Volume CXII, edition 7 since 1949 November 29, 2006 FCC’s retention How aware are students? rate high by Buen Moua

Rampage Reporter The semester is slowly coming to a close. Classrooms start to shrink. Some, that are enrolled or had fought to get into a course at the beginning of the semester seem to have disappeared from the class. At the beginning of this semester Fresno City College student John Thompson fought to try to get into the already fi lled classes. He was on waitlist and one of the classes was Philosophy. He said his friend was enrolled, but he sat in to see if he could add. Thompson did not get in. “The thing is,” said Thomp- son, “my friend was enrolled but lately hasn’t gone to class. I could have been sitting in one of those empty seats.” The population of stu- Photo by Michael Behlen dents at FCC was just over 21,000 International Awareness week kicks off with a parade of fl ags through the FCC campus Nov. 14. in spring of 2006, according to the State Center Community College District’s (SCCCD) 2006-2007 by Ife-Chudeni Oputa Gerry Bill, Bernard Navarro, and dealt with foreign relations and one “I think that a lot of our young students are extremely uninformed Fact Book. Rampage Reporter Dympna Ugwu-Oju made up the with current American pop culture. Continuing students [en- panel of faculty that that led the dis- Ninety percent of the students sur- when it comes to issues,” said Ber- rolled consecutively in two or more Ariel Sharon, Kofi Annan, cussion. The forum discussed why veyed were able to accurately answer nard Navarro, a Sociology and full terms] made up 81 percent of Brad Pitt, Tony Blair. “One of these students, and Americans in general, the question, “Who is Angelina Jolie American-Indian Studies Instructor the college population in spring things is not like the others. One of were so removed from international currently romantically linked to?” at Fresno City College, “I don’t think 2006, compared to 65 percent in these things just doesn’t belong. Can affairs. For the other questions, the results it stems from a lack of interest in in- fall 2005; the fl uctuation of con- you tell which thing is not like the oth- As a part of the forum, ASG were drastically different. Only 29% ternational affairs. I just think that if tinuing students at FCC according ers by the time I fi nish my song?” senator Ashley Harris presented the of students could answer the prompt, you look at the student life today, it’s to the Fact Book, occurring since On Wednesday, November results of a survey conducted by the “Name three current international pretty chaotic.” Navarro also faulted 2001 school year, spring always 15, the Associated Student Govern- Student Government. The survey conflicts,” which had the highest freedom for the nation’s complacency has a higher number of continuing ment held a forum as a part of Inter- was answered by 112 students, and percent of correct answers among the toward the rest of the world. “I think students than Fall. About ten per- national Week at Fresno City College. asked four questions. Three questions foreign relations questions. See International page 2 cent are former students returning, and the rest are fi rst time students and fi rst time transferring in FCC in spring of 2006. Alexisby Maylin Tu Khoury - A life in books According to an Associated of “learning.” For others, they County.” The fi rst infl uential book Press article in November of 2005 Rampage Reporter might be harmless fast-paced It was a match that both she remembers reading was “Jane in New York, college dropout rate For some people, books entertainment particularly handy sides of the family had diffi culty Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. became a concern to some educa- are tortures devised by sadistic at the airport. accepting, and one that ultimately “I think I identifi ed with her See Programs page 3 English teachers under the pretext For English instructor Alex- did not last. Khoury’s parents sense of injustice.” is Khoury, books are a passion. divorced when she was fi ve, and As an undergrad studying This is Khoury’s fi rst se- her father moved back to his na- English at NYU, Khoury decided Crimes of the Heart mester at FCC. For the past sixteen tive country. to transfer to SUNY Binghamton years, she taught at Reedley Col- Growing up in a hard neigh- to study with John Gardner after lege. Her husband teaches eco- borhood and a broken family, she reading an article about him and nomics at FCC, and that certainly found solace in books. his book “On moral Fiction.” Iron- played a part in the transfer, but it “I was really little when I ically, the article mocked Gardner was the commute from Fresno to found out about reading. I think for the very reasons Khoury chose Reedley that fi nally did it—that it was an escape for me… there to study under him. and the need for a change. was a lot of unhappiness and “It was one of the best deci- “It’s much busier here…I’m poverty.” sions I ever made.” really happy here...I’ve had a great Her love for reading natu- She graduated with a BA in semester. I love all the activity.” rally expressed itself in writing English with an emphasis in cre- Khoury was born in Yon- as well: ative writing and later received her kers, NY, 20 minutes outside of “When I was in second master’s from UMass-Amherst. New York City, to parents who grade I used to write stories and Although becoming an married outside of normal socio- put them in little books.” English teacher had always been cultural boundaries. Eventually, books became the plan, teaching at a community

Photo by Robin Vallentyne “My father was a Jordanian more than just an escape, but a college had not: The FCC Theatre will feature the play Crimes of the Heart (above), the Christian Arab and my mother way to relate her own experiences “I started teaching com- dance production Urban Living, and several concerts. See calendar, Page 2 was a Jewish girl from Putnam to those of other people. see Khoury, Page 3 Offi ce: (559) 442-8263 Business: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783 E-mail: [email protected] 2 Rampage News November 29, 2006 International: Media partly to blame continued from page 1 need to know about the rest of the that are significant or important.” This world.” was made evident by the results of the it has a lot to do with the fact that we “A historian by the name of ASG survey. have so many freedoms, which is a Howard Zinn said this and I’d like ASG President Tara Tobin Rampage Newsroom: (559) 442-8263 good thing,” said Navarro, “But at to quote him … ‘If you don’t know asked, “So, what do you do … to try Fresno City College Business: (559) 442-8262 (559) 265-5783 the same time it allows us to ignore your history, it’s like you were born to get your students to think and un- 1101 E. University Fax: E-mail: what’s happening in the world, which yesterday,’” quoted Gerry Bill, a derstand, even if you don’t move to try Ave. I think is unfortunate.” Sociology and American Studies Editor In Chief: and change the world somehow?” Fresno, CA 93741 rampage-editor@ As an immigrant of Nigeria, instructor at FCC, “If you were “Question everything,” said fresnocitycollege.edu Dympna Ugwu-Oju, who teaches born yesterday the people in power Navarro as he quoted Karl Marx. Editor in chief: Matthew T. Mendez [email protected] Journalism at FCC, was able to can manipulate you into anything. The forum made it clear that being News Editor: Matthew T. Mendez Sports Editor: Quinn Robinson give a different perspective. “When That the danger in not knowing your Rampage business Office: informed can be uncomfortable, but Views Editor: David Witte rampage-business@ I came to the United States at age history.” it can also be liberating. Reviews Editor: David Witte fresnocitycollege.edu 18 … I was amazed at how little All three-faculty members “Did you guess which thing Photo Editor: Robin Vallentyne Americans knew about America,” agreed that Americans’ ignorance was not like the others? Did you Business Manager: Leah Edwards Advisor: dympna.ugwu-oju@ fresnocitycollege.edu said Ugwu-Oju, “But I understand is due in large part to the media and guess which thing just doesn’t be- Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju because I, too, have raised Ameri- the education system. “We’re sort of long? If you guessed [Brad Pitt] is Reporters can children, and I understand the educated about all the wrong things not like the others, then you’re abso- Rampage is an award-winning newspaper complacency. There’s no immediate and we’re not really taught the things lutely…right!” Matthew T. Mendez, Leah published biweekly by the Fresno City Edwards, Joseph Rios, Quinn College Journalism 4 & 5 program and is Robinson, David Witte, Eric a member of Journalism Association of Valdez, Christian Beltran, DC Community Colleges. Views expressed in Upcoming Theatre Arts Events Leavy, Chelsea Bieker, Carly The Rampage are those of the individual compiled by Eric Valdez help promote the holiday spirit. Location: Roger Rocka’s Music Hubbell, Efren Marquez, Johanna Tanori, Brian Noonan, Buen writers and do not necessarily reflect Following is a list of productions Admission: $8 general, $5 Stu- Hall those of Fresno City College, its students, by the music and theater depart- Moua, Ana Zavala, Ife-Chudeni dent/senior Description:Student jazz combos Oputa, Maylin Tu, Robin administration or the State Center Com- ments in the month of December. perform in an informal setting. Vallentyne, and Michael Williams munity College District. Saturday December 2 Friday December 1 Recital Photography/ Letters to the editor and submissions to the Crimes of the Heart Time: 7:30 to: calendar will be accepted via e-mail or in Fall Student Recital #2 Time: 2 P.M. to: and 7:30 to: Location: Recital Hall Graphics person 12 noon - 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday Time 1 P.M. to: Location: Studio 105 Robin Vallentyne, Michael and Friday, at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, Location: Recital Hall MS 132 Description: See above Tuesday, December 5 Behlen, above the bookstore. Please keep all letters to Description: Jazz musicians will Brass and Percussion Concert David Witte a maximum of 500 words along with contact present contemporary big band City Dances Fall Showcase Time: From: 7:30 P.M. to information. jazz music featuring compositions Time: 2 P.M. to: and 7:30 to: Location: Theater by band members. Location: Main stage theatre Admission:$10 general, $5 stu- Description: Contemporary danc- Art Exhibit: Bob Kizziar Thursday December 7 harmonic dent/senior citizens es show. Time: 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Crimes of the Heart Time: 8 P.M. (Saturday) and 2:30 Location: Art Space Gallery Time: 7:30 P.M. to P.M. (Sunday) Crimes of the Heart Sunday December 3 Description: A Play In Clay: The Location: Studio 105 Location:Saroyan Theater- Fresno Time: 7:30 P.M. to: Crimes of the heart Middle Years Description: See above Convention Center Location: Studio 105 Time: 2 P.M. to: Description: FCC and Fresno State Description: 1981 Pulitzer award Location: Studio 105 Wednesday December 6 Friday December 8 choirs perform with the Fresno winning play examining the plight Description: See above FCC Concert Band , Directed by Fall Student Recital #3 Philharmonic in a holiday tribute of the three Magrath sisters. Gary N. Deeter Time: 1 P.M. To: For more information, contact Admission: $10 general, $7 su- Fresno Community Concert Time: :7:30 to: Location: Recital Hall MS 132 the Fresno Philharmonic at (559) dent/senior Band Location:FCC Theater Description: FCC Music Students 261-0600 or visit the website at Time: 3 P.M. and 7P.M Description: The feature John perform chamber music from dif- fresnophil.org. Holiday Choral Concert, Directed Location: Tower Theater Hord playing Shostakovich Piano ferent time periods by Julie Dana Description: “A Christmas Rhap- Concerto #1 For more information on events in Time: 7:30 P.M. to: sody” Crimes of the Heart the music and theater department Location: Shrine of St. Therese Student Jazz Recital Time: 7:30 to: happening in December, contact the Church, Floradora and Wishon Monday December 4 Time: 1 P.M. to Location: Studio 105 Fresno City College Theater Box Description: FCC Choir presents FCC Jazz Composers-, Location: MS 135 Description: See above Office at (559) 442-8221. their annual Christmas concert in Mike Dana Description: See above the beautiful St. Therese Church to Time: 8 P.M. To: Saturday, December 9 FCC Choirs with Fresno Phil- Dial-up Classifieds Internet Access The Transfer Center is here to help make your • Rates starting at $11.50 per month plans for the future! • Unlimited Access • Spam Filtering • Free Web Hosting Contact the Transfer • Technical Support Center at Student Ser- vices Bldg., 2nd floor or 2• Local Dial-in Numbers * call (559) 442-8290 monthsFREE! Holiday Help Wanted Great Pay, FT/PT, flexible schedules, no exp * Offer valid for new subscribers only. Must mention ad when calling to establish a new account. CVIP provides Internet access to students, educators, Fresno State Alumni, non-profits and local nec, customer sales/service, governments. Call now to see if you qualify. Proceeds benefit California State University, Fresno. All funds received are reinvested into instructional programs and technology upgrades. ages 18+, cond. apply, 222- 7527 559-278-1111 or toll-free 800-578-0905 or visit us online at www.cvip.net www.workforstudents.com November 29, 2006 News Rampage 3 Programs curb dropout rates Khoury: Is thankful for the chance to make a career out of her passion Continued from page 1 tors, which they turned their atten- do not come until later after first and we help them resolve some continued from Page 1 tion to helping students stay until two weeks,” Cummings said. of those issues,” said FCC Psy- munity college because I had to teaching is, you guessed it, the graduation. What appears to be a large chological Services Director and start working.” students. Former Princeton Presi- number of students at the begin- Psychologist Brian Olowude. However, necessity be- Her favorite author is dent and President of the Andrew ning of a semester is usually the “Quite often it curates difficulty came, as she says “serendipitous,” Shakespeare. Her favorite book is W. Mellon Foundation, William number of new students coming to with being successful in their as she found teaching at commu- Othello, and her favorite class to Bowen, was conducting a research learn about college life along with classes, when students come in nity college to be exactly what teach is, well, Shakespeare. Keep in detail who finishes college and returning students getting their for help.” she wanted to do. Why? The op- a look out for the class in spring graduates and who doesn’t, ac- books, socializing with friends, “The problems that our portunity to work with motivated of 2008. cording to the AP article “U.S. col- and going to counselors, Cum- students face are some that our students: Khoury’s passion for books lege Drop-rate sparks concern.” mings said. He continued that the community members face—it “Most of them choose to be and carpe diem philosophy have “The U.S. has always said parking and campus is clearing could be from simple relation- here. Many of them are making led to a career she has nothing but it believes in opportunity and up now because students begin ships to major illnesses such as sacrifices to be here, they’re not praise for: social mobility and fairness, but to come to school mainly to class schizophrenia or major depres- being put through by their parents “I walk around everyday if you find that the odds of get- [a routine], through the semester, sion, or eating disorders,” said who are making them go.” and I feel like the luckiest person ting through are very different and some students may decide they Olowude. She adds, “It’s really right in the world because I get to spend for different groups of people, do not want to come to class on “We’ve allowed for a for me.” my life talking about something that’s something you ought to be certain days. certain number of students to Her favorite thing about I love.” concerned about,” said Bowen in In relation to the smaller continue their academic career an interview with AP. number of students at the end of a by not needing to drop out,” said At FCC, rate semester, some students say they Olowude. “Our overall mission was 15 percent in Fall of 2001, have been procrastinating towards is to work with them on health 14 percent in Spring of 2001, and the end here at FCC, a common issues so that it doesn’t become around 12-13 percent consistently issue with many students. a barrier on their academic suc- each semester from 2002-2005 “I procrastinate all he way,” cess.” school year, and 13 percent in said FCC student Sisouda Xay- Dr. Olowude said that the Spring of 06, according to FCC avong. Xayavong said that stress services at FCC are free and are Vice President of Admissions John is what makes him get behind and confidential, and the Psychologi- Cummings. lack of motivation. cal Service [located in the Student “We retain about 85 percent Another FCC student Dong Center above the bookstore in of our students in Spring of 2006, Le, Electrical Engineer major said SC-216] is a part of the Psychol- and students who successfully that usually video games keep him ogy Postdoctoral and Internship completed that semester [with a from his schoolwork, but other Centers and is accredited by the passing A,B, or C grade in their than that he said he keeps up with American Psychological As- classes] is 61 percent,” said Cum- his work. sociation. mings. He added that in the Spring When some students were “The absence of strug- of 06,’ only 15 percent of students asked whether they procrastinate gle in life doesn’t really hap- photo by Maylin Tu had a withdrawal and 12 percent or lose interest in school near the pen…there’s always going to be Alexis Khoury failed the semester. end of the semester, they did not struggles,” said Dr. Olowude. He ‘Typically for every semes- want to comment because they said continued that the challenge is ter, because registration at FCC they did not feel like answering. having the correct support system 9-ball champion strikes again begins prior to the beginning of Some of the factors like in dealing with those problems. a semester, many financial aid personal problems outside of “I may have probably been Christopher Cruz took to compete in the Reno Open students who do not return in the school result in some students lagging just as my friend has with #44 on Dec. 1 through 4 at spring are still counted as enrolled dropping out of college or getting his Philosophy class,” said FCC his second win at the 9-Ball Tournament Championship the Sans Regency Hotel. We until the first week of the semester behind their schoolwork. student John Thompson. “I’m at Fresno City College wish starts when they are dropped and “Some students that come lagging in my other classes. I here at Fresno City College, and stands as the ‘Unde- our fellow student Christo- having to add students on waitlists, in to the Psychological Services think everyone does.” pher good luck! the actual number of student drops have a lot of issues with school feated Billiards Champion.’ Christopher’s next move is

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™ The University of Values 4 Rampage News November 29, 2006 E a r t h T a l k Holiday Gift Ideas Questions and Answers About our Christmas is on its way; here are some ideas to help make your shopping Environment from E/The Environmental experience easier. Magazine well worth the money.” by Brian Noonan For those looking for some- Rampage Reporter thing that might better fi t their price Dear EarthTalk: Where range, the department stores in the mall are always having holiday can I fi nd green-friendly gifts for With Thanksgiving over and December approaching, the holiday sales. Quality jewelry items or friends and family this holiday season is about to swing into full brand name perfume/cologne for season? - A.L. Burger, via e-mail effect. Traffi c will be a nightmare, under $100 makes a great gift for a shoppers will fill the malls, and signifi cant other. Most stores also Reconciling one’s green Christmas lights will illuminate offer a gift-wrap service to expedite values with the urge to shop has the streets. While the holidays are the shopping process for the cus- never been easy. Most environ- generally considered a time of joy, tomer. Other stores ideal for women mental groups today decry West- there does remain that predicament includes Victoria’s Secret and Bath ern consumer habits as wasteful of fi nding the perfect gift for every & Body Works. Fragrances, body and a major cause of ecological family member. The Rampage care, and makeup items are cur- degradation in a shrinking world. has your 2006 Holiday Shopping rently 25% off at Victoria’s Secret, while Bath & Body Works has a And many people, environmental Guide here. Although the biggest day 2 for $10 signature hair care item issues aside, believe that the ram- (the day after Thanksgiving) of sales sale. Items like these make great pant commercialism we’ve all and shopping has already passed, it’s stocking stuffers for the women in come to expect at holiday times important to get the shopping done the family. cheapens what should be a refl ec- as early as possible to avoid the For the men in the family, tive or sacred time of year. hectic last minute shopping traffi c. L.L. Bean has some great outdoor Our buying habits are not Most online stores also have ship- items that can be put to practical easy on the wallet, either. Ac- ping guarantees that promise to ship use rather than discarded or thrown cording to the Center for a New your products in time for holidays so in the back of the closet. These American Dream (CNAD), 60 long as the order is placed on time. include hand made sheepskin moc- million American families carry “I usually try to get all of my casins, warm fl annel shirts, and vests available in down or fl eece. Men an average credit card debt of over shopping done in the fi rst week of December,” said Fresno State senior tend to be a bit harder to shop for $7,000 and pay more than $1,000 Image courtesy of Getty Images Tyler Whitsett. “This way I’m right since they don’t always voice their a year in interest and fees. Further, in between the heavy traffi c times needs, so gift cards can sometimes says CNAD, “A record 1.6 mil- “A number of online merchants offer green-friendly items for the right after Thanksgiving and right make up for this by allowing them lion Americans declared personal holidays--from clothes, bed-and-bath and organic baby products, to before Christmas.” to choose how they want to spend bankruptcy last year.” food, the latest books and ‘gifts that give back’ such as tree planting Electronic gaming has be- the money. “I love gift cards because you For those who ply an ethic kits and ‘fair trade’ crafts that support economically disadvantaged come a multi-billion dollar industry and it seems the latest holiday craze can pick what you want,” said fresh- of moderation (for whatever rea- communities in developing countries.” son) but still have to show up at will boost sales even more. The man Alex Koop. Gifts for younger a half-dozen holiday parties with you as a customer can choose. CONTACTS: National X-Box 360, which retails at $299 children and infants or toddlers can something for under the tree, there Some other options include Green Pages Online, coopamerica. for the core system and $399 for be found at places like Kay-Bee Toys and Discovery.com/gifts. are now more green-friendly (and Consumer Reports’ Greenerchoic- org/pubs/greenpages; Alonovo, the core is probably the best value buy of the available platforms. It Kay-Bee Toys currently has sales affordable) options than ever be- es.org, which rates mainstream www.alonovo.com; Greener- will be available in higher quantities of 20% off on various Happy Feet fore. Steer your web browser to products from cars to electronics choices.org, www.greenerchoices. because it was released last year, and movie merchandise, Milton Bradley any number of online merchants based on environmental criteria, org; Responsible Shopper, www. is still comparable in performance games, My Little Pony items, and offering items from clothes, bed- and Co-op America’s Responsible coopamerica.org/programs/rs; to the higher priced Playstation 3. stuffed animals. One hot item from and-bath and organic baby prod- Shopper, which features detailed About.com’s 101 Great Gifts to The Nintendo Wii is a little more Discovery.com is the Discovery ucts to food, the latest books and reports on various companies Make, familycrafts.about.com/cs/ affordable, but will be in extremely Ann B. Dextrous Motor Developer. “gifts that give back,” such as that market “green” consumer giftgiving/a/120400a.htm. short supply because of the high Although it is $59.95, the toy will tree-planting kits and “fair trade” products. Of course, you need not GOT AN ENVIRONMEN- demand and limited amount of units provide educational value for infants crafts that support economically buy anything if you have a little TAL QUESTION? Send it to: available. and has progressive learning fea- disadvantaged communities in more time (and items to re-use EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environ- “I would go with the 360 tures to make it suitable for a baby from 4 months to 36 months. developing countries. A few popu- and recycle) on your hands than mental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, because now that it has been out for a year Microsoft has been able So whether you’re shopping lar sites include the Green Home money. Sherri Osborn, the family Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: to work out some of the problems for a newborn baby or a signifi- Environmental Store, Global crafts guide at About.com, offers www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/ they had at fi rst and it’s a lot more cant other, now is the time to take Exchange’s Fair Trade Online up a healthy listing of “101 Great thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@ affordable than the other systems,” advantage of all the holiday sales Store, The Eco-Store, Abundant Gifts to Make” for any season, emagazine.com. Read past col- said sophomore Ross Janzen. “I’ve and avoid the traffi c and shipping Earth, and Gaiam, among others. A complete with links to instructions umns at: www.emagazine.com/ had mine for a while now and it was problems. visit to Co-Op America’s National and materials needed. earthtalk/archives.php. Green Pages Online is one quick path to a treasure trove of such options. While these stores all spe- Get ready for Spring Semester 2007 cialize in decidedly “green” items, many environmentally concerned consumers simply want to buy Spring Semester fees now $20 a unit! from mainstream retailers but want to feel confi dent their money is Register now for best selection of courses! going to companies that are “good corporate citizens.” If you better fi t that category of consumer, pay a Three convenient ways to register: Important Dates: visit to Alonovo.com, which pro- Online December 1, 2006 vides information on companies’ With WebAdvisor at www.webadvisor.scccd.com social and environmental records Spring Parking Permits Available alongside thousands of products By Phone December 7, 2006 for sale in partnership with Ama- At 559-229-9833 or 1-877-246-7222 (touchtone only) zon.com. The website can also Fees Due (if you registered before November 10) simply be used as a research tool In Person to get the lowdown on companies December 21, 2006 At any college or center registration office, Fees Due (if you registered between November 10–December 21) before heading out to downtown but you don’t want to wait in line, do you? or the mall. Alonovo rates compa- nies in fi ve different areas: social January 3, 2007 responsibility, workplace fairness, Textbooks go on sale environmental issues, customer January 6, 2007 relations and overall business eth- Advanced Registration ends at 1:00 p.m. ics. If you do buy from the site, FRESNO CITY COLLEGE the company shares from 20 to 40 559 4428228 January 8, 2007 percent of its profi ts with environ- www.fresnocitycollege.edu Spring semester begins and registration continues mental and other nonprofi ts that November 29, 2006 News Rampage 5 Sal Mena Bids FCC farewell, says his tenure has been “ a wonderful journey.”

was hired to work in the EOPS program and continued his position By Leah Edwards with Fresno City College for the Rampage Reporter past thirty-three years. “And one month,” added Mena. Sal Mena is retiring af- Mena said the greatest ter thirty-three years of service reward isn’t the numerous plaques through the Extended Opportunity he’s received over the years. “My Program and Services. Those who greatest rewards are when former wish to extend their best wishes students come up to me and tell me are welcomed to attend the official about their life and what they are retirement party in the cafeteria on doing now,” said Mena. November 30, 2006 from 12 until His greatest treasures 3:00 p.m. are those business cards he’s been Mena has been a part given by these former students. He of EOPS which has been serving values the knowledge that he made students at Fresno City since 1970, a difference in the quality of their in response to various demonstra- lives and often the lives of their tions by students in 1968 and families. 1969 who were looking for equal “Their success is our suc- educational opportunities. cess, today’s students are tomor- “Students of color and rows future,” said Mena. low income began to protest at the Robert Singleton is just Governor’s mansion and junior one of many former students who city colleges statewide. These credits Mena with his current suc- students refused to go away and cess. had to be forcibly removed by “Mr. Mena helped me national guardsmen, but they overcome my fear,” said Single- continued to demand equal access ton. to an education, and it was out of Mr. Singleton was forty- these actions that this program was years old and afraid of going back developed,” said EOPS advisor, to school amongst kids half his Mark J. McNiff. age. He began and quit, and it took Sal Mena was one of the several semesters of academic first students of the EOPS pro- probation and encouragement from gram. He came from an agricul- Mena before Mr. Singleton could EOP&S Sal Mena Retiring after thirty-three years of dedicated service tural community and wanted to do make it through. something different with his life. ”Don’t ever say you the course of their lives. nothing, but it is what we do in Fresno City College.” He wasn’t sure what he wanted to can’t,” is still one of Mr. Mena’s As for his time7AIT*#&##2AMPAGE&XPDF at Fresno between. Be passionate about your As for the rest of his do but he knew he needed more to favorite sayings. City College, “It has been a won- profession, be a good role model, future, Mr. Mena plans to spend put on his resume. He refused to give up on derful journey. I would do it and a humanitarian.” quality time with his family and Mena credits much of Mr. Singleton, or allow him to give again and again and again,” said “The years went by fast finish restoring his Classic 57’ his success to his first mentor at up on himself. Singleton went on Mena. “We come into this world because I enjoyed my work,” Chevy. Fresno City College, Mr. Angelo to graduate, became a part owner with nothing and we go out with said Mena, “I will always support Antondo. He saw the difference of Electric Communications, Inc. that Antondo made in the lives of and the Executive Director of the the students he worked with, and King of Kings rehabilitation pro- recognized his calling to do the gram on Martin Luther King Blvd. same. in Fresno. “I graduated from Fresno “Although we can’t pre- City and went on to become one dict the future, we can help create of the first prototype students at it,” said Mena. “There are no goals San Jose State and earned my BA you can’t accomplish.” in social work from Fresno State Mena lets students know in 1973,” said Mena. that all they really need is dedica- Within a few months he tion and determination to change Sports 6 November 29, 2006 Opinion Journalism: A lost art? By Quinn Robinson News is supposed to ask the questions we feel the Rampage Reporter student population should know

The following article is not a respect we now have on campus The Rampage and the Adminis- embarrassment to a whole new instructor that wasn’t afraid of sports article and due to lack from our peers and faculty. tration never felt genuine since level. They then had staff mem- standing up to the Administra- of room in the opinion section The Rampage used to be I’ve been here. bers take away stacks and stacks tion, get replaced by one whose was ran in this section. I want an established junior college The best way to describe of newspapers from reporters loyalties are clearly displayed to apologize to the sports that newspaper that’d win awards the type of relationship the two who had no idea what was go- more to them than the college I decided not to cover for this yearly for the quality of writing have had would be the new Mc- ing on at the time in front of a kids who wanted to pursue this issue either due to no stories that the paper displayed. We still Donalds commercial. This com- packed fountain area. As to think as a career. I say wanted because turned in to cover or lack of time get the awards today, but these mercial is where two co-workers the football players punking us I’m not sure many of us up here to put a valuable piece of writing awards are different because surprisingly run into each other wasn’t bad enough? do anymore. out in this issue. This stance they’re like the awards you in line while ordering food and Good job Administra- If the Administration that is being taken in the article below is something I feel really would get in kindergarten where just stop and share moments of tion, I’m actually surprised you wants The Rampage to continue strongly about. to read it. “everybody wins.” awkward silence because they haven’t cornered that can lady to be an award winning paper, When I fi rst came into this don’t really know what to say yet and demand a fee for letting then there need to be some It’s the fi nal issue of the newsroom out of high school it to each other and quickly try to her gather cans for charity on changes. semester. was completely different. fi nd the quickest escape from the campus. The thought of one person After we released the fi rst Yes, there were still your situation. Now it feels like ever teaching six classes and then one, I’m excited to say that we two or three fl akes of the group, The relationship became since the fi rst issue, the writers “overseeing” the production is made it to issue 7 in one way. In that’s never going to change, but a little more strained when we at the Rampage are being forced completely ridiculous. If you another, I feel like we should’ve one main difference from back ran the accreditation story in the to write “fl uff” stories because want some real advice, I suggest just stopped after the story con- then to now is journalism was spring semester of 2006. they can’t get anyone to talk to you give Contra Costa Commu- troversy of issue one and tried interesting. Yes, the Administration them about what is really going nity College a call and ask what again in Spring 2007. Reporters didn’t question didn’t care for it too much be- on around campus. it is they do with their paper, be- As the semester pro- the stories assigned to them by cause it caught their fl aws and News is supposed to ask cause I’m sure that’s where you gressed, those who are devoted the editors. They might have pointed it out to the rest of the the questions that we feel the stu- would like to see The Rampage to the production process of the disliked being assigned to cover student population. dent population should know, not one day, on the upper echelon of newspaper (about six people on a a story on basket weaving but it The incident that really a forced promotional lip service junior college newspapers. good day) were hoping that they didn’t matter, because we were has sent this relationship into a to the Administration. If not then maybe it’d be could turn the paper around and doing this because this is what tailspin occurred the fi rst issue of I used to believe that The best if “City At Large” is the have six solid issues to wrap up we wanted to do in the future. We the semester. Rampage was worth the time and only campus publication and the semester. were able to go out and cover any The Administration seized hard work. just waste your money on a new As each issue passed, the story and make it interesting. the fi rst opportunity it got to fl ex Now I don’t feel that way. neon-light sign for the Old Ad- views of having a good paper The relationship between its “mighty muscle” and took I see a newspaper who had an ministration Building. dwindled almost as fast as the

Men’s soccer advance in playoffs Join the Rams overcome tough DeAnza squad to secure victory. By Mike Williams Rampage Reporter that they were in control the To counter such an attack entire time. opponents have tried to spread Rampage A win is a win. The score remained 0 to out the ball more and take a It might be pretty and it 0 most of the game until Jose tougher defensive stance and might be ugly. Pinto scored the game-winning keeping FCC’s offensive power Writers Mondays and In Fresno City College’s goal in the 65th minute. at bay. case, last Wednesday’s game Fresno City took 11 shots Solberg and his team are Wednesdays against DeAnza College wasn’t only connecting on one, while determined to go into the Dec. 2 so pretty. DeAnza College only fired four game against Consumnes River Photographers This was the first time shots. and leave with a victory. Journalism 5 FCC (15-1-7) has played since Both teams had outstand- With offensive fire power 11:00-11:50 am Nov. 10 the flow of their of- ing goalie play. DeAnza’s Aliou like Pinto, Andrew Fled , Eli fense struggled throughout the Diallo had eight saves. FCC’s Oregon and Victor Regalado, game due to the long break. Scott Grigsby played all ninety there is no stopping FCC. Graphic Artists Although the Rams minutes and also had three goals The Rams have been looked a little rusty getting to help his team secure the vic- countered with numerous styles back into the swing of things tory. of game plans but no matter the Journalism 4 on the soccer field, coming “I knew we would pull plan, all it takes is one sequence Advertising out with a victory against this one out,” said Grigsby. in the game for FCC to gain an 1:00-1:50 pm a tough opponent like that “I don’t care how we win any advantage and that’s where the of DeAnza should definitely more, as long as we win. Rams are the deadliest. boost the Rams confidence as Even though FCC hasn’t If the Rams win they head into their next game quite put up the offensive num- Saturday against Cosumnes Cartoonists on Dec. 2. bers as they have the past few River they advance to the state Even with the struggles seasons, most teams still con- tournament Dec. 8-10 at Fresno the Rams had, you could sense sider the Rams a serious offen- Pacific. sive threat. November 29, 2006 Rampage Rampage 7 Rams finish final leg of season Cross country team wraps up 2006 season on high note.

By Brian Noonan overall respectively. February. In addition, the two were FCC will be in the running Rampage Reporter the top finishers for Northern for a Northern California Track Californian individuals. California Championship on both the men competes in a league apart from the and women’s sides. Pulido was rest of the nation because it is such very adamant about the team’s Although the Rams didn’t a large and competitive state. outlook for the upcoming sea- quite manage the finish that they This means that Pulido’s 6th son. had hoped for, they were still less place finish makes him a first-team “We have great athletes in than 20 points away from a top-10 All-American (top 7 CA finishers) the javelin, discus and hammer, placing at the California Commu- and Rodriguez will be named to the who have placed in the top in the nity College State Cross Country second team All-America. NorCal,” said Pulido. Championships on Saturday, Nov. Sophomore Cruz Adams “Now we have a few tal- 18th at Woodward Park. also cracked the top 50 and ran a ented freshmen coming in with Fresno City placed 11th Woodward Park personal best 21:32 something to offer to the pro- out of 21 teams and was also the over the four mile course. gram. As for the sprinters, we second best Northern Californian “I was pretty happy with my have talented runners returning representative. The Rams also time since it was about a twenty and new ones arriving who have had some excellent individual second PR from my first time racing run as fast as 48 seconds in the performances. the four mile course here at Wood- quarter mile. We are bringing “We wanted to finish in the ward,” said Rodriguez. some of the top hurdlers in the top five, but not everyone was on With the cross-country sea- state and jumpers as well for both today,” said freshman John Brodie. son now over, the runners will enjoy men and women.” Photo by Robin Vallentyne “This will just be more motivation a short break and then look forward Fresno City College is for track season and hopefully we to a successful track season once the still looking for athletes who are From rear left to right: Tim Falagan, Cruz Adams, Bobby can pull it together for a NorCal spring semester starts in January. interested in competing for Track Rodriguez, Julio Moreno, Issac Viscarra, Tony Pulido, Jorge title.” The 2007 track schedule and Field. Any interested track Martinez and John Brodie. FCC’s dynamic duo of has yet to be finalized, but the first athletes are encouraged to speak sophomore Tony Pulido and fresh- meet should be the Central Valley to Coach Gary Bluth at 559-442- man Bobby Rodriguez didn’t Conference Preview meet in early 4600 ext. 8440, or in his office. disappoint, placing 6th and 10th

Volleyball makes early exit 1st round loss to DeAnza only motivates the Rams for next year.

to victory as they lost 30-25, 30-23 Buller’s Rams will be one By Mike Williams & 30-28. of, the if not the toughest team Rampage Reporter Melissa Anaya led FCC with in their conference next season. 25 assists she also helped out with FCC has eight players return- The Fresno City College 19 digs and seven kills. Jacqueline ing next year which shouldn’t women’s volleyball team didn’t Hill had nine kills and also nine excite anyone who happens to end their season with a bang like digs. Jackie Anaya had 20 digs. have the Rams on their schedule they had hoped. Instead, the Rams The team wouldn’t have next year. made an early exit in the post the success it had if it wasn’t for Players returning are sis- season, losing to DeAnza College sophomore leadership held by ters Tanena and Donesha Jack- 3-0. In hind sight, the Rams had an Jackie Anaya, Lauren Storey and son, Melissa Anaya, Christina outstanding season finishing 19-6 Hill. These girls played consistently Sanchez, Ana Siguenza, Lyndsey overall and 14-2 in Central Valley week in and week out. They picked Myrick, Amanda Martinez and Conference play. their team up at crucial times in the Ashley Fantazia. First year head coach Beth season and always played hard. These girls will be a force Buller has done a great job with a These sophomores also showed to reckon with next season. The team that consisted of only three signs of toughness by playing team will be more experienced sophomores. through pain at times during the and more improved as players. Last Wednesday in Cuper- season. The Rams are going to have FCC volleyball fans get familiar tino, the Rams met their toughest a huge void to fill next season as with Buller, because she’s going match of the year. FCC was able these three players depart. Jackie to be around for a long time and to go toe-to-toe with DeAnza Col- Anaya plans to play next season at championships are going to be Photo By Robin Vallentyne lege in every match. However, in Fresno State while Storey and Hill won as the Rams prepare to es- Melissa Anaya (4) dives for a ball against Merced College the end, the Rams couldn’t gain haven’t decided where they will tablish themselves as a dominant on Nov. 8. The Rams had another strong year, this time enough momentum to carry them play next season. force year after year. under first year coach Beth Buller. Views 8 November 29, 2006 With cosmetic surgery growing in popularity, it seems to be gaining acceptance. Paper or plastic? So what if people get plastic surgery? I want to know what’s real and what’s They’re doing it for themselves, not you. not. Be thankful for what you have.

average, run-of-the-mill, Fresno City stu- I think about all the “weird” things that made by Carly Hubbel by Chelsea Bieker dent supposed to react when they see images Rampage reporter them special. If they were perfect, how boring Rampage reporter like that everywhere they turn their heads? it all would have been. Cosmetic plastic surgery is the pillow many Today we are bombarded with a slew I know a few girls that rushed out There are some things you cannot Americans fall back on, because what else of magazines featuring headlines announc- to buy boobs after they graduated high change all by yourself. It’s just one of those will catch us? The whole, “Your beautiful ing celebrities are getting work done. Breast school. Do they feel better now? Probably. hard lessons in life. You can’t make the on the inside” crap? Because from my expe- implants, nose jobs, botox, just to name a few. Have they thought about the upkeep for weather sunny when you want to wear your rience, when you first meet somebody, you The craze is not just in the Hollywood realm a set of twins as they get older? Probably new tank top, you can’t magically change don’t really get to see their insides, just the though. I was recently getting my hair done not. I’m not disregarding the fact that many your bank account from holding twenty-one out. And you know we all size someone up and my hair dresser asks me if I like her “new operations really do better the morale of dollars to twenty-one thousand and…you on how they look. Shallow? Yeah. True? lips.” I’m thinking, what was wrong with the the patient. That’s fine. My concern is that can’t change the way you look. Of, course. old ones? This leaves me pondering, what’s society has lost its grip on what natural Sure, you can go out and get an No one really has room to judge real, what’s fake, and why does society feel beauty really is. expensive hair cut, cake on makeup, or go someone who gets cosmetic plastic surgery they have to surgically alter their faces and I feel bad for the little girl that thinks to the gym for four hours a day, but no one at some point in their lives, because really, bodies to fit an ideal? she has to fit an ideal, or else she is a failure. will ever achieve the body or face they re- they’re doing it for themselves. People We can blame some of the obsession Maybe I’m too much of a hippie to appreciate ally want by doing only those things. That’s are obsessed with outward appearance. on sex. Sex is a powerful thing and is a driv- these kinds of procedures, but I personally where plas- Once again, ing force for am interested to tic surgery not our con- advertise- see how I age. comes in to “We didn’t choose our looks and scious choice, ments ev- “I feel bad for the little girl that The laugh lines save the day. our bodies, and through plastic but it’s the erywhere. that grace my Peo- truth and we Magazines thinks she has to fit an ideal, or Grandmothers ple make fun surgery, we finally can.” s h o u l d a l l like Play- else she is a failure.” cheeks are to of those who learn to live boy, Hustler me, nothing are pro plas- with it. Those and all those short of beauti- tic surgery. “It’s so fake!” “It’s so shallow!” who get the surgery are simply trying to other mindless man reads give women a clear ful. Surgeries that are geared specifically for “That’s so sad!” Wah, wah, wah. More than make themselves better to the world, and cut copy of what sexy is. The ideal is larger cosmetic reasons only are a waste of money. likely, especially when they start to lose their by doing that, they are making themselves than life boobs, and not an inch of fat. This I completely understand why someone who youthful looks and get crows feet growing happy. Low self-esteem can easily be fixed is simply not realistic, naturally that is. But was in an accident or someone that had a out of their eyes, plastic surgery won’t be the if a girl got a nose job to fix the huge bump now we can breathe a sigh of relief because mastectomy would want cosmetic recon- heinous act those Negative Nancy’s make it in her nose, or the girl with double A’s who my B-cups can magically go to D-cups? I struction. That’s fine. I just think we’re going out to be. Lord knows, no one is completely for once wants to feel like a woman and get don’t think so. overboard when people walk around looking, satisfied with what they see in the mirror, so bigger breasts. We didn’t choose our looks Aside from complications that can well, fake. what exactly is wrong with somebody who and our bodies, and through plastic surgery, arise during these appearance transforma- I have always been against cosmetic gets a little nip/tuck to make themselves feel we finally can. tions, aren’t there other issues at hand? For surgeries because I think in part, that they better? Many of you are probably balking instance, why not appreciate what you do are kind of creepy. I remember a sleep over Those who were born in the United at my “Yay for plastic surgery” look on life, have? No one is perfect, but isn’t it our flaws a friend’s house when I was young, and the States didn’t choose to be brought up in a and that’s fine. You just simply won’t ever that make us interesting? When I think back mother came walking out displaying tattooed society where beauty consumes everything. get plastic surgery. But don’t judge those to reasons why I was attracted to my ex-boy- eyeliner and lip liner adorning her face. I was Look at television, the countless magazines, who do get it, because more than likely, they friends, I don’t think about their perfect set of a little scared. Ever since then, I have steered all of the young actresses we see in People are already getting judged with what they abs, or perfectly proportioned ken- doll face. clear. The message: embrace who you are, magazine who look flawless. How is the were born with. No. I think about that one crooked tooth, or because after all, it is our differences that that awkward patch of hair on his lower back. make us unique.

by Carly Hubbel, Chelsea Bieker, and Campus Voices Michael Behlen Are you for or against cosmetic surgery?

David Horwitz Jessica German Nina Orozco and Olivia Neal Terri Rixman

“I understand that materialistic things can “I’m for it because if you don’t feel good “I think it goes both ways; if it makes you “I think it’s way overrated.” make people feel better about themselves, about yourself, you should be able to happy, or you have a special situation, it’s but I don’t think it’s necessary.” change that.” ok, but not if it becomes an addiction.” November 29, 2006 Views Rampage 9 We’re not lazy, and we’ll care later by Efren Marquez Rampage reporter Many college students are broke. That is not exactly the news statement of the century but it is true and it does suck. Earlier this semester, I wrote a news story about how community college students struggle to just get by. (August 30, 2006) With the upcoming holiday season and the unyield- ing pressure to keep buying more stuff, it be- comes more apparent that the spending power of the average college student isn’t very much. Why is that? As I reported in August, the costs for higher education are ever rising. Even as the price per unit here at Fresno City College has dropped, the overall cost has risen more than 30% since the 1990s and this is not the only reason. Our jobs all mostly suck and, according to the book Strapped by Tamera Draut, there isn’t very much hope for all us young people aged 18-30. The largest amount of job growth, nearly 58% of new jobs, occurs in the service industries such as sales associates, food prepara- tion and waitstaff. I don’t attend college so I can eventually serve French fries or sell shoes and I am sure that sentiment is the same among fel- low students. Housing is exorbitantly expensive and the costs increase every year. No one wants to still be living at home when they are in their early twenties but often times we have no other choice. Our paychecks shrink more and more every year and the cost of living continues to rise. Here is an example: According to the U.S. Department of Educa- tion, the average wages earned by a young man with a Bachelors degree dropped from $52,000 in 1972 to $48,000 in 2002. How can this possibly be? The cost of everything has at the very least doubled since the 1970s and we are making less than we were then? That is totally absurd and I sincerely believe that there is someone to blame for this. Who might you ask? The Baby Boom- ers, that’s who. The Baby Boomers have been in positions of power since around the time most of us were born and they are the ones who funded their present at the cost of our future. The national debt is somewhere in the trillions of dollars. With the onset of their retirement, who will be forced to pay off that debt? We are going to have to pay back that amount. How- ever, that is going to be a big problem. The Baby Boomers consolidated com- panies and outsourced every job they could to maximize their own profits and now we are stuck with the results of all that greed. Here is more salt in the wound: Ask a Baby Boomer why young people can’t get ahead and a com- mon answer might be that we are lazy, shiftless and aimless. We are a generation of layabouts that expect the world to be handed to us. This is the ad hominem argument that the Baby Boomer generation is rather fond of. This generalization couldn’t be more insulting and ignorant. We are the ones who will not only have to live with their poor and selfish decisions, but who will have to try and fix these problems. To top it off, we are going to have to do it with low salaries, bad housing and, generally speaking, little chance of retiring in comfort. So what, exactly, are we supposed to do about this situation? Simply put, get involved in politics and domestic policy. That, however, may be a bitter pill to swallow. For so long, many of us have been conditioned to believe that the Government isn’t going to help us. Voter apathy among young people is still high and the current Presidential Administration hasn’t given us very much hope. No thanks to the Conservative Baby Boomer generation, many people aged 18-34 have almost no faith in the Government. This is what must change if we are going to fix the problems. We have to get involved and demand change that will bolster our place in America. We have to push for these changes and hold politicians accountable. We must vote in large numbers just as the previous generations have when they decided to ruin the country. We, as young people have plenty of energy to deal with the pressures of college and still go out and party. It’s time we put that energy to good use. Our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor depend on it. Reviews 10 November 29, 2006 ‘The Fountain’ makes you think by Buen Moua “The Fountain” is a won- focus and think, to piece together century Spain as conquistador tain” starts to makes a lot more derful epic, sci-fi , love story-type Tom’s quest in life, played by Tomas (Jackman) searches for sense. Rampage reporter movie from a poetic aspect. Writer Hugh Jackman [you may know the Tree of Life, wanted and It is one of those movies and director of this movie Darren him as Wolverine from X-Men] ordered by the Queen (Rachel where every scene seems out of Imagine being able to live Aronofsky, creatively infused in a who eternally struggles to save the Weisz), which grants immortal- place but in actuality it really for eternity, and be together for- great story line with the concept woman he loves. ity. Tom goes on an expedition makes the fi lm’s story line more ever with the love of your life. of living forever, that makes you The movie begins in 16th to the Mayans where he fi nally interesting, in my opinion. fi nds the Fountain of Youth, the This is a must see movie for special tree. those who might want to shy away The movie then jumps from from actioned-packed movies the 16th -century to the present without a good storyline. I recco- time. As a modern-day scientist, mend it Yes this is a love story, but Tom endlessly struggles to fi nd not in the category of chic-fl icks. I a cure for the brain tumor that is think it is very philosophical from killing Isabel (Weisz), his wife. a spiritual perspective as well as He devotes so much time in the scientifi c standpoint. Everthing lab that he loses focus on what is just seems to be in the mix. happening around him fearing of “The Fountain” is intrigu- a lost chapter in life. ing in that it taps into your psyche, The next switch in scene in my perspective. It brings to takes place in space. Floating in the table of more questions than a snow dome-type bubble dome answers. That was what happened along with the Tree of Life trav- when the movie ended. Everyone eling through space in the 26th was speechless—either some did -century, Tom the space traveler not get it, were questioning their fi nds out after a millennium, the own presence of being in the the- hidden truths that he had not been ater, or just did not get the whole able to fi gure out in his lifetime, story out of their minds. having lived through the good, the In a scale from one to fi ve, bad and the worst. with one being the worst and fi ve As the three stories weave being the best, I give “The Foun- www.movieweb.com together near the end, “The Foun- tain” a four out of fi ve. Hugh Jackman stars as Tomas, Tommy, and Tom Creo in Darren Aronofky’s movie “The Fountain.” rocks the house Sasquatch? Pot? A demon pick of destiny? Oh yeah, this is a great movie. by DC Leavy and decide to enter a talent contest so history to future legends of Rock, called or free spirit in the room. they can win the prize money and pay “”. This pick is no Rampage reporter So if you don’t mind the occa- their rent. Even though they know they ordinary pick and can give its possessor sional bong rip, characters that randomly rock, and have an annoyingly faithful fan the power to play anything they could break out into song, and Jack Black Jack Black’s long awaited comedy (Lee) that follows them around to prove ever dream of. flying on a Sasquatch’s back through a “ and the Pick of Destiny” it, they still feel they need a little extra With comedy and pot left mushroom wonderland, then I suggest was a smash hit. something to assure their status among and right as well as a great police chase you go see this film. But be warned that First “Orange County,” then “ other Rock-N-Roll Legends. So during scene, “Tenacious D and the Pick of Des- this film is mainly targeted towards the School of Rock ,” “Nacho Libre” and their research of Rock, they come across tiny” isn’t the best movie of the year but already existing fans of “The D” and Jack now Jack Black has added another piece a pick that has been passed down from it’s definitely close to the top of the list Black, so I wouldn’t recommend you go of Cinematic comedy to his already im- some of the greatest musicians in Rock and will captivate every stoner/pothead see this with your mommy. pressive list. Inspired by his debut musical album “Tenacious D”, Jack Black and (KG) have answered some of their fans’ most perplexing questions. Like, “What was the greatest song in the world?” and “Did it really deserve a tribute?” The story starts off as a twisted musical starring the young Jack Black and his dream to Rock-N-Roll. After be- ing outcasted and ridiculed by his family for his bizarre fascination with the dark arts, he asks the Rock Gods what he should do in his time of need. DIO an- swers him and starts him on his quest to Hollywood to start the (self-proclaimed) greatest Rock band the world has ever known. During his journey through the city of fallen angels he runs into KG, a local street performer with a great talent to rock and overwhelming delusions of grandeur. After hearing him perform, Jack is certain that he has the talent that he needs to complete his mission. Together they form a very unique band and begin their training to become the greatest band in the world (and yes, they do rock). After practicing for a while, www.movieweb.com they perform at a local night club Kyle Gass (left) and Jack Black fulfi ll their rock-N-roll dreams in “Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny.” November 29, 2006 Reviews Rampage 11 ‘Deck the Halls’ good, clean, family fun Soon after, the two families noweth) and Steve’s daughter Newspaper stealing, town excluding Steve and Buddy, have by Ana Zavala meet. Madison and Buddy’s sexy teen and Job-jumping Buddy takes it befriended each other, the two Rampage reporter Instantly, friendships twins Ashley and Emily, who are upon himself to make his life in have no other option than to hang fl ower between Kelly and Tia, realistically not teenaged looking this town exceptionally full of out when their families do. Buddy’s wife (Kristin Che- (Sabrina and Kelly Aldridge). accomplishments. The two families attend Buddy fi nds the possibility the town’s yearly Christmas If you were expecting the for a little oomph in his life when festival, and it ends in rivalry “Christmas movie man”, Tim his twin daughters show him that galore. Buddy and Steve are at Allen in this movie, count him the neighbor’s house, not his, is each other’s throats competing out. visible through satellites in outer in just about every event. A Deck the Halls, the funny space. handful of fi reworks gone wrong, (but cheesy) movie, already His plan; make his house a half burned-down living room, has two interestingly agree- noticeably visible, even into the and arguments between Steve able characters: Steve (Matthew darkness of space. and Buddy cause their wives to Broderick) and his new neighbor, This process turns chaotic pack and leave for Christmas in Buddy (Danny DeVito), who when Buddy realizes that a few a hotel. just don’t seem to get along till Christmas light won’t do the job. After realizing how out their families force them to. The He decides to turn his home into of hand they both got, Steve story line, like in many other a Christmas shrine. and Buddy join forces to mend Christmas movies, begins by Buddy’s home becomes the families back together for baring the happy, but well-orga- the town’s marvel and it’s not Christmas. nized life of Steve Finch. Steve, long till word of Buddy’s mission In the end, the lights go joined by wife Kelly (Kristin reaches the media. Realizing his down but as in all movies there Davis), daughter Madison (Alia mission has become a spectacle; must be a happy ending. Steve Shawkat) and son Carter (Dylan he decides to add unreasonably comes to the rescue and has the Blue), takes the December Cal- loud amounts of Christmas music whole town help put the lights endar out and lines up the fami- throughout the day and into the back up. Buddy almost doesn’t lies Christmas to-do activities night. reach his goal, when the lights list. Little did Steve know that Steve, the town’s Christ- fail to stay. Not long after, does all his family wanted to do was mas afi cionado, feels threatened Steve’s son Carter, ironically enjoy their time doing whatever by the fact that Buddy is taking trips over an un-plugged cable fun things came up, together. over his Christmas Guy role. He only to plug it in and save the Not long after Christmas plans too begins a quest, to stop Buddy day. Needless to say, Buddy were set, Steve noticed the house from taking his place. reached his goal. Danny DeVito stars as Buddy in “Deck the Halls”. www.movieweb.com next door was no longer vacant. Since the two families, Artist T-Rose Killswitch Engage hopes to go global rocks Fresno’s

emy of Arts. She said however, that her primary motivation and Rainbow Ballroom visionary perceptions are derived karate kicks. The band also plowed by Efren Marquez from a near-death experience some through a few more equally heavy 29 years ago when she broke her Rampage reporter tracks from the new album that the neck in a diving accident. She be- crowd really responded to despite gan using her electric wheelchair the fact that many of the audience as a paintbrush. Shadow lands, Killswitch Engage doesn’t may not have heard the songs be- one of her more popular series really take the stage so much as fore. It was refreshing to see the were inspired by “outer world they storm it Viking-style and then crowd get so into the vibe of the visions of her experience. It’s a set the remains on fi re. Their gig music and almost surprising con- collective, participatory kind of at the Rainbow Ballroom was no sidering the sometimes apathetic art,” stated T. Rose. exception. Fresno crowds. Five years ago T. Rose The band has been making Problems? There were just was diagnosed with cancer. Before a name for themselves as one of a few. At one point, singer Howard her illness, she had performed at the better modern metal bands Jones’ microphone cut out com- the old Valley Children’s hospital and certainly looked the part with pletely during the song “When and at Fresno City College, but their mighty beards and general Darkness Falls” but the crowd she was forced to put her art aside grizzliness. The notable exception jumped all over the problem by while she battled again for her life. was guitarist/vocalist Adam Dut- singing along when he couldn’t, Image contributed by Rosetta Traylor, a.k.a. T-Rose She is now a proud survivor, and and did so with surprising har- This piece from the “Shadowland” series will be on display along kiewicz, who apparently sought excited to once again share her art mony and cadence. Perhaps the with other works by artist T-Rose Dec. 7 at the Full Circle Brewery. to get physical in sporting 1980s and inspiration with the commu- style workout gear complete with only other “problem” was the set by Leah Edwards art is more the process than the nity. headband. After jumping on stage, list that included a few new songs Rampage reporter product.” “I am very excited to the band launched straight into but was generally the same of According to a promo- be back to paint rolling again,” the song “A Bid Farewell’ which past tours and shows. A bit of a tional fl ier, “T. Rose discovered said Rosetta. “I want to be an simultaneously sent the crowd into disappointment to fans who were Rosetta Traylor, also her love for art while growing inspiration to others as well as the a frenzy an let them know that hoping for some variance in the known as ‘T. Rose’ and the ‘Paint up in the ‘pop’ fi fties in Southern physically challenged. I want to is was going to be a satisfyingly songs played and who many of Roller’ will hold a live perform- California and has been creating help people with problems to stop heavy night. were holding out for the band’s ing art fundraiser the ART HOP form and color for as long as she feeling sorry for themselves.” Along with several mosh- crushingly heavy cover of the on December 7, 2006 at the Full can remember.” Rosetta Traylor has friendly crowd favorites such metal classic “Holy Diver” by Circle Brewing Gallery, 620 F “Childhood is the most hopes of taking her show around as “Fixation on the Darkness” . Street, Fresno from 5 till 11 p.m. open and expressive period of the world, and making an impact and “My Last Serenade,” Kills- The end result of all this T. Rose overcame im- our life. Children are true artist, people through art and expression. witch roared through several of madness was a solid show that was mense tragedies, which inspire her they create what comes through She is currently working on her the tracks of their just-released probably as satisfying to old fans artistic expression and encourage them spontaneously rather than biography aptly titled, “Inspira- album “Daylight Dies”, released as it was those who were seeing the others. She sees her art as therapy by calculation and design,’ said tion.” by Roadrunner Records. The title band for the fi rst time. The overall for all kinds of people. Rosetta. For more information, track easily set a fi re under both sound and mix was ideal and there “I’ve learned that color T. Rose received her contact Don Anderson at the Full the moshing metalheads and the was no shortage of mosh pit action heals the body, mind and spirit,” formal training at the University Circle Brewing at (559) 264- swinging straight edge kids with for those who felt the need to get stated Rosetta. “I believe that true of Hawaii and the Honolulu Acad- 6323. their crazy dancing and awesome hit in the face. November 29, 2006 Reviews Rampage 12 Bomb. James Bomb. by Johanna Tanori Rampage reporter this is done with the aid and help of a new Bond girl, Vesper Legund, also a new government agent. Le- Casino Royale, the 21st gund unexpectedly takes Casino film in Ian Flemming’s James Royale to a new shape as the char- Bond series, came out this month acter molds 007 into a sloppy guy www.sybarites.org to fi nd crowds awaiting the spe- in love. Which I found to be unbe- takes place in a casino. cial agent’s origins revealed on lievable and very uncharacteristic Cool gadgets were the screen. right? I mean Bond defi nitely has other thing missing from the fi lm. James Bond. License to his share of rendezvous’, but he There were defi nitely times when kill, right? Wrong! More like li- can’t fall in love. I repeat he has Bond could have whipped out a cense to be a tool of a movie. the license to kill. Either way the crazy gun that would have saved Daniel Craig plays the new whole romance aspect really threw the world. But the only thing that Bond in this story, which takes me off and it was obvious that it even remotely resembled a new- place at a casino in the Bahamas. was only an interlude in the plot so age device was a defi brillator that Here Bond tries to upscale the that the explosions and high-speed Bond tries to use on himself. And bad guy Le Chiffe, (played by chases could prevail in the end. it didn’t even work! Whoever Danish Mads Mikelsen), in Casino Royale really thought that would operate in this a crazy high stakes poker game. sucked. I mean there I was buy- movie was very wrong. But unlike other evil villains out ing my movie ticket, a 007 movie Even though there were no for power and money, Le Chiffe is virgin, expecting to see the three pole dancers and no ipod-phone-x- mainly trying to help aid his team pre requisites of the genre that ray-gun combos, there were plenty of…hmmm bad guys? Anyway, makes Bond movies so memo- of explosions. In fact there is one he has this crazy scar over his rable; attractive dancing ladies, really sick chase scene that takes left eye which he continuously cool gadgets, and lots of explo- set on the construction sight of a agility and physique. This was thrill and this movie is your only weeps blood from. I guess that is sions. Yet, for all the stuff that was new building. There was a lot of probably why it was my favorite option, I suggest doing something somewhat innovative. happening on screen, I only saw gunfi re and a lot of dust and a lot scene; I mean it did dull the bore- else much more exhilarating. Do However, Bond can’t one of the three. Vesper Legund of jumping from 2x4 to 2x4. The dom for a little while. your homework, organize family fi gure out how he is continuously was too witty to dance around, but end result is Bond getting his mark So there it is. I did not enjoy photos, take a bunch of no-dose bluffi ng his way to victory, but there wasn’t even a moment when by way of bulldozer. That’s right, myself. I don’t even think I can and then try your hardest to fall then he finally figures out the attractive ladies would have been they spared no creative juices for consider this a Bond fi lm after the asleep. Do anything else! It would connection and links it back to Le well placed in the plot. Which I this fi lm! Mostly it was a chance hype I’ve heard about the other defi nitely be more exciting than Chiffes nasty case of pink eye. All fi nd to be ironic since the story for Daniel Craig to showcase his movies. So if you’re looking for a seeing this fi lm.

Country-rockDixie groupChicks entertains mostly make full Save Martnice Center by Ife Chudeni Oputa too could sing along. Earl”, “Cowboy Take Me Away”, laby”. It was this selection that more standout selections with the The Dixie Chicks performed “Sin Wagon”, and “Wide Open FCC student Kate Wilson elected soulful “I Hope” and the poignant Rampage reporter to a not-so-packed Save Mart Cen- Spaces” from past albums. as “best song”, and understandably “Top of the World.” In the dark of the arena, a ter on Thursday, November 16 as a With the exception of a few so. With minimal accompaniment The talented trio took the Fresno City College student leans part of their Accidents & Accusa- distracting background images, the and the sweet voice of Natalie audience up and down with a over to her two companions. “Kate tions Tour. With war protestors out- Dixie Chicks delivered a concert Maines, the Dixie Chicks deliv- mixture of fast-paced tunes and Wilson says that was the best side and a number of empty seats light on gimmicks and heavy on ered a pure and tender love song. tender melodies. Emily Robinson song,” she says of herself. The inside, it was clear that the group talent. Unfortunately, the images The mood quickly changed and Martie Maguire provided har- three girls laugh. had not outlived the controversial that were meant to enhance the as Maines introduced the next monies that beautifully supported They are out of place among statement made by vocalist Natalie experience rarely added and often song. She teased her fans about Maines’ vocals, while playing an the thousands of screaming fans Maines three years ago in London. took away from the performance. Fresno being home to the ac- assortment of instruments. Though who have gathered in the Save The Dixie Chicks had no plan However, what was lost by theat- claimed Kevin Federline. “For the constant changing of instru- Mart Center. Unlike the people that to skirt around the subject. Fans rics was made up for in passion. Kevin, K-Fed, Fed-Ex,” she said as ments translated to a few moments surround them, singing and clap- cheered as they marched in to the What the Dixie Chicks felt, they she dedicated “White Trash Wed- of dead time between songs, it ping offbeat, the girls have limited tune of “Hail to the Chief”. made sure their fans felt, whether it ding” to the Fresno Native. was a treat to watch such versatile knowledge of the headliner’s mu- The three women immedi- was the insolence of “The Neigh- Undoubtedly, the climax artists. Watching the group mem- sic. They aren’t there as fanatics, ately brought the crowd to its feet bor” (inspired by the Dixie Chicks of the evening came with the per- bers onstage it was clear that they but as students taking advantage with the energetic “Lubbock or documentary “Shut Up and Sing”), formance of “Not Ready to Make were enjoying themselves, and of free concert tickets. Yet, as the Leave It” from their most recent al- or the carefree attitude of “Some Nice”. Maines delivered powerful this attitude translated to the fans. three young ladies sit in the arena’s bum “Taking the Long Way”. The Days You Gotta Dance”. vocals to match the song that so Audience members didn’t have to stands they fi nd themselves enjoy- Chicks delivered a nice balance The concert’s appeal lay pointedly addressed the group’s like country music to be able to ing the careful blend of rock and of old and new material, sampling in its Southern simplicity, which experiences over the past three appreciate the performers’ passion country twang, and wishing they crowd pleasers like “Goodbye came together beautifully in “Lul- years. The Dixie Chicks provided and fi ne musicianship.

photo by Robin Vallentyne The Dixie Chicks rocked a not-so-packed Save Mart Center Nov. 16. The band made sure to poke a jab at Fresno for being the birthplace of “Fed-ex”, Kevin Federline.