon.
'(This) week some possible things could be moving,' Braswell said. ''We're discussing it. We'll figure out what's appropriate when it's time to do what we need to do.'
]]>CSUN freshman Dallas Rutherford pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor grand theft Friday in San Fernando Superior Court after allegedly stealing merchandise from a Porter Ranch Best Buy.'
]]>Good old-fashioned rock-and-roll seems to be reclusive these days. With the emergence of dozens of new genres, it seems that the heart and soul of rock 'n' roll has been lost.
Then there's Prima Donna, five guys who look to the roots of rock 'n' roll to create a sound that is reminiscent of decades ago, yet still very enjoyable to the modern music lover.
Prima Donna is comprised of Kevin Tyler Preston on lead vocals and guitar, Aaron Minton on saxophone and keys, David Field on drums, Erik Arcane on guitar and Daniel Nyby on bass. They have been together since 2004 and are constantly pressing forward with their own brand of catchy rock 'n' roll. Prima Donna doesn't hold back, from their image to their music and to their live show, they give off the presence of well-established rock stars.
Some of their main influences include Ronnie Spector, Iggy Pop, Prince, Elvis, Josie Cotton and Jayne Mansfield.
Live, Prima Donna put on a stellar and exciting show that had the audience rocking out from start to finish. It's obvious that they have a lot of fun playing on stage and have tons of experience at it as well. The crowd was definitely into the music almost as much as Prima Donna themselves.
The guitars and drums are extremely catchy with riffs and hooks that have obviously been heavily influenced from artists such as the Rolling Stones and Buddy Holly. The vocals complemented the music very well and the passion of the songs could be heard throughout the club. It was good to hear such an old school yet refreshing style of music.
Preston summed up the sound the best. 'It's like loud guitars, blaring saxophone and thunderous drums,' he said.
The saxophone is rarely seen in emerging rock. Minton throws in a mix of saxophone and keys that bring a lot of flare and passion to their music. The subtle yet distinct saxophone parts add much more depth and originality to their songs, making Prima Donna stand out from other bands that much more.
Prima Donna reminds us of a time when music was played just for the fun of it and they really get the crowd into their music with their confidence and presence on stage. Prima Donna has accomplished a lot as a band, and has had a lot of great experiences together. They have gone on an eight-country European tour and also have received frequent airplay on KROQ, Preston said.
As a band there is so much more for them to accomplish, and Prima Donna doesn't set the bar too low. For Prima Donna, or any other band for that matter, their ultimate goal is a lofty one.
Preston said it is 'to have such an impact on the world that somebody sculpts our faces on the side of a mountain, just like Mount Rushmore.'
]]>Good old-fashioned rock-and-roll seems to be reclusive these days. With the emergence of dozens of new genres, it seems that the heart and soul of rock 'n' roll has been lost.
]]>As the economy gets worse, tuition, room and board, school supplies and other miscellaneous expenses are becoming difficult for college students to finance.
The cost of tuition continues to increase every semester along with textbooks and housing, but with websites like saycollegemove.com and getrichslowly.org, students can read blogs on several ways to save money and purchase school items for less than retail price.
While many students may use these websites as a guide to budget their finances, some college students prefer to take their own advice about saving money.
Kathleen Ayala-Rivera, 18, social welfare major, uses the 'traditional way' of saving money by disciplining herself.
'I refrain from going out to the movies or out to eat,' said Rivera. 'Generally staying in is a good way to save money.'
Sacrificing leisure activities for some students may be more difficult than others depending on their financial situation.
Many students receive financial aid while others take out loans or have parents help them pay for school.
Tovah Alvers, a deaf studies major, took out a loan to help her pay for room and board. Any extra money she has, she spends wisely.'
'I only try to spend money on necessities such as food, books and rent,' said Alvers. 'I also use money I've been saving since I was a kid.'
Another website that offers advice to college students is called brokegradstudent.com, where graduate students blog on ways to save money. Topics vary from how to pay off school loans, ways to earn extra money and how to get a job. One of the most popular posts discussed on this site is how all college students should have a high-yield savings account that earns interest.
Brittney Barreto,18, said that her dad gives her a set amount of money for college expenses every month.
'My father makes me manage how my money is spent,' said Barreto. 'I keep my money in a savings account to gain interest.'
If students want to earn interest with money in the bank, Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo and Bank of America offer interest bearing savings accounts.
For students who may want to sign up with a bank that offers incentives for joining, ING gives new customers $25 just for opening up an account with a deposit of $1.
Barreto said she sets aside a certain amount and makes sure she doesn't use it.
When it comes to purchasing items for college dorms the cost of furniture and cleaning supplies can add up, not to mention a majority of the items students purchase are only kept for a semester.
For furniture, students can stop at local yard sales or wait for the end of spring and summer semesters when other students decide to throw items out.
Getrichslowly.com recommends that college students living in dorms should look for used items instead of going to Target or Wal-Mart to purchase new furniture.
If students decide to purchase new furniture such as a mattress, getrichslowly.com also suggests that students buy blow up mattresses to cut down on the cost.
In this tough economy it's difficult for people to get jobs, yet alone college students. If that situation sounds familiar brokegradstudent.com suggests that students do other things to earn money such as starting a blog, applying for scholarships or applying for an internships.
'I don't think it's that difficult to get a job, even if its minimum wage,' said Barreto.
In the long run these suggestions can benefit students who are in a tough economic situation or help students face tougher financial obligations when they graduate. Taking these small steps now can prevent stress in the future.
]]>As the economy gets worse, tuition, room and board, school supplies and other miscellaneous expenses are becoming difficult for college students to finance.
]]>Unsigned musicians have to jump even more hurdles to be heard now that Indie 103.1 was pushed off the air Jan. 15 and replaced with Spanish music station El Gato 103.1.
Although the station has now launched on the Web, 103.1's music director, Mark Sovel, stated in an interview with The Daily Swarm that none of the primary DJs or music programmers at the station are involved with the Web site.' The once-independent music format has also conformed to a mainstream programming that, without DJs personality, mimic nothing more than an Ipod shuffle of corporate interest.
The removal of independent music from radio leaves the local music scene struggling, but not destroyed.' Unsigned artists have found new avenues to get their music heard via Internet.
Much criticism from Sovel was directed towards the way radio traffic is measured.' Similar problems have affected other stations, including The Octopus 95.5.
The station operates in Ventura and had a block of independent music known as The Rock Revolution, hosted every Saturday night by DJ Berry Funkhouser.
'There are fundamental flaws that exist when measuring radio traffic, and those that have an eclectic format are usually the first to go,' said Perry Van Houten, program director and morning-show host for The Octopus.
'Our station measures traffic by a diary methodology that requires families to take record of what radio stations they listen to.' The problem is that by putting the responsibility on the listener, this also leaves room for inaccurate coverage,' said Van Houten.
The outcome resulted in the station's decision that the local music segment was ill-suited for the Classic Rock format.
In addition to the birth of Youtube.com, other websites such as Luxurywafers.com have been streaming online footage of unsigned acts that record their performances at Chessvolt Studios.' Chessvolt has been serving the Los Angeles indie-music scene well before Indie 103.1's removal. They have been operating since 2006 and currently have more than 60 live sessions streaming online.
'There is so much talent that exists within our community, and we are here to give that talent exposure,' said Chessvolt Studios manager Landry Malick.' With online social networks growing exponentially, artists have been able to generate a specific audience through these networks.' ' ' '
'Stations like Indie 103.1 were good, but their music was filtered through major labels,' said Jim Hanft, a local musician who has his music streaming on Luxury Wafer. 'The only radio stations that really cater to independent music are college radio.' The exposures I get from Luxury Wafers offer the advantage of directing a specific audience through other social networks like Myspace and Facebook.' Very few people in Indie music want to be told what to listen to.'
Chessvolt has also taken on many signed projects including Wayne Kramer (MC5), Kenny Loggins, Broken Social Scene and many more.' Other studios are picking up this trend to stream in-studio performances online, including Web sites such as Flashrock.com
FlashRock's site offers viewers their own music channels categorized by genre.' The site has a surplus of independent alternative rock and heavy metals acts, but has no rap. However, they are starting to build a variety of folk, ska, reggae, and electronica genres.'
While the music industry struggles to profit from hard copy sales, and radio stations continue catering to mainstream audiences, the Internet gives hope to independent musicians who pride themselves on being self-sufficient.' The conventional outlining music success through radio hits are challenged by an evolving cyber world that provides freedom for musicians both independent and signed.' ' '
Unsigned musicians have to jump even more hurdles to be heard now that Indie 103.1 was pushed off the air Jan. 15 and replaced with Spanish music station El Gato 103.1.
]]>People watch romances to feel their heart race, a burst of warmth in their cheeks and to smell life's infinite wonder in the air. They even go to experience a hollowness in the chest or an aching that stops one's breath. People attend romantic-comedies to feel giddiness, vulnerability, loss and heartbreak. They go to feel love.
The best in the genre create these emotions subtly. As authentic as any love affair, viewers are not quite sure when they stop mentally assembling the plot and are carried away. Films like Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle and Jerry Maguire magically produce this result.
However, some romantic-comedies heavy handedly throw these sentiments on the screen in a paint-by-number fashion, which is exactly the method employed in Renee Zellweger's latest release, New In Town. Unlike Jerry Maguire, or even Bridget Jones's Diary, this film lacks any semblance of chemistry, humor or heart.
Although emotionally ineffectual, the film manufactures a type of realism in the all-too-familiar story of economic hardships and corporate downsizing. A coldhearted Miami executive, Lucy Hill (Renee Zellweger), takes a short-term job in a small-town, New Ulm, Minn., to oversee a new company product and trim expenses. During her welcome dinner, Hill '- playing the stereotypical big-city woman '- encounters local Ted Mitchell (Harry Connick Jr.) in a clash of little-town morality and big-city culture. Of course, Mitchell turns out to be the district union representative. Hate slowly turns into love, while Hill learns the meaning of friendship, loyalty and social responsibility.
The failure of the film is derived less from the visually bland settings, unconvincing comic stunts or predictable characters and events, but stems from the forced nature of the romance. It may be the first romantic-comedy where the audience actually wishes for the couple to stay apart. Zellweger and Connick Jr. struggle to ignite a spark. The film actually feels manufactured, piece by piece. Unfortunately, a part for on-screen compatibility has yet to be found.
People watch romances to feel their heart race, a burst of warmth in their cheeks and to smell life's infinite wonder in the air. They even go to experience a hollowness in the chest or an aching that stops one's breath. People attend romantic-comedies to feel giddiness, vulnerability, loss and heartbreak. They go to feel love.
]]>Americans desire the thought of unity. We seek it, nurture it, and can't live without it.
Whenever there has been tragedy in our history, we unite. We band together in candlelight vigils, hopeful organizations and miles of motivation to continue on pursuing unity.
During these times, we want to show off to the world that we can become one country intolerant of racism, sexism and hate towards one another. It's an optimistic view of us.
The profound note to Americans is for some reason it takes devastation, utter realization of weakness and shattering of hope to come across the idea of unification.
We unite in circ*mstances like 9/11, Katrina, and regret for supporting a war in Iraq that claimed the lives of thousands of soldiers. The list of tragic events interminably continues in our history books. We have a record for coming together when we have hit the lowest moment of despair.
The last eight years have been' a resum'eacute; of regret, which is why Americans were ready for a change. We fell to the bottom, reached for hope and along the way we elected our symbol of unity.
It took one eloquent man who spoke of hope all throughout his campaign to join together a sea of people to witness his nomination, victory and inauguration.
Yes, people of prior generations are used to following this ritual of presidential elections, but to watch the future of this country, like students at CSUN, be deeply moved by this one man and his campaign is enough to call this unification the one of our lifetime.'
Of course, Americans unite for positive occurrences, as well. The 2008 Olympics, Super Bowl Sunday and many other sporting events that get our blood pumping qualify for positive unification. Yet, rallying for President Barack Obama, wearing a shirt with his face and engaging in political arguments with the opposing party was the unifying impact this election had for young people.
Young voter turnout first increased in 2004 and 2006, and skeptics were resistant to think that the momentum would continue into 2008. By the time the presidential primaries were over in 2008, the percentage of young voters was up by 103, more than in any of the previous primary elections, according to the Rock the Vote Web site.
Young Americans across this nation were ready for this change and embraced the thought to join together. As Americans of any age, we were all enthused by Obama's speeches. He called for a 'new era of responsibility,'' and said the time has come for the United States to 'renew its spirit' and reaffirm 'the promise of this nation.'
Obama articulated what was on all our minds. His ability to reach out and instill this faith for change gravitated all of us towards his cause. He became the icon of unity, the celebrity for hope and the man that expressed perseverance in a time where the recession is taking our nation in a downward spiral.'
Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration, an estimated crowd of more than 1 million people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and an estimated 1 billion others watched on TV around the globe. The air was frigid, but that didn't stop people from coming together to witness a moment in history. On a day that was suspected to have been cloudy, even the sun came out to witness such an event.
Despite their race, gender, sexual orientation, or where they gravitate to on the political spectrum, people unified in hopes of change. Now Obama has to prove to the nation in which he has enthused such hope.
No matter what happens, unity is the great need of this moment. Not because it sounds lovely or makes us feel good, but because it's the only way we can prevail over the essential deficit that existing in this country.
]]>Americans desire the thought of unity. We seek it, nurture it, and can't live without it.
]]>For the second year in a row, after the gluttony of food, drinks and seven-layer bean dip had long been digested, the football world witnessed the best Super Bowl finish of all time '- but not the greatest.'
If by now you don't know who won the game or don't have Pittsburgh Steelers paraphernalia dangling off your body, indulge yourself to a day and treat as American as'hellip;the Super Bowl.
For the most part, the first three quarters featured long stretches of football as bland as your party's store-brand salsa and as difficult to digest as the influx of useless statistics and John Madden commentary thrown to your TV.
But then, the epic fourth quarter showed that, as ex-Cardinals coach Dennis Green would put it, the Steelers were 'who we thought they were' while Arizona 'let'em off the hook,' losing in the closing moments on a miraculous, tip-toeing, game-winning six-yard touchdown catch by game MVP Santonio Holmes.
Wow. If only the 90 million viewers who witnessed it could have fast-forwarded 45 minutes of choppy execution, dreary play calling, penalty-flag-happy officiating and, of course, Madden.
For a second consecutive Steelers Super Bowl, officiating played a vital role in the final outcome in favor of the champs. Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison should have been immediately ejected for going 'Rampage' Jackson and beating on Aaron Francisco during a punt return and Holmes wasn't flagged after using the ball as a prop during his game-winning touchdown celebration, a 15-yard penalty that would have made LeBron James and Nike proud.
A bevy of other calls could be nit-picked, but we'll leave that up to the league's authoritarian commissioner.
Although the game had stretches as if it were a regionally-televised game in October, it certainly capped off a decade of unforgettable Super Bowls '- and then some. As the confetti trickled from the sky, the game provided flashes of Vinatieri-like clutch, Tyree luck and the poise of a Manning, all while being book-ended by the lore of Kurt Warner.
In 2000, Warner led the St. Louis Rams to a victory by defeating the Tennessee Titans with a 73-yard bomb in the closing minute. Nine years later, he duplicated the exact heroics, leading his Arizona Cardinals to a historic 16-point fourth quarter comeback. The ending wasn't the same, though, and Warner saw his efforts all go to waste in his game-ending 'fumble' at the Steelers 49-yard line, a play that is still a hot topic across the nation as officials deemed it a turnover without replay.
In the end, it was 26-year-old Ben Roethlisberger who spoiled Warner's theatrics and punched his second ticket as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, all while going on a Joe Montana-esque, eight-play, 78-yard drive in the final two minutes.
The Roethlisberger-Holmes tandem picked apart the Cardinals secondary by masterfully leading their team against America's favorite underdog at the same time that they seemed to blow it minutes before.
As the game kicked off, no one would have had the slightest thought of the fervor-filled finish as Mike Tomlin played it conservative inches away from a touchdown by opting to kick an 18-yard field goal.
The second quarter featured both teams milking the clock with lengthy drives and capping it off with one-yard touchdowns.
At the closing seconds of the first half, Harrison, the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and youngest of 14 children, intercepted Warner at the goal line and rumbled his way to a 100-yard return - the longest play in Super Bowl history - turning a probable four-point deficit into a 17-7 halftime lead.
For those who didn't watch Bruce Springsteen's riveting 12-minute halftime performance to the field of Medicare eligible fans, it was a (full head of grey) hair better than last year's performer, Tom Petty. For those who couldn't stand watching Bruce or the $206 million in commercial spots, the American-Gladiators-meet-steroids show, 'Wipeout' - concurrently airing on ABC - was not entertaining either.
As far as X's and O's, Madden had that taken care of as he noted that Cardinals wide receiver Steve Breaston is third on the wide-out depth chart. The color commentator then added that Breaston usually lines up during three-wide-receiver sets.
The third quarter saw an increase on the chip-to-dip ratio as it featured three more points on the Steelers' tally en route to a 20-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Then the game really began. Warner ran a no-huddle offense 87 yards to a touchdown with 7:41, a tactic that should have been employed much sooner against the No. 1-ranked Steelers' defense.
Minutes later, a momentum-shifting safety by the Cardinals closed the gap at 20-16. Two plays later, breakout wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald hauled in a 64-yard catch, his second of the game, and broke free to the end zone, ultimately setting up Roethlisberger to ruin the Cinderella postseason-finish for Arizona.
Was it the best sequence in Super Bowl history? Most definitely, but it was only a fourth of the game. There were four other Super Bowls just in this decade which delivered a far better contest with football excitement and drama from start to finish.
]]>For the second year in a row, after the gluttony of food, drinks and seven-layer bean dip had long been digested, the football world witnessed the best Super Bowl finish of all time '- but not the greatest.'
]]>Setting school-records, qualifying for Nationals and triumphing over USC in an event were just some of the momentous highlights the track and field CSUN team produced Saturday in Seattle at the Washington Invitational.
Despite the challenges of competing in an indoor track, which differs from the track the team practices on since it has tighter turns and a shorter layout, the Matadors were still able to pull off some stunning performances.
When asked about his expectations on the meet, Head Coach Don Strametz said the team needed to be smart.
'You have to think to get great marks and coming out healthy,' he said.
The team did just that and leading the pack was Sherrina Lofton. The junior sprinted a bolting school-record of 7.49 seconds in the 60-meter dash and, along with sophom*ore Tara Prier, junior Shelese Ruffin and freshman Jasmine Cox, ran the fastest time (3:43.10) in the 4-by-400 relay, leaving behind opponents, including USC.'
Prier also ran the 200 meters, finishing at 24.79 seconds, which almost matched her season-best. Ruffin and Cox both participated in the 400-meter race, with Ruffin enhancing her time to 55.68 seconds and Cox trailing her at 58.57.
For the men, juniors Lance Gonzales and Robert Robinson both qualified for NCAA provisional standing in the heptathlon, which is a grueling seven-category event consisting of the 60-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60-meter high hurdles, pole vault and a 1,000-meter run. Both were victorious by obtaining third and fourth place, with Robinson reaching 5,382 points and Gonzalez, who was participating for the first time in the two-day event, with 5,319 points.'
Sprinters for the men's team also accumulated season-bests. Junior De'Shawn Waters ran 6.87 seconds in the 60 meters. He also secured the best time in his heat in the 200-meter dash by posting a mark of 21.96 seconds and obtaining fourth place in the overall event.
Junior Nic Taylor finished second in his heat at 22.28. Junior Ben Santos reached fourth in his at a 23.09.
The next meet will take place in Armory, N.Y. for the New Balance Invitational.
]]>Setting school-records, qualifying for Nationals and triumphing over USC in an event were just some of the momentous highlights the track and field CSUN team produced Saturday in Seattle at the Washington Invitational.
]]>Signifying the beginning of Black History Month students gathered on the Matador Bookstore lawn to welcome in the month filled with speakers, performances and community interaction.
The ceremony, which was held by the Black Student Union (BSU), celebrated the African American culture and encouraged all students to attend other events throughout the month.
'I want people to take away knowledge,' said Black Student Union Vice President Terrence Stewart. 'We are all here to uplift and encourage.'
Stewart said the ceremony was a representation and celebration of African-American culture is and one of the reasons why the BSU was established.
'I've been coming to the ceremonies since I was a freshman and any support for our black community is good,' Christopher Thompson, junior, business major.
Other black organizations and clubs also contributed to the event. There were speakers from: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Black Graduation Committee and Sigma Gamma Rho.
'They're interested in celebrating Black History Month, which will get me to be more interested,' said Autum Dixon, freshman, undecided major.
The clubs and organizations have several upcoming events including: an Apollo Night, Hip Hop Game, African Marketplace, Dance for Drums as well as others.
Stewart said students should look at the Black History Month calendar for more information on events. He said the calendars will be available this week.
'The event is very informal. They are telling us right away what will be going on for the rest of the month,' said Jesse Hawkins, junior, music major, who attended the event with his Pan African Studies class and their professor.
'I will probably go to a few of the events for classes and I might go to some for myself,' Hawkins said.
]]>Signifying the beginning of Black History Month students gathered on the Matador Bookstore lawn to welcome in the month filled with speakers, performances and community interaction.
]]>With the flu season still looming, students might want to take measures to prevent catching a disease and stay healthy. A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota and St. Olaf College in Minnesota suggests that a flu shot could stave off the seasonal sniffles for some college students, so regular inoculations may be just what the doctor ordered.
Researchers surveyed 12,795 students for over four years found that those who got flu shots had a 30 percent lower rate of flu-like sickness than those who didn't receive them.
The research was carried out online where the participants submitted their information, such as influenza-like illnesses (ILI). As a result, the vaccinated students missed class and work less often, used fewer antibiotics, saw the doctor less frequently and were able to keep up with their daily routine.'
Some students, however, didn't feel the need to get the vaccinations, despite the benefits.
'My cousins never got [vaccines] before and they never had the flu or chicken pox,' said CSUN junior, Shanice Howard, using her family as an example to explain why she doesn't see the need for the flu vaccinations.
Howard has never gotten the flu before but has had colds several times, suggesting the change in the weather is to blame.
Silvia Olmos, a CSUN graduate, sees importance in the flu vaccinations but has never gotten one while she was a college student. She has been to the health center a few times but not for illnesses like the flu.
'Some students have better immune systems than others,' Olmos said. 'But those that have [weaker] immune systems should get the flu shots.'
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu and the best way to prevent getting the illness is through annual vaccinations.
Health Educator Sharon Aronoff of the Klotz Student Health Center suggest that 'a flu shot can be a preventative thing.'
'We offer the flu shots here to students, faculty and staff for 15 dollars,' Aronoff said.
'Anyone who feels that they could benefit from the flu shots could get it.'
The health center will give students flu shots by appointment.
'I get sick every time the seasons change,' said freshman Osvin Suazo. Suazo admitted to being sick last semester but insists that it was not flu related. He didn't consider going to the health center.
'If I had a cold at home I'd rather not take anything and just ride it out.'
If needle shots aren't for you health professionals suggest washing your hands regularly to prevent catching and spreading the disease.
According to the CDC, just touching your nose, eyes and mouth with unclean hands could cause illness, but washing them with warm water and soap should stop this. Sleep, exercise and a balanced diet can improve our immune system to fight off sickness.
For more information on influenza or the flu vaccine, visit the CDC website www.cdc.gov/
]]>With the flu season still looming, students might want to take measures to prevent catching a disease and stay healthy.
]]>On Monday, parking savvy CSUN students took full advantage of a new structure that was completed two weeks ahead of schedule.
Construction of G3 began in December 2007 and was finished early due to good weather said officials.
'We were really lucky as we had few weather delays,' said manager of CSUN facilities and planning, Ken Rosenthal.
Rosenthal said last years rainfall in the area was one of the lowest on record.
Special assistant to the Chief of CSUN Police, Christina Villalobos, said G3 will provide students with more parking options.
'It used to be a surface lot that had considerably less spaces,' said Villalobos.
The transformation from surface lot to super structure cost $17.5 million and has almost 2000 spaces allocated to students.
CSUN student Ben Boyd had monitored the progress of G3's construction and was eager to park in the new lot.
'Parking on this side of campus is much easier now G3 is open,' said Boyd, who normally parks on the street.
'My friends still park on the other side of campus but they are generally late to class as it is always chaos,' he said.
Rachel Sharoni says she decided to try parking in G3 after she received an email from CSUN Parking services.
'It's closer to my Monday and Wednesday classes,' said Sharoni, who used to park in B3.'Today I am thrilled that I will be getting to class on time,' she said.
Fernando Maduro did not receive an email or witness the structures construction.
He discovered G3 by accident as he was searching for a parking spot.
'Now I will have a shorter walk to class and not have to deal with the other crowded lots,' said Maduro.
G3 is located on the corner of Zelzah Avenue and Dearborn Street.
]]>On Monday, parking savvy CSUN students took full advantage of a new structure that was completed two weeks ahead of schedule.
]]>'They have good techno songs.'
Mary Khamisian,
Business Freshman
I am a sophom*ore at Cal State University of Northridge. I was reading the Daily Sundial Feb. 2, 2009 edition in the opinion section and I came across an interesting article by Devin Brown: Education should be CSUN's priority, not the Games Room. After reading the article, I understood that her argument was for the greater good of professionalism. However, I am one of the many students who do sometimes get overwhelmed by school, and occasionally need a break. I argue that it is more convenient for a student to go to the Games Room and relax, play games and enjoy themselves rather than the alternatives: Drink because they feel 'stressed', smoke marijuana to try and relax, or just to give up.
Once in awhile I get so overworked by school I feel I deserve a break. I love games by the way, what better way to relax than by going to the Games Room? Although the new improvements for the Games Room are a little expensive, and so are our new dorms, I commute and yet my tuition dollars are going towards a dorm that I will never visit. Games are things that I enjoy, a stress reliever, and cheaper than the dorms. I prefer to have somewhere to go when I feel overwhelmed with school so that I can get back on track and enjoy being a Matador. Moreover, I understand that CSUN's priorities are a little outdated however I see the Games Room as no real threat to CSUN financially. I believe there are bigger threats. For instance, the dorms which most students can't afford but all are paying for it through our tuition fees. Also, the parking lot, that is far too expensive, we are paying for it out of our tuition, why can't there be free parking? My point is that there are bigger financial issues, and I believe that the Games Room is not one of them.
'
Respectfully,
Brittania Hurst
sophom*ore
am a sophom*ore at Cal State University of Northridge. I was reading the Daily Sundial Feb. 2, 2009 edition in the opinion section and I came across an interesting article by Devin Brown: Education should be CSUN's priority, not the Games Room.
]]>While our commander in chief adjusts to life in the White House, it has come to my attention that President Barack Obama seems to be resurrecting some of the last democratic administration's most notable men and women.' '
Since the announcement of Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff, who held the same position during the Clinton administration, people have speculated whether there will be another Clinton in the Oval Office.
Ladies and gentlemen the speculation is correct.
Thirty-one of the 47 staff members Obama has appointed into his camp have had ties to the Clinton administration.
A few of these individuals include Eric Holder as attorney general and Hilary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state.
But who could blame him? If Obama wants to get advice from former Democrats with White House experience then what better example than former members of the Clinton era.
There's no law stating a president can't appoint another president's former aides. Besides, Clinton isn't the only person Obama has been selecting from.
I recall during the election, Obama made the phrase 'Yes We Can' synonymous with his campaign. I believe it was Cesar Chavez who coined that phrase translated in Spanish as 'Si Se Puede.'
Then there was the time Obama used the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream' speech.
More recently he quoted part of a poem from the notable civil rights poet Langston Hughes, '...More families will lose their savings. More dreams will be deferred.'
We're starting to see a pattern here.
Don't get me wrong. Obama has delivered several notable speeches at which time I might add oozed plenty of originality.
This may come as a shock to some who witnessed during the campaign Obama's inner circle was made up of people who had never joined the Clinton club.
If you look back at the members of Obama's team during the campaign, you will find David Plouffe, as his campaign manager who worked for the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Clinton administration. Also, David Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, a veteran of Chicago politics, worked for a succession of Chicago mayors in the 1990s.
Obama's campaign team and Clinton's cabinet were complete opposites'mdash;until Obama got into office.
Some media outlets have reported he doesn't know what he's doing and that's why he has gravitated towards one of the last Democratic administrations.
Although, Clinton was in office for two terms, he lacked the resources Obama has, and some have speculated that's why Clinton's administration had its missteps.
I believe Obama has made some smart choices overall. He has ordered the Central Intelligence Agency to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp within a year. He ordered a freeze on salary increases for about 100 White House staffers, and limited lobbying efforts regarding staffers and lobbyists.
Recently, he committed to his goal of ordering reviews that could lead to stricter auto emission standards in states and high pressure on automakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars.
With each passing day it seems Obama has been making progress.' Despite the resemblance between his choices for aides to the Clinton administration, the American people have surely embraced him as their new president.
]]>While our commander in chief adjusts to life in the White House, it has come to my attention that President Barack Obama seems to be resurrecting some of the last democratic administration's most notable men and women.' '
]]>Kobe Bryant just popped off for 61 points against the New York Knicks, Broadway is still buzzing on its latest theatrics and the Lakers are 3-0 in the midst of a team-testing six-game road trip.
From the sight and sound of it, no one would ever know there is a 7-foot, 285-pound crater under the basket by the name of Andrew Bynum, who will be sidelined somewhere around eight to 12 weeks because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Because the hoopla was around Bryant and his record for most points ever scored at the iconic Madison Square Garden, the extent of Bynum's injury was second-tier news and flew right under the dropped jaws of Lakerville.'
As life without 'Drew again becomes a reality, 12 weeks from now would mean the playoffs have already started, the morose scenario the Lakers dealt with at the same time last year, against the same team (the Memphis Grizzlies).
Although the extent of the injury is substantially less, returning to top form against the elite big men of the league will be a tall task for Bynum as he returns to game speed right in the middle of the postseason. He's facing the exact diagnosis from last year as a couple of months can certainly turn into the rest of the year.
All of a sudden, the Lake show is vincible.
'It's better news than I expected to hear because of the shot that I took,' the 21 year-old said after he learned about the test results. 'This should definitely be different just because the injury isn't the same.'
His coach and teammates offered a somber tone of disappointment after they found out doctors prescribed a non-surgical recovery, only to follow it up with self-assuring remarks about their confidence and capabilities.
'Without Andrew in the lineup, of course we still feel really confident,' said forward Lamar Odom, who has about as much confidence as Bynum has range beyond the three-point line. 'We still feel very confident of our ability to play at a high level. It's too bad we have to do it without him, because we love having him around.'
Might as well have said, 'Thanks Drew for being the team's third-leading scorer, second-leading rebounder and top shot blocker. See you in the Whirlpool. It was great that you developed into the physical and intimidating monster that we thought you were, but Josh Powell and Chris Mihm will suffice. You actually even make Phil Jackson's job easier because he won't have to sub you out during crucial moments in a game.'
The team leader, Bryant, also seemed unfazed when he spoke to the New York media.
'There are teams that lost in the Finals that go back and win the next year,' said Bryant. 'I think having Andrew in the lineup makes us a very dominant team. (With) him out of the lineup, we're still a great team. You put him in the mix and it takes us to another level.'
Indeed. Metaphorically speaking, he does take them to another level - the championship level - the same level the Lakers did not reach last year as Bynum recovered from a left knee injury and won't again this year if he does not come back healthy.'
This season, Bynum recovered strongly from last year's injury while making a case for Most Improved honors and was deemed the winning wild card for the championship contending Lakers. He went on a Shaq-like tear before he was injured last Saturday, averaging 26.2 points, 13.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks during a five-game stretch of double-doubles, including a breakout 42-point game against the Clippers.
Bryant and Gasol, the newly-anointed 'center,' alleviated the Lakers' pain Monday night by scoring 30 of the first 31 points in the first quarter and 92 of 126 overall, accounting for 73 percent of the offense. But that's a one-time deal.
With the hopes of Gasol and Bynum developing into the second coming of the NBA's Twin Towers as the San Antonio Spurs did with Tim Duncan and David Robinson on hold for a couple months, the Lakers helm at the top spot will certainly be challenged by the pesky Spurs, and only the Spurs as the Western Conference has seen a severe drop off in championship-caliber teams.'
The Lakers have three more games left to play on the road trip, tonight in Toronto, and the final two being against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers - the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.
With Bynum, the Lakers beat both teams earlier this seasa on at Staples Center. The next two games will be the measuring stick for the rest of the year. Can the Lakers yet again play without Bynum, who is undoubtedly in the winning formula in the Lakers' quest for a 15th championship - and beyond?
Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Bosh, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Ben Wallace will certainly make the Lakers miss Bynum's presence just on the conclusion of this road trip alone.
'We know we're going to miss his presence, his rebounding ability. But this is a very capable team,' Jackson said.
The phlegmatic Jackson will find out of the team's capabilities by Sunday evening's plane ride back home following a game against LeBron James and the Cavs, a team that's 22-0 at home.
]]>Kobe Bryant just popped off for 61 points against the New York Knicks, Broadway is still buzzing on its latest theatrics and the Lakers are 3-0 in the midst of a team-testing six-game road trip. From the sight and sound of it, no one would ever know there is a 7-foot, 285-pound crater under the basket by the name of Andrew Bynum, who will be sidelined somewhere around eight to 12 weeks because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
]]>With the stress of school and work, many CSUN students are looking for a new place to relax and enjoy what little free time they have with their friends.' Busby's West in Santa Monica is the perfect venue to do that.' With its laid back vibe, excellent music and convenient location, this sports bar is sure to attract nearly every type of CSUN student.
Worried about parking in Los Angeles because it can be such a hassle? Busby's provides valet parking for its customers.
For those worried about driving their car, Busby's offers a great alternative.' A free'mdash;yes, free'mdash;Hummer stretch limousine stops by in Westwood Village every ten minutes Tuesday and Thursday nights to provide students with rides to the bar.' Service is excellent, punctual and even offers complimentary bottles of champagne.
For those of us who love to hang out, have a drink and watch a game after a tiresome week, the two full bars and multiple flat-screen televisions at Busby's might just do the trick.' Whether you're with a friend or out with a group, watching the game or grabbing drinks here is not a problem'mdash;there are plenty of cushioned bar stools, large tables and booths, and comfy couches, all of which offer a great view of the TVs with easy access to the bar.'
Too wrapped up in the game or too tired to get up and order a drink?' Let one of Busby's servers bring it over since Busby's staff is nothing but friendly.
This is not to say Busby's only offers entertainment for lazy sports fans'mdash;avid partiers will also find this venue enjoyable.' Past the main entrance and attached to the bar area is a large dance floor with a DJ who keeps customers moving to his variety of beats and mixes all night long.
If you think this place is starting to sound like most other bars or clubs you've been to, think again.' Past the dance floor and near the second bar is a game room equipped with two billiards tables, dartboards, and yes'mdash;even arcade games. Micrososoft XBOX 360 is also available on every flatscreen.' If you're tired of dancing, want a change of scenery or want to play a friendly game of skeeball, you don't need to look any further.
After working up a sweat from dancing and playing ping-pong,' step outside to the Busby's patio where large, open windows provide fresh air.' This patio is a great place to meet new people and have conversations without having to yell over loud music.
Given the poor economy and the fact that most of us are starving college students, a major concern for many students is the amount of money they'll have to spend, either on cover charges, expensive drinks, or parking.' In addition to its great environment, Busby's is a great choice for CSUN students facing this dilemma.' It doesn't have a cover charge and mixed drinks and beers are reasonably priced, especially given the bar's location.
Busby's West in Santa Monica may seem far for some of us, but it's definitely worth checking out.
Hours:
Monday through Friday:
11:00 a.m. '- 2:00 a.m.
Saturday 'amp; Sunday:
9:00 a.m. '- 2:00 a.m.
Location:
3110 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90025
With the stress of school and work, many CSUN students are looking for a new place to relax and enjoy what little free time they have with their friends.' Busby's West in Santa Monica is the perfect venue to do that.' With its laid back vibe, excellent music and convenient location, this sports bar is sure to attract nearly every type of CSUN student.
Worried about parking in Los Angeles because it can be such a hassle? Busby's provides valet parking for its customers.
With the stress of school and work, many CSUN students are looking for a new place to relax and enjoy what little free time they have with their friends.' Busby's West in Santa Monica is the perfect venue to do that.' With its laid back vibe, excellent music and convenient location, this sports bar is sure to attract nearly every type of CSUN student.
Worried about parking in Los Angeles because it can be such a hassle? Busby's provides valet parking for its customers.
For those worried about driving their car, Busby's offers a great alternative.' A free'mdash;yes, free'mdash;Hummer stretch limousine stops by in Westwood Village every ten minutes Tuesday and Thursday nights to provide students with rides to the bar.' Service is excellent, punctual and even offers complimentary bottles of champagne.
For those of us who love to hang out, have a drink and watch a game after a tiresome week, the two full bars and multiple flat-screen televisions at Busby's might just do the trick.' Whether you're with a friend or out with a group, watching the game or grabbing drinks here is not a problem'mdash;there are plenty of cushioned bar stools, large tables and booths, and comfy couches, all of which offer a great view of the TVs with easy access to the bar.'
Too wrapped up in the game or too tired to get up and order a drink?' Let one of Busby's servers bring it over since Busby's staff is nothing but friendly.
This is not to say Busby's only offers entertainment for lazy sports fans'mdash;avid partiers will also find this venue enjoyable.' Past the main entrance and attached to the bar area is a large dance floor with a DJ who keeps customers moving to his variety of beats and mixes all night long.
If you think this place is starting to sound like most other bars or clubs you've been to, think again.' Past the dance floor and near the second bar is a game room equipped with two billiards tables, dartboards, and yes'mdash;even arcade games. Micrososoft XBOX 360 is also available on every flatscreen.' If you're tired of dancing, want a change of scenery or want to play a friendly game of skeeball, you don't need to look any further.
After working up a sweat from dancing and playing ping-pong,' step outside to the Busby's patio where large, open windows provide fresh air.' This patio is a great place to meet new people and have conversations without having to yell over loud music.
Given the poor economy and the fact that most of us are starving college students, a major concern for many students is the amount of money they'll have to spend, either on cover charges, expensive drinks, or parking.' In addition to its great environment, Busby's is a great choice for CSUN students facing this dilemma.' It doesn't have a cover charge and mixed drinks and beers are reasonably priced, especially given the bar's location.
Busby's West in Santa Monica may seem far for some of us, but it's definitely worth checking out.
Hours:
Monday through Friday:
11:00 a.m. '- 2:00 a.m.
Saturday 'amp; Sunday:
9:00 a.m. '- 2:00 a.m.
Location:
3110 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90025
With the stress of school and work, many CSUN students are looking for a new place to relax and enjoy what little free time they have with their friends.' Busby's West in Santa Monica is the perfect venue to do that.
]]>Kobe Bryant just popped off for 61 points against the New York Knicks, Broadway is still buzzing on its latest theatrics and the Lakers are 3-0 in the midst of a team-testing six-game road trip.
From the sight and sound of it, no one would ever know there is a 7-foot, 285-pound crater under the basket by the name of Andrew Bynum, who will be sidelined somewhere around eight to 12 weeks because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Because the hoopla was around Bryant and his record for most points ever scored at the iconic Madison Square Garden, the extent of Bynum's injury was second-tier news and flew right under the dropped jaws of Lakerville.'
As life without 'Drew again becomes a reality, 12 weeks from now would mean the playoffs have already started, the morose scenario the Lakers dealt with at the same time last year, against the same team (the Memphis Grizzlies).
Although the extent of the injury is substantially less, returning to top form against the elite big men of the league will be a tall task for Bynum as he returns to game speed right in the middle of the postseason. He's facing the exact diagnosis from last year as a couple of months can certainly turn into the rest of the year.
All of a sudden, the Lake show is vincible.
'It's better news than I expected to hear because of the shot that I took,' the 21 year-old said after he learned about the test results. 'This should definitely be different just because the injury isn't the same.'
His coach and teammates offered a somber tone of disappointment after they found out doctors prescribed a non-surgical recovery, only to follow it up with self-assuring remarks about their confidence and capabilities.
'Without Andrew in the lineup, of course we still feel really confident,' said forward Lamar Odom, who has about as much confidence as Bynum has range beyond the three-point line. 'We still feel very confident of our ability to play at a high level. It's too bad we have to do it without him, because we love having him around.'
Might as well have said, 'Thanks Drew for being the team's third-leading scorer, second-leading rebounder and top shot blocker. See you in the Whirlpool. It was great that you developed into the physical and intimidating monster that we thought you were, but Josh Powell and Chris Mihm will suffice. You actually even make Phil Jackson's job easier because he won't have to sub you out during crucial moments in a game.'
The team leader, Bryant, also seemed unfazed when he spoke to the New York media.
'There are teams that lost in the Finals that go back and win the next year,' said Bryant. 'I think having Andrew in the lineup makes us a very dominant team. (With) him out of the lineup, we're still a great team. You put him in the mix and it takes us to another level.'
Indeed. Metaphorically speaking, he does take them to another level - the championship level - the same level the Lakers did not reach last year as Bynum recovered from a left knee injury and won't again this year if he does not come back healthy.'
This season, Bynum recovered strongly from last year's injury while making a case for Most Improved honors and was deemed the winning wild card for the championship contending Lakers. He went on a Shaq-like tear before he was injured last Saturday, averaging 26.2 points, 13.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks during a five-game stretch of double-doubles, including a breakout 42-point game against the Clippers.
Bryant and Gasol, the newly-anointed 'center,' alleviated the Lakers' pain Monday night by scoring 30 of the first 31 points in the first quarter and 92 of 126 overall, accounting for 73 percent of the offense. But that's a one-time deal.
With the hopes of Gasol and Bynum developing into the second coming of the NBA's Twin Towers as the San Antonio Spurs did with Tim Duncan and David Robinson on hold for a couple months, the Lakers helm at the top spot will certainly be challenged by the pesky Spurs, and only the Spurs as the Western Conference has seen a severe drop off in championship-caliber teams.'
The Lakers have three more games left to play on the road trip, tonight in Toronto, and the final two being against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers - the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.
With Bynum, the Lakers beat both teams earlier this seasa on at Staples Center. The next two games will be the measuring stick for the rest of the year. Can the Lakers yet again play without Bynum, who is undoubtedly in the winning formula in the Lakers' quest for a 15th championship - and beyond?
Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Bosh, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Ben Wallace will certainly make the Lakers miss Bynum's presence just on the conclusion of this road trip alone.
'We know we're going to miss his presence, his rebounding ability. But this is a very capable team,' Jackson said.
The phlegmatic Jackson will find out of the team's capabilities by Sunday evening's plane ride back home following a game against LeBron James and the Cavs, a team that's 22-0 at home.
]]>Kobe Bryant just popped off for 61 points against the New York Knicks, Broadway is still buzzing on its latest theatrics and the Lakers are 3-0 in the midst of a team-testing six-game road trip.
]]>Class: Junior' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Height: 6-8
Position: Forward (basketball)' ' ' Weight: 225 lbs.
Major: Kinesiology
Averages: 10.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Full name: Willam Dennis Galick
Date of birth: April 18, 1987
Place of birth: Nanaimo, B.C., Canada
Nickname: 'Big Willie'
FAVORITES:
- My favorite food: Pasta
- My favorite band: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
- My favorite movie: 'Above the Rim'
- My favorite actor: Tupac
LIFE:
- Greatest difficulty: 'Being away from my parents and
family (They're all in Canada).
- Greatest goal accomplished: 'Making it through college
without failing a class.'
- Most embarrassing moment: 'That's a tough one 'hellip;' I'll
get back to you on that one.'
- One of my mottos: 'The harder I work, the luckier I get.'
BASKETBALL:
- Best part of my game: 'My endurance 'hellip; being able to
stay on the court without having to be subbed out.'
- Part of my game that needs improvement: Staying out of foul trouble.
- Best player I've played against so far: '(Former Bulldog and present Charlotte Bobcat) Adam Morrison 'hellip; I fouled out in six minutes.'
NBA:
- Favorite NBA player: 'Don't really have one, but I'll say
'hellip; LeBron James (Cavaliers).'
- Favorite NBA team: 'The Vancouver Grizzles,' which
became the 'Memphis' Grizzles in 2001.
-' My pick for 2009 NBA Champions: The Boston Celtics.
AND...
- Where I played before CSUN: Pepperdine University.
- What I want to do after college: 'To be a personal trainer and own my own gym.'
- I admire: 'Every student athlete. Because I know what
they're going through. Anybody that can get a degree while dealing with sports, I just have to look up to them and say,
'wow, that's fantastic.''
Get to know a little bit more about basketball player Willie Galick!
]]>While our commander in chief adjusts to life in the White House, it has come to my attention that President Barack Obama seems to be resurrecting some of the last democratic administration's most notable men and women.' '
Since the announcement of Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff, who held the same position during the Clinton administration, people have speculated whether there will be another Clinton in the Oval Office.
Ladies and gentlemen the speculation is correct.
Thirty-one of the 47 staff members Obama has appointed into his camp have had ties to the Clinton administration.
A few of these individuals include Eric Holder as attorney general and Hilary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state.
But who could blame him? If Obama wants to get advice from former Democrats with White House experience then what better example than former members of the Clinton era.
There's no law stating a president can't appoint another president's former aides. Besides, Clinton isn't the only person Obama has been selecting from.
I recall during the election, Obama made the phrase 'Yes We Can' synonymous with his campaign. I believe it was Cesar Chavez who coined that phrase translated in Spanish as 'Si Se Puede.'
Then there was the time Obama used the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream' speech.
More recently he quoted part of a poem from the notable civil rights poet Langston Hughes, '...More families will lose their savings. More dreams will be deferred.'
We're starting to see a pattern here.
Don't get me wrong. Obama has delivered several notable speeches at which time I might add oozed plenty of originality.
This may come as a shock to some who witnessed during the campaign Obama's inner circle was made up of people who had never joined the Clinton club.
If you look back at the members of Obama's team during the campaign, you will find David Plouffe, as his campaign manager who worked for the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Clinton administration. Also, David Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, a veteran of Chicago politics, worked for a succession of Chicago mayors in the 1990s.
Obama's campaign team and Clinton's cabinet were complete opposites'mdash;until Obama got into office.
Some media outlets have reported he doesn't know what he's doing and that's why he has gravitated towards one of the last Democratic administrations.
Although, Clinton was in office for two terms, he lacked the resources Obama has, and some have speculated that's why Clinton's administration had its missteps.
I believe Obama has made some smart choices overall. He has ordered the Central Intelligence Agency to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp within a year. He ordered a freeze on salary increases for about 100 White House staffers, and limited lobbying efforts regarding staffers and lobbyists.
Recently, he committed to his goal of ordering reviews that could lead to stricter auto emission standards in states and high pressure on automakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars.
With each passing day it seems Obama has been making progress.' Despite the resemblance between his choices for aides to the Clinton administration, the American people have surely embraced him as their new president.
]]>While our commander in chief adjusts to life in the White House, it has come to my attention that President Barack Obama seems to be resurrecting some of the last democratic administration's most notable men and women.' '
]]>I am a sophom*ore at Cal State University of Northridge. I was reading the Daily Sundial Feb. 2, 2009 edition in the opinion section and I came across an interesting article by Devin Brown: Education should be CSUN's priority, not the Games Room. After reading the article, I understood that her argument was for the greater good of professionalism. However, I am one of the many students who do sometimes get overwhelmed by school, and occasionally need a break. I argue that it is more convenient for a student to go to the Games Room and relax, play games and enjoy themselves rather than the alternatives: Drink because they feel 'stressed', smoke marijuana to try and relax, or just to give up.
Once in awhile I get so overworked by school I feel I deserve a break. I love games by the way, what better way to relax than by going to the Games Room? Although the new improvements for the Games Room are a little expensive, and so are our new dorms, I commute and yet my tuition dollars are going towards a dorm that I will never visit. Games are things that I enjoy, a stress reliever, and cheaper than the dorms. I prefer to have somewhere to go when I feel overwhelmed with school so that I can get back on track and enjoy being a Matador. Moreover, I understand that CSUN's priorities are a little outdated however I see the Games Room as no real threat to CSUN financially. I believe there are bigger threats. For instance, the dorms which most students can't afford but all are paying for it through our tuition fees. Also, the parking lot, that is far too expensive, we are paying for it out of our tuition, why can't there be free parking? My point is that there are bigger financial issues, and I believe that the Games Room is not one of them.
'
Respectfully,
Brittania Hurst
sophom*ore
I am a sophom*ore at Cal State University of Northridge. I was reading the Daily Sundial Feb. 2, 2009 edition in the opinion section and I came across an interesting article by Devin Brown: Education should be CSUN's priority, not the Games Room.
]]>While our commander in chief adjusts to life in the White House, it has come to my attention that President Barack Obama seems to be resurrecting some of the last democratic administration's most notable men and women.' '
Since the announcement of Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff, who held the same position during the Clinton administration, people have speculated whether there will be another Clinton in the Oval Office.
Ladies and gentlemen the speculation is correct.
Thirty-one of the 47 staff members Obama has appointed into his camp have had ties to the Clinton administration.
A few of these individuals include Eric Holder as attorney general and Hilary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state.
But who could blame him? If Obama wants to get advice from former Democrats with White House experience then what better example than former members of the Clinton era.
There's no law stating a president can't appoint another president's former aides. Besides, Clinton isn't the only person Obama has been selecting from.
I recall during the election, Obama made the phrase 'Yes We Can' synonymous with his campaign. I believe it was Cesar Chavez who coined that phrase translated in Spanish as 'Si Se Puede.'
Then there was the time Obama used the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream' speech.
More recently he quoted part of a poem from the notable civil rights poet Langston Hughes, '...More families will lose their savings. More dreams will be deferred.'
We're starting to see a pattern here.
Don't get me wrong. Obama has delivered several notable speeches at which time I might add oozed plenty of originality.
This may come as a shock to some who witnessed during the campaign Obama's inner circle was made up of people who had never joined the Clinton club.
If you look back at the members of Obama's team during the campaign, you will find David Plouffe, as his campaign manager who worked for the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Clinton administration. Also, David Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, a veteran of Chicago politics, worked for a succession of Chicago mayors in the 1990s.
Obama's campaign team and Clinton's cabinet were complete opposites'mdash;until Obama got into office.
Some media outlets have reported he doesn't know what he's doing and that's why he has gravitated towards one of the last Democratic administrations.
Although, Clinton was in office for two terms, he lacked the resources Obama has, and some have speculated that's why Clinton's administration had its missteps.
I believe Obama has made some smart choices overall. He has ordered the Central Intelligence Agency to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp within a year. He ordered a freeze on salary increases for about 100 White House staffers, and limited lobbying efforts regarding staffers and lobbyists.
Recently, he committed to his goal of ordering reviews that could lead to stricter auto emission standards in states and high pressure on automakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars.
With each passing day it seems Obama has been making progress.' Despite the resemblance between his choices for aides to the Clinton administration, the American people have surely embraced him as their new president.
While our commander in chief adjusts to life in the White House, it has come to my attention that President Barack Obama seems to be resurrecting some of the last democratic administration's most notable men and women.' '
]]>I am a sophom*ore at Cal State University of Northridge. I was reading the Daily Sundial Feb. 2, 2009 edition in the opinion section and I came across an interesting article by Devin Brown: Education should be CSUN's priority, not the Games Room. After reading the article, I understood that her argument was for the greater good of professionalism. However, I am one of the many students who do sometimes get overwhelmed by school, and occasionally need a break. I argue that it is more convenient for a student to go to the Games Room and relax, play games and enjoy themselves rather than the alternatives: Drink because they feel 'stressed', smoke marijuana to try and relax, or just to give up.
Once in awhile I get so overworked by school I feel I deserve a break. I love games by the way, what better way to relax than by going to the Games Room? Although the new improvements for the Games Room are a little expensive, and so are our new dorms, I commute and yet my tuition dollars are going towards a dorm that I will never visit. Games are things that I enjoy, a stress reliever, and cheaper than the dorms. I prefer to have somewhere to go when I feel overwhelmed with school so that I can get back on track and enjoy being a Matador. Moreover, I understand that CSUN's priorities are a little outdated however I see the Games Room as no real threat to CSUN financially. I believe there are bigger threats. For instance, the dorms which most students can't afford but all are paying for it through our tuition fees. Also, the parking lot, that is far too expensive, we are paying for it out of our tuition, why can't there be free parking? My point is that there are bigger financial issues, and I believe that the Games Room is not one of them.
'
Respectfully,
Brittania Hurst
sophom*ore
Three weeks into the semester the Associated Student's (AS) funds for clubs and organizations are at their lowest in 10-years according to officials. While the specific amount isn't certain senators estimated during the meeting the deficit is about $20,000.
However that number should change by next week said Conor Landsdale a Lower Division I senator, once the campus knows for certain how many students will be enrolled this semester.
'Because of impaction and Cal Grants being delayed or cancelled there was a drop in enrollment which means they're not paying the A.S. fees,' Lansdale said.
'Those students are scrambling to to pay their tuition by getting student loans or by other means which means we're going to see enrollment go up and the budget going up but we won't know until next week.'
Andrew Collard, Senate and Representative of the Finance Committee, stated that the clubs and organizations that have had their annual budget assigned to them in the fall will not get more, although they can still ask for supplemental help.'
Lansdale added that these clubs had used up their annual budget in the fall which is why their asking for supplemental funding for the spring.
'If they have gotten a lot of help already we will turn them away, for those clubs that have gotten $10,000 or more,' said Collard.
$112,640 is left in reserves and has yet to be allocated. If A.S. is still in the red that money will be removed from the left over money that has not been assigned, said Landsdale.
So far 150 clubs and organizations attended the annual budget hearing leaving those who haven't with a possibility of asking for money later in the semester, especially as graduation nears said Collard.
'This is all because Schwarzenegger hasn't signed off on a budget,' Lansdale said. 'He doesn't even know where the money for next year is going to come.'
For those clubs that did not attend the annual budget meeting chances of being granted aid is still a possibility, depending on the amount of money that has already been asked for.
A unanimously vote was reached on the suspension of the Standing Rules on Conflict of Interest which state that, 'no Associated Students Senator may be employed in any area of the Associated Students.'
This vote to suspend the rule would allow four current A.S. administrators', two of which work for intramurals, to work for A.S. and serve on the board.
According to Collard this suspension would allow students to keep their jobs and maintain their roles as A.S. senators.
'It would be unfair for them to lose their jobs,' Collard said.
'They know to abstain automatically,' said Lansdale referring to the administrators who work are in a conflict of interest. 'They won't use it to their benefit.'
'That's were hopefully you have good senators who will censor those senators for participating in budget meetings, if not that is where advisors will step in.'
]]>Three weeks into the semester the Associated Student's (AS) funds for clubs and organizations are at their lowest in 10-years according to officials. While the specific amount isn't certain senators estimated during the meeting the deficit is about $20,000.
]]>Palestinian students were set to hold a protest against the Israeli government yesterday until around 40 students for Israel gathered in a counter protest.' The Palestinian students decided to not to hold the protest after discovering they were outnumbered, but the Israeli rally continued with chants of 'no mas Hamas' and 'we want peace, we don't want war.'
Political science major Julia Pitt, sophom*ore, said in an e-mail sent to the Daily Sundial that the Palestinian protest was rescheduled to a later date because there was concern of whether or not they had enough people to make an impact.
The protest comes in the wake of a conflict between Palestinians and Israelis when Israel launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip Dec. 27. Israel's stated goal was to stop Hamas rocket attacks on southern Israel and included the targeting of Hamas' members and infrastructure.
'The people of Israel would like to live in peace, we suffer from attacks daily,' said Rabbi Chaim Brooke.
Pitt believes that CSUN is pro-Israel ever since a pro-Palistine speaker was nearly sent away due to protests from Students for Israel.
'He was eventually allowed to speak here, but Students for Israel still weren't happy, and since then they've been playing the victim card,' said Pitt.
Julie Sager, member of the Zionist Organization of America, said the war is not against Palestine but is against Hamas which hides in public areas such as schools and hospitals.'
Finance and marketing major Liran Machlouf said that Hamas only agreed to cease-fire to gain time to rearm.'
'In that past 24 hours, more than a dozen rockets have fallen on Israel that were fired from Gaza,' said Sager.'
Pitt said, 'I feel as if they feel threatened by the truth, and that's why they get so defensive about this issue. Any mention of the Israel-Palestine conflict will send them into a fit, because they know they can't defend what Israel is doing using any type of ethical or logical standards.'
In regards to yesterday's rally, Pitt said, 'If they can make Hamas, or all Palestinian people in general, look like uncivil savages, they can make the case for a 'just war' or 'just occupation' by saying that western Israel is 'modernizing' them by occupying their lands. This is often the message the pro-Israel crowd uses and it was very prevalent in their rally.'
Jonathon Mann, senior, said the point of the rally was not only to represent the side of Israel, but also to speak on the behalf of silenced Palestinians.'
'We want Hamas to stop ruling people by fear,' said Machlouf.' 'We don't hate Palestinians.' We support them and we want them to be freed from Hamas.'
]]>Palestinian students were set to hold a protest against the Israeli government yesterday until around 40 students for Israel gathered in a counter protest.' The Palestinian students decided to not to hold the protest after discovering they were outnumbered, but the Israeli rally continued with chants of 'no mas Hamas' and 'we want peace, we don't want war.'
]]>As of last month, the basem*nt of the Fitness Centre is no longer empty. It is the new home of the Games Room on campus with its orange, blue and green walls, five new pool tables, console games (X-Box 360 and Wii), two tennis tables, eight coin-operated video games and a lounge area with a projector screen.'
The five new pool tables cost $9,000 and the console gaming $5,000, but there was no extra charge for the renovation of the basem*nt because it was done by the in-house maintenance team, according to Commercial Services Manger Jeremy Hamlett.
All students pay student union fees. Those funds can only be spent on Student Union programs and projects and not on academic programs, said Debra Hammond, Executive director of University Student Union.
'There's definitely student involvement in the decision making process,' said Hammond. The special project was voted on by the Facilities and Commercial Services Committee, which is comprised of students, and then it was approved by the Board of Directors, Hammond said.
We want to provide convenient services that students desire. Any program that deepens a student's connection to the institution helps them graduate, said Hammond.
The old Games Room across from the Fitness Centre will be used to expand the computer lab where students can print up to 20 pages free of charge because the service is included in student fees.
'The expansion of the computer lab is a long-term project we hope to complete in January 2010,' said Hammond.
A $262,172 budget was created from the campus quality fees to pay for 58 new computers, new furniture, renovations and the moving company, said Jason Wang, associate executive director for USU.
'We're trying to keep up with other campuses around the nation,' said Hamlett.
'If you look across the nation almost all campuses have a games room or a game area. It's a valued service, a way to socialize and make connections. It's exactly what we wanted it to be, more energetic and vibrant.'
About 50 to 150 students use the Games Room during the day, he said. Midday is the busiest time and some evenings after closing, the Games Room gets rented out to different fraternities, clubs and organizations on campus.
'The set-up and everything looks a lot cozier than it used to be. I was surprised. Even though it's a basem*nt, it looks more inviting,' said Greg Jones, 20, biochemistry major.
'The old game room was a little dull. This one's more colorful and we have more games,' said Commercial Services Attendant Yamrot Amha, 21, environmental and occupational health major, who has been working at the Games Room for more than a year.
Throughout the semester over 100 students participate in table tennis, billiards and Texas hold'em tournaments held once a week, said Hamlett. Participation is free and the only requirement is to be a CSUN student. The top players will get a chance to participate in the championship games in April. 'We have a wall of fame and trophies for first, second and third places,' said Hamlett.
When students play for three hours, they can become Player's Club members and can play another hour for free. Students will need to get a player's card from the attendant and punch it every 30 minutes, which the attendants collect for a weekly raffle.
Commercial services assistant Aaron Sherrill said occasionally the Games Room will hold Lakers and Dodgers nights and sometimes during the games, they serve pizza or apple pie.
'I like the fact that the TV is actually working. The projector has a better set-up; more people can view the TV,' said Christian Covarrubias, 21, business administration major, who mainly visits the Games Room on Lakers nights.
'You don't have to play the games to be there. You can go there and take a nap,' said Solomon Ojo, 24, cellular biology major, who started using the Games Room this semester.'
'The biggest benefit was to utilize the [vacant] room and to have an inviting and engaging area for the students. And I think we've created a spot that when students find it, they're going to make their own,' said Hamlett.
]]>As of last month, the basem*nt of the Fitness Centre is no longer empty. It is the new home of the Games Room on campus with its orange, blue and green walls, five new pool tables, console games (X-Box 360 and Wii), two tennis tables, eight coin-operated video games and a lounge area with a projector screen.
]]>Three weeks into the semester the Associated Student's (AS) funds for clubs and organizations are at their lowest in 10-years according to officials. While the specific amount isn't certain senators estimated during the meeting the deficit is about $20,000.
However that number should change by next week said Conor Landsdale a Lower Division I senator, once the campus knows for certain how many students will be enrolled this semester.
'Because of impaction and Cal Grants being delayed or cancelled there was a drop in enrollment which means they're not paying the A.S. fees,' Lansdale said.
'Those students are scrambling to to pay their tuition by getting student loans or other means which means we're going to see enrollment go up and the budget going up but we won't know until next week.'
Andrew Collard, Senate and Representative of the Finance Committee, stated that the clubs and organizations that have had their annual budget assigned to them in the fall will not get more, although they can still ask for supplemental help.'
Lansdale added that these clubs had used up their annual budget in the fall which is why their asking for supplemental funding for the spring.
'If they have gotten a lot of help already we will turn them away, for those clubs that have gotten $10,000 or more,' said Collard.
$112,640 is left in reserves and has yet to be allocated. If A.S. is still in the red that money will be removed from the left over money that has not been assigned, said Landsdale.
So far 150 clubs and organizations attended the annual budget hearing leaving those who haven't with a possibility of asking for money later in the semester, especially as graduation nears said Collard.
'This is all because Schwarzenegger hasn't signed off on a budget,' Lansdale said. 'He doesn't even know where the money for next year is going to come.'
For those clubs that did not attend the annual budget meeting chances of being granted aid is still a possibility, depending on the amount of money that has already been asked for.
A unanimously vote was reached on the suspension of the Standing Rules on Conflict of Interest which state that, 'no Associated Students Senator may be employed in any area of the Associated Students.'
This vote to suspend the rule would allow four current A.S. administrators', two of which work for intramurals, to work for A.S. and serve on the board.
According to Collard this suspension would allow students to keep their jobs and maintain their roles as A.S. senators.
'It would be unfair for them to lose their jobs,' Collard said.
'They know to abstain automatically,' said Lansdale referring to the administrators who work are in a conflict of interest. 'They won't use it to their benefit.'That's were hopefully you have good senators who will censor those senators for participating in budget meetings, if not that is where advisors will step in.'
Three weeks into the semester the Associated Student's (AS) funds for clubs and organizations are at their lowest in 10-years according to officials.
]]>Palestinian students were set to hold a protest against the Israeli government yesterday until around 40 students for Israel gathered in a counter protest.' The Palestinian students decided to not to hold the protest after discovering they were outnumbered, but the Israeli rally continued with chants of 'no mas Hamas' and 'we want peace, we don't want war.'
Political science major Julia Pitt, sophom*ore, said in an e-mail sent to the Daily Sundial that the Palestinian protest was rescheduled to a later date because there was concern of whether or not they had enough people to make an impact.'
The protest comes in the wake of' a conflict between Palestinians and Israelis when Israel launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip Dec. 27. Israel's stated goal was to stop Hamas rocket attacks on southern Israel and included the targeting of Hamas' members and infrastructure.
'The people of Israel would like to live in peace, we suffer from attacks daily,' said Rabbi Chaim Brooke.
Pitt believes that CSUN is pro-Israel ever since a pro-Palistine speaker was nearly sent away due to protests from Students for Israel.
'He was eventually allowed to speak here, but Students for Israel still weren't happy, and since then they've been playing the victim card,' said Pitt.
Julie Sager, member of the Zionist Organization of America, said the war is not against Palestine but is against Hamas which hides in public areas such as schools and hospitals.'
Finance and marketing major Liran Machlouf said that Hamas only agreed to cease-fire to gain time to rearm.'
'In that past 24 hours, more than a dozen rockets have fallen on Israel that were fired from Gaza,' said Sager.'
Pitt said, 'I feel as if they feel threatened by the truth, and that's why they get so defensive about this issue. Any mention of the Israel-Palestine conflict will send them into a fit, because they know they can't defend what Israel is doing using any type of ethical or logical standards.'
In regards to yesterday's rally, Pitt said, 'If they can make Hamas, or all Palestinian people in general, look like uncivil savages, they can make the case for a 'just war' or 'just occupation' by saying that western Israel is 'modernizing' them by occupying their lands.
This is often the message the pro-Israel crowd uses and it was very prevalent in their rally.'
Jonathon Mann, senior, said the point of the rally was not only to represent the side of Israel, but also to speak on the behalf of silenced Palestinians.'
'We want Hamas to stop ruling people by fear,' said Machlouf.' 'We don't hate Palestinians.' We support them and we want them to be freed from Hamas.'
Protest Rally from Daily Sundial on Vimeo.
Palestinian students were set to hold a protest against the Israeli government yesterday until around 40 students for Israel gathered in a counter protest.
]]>As of last month, the basem*nt of the Fitness Centre is no longer empty. It is the new home of the Games Room on campus with its orange, blue and green walls, five new pool tables, console games (X-Box 360 and Wii), two tennis tables, eight coin-operated video games and a lounge area with a projector screen.'
The five new pool tables cost $9,000 and the console gaming $5,000, but there was no extra charge for the renovation of the basem*nt because it was done by the in-house maintenance team, according to Commercial Services Manger Jeremy Hamlett.
All students pay student union fees. Those funds can only be spent on Student Union programs and projects and not on academic programs, said Debra Hammond, Executive director of University Student Union.
'There's definitely student involvement in the decision making process,' said Hammond.
The special project was voted on by the Facilities and Commercial Services Committee, which is comprised of students, and then it was approved by the Board of Directors, Hammond said.
We want to provide convenient services that students desire. Any program that deepens a student's connection to the institution helps them graduate, said Hammond.
The old Games Room across from the Fitness Centre will be used to expand the computer lab where students can print up to 20 pages free of charge because the service is included in student fees.
'The expansion of the computer lab is a long-term project we hope to complete in January 2010,' said Hammond.
A $262,172 budget was created from the campus quality fees to pay for 58 new computers, new furniture, renovations and the moving company, said Jason Wang, associate executive director for USU.
'We're trying to keep up with other campuses around the nation,' said Hamlett.
'If you look across the nation almost all campuses have a games room or a game area. It's a valued service, a way to socialize and make connections. It's exactly what we wanted it to be, more energetic and vibrant,' said Hamlett.
About 50 to 150 students use the Games Room during the day, he said. Midday is the busiest time and some evenings after closing, the Games Room gets rented out to different fraternities, clubs and organizations on campus.
'The set-up and everything looks a lot cozier than it used to be. I was surprised. Even though it's a basem*nt, it looks more inviting,' said Greg Jones, 20, biochemistry major.
'The old game room was a little dull. This one's more colorful and we have more games,' said Commercial Services Attendant Yamrot Amha, 21, environmental and occupational health major, who has been working at the Games Room for more than a year.
Throughout the semester over 100 students participate in table tennis, billiards and Texas hold'em tournaments held once a week, said Hamlett. Participation is free and the only requirement is to be a CSUN student. The top players will get a chance to participate in the championship games in April. 'We have a wall of fame and trophies for first, second and third places,' said Hamlett.
When students play for three hours, they can become Player's Club members and can play another hour for free. Students will need to get a player's card from the attendant and punch it every 30 minutes, which the attendants collect for a weekly raffle.
Commercial services assistant Aaron Sherrill said occasionally the Games Room will hold Lakers and Dodgers nights and sometimes during the games, they serve pizza or apple pie.
'I like the fact that the TV is actually working. The projector has a better set-up; more people can view the TV,' said Christian Covarrubias, 21, business administration major, who mainly visits the Games Room on Lakers nights.
'You don't have to play the games to be there. You can go there and take a nap,' said Solomon Ojo, 24, cellular biology major, who started using the Games Room this semester.' '
'The biggest benefit was to utilize the [vacant] room and to have an inviting and engaging area for the students. And I think we've created a spot that when students find it, they're going to make their own,' said Hamlett.
As of last month, the basem*nt of the Fitness Centre is no longer empty. It is the new home of the Games Room on campus.
]]>We got Pregnant by Morning with a Fat Tire. These are two things one wouldn't expect to get just by going to a restaurant for an innocent meal.
To clear the air this has nothing to do with cars or the start of a nine-month journey resulting in an infant. They are two of many drinks you can order at George's Bistro.
The Valencia restaurant serves French and Italian dishes and has an entertaining drink menu. If you commute to CSUN from the Santa Clarita Valley or want a new place to try, George's Bistro should be on your list.
The drinks are tasty and the food is great, but one downfall is Bistro's expensive prices. Good food doesn't come cheap, but if you're trying to impress a date or just want to treat yourself, the Bistro is the way to go.
While the name may be intimidating, Pregnant by Morning is delicious and worth it.' Just be careful, the drink isn't sparse on alcohol. To make sure the name doesn't become a reality, drink with caution.
The pink martini contains Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Bacardi Watermelon Rum, Peach Schnapps, De Kuyper Watermelon Pucker and a splash of Bacardi 151 and pineapple juice. I wonder if it's a boy or a girl.
The drink comes in a chilled martini glass and tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher with a kick. The warming sensation after one sip is a small indicator as to how much alcohol this house specialty has.
The sweet treat comes with a hefty cost of $10. Pregnant by Morning is pricey, but good enough to try at least once.
Other martinis include the Bikini Martini, Brigitte Bardot, Tahiti Martini and X-Rated Martini. With a full bar, beer and wine list, it would be wise to get some appetizers and drinks for a Friday or Saturday night. Eating dinner at home and going out for appetizers and drinks will save some cash without cutting back on the fun.
One great appetizer is the garlic baked brie for $10.95. Served on a white square plate the bread is topped with melted cheese and garlic. The cost might be steep, but worth breaking any diet for.
The appetizers and drinks alone are filling enough and won't cost as much, but if the stomach is growling, get ready for dinner.
The linguini turino for $15.95 is saut'eacute;ed in white wine and mildly-spiced marinara. Filled with Italian sausage, assorted peppers, onions, sun driedtomatoes, roasted garlic and shallots, this pasta swims in an Italian blend of flavors.
For something a little less spicy, order the arrostita del pepe rosso.' For $16.95, the corkscrew pasta comes with artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes. The house cream sauce consists of roasted red bell peppers and garlic. The artichoke slices balance out the strong tomato flavor.
If the price seems high, stop by on Tuesday nights for Mission ImPASTAble. It's a great deal for students because all pasta, house wine and draft beer is 50 percent off.
It's cheap on the wallet, but not on flavor.
George's Bistro offers a large menu with foods ranging from salads, soups and chicken dishes to lasagna, seafood and risotto.
Topping off a satisfying meal with dessert is a must. Who can resist Tiramisu or Cr'egrave;me Brule?
Don't fill up on too much pasta because you'll want to try the Bistro's Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding. It's light, airy and full of sweet goodness.
The bread pudding is a baked croissant drizzled with pieces of melted chocolate chips.' It's served over a cream anglaise and whiskey sauce and topped with fresh whipped cream and strawberries.
George's Bistro offers a great atmosphere to unwind while experiencing great flavors from its creative drinks to its rich pasta dishes.
George's has two locations, 1321 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica and 28261 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia. Take a break from studying and drive through Third Street or stop by Santa Clarita where appetizing meals and a full bar of fun await.
We got Pregnant by Morning with a Fat Tire. These are two things one wouldn't expect to get just by going to a restaurant for an innocent meal.
]]>A junior cinema and television arts major died Tuesday night collapsing after playing basketball at the Matadome during open gym. Diron Rivers Jr., 20, was pronounced dead on arrival at 11:12 p.m. at Northridge Hospital.
'I know he sat down and then passed out,' said Mischa Cavaye, an eyewitness who was playing basketball at the Matadome. 'The paramedics performed CPR for at least 10 minutes'hellip;it looked pretty hopeless.'
The Los Angeles County Coroners Office hasn't assigned an investigator to the case and can't confirm the cause of death.
In order to play basketball at open gym players must sign a liability form, said Charlotte Cabeza an Associated Students Recreational staff member.
'We don't know exactly why but the doctors say that his heart just stopped,' said Mercedes Burke, 32, Rivers' aunt. 'He slumped over and then passed out.'
Burke said he was diagnosed with a heart murmur at 16, but added that doctors told his mom it wouldn't contribute to his death.
'Basketball and movies were his life,' Burke said. 'He was also very good at imitating people especially our family and he loved to make fun of people he always kept us laughing.'
Demia Jones, 25, Rivers' aunt, also described him as the family 'joker' and agreed that basketball played an important role in his life.
'Basketball was his life, he lived, ate and dreamt basketball,' Jones said. 'His favorite movies were Billy Madison and Kill Bill.'
'When he wasn't in basketball shorts you could say he was a preppy dresser.'
Rivers lived on campus his first two years, but commuted to his Inglewood home at the beginning of his junior year.
He is survived by two brothers, three and 18 years old, and his parents Shantrece and Diron Rivers.
The family is accepting donations for the funeral. For further information contact (323) 899-4704.
]]>A junior cinema and television arts major died Tuesday night collapsing after playing basketball at the Matadome during open gym. Diron Rivers Jr., 20, was pronounced dead on arrival at 11:12 p.m. at Northridge Hospital.
]]>Palestinian American
January 30, 2009
First, many senior Israeli political and military leaders strongly opposed the June 19 cease-fire with Hamas, and looked for opportunities to re-establish Israel's fabled 'deterrent capability' of instilling fear into its enemies. These leaders felt Israel's deterrent capability was badly damaged as a result of their withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, and especially after the widely criticized failures in the 2006 Israeli war with Hezbollah. For this powerful group a cease-fire was at best a tactical pause before the inevitable renewal of conflict, when conditions were more favorable. Immediately following Israel's aerial assault, a New York Times article noted that Israel had been eager 'to remind its foes that it has teeth' and to erase the ghost of Lebanon that has haunted it over the past two years.
A second factor was pressure surrounding the impending elections set to take place in early February. The ruling coalition, led by Ehud Barak and Tzipi Livni, have been repeatedly criticized by the Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, the former prime minister, who is leading in the polls, for not being tough enough on Hamas and rocket-fire from Gaza. This gave the ruling coalition a strong incentive to demonstrate to the Israeli people their security credentials in order to bolster their chances against the more hawkish Likud.
Third, Hamas repeatedly said it wouldn't recognize Mahmud Abbas as president of the Palestinian Authority after his term runs out on Jan. 9. The looming political standoff on the Palestinian side threatens to boost Hamas and undermine Abbas, who had underseen closer security coordination with Israel and was congenial to Israeli demands for concessions on future peace proposals. One possible outcome of this assault is that Abbas will remain in power for a while longer, since Hamas will be unable to mobilise its supporters in order to force him to resign.
'
Supporter of Israelis and Palestinians
January 29, 2009
Enough lies! This conflict is not a result of the occupation. it is not a result of Palestinian refugees.
It is a result of the Arab world refusing to accept a Jewish state's right to exist in an Arab-Muslim neighborhood. I agree, both sides have committed injustices and both sides have legitimate claims to the land. Both peoples have the right to self-determination. But any claim that calls for the destruction of another people should be fought against by all people of conscience.
Today Israel has put a peace proposal on the table that it is [under negotiation] with Al Fatah, another Palestinian faction currently in control of the West Bank. The proposal includes dismantling of the majority of settlements, withdrawal from over 95 percent of the West Bank (the other five percent is where there are major Israeli cities/settlements), and land swaps for the remaining five percent. It also includes the division of Jerusalem, and sharing of natural resources (i.e. water). In return, Israel is asking for one thing...security.
Why would Hamas fire rockets at Israel while moderate Israelis and Palestinians are negotiating peace? The answer is that they don't want peace with Israel. They want the destruction of Israel! Even moderate Palestinians speak out against Hamas. We need to continue to encourage positive developments between moderate Israelis and Palestinians. Peace is possible if you believe in it!
'
Jarkin
January 31, 2009
This should not be an academic argument, nor should it be a military one. Let's just look at the present and future.
The one fact about the past that is rarely brought up: Palestinians never had any sovereign control over their land, ever. The idea that every inch of Israel has been 'stolen' from a stateless people is ludicrous.
Looking forward, we can see that a return to pre-1967 borders is impossible and indefensible. Israel wouldn't agree to that even in the presence of a peaceful settlement with Hamas. Why then, base a peace on a concession that will probably never happen?
Gazans can look forward to a period of great accomplishment and productivity should they hold their leaders to a more humane and rational standard. Israel is ready to reward the Palestinians with something their Arab brethren have never offered them - a home and a genuine, vigorous helping hand to build it should they ask.
Yes, the Palestinians are frustrated and yes, they have been dealing with death and destruction for too long. Let's encourage them to throw off the yoke of the real oppression that binds them - that of radicalism and hate.
The Israelis will not tolerate a terrorist state in their midst and neither will the international community.
'
Julia Pitt
January 31, 2009
This editorial is full of misinformation concerning Hamas' stance on Israel. The main idea in which this article presents is that Israel's war on Gaza was justified partially because of Hamas' supposed refusal to accept Israel's right to exist. We know this is not true. Hamas has accepted the two-state solution on the June 1967 border, a resolution which is voted on every year in the UN for 30 years and consistently voted against by the USA and Israel (in 2008, the only other nations to vote against it were Australia and some south-sea island countries whose names I can neither spell nor pronounce). Even after the recent war, Hamas leaders have still signaled their willingness to negotiate. In other words, Hamas wouldn't be attacking Israel if Israel just went along with the rest of the international community and got out of every bit of land they took in 1967.
First, many senior Israeli political and military leaders strongly opposed the June 19 cease-fire with Hamas, and looked for opportunities to re-establish Israel's fabled 'deterrent capability' of instilling fear into its enemies.
]]>CSUN administrators have implemented an existing policy in response to the State's budget cuts to the California State University (CSU) system by encouraging students who have over 140 units, more than enough to receive an undergraduate degree to graduate.
The goal is to have 1,800 full-time students graduate under this policy, said Harry Hellenbrand, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Current students who have 140 units or more will meet with department chairs of each major to discuss future enrollment.
'We're creating a way to inform people who are close to graduating and help them move on,' Hellenbrand said. 'Most (CSU's) are doing some versions of this.'
While the policy had been in place, the campus only enforces it when necessary, which was the case in 2003 through 2005, because the language allows CSUN some flexibility in its implementation.
The Provost said some students may have switched majors several times which would explain why they have so many units. However, the reasons vary from student to student and the campus would try to be 'flexible'.
While he doesn't agree with the policy Hellenbrand agrees that the implementation of the policy is necessary because of the budget cuts.
'However it's unfair that the state is taking this out on students,' Hellenbrand said.
Amber Prince, 21, who is a graduating senior, agreed with CSUN's approach to decreasing the capacity of students, but thinks it should have been taken care of before the impaction of the school occurred.
'There is no need to continue taking more classes unless it's one or two more,' said Prince. 'If they (students) want to take more classes then its best they transfer.'
Jose Bustamante, 25, CSUN alumnus feels CSUN should promote education rather than taking it away.
Bustamante graduated from CSUN with a total of 170 units and a degree in communications and Central American studies, with a minor in psychology.
Although he was well over the university's required units to graduate, he feels faculty contributed to his delay in graduating.
'There was a lack of good counselors who actually took their time,' said Bustamante.
Bustamante said the university should focus more on students rather than raising the cost of tuition. Adding, if tuition is raised then there should be more classes.
In situations such as availability of classes that cause a delay in a student graduating, department chairs will review student files on a case-by-case basis, said Hellenbrand.
Admittance for first-time students will become more competitive starting fall 2009 as CSUN prioritizes prospective student's enrollment by local residencies and high-test scores.
Because CSUN has exceeded its capacity by 1,800 students admittance will be decreased basing freshman eligibility on two tiers, according to a report written by Hellenbrand before the beginning of the semester.
The first category consists of graduates who attended high schools in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and the second category is based on high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores.
Torie Takaki, 19, a sophom*ore, agreed with the approach CSUN is taking with future freshman enrollment.
'Enrollment should be strict by not letting in so many freshmen who have to take remedial classes,' said Takaki. 'I think they need to be ready for the college level classes.'
Hellenbrand also indicated once freshman students are admitted they have until June to take the EPT and ELM test, which is another way to curb enrollment.
However, Hellenbrand said cutting enrollment will have long term effects, such as an increase in high school dropouts and a decrease in college enrollment which will in turn produce an uneducated and unqualified workforce in the future.
He blames the state for not making higher education a priority in the budget.
'It's a short term solution to a long term problem,' Hellenbrand said.
]]>CSUN administrators have implemented an existing policy in response to the State's budget cuts to the California State University (CSU) system by encouraging students who have over 140 units, more than enough to receive an undergraduate degree to graduate.
]]>Two sisters from the Philippines were the first recipients of the Family Scholarship Pilot Program for migrant workers granted by the Western Union Foundation (WUF) Jan. 26.
Carla Mae and Carmela Mae Ubalde are CSUN students who're splitting a $5,000 scholarship to aid them in continuing their college education. Carla is a junior studying nursing, while Carmela is a sophom*ore majoring in information systems.'
'It will really make a difference. When we first found out, we couldn't believe it,' said Carmela. 'I mean, you never think you're going to win something. And then, to be the first to receive this kind of scholarship, to help families who have more than one kid in college, is kind of cool.'
Most scholarships only benefit the recipient, but Western Union is making other programs that'll benefit their family.'
Their family is eligible for an English Spanish Language (ESL) training program'mdash;a component many scholarships lack, according to Judy Cara spokeswoman for WUF.'
'I'm not aware of any other scholarship programs that benefit not only the recipient but their family as well,' Cara said. 'We included ESL training to be a strong component of the scholarship because of the fact that one of the toughest barriers for migrant families is to overcome English skill barriers in order to find work.'
The Family Scholarship Program is part of Western Union's Our World, Our Family signature program, a five-year, $50 million commitment designed to provide communities with the skills, knowledge and resources essential to breaking the poverty cycle.
The Ubalde sisters were born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States in the early at different times at the beginning of the new millennium to join their parents, who like most immigrant families, came to make a better life for themselves.
Carmela was 12 years old when she came to San Fernando Valley and Carla, was 21.
Applicants for the scholarship had to meet a certain criteria for consideration. Requirements include the applicant's family to being from Guatemala or the Philippines.
They must also have community involvement in Los Angeles and plans for unitizing the scholarship.'
The Institute of International Education (IIE), an international non-profit educational exchange organization, independently runs the scholarship program.
'Although we don't accept outside financial contributions, we do appreciate people spreading the word of our cause,' said Karen de Bartolome, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Regional Center of the IIE in Denver, Colo.
IIE is an organization that is in partnership with the WUF.
IIE is an independent nonprofit organization is among the world's largest and most experienced international education and training organizations, de Bartolome. IIE has offices in 13 international locations that assist the Educational Testing Service in offering Test of English as a Foreign Language and other U.S. college admissions tests.
Some offices are U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs-supported Educational Advising Centers. They plan to expand their efforts to include the Mexican immigrants as well, said de Bartolome.
'We knew (CSUN) had good programs and that we could learn a lot here,' Carmela said. 'The scholarship from Western Union just makes getting our education a whole lot easier.'
Transfer students who meet the criteria to apply for Western Union's scholarship must turn in their submission by Feb. 15.'
Scholarship applicants can determine eligibility and initiate an online application through the Western Union Foundation Web site at foundation.westernunion.com.' ' ' ' ' '
]]>Two sisters from the Philippines were the first recipients of the Family Scholarship Pilot Program for migrant workers granted by the Western Union Foundation (WUF) Jan. 26.
]]>Four musicians cram together on a picnic bench singing in four-part harmony to a bus-load of tourists and staggering drunk hobos outside a San Francisco rest stop.'
'We were on our way back from playing at the Red Devil Lounge, and we stopped off the road only to find a bus-load of tourist and hitch-hikers.' The four of us looked at each other and figured why not,' said Tyson Kelly, guitarist and vocalist of King Washington.
They've existed for only several months, but have been keeping busy putting together tours, new music and looking for other excuses to bust out with another set list of acoustic songs. The experience from San Francisco created a random happy memory that pompous rock stars might refuse to appreciate.' Although King Washington performs live and plugged-in, their unplugged performances have been both memorable and inspiring to them.'
Other experiences include an invite-only show they did at Skyline Studios off of Topanga Canyon.' The show had a noise ordinance that cut off at 11 p.m. and by that time fans were demanding more.
'Our audience refused to leave and we felt responsible for making sure they weren't let down.' So we unplugged and sat on the ground like a bunch of Indians in a pow-wow,' said drummer Jake Shearer.
It has led the band back to their studio in Camarillo where I met them working on a batch of acoustic songs.' The studio is located at the home of George Krikes, who plays guitar and sings.'
'Our music is saturated with vocal arrangements that weave in and out of our songs.' We love The Beatles as well as other iconic bands from the 60s.' Since we all sing in the band, our vocal arrangements cut through better in an acoustic setting,' said Krikes.'
King Washington operates as a unit when producing new material, but when it comes to developing the beginning stages of an idea, most of them are sparked by Kelly and Dylan Cronin.
Before Cronin joined King Washington on bass and vocals, he served in the military as part of the Third Ranger Battalion. A king of Washington sent him over to Afghanistan and Iraq where he caught Malaria, which remained dormant in his system until he got back to the states only to catch Pneumonia.' Once the Pneumonia entered his system, the Malaria became active and put him in a coma for two weeks. Cronin was clinically dead twice and remains on earth to recount the experience.'
'When I came out of the coma, I couldn't remember who I was or who these strangers were around me.' It's like someone treated my memories as a deck of cards and threw them on the floor.' I've been picking them up one by one ever since,' said Cronin.
Music and Harry Potter books became an outlet for many of these lost memories to resurface through the different associations he had with both mediums.' When he's not playing for King Washington, he assumes the role of an angry pirate in his band Pirates Charles with songs such as 'Rise of the Buccaneers.''
Most of King Washington was assembled through other projects that broke the ice for creative differences, such as the 90s cover band that Kelly and Krikes put together to play at college frat parties.' ' ' '
Kelly's brother, Spencer, is the band's manager. Both brothers expressed their problem of never being satisfied with their own work.' This can be blamed on their father, Tom Kelly, who wrote five no. 1 Billboard pop hits before they could even grasp the concept of music.' Among them are 'True Colors,' which was a major hit for both Cyndi Lauper and Phil Collins Madonna's 'Like a Virgin.'' He is now retired from the music business and supports the band's process of learning songwriting.
'We're not like the Osbournes or anything like that.' In our situation, there is no silver spoon attached to having a hit songwriter for a dad.' We still do everything ourselves, but I guess it doesn't hurt to have his opinion on tunes we feel should be better,' said Spencer.
Besides working on a self-released music production, King Washington is currently putting together a mini-tour to San Diego and waiting for their new band t-shirts to be printed.' Getting their music on online engines such as iTunes, Rhapsody, and CD Baby are other goals, but their main focus is getting a solid batch of new material recorded and ready for the road.' '
Their next show is Feb. 6 at Ground Zero in Los Angeles. Other dates can be found on myspace.com/kingwashington.
]]>Four musicians cram together on a picnic bench singing in four-part harmony to a bus-load of tourists and staggering drunk hobos outside a San Francisco rest stop.'
]]>Children are expected to conduct themselves according to conventional gender roles taught early in life.' CSUN's latest theatrical piece presents this idea with a comedic, insightful twist.
'Bill's New Frock,' scheduled to run in Nordhoff Hall's Studio Theatre Feb.6 through Feb.15, focuses on the behavior expected of young boys and girls through stereotypes.
The plot of the play revolves around Bill, an elementary-school boy who awakens one morning to find that he's a girl.' It isn't long before he realizes that the ruffled pink dress he dons is the reason for the odd treatment he receives.
Bill is sent to school in this absurd outfit and is ostracized as he becomes the school laughingstock.
Bobby Avila, 18, a theatre major, plays Bill.' He feels the piece is a surefire way to present stereotypes common not just to children but to adults as well.' The satiric quality of the play doesn't take away from its strong message.
'Everyone he's ever known treats him like he's always been a girl,' said Avila.' 'We take stereotypes for granted.' People do believe in stereotypes and apply them to life, as if they are real.'
Bill withstands the strange treatment while learning a valuable lesson about judging others based solely on appearance.
Show info:
Feb. 6 through 8, 10 through 15
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Studio Theater Lab, NH113
$16: General Admission
$14: Senior Citizens
$13: Faculty/Staff
$13: Student
$8: Student (Pre-opening early bird)
Children are expected to conduct themselves according to conventional gender roles taught early in life.' CSUN's latest theatrical piece presents this idea with a comedic, insightful twist.
'
]]>CSUN forward Tremaine Townsend walked out from the locker room ready to head into the Matadome for a Wednesday workout when a reporter intercepted him to question the reason for his abstinence from practice a day before.
Townsend's body language and his backing away from the student journalist was all the answer needed.
'Sorry. I'm sick,' Townsend said.
Judging from Townsend's sleepy look and teammate point guard Josh Jenkins' sniffles and red eyes, a virus of some sort must be flying around the Northridge home court. That, however, is not expected to slow down the Matadors' iron man, senior guard Rob Haynes, who will be back after having missed his first game ever on Saturday at Cal Poly.
Haynes had played uninterruptedly in 107 games through four years at CSUN before suffering a concussion last Thursday in a game at UC Santa Barbara. The senior tried to corral a loose ball, but hit his head in the try and remained on the floor for several minutes. He left the game on his own power and wearing a neckbrace.
'I saw the loose ball and I just dove. After that, I blacked out,' he said.
The Matadors went on to win the game without their best three-point shooter and opted to rest him two days after at San Luis Obispo as a precaution. CSUN also won that game, its third straight.
Precautions are now a thing of the past.
'I'm feeling 100 percent. I'm good to go,' Haynes said.
Haynes is ready for a comeback right on time. The Matadors' next opponent can't better CSUN's position in the Big West Conference standings (since they're not in their league), but Northridge it's eager to see them.
'It's payback time,' Haynes said.
Modest Cal State Bakersfield is the squad CSUN's seeking some revenge from. The Roadrunners had the audacity of handing the Matadors one of the six straight road defeats they had in their early-season six-game road trip. Bakersfield nipped them in the final seconds and survived a late miss from Townsend to upset the then-high-on-No. 1-hype Matadors, 67-65.
'That would have been a game-changer,' said Townsend of his point-black, last-second layup miss on Nov 21.
The Roadrunners didn't do much right after that. They probably still use their win over the Matadors as a pre-game motivator. Bakersfield is 3-13 in their last 16 games.
CSUN has won five of its last seven and is in second place in the Big West, well within striking distance of first-place Long Beach State.
Does the loss to the Roadrunners still burn in the back of their minds?
'It's remembered,' Jenkins said. 'We want to get our revenge.'
Sick or not, for some, it's payback time.
]]>CSUN forward Tremaine Townsend walked out from the locker room ready to head into the Matadome for a Wednesday workout when a reporter intercepted him to question the reason for his abstinence from practice a day before.
]]>After losing two straight games in Hawaii last week and dropping two spots in the national rankings. The No. 4 Matadors get set to open a five-game homestand this weekend with matches against No. 7 Long Beach State on Friday and No. 15 UC San Diego on Saturday.
'We just need to focus on getting back to playing the way we did the first month, when we went 6-0,' Head Coach Jeff Campbell said.
CSUN will need to cut down on service errors and work on their blocking game. Against the smaller Warriors, the Matadors committed 59 errors and were out-blocked 36-19.
LBSU' (4-4, 3-2 MPSF) split two road matches last weekend, losing 3-2 at Stanford on Friday and winning 3-1 at Pacific the next day. Four players had double-figure kills against the Tigers, including junior opposite hitter Dean Bittner, who leads the team with 5.68 per set.
'(The 49ers) run a really fast back-row attack, so we have got to be ready for that,' CSUN opposite hitter Tanner Nua said.
UCSD is 1-4 in conference, but went 2-1 last weekend, defeating Princeton and Pacific.
Leading the way for the Tritons are sophom*ore setter, stat-filler, Phil Bannan, sophom*ore outside hitter, kill's leader Will Erhman (3.70 kills per game) and senior libero Eric Lesserman, who leads the team in digs with 2.35 a set.
CSUN (6-2, 3-2 MPSF)
Last game: Lost 3-1 at Hawaii
Kills leader: Eric Vance, (5.61 kpg)
Assists leader: Matt Stork' (13.16 apg)
Digs leader: Ali'i Keohohou (3.10 dpg)
Matador to watch:
Ali'i Keohohou, junior, libero
Keohohou is on the brink of becoming the 23rd player in CSUN history to record 400 digs. He only needs one more. The 5-foot-7 libero had 33 digs in the two losses against Hawaii. He ranks second in the MPSF and seventh nationally in digs per game.'
vs. Long Beach State (Friday, 7 p.m.)
Series Record: LBSU leads 33-26
Last meeting: April 12, 2008: LBSU 3 @ CSUN 0
49er to watch:
Dean Bittner, junior, opposite hitter
Bittner is the team leader in kills with a total of 159 on the season and an average of 5.68 per game, which ranks him second in the MPSF. He had a career night last season against the Matadors, pounding out 29 kills in a losing effort at the Matadome on Feb. 29.'
vs. UC San Diego (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Series Record: CSUN leads 46-2
Last meeting: April 11, 2008: UCSD 0 @ CSUN 3
Triton to watch:
Phil Bannan, sophom*ore, setter
The past couple of matches for Bannan have been outstanding, filling up the stat sheet for UCSD with 141 assists, 16 digs, four blocks and three aces and helping the Tritons to a 2-1 record, including wins over Princeton and Pacific. In his last game, a loss against Stanford, Bannan had 59 assists.
What did he say?
Tanner Nua, CSUN opposite hitter
About the importance of the rankings:
'It's apparent that rankings don't really matter. Going in as the No. 2 team playing No.12 (Hawaii), we lost twice. So rankings have nothing to with it.'
'
'
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]]>After losing two straight games in Hawaii last week and dropping two spots in the national rankings.
]]>The CSUN softball team will get the season started this weekend at the Cathedral City Kickoff.' After posting a 23-24 overall record last year, highlighted by a 12-9 Big West Conference record, the women are expecting a strong outing this season.'
This weekend's tournament will provide a big test for the team as they face some big-name colleges such as Wisconsin and Georgia.
Coming back this season to provide solid leadership for the team are juniors Alexandria Alvarado and Jaclyn Rymer.' As a sophom*ore Rymer hit .279 and posted a career-high 10 steals for the Matadors.' Rymer's defense was nearly flawless as she committed only three errors all year.' She was the only Matador named to the All-Big West First Team.
Alvarado was the offensive spark last year, batting .289 with 38 hits and 17 RBIs.' She also showed off her speed with nine stolen bases.
'We've worked really hard up to this point,' Alvarado said. 'I'm really looking forward to putting it all together and having a good season.'
The Matadors look solid on offense, but this year's pitching staff has a lot to. After losing Mercedes Lavato to graduation, the team is looking for junior Amanda Pitzenberger to step up her game on the mound.' Pitzenberger was 3-6 last year, with a 3.15 ERA and three saves.
Helping out the team's offense this year will be senior second baseman Micah Putnam, who batted .279 and led the Big West with seven doubles last season.' She ended the year with 36 hits and 23 runs.
Other strong returning players include sophom*ore infielder Tracy Allen and junior outfielders Lauren Olivas and Christina Saenz.' Allen had a strong freshman year, finishing with 20 runs, 24 hits and three home runs.' Saenz had an impressive 15 RBIs to go with 19 hits. Olivas recorded a .273 batting average against Big West teams.
Head Coach Barbara Jordan believes the team has great potential.
'This team reminds me a lot of one of our most successful teams in the past.' They do that in two ways: one is they're mentally mature 'hellip; and two is that they like to have fun amongst themselves'hellip;on and off the field.'
The Matadors will face some stiff competition this weekend as they match up with a couple of teams that appear on the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Preseason rankings.' After they take on Liberty and Fordham on Friday, CSUN will face No. 23 Georgia the next day. They also play Wisconsin that day. On Sunday, CSUN takes on No. 12 Fresno State and Southern Illinois.
]]>The CSUN softball team will get the season started this weekend at the Cathedral City Kickoff.
]]>The Matadors get a break from their usual two-game weeks this week to work on their rebounding and salute some accomplishments.
In their last game on Saturday, guard Tonicia Tademy made history for the CSUN women's basketball team.
Tademy, a senior, set a school record for the most assists in a single season. There are still eight games left, which gives her the opportunity to add on to the 139 she has so far.
'I didn't even know I broke the record until someone told me,' Tademy said.
Tademy is the assists' leader in the Big West Conference. The closest player to her in the list is Lauren Pedersen of UC Santa Barbara, who has 80 assists.
Another top player for the Matadors has been guard Whitney Ligon.
She is seventh overall in scoring in the Big West and fifth in three-point scoring. Like Tademy, Ligon doesn't try to focus on her accomplishments, but rather feels that her the scoring isn't her doing only.
'It's mostly my point guard and my bigs that have helped me, not me alone,' Ligon said.
Whether or not this has sunk in for the players, they currently have a break from action to look over what they have done so far to prepare for the rest of conference play. Their next game is Wednesday at Long Beach State.
The break has given the Matadors a chance to try new things and improve their rebounding, among other things.
Schulz said they are trying out new drills in practice and even adding some different competition.
'We've been practicing with (some of the men's basketball team members) now,' Schulz said.
Tademy says that practicing with the guys has been good for them because they're quicker and stronger.
'It is good practicing against them because it forces me to make smart decisions and better passes,' Tademy said.
Ligon agreed with Tademy and said that there is no one in the conference that would compare to playing against the men.
The team gave the Matadors this past Tuesday off and will do the same Saturday before it gets back into the heat of things at Long Beach.
]]>The Matadors women's basketball team gets a break from their usual two-game weeks this week to work on their rebounding and salute some accomplishments.
]]>The first time the Matadors lost to the Roadrunners this season, it was clearly evident they were not the No. 1 team everyone thought they were at the time.
'I remember a bad taste I had in my mouth about how we played that game,' CSUN Head Coach Bobby Braswell said about the Nov. 21 game in Bakersfield that CSUN lost 67-65. 'It shouldn't even have been as close as it was.'
That was only the second of six consecutive road losses that marked the beginning of a 1-6 start to the overly-hyped 2008-09 Northridge season. The Matadors (10-10) were favored by everyone to blow away opponents, but instead they themselves got run out of buildings. However, in the midst of losing so much, CSUN won something Braswell believed to be a blessing in disguise: humbleness.
More than two months passed and too much changed. That was also clearly evident during Thursday night's 79-62 romping of those same lesson-teaching Roadrunners at the Matadome. On this night, CSUN not only had 60 percent of a new starting lineup in contrast to the one at Bakersfield, but it also marked down its longest winning streak of the season (four games).
'We didn't have that niche back then,' CSUN forward Willie Galick said. 'When we finally got those two home wins against Pepperdine and Denver (after the six-game losing streak), we started to figure it out.'
Not that a win against a 6-16 team turns a Big West Conference squad into a powerhouse, but it's a semi-exclamation mark of the Matadors' recent surge despite all the setbacks it's seen throughout the season. On Thursday, for different reasons, there was Vincent Cordell, Kenny Daniels and Rodrigue Mels starting in place of what once was Willie Galick, Deon Tresvant and Rob Haynes.
Galick's found his niche as a reserve player; Tresvant hasn't been able to play since seven games ago while dealing with off-the-court issues; and Haynes came off the bench due to it being his first game back following a concussion. For good or bad, that was the reality against Bakersfield, one that saw a player that didn't log a single minute the last time around lead them in time played this occasion (Cordell, 29 minutes).
'Things are different,' Braswell said. '(Last time) Daniels played 1 or 2 minutes. He's a starter for us now.'
Not all has changed, though. Forward Tremaine Townsend was still in there. The now-leading-scorer was 'hellip; well 'hellip; a leader. He got his Matadors out of an early deficit by going away from his main offensive weapon '- the post game. Instead, Townsend opted to jump-shoot CSUN back to a lead that made most forget Bakersfield was ever ahead. He led the Matadors in scoring with 14 points despite only playing one half. Townsend had to sit out the second 20 minutes due to a sprained ankle he suffered while trying to corral a loose basketball.
Not many saw exactly when the injury happened. Not even Braswell had an answer as to what took place with his star forward, who ended up in need of a crutch.
'I bent over to pick up the ball and the other players fell on top of me,' Townsend said of his injury.
CSUN started by missing five of its first seven shots, which allowed the Roadrunners to get out to a 14-4 lead less than five minutes into the game. The Matadors then went on a 28-3 run to gain control of the actions. Townsend sparked the outburst, scoring 10 of his points in the stretch and even throwing in a 3-pointer for good measure.
The 6-9 Townsend is not known for his long-distance shooting (5-of-16 for the season).
'How do I like it?' Braswell said. 'I like it a lot when they go in. I don't like them so much when they don't.'
After Northridge got done with its run to take a 32-17 lead with 5:32 to go in the first half, the game that was deemed as 'payback' by several Matadors was pretty much over. The Roadrunners could only get as close as 11 and nothing more the rest of the way. CSUN led by as many as 21 points.
Guard Therin Taylor had 13 points while Haynes and Galick chipped in 12 apiece for the Matadors. Bakersfield was led by guard Alex Johnson (17 points) and forward Santwon Latunde (14 points).
'It's all about defense,' said Townsend, whose team limited CSUB to 34 percent shooting from the field. 'Defense gets us going. Defense wins games.'
That (defense) along with two-plus months of survival (10-10), a lot of change (Cordell and Daniels) and a lot of constants (Townsend) has CSUN nearing its No. 1 level.
'We're not there yet,' Townsend said. 'But we're getting there.'
]]>The first time the Matadors lost to the Roadrunners this season, it was clearly evident they were not the No. 1 team everyone thought they were at the time.
]]>Technology sometimes causes trouble. Computers catch viruses.' How does one get rid of nasty malware? Have no fear, if you're computer illiterate there are some helpful tech support sites that can help with any computer problem. Some sites may have features that work better than others, but it's more of a matter of personal preference as they all prove to be useful.
Those who are familiar with Best Buy must know of their elite group of computer technicians called the 'Geek Squad.' The site, www.geeksquad.com, features tech tips which can give you added support for your electronics. With just a phone call, a Geek Squad agent can assist you with anything from Macs to IPods and their staff work around the clock allowing for 24-hour support. Though as helpful as the Geek Squad may be, their services may be a bit out of the price range students are willing to pay. For those who wouldn't mind spending the extra cash for topnotch hardware support, this support might be for you.
Another interesting site is www.techguy.org, a technical support site run by volunteers and paid for by donations and sponsors. This site offers free help through forums which are easily accessible with a simple and non-threatening interface that's easy to navigate through to find the right tools needed for your computer. The site has a modest amount of members and the only downside would be that its simple interface could put some people off, but it's still worth a visit.
A similar site to Techguy called www.supportfreaks.com' acts as an assistant site. Anyone who joins in is able to find assistance on most any computer or internet related topic 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help is accessible in the form of 'Freebies,' the forum's index link. Although it's fairly bare-bones when it comes to content and its interface, it's clean and approachable.
Protonic.com, much like techguy.com and supportfreaks.com, propose free computer support and computer related information online but only through e-mail. It boasts the slickest interface of the three. Unlike the other two, protonic.com offers regular news updates and a blog informing people of new viruses to watch out for and other computer related stories. However, specific information is not as readily available as the previous sites.
CSUN too has its own technical support website, www.csun.edu/it/, that could help aid students in need. The Information Technology or 'IT' page gives tips on maintaining computers for both Mac and PC users, has free downloadable software applications such as anti-viruses and Adobe Acrobat Reader and overall delivers an efficient and reliable service to students. Theses services are barely the tip of the iceberg in regards to this division.
'The scope of IT is huge,' said Chris Ice, help desk lead for IT. The IT help desk is located in room 29 in the lower level of the Oviatt Library. IT allows you to get necessary assistance from staff. The help desk is almost the equivalent to Best Buy's Geek Squad except there is no additional cost for service according to Ice.
Some students benefit from the local, walk-in service of the IT Help Desk like CSUN senior Brenda Gutierrez.
'I went recently for password problems,' said Gutierrez. 'I think it's a pretty helpful service.'
Several students would rather rely on their own skills to help with their computer problems. Tech savvy graduate student Steve Gee said that certain pay services were 'a waste of money.' Gee found self help through books, using them to aid him with computers and any problems he encountered.
Whatever your preferences, IT is a safe bet for computer service, but if you have money to spare, Geek Squad works as well. Still, the other sites are worth the look.
Technology sometimes causes trouble. Computers catch viruses.' How does one get rid of nasty malware? Have no fear, if you're computer illiterate there are some helpful tech support sites that can help with any computer problem. Some sites may have features that work better than others, but it's more of a matter of personal preference as they all prove to be useful.
Those who are familiar with Best Buy must know of their elite group of computer technicians called the 'Geek Squad.' The site, www.geeksquad.com, features tech tips which can give you added support for your electronics. With just a phone call, a Geek Squad agent can assist you with anything from Macs to IPods and their staff work around the clock allowing for 24-hour support. Though as helpful as the Geek Squad may be, their services may be a bit out of the price range students are willing to pay. For those who wouldn't mind spending the extra cash for topnotch hardware support, this support might be for you.
When an impoverished Palestinian boy confronts an Israeli tank in front of his home, how do you explain to American taxpayers that the tank is David and the boy is Goliath?'
Apologists for Israel's devastating attack on the civilian population of Gaza last month would face a task of biblical proportions, were it not for the dearth of information available to the American people.
Israel dropped hundreds of bombs and rained white phosphorus on the Gaza Strip in a three-week period beginning Dec. 27, 2008. The Palestinian population was attacked by U.S. built F-16 fighter jets and Apache helicopters.
The extent of the damage is staggering. At least 37 United Nations schools were destroyed or damaged during the attack. Forty mosques were destroyed. Tanks bombed hospitals and ambulances, the University of Gaza was leveled to the ground, and white phosphorus bombs obliterated the United Nation's main food storage facility.'
Refugee centers were targeted and suffered heavy casualties. Israeli soldiers killed healthcare workers whose only 'crime' was attending to the wounded.
More than 1,300 Palestinians were killed and over 5,000 were crippled, many with loss of limbs or eyesight. Half the victims were women, children and the elderly.'
Entire neighborhoods were demolished, leaving tens of thousands homeless. Some survivors describe Israeli tanks arriving in front of homes and ordering families to come out. As children, old people and women came forward, in some cases with white flags, they were shot and killed on the spot.
By contrast, the number of Israeli deaths was 13, including four victims of 'friendly fire.'
Israel sealed off Gaza in advance of the attack. No one was allowed to leave without a foreign passport. Women, children, the elderly, and the infirm were not permitted to flee to safety. They were forced to remain in the world's largest open-air prison with no protection from Israel's chemical weapons, bombs, and bullets.
Gaza, with its 1.5 million people, is the most densely populated region in the world. Since 2005, well before Hamas came to power, Gaza has suffered from an Israeli military blockade that restricts food, medicine, and other vital supplies. The tunnels from Gaza to Egypt, that Israel has repeatedly bombed, provide essential routes for the transport of basic necessities.
Pro-Israel propagandists justify the attack by charging that Hamas, the elected government of Gaza, broke a six-month cease-fire by launching rockets into Israel.' But the facts tell a different story.' A December 2008 report entitled 'The Six Months of the Lull Arrangement' stated it was Israel, not Hamas, which broke the cease-fire.
According to the Israeli Intelligence report, between June 19 and Nov. 4, 2008, 'Hamas was careful to maintain the ceasefire.'' Then on Nov. 4, Israeli forces attacked and killed seven Palestinians in Gaza.
The report further explains, 'In retaliation, Hamas and the other terrorist [sic] organizations attacked Israel with a massive barrage of rockets...' Thus, even the Israeli government admits that Israel broke the truce.
In contrast, the mainstream press, which functions as the public relations arm of Israel, blames the victims of Israel's attack for their own suffering. Not mentioned in the Israeli Defense Ministry report, however, is the failure of Israel to lift the military blockade, as per agreement of the cease-fire, in itself a war crime.
Israel's most recent violation of the truce agreement with Hamas is not an anomaly.' By a wide margin, it is Israel that most often initiates violence.
An analysis entitled 'Reigniting Violence: How Do Ceasefires End?' written by faculty members at MIT and Tel Aviv University, and a graduate student at Harvard, found during the span of years 2000 to 2008, '79 percent of all conflict pauses were interrupted when Israel killed a Palestinian, while only 8 percent were interrupted by Palestinian attacks (the remaining 13 percent were interrupted by both sides on the same day).' Even more significant, 'of the 25 periods of nonviolence lasting longer than a week, Israel unilaterally interrupted 24, or 96 percent, and it unilaterally interrupted 100 percent of the 14 periods of nonviolence lasting longer than 9 days.'
Zionism calls for a Jewish state.' Israel defines Jewishness, in part, in genetic terms.' A person is legally Jewish if his or her mother is Jewish, regardless of place of birth or religious belief.'
In pursuit of a Zionist agenda, Israel has followed a 60-year program of ethnic cleansing, including expulsion of the Palestinian population, military occupation, and mass murder.
The attack of Gaza is only the latest in a long history of crimes against humanity. Ariel Sharon summarized Israel's national goals when he said in 1983, 'the only good Arab is a dead Arab.'
Spain's highest court has recently launched an investigation of crimes against humanity by Israeli leaders stemming from a 2002 bombing of civilians in Gaza.' If the identified officials fail to appear in Madrid, the High Court will likely issue international warrants for their arrest.
It is long past due for Americans, including CSUN students, to call upon our government to end its billions of dollars of support of Israel.
For references and more information, see Prof. Klein's web page: www.csun.edu/~vcmth00m/boycott.html
When an impoverished Palestinian boy confronts an Israeli tank in front of his home, how do you explain to American taxpayers that the tank is David and the boy is Goliath?
]]>Stories about layoffs at major newspapers are becoming more frequent as the economy continues its downward spiral. Technology is advancing in such a way that printing anything on paper will not only be inconvenient, but inefficient.
Journalists from all mediums must find ways to keep their respective audiences. With the constant advancement in technology, their audiences are moving faster to online to obtain their information, and inevitably the outlet in which people receive their news has to be adjusted.
With the convenience of the Internet, the new way information is sought after does mean the eventual extinction of newspapers.' This also means fewer people are tuning into radio stations, and eventually television audiences will choose to watch news online on their own schedule rather than designated time slots.
With all the changes being made to the way dissemination of information and the transition in the field of journalism, one factor will always remain the same. The need for quality reporting.
A reporter's job, regardless of medium, is to deliver information to the public.' This means the journalist must provide news the public needs and can't find by typing key words into a search engine.
Journalism can no longer survive on stories about a new study that says coffee is good for people. Television won't be able to tease their audience with stories about what Los Angeles will look like in 20 years. Newspapers will not be able to run pictures of adorable puppies on front pages so readers will pick up that issue.
Journalists, now more than ever, must be consistently digging for stories the public needs to know. An article about California's deficit is far more significant than a story about Jessica Simpson's weight.
A story about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East should be more pertinent than a picture of Michael Phelps inhaling from a marijuana pipe. A story about a former governor being accused of selling a vacant Senate seat is more important than a recording of Christian Bale verbally abusing a crew member on set.
Significant news stories are the only way journalists will be able to keep their audiences in this time of transition into an instant medium.' Consumers of news are no longer satisfied with simply viewing or reading mediocre stories they can get from other sources.
Journalism can survive this time of technological transition.' Although the medium may be changing, the job of the reporter hasn't.' They're still needed to uncover the news the public needs to know and can't get from TMZ or Yahoo.
]]>The Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) has discontinued issuing lawsuits against college students and is now focused on working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to create initiatives to reduce the use of illegal music sharing, said RIAA officials.
The reason behind the change in tact is due to 'the growing willingness of ISPs to engage to protect the integrity of legal web commerce.' The interests of content and ISPs are converging,' said Mitch Bainwol, chairman and CEO of RIAA, in a prepared statement.
The RIAA felt that their lawsuit program has been successful in teaching 'kids' awareness and clarity regarding the law and that the owners of the music are entitled to compensation, but a new approach was needed.
'Relative to litigation, a graduated response program is far less blunt, far more efficient and, we believe, ultimately far more effective to protect the property rights of the music community,' said Bainwol.
Since last August the RIAA changed the direction of their campaign by trying to work in conjunction with the ISP companies. This would mean that if they are effective the ISP companies would serve as a monitoring system and alert the user of that computer if they were partaking in illegal music downloading; as opposed to the RIAA directly sending you a pre-lawsuit notification letter in their preliminary step towards suing.
According to the RIAA they have been successful on working with 'several leading U.S. ISPs' although they would not provide further information on which companies they are working with due to confidential agreements.
'During this past summer, we began discussions with New York Attorney General Cuomo, who suggested that now was the time to take our practice of last resort '- lawsuits,' said Bainwol in an email. 'And replace that form of deterrence with productive engagement by the ISP community in the form of graduated response programs.'
It deviates the intense five-year tone that the RIAA has taken on college campuses. Instead the approach gravitates towards a lesser action taken upon students.
'That is a rather dramatic change,' said Dr. Terry Piper, the vice president for Student Affairs, who has been repeatedly notified by the RIAA of CSUN students who have been found in violation of the copyright laws. 'They have been pursuing the college market for years.'
'That is a rather dramatic change,' Piper said, whose been repeatedly notified by the RIAA of CSUN students who have been found in violation of the copyright laws. 'They have been pursuing the college market for years.'
A national telephone survey, conducted in 2006 by the University of Richmond-based Intellectual Property Institute, found that over one-third of college students illegally download music from free peer-to-peer networks.
'If we were notified by the RIAA. We notify the student that their computer is being investigated by the RIAA of illegal file sharing,' said Piper.
In the past the RIAA would send the campus a notification with the IP number of the computer that was illegally downloading music, Piper said.
The student would be notified that their computer is being investigated by the RIAA by way of a given notice of copyright infringement and would be asked to delete any music they have downloaded illegally. The notice 'tends to serve as a warning' and if the student complies then no further action would be taken.
'They have a way of identifying when illegal file sharing is taking place,' said Piper. 'If we are notified by the RIAA of an illegal suspect, then we will try to find the computer with the IP number that has those files, although the students personal information would not be disclosed to the RIAA until an official subpoena has been provided.'
When the RIAA initially started sending pre-lawsuit notification letters they saw no end in the practice of illegal file sharing. An entire generation of kids were growing up with the practice and concept that it was okay to take our music without paying for it, said Bainwol. Schools chose not to engage and parents had no real understanding.
For Henry Ly, junior business management major, the method is good and bad, 'the good is that people will stop downloading music, but it will affect the Internet providers because a lot of people download music so it might cut down on the ISPs' customers.'
Susan Luu, a junior biology major was worried because 'there has been a lot of news about people getting caught and getting fined,' but feels that music is too expensive to buy.
Some studies like the one conducted by the Journal of Political Economy in 2007 found that file sharing has a limited effect on record sales and that 'the estimated effect of file sharing on sales is not statistically distinguishable from zero.'
However a report by the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) issued the same year stated, 'As a consequence of global and U.S.-based piracy of sound recordings, the U.S. economy loses $12.5 billion in total output annually and as a result of sound recording piracy, the U.S. economy loses 71,060 jobs.'
We have seen digital growth, said Bainwol with digital revenues in 2004 totaling about $180 million, however they have not replaced the decline in physical sales.
]]>The Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) has discontinued issuing lawsuits against college students and is now focused on working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to create initiatives to reduce the use of illegal music sharing, said officials.
]]>Local environmental guru Andy Lipkis drew a crowd that exceeded the 100 or so seats that had originally been arranged in the USU Grand Salon for Thursday's teach-in on climate change and sustainability.
Lipkis, the Keynote speaker and the founder of TreePeople, told the assemblage his talk was meant to 'upset you, rile you up and get you to take action.'
Before he did that, though, he gave a little history of how he became an environmental activist at the tender age of 15.
Growing up in Los Angeles in the 1950s, Lipkis said, the smog was so bad 'it hurt to breathe.' It was only at summer camps in the San Bernardino mountains that he could inhale without pain.
One summer, Lipkis was exposed to a naturalist who told the campers the smog from below was killing the forest.
That led to the most exciting experience of his life, said Lipkis, who could not stand idly by while trees were dying.
'For three weeks, we sweated and toiled with pickaxes and shovels and tore up an asphalt parking lot and turned it into a meadow,' he said.
And for the next three years, Lipkis 'tried and failed and tried and failed and tried again,' to organize a meaningful and lasting organization to build on that experience and save the forest. Through all that trial and error, Lipkis said, he gained a real education in forestry and environmental science.
So when he learned that the state of California was getting ready to destroy 20,000 tree seedlings because no one had the funds to buy them, he moved heaven and earth to get them planted in his beloved San Bernardino mountains.
With the help of a Los Angeles Times editor who helped get the story out, he was able to raise $4,000 from readers and friends and family and relocate 8,000 trees that escaped the bulldozer. TreePeople was born: Lipkis was just 18 years old.
Since that time, the nonprofit organization which now has its headquarters on Mulholland Drive at the intersection of Coldwater Canyon Avenue, has grown to tackle recycling programs, urban tree plantings, watershed projects and even a South Central L.A. home renovation.
The organization's mission is 'Engaging nature and community to protect and heal our cities,' said Lipkis, 'but it's not about 'woo woo' spiritual healing: it's about real damage to our urban environments that need healing.'
He encouraged students to participate in a massive watershed reforestation effort underway in the mountain areas that were burned in last summer's wildfires.
'It's not a question of whether you 'can' make a difference,' said Lipkis passionately. 'You absolutely do make a difference'hellip;you make a difference with every penny you spend, with every action you take or don't take.'
Campus Greening Project
The first half of the day-long program concluded with presentations from faculty members who have taken lead roles in a campus greening project.
Ashwani Vasishth, urban studies professor and the newly-named director of the CSUN Sustainability Institute, first introduced management studies professor Nancy Kurland, who outlined campus recycling efforts; geography professor Helen Cox, who discussed the campus's carbon footprint; and recreation and tourism professor Mechelle Best, who spoke about a combined planning effort between the campus and the Associated Students for Earth Day 2009.
Campus architect Nathaniel Wilson also spoke about the energy-efficient design for the planned Student Recreation Center.
The remainder of the day was given over to panels discussing a variety of sustainability issues.
A table at the entrance to the room was filled with sign-up sheets for a wide variety of environmental interests and all were nearly filled by noon.
Student, Danielle Walker, used the event as an opportunity to create awareness of the CSUN Alliance for a Smoke-Free Campus, founded in January of 2008, and Associated Students Recycling Services also had a table with information on their efforts.
In his opening remarks, CSUN Provost Harry Hellenbrand said the issues discussed this day are philosophical, ethical, moral and personal, adding 'Americans have been gnawing at this for more than 150 years.'
He quoted from Thomas Jefferson who wrote, ''hellip;the Earth belongs to the living; the dead have neither rights nor power over it.'
]]>Local environmental guru Andy Lipkis drew a crowd that exceeded the 100 or so seats that had originally been arranged in the USU Grand Salon for Thursday's teach-in on climate change and sustainability.
]]>Going into this past weekend's matches against No. 7 Long Beach State and No. 15 UC San Diego having lost two consecutive matches in Hawaii, some of the Matador players felt they needed to prove they were still an elite team.
The No. 4 Matadors not only proved they're an elite team, they also made a statement, sweeping LBSU Friday and doing the same to UCSD the day after at the Matadome.
'We were motivated by what happened in Hawaii,' junior middle blocker Jacek Ratajczak said. 'The two losses helped us find out what we needed to work and we did that.'
After the score was 5-5 in the first set of the match against the 49ers, CSUN (8-2, 5-2 MPSF) took command and outscored LBSU (5-5, 4-3 MPSF) 25-19 to finish the set 30-24.' ' ' '
The second and third sets had the fans from both sides on the edge of their seats. In the second set the Matadors jumped out to a 13-6 advantage. CSUN looked poised to take the set, but a 21-14 run by the 49ers evened the score at 27. The teams traded the next three points. With the scored tied at 30, sophom*ore opposite hitter Tanner Nua pounded a kill that the LBSU players disputed angrily. The heated arguing resulted in sophom*ore setter Mike Klipsch receiving a yellow card and gave the Matadors a 32-30 set win.
'We've got to control our emotions a little bit better and not get into that situation where we are talking to the refs,' 49er Head Coach Alan Knipe said. 'Most of the time, the refs give a warning before they give a yellow card.'
Ratajczak had a big night for the Matadors with 10 kills, seven blocks, one ace and a dig.' LBSU opposite hitter Dean Bittner tied CSUN senior outside hitter Eric Vance with 14 kills in the match.
The third and final frame was a seesaw battle that featured 30 ties and 15 lead changes. Down 24-22, CSUN Head Coach Jeff Campbell's timeout sparked a 3-0 rally that gave his team a 25-24 lead. The teams then traded the next six points, tying the match at 31. Vance came up with a huge kill to give the team a one-point advantage. A hitting error by LBSU middle blocker Dan Alexander gave Northridge the win and a hard-fought sweep.
'It was a hard 3-0,' Vance said. 'Long Beach is a great team. They took us real hard those last two games. They weren't going to give up real easy. It was not a 3-0 pushover.'
What was a pushover for the Matadors was their match-up against UCSD on Saturday. CSUN won each set by an average of eight points.
Northridge got out to 9-3 lead in the first set. The Tritons got within four at 14-10, but the Matadors closed the game on a 16-10 run and cruised to a 30-20 win.
UCSD was up 12-9 in the second set before the Matadors responded with an 8-5 run to tie the score at 17. Three consecutive attack errors by the Tritons gave CSUN a 20-17 lead. Then, the Matadors took charge of the set - and the match. CSUN didn't have any more difficulties en route to its third consecutive sweep at home.
For the second night in a row, Vance led the team in kills with 14. Junior outside hitter Mike Gaudino pitched in 13.
Service errors continued to hunt the Matadors. They had 46.
'We've got a lot of work to do,' Campbell said. 'We are not a great team right now. We've got a tremendous amount of work to do at this point.'' ' '
Game Notes
On Saturday, the Tritons were given a phantom point in the first set with CSUN leading 10-5. Campbell noticed the mistake and told the scoring official about it, but the point was never taken away. After the match, Campbell said the scoring official didn't give him an explanation as to why UC San Diego was given an extra point.
]]>Going into this past weekend's matches against No. 7 Long Beach State and No. 15 UC San Diego having lost two consecutive matches in Hawaii, some of the Matador players felt they needed to prove they were still an elite team.
]]>Professor Jeffrey F. Thomas showed slides of the anatomy of a bat wing, a dolphin's dorsal, mole's claw, and a man's hand during his lecture on hom*ogeneity between species.
'That's a digger,' he says as he showed the mole claw, and then he points to the human hand, 'and that's a doorknob opener.'
The kicker, Thomas explains, is there was a common ancestor in the past that links the four species. The similarity can be seen in traits of bone structures.
Charles Darwin's 150-year-old theory of evolution and his discussion of natural selection, as explained in his book 'The Origin of Species,' have contributed monumentally to science. However, his ideas have often divided people.
This week, CSUN focuses on Darwin's accomplishments, featuring lectures and events to celebrate his 200th birthday and the publication of his groundbreaking text.
CSUN faculty members Rick Talbott, Randal Cummings, Jim Hogue, and Martin Cohen will speak on the panel, called 'Evolution, Science, and Religion.'
While the evolution of monkeys, apes, or birds has taken over millions of years, the politics of the United States is moving through a rapid evolution, spurred on by the Obama administration.
The battle between science and religion is rooted in the classroom and on the steps of Capitol Hill. A Pennsylvania court ruled in December 2005 against intelligent design being taught in schools in the Dover Area School District. Former President George W. Bush vetoed a bill giving federal funding to human embryonic stem cell research based on moral grounds, because human embryos are destroyed as a result.
Obama's platform on stem cell research during his campaign said he wanted to rescind Bush's withholding of federal funds on cell lines created after Aug. 9, 2001.
The contentious issue intelligent design, or the idea that an omnipresent figure created the world by design, conflicts with the theory of evolution, which states that the process of adaptation occurs through natural selection.
A new chapter opened in this debate with the election of Obama.
'We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders . . .' Obama said at his inauguration last month.
Obama has made statements about science playing a larger role in the United States leading up to his election. Obama appointed Steven Chu, a Nobel prize-winning physicist, to secretary of energy. The Governor's Global Climate Summit in California showed a video of Obama detailing how he will curb greenhouse gas emissions and fund innovation to prevent global warming.
With his proactive approach to reestablishing the importance of science in society, he has signaled a change.
While it might appear that Obama has a pragmatic approach to religion, he does take his faith seriously.
In fact, Obama said Thursday that he would expand faith-based initiative programs access to government aid to support religious groups that do community work.
'Obama is no less serious about religion than Bush was,' said religious studies professor Rick Talbott.
'Over the long haul, I think we make a mistake when we fail to acknowledge the power of faith in people's lives -- in the lives of the American people -- and I think it's time that we join a serious debate about how to reconcile faith with our modern, pluralistic democracy,' said Obama in a 2006 speech.
Obama seems to welcome debate on controversial issues, such as the place religion and science has in people's lives.
The difference, Talbott said, is the way Bush and Obama understand what is written in the Bible. 'There is a religious paradigm shift,' Talbott added.
From the same speech Obama delivered in 2006, he highlighted his personal understanding of the issue.
'For some time now, there has been plenty of talk among pundits and pollsters that the political divide in this country has fallen sharply along religious lines. Indeed, the single biggest 'gap' in party affiliation among white Americans today is not between men and women, or those who reside in so-called Red States and those who reside in Blue, but between those who attend church regularly and those who don't,' said Obama
'There is a willingness for this administration to be more malleable and able to be accepting of more scientific research,' Talbott said.
Many in the Jewish community find a balance between an acceptance of religion and science. Matthew Stern, a senior at CSUN, and an Orthodox Jew involved in three student Jewish organizations, said there are many examples of science playing a role in the Bible.
For instance, insight into the Big Bang theory, which says that the universe was formed in an instantaneous moment.
'If you have a lot of knowledge . . . both (science and religion) will lead you to the same thing,' Stern said.
As open as he is to religion and science co-existing, Stern said he still hasn't made up his mind when it comes to evolution. He doesn't believe events happen by natural selection like evolution argues, but that intelligent design played a part.
Religions have often been reluctant to accept scientific observations like the one described in evolutionary biology or biological anthropology classes. They have also fought against policy that implements stem cell research.
Regardless of Obama's scientific agenda, Talbott thinks religion will still have a place in society.
'It's OK to have science to kill people, but not have science to stave off childhood diseases?' said Thomas, remarking on President Bush's former policies.
When students in Thomas' evolutionary biology class were asked how many were religious, 17 of 40 raised their hands.
Jessica Phillips, a student in the class, said she was surprised at how many religious students were in the class.
Thomas said he hasn't encountered anyone who was affronted by Darwin's theory for a long time.
'I know some are threatened, but by the misconceptions of the theory, not what it actually says. The theory has been marginalized,' added Thomas.
]]>Charles Darwin's 150-year-old theory of evolution and his discussion of natural selection, as explained in his book 'The Origin of Species,' have contributed monumentally to science.
]]>Diron Rivers had two passions in life: basketball and film. The 20-year-old CTVA major who passed away on Feb. 3, wanted to be an NBA player, like his idol Ray Allen, for most of his childhood, but came to CSUN to pursue a career as a director or producer.
For most of his young life he played with the jersey number 21, although he never lived to be that age; his 21st birthday was coming up, on April 21.
Even in death, his friends and family admire his positive attitude and ambitious aspirations.
'The sky was the limit for Diron,' said Rivers' mother, Shantrece, 38.' 'He always focused and didn't let anyone deter him from that. I saw him working for a major film company somewhere, I knew my son was going to be successful.'
Others in Rivers' life saw his dedication and hard work.
'(Diron) did nothing but play basketball and worry about school,' said Lee A. Davis Jr., 27, Rivers' older cousin. Lee, who is the athletic director at Toberman Neighborhood Center in San Pedro, said he remembered playing with his little cousin in his backyard.
Despite their difference in age and size, Rivers never retaliated, he said, in fact Rivers sought help from Lee.
'He would come to me when he wanted to work on his hops. We'd work out together, work on those skinny legs of his,' remembered Lee.
Although he was a 'late bloomer' in basketball, as Lee put it, Rivers grew to be more than six feet tall, the perfect height for his favorite sport.
'He just had that basketball look, he fit that profile of a basketball player,' said Mercedes Burke, 32, Rivers' aunt.' 'It was really what he was about.'
Despite being diagnosed with a heart murmur at 16, Rivers kept shooting hoops. In fact, it was the last thing he did before he passed away. Rivers collapsed in Redwood Hall after a game, lost consciousness and could not be revived. According to the family, doctors said heart failure was the cause of death, but the coroner's office is waiting on toxicology results to confirm the cause of death.
For Jules Davis, Rivers' younger cousin, Rivers' death is ironic, and 'scary.''
'Who would have thought that playing basketball would take him out of here?' asked Jules.' 'He was the type of basketball player who took it the whole way.'
Rivers took his passion for basketball beyond the game to his neighborhood park, Westchester Recreation Center in Inglewood, were he worked as a referee and coach. The park will name a tournament and scholarship after Rivers, said his father, Diron Rivers, Sr.
'He was like a big brother to all the kids,' said Chris Sanford, River's long-time friend and co-worker.' 'They looked up to him and loved to watch him play.'
Rivers served as a mentor to his own brothers, Dej-on, 18 and Deon, three.
'It was a unique brotherhood,' said Shantrece, about the relationship among her sons.' 'It was a brotherly friendship they shared; (Diron) was the perfect example of a son and role model.'
Rivers was an ideal child for both his parents.'
'He impacted everyone around him,' said Diron Sr., a performer who was part of Tupac Shakur's group, Thug Life.' 'I'm still proud to say he was my son. He made it easy to raise him'hellip; the best 20 years of my life were with this boy. He brought sunshine and joy to this house.'
Although Rivers' didn't see his 21st birthday, his father recently took him out to his first 21-and-over club where he performed. 'We got into the VIP area and danced the whole night,' said Diron Sr., 40. 'We had a good time that night.'' '
Being the oldest son, Rivers was the first among his brothers to go to college, something that brought great pride to the family, said Burke.
'His high school graduation was a marker for our family,' she commented. 'We knew it was the beginning of something great for him.'
In school, many people, like, Kristen Van Kallen, saw Rivers as a funny and entertaining person.
'He was really funny, whenever he'd be around, you'd always be smiling,' said the freshman communication disorders major, who knew Burke for about a year. 'He always made you laugh and made your day better.'
Rivers' love for film started at an early age, said Shantrece, when the family would go to the movies almost every weekend.
Burke said that it was Rivers' funny nature that drew him to film, once he realized that a career in the NBA wasn't too plausible.'
'He looked at what he was good at, and that was making people laugh; he was always animated and could imitate people really well,' she said. 'Film was the best way to capture that.'
Sometimes Rivers branched out into different genre, including horror.' He made one comedy/slasher film titled, 'A Day in Inglewood,' in which he cast himself as the killer, said Burke.'
'It was cute how he put it together,' described Burke who recently revisited her nephew's films. 'It was a spur of the moment movie, but it turned out really good.'
Rivers went from quoting his favorite movies to coming up with ideas of his own.
It was a passion he shared with a fellow CTVA major and Westchester Park co-worker, Adam Ramirez.
'He would always talk about movies, he had a great knowledge of film,' said the sophom*ore of Rivers.' 'He had really good ideas and he was really creative. We were looking forward to working together in the future.'
Ramirez and Sanford, Rivers' childhood friend and journalism major, are among several CSUN students raising funds for their friend's funeral. A fundraiser will be held tomorrow night by the Westchester high school alumni class of 2006 at the Shakey's Pizza in Inglewood from 6 to 9 p.m. at 935 W. Arbor Vitae St. Inglewood, CA 90301.
]]>Diron Rivers had two passions in life: basketball and film. The 20-year-old CTVA major who passed away on Feb. 3, wanted to be an NBA player, like his idol Ray Allen, for most of his childhood, but came to CSUN to pursue a career as a director or producer.
]]>You can't walk through campus one day without seeing them. They're in during the summer, winter, spring or fall and they come in an assortment of colors. Figured it out yet? It's those little things called leggings.
Those pieces of fabric that cover the legs of almost every woman and child have been around for a long time, and although I just noticed them, research showed that this is no new fad.
Katrina Buenaventura, a freshman at CSUN, has worn leggings since her sophom*ore year of high school.
This is a shock for a person like me who feels as if these things popped up out of nowhere.
So I questioned the reason for the leggings attack.
'They are very comfortable,' said Buenaventura. 'Plus they are good because I don't always want to wear tight jeans.'
Buenaventura also mentioned that there are a lot of colors and designs now so you can change it up from the regular black and white ones.
'The main focus of these seems to be the retro aspect,' said Buenaventura. 'They're not the same ones that are seen in Olivia Newton John's music video for 'Physical' and they're nothing like the ones seen in Flash Dance.'
'Every year something seems to be coming back and now leggings are,' Buenaventura said.
Bianca Duong, a freshman and political science major, said that she thinks the store American Apparel is responsible for the leggings craze.
'I first saw them in American Apparel,' said Duong. 'They're a retro store and I see leggings as retro.'
Duong said she has been wearing them since the eigth grade, which takes her relationship with the accessory back about four years.
Another store that could be responsible for the popularity of leggings is Forever 21, a store that keeps up with latest the styles while offering them at low prices.
'Forever 21 shoved them in the front of the store on all the manequinnes,' said Alex Philips, a junior English major. 'They are cheap and you can find them everywhere.'
Philips said she doesn't wear her leggings to school too often but she does have a couple of pairs she likes to wear to bed.
'I have like six pairs of them but I never really wear them in public,' said Philips. 'They're more of a bedtime thing because they are very comfortable.'
There's that word again. Comfortable. How is it that something that is tight is also comfortable?
Philips said there's something that probably makes it uncomfortable for guys.
We'll leave it at that.
But the comfort thing stretches further than the way they fit.
Aricela Pascual said that she has worn them before they were even in style.
'I've worn them since I was small,' said Pascual, a senior sociology major. 'They weren't popular then, but I liked them.'
So age doesn't seem to matter, but is there a right way to wear them?
'They are really cute but I'm not a fan when people wear them with short shirts,' said freshman Katie Gross.
Philips said you have to make sure you get the right size.
'I hate it when girls buy ones that are too small because it looks like a muffin top,' said Philips.
So long shirts are a start. Maybe a skirt or shorts work too. And according to Pascual boots seem to be a definite plus.
'
'Leggings are great because they can go with anything,' said Pascual.
Comfort is what makes them popular, but it is also the thing that still baffles me. Maybe I'm not meant to understand it, but after asking around I can see that leggings don't seem to be dying down any time soon.
The next time you see a pair of these around campus, which will probably happen while you're reading this, remember all the hard work that goes into wearing them. When putting them on you're going a little retro, hopefully wearing the right shirt and size and possibly pairing them with boots, shorts or a skirt. One thing is for certain, however you choose to wear this popular accessory, always rock them with pride.
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]]>You can't walk through campus one day without seeing them. They're in during the summer, winter, spring or fall and they come in an assortment of colors. Figured it out yet? It's those little things called leggings.
]]>Despite being one of animation's rising stars, CSUN graduate Tyree Dillihay returns to campus frequently to help students work on projects and give them advice about the industry.
CSUN junior art major Taylor West first saw Dillihay's animation on rapper Bomani Armah's controversial 'Read a Book' music clip.
'I remember seeing that and thinking it was just the greatest thing I had ever seen. A great way to deal with different issues in the black community, stereotypes and those kind of things. I thought it was brilliant and hilarious,' said West.
'His art style definitely appeals to me. I'd like to meet him at some point. Apparently he comes through here very often,' said West.
Dillahay took animation classes for his elective units to see if he would like it.
'He came in with a very creative and unique approach and was not afraid to try new things and challenge himself,' said CSUN's head animation program Professor Mary Trujillo.
'He was highly motivated and had exceptional drawing skills. He really blossomed with everything he did with animation,' she said.
For a class project, Dillihay created and produced a four-minute animation film 'Hiphopolis.'
'It was a wonderful production that he was able to do very well. He showed right off the bat that he could direct as well as be an artist,' said Trujillo.
'Hiphopolis,' a film about a music mogul who attempts to take over the world, became a fan favorite on Atom.com, which collects original comedic videos.
Disney Television took note of the film and offered Dillihay a job.
'I had a style they wanted at the time. It was just the right timing and chance,' said Dillihay.
After graduating in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in English, Dillihay took supplemental classes at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art.
'You have to train your eye,' said Dillihay, who credits practicing drawing as part of his success.
In 2007 Dillihay produced the 'Read a Book' music video for Armah.
There was no collaboration between the two artists on the video. Dillihay received the song a few months after it was released and was given free reign.
Dillihay and Armah became the focus of intense media scrutiny when the video hit the Internet.
When they appeared live on 'CNN Newsroom' with anchor Tony Harris and media critic Paul Porter the debate got heated.
As they defended their work, Harris slammed the duo for negatively depicting vices of the black community and calling it satire.
Porter was not concerned with the content of the video. His main concern was it was being shown at times when children were watching Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the content was not suitable for children.
Before going live Harris said to Dillihay, 'We are going to make this fun.'
'That's sensationalism and that's what makes good television,' said Dillihay.
In the midst of the media firestorm, Armah called Dillihay and said, 'I just wanted to thank you for making me notoriously famous.'
Dillihay said 'Read a Book' also helped his career as the industry began to take even more notice of his work.
'I don't like ass-pats. People telling you everything you do is great. It was not something that everybody was supposed to love,' he said.
In spite of the controversy 'Read a Book' created, Trujillo was extremely proud of her former student.
'In animation people do all kinds of projects and that one was a little bit on the edge. But, it had a lot of hits online and people really liked it,' she said.
Trujillo said Dillihay has broad skills which he employs on a wide range of projects.
'He did the short animation film 'Differences' which is very much geared towards children,' she said.
Dillihay recently completed four episodes of 'Pink Panther and Pals' for Cartoon Network and is working on a 13-episode 3-D animated children's television show 'daJammies,' which will be released later this year.
' 'DaJammies' executive producer Ralph Farquhar said Dillihay has a unique urban style that suited the project.
'He is not only a great animator, he is also an excellent storyteller. Tyree is going to be a superstar,' said Farquhar.'
Last fall Dillihay chose CSUN junior arts major Jeremy Quant as an intern for 'daJammies.'
The two met when Dillihay attended Quant's class to help students with storyboarding.
Two days a week Quant, who is in the animation program, assists Dillihay on a variety of tasks including script editing.
Quant said he is learning to be a better visual storyteller and animator by observing Dillihay in action.
'To see him work is just amazing, he is incredibly creative,' said Quant.
Trujillo said Dillihay has helped CSUN animation students get hired in the industry by showing people their work.
'In this industry it is all about knowing people,' said Trujillo.
Dillihay also helps students with projects on his frequent visits to Trujillo's class.
'He really knows how to assist students with the projects they are doing, he really is a wonderful teacher,' she said.
Dillihay once taught an animation production course at CSUN.
Senior arts major Jocelyn Cervenka met Dillihay when he visited her animation class.
'I love his work, it is so dynamic and has so much personality. I try to be dynamic too and he is someone I look up to,' she said.
Cervenka said he gave her friends some good ideas and advice for the projects they were working on.
' 'He is very inspirational and such a nice guy. Even though he has accomplished a lot of things he is still really down to earth and a genuine guy,' she said.
For Dillihay it is important for him to come back to CSUN to share his knowledge with students.
'To see a person who went to their school become a professional in the industry, I hope, gives kids some hope and inspiration,' said Dillihay.
]]>Despite being one of animation's rising stars, CSUN graduate Tyree Dillihay returns to campus frequently to help students work on projects and give them advice about the industry.
]]>The Grammy's showcases the best music has to offer. Usually known for live performances and famous appearances, it is disappointing the show's rating have been so low in the past. Sadly, this year has no exception, which will probably be remembered more for Chris Brown's off-stage drama than Jennifer Hudson's emotional speech.
Cancellations and legal issues plagued the ceremony. Chris Brown, the prince of R'amp;B, turned himself into Los Angeles police on suspicion of assault. CBS's taped introduction listed Brown and his three-time Grammy-nominated girlfriend Rihanna as performing, but neither made it to Sunday's show. Her press agent said Rihanna is well, yet fans hoping to see the artist perform her 2008 hit song might be in 'Disturbia.'
In addition, talk has been raised as to the origins of Coldplay's Best Song of the Year winner, 'Viva La Vida.' In a '60 Minutes' interview, 'A Look at the 'Mystery' of Coldplay,' Steve Kroft asks lead singer Chris Martin about two separate allegations of plagiarism. Martin confronted the issue and said, 'I think that the way to deal with these things, if you know it's not true then you just have to say, 'I'm really sorry, but it isn't true.' That's it!'
In light (or in shadow) of these legal problems stands the stunning win by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for Best Record of the Year 'Please Read the Letter,' and Best Album of the Year 'Raising Sand.'
Another star silhouetted by the Brown drama and her own recent family tragedy is Jennifer Hudson. In an acceptance speech for Best R'amp;B Album of the Year, Hudson dedicated her award to her slain family members and to God.
Other notable appearances included a nine-month pregnant M.I.A singing with Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I. and Kanye West. The Jonas Brothers, winners of Best New Artist, joined Stevie Wonder in a rendition of 'Burning Up.'
The Grammy's showcases the best music has to offer. Usually known for live performances and famous appearances, it is disappointing the show's rating have been so low in the past. Sadly, this year has no exception, which will probably be remembered more for Chris Brown's off-stage drama than Jennifer Hudson's emotional speech.
]]>In the spirit of community union black student organizations have combined forces to commemorate the month of February, Black History Month. With an emphasis on how the past has affected where we are today, CSUN's Black Student Union made sure each day was enriched with culture all month long.
This year's theme is the 'reconstruction of the past, brought about the change we need today,' said BSU President Eboni Blanche. 'We thought about change and how it has brought about new perspective.'
'It is time for us to learn about each other and know our history,' she said.
Every black organization on campus, like the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Reign and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), is involved this year to help with all the different activities this month and for that Blanche is grateful.
'Everyone participated'hellip;so it's not just the BSU but it is every black union on campus, that really made everything come together.'
The fraternity brothers of Phi Beta Sigma kicked off with the first day by devoting their efforts to feeding the homeless in downtown Los Angeles' skid row.
The opening ceremony, which was broadcasted on KPFK, introduced the community to black history and culture's richness, Blanche said.
'(It) really was and is the highlight of our events,' said the BSU president. 'The community gets a chance to see what we have to offer and hopefully it makes them want to get involved.'
The observance brought back keynote speaker Mandla Kayise, who's co-chair of the Alliance for Equal Opportunity in Education and apart of University of California, Los Angeles's Black Alumni Association.
'Mandla is a powerful speaker,' Blanche said. 'She speaks on equality and unity which is what this month is all about.'
BSU Vice President Terrence Stewart said, February is a time of recognition, 'acceptance and the importance of inspiration.'
'This is a time of celebration for the progression of our culture,' he said.
The upcoming weeks will incorporate various cultural aspects ranging from movies, plays and food to educational history of black Americans, hip-hop and the African Market Place.
Some of organizations that helped in planning the different events were the University Student Union, the Pan African Studies Department and Black Grad Committee.
The Mike Curb School of Cinema and Television and Film lent a hand as well, just last week it hosted a free play introduced by CSUN alumni both Thursday and Friday night called Radio Golf.
The performance, from playwright August Wilson, explored the heritage and experience of African-Americans.
Directors Jozben Barrett and Tyrone Davis both CSUN alumni agree that theatre needs to be shared with as many people as possible.
'The issues in this play are relevant just as much today as they were back then,' said Barrett.
Davis said theatre is a good way to expose people to different cultures.
'The theatre is really educational,' said Davis. 'This play introduces the black experience to the audience while producing hope and the idea of a time for change.'
Today film and television producer, Reuben Cannon, who was casting director debut was with the film 'The Color Purple' will be discussing his career in the event 'Producing Positive Results in the Television and Film Industry' from 10 a.m. to noon in the Alan and Elain Armer Theatre in Manzanita Hall.
So far Blanche said she is happy with the results and hopes the success will continue through the month.
'Each club brought something this year and because of that we have a variety of events,' she said.
]]>In the spirit of community union black student organizations have combined forces to commemorate the month of February, Black History Month.
]]>The Matadors began the 2009 season at the Cathedral City Kickoff over the weekend.' After a dominating win in their first game, the team dropped its next four games to start the season 1-4.' As good as the first win looked, the team was not able to duplicate that performance against the other teams.
In the first game against Liberty on Friday, the team found success through the bats of sophom*ore infielder Karla Chaparro and senior infielder Micah Putnam.' The second inning was when CSUN really poured it on behind the plate.' The team was able to draw some walks and steal a few bases to set themselves up for some RBI singles from senior infielder Sarah Kahn-Sharmout and sophom*ore infielder Tracy Allen.
After an eight-run second inning, the Matadors saw their first home run of the season come in the third after freshman utility player Jaci Carlsen hit one out.' On the mound, junior transfer Deborah Duran pitched an incredible game, giving up only two hits and striking out two.
The next game, on the same day, was against the Fordham Rams and CSUN gave up a close one.' After Fordam jumped out to a 7-0 lead, the Matadors came back with a big effort in the sixth and seventh inning to take an 8-7 lead. During this two-inning stretch, junior outfielder Christina Saenz smashed an RBI double to help get the scoring started.' Then, in the seventh, junior outfielder Alexandria Alvarado had a double of her own that brought in two runs.
Unfortunately for CSUN, Fordham was able to score two runs in the eighth inning to win the game. The Northridge offense did its job, but the pitching was the difference in this game. Duran came in for the save, but gave up a home run and a game-winning RBI single so that the Rams could escape with the 9-8 win.
CSUN had a day off Saturday as its game against the Wisconsin Badgers was rained out. Northridge will have three weeks to see the Badgers. Wisconsin and CSUN will both be part of the Long Beach State Mayfair Tournament at the end of February.' '
The rain eventually ceased Saturday and the Matadors were able to take the field to face No. 23 Georgia.' The Bulldogs proved to be too much for CSUN. The Matadors were overpowered and lost 8-0.
The difference in the game was, again, pitching. Bulldog senior pitcher Christie Hamilton struck out nine and gave up no hits on a day that CSUN couldn't get its bats going.' Ultimately, two home runs by sophom*ore infielder Alisa Goler proved to be the difference as Georgia rolled.
The final day of the Cathedral City Kickoff, Sunday, started out with a game against the Southern Illinois Salukis. It was a loss.' CSUN only came up with three hits in the game.' Duran delivered a valiant effort on the mound with seven strikeouts, but ultimately gave up two runs, which was the difference as Southern Illinois won 2-0.'
The Matadors finished the day '- and the weekend - with a heartbreaking loss to No. 12 Fresno State. Transfer Claire Rietmann-Grout pitched an amazing game for CSUN as she threw 11 strikeouts and pitched seven innings of shutout softball.
At the end of the seventh, the game went into a tiebreaker scenario that is only used in preseason games around the country.
The tiebreaking rule automatically puts a runner on second base to start the inning out. The Bulldogs were able to blast two home runs and score three runners as they put a finish to the Matadors' chances and won 3-0.
It was a tough weekend for CSUN, but at 1-4, the team is still in a position to turn it around.' With another tournament coming up on February 19 in El Paso, Texas, the team will be looking to get back on the winning track.
]]>The Matadors' softball team began the 2009 season at the Cathedral City Kickoff over the weekend.' After a dominating win in their first game, the team dropped its next four games to start the season 1-4.' As good as the first win looked, the team was not able to duplicate that performance against the other teams.
]]>It may have only been four Matadors competing in the New Balance Collegiate Invitational at Armory Track in New York, but the mini-team was still able to establish new records for themselves.' ' '
The track and field meet that took place Saturday was not astounding since none of the four Northridge members made it to the finals. Still, their right to be recognized stood in the fact that each one was able to out due a previous personal record.
Junior Sherrina Lofton participated in both the 60 and 200-meter events, and even though qualifying for the finals would have been the ideal outcome, she sprinted a lifetime-best in the 200-meter run by posting a mark of 24.60 seconds. Lofton placed fourth in her heat in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.55 seconds.
On her part, CSUN junior Shelese Ruffin smashed her preceding indoor record in the 400-meter run, posting a mark of 55.34 seconds.
In the jumps category, junior Desirae Gondor competed in the high jump and received a tie for second while recording a season-best height of 5-10.
Representing the men was senior Rolando Felizola, who leaped in the triple jump to finish seventh in his section with a season-best 50-4 jump.
The next event will take place on Saturday, Valentine's Day, in Seattle, Wash. The Matadors hope to once again post lovely records.
]]>It may have only been four Matadors competing in the New Balance Collegiate Invitational at Armory Track in New York, but the mini-team was still able to establish new records for themselves.' ' '
]]>It's sad and pathetic that as a journalism major, I don't take a stronger interest in more televised news programs.' There is simply not enough liquor or other self-destructive devices in my apartment to make programs like C-SPAN bearable.' '
CNN's Larry King has turned soft with his corny celebrity-serving list of guests, and after 12 years, Fox News' 'liberal' Alan Colmes left the 'Hannity 'amp; Colmes' show, leaving Sean Hannity to deliver the news.
Not that a right-wing network interested me as my source of information, but it further illustrates the problem of hard news appealing to a diverse audience from both sides of the political spectrum. It also makes the younger viewership less likely to spike their ratings.
The youth of America that Bill O'Reilly refers to as 'stoned slackers' have been keeping up with current events through comedic relief news programs such as 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart' and 'The Colbert Report.'
The results of a Pew Survey on news consumption conducted from April 30 '- June 1, 2008 suggests viewers of the 'fake news' programs, such as 'The Daily Show' and 'The Colbert Report,' were more knowledgeable about current events (as judged by three test questions) than watchers of 'real' cable news shows hosted by Lou Dobbs, Bill O'Reilly and Larry King, among others. Even though the national average for answering the three questions correct was only 18 percent, 34 percent of 'The Colbert Report' fans got them right, as well as 30 percent of 'The Daily Show' viewers.
No matter what side of the political spectrum one identifies with, a broader range of viewers can appreciate different viewpoints expressed by Colbert and Stewart through their comedic relief format. Colbert takes on the role of a willfully ignorant conservative pundit whose egotistical persona embodies that of a strung-out O'Reilly.
'Tomorrow you all are going to wake up in a brave new world, where the Constitution gets trampled by an army of terrorist clones created in a stem cell research lab by hom*osexual doctors who sterilize their instruments over burning American flags,' said Colbert in response to Democrats taking the House majority.
Despite Colbert's extreme conservative viewpoint, prominent politicians from the left have taken a liking to his witty and satirical material including Sen. John Kerry D-Mass. He became a big fan of Colbert after he was the guest comedian at the White House Correspondence dinner in 2006 where Former President George W. Bush sat low in his seat clicking his heels together while mouthing the words, 'There's no place like Crawford, Texas.' There is no place like Crawford, Texas.'
Stewart takes a more objective viewpoint on current events and takes irony in the direction where the media is to blame.' Although both Democrats and Republicans equally endure comedy jabs from Stewart, he mostly pounds major news outlets by questioning their platform in which they chose to present information.
'I made a special effort to come on the show today, because I have privately, amongst my friends and also in occasional newspapers and television shows, mentioned this show as being bad,' said Stewart when he appeared on CNN's 'Crossfire.'
Months after his appearance on the show, CNN announced that they were scrapping 'Crossfire' and dropping their relationship with one of the show's commentators, Tucker Carlson (the one who that wore the bow-tie).' 'Crossfire' had long since been a show where civil discourse was abolished by argumentative monkey talk that could cause anyone with a hangover to puke on their TV.
Comedy has been able to bridge these differences and create a more informed youth that receive a broader perspective. In 2004, there was an increase in levels of participation among youth voters regarding voter turnout. According to The Center for Information 'amp; Research on Civic Learning 'amp; Engagement (CIRCLE) at the University of Maryland Public Policy Center, estimates from all sources suggest that voter turnout in 2004 among young people had increased to its highest level in a decade.
It's no surprise that given the outcome of our recent presidential election, which resulted in a majority of young voters going to the polls, networks will have to start pleasing a younger demographic.' However, it will be hard to sway the solid fan base of 'fake news' programs over to a dry and mundane format, because viewers might prefer to laugh through tragedy oppose to crying about it.' ' '
]]>It's sad and pathetic that as a journalism major, I don't take a stronger interest in more televised news programs.
]]>Former CSUN All-American Adam Kennedy was released by the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, ending the second baseman's two-year stint with the team that originally drafted him in 1997.
]]>During a brief 10-month period ending in May 1859, Charles Darwin, a self-taught amateur naturalist, sat in his study and wrote feverishly, virtually from memory, a 155,000-word 'abstract.'
He called it 'my abominable volume' because the writing was all-consuming, hurried and painful. He had, after all, been secretly composing and refining his ideas for more than 20 years.
The book, 'On the Origin of Species,' was an instant success. The first printing was in Nov. 24 1859 and all 1,250 copies sold on the first day. The book went through five more additions during Darwin's lifetime and has never been out of print. It ranks among the top 10 best-selling books of all time, which is astonishing given its scientific content. It is still revered by scientists today, even though it was written for a non-scientific audience.
In writing 'On the Origin of Species,' Darwin had two principle goals: To show that species change over time (descent with modification) and natural selection is the process producing the change. The fixity of species had long been under attack, and Darwin's first goal was not considered to be revolutionary.
As Charles Lyell, a British geologist remarked, 'transmutation (the older term for evolution) was hanging tense in the air.' But the second goal, evolution by natural selection, represented a fundamental shift in thinking'mdash;one that is still not accepted by some of America's citizenry today.
In the words of evolutionary biologist Francisco J. Ayala from the University of California, Irvine, natural selection accounts for 'design without a designer.' The genius of Darwin was to turn the old argument from design upon its head.
The marvelously constructed and beautiful living forms we see around us are not the miraculous arbitrary productions of a supernatural creator, but instead have developed gradually over eons of time by means of a purposeless blind process of random genetic variation followed by differential reproductive success.
Even humans, as Darwin well knew, are a product of natural selection and are just one of millions of species. As Daniel Dennett, philosopher at Tufts University said, 'Darwin taught us that a mindless process could produce a mind.'
The argument style used by Darwin in 'On the Origin of Species' is unassailable. He used what is called consilience of induction, whereby multiple lines of evidence all converge upon a single common conclusion.
These multiple lines of evidence were embryology, biogeography, vestigial (rudimentary) organs, comparative anatomy, domestication of plants and animals, and fossils. To this list we can now add molecular biology.
Evolution by natural selection stands as the single greatest discovery in biology. The second greatest discovery occurred in 1953 when James Watson and Francis Crick published the structure of DNA. This ushered in the second Darwinian revolution, which continues today at an ever accelerating pace.
The only figure in 'On the Origin of Species' is the 'tree of life' sketched by Darwin himself. It is a graphic depiction of common origins and descent with modification. Today researchers are probing the deepest levels of life-- gene structure and regulation.
Darwin would be thrilled with their findings. The science of DNA has confirmed the 'tree of life' and vindicated nearly everything said by the great man.
'On the Origin of Species' was a stunning achievement, especially in light of how little was known in Darwin's day about fossil records, the Earth's age, and inheritance. His insight ranks among the greatest achievements of mankind, and evolution by natural selection is the most powerful idea in science today.
Modern biology is inconceivable without Darwin, which includes fields such as ecology, genetics, molecular biology, behavior, and medicine. Darwin's ideas are also having a profound impact upon the fields of psychology and sociology.
Beginning in the 1940s, evolution by natural selection was accepted as fact by the scientific community. It is just a matter of time before it's accepted by virtually all Americans.
After all, it took 300 years to complete the Copernican revolution, and it has only been 150 years since publication of 'On the Origin of Species.'
]]>During a brief 10-month period ending in May 1859, Charles Darwin, a self-taught amateur naturalist, sat in his study and wrote feverishly, virtually from memory, a 155,000-word 'abstract.'
]]>I'm not sure if I was more surprised, or dismayed, by the call by Professor David Klein for an end to the support of Israel by the government of the United States, the American people and, the CSUN community.
In his piece Dr. Klein, a professor of mathematics at CSUN, was vitriolic in his condemnation of the most recent war between Hamas in Gaza and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). His remarks were unvarnished, uncompromising and, decidedly myopic. He left little room for any possibility of reasoned dialogue on the matter.
The view here is both sides engaged in behavior that was, at best, regrettable. To heap all of the culpability on the Israeli side, and to imply that somehow the American media was complicit, seems beyond the pale. Let's consider a different perspective.
Professor Klein begins by citing Israel's dropping of white phosphorous on the Gaza Strip in a three-week period beginning on Dec. 27, 2008. The implication here is this attack commenced, unprovoked at that time.' The fact is, this most recent salvo began with the Dec. 19 breach of a cease-fire by the Hamas side.
Hamas forces launched rocket attacks into southern Israel, an action condemned by, among others, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. Riad Malki, Palestinian Foreign Minister, accused Hamas of trying to influence the outcome of the upcoming Israeli elections.'
Yes, the Israeli response has in a number of instances been disproportionate. The magnitude of some of the retaliatory response has been unfortunate. To call for a blanket condemnation of all that Israel has done, though, seems to ignore the facts on the ground and the interests of the U.S.
To attempt to find an origin to this entire conflict is a fool's errand. To make a sound assessment of the most recent skirmish, one must at least recall the divisions in the Palestinian authority themselves.' Hamas has long been committed to the destruction of Israel and its population.
In 2006, Hamas won a majority of the popular vote for seats in parliamentary elections for the authority. As tensions within the Palestinian authority mounted, Hamas in 2007 seized control of the Gaza Strip and purged the area of supporters of President Abbas. Mutual recriminations between Israel and Gaza escalated until the recent exchange.
Let us note that since 2005 Hamas has launched over 6,800 rockets and mortars into Israel. Estimates are that Hamas' arsenal of rockets ranges anywhere from 8-10,000. Its rockets have sufficient range to strike deep into the heart of Israel. Hamas leaders have shown no compunction about their using them for precisely that purpose.
Professor Klein notes that the population of Gaza, numbering 1.5 million, is crowded into a miserably confined area. The suffering of the people of Gaza that has, in part, resulted from the Israeli blockade of the region has escalated the humanitarian crisis to intolerable proportions.
Professor Klein fails to lay any responsibility for this calamity at the feet of the Hamas leadership. It is clear Hamas has no problem with using Palestinian civilians as human shields. Some of the schools, mosques, residences that have been destroyed by' the IDF have been dual-use repositories of the arsenal of Hamas. They have been launch pads for the aforementioned rocket attacks into Israel.
Israel is engaged in a form of asymmetric warfare that is very difficult to win. The U.S. discovered this in Iraq and, increasingly, in Afghanistan. The side with superior firepower will inevitably destroy targets that might, otherwise, appear off limits. The resulting imagery of the wounded, the dead, and devastation are heart-rending. While many aspects of the Israeli offensive were ill-considered, blanket condemnation is unhelpful.
Professor Klein refers to the 'mainstream press' as 'the public relations arm of Israel.' It is not quite clear who the mainstream press is and the terms under which they have been enlisted to advance Israeli public relations. A statement of that sort is so unclear and, in any case so wide of the mark, as to call into question the accuracy of everything else.
Professor Klein's commentary is welcome. It is important that the faculty at CSUN participate in the conversations that we have on this campus and, in the world, regarding matters of this kind. He has certainly awakened this author from his slumber. Hopefully in the future, opinions will at least open the door a bit for reasoned dialogue. I am afraid that this one, while provocative, inflames more than it enlightens.
Dr. James A. Mitchell
Professor of Political Science, CSUN
I'm not sure if I was more surprised, or dismayed, by the call by Professor David Klein for an end to the support of Israel by the government of the United States, the American people and, the CSUN community.
]]>As it turns out, the lone ranger in baseball's dying breed was shot dead a long time ago. On Monday, the last remaining bombshell of the steroid era leaped out of his foxhole and confessed that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
Allegations no more.' Alex Rodriguez is yet another role model in sports - especially baseball - that has emerged with a black eye, joining Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and countless others over the past decade in the ever-darkening face of the game's most prevalent role models.
The clean, boyish and innocent-looking Rodriguez is just another cheater, just as Michael Phelps is your average bong-ripping toker and Charles Barkley is your out-of-control drunk who doesn't know when to hold 'em, fold 'em or walk away.
As the world of athletics loses another face, all Rodriguez can do is make good from here on out. He should be admired for all of a sudden being Mr. Clean and focusing on educating the American youth about steroids.
But that doesn't mean all should be forgotten. Baseball has an astute memory that condemns its players for all their wrongdoings. Just ask Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and others who messed up over the course of the past two decades.
If Pete Rose will not be forgiven for betting on baseball and given rightful entry into the Hall of Fame, why should Rodriguez be any different for cheating? He is clearly a liar who delivered a calculated response in fear of being vilified like Clemens and Bonds.
Although Rodriguez was candidly forthright about using steroids from 2001-2003, years in which he averaged 52 home runs, he didn't do so in time.
If he had admitted usage long before the reports had been released, it would've been a whole different ballgame. Instead, he joined the steroid 'culture' when he could've been the pretty boy poster child for playing legit his entire career.
'I did take a banned substance. And for that, I am very sorry and deeply regretful,' an apologetic Rodriguez said during his lengthy ESPN interview with Peter Gammons on Monday. 'Back then, (baseball) was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid. I was naive. And I wanted to prove to everyone that I was worth being one of the greatest players of all time.'
No, Alex. It wasn't that you wanted to be revered as one of the greatest. You wanted to solidify the 10-year, $252 million in bones headed your way from the Texas Rangers.
So why didn't he clean out the skeletons in his closet in the 2007 60 Minutes interview with Katie Couric, when she flat out asked Rodriguez, 'For the record, have you ever used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing substance?'
'No,' he said. 'I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level. So, no.'
'No' should be the answer on whether or not 'A-Fraud' should immediately be exonerated for his act of cheating.'
But America is a forgiving country and the problem itself was created by the game he plays for. Rodriguez was one of 104 players who tested positive in a 2003 'anonymous' drug test to determine if random testing should be instituted in Major League Baseball.
Obviously, drug testing on baseball is a futile reclamation project that's been long overdue and played out to point of hopelessness.
Prominent Roid Rager and baseball's tell-all steroid ambassador Jose Canseco said he introduced Rodriguez to a steroid dealer in his book 'Vindicated,' adding 'I did everything but inject the guy myself.' Why didn't Rodriguez come clean then and why did he deny such claims during his extensive interview?
Considering how Canseco was dead-on the mark on all other names he's brought up in years past, Rodriguez's case should be no different. It's not like Canseco accused A-Rod of taking Xanax in hopes of getting a base hit with a runner in scoring position during a playoff game.
When Rodriguez's contract with the New York Yankees is up in nine years, he might be the most prolific hitter the game has ever seen - even more so than Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Bonds.'
But in baseball, time does not heal any wounds, just ask 'Charlie Hustle,' A.K.A baseball's all-time hits leader, A.K.A. Pete Rose.'
'I'm sad for baseball about all of this,' Aaron said back in 2004 about steroids. 'I played the game and we played it legitimately. Now, something like steroids comes along and ruins the game. All these records are blown out the window.'
Five years later, baseball is still blowing it.
]]>As it turns out, the lone ranger in baseball's dying breed was shot dead a long time ago. On Monday, the last remaining bombshell of the steroid era leaped out of his foxhole and confessed that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
]]>Chocolate chips, gummy bears and yes, even fruity pebbles. Frozen yogurt is no longer just a single boring flavor on a cone.
The number of yogurt restaurants is steadily increasing as people are beginning to grow quite fond of the appetizing snack.' In an attempt to mix up the age-old recipe of yogurt, restaurants such as Pinkberry, Red Mango and Yogurt Zone have introduced new flavors of yogurt that are complemented with a variety of toppings ranging from candy pieces to fresh fruit.'
The craze began in the U.S. in January 2005 when Shelly Hwang and Young Lee opened the first Pinkberry in West Hollywood.' Although Pinkberry is thought by many to be the first of these new-age yogurt places, Red Mango was actually the first store of its kind in South Korea in 2002.'
Other people have recently attempted to mimic the success of these restaurants. Newer places like Yogurt Zone have brought the yogurt phenomenon to The Valley.'
It is commonly joked that the Yogurt Zone in Porter Ranch is full of soccer moms and their kids.' The yogurt came to be popular with families because of its healthy allure.' Yogurt Zone advertises that its products are low in fat and sugar, and provide a good source of nutrients through healthy toppings such as fruit and granola.
Some of the yogurt businesses' success can be attributed to the new-age designs of the stores.' While visiting the Pinkberry located at the Grove in Los Angeles a customer named Sean Yashar said he liked the store.
'It's a nice space.' They're all very design-savy spaces, so it feels nice to be in here.'' Yashar went on to explain how his experience might be different at a yogurt store where the customers serve themselves, saying, 'I don't want to stay there because it's more hectic.' It doesn't feel very luxurious.'
For a lot of people the texture of the yogurt is the most important part.' Red Mango is said to be the creamiest of the yogurt chains, according to customers who wrote reviews on Yelp.com.' On the other hand, some people prefer the yogurt to have an icy texture.
Part of what made frozen yogurt so popular again was its ability to adapt to the evolving taste buds of Americans. Frozen yogurt falls into the category of common products that are reinvented through innovative marketing schemes.' In the case of the yogurt companies, the marketing focused on the healthiness of the product and the restaurant's modern design.' ' '
When comparing the companies, Yogurt Zone differs from Red Mango and Pinkberry in its wider selection of yogurt flavors and toppings.' Another difference is that Yogurt Zone is a self-serving restaurant as opposed to the employees making yogurt for you.
Currently the self-serve option seems to be pretty popular with most yogurt fans because you can decide for yourself what your portion size will be.
But not everyone prefers the self-serve approach.
'With the self serve, there's less interaction and people have more questions.' It's easier for us to engage with the customer because they have to go through us to get the yogurt,' said Jasmine Smith, a Pinkberry employee.
There tend to be a lot of opinions on why certain yogurt companies are better than others. 'Our yogurt is pretty good, all of our fruit, I know firsthand, is fresh and all of our toppings are not stale,' said Smith.
Although most people have nothing but positive feedback for Pinkberry, the company did deal with an issue that arose when the California Department of Food and Agriculture claimed that Pinkberry yogurt didn't contain an adequate amount of bacterial cultures to be considered frozen yogurt.' This incident can be used to argue that a store like Red Mango, that uses natural ingredients to create their authentic frozen yogurt, isbetter.' It's also been said that Red Mango uses too much water in their yogurt.
Ultimately, tastes and opinions will differ, but where Pinkberry and Red Mango are undeniably similar is their yogurt flavor selections.' Both stores have original, green tea and pomegranate flavored yogurts and for the most part offer the same toppings.
There's no telling how long this frozen yogurt craze will last, but right now it's going strong.' A sweet tooth mixed with the desire to stay healthy will continue to drive business in yogurt stores across the country.
Chocolate chips, gummy bears and yes, even fruity pebbles. Frozen yogurt is no longer just a single boring flavor on a cone.
]]>It's not everyday that a guy that averages two points per game makes a game-winner, let alone be named MVP.
'It's a blessing to be in this position,' said Vincent Cordell, a forward who four games ago didn't record a minute, but that since has gone on a name-rising tear.
Cordell's 6-foot-6 frame makes him better-suited to be a guard, position he has played at times this season in whatever brief time he got on the court, but the junior likes and has taken on the challenge of guarding bigger, heavier players in the paint. Not only that, but he also has gotten the 'honor' of being selected by Head Coach Bobby Braswell to guard the opposing team's best post player.
How does he do that?
'My arms are long, I guess,' Cordell said.
And thanks in big part to Cordell, the face of the Matadors' last three opponents have also been long. Starting with a game at UC Santa Barbara on Jan. 29, Cordell's name came to the spotlight. The junior had a game-winning layup with 11 seconds to go as CSUN prevailed 72-70 over the Gauchos.
Then came an outing at San Luis Obispo against the rival CSUN faces tonight again, Cal Poly. Cordell scored a season-high eight points and, more importantly, held the Mustangs' second-best scorer, Titus Shelton, to nine points on 4-of-10 shooting. Braswell called him his 'MVP' then.
A few days after, Cordell was at it again. This time against Santwon Latunde of Cal State Bakersfield. Latunde outweighs Cordell by 50 pounds.
'Cordell's actually very strong for his size and height,' said 6-8 CSUN forward Willie Galick, who goes up against Cordell in practice.
Before Santa Barbara and since the Big West Conference season started, Cordell was averaging less than five minutes per game.
'I didn't get down. I knew my time would come,' he said.
Tonight at the Matadome, it's his time again.
Date: Tonight
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: The Matadome, Northridge
Series: Cal Poly leads 43-39
Last meeting: CSUN 79 @ Cal Poly 68,' Jan. 31.
Interesting fact: By then end of the weekend, the Mustangs will have completed their regular-season road schedule. Starting Feb. 18, Cal Poly begins a six-game homestand. Four of those matches are against Big West foes.
Matador to watch:
Vincent Cordell, forward, junior
Cordell has come out of nowhere to become key in Braswell's success plan. Following a game against UC Irvine in which he didn't even see playing time, Cordell's made a game-winner, been called 'MVP' and been handed an imaginary game ball for his performance. The undersized forward has called it a 'blessing,' but remains humble. Cordell, who has no Valentine Day's plans other than a game, will once again be guarding the other team's best post player, Titus Shelton.
Gaucho to watch:
Titus Shelton, forward, senior
Shelton was limited to nine points while being guarded by Cordell during the Matadors' 79-68 win at Cal Poly. Points-wise, it was the worst outing of his last five games. In those other four matches, Shelton averaged 15.5 points per game. He's likely to see Cordell on him for most of the night again, so it's up to the former Big West Defensive Player of the Year to try and get some better offense going.
What did he say?
Bobby Braswell, CSUN Head Coach
On how Vincent Cordell's managed to go from no-minutes to starter:
'It's a matter of being given a chance and taking advantage of those chances when u get them.''
]]>It's not everyday that a guy that averages two points per game makes a game-winner, let alone be named MVP.
]]>'You're going the wrong way buddy,' Barry Bonds liverishly told me at the foot of the Sherman Oaks Galleria escalator in anticipation of his first step.'
As I took a second look at his withered body to realize it was him, brushback lines zipped through my head like the 98-mile per hour fastballs he once crushed at a record rate. '
I asked myself, should I retaliate with the four-seamer high and tight and say, 'Hey Barry, in town for Jeff Kent's retirement dinner?' or the curveball and ask if he wanted me to hook him up with a job at Macy's.'
Fearing I would get needled with a pointy object for such a remark, I went with neither and rather, just Petros Papadakis-ly said 'Barry!!' as he turned the corner.'
'Don't be screaming my name out like that,' he told me as he scanned the floor, only to turn his back.'
As he began to limp forward, I couldn't help but size up the one-time behemoth that once had arms the size of tree logs, shoulders that spread out to different time zones and that elephantine of a head.'
It was as glaring as ever that Bonds' girthy body had left him just as he did baseball in October 2007 - a probable byproduct of laying off the 'clear' and the 'cream' substances he once testified about to a U.S. grand jury four years back. '
Wanting to pick the brain of the All-Time home run king and actually contemplating whether he would have a one-on-one sit down with me at Wetzel's Pretzels, I remembered the anchorite's reputation with people who even cared to talk to him '- let alone about tainting baseball, lying under oath and steroid use.'
After all, this is the guy who held press conferences as if it were a State of the Union address only to go and blame the media for his knee surgery.'
Considering I had a better chance of seeing Kent and Bonds ridesharing on a Harley then going Walter Cronkite on him, I did what no man in Los Angeles has ever done to him:' Be nice. It was a reverse psychology I partook onto the pertinacious Bonds, who yet again was fully aloof.'
While desperately trying to hold a straight face and speaking in somewhat of a non-sarcastic tone, I brought up how he would be the ideal candidate to fill the Dodgers' void in left field and a far better replacement than Manny Ramirez could ever be.
After all, he is owner of *762' home runs, five Most Valuable Player awards and, still, one massive forehead. In response to my suggestion, he smiled, perhaps assuming I might be one in need of Baseball Digest.'
'No,' he simply said while swinging his newly-bought luggage from one hand to the other. 'The Dodgers are better off with Manny Ramirez.''
'C'mon Barry,' I needled back, being dumbfounded that someone unemployed in today's economy would turn down a job. 'I want to cheer you on from the left field pavilion with all your other fans.''
Realizing the chances of Old Faithful playing home games for the Dodgers were as good as Michael Vick running a Pitbull at the National Dog Show, I gave Bonds a personal Spring Training invite.'
He again shook his head in disagreement, in doing so, declining millions and the opportunity of once again setting up the royal perks of a leather recliner, a personal masseur and his own television set '- in the' locker room, as he did in his years in San Francisco.'
He was still recuperating from hip surgery, a procedure he took in hopes of someday playing baseball and noticeably looked well below his playing weight '- a clear sign he is no longer on the cream diet.'
It's not that Bonds did not want to play for the Dodgers, rather, it looked as if the 44-year-old' couldn't , even if he tried.'
Just imagine Bonds wearing blue while playing the outfield grass at Dodger Stadium. Kobe Bryant has better odds of spending a night at The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera hotel in Eagle than Bonds does penciled in at clean-up for Joe Torre. '
Not wanting to prolong the pain of conversation any longer, he graciously posed for a picture at my request '- a monumental feat accomplished on my part considering the guy didn't even pose for team photos years back.'
As we shook hands and departed, he threw his bag over his shoulder, put his croc shoes to motion and walked towards the parking garage. '
He left the building unapproached, without ceremony and unnoticed, a carbon copy of his backdoor exit from baseball.
]]>Realizing the chances of Old Faithful playing home games for the Dodgers were as good as Michael Vick running a Pitbull at the National Dog Show, I gave Bonds a personal spring training invite. Just imagine Bonds wearing blue while playing the outfield grass at Dodger Stadium. Kobe Bryant has better odds of spending a night at The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera hotel in Eagle than Bonds does penciled in at cleanup for Joe Torre.'
]]>Students from several local junior high and high schools waited outside the University Student Union theater to engage in a series of activities focused on Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Northridge Academy High School, Alva Vista, Vista, Sepulveda and Pacoima Middle School were all in attendance with approximately 150 students.
'I wanted them to get a good experience with science at the university level,' said Angelica Muratella, a teacher at Sepulveda Middle School.
I take a performance development course here at CSUN on the weekends and my professor told me about the event and invited us to come, she said.
'My school said it was extra credit and it seemed like fun so I came,' said Courtney Beckford, sophmore at Northridge Academy High School.
There are about three or four rooms the students will go to and each room has a different activity that focuses on Darwin's theory of evolution, said Roderick Bravo a junior in the liberal studies Integrated Teacher Education Program and a coordinator of the event.
One of the rooms focuses on adaptation and natural selection. The activities in this room were conducted by CSUN biology graduate students, Jen Paur and Christopher Bowman-Prideaux.
Paur instructed three tables which had one or two stations that revolved around Darwin's Finches. The students participated in what ended up being a competition to determine which student was given the necessary tools to survive.
'The process of evolution is that the better adapted out-competes the poorly-adapted and eliminates them. Evolution is a process of elimination of poorly adapted tools,' said Paur biology graduate student.
The students at Paur's table were given tools such as chopsticks, tongs and an envelope to try to scoop up the most popcorn in a certain amount of time. The objective was to express to students that in evolution you have to compete with the tools you are given and that is it.
'It's not a choice. You starve to death if you don't have the better tool,' said Paur.
Bowman-Prideaux's tables focused on a different topic, Cryptic Coloration (camouflage).
At this table the students would place colored dots onto colored fabrics with the dots representing the pray species. Another student would randomly select a few colored dots from the fabrics. The idea is that the student will select the dots by the colors that are clearly seen by the eyes. The colors that blend in or camouflage with the colored fabric they were placed on would be left behind. This is an example of how animals are selected via predatation.
'Students will get a better understanding of natural selection. It is not a choice, it is a process. Whatever does not work in the ecosystem is eliminated. Life is about reproduction,' said Bowman-Prideaux. Other rooms included activities that explained footprint relationships and making fossils.
Several programs will be taking place this week in honor of Charles Darwin. A schedule of events can be found online at www.csun.edu/darwin.
]]>Students from several local junior high and high schools waited outside the University Student Union theater to engage in a series of activities focused on Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
]]>In the wake of Diron Rivers' death Associated Students (A.S.) have allocated $1,300 for a fundraising event that is intended to help the Rivers family raise money for funeral costs.
The money will be taken out of unassigned contingency, an account that any student can ask to receive funds from. A.S. agreed to help cover the cost of the movie rights, equipment and facility use, and advertising.
'A $5 donation is all that we are asking for to help with the funeral costs. We expect to see his close family members there, friends and anyone else who wants to support us,' said Adam Rodriguez, a childhood friend of Rivers.
'We wanted to help out any way we can,' said' Ke'Andra Stephensen, a sophom*ore broadcast major and one of Rivers friends who spoke at the A.S. meeting asking for the funds.'
'His friends came and approached me,' said Audrey Younna, director of Student Production and Campus Entertainment (SPACE). The idea of showing his favorite movie came in lieu of his aspirations of becoming a filmmaker.
Initially they wanted to show his favorite movie 'Super Bad' but because the movie rights were too expensive and not in our budget we decided to watch his other favorite, 'He Got Game,' said Younna.
'Originally we wanted to go to the Armer Theater. We had everyone's approval and they all said it was OK, except for the dean,' said Cameron Ginn a junior sociology major and close friend of Rivers. 'The dean said repeatedly that it was an inappropriate use of state funds and would not allow us to show the movie there.'
'All we wanted to do was show a movie,' said Ramirez.
Rivers was a CTVA major, a major that is managed under the college of Arts, Media and Communications.
Robert Bucker, Dean of Arts, Media, and Communications and who oversees the use of the Armer Theater was unavailable for further comments during press time.
The fundraising event will be held tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the USU Grand Salon, there is no fee required at the door but any donations are welcomed.
]]>In the wake of Diron Rivers' death Associated Students (A.S.) have allocated $1,300 for a fundraising event that is intended to help the Rivers family raise money for funeral costs.
]]>Citibank and CSUN partnered up to educate students, faculty and staff on the dangers of identity theft during a seminar held in the University Student Union on Tuesday.
Personal Banker Sara A. Yohanna and Business Banking Officer Van Phan presented Identity Theft Solutions which covered ways to recognize and prevent identity theft.
According to the FBI over 500,000 people fall victim to identity theft in the United States each year.
'Consumers are not aware of it because they don't take precautionary measures in preventing identity theft,' said Phan.
Identity theft is when someone gets a hold of a persons identifying information such as name, social security number, mothers maiden name, address or birthday and uses it to pose as that person to open new accounts.
Similar to identity theft is fraud and the two are often confused.' Fraud is when someone obtains personal information to use an already existing account to commit unauthorized transactions.
Citibank representatives suggested ways to avoid having your information accessible to thieves such as bringing in your mail everyday, locking up passports and social security cards and using a safety deposit box for all important and private documents.'
'A common way thieves get this information is by sifting through people's trash,' said Phan.' 'It is called dumpster diving and they literally look through your garbage.'
Outlined were ways to avoid having your personal information taken by doing simple tasks such as shredding any mail that contains birthdates, full names, social security numbers and account numbers.
Citibank reps also suggest consumers look out for suspicious emails, scams, spoofing and phishing since many people are now being targeted online.
'I got suckered by a fake PayPal email,' said Matt Eickhoff, USU program coordinator.' 'I entered my user name and password before realizing I fell for it, but nothing happened because I contacted PayPal right away.'
Consumers were advised to do routine credit checks at least once a year to ensure there is no fraudulent activity on their profiles.
As indicated in the presentation, secure websites like www.freecreditreport.com or www.annualcreditreport.com provide consumers with free credit reports once a year.
Should you see anything suspicious on your file, don't panic said Citibank representatives.' If the activity is caught early enough it shouldn't take much time to clear it up.' However, if one doesn't check their credit report on a regular basis,' they risk of spending hours or days on claiming back your identity, said Yohanna.
The Identity Theft Resource Center reported in 2003 that late detection of theft can cost the average person more than 600 hours of recovery time and more than $1,400 in out-of-pocket expenses.'
'We need to be especially careful in hard financial times because people are getting very desperate,' said Phan.
If you feel you might be a victim of identity theft or fraud you should alert the credit bureaus as soon as possible.
]]>Citibank and CSUN partnered up to educate students, faculty and staff on the dangers of identity theft during a seminar held in the University Student Union on Tuesday.
]]>There are a lot of things in Hollywood that are famous for simply being famous.
There's Grauman's Chinese Theater, famous because it's the Chinese Theater. Then there's Paris Hilton, one of many celebrities famous just because of her name.
Now there's Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles in Hollywood, famous because of its brick fa'ccedil;ade's landmark status located just off Gower Street and Sunset Boulevard.
Roscoe's was founded by Herb Hudson, a Pennsylvanian businessman who moved to New York in the 1960s. Hudson later decided to bring Southern cooking from his hometown to Harlem and then to Los Angeles.' '
This place has garnered a lot of hype because of the celebrities that frequent this establishment like rapper Snoop Dogg and soccer player David Beckham. However, if diners were to rely on celebrity appearances to gauge a restaurant's caliber, we would then have to believe that other places, like the Ivy, offered something more than over priced mealy crab cakes and bottled water.
The point I am making is to never trust a place's 'famous' reputation to tell you whether or not its food is good.
The lack of taste in the food for Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is a sad disappointment that has too many times gone uncriticized.
In addition to star-sightings which may or may not be a plus, many teeny boppers go to popular restaurants like Roscoe's just to say they've eaten there. Probably not knowing what real chicken and waffles (a Southern classic) should taste like, many people think the dry chicken and flavorless limp waffles served at Roscoe's are something special.
For a small restaurant, this place even has valet parking where men in vests basically swap cars and meter park your vehicles. Neither the d'eacute;cor, nor allure of this Hollywood 'hot spot,' make up for the blatant disregard for taste and quality.
Roscoe's menu features southern dishes like omelettes with potatoes and gravy. Their fried chicken platters come with waffles and range in price from $10-15, depending on how many pieces of chicken you want. There is a large selection of side orders, such as corn bread, grits, and sweet potato for under $5 each.
Southern chicken and waffles are meant to be' dishes that go together rather than just two separate things plopped onto cafeteria plates. Whether served in the north, south, east, or west this classic dish ties these two unlikely pairings with a slightly savory (meaning not too sweet) syrup. This combination is meant to bring out the flavors in both items so the chicken compliments the waffles.
If you're looking for the real deal, Roscoe's is not the place to go. Bring on the hate mail. Whether it was white meat or dark meat, the chicken was dry and the taste seemed to be all the same. There was a lack of seasoning in both the chicken's coating and the chicken itself. The waffles were thinner than Eggo Waffles, and the already thin pieces of bread Roscoe's decided to call waffles, become even more limp when you're given straight out of the bottle syrup to pour on them.
Overall, the restaurant is expensive and exaggerated. However, if you must be part of the 'in-crowd' and say you've gone, go ahead and visit Roscoe's. If you like popularity more than taste, you might actually enjoy it.
Roscoe's in Hollywood even resembles the nearby exclusive Hollywood club scene since there is a bouncer at the entrance who makes you wait awhile outside the restaurant doors even if there's absolutely no line inside.
So if you just need to feel like you can get in somewhere exclusive, this is the place for you. In Snoop Dogg's defense, the episode in which he went with Beckham was filmed at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles at the Los Angeles location on Pico Boulevard, a branch that's supposed to be substantially better than the one located in Hollywood.
For more information visit www.RoscoesChickenAndWaffles.com
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles
1514 N. Gower St
Hollywood CA 90038
(323) 466-7453
There are a lot of things in Hollywood that are famous for simply being famous.
]]>Eating disorders are a very important topic among people of all walks of life, believes the Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating (JADE) peer educator who hopes to promote healthy body image and acceptance.
'Eating disorders are so prevalent in society. There are so many people who struggle with it and don't know what to do,' said Allie Mojarradi, who believes the negative stigma attached to it hinders treatment.
An issue that is may be difficult to discuss and address, she said, because it's taboo subject with it being associated with mental illness.
According to JADE, Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating, 60 percent of CSUN students know someone who has had an eating disorder at one time or another. In addition, 28 percent of CSUN students have or will have had an eating disorder, and almost one-third of them are males.
To bring awareness to eating disorders this upcoming week CSUN will be hosting its 13th Annual Eating Disorders Awareness week organized by JADE.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, guest speaker Carolyn Costin will be presenting the documentary film 'America the Beautiful' in the USU. The film will run from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and will highlight concerns of how beauty is measured and how it is defined in society for both men and women.
The EveryBody is Beautiful Fair will take place Monday, Feb. 23 in front of the library. The fair will be comprised of a diet maze, peer counselors, food, prizes and giveaways.
'Mirror, Mirror: Body Image and the Media' will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Sociology professor Melanie Klein will be the guest speaker and will address how pop culture and the media set the standard for the ideal beauty and body image and how we try to fit into this mold.
Karla Aragon, peer educator and spokeswoman for JADE said the first eating disorder was recorded around the 1400's by a Catholic nun. While Aragon believes that eating disorders will always be around she sees hope.
She believes the solution must come from within. A person with an eating disorder must realize that they have a problem and can look to friends and family for support.' There are also many outlets for help such as education, therapy and good nutrition.
Though there are many people trying to educate others about the issue of eating disorders, the first step must come from the sufferers themselves.
Emily Hagan, the JADE Graduate Assistant Coordinator, said, 'It's hard to say if it is getting better or worse because it's a secretive problem and we don't know how many students have eating disorders.'
]]>Eating disorders are a very important topic among people of all walks of life, believes the Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating (JADE) peer educator who hopes to promote healthy body image and acceptance.
]]>Charles Darwin's theory of biological evolution can conjure up more heated arguments than the war in Iraq among some people. The controversy and the subsequent malevolent feelings have entered the classroom where evolution is either taught or discussed.'
Imagine high school and college professors trying to teach evolution in this environment.' They not only have to present a descriptive explanation of evolution so students can understand, they also have to deal with the religious assumptions that prevent many of them from believing or accepting evolution before learning about it.
It should be stated that the problem does not stem from lack of scientific evidence and explanations.' The fossil record presents a natural canvas of revelatory examples from simple to complex organisms as one peers into the distant geological past to more recent times.' The distribution of animals around the world'mdash;biogeography'mdash;evidences closely related species that evolved from each other.
DNA has left its fingerprint on every life-form in the world suggesting all species are related. Specific DNA patterns in different species links them to a common ancestor.'
Mutations in obsessed species, like fruit flies, disclose a genetic code.' Different species' embryos share common traits as if actually related by a common ancestor.' This represents only a fraction of the evidence rapidly accumulating for students of evolution to ponder.
So why do so many reject such compelling evidence and scientifically sound explanations?' If so many are passionate about the topic of creation, why not avail themselves to the mass of easily accessible information? The problem has more to do with cultural warfare waged by a particular type of religious ideology rather than Darwin's theory about biological evolution.'
Virtually all of the court cases involving the teaching of evolution, from the Scope's trial to the Supreme Court's 1987 ruling to eliminate 'creation science' from public schools, have demonstrated this.' A brief historical sketch reveals the social, political, economic, and religious factors that created such volatile, anti-evolution sentiments as we find today in America.
Let's not forget Darwin did not start the war between evolution and its anti-evolutionary pundits. He was not anti-religious, but came from an Anglican background.' He studied with William Paley at Cambridge who convinced a youthful Darwin that nature revealed God's design.'
Darwin gradually rejected Paley's natural theology because of his own research on different species and struggled with the notion of the biblical God as loving because of the senseless suffering in the natural world. When his father died outside of faith, Darwin questioned his father's prospects in a place of eternal torment.' But when his young daughter died without God's saving intervention, his traditional Christian upbringing died with her.
In spite of all of this, Darwin never became like our modern Richard Dawkins'mdash;who detests even moderate forms of religiosity.' In fact, Darwin continued to support his family's church the rest of his life, although he had stopped attending.
Like today, many theologians in the late 19th century accepted Darwin's theory.' Most Christians simply adapted their understanding of the Bible to align their faith with this new theory.' Not even the birth of Christian Fundamentalism in the early 20th century meant the rejection of Darwin's theory outright.
The four-volume work published in 1909 called, 'The Fundamentals' had only a few essays that dealt with evolution and virtually nothing was mentioned about a literal six-day creation.' Christian theologians in 'The Fundamentals' project were more concerned about the religious implications of David Hume's philosophy than Charles Darwin's theory.
Today, American fundamentalism completely rejects evolution. The same circ*mstances that drove all Fundamentalists to reject evolution and vivify Darwin enable us to understand the current controversy.
It stemmed from a particular Christian response to Modernism. The European Enlightenment began to undermine traditional views about the Bible by examining it according to the criteria of Higher Criticism.
Historical Criticism challenged Moses' authorship of the Torah and sought to separate the Christ of Christian faith from the historical Jesus of Nazareth. David Strauss' 'Life of Jesus Christ Critically Examined' represented a trend of critical scholarship that questioned the authority of Scripture, the divinity of Christ, human nature, miracles, and began to speak of the Genesis creation stories as myths.' Darwin's theory seemed to give biological evidence for rejecting the literal truth of the Bible and making God superfluous in the grand scheme of things.
Darwin's theory came under attack to defend a literalist interpretation of the Bible.' For example, a small sect called Seventh Day Adventists rejected Darwin's theory by suggesting not only a literal six-day creation, but also a literal global flood as recorded in Genesis.' Their prophet, Ellen White, based this interpretation of the Genesis accounts on visions she experienced after an anticipated apocalyptic event failed to appear.'
These ideas were greatly expanded by another Adventist by the name of George McCready Price with the publication of his book in 1923, 'The New Geology.'' McCready's writings influenced other fundamentalists and gave rise to a movement within fundamentalism called 'scientific creationism.'
But the magna carte of 'scientific creationism' did not appear until an Old Testament scholar named John Whitcomb asked another fundamentalist, Henry Morris'mdash;a professor of engineering, to collaborate on a new book debunking evolution and Darwin. 'The Genesis Flood: The Biblical Record and Its Scientific Implications,' continues to inspire young and old fundamentalists to battle the false theory of evolution and the evils it causes.
Fundamentalists rallied their troops claiming they had 'many infallible proofs' and science on their side.' Of course the 'infallible proofs' actually rested on the Bible which they a priori considered the 'infallible' and 'inerrant Word of God.'' Scientific evidence had to yield to biblical truth.' But the scientific evidence was clearly stacked against creationism.' Even Kurt Wise, one of the leading representatives and advocates of creationism, has had to admit this conundrum for the cause.
I do see this controversy between evolution and creationism as a cultural war determined by social and particular religious ideologies.' Cultural theory would suggest Fundamentalism is reacting to our dominant secular culture.' It aspires to have an influential role and voice in our secular culture that has gained credibility and authority, in large part because of science.'
So creationism mimics the very culture it feels threatened by and creates a hybrid of religious belief and pseudoscience, but becomes ambivalent and antagonistic when it stills fails to measure up.' Even creationism's adaptation in the form of Intelligent Design is failing to survive the test of scientific scrutiny, while other types of Christianity have evolved to embrace all the truths of science.
]]>Charles Darwin's theory of biological evolution can conjure up more heated arguments than the war in Iraq among some people. The controversy and the subsequent malevolent feelings have entered the classroom where evolution is either taught or discussed.
]]>Four years and over 200 professional standards later, the CSUN Police Department was accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
Campus Chief of Police, Anne Glavin, said only five percent of law enforcement departments nationwide have received accreditation.
'It was a four-year process where we had to meet 275 professional standards to receive accreditation,' said Glavin who called it a big achievement for the police department.
The CSUN police department is equipped with 75 staff members and 27 police officers to serve the campus and the surrounding community of Northridge.
'People always ask us what time are we going to close, but they don't understand that we're always open,' said Christina Villalobos, public information officer. 'The administration offices like the parking services close at regular business hours, but the police dispatch is available 24 hours a day.'
Along with the 27 police officers, CSUN police have specialized teams, such as the K-9 and motorized units.
'Right now we have three dogs, but two of them will be retiring,' Villalobos said.
The K-9 unit was formed in 2005 mainly to find explosive devices around campus, according to their Web site, but expanded in 2007 to include tracking and suspect apprehension.
While CSUN's police first priority is to keep the campus safe, it also has an over-lapping jurisdiction with the Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire division within a one-mile radius around school grounds.
'It's not unusual to see them doing a routine traffic stop on Reseda, Nordhoff or Lindley,' Villalobos said. 'However the campus is their first priority.'
One of the recent additions to the CSUN police building has been the crime lab, which has been a convenience to the staff.
'We have a crime lab now where we can process the evidence collected by the officers faster, rather than sending it out and waiting for the results,' said Villalobos.
There is also a holding facility in the new building where people are brought in, no matter how big or small the crime is at the given time.
'The holding facility is not for overnight accommodations, but people can be brought in for booking here but are then sent to the LAPD,' Villalobos said.
Crime around campus usually goes through patterns, they rise and fall at different times of the year, she said.
Although there haven't been any major crimes within the CSUN community, there's been a great number of bicycle thefts.
'Right now we have had a surge of bicycle thefts,' said Villalobos.
'I have had my bike stolen before,' said Brennan Ebaugh a freshman screenwriting major.' 'The lock was smashed and the bike was gone.'
Ebaugh said he didn't bother to report his bike was stolen because he figured the police wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
'We would send out a crime alert bulletin about the bicycle thefts to notify the community of what is happening,' said Villalobos.
Students can register their bicycle for free by bringing it to University Park Apartments Building 14, Room 105. This will improve their chances of getting their bicycle back if it's ever stolen, according the CSUN Web site.
For valuable items such as iPods or laptops, students can register their property in the anti-theft S.T.O.P. program for a $10 fee.
CSUN also provides personal safety escorts through the Matador Patrol, which escorts students to their car or anywhere on campus.
'We get about 80 to 100 calls a day regarding personal safety escorts,' said Capitan Scott VanScoy.
Personal safety escorts are available to all students from dusk to 11 pm, Monday through Thursday.' Students can call (818) 677-5042 or 5048.
There is also a course specifically designed for women called R.A.D. (rape, aggression, and defense) that provides self-defense tactics and techniques.' More information can be found through the CSUN police Web site at www-admn.csun.edu/police/rad/index.htm.
If students dial 9-1-1 on their cell phones, their call will be routed to Highway Patrol, instead they can instead dial (818) 677-2111 and be directly connected to the University Police Dispatch.' Students can also use the emergency blue light phones (or TTY-enabled call boxes) to get in direct touch with campus police.' These call boxes are found all over campus and will take any type of emergency be it crime, medical or fire.
To find more information on CSUN police, recent crime activity around campus or more safety tips visit, http://www-admn.csun.edu/police/.
]]>Four years and over 200 professional standards later, the CSUN Police Department was accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
]]>The deaf student's inspiration for competing in CSUN's Miss Deaf Pageant came from a quote by the first deaf winner of the Miss America Pageant in 1995.
Twelve years later Manako Yabe won the title.
'Heather was the first to quote 'everything is possible in God',' said Yabe. 'These words not only encouraged me to join the pageant, but pushed me forward to act on my dream of studying at a university in America.'
Yabe was the first international Japanese student to win in 2007 and currently works as the chair for the 2009 Miss Deaf CSUN Pageant.
This year's pageant will be held tomorrow at the University Student Union Northridge Center.
The event gives deaf CSUN women the opportunity to enhance leadership skills, explore hidden talents and promote intellectual achievement, said Yabe.
'When I won I received two scholarships, one from the National Center on Deafness and the other from Verizon,' Yabe said. 'The scholarship helped cover my international tuition, which is four times as much as a California resident's tuition.'
Yabe said this year there are no scholarships. However for the first time the,Associated Students for the first time did approve $1500 to help fund the pageant.
The CSUN Miss Deaf Pageant was established in 1974 and is held every two years.
A related event, the Miss Deaf America Pageant, was established in 1973 as well as local state pageants like the Miss Deaf California Pageant.
Yabe said since 1973, eight out of four CSUN deaf students who competed have won the title of Miss Deaf America, with two of them being the first Asian and Latino CSUN deaf students to win.
Amy Wong, an Asian-American, was crowned Miss Deaf America in 1998 and Lauren Teruel, half black and half Mexican-American, was crowned Miss Deaf America in 2000.
'One goal of the pageant is to teach contestants to learn about themselves, to foster independence, and to identify individual strengths and collaborative efforts,' said Yabe.
Contestants compete for the title in three different areas: talent, private and on-stage interviews and evening gown.
The winner of CSUN's pageant will be eligible to compete at the state level with the possibility of winning the title of Miss Deaf California.
The pageant contestants go through a day of workshops, where they uncover their personal and unique identities while mingling with other contestants.
'The workshops help contestants get to know each other and share their experiences,' said Yabe.
She said the experience is so important for deaf students because most of them never encountered such support through deaf organizations before.
One of this year's contestant, Danielle Duran said she has learned a lot from the workshops especially getting to know all the girls involved.
'My favorite part of the pageant is bonding with the other ladies,' Duran said. 'We really support each other.'
Duran is second generation contestant from her family to compete in CSUN's Miss Deaf Pageant.
'My aunt was in the pageant in the late 1970's,' Duran said. 'I would have loved to have met her and ask her many questions and advice about pageants, but she has passed on.'
Miss Deaf CSUN adviser, Nina Treiman said she is very proud of the sub-committee and when it comes time to host an event like this, everyone in the deaf studies department gets involved.
'I am so happy with the growth and development skills these students have gained,' said Treiman. 'It's about them and I am proud of the work they have done.'
However, this year the winner will not receive a scholarship like Yabe did, said Treiman, because the CSUN Alumni Association didn't offer it.
Further funding for the pageant comes the Mr. Deaf CSUN Pageant, held between the years of the Miss Deaf CSUN Pageant giving deaf men the opportunity to find their hidden talents as well.
The proceeds raised at the men's pageant are contributed to the budget of the following Miss Deaf Pageant.
Yabe said the committee is looking forward to a great evening filled with 'a group of talented women.'
'This pageant is not just a beauty contest, it is a leadership program,' Yabe said. 'It enhances self-confidence and encourages all who seek deaf leadership and identities.'
]]>The deaf student's inspiration for competing in CSUN's Miss Deaf Pageant came from a quote by the first deaf winner of the Miss America Pageant in 1995.
]]>Brand-new Playstation 3 games line up neatly in a row inside the TV cabinet.
They haven't been touched for weeks. '
On the ground lay dozens of games scattered everywhere, while two people battle it for the Super Mario Kart championship.
No, its not the updated Wii version, but the original grey-boxed cartridge for Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
While the gaming industry has advanced into intricate graphics, complex levels and clear-cut sound, the classics have yet to fade.
Even with all the new technology available, gamers everywhere are still playing the originals like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man and Excitebike. They have proven to be timeless.
Tim Lang is the lead designer for Spinmaster Studios. Lang previously worked for Electronic Arts, Nival Interactive and New World Computing and has been a part of the gaming industry for 12 years.
'The thing about old games that keeps bringing people back is their simplicity,' said Lang. 'Games today are unaccountably more sophisticated than games even 10 years ago.' And because of that, they don't resonate with as many people.'
He also said the pickup factor is another key element that keeps gamers hooked on the oldies. 'Anyone can walk up to Pac-Man or Zaxxon or Donkey Kong and be able to play it right out of the gate, and have a fun experience without having to learn the system or read a manual,' Lang said.
Mohammed Elshwahyk, a freshman English major, agrees with Lang. 'It's the pick up and go factor that makes it fun and easy to play,' Elshwahyk said. Some of Elshwahyk's favorites include Castlevania and Super Mario.
Lang believes older games are so simple they can be described in a handful of words. For example, Pac-Man is merely trying to eat a bunch of tiny dots while avoiding ghosts.
'Try using that few words to completely describe Fallout 3 or Grand Theft Auto IV (GTAIV). Probably not going to happen,' Lang said.
Many gamers rush home with their brand new game and after pressing start, are left to figure out the complicated levels and controls that follow.
Junior construction management technology major Chris Camplin said, 'The newer games are more complex and take more time to learn the storyline.' Camplin likes original games because they bring them back to his childhood.
'I have flashbacks of my childhood memories when I'm playing a game like Super Mario Kart.' Classics never die,' Camplin said.
Lang said, 'The ability to pick it up for a quick game session is a major draw for older games and is the main reason for the current success of the casual game market, games like Luxor and Diner Dash.'
Tony Evans, lead designer of Obsidian Entertainment said, 'Modern games are expected to have great graphics and cutting edge technology. Game play is too often the red-headed stepchild compared to its siblings, graphics and technology.'
Since the classic games didn't have the technological advances of today, they focused a great amount on game play. 'Also, the budget and team sizes for classic games were much smaller, sometimes consisting of just one guy or gal working from his basem*nt,' Evans said.
Because modern games require a large team, there is more room for error. Classic games are simple and to the point.' They get you hooked without all of the extra graphics and technology.
The complexity of modern games is an issue for Tara Collins, a junior photography major, as well.' 'I've seen people play Halo and it looks too complex.' There are all these controls just to move forward and look right at the same time,' Collins said.
If the oldies are easy to hook gamers in with their simple game play, why do companies spend millions on fancy graphics and complicated systems? 'Because we can.' Because we have to,' Lang said.
Since the consoles and games have become more complicated over the years, so do the gamers that play them. Eventually players beat the levels, conquer the games and want a new challenge.
'While the older games still draw interest from players today, they usually serve more as a quick diversion than their main gaming meal,' Lang said.
The classics may always hold a place in our game-crazed heart, but the new ones continue to dominate the industry. Lang said, 'The best-selling games of last year were light-years more complicated than the classics.'
With advances in the industry, the bar for higher sophistication in games is on the rise.
But if the creators of the original video games had today's technology, would the classic games look the same? Lang says no. He believes they would be creating the same kind of games we are making today.
'I've frequently been held back by technology. Some of the things I dreamt of 10 years ago still aren't possible today, but if they were possible 10 years ago, you bet I would have made them,' Lang said. So it stands that game designers will keep creating to their limits.
Maybe the original gaming creators didn't have the technology for elaborate games, but they did get something right.
They designed games that are still played in living rooms and arcades everywhere. The classics keep us addicted, even if the graphics are simple and the music sounds like a polyphonic ring tone.
]]>Even with all the new technology available, gamers everywhere are still playing the originals like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man and Excitebike. They have proven to be timeless.
]]>If you've ever seen a corporate training video on sexual harassment, you have seen this movie. Sure, it took No. 1 spot at the box office with $27.5 million opening weekend, but most likely that was brilliant marketing at work along with the names of popular actors.
Considering it's based on a relationship self-help book written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, it has no substance or relevance and feels more like it's based on a note card with the message 'if a guy doesn't call, he's not interested.'' '
Directed by Ken Kwapis, it has no plot and aimlessly jumps from character to character. The format is choppy and disconnected, and the addition of a few 'real interview' inserts make it even more fragmented.'
The characters are too superficial and generic.' For a movie more than two hours long, it falls short on creating a connection with any one of its 10 characters, whose relationships all feel forced.
One of the characters, Gigi, played by Ginnifer Goodwin, embodies every stereotype about a depressingly insecure and clueless woman desperate to find someone (or just anyone) who will tolerate her. Full of self-delusion, she's incapable of making up her own mind.
After a blind date with a Realtor (Kevin Connolly), she starts obsessing over whether he'll call or not. Of course, he never does, which gives her a chance to become best buddies with bar manager Alex (Justin Long), who seems to have all the answers.
The next stereotype is of a seductive temptress, Anna (Scarlett Johansson), who's after the husband (Bradley Cooper) of an unhappily married and equally clueless woman played by a very intense Jennifer Connelly.
The movie hits a new low when Connelly's character blames herself that her husband is cheating because she's not as fun as she used to be.
Here's a less-than-brilliant quote: Mary (Drew Barrymore, executive producer of the film) tells Anna, 'What if you meet the love of your life and you're already married to someone else? Are you supposed to let them pass by?' Are you serious?
Barrymore's character has a very small part, which makes it too obvious that all these famous names were tossed together with the sole purpose of attracting an audience.
There are some truths to the insecurities of women and men alike when it comes to dating, but this movie over-generalizes too much and repeats the same tired points too many times.
The only attempt at a somewhat romantic story is the one between Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck's characters, who've been in a relationship for seven years with no prospect of marriage because Affleck's character doesn't believe in marriage.
It might have worked better with a narrower focus. There are a few small moments of comic relief, but not enough to carry the movie. Toward the end, a couple of feel-good moments are crammed together in an attempt to salvage the mess.
The intent of the movie is to provide dating insight. but the execution is ineffective.
]]>If you've ever seen a corporate training video on sexual harassment, you have seen this movie. Sure, it took No. 1 spot at the box office with $27.5 million opening weekend, but most likely that was brilliant marketing at work along with the names of popular actors.
]]>Wes Dipprey clanged one of Cal Poly's multiple misses on Wednesday night and, with 13:43 to go and the Matadors ahead by 17, the rebound came right to CSUN forward Willie Galick, who turned around and couldn't believe what he saw 'hellip; no one.
Although not by much and not counting the referees, Galick was ahead of every person on the court. Seeing it as his chance to show off his ball-handling prowess in the midst of a walk-in-the-park 67-55 win over Cal Poly at the Matadome, the 6-8 junior decided to rumble ahead in search of two more points via dunk express.
'That's Willie Jordan right there. Willie was trying to be Michael Jordan,' CSUN point guard Josh Jenkins said.
Sixty feet ahead, five seconds later, the ball was in nobody's hands. Willie Jordan, or Galick as he's known in statistics sheets, had failed in what could have at least been a tryout to get some minutes backing up Jenkins (three points). His ungracious dance to the Mustang rim had ended up with him losing the ball out of bounds and Head Coach Bobby Braswell scratching his head. Galick, who had eight points and 11 rebounds, could only slap his hands in self-encouragement and smile at the unsuccessful attempt.
'I heard everyone cheering, coach was yelling to get it to (guard) Mark (Hill),' said Galick, who wears No. 14, not 23. 'I tried to get a dribble to control it, but it just got a little too far ahead of me.'
The turnover didn't do much to endanger the chances of the Matadors, who led from wire-to-wire and by double-digits since the 9:46- first-half mark after Galick made a dunk to put CSUN up 17-6. CSUN (11-10, 7-3) relied on its defense and led by as many as 22 points en route to its fifth straight victory. The win made Northridge No. 1 in the conference and put them ahead of Long Beach State, which lost to UC Riverside, by 1/2 game.
The mini-scare of the game from the Mustangs came as people were starting to leave the building. Coming out of a first-half slump that saw Cal Poly shoot 21 percent from the field, the Mustangs got within12 with 1:50 to go following a 3-pointer from Justin Brown.
'They're a very capable team,' said Braswell, referring to the Mustangs making 58 percent of their shots in the second half. 'If they had done what they did in the second half the whole game, we would have been looking at a different end.'
Galick put a definitive finish to whatever hope Cal Poly might have had. He was going to go MJ again, spotting up for a 3-pointer. Instead, he put the ball on the floor, dribbled inside and hammered down a thunderous, one-handed dunk that had the Matadome chanting his name.
'I could make that shot,' Galick said of his long-distance shooting capabilities.
Galick could have tried the shot and, made or missed, it still would have been a bad night for CSUN from beyond the arc '- or from anywhere else for that matter. The Matadors shot 2-of-14 from the 3-point line, 28-of-64 overall. Their leading scorer was Kenny Daniels with 11 points.' No one else hit double figures.
Cal Poly wasn't so hot either. They were led by Brown, who had 14 points, and Titus Shelton, who had 11. Their second-half warming-up was only good enough to take their shooting up to 38 percent for the game.
Braswell didn't have many nice things to say about being outscored by 10 in the second period. He did, however, offer praise for the first 20 minutes.
'We probably played as well as we've played all year in that first half,' he said.
And what about Willie Jordan?
'I saw that turnover coming,' Braswell said. 'I wasn't quick enough to get a timeout. That's why he's not Willie Jordan.'
Right. Being Willie Galick isn't so bad either.
]]>Although not by much and not counting the referees, Galick was ahead of every person on the court.
]]>Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and down a dark alley is a small and cozy hole-in-the-wall venue for live music and art called The Smell. For Angelinos, The Smell is regarded as a hot spot for indie and underground artists whose eclectic style of music is often overlooked by the mainstream music scene. Here you'll find both local and out of town musicians playing music just to please the home crowd.
Recently, The Smell had a progressive rock show that was mind boggling and awe-inspiring to watch. Clevis was the first band to perform and played music that not only set the tone for the evening, but was also mesmerizing to watch. Clevis is comprised of bassist Ken Moore and drummer John Enke, but the lack of other musical instruments didn't take anything away from the sheer quality of their performance.
The floor looked like an endless array of effect pedals, but Moore incorporated them as if he'd been using them all his life. Moore used endless styles of playing that ranged from slapping to finger tapping. Clevis even incorporated an electric cello that Moore played while the bass ran on a loop track. Enke's drumming was not something to be ignored as he belted beats that complemented the music in every aspect.
'The bass player was awesome, he tore it up like there was no tomorrow,' said fan Greg Lee.'
Another solid performance of the night came from We Be the Echo of San Francisco. They played an infectious blend of progressive rock and experimental metal that would have fans of Rush take notice. We Be the Echo was the only band to have a guitarist and it was a nice change from the mix of other bands that were all comprised of bass and drums as the main instruments. The guitarist, who goes by the title of Graeme Nicholls, played intricate parts that ranged from clean melodies to heavy riffs that ran up and down the guitar. At one point they played the intro of Chocolate Rain, which was pretty cool to see played on guitar, bass and drums. The bassist, known as Myke Stryker, and the drummer, known as Ilk Koskelo, added to the elaborate style of music with a fashion that only hard working musicians could do.
Drummer Jesse Appelhans and bassist Eric Kiersnowski of Totally Serious put on show that was technical beyond belief. Appelhans was constantly beating away at the drums at an inhuman pace. The look of intensity on his face said it all as he belted away at the drum heads with the technicality of a seasoned drummer. Kiersnowski's bass lines were so frantic and complex that everybody's eyes seemed glued to his performance. It was a sight to see as much as it was to hear.
'These guys are beyond belief,' said fan Lucas Taylor of Totally Serious's performance.
Ninja Academy spruced up their show with a little visual entertainment. The bassist and drummer, known as Indo-Ninja and Outdo-Ninja respectively, graced the stage dressed as ninjas. The use of costumes almost always makes for an indelible performance, and Ninja Academy definitely left their mark on the audience. Also in the group was Ninjamamalickum who sang vocals with opera-like gracefulness and Gongis Khan who played a taiko drum.
All in all it was a great show and none of the bands disappointed that night. The audience gave much gratitude and appreciation to the bands, and it was mirrored in all of the musicians' performances.
'I love the bands and I would definitely come back again, even in the pouring rain,' said fan Jessica Parsons.
]]>Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and down a dark alley is a small and cozy hole-in-the-wall venue for live music and art called The Smell. For Angelinos, The Smell is regarded as a hot spot for indie and underground artists whose eclectic style of music is often overlooked by the mainstream music scene. Here you'll find both local and out of town musicians playing music just to please the home crowd.
]]>Purple colored squares decorate the center of the floor in the dimly lit Studio Theatre setting the tone for an adventure quite similar to Alice's in Wonderland.
The carnivalesque music is merry and cheerful, much like a child's ride at Disneyland.
Several seats are literally on the stage of 'Bill's New Frock,' which opened Thursday Feb. 5 at CSUN's Studio Theater Lab.
Eventually a pre-show begins with five actors appearing on stage who begin to play with imaginary balls, gum, arrows, balloons and other magnificent creations.' The actors are quite successful in their portrayal of a youth spent in utter bliss and resplendent experiences.
Soon the children stop playing and retreat backstage for a few moments as the narrator begins to guide the story.
Bobby Avila, who plays Bill Simpson, embodies the innocence and freedom so often associated with childhood excellently.
Bill, like any other elementary school aged child resents and loathes the alarm that signals the beginning of another long day.' After a slight delay, he snaps out of bed, briefly massages his cat and proceeds to hop in the shower singing the opening lines of James Brown's hit, 'I Feel Good.'
All is going splendidly until he appears before the mirror and his mother, whose English accent is on point, throws a pink dress on him.' He tries resisting and even removing the garment, but all in vain.
He feels like Bill, but to the rest of us he's just another little girl.' He endures a number of hardships simply getting to school.' The ridicule lasts the duration of his day.
Bill learns the differences in treatment that people feel based simply on appearance.' Going beyond commonplace stereotypes seems to be the main point.
Although the play is intended for children, its messages are applicable to adults.
'It's geared towards kids and what's expected of young boys and girls,' said Cortez.' 'There are differences you shouldn't be limited to in any shape or form.' It's still Bill yet he's frustrated about how everyone reacts around him,' said Rene Cortez, 21, who is studying Biology and Theatre.
]]>Purple colored squares decorate the center of the floor in the dimly lit Studio Theatre setting the tone for an adventure quite similar to Alice's in Wonderland.
]]>Full Name: Eric Robert Vance
Date of birth:' September 18, 1986
Place of birth: Camarillo, California
Height: 6'4'
Weight: 190 lbs
Experience: 3 years
Class: Senior' ' ' ' ' '
Position: Outside hitter' ' '
Major: Economics ' ' '
Averages:' 5.46 kills, 6.27 points per set,' 1.89 digs
FAVORITES
Food - Lasagna
Band - Linkin Park
Movie - Step Brothers
Song - 'All of Linkin Park's stuff'
Athlete - LeBron James
Life
Greatest difficulty - Self criticism
Greatest goal accomplished '- 'My grades in college.'
Most embarrassing moment '- 'I cant think of one.'
Hobbies - Playing video games
Volleyball
Best part of my game '- 'My hitting'
Part of my game that needs improvement '- 'Blocking 'hellip;
defense and passing.'
Best player I've played against so far - Paul Carroll,
current player at Pepperdine
Player I pattern my game after - Cary Hanson, a former Matador
Pre-game rituals - None
Superstitions -' None
'
Goals
Team - Win a National Championship.
Individual - Help the team do whatever it needs to win
a National Championship.
Future - Keep doing what I'm doing and be happy.
And
My first sports '- 'I played a lot of sports 'hellip; I just liked
volleyball better.'
Other sports I played while growing up - Soccer,
Basketball, Football and Baseball.
When I started playing volleyball - Freshman year of High School
What I do to stay in shape during the offseason' - 'I play a lot of beach volleyball and I go to the gym.'
Person I would like to meet - LeBron James
Get to know a little more about CSUN men's volleyball team player, senior' Eric Vance.
]]>Fouls crippled the Matadors in their attempt to fight back against the 49ers in their 63-50 loss on Wednesday night at Long Beach State.
Matadors top scorers Jasmine Erving and Katrina Thompson had four fouls with six minutes left in the game. Erving and Thompson scored 14 and 11 points respectively.
Not only were they the the top scorers, but also they were keys to winning the game, CSUN Head Coach Staci Schulz prior to the event.
Schulz said the Matadors should have the advantage inside against the 49ers, but devoid of their top two post players, it didn't work out for them.
Even without the foul trouble, the Matadors were behind the entire game, ending the half down 28-16.
The 49ers were hot in the first half, shooting 6-of-8 from behind the 3-point line. Of those, three came from Lauren Sims, who finished the night with 21 points. It was almost d'eacute;j'agrave; vu for Sims, who scored 22 points in the meeting at Northridge on Jan. 17.
The 3-pointers didn't have anything to do with CSUN's lack of scoring in the first 20 minutes.
The Matadors shot 6-of-28 in the opening half, missing a lot of close shots. The rim was not in their favor, but Erving managed to fight through it and score seven points. She was the leader in rebounds and scoring in both halves, ending the night one rebound short of a double-double.
With three minutes remaining in the game, the Matadors came within six points of the 49ers at 56-50, the closest they had been since early in the contest. However, shortly after Erving fouled out, the baskets stopped.
Wednesday night's loss against the 49ers was the Matadors' fourth straight and could possibly drop them to last place in the Big West Conference. They split the season series with Long Beach State.
]]>Fouls crippled the Matadors women's basketball team in their attempt to fight back' against the 49ers in their 63-50 loss on Wednesday night at Long Beach State.
]]>Wins over two top-15 teams last week has the No. 4 Matadors back on track this week as they prepare to face non-conference opponent Cal Baptist at the Matadome Friday. The Lancers, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division team from Riverside, comes into the match as the top-ranked team in this week's NAIA national rankings.
'They are a very talented team. They are in a different division than we are, but they are still very good,' CSUN Head Coach' Jeff Campbell said. 'This is a non-conference match, which doesn't count towards our league-record but, this is a team that we need to get better against.'
Both teams are coming off impressive wins last weekend. The Matadors (8-2, 5-2 MPSF) swept No. 7 Long Beach State and No. 15' UC San Diego at home while Cal Baptist won all four matches at the Lindenwood Tournament in St. Charles, Mo. They beat four top-10 teams in the NIAI national rankings, including previously-undefeated top-ranked Park.
The Lancers are led by freshman outside hitter Levi Cabral, who averages 5.37 kills per game. Junior outside hitter Adiel Tiedjop is second at 5.16 kpg.
Look for the Matadors to contain them with their size up front, where they're led by 7-foot junior middle blocker Jazek Ratajczak and 6-foot-7 junior middle blocker Kevin Mcniff. The two combined to have 13 kills and eight blocks against UC Santa Barbara.
Date: Friday
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: The Matadome, Northridge
Series: CSUN leads 2-0
Last meeting: CBU 0 @ CSUN 3, Mar 2, 2007
Interesting fact: Cal Baptist is 2-3 against Mountain Pacific Sports Federation teams this season, defeating BYU and UC San Diego and losing to UC Irvine, Pepperdine and UCLA.
Matador to watch:
Tanner Nua, sophom*ore, opposite hitter
Nua has enjoyed the comfort of playing at the Matadome this season. In three matches at home, he has 31 kills in helping the Matadors to sweeps over three opponents. Nua has posted at least 10 kills in eight of the first nine matches. In the match-up against UC San Diego, he was held to eight kills, snapping a five-game streak of at least 10 kills in a game.
Lancer to watch:
Adiel Tiedjop, junior, opposite hitter
Tiedjop is a 27-year-old from Cameroon. He leads the team with 19 aces and is second in kills with 5.16 per game. Last season, he started 25 of 26 matches and led the team in kills with 405 (4.76 kps.) Tiedjop holds the Cal Baptist record for kills in a game with 35 versus Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne.
What did he say?
Jeff Campbell, CSUN Head Coach
On Cal Baptist:
'They are very good. They would be very competitive if the played in our league'
]]>Wins over two top-15 teams last week has the No. 4 Matadors men's volleyball team back on track this week as they prepare to face non-conference opponent Cal Baptist at the Matadome Friday. The Lancers, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division team from Riverside, comes into the match as the top-ranked team in this week's NAIA national rankings.
]]>Shock and awe.
It's a military term that refers to the strategy of using overwhelming force to rapidly dominate an enemy. It should also refer to the strategy of trying to obtain and hold someone's attention for a few minutes.
In an interview with Wired magazine, Maggie Jackson, author of 'Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age,' said that people switch tasks an average of every three minutes during the workday.
The implications of such a statement are staggering. As journalists we often lament the recent death sighs of traditional journalism without paying attention to the broader consequences of a hyper-distracted society.
It isn't merely news that must be short, snappy and ultimately distilled into ultra-simplistic packets of spoon-fed information (even when that information is too complex to justify such a treatment). Our entertainment, education and even our relationships are governed and limited by our micromanaged lives.
We are witnessing the death of originality.
'YouTube' is a wonderful Web site, but why is it that sneezing pandas and laughing infants tend to generate more buzz than the thousands of more creative, thought-provoking videos? When any depth of thought is discouraged by time constraints, it seems as though the things that appeal to us most are those that are most superficial.
Take a look at the No. 1 movie at the box office this week, 'He's Just Not That Into You.' The entire two-hour movie is devoted to one simple theme: breakups. 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop,' a movie about nothing more than a fat security guard, has remained in the top five since its release more than three weeks ago.
Repackaged and recycled, these ideas will continue to be exploited by the entertainment industry until people can learn to sit down and focus on something cerebral for more than an hour at a time. It can be rewarding to sit and try to wrap one's mind around something that seems just out of reach, rather than requiring a message to pierce our skulls with the speed of a lightning bolt and the force of an atomic bomb.
Perhaps we are simply a bit out of practice.
But 'He's Just Not That Into You' may have one interesting point. It glosses over the ubiquitous and impersonal use of technology for social interaction. It is disturbingly common to observe groups of people at social gatherings focused on text messaging other individuals who are not even present, a behavior that would have been considered abhorrent a short time ago.
We now have the power to send thoughts across the globe at the speed of light with a few flicks of our fingers, yet we are losing the ability to cherish thoughtful, personal moments.
Our educational system is not immune, either. Memorize facts, spit them out onto a Scantron and don't even bother with retention. Online classes and even online universities are allowing us to fit intellectual pursuits into our busy schedules. But what are we really busy with? Simply the next diversion. Everything has a priority over everything else.
We can inherit the entire library of human knowledge from the Internet, but that would only serve to hom*ogenize our minds. The only way we can learn to formulate original thought is by taking the time to interact with both other people and, more importantly, ourselves.
That is not to say that deriving pleasure from base, instinctual entertainment is some sort of cardinal sin, that sending a text message should be socially outlawed or that no one should take an online class to get rid of a pesky general education requirement.
The problem is our attention deficiencies are becoming severe enough to exclude everything else, like a myopia of the mind.
Hopefully, we will quickly adapt to our new technologies and learn to take time for deep thought and careful reflection. If we do not, Jackson's predictions will come true. Our lack of creativity will throw us into a new dark age.
]]>