CAMPUS Page 6 The Renegade Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, March 3, 2010 BC archive displays Olympic torches UC Merced

OLYMPICS I Former BC staff members donate their respective Olympic torches to Bakersfield College on campus Denise M. Gonzalez Reporter

The Olympic t.orch, which is a symbol oft.he Olym­ to recruit pic Games, is now being displayed at the Bakersfield College library archives. Two former staff members, By Anthony B. Ellrodt Chuck Wall and Ray Maranda, donated their Olympic­ Copy editor torches to BC for the community to view. The 01igins of the Olympic torch or Olympic fire At a time when some university come from ancient Greece, where a fire was kept burn­ campuses ai·e slowing their recruit­ ing due to the celebration of the ancient Olympics. The ment efforts, the University of Cali­ honor of cai1ying an Olympic torch for the summer and fornia, Merced campus is stepping winter games is an extraordinaiy privilege to perform. up their effor1s at community col­ To be selected as a cai1ier one must have pe1fonned leges across the state. well in leadership qualities. Frank Ramirez, southern region Wall is a retired human relations instructor from Ba­ recruitment and outreach coordina­ kersfield College, motivatfonal speaker in the fields of tor for UC Merced, said the young communications and a published author. He was born in university is doing well despite hard Los Angeles. Although Wall is partly blind, he achieved economic times. a doctorate in educational administration and market­ "Our campus opened its doors ing mai1agement from the University of California, Los in 2005, and we just had our first Angeles. graduating class last year," he said. Wall created the "Random Acts of Kindness" move­ "While it's true that the UC Regents ment, which has received international attention. The PHOTOS BY DAVID KARNOWSKI /THE RIP have raised fees, most of our money United States House of Representatives instituted an Former Bakersfield College professors Ray Maranda (above) and Chuck Wall (below) show doesn' t. come from the Regents; it Act of Kindness Awareness Week in honor to his per­ comes from the reseai·ch t.hat we do formance. the torches they used to carry the Olympic flame as it traveled around the world Feb. 24. Wall on our own campus." In September 2002, Wa!J was nominated to carry the carried his torch for the 2002 winter games, Maranda carried his for the 1984 summer games. On Feb. 18, Ramirez met with Olympic torch as it traveled across America to Salt Lake students in the executive board City for the Wint.er Olympics. The Chevrolet Division Los Angeles, in the 1984 Summer Olympics. room to educate them on taking of General Motors and Coca Cola sponsored Wall to "I 1-an it through King City, and being there at the time, pait in their STEM program which continue in the relay. Wall carried the torch in Ventura. people came up wanting to hold the torch and it was re­ includes science, technology, engi­ "I was not awai·e of being nominated until I was cho­ ally a great expe1ience," said Mai-anda. nee1ing and math programs. sen to be one of the catTiers. My wife sent a letter to Mai·anda was also selected to keep the torch. "When­ Approximately 35 faculty and recommend me for the relay," said Wall. "The torch ever I watch the Olympics, I always think back to 1984 students attended the meeting and was heavy along with the two-foot flame I had to call'y and say I was able to receive one and rnn with it," he several questions were asked re­ with me while rnnning. It was an incredible expe1ience said. garding eve1ything from transfer­ I will never forget." Both Wall and Mai·anda donated their torches to BC ability of courses t.o whether or not. "I am blind, so the thought of me being part. of t.he and asked for pennanent. displays at the archives. a course taken at another university Olympics never even entered my mind:' said Wall. Rosalee Pogue, ai·chive assistant at BC, is pleased to would transfer to Merced. Wall was selected to keep the original silver 2002 have helped display the torches for all BC students and ''That would depend heavily on Winter Olympic torch. "After I was done running with t.he community t.o view. the nature of the course taken and the torch and passed the flame, security took the torch A display has been set up in the lobby area at the BC it would have to be researched and t.o puncture the propane tank so that it will never be libraiy. The display will be moved upstairs in the ar­ then approved by faculty at Mer­ used again," said Wall. chives for pe1manent display by the end of this week. ced," said Ramirez. "Basically it Kai·en Gai·za, staff at BC libraiy, and her student as­ "It is ve1y unique and extraordinaiy to have two for­ comes down to whether or not our sistant Vinny Rivera, were told to set up the torches and mer staff members who have catTied an Olympic torch faculty believe that. you received props for proper viewing. from one institution," said Wall. "We ai·e ve1y proud to the same insm1ction at the other "I was given the torches and props and it took me an be a part of BC." university as you would at ours for hour to set up the equipment just right," said Garza. "I "BC frequently honors, at heart, anything going on, the same course." then added some extra touches. It is so neat to know I and we are both honored to share our memorable experi­ Denise Satherton, Bakersfield was able to hold the Olympic torches." ences with BC and t.he community," said Wall. "Even resident, said she heard about the Ray Mai-anda was sponsored to caI'ly the torch as it though the flame went. away, the memory Mai-anda and I meeting and has been reconsidering made its way across the United States, leading up to have received will li ve on forever." going back to school. "I'm just thinking that maybe it's time for me to change what I'm do­ ing in my life," she said. "I heard about this meeting from a f1iend of mine who's a student here at BC, LA riots, racism and I've just decided that maybe I'm not t.oo old to go back to school after all." Anyone interested in auending UC Merced, or is interested in t:he STEM progi-ain may contact UC depicted in new Merced at www.ucmerced.edu, or the BC Transfer Center in the Stu­ dent Services building. theater drama Fewer coffee By Kelly Ardis San Francisco mayor George Editor in chief Moscone. Chin said her plays seem t.o have more similarities choices in "Twilight: Los Angeles, t.han differences. 1992" is the newest produc­ "I guess I'm kind of known tion by Bakersfield College's for thought-provoling, if not theater depai1ment. W1itten by controversial, productions," GREGORY D. COOK /THE RIP Anna Deavere Smith, the docu­ Sheila Willis rehearses for the play "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992" in the Bakersfield BC cafeteria said Chin. "I try to bring diver­ mentaiy play is about the Los sity to our community." College Indoor Theater Feb. 24. The play begins on March 4 and closes on March 13. Angeles 1iots that took place Although "Twilight: Los An­ By Mateo M. Melero in 1992 following the acquit­ geles, 1992" was 01iginally a me, so he was very challenging Although the play is an en­ dents should see ''Twilight: Los Reporter tal of four Los Angeles Police one-person play, Chin has de­ to play. I've never experienced semble with no leads, Chin Angeles, 1992" because of the Deparrment officers of police cided to have 14 actors, and in­ anything like that, I had to said, audience members might leaining experience it offers. With the loss of the River Oaks brutality charges after beating a stead of having them come and channel that anger that would enjoy more chai·acters than oth­ ''When these riots happened, Espresso Bar, owned and operated man named Rodney King. The go on stage, they will remain on make him do those things." ers. most students were probably by Gary Wallace in the Bakersfield story is told in monologues by the stage throughout the play, For some students, playing "There might be some stai1d­ babies, if they were born at College cafeteria, students at. BC are those people affected by the listening t.o their castmates as a real person was hai·der than out pe1formances to our audi­ all," said Willis, 50, ai·t major. left to the Farmer Brothers coffee riots, in their own words taken if they were the interviewer t:hat. playing a written chai-acter. ence because they might have "This would be a great way to offered at Panorama G1ill. from interviews by Smith. Smith actually was. Another "It's so different because I've more interesting, funny or see what it's about. The media BC student Ch1istine Abai·ca said, Director and BC theater way Chin is putti ng her direc­ done so many skirs and dia­ flamboyant characters. Like the only shows you so much. I've "I'm happy with it, I always get the professor Kimberly Chin said to1ial touch on the play is by logues where I'm a character chai-a.cter Elaine Young, (who learned a lot doing this play." cappuccino." many of her students were avoiding obvious castings. someone wrote, but these people is played by both Sheila Wil­ Chin gave her actors an op­ Viviai1 Deidda, a Human Re­ confusing this play for another "I could've gone a safe route are real. Only you can be your­ lis and Jasmine Tarman)," said tional assignment. to find and sources student at BC, said, "Last pop culture phenomenon, but and had the Asian students play self. This is more challenging;' Chin. "She is porn-ayed to a T. interview people affected by week the coffee tasted funny. I don't emphasized the importance of Asian people, the white stu­ said Ricky Usher, 20, criminal She could very well st.ea] the t:he L.A. riots. know if it was the cup or the cof­ k.'Tiowing history. dents play white people and justice major, who plays five stage. Some might say she's 'lo show the audience that fee." "Many people get t.he play the black students play black different people, including El­ egotistic and mate1ialistic, so people are still affected by the Tim Crnz, 29, believes "They mixed up with the novel 'Twi­ people, but as an actor, I like a vira Evers, a pregnant woman she might be more interesting 1iots, after the play, some of should have different creamer fla ­ light.' I invited students to come challenge and this is more chal­ who was shot in the 1iots. "Di­ than Anonymous Man, but his these inte1views will be shared vors like Irish Cream, Amaretto, see it. and they ask why I'm lenging. I'm giving studenrs versity between characters has sto1y is still so compelling. Ev­ as an epilogue, Chin said. like 7-Eleven does. " doing a play about vampires that opportunity and not casting been a challenge. Not all of e1yone will identify with some­ "These riots were not so Other students, such as Sonny and werewolves," Chin said. based on ethnicity:' Chin said. your characters are t:he same; one in this play." long ago, in Los Angeles, only Santos, 18, prefer to make their cof­ "Many people ai·e unawai·e of "Having a man play a woman all of mine ai·e completely dif­ Wit.h the size of the cast and two hours away from us," said fee. "I usually make it at home and the incidents, of Rodney King, can bleed over to pai·ody, but ferent. We have to show that t.o each character playing multiple Chin. "Issues presented in this dtink the cheapest bi-and I can find," Reginald Denny and Latasha our actors ai·e sincere and want the audience." roles, au.endance was key to the play still affect us today. Some said Santos. Harlins. It's ve1y impo11ant that to do them justice. We want to Stefan Lambert, 46, journal­ production, Chin said. people might say it.'s too heavy Joey Hargraves, 22, said, "When we know our history. Many play each person realistically, ism major, plays four people in "Because it's such a large or dark, but I don't know how we can afford it., I go to Starbucks, people suffer from historical not stereotypically." the play, but one of them ini­ cast, you have emergencies and those people live. This is real­ but every morning we have a coffee amnesia. That's why I choose Each of the actors plays more tially presented him with more actors getting sick, and we've ity, we have to know our his­ machine and make Folgers Classic powerful plays about. topics that than one character, and as Chin pressure than his others. encountered that. We've had tory. This could happen all over or Folgers Premium Roast " still affect us today, like racism said, they might be playing a "I play Congresswoman some challenges. We can' t af­ again." When asked if there have been and violence." character very different. from Maxine Waters, and I actually ford to have people missing," "Twilight: Los Angeles, any issues with the current coffee Chin said other plays she themselves. To prepai·e for the used to work with her. It made she said. "We're like a vehicle, 1992" will be perfonned in selection, BC Food Se1vices Man­ has directed with "powe1ful" play, Chin had her actors re­ portraying her easier, because I and when someone's gone, it's BC's Indoor Theater and starts ager Alex Gomez said, "We've had themes include "The Lai-amie search the incident and their know her nuances," he said. "At like, 'Oh, we're missing two on March 4, with more perfor­ no complaints" and that he has been Project," about the murder of chai·acters' places in them. fu·st there was more pressure tires today.' We ai·e all vital I mances on Mai·ch 5, 6, 11 , 12 "researching alternative choices for Matthew Shepai·d, an openly "One of the people I play is because I knew I had t.o get. it always emphasize to the stu­ and 13. Doors open at. 7:30 p.m. the students." gay man, and "The Execution Keith Watson, one of the people 1ight in case her people came, dents that they ai·e an essential and the play starts at 8 p.m. As for the absence of Wallace, of Justice," about the assas­ who beat Reginald Denny," said because I invited them. I didn't part. ." Tickets cost $3.50 for students, Gomez said, "Gary was having sination of gay San Francisco Mandie Sopher, 21 , theater ai1s want word getting back to her Chin and mai1y members of staff, seniors and military and health issues and could no longer Supervisor Haivey Milk and major. "He is the most unlike that I didn't portray her well." the cast agreed that BC stu- $5.50 for general admission. operate t.he bar." CAMPUS Page 7 The Renegade Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, March 3, 2010 TV storm chaser Reed Timmer comes to BC

By Laura Liera his extensive education in the science of started studying meteorology in Okla­ Timmer could not get it up. A 138.8 Reporter meteorology, which have made him one homa, I was surrounded by weather en­ mph wind gust was measured by the of the world's most respected experts on thusiasts who shared the same passion roof anemometer as the window blew Capturing video footage of 250 tor­ severe weather forecasting, safety and as me and I found people who wanted to out. Timmer had cuts on his face but nadoes and a couple dozen hun-icanes survival," stated a flier. chase storms like me," he said. said it wasn't as bad as it sounds. in his career, Dr. Reed Timmer, who Timmer was scared of storms and Timmer and his team's goal is to mea­ "We still drive into tomados and it stars in the American documentary re­ lighting like many kids at a young age. sure wind speed of tomados up close in gets risky but we do have our armor on ality television series, "Sto1m Chasers," "When I was really young, like 3 or 4 high definition. our vehicle and maybe we'll make our spoke of nis experience with tornados years old, I was definitely scared of "Technology has really helped us bulletproof windows electronically now on Feb. 25 in the Fireside room at Ba­ storms. I remember the lightning would catch more tornados on footage and so that no more exploding windows kersfield College. strike and I would run into my mom's it's safer," he said. "We have laptops happen," said Timmer. There were many students and faculty room in fear and go under the covers," now that follow tornados, radars, ways Toward the end of the presentation, who went to the presentation to learn said Timmer. ANNfE STOCKMAN /TlfE RIP of knowing its rotation and location, a Timmer showed pictures and a video of more about the destrnctive weather But that fear of storms soon became an Storm chaser Reed Timmer TVN RC plane, which helps us drop softball-size hail that falls in pruts of the conditions that occur around the world. intense passion. "I'd watch the weather (center) is interviewed by chanel parachutes inside the tornado, and the United States while driving to capture a Cristina Castaneda, 21, liberal studies channel 12 hours a day, and I became most important new technology is our tornado. major, said "I find his job interesting obsessed to the point of when I got my 29 news meteorologist Miles storm research vehicle, an SRY, also Timmer stated it was important for and unique and want to learn about it. drivers license I would drive around try­ Muzio (right) at Bakersfield known as the Dominator." people to know about tornados because Not many can do his job and chase tor­ ing to chase storms. I didn't know what College campus on Feb. 25. This vehicle is bulletproof armored, "it affects the lives of many people who nados." I was doing, which was a big mistake, resource, "an F-5 is an incredible torna­ with hydraulics, and has safety NA­ live in the central-eastern United States, BC geography professor John Men­ because I could have gotten myself in do, with speeds that range from 261-318 SCAR style seatbelts, along with other negatively." zies, said, "It's important to know about some trouble, but I've been addicted to mph. Its damages include: strong frame useful characteristics. Timmer also said that "when people weather because it affects us every day, storm chasing ever since;' said Timmer. houses lifted off foundations and cruried One of his most dangerous tornado become aware of the power of a tornado, and I would love to do Timmer's job and In his presentation, Timmer showed considerable distances to disintegrate; capturing was in 2009 in Aurora, Ne­ they respect them more, and so when a chase storms, but teaching is my num­ video footage of some of the sto,ms he trees debarked; steel reinforced concrete braska. The tornado intensified right on tornado waining is issued in their com­ ber one passion." and his team have been chasing. There structures badly damaged, etc." top of the SRY Dominator, and the win­ munity, they will be more willing to get Timmer has had "hands-on experi­ were videos of F-5 tornadoes, of which Timmer has been a storm chaser since dow was blown out as an intense mini underground in their basement, because ence with a vast assortment of hazardous Timmer hopes to take more footage. Ac­ Oct. 4, 1998 when he saw his first tor­ suction vortex passed over the vehicle. that is truly the safest place to be at when weather and natural disasters, as well as cording to the Fujita Scale of Tornados nado while driving around. "When I The bulletproof window was stuck and a tornado happens." BC hosts 'Ice Worlds' show at planetarium

By Katie Avery from the "Ice Worlds" film itself that was Opinion editor the most fascinating. "I have seen a small documentary on Bakersfield residents of all ages fi led other worlds and this topic mentioned into the William M. Thomas Planetai'ium that, so it added a little depth to what I've at Bakersfield College on Feb. 18 as Pro­ learned about before," she said. fessor ick Strobel began "Ice Worlds," The film talked about taking core sam­ the first planetrufom show of the spring ples from the polru· ice caps and how his­ semester. tory shows itself in the layers of ice that "The show I do is a sort of combina­ were formed over millennia. "It's pretty tion," said Strobel. "In the first part I do amazing to think we can look twice as fru· a tour of the night sky, so that part will be JOSEPH COTA /THE RU> back as our existence," she said. live, then after that is a full dome film." Due to recent budget cuts, the planetari­ New hydroponic systems for the agriculture department are installed into a greenhouse on the According to Strobel, "Ice Worlds" is a um shows have now been moved to Thurs­ Bakersfield College campus Feb. 17. Hydroponics is a way of growing plants without using soil. film that shows the different places where day evenings instead of Friday evenings ice exists in our solar system. "It was a this spring. newly produced show, and it had some According to Strobel this may be the new results from the different space mis­ reason why ticket sales weren't as high as sions. they usually were. Agricultural department "['Ice Worlds'] had a really good con­ "They said as of this morning there were centration on what was happening here about 25 tickets left, which is unusual for with the eruth, as fru· as what's happening a planetarium show, usually we sell out;' with climate change and the effect on the he said. poles;• he said. "A lot of people don't know "I came alone today because I wasn't what a big deal that is, and this provides a sure what I was getting into, otherwise I very nice way of showing that along with would've brought the kids;' said Luevano. introduces hydroponics some beautiful imagery." He later added that he plans on bringing Strobel 's tour of the night sky consisted his kids to the next planetai·ium shows. of pointing out some of the constellations, There will be two new shows this se­ By Brian N. Willhite light in and you can't do that outside ca!Iy, according to Sterns. stars and galaxies visible in our night sky, mester, one each in March and April, and Reporter but you can do it [in a greenhouse]," "You eliminate the use of most and giving some background information a repeat of "Ice Worlds" in May. Accord­ said Sterns. pesticides, because you 're growing on them before starting the film. ing to Strobel, the next show will follow The Agriculture Department at Ba­ Getting their first hydroponic sys­ indoors and you 're controlling the Audience member Albert Luevano, 63, NASA's new Interplanetary Boundary Ex­ kersfield College is introducing the tem over a year ago, students have temperature and the environment. So said "I really didn't know the constella­ plorer mission or IBEX mission. future to its students as they experi­ been growing food crops like chilies, your crop grows faster and you can tions, but he pointed them out and how to "The spacecraft orbits the earth, and it ence first-hand the revolutionary uses tomatoes and plants with sho1t root grow it yeru·-round," she said. locate them, which was good." is able to probe particles reflected by the of hydroponics. systems in them. The department also Sterns also points out that there Luevano went on to say that he thought sun's magnetic field;' said Strobel. Stepping away from traditional recently purchased a new hydroponic is no disadvantage between crops every pa1t of the show was great. "It was a The show in April is titled "Black Holes" farming practices, hydroponics utiliz­ system in February from the World grown in a hydroponic system and complete show, it gives an explanation of and is Su·obel 's personal favorite. It will es a system of flowing water mixed Agriculture Expo in Tulare. those grown traditionally with soil. what we're going through presently, and be a film that explores various black holes with fertilizers to feed plants their Students have also created their Additionally, any food crop can be the concern we ought to have as far as the found in our universe including a comput­ nutrients, according to Sally Sterns, own hydroponic system that is fully grown hydroponically and faster, too, planet." er-simulated dive down into the black hole horticultural technician and adjunct functional and currently has crops in any season. The only requirements Bakersfield College student and geol­ in the center of our Milky Way galaxy. facu lty member at BC. growing within it. Students are also in would be configuring the system to ogy major Chaz Ingram, 18, said, "It was "It'll be the best, most accurate view "What hydroponics is, is a way of the process of building a fourth unit work with the needs of the crop. really great, it was full of information and we've ever had of inside of a black hole," growing plants with no soil. Hydro that will be used for growing straw­ Ornamental plants can also be it was fascinating." he said. Both Ingram and Phua said they meaning water and ponos meaning berries. grown hydroponically with the same Ingram first heai·d about the show from will definitely be back for the black holes labor so the water does the work;' As for food crops that are produced processes used to grow food crops. Strobel, who teaches Ingram's astronomy show. said Sterns describing the Greek­ in the hydroponics systems, according The Agriculture Department will class. He said his favorite part of the show More details about upcoming shows, roots meaning of hydroponics. to Sterns, they will be picked and dis­ also be hosting its fifth annual Gar­ was learning about how the climate is as well as a full schedule and ticket infor­ "So what happens is we have a tributed to the Culinary department. den Fest on campus Saturday, April, changing and how it can affect our future. mation, is available on the Planetai'ium's 30-gallon tank with a pump in it. We They will then use those crops for 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of For Nadienne Phua, 19, a pre-nursing Web site at www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/ put fertilizers and clean water [in food served in the Renegade Room. Eruth Day. student at CSUB, it was the information planetarium. through] a water cleaning system, The importance of hydroponic The show, which was created by [then] we turn the pump on and the technology for students, according to Professor Lindsay Ono of the Agri­ pump then moves the water in the Sterns, is to better enable them with culture Depaitment, is an event that fertilizers into tubes. Then gravity the understanding of what the needs spotlights the Environmental Hor­ just pulls it down and what it does is of society will be in the future, and ticulture program at BC. The event bathe the roots, which sit in [individ­ how to meet those needs. brings together over 100 booths from ual plant slots]. With population growth and qual­ groups that emphasize "green" cul­ "Then, they're constantly bathed ity farmland decreasing, producing ture designed to educate and raise with a mixture of fe1tilizers and water. enough food for the nation and the awareness to the public. And they have plenty of oxygen [so] world will require alternative meth­ Included are how-to seminars in the plants get everything they need. ods that hydroponic farming can pro­ gardening, landscaping, cooking and Plants don't really need soil to grow. vide. arts and crafts to name a few. Soil basically is a suppo1t structure to "There's going to come a point in BC groups that would like to get hold the plant upright;' said Sterns. time where we're not going to be able a booth for the festival can do so for Growing hydroponically creates a to produce enough food to support free as well. distinct advantage for plants, as well, our population, and that's happening Sterns would like to make the event by eliminating the work involved now all over the world. So the ben­ about BC as much as it is about the with plants having to take the water efit of hydroponics is, eventually we Environmental Horticulture program. from the soil. will have farms that are called "ver­ "We've had some students that "They're just instantly given every­ tical farms" and we'll be farming in have made candles and soap ai1d thing they need to grow two to three skyscrapers, so what you 'II have is a sold those fundraising for their club. times faster than they would growing 20-story building, and each floor will We've had other students like the outside," said Stems. have one specific food crop or maybe communication ambassadors just The hydroponics systems are lo­ two. hand out information about who they cated in the green house near the hor­ "So, you 'II have a floor that is ded­ are and of course information about ticulture lab on campus. icated to growing hydroponic toma­ the Communication Depa1tment and "Because most hydroponics is done toes, another floor that'll be growing what they offer. We really don't limit in a greenhouse, we control the light, salad greens li ke spinach and lettuce what they can do. we control the temperature, we con­ and things like that. You could even "Our whole intention was to get ev­ trol the fact that it's an enclosed struc­ have a floor that you can raise chick­ eryone on campus involved and have ture and bugs ru·e not coming in. If it's ens on," said Sterns. a one day festival, so not only can we JOSEPH COI'A /TIIERlP too cold we can add heat. If there's Cleaner and healthier crops are also promote horticulture and agriculture, The Chronos star projector, located in the BC planetarium, was used to not enough light, we can let more possible through growing hydroponi- but promote BC too," said Sterns. project star fields and movies for the "Ice Worlds" presentation Feb. 18. OPINIONS Page 8 The Renegade Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Staff Editorial Students need to Green trend: fact or fake? By David Karnowski sustainable future. By Gregory D. Cook produced in China, it means we are Magazine editor With freshwater becoming an ev­ Multimedia editor importing over 104 tons of mercury er-dwindling resource in the Cenu-al into our homes each year. take more initiative If you don't like the color green, Valley, the conservation of this viral ''Going green" seems to be one of And that brings up an even more then just say so. But for many people element is key to a sustainable lite the more popular catch phrases in pop pressing concern. The mercury used green means a lot more than a fashion here. The practice of tuming off the cultw·e today, but it is not a new idea. in tJ1e production of most of these To the students of Bakersfield College: here is statement or sink while brushing one's teeth is a The Keep funk')' little bulbs that are so integral the proverbial name to be lit underneath your be­ someone's simple way to improve ow- footprint. America to saving the environment comes hinds. This is higher education. It is not meant for PRO preference The only associated cost is the use CON Beautiful from open-pit snip mines that devas­ the lazy and apathetic. of M&M's. of your brainpower to remember to organiza­ tate the local enviJ.·onments. The problem of srudent apathy is preny com­ Being green is a type of lifestyle, actually do it, and if you are on a me­ tion traces its roots back to the mid ElectTic motors and batteries in mon among junior colleges. Students see their first one tJ1at strives toward the ability tered water bill then you will actually 1950s and appealed to Americans hyb1id cars have a similar tale to tell. two years here as a stepping stone to bigger and for everyone to drink clean, healthy save cash. with slogans such as "Every liner bit Their production requu-es rare eaith better things, so most don't see the point in taking water, breathe air that doesn't agitate Planting more acclimated land­ huns," and the famous commercial metals such as neodymium and lan­ pride in their school. They pay their tuition, go to asthma and eat food that won ·1 incite scaping around our homes can gTear­ with a Native-American shedding a thanum. Each of the over 2 million a minimum amount of classes to scrape by, and cancer. ly reduce the consumption of water tear as passing moto1ists throw trash Toyota Prius hybrids speeding down leave. The problem with BC is that not enough Unfortunately, some corporations for esthetic pw-poses while still main­ at his feet. Woodsy Owl took up the U.S. roads in the name of environ­ people care to push themselves to a university­ and individuals have latched onto taining a pleasant and earthy feel cause with his "Give a hoot, don't mental responsibility contain around comparable level. so it has become much less like this growing trend of environmental around tJ1e house. Almost any kind pollute'' campaign in the 1970s. But 25 pounds of these minerals. which a stepping stone and more like a high school with responsibility and used it for self­ of lawn. tree or slu·ub must these clays, going g1·een is bringing also come from strip-mines in Clu­ cigarettes. promotion and repairing tattered be iJ.Tigated to survive in a lot of green for big business na. And they don't call them rare for This is your school. If there is a problem, you reputations. The result is a skeptical here, but the dif­ and we are being force-fed a notJung, Chinese officials say they 6 have a say in what happens to fix it. The Student public that wonders about the con­ ference in how -.....--- constant diet of it. will rnn out by 2012. Not to worry Government Association has a lot of money col­ cept of man's effect on tJ1e Earth. Af­ much We are bombarded by though, they are beginning to strip lected that comes from every student's registra­ ter all. nothing is more ironic than an plant messages of how green­ mine them right here in California. tion fee. They need to spend this money on things oil company making claims of being 10 stay house gases are holding Perhaps one of the most misun­ the students of this school want and need, like the green-oriented. healthy in in the planer's heat, mak­ derstood areas of going green is re­ renovations they've started for the student lounge. Despite a recent isolated and po­ om des­ ing the polar ice caps melt, cycling paper and cardboard. Most If you want something beneficial done with the litically polarizing scientific scan­ e11 climate destt·oying polar bear habi­ of the world's paper production is money you put into this school, it is your job to let dal involving a few experts in the varies greatly. tats, and somehow, home­ supplied by carefully maintained. someone know. field not keeping proper records of Co mpact less polar bears mean the sustainable forests in northern Eu­ The SGA doesn't know what to do with most their research, the majority of envi­ fluorescent light end of life as we know it. But rope. Also, paper and cai·dboai·d of this money because students don't care enough romnental scientists still agrne that bulbs are another if we buy the laundry detergent completely bio-degrade in landfills. to tell them what they want to see done with their man's effect on the planet is a real cheap and easy way with the picrure of a u·ee on The box yow· Big Mac came in is al­ money. SGA representatives are actually assigned and serious tlu·eat to our survival. to reduce carbon the box, we can wipe ready eco-friendly, enjoy. to go out and sw·vey srudents about what changes It may be difficult science to deter­ emissions and out polar bear home­ Of cow·se, if you still feel guilty they should make, and they're having a hard time mine exact influences on global tem­ actually save lessness. ai1d save about destt·oying the environment, getting any information at all. They've even had to perature changes over the decades extra house­ the world. but you're not ready to give up your ask the students if they knew what 1l1e SGA does, and centmies, but otJ1er hazards to hold cash. It may be a gas-guzzling SUV, you could always because many don't care enough to find out. our climate are measurable and sig­ Rebate bit purchase a few carbon credits to ease In addition to taking an apathetic stance on nificant. p r o - your wotTied mind. There ai·e a campus issues and events, most students remain Bakersfield's air is a prime exam­ multitude of Web-based com­ apathetic about their personal education. ple of a localized and damaged part - ---~, panies that will be more than First, there are those who get their classes lined of the environment caused directly happy to sell you the environ­ up but only show up for half the meetings. It even­ by our society. A combination of mental equivalent of a medieval tually gets to the point where they drop out half­ the dairy. oil and agriculture indus­ Catholic indulgence. ll1e way through the semester when those who still n-y's byproducts have clouded our principle here behind what need classes can't get in. skies with smog and eamed our city has got to be the best mon­ There are those that come back year after year, a place in the record books for some ey-for-nothing idea since trying to juggle a full load when they barely made of the worst air in the nation. .-11111~====::::::::!"lllli.... the Pet Rock is that if you it through one class tJ1e previous semester. A full According to a 2009 repo11 are too busy to be botJ1ered load is called precisely that because it takes the titled 'The Most Challenging with going green yourself, commitment and time of a full time job. If you Places to Live with Asthma" these se1vices will ·'sell" can't make that commitment, move over for by the Asthma and Allergy you a credit to make up for someone who can. Foundation of America. a the pollution you are creat­ It would be understandable for those taking a 57-year-old not-for-profit ing. Many of these sites have full schedule to drop one if they get overwhelmed, organization, Bakersfield TK4 calculators that will allow you but that's easy to tell by the first drop date. We all ranks 34 on the list of 100 to determine your "carbon pay money for these classes and take the time to metropolitan areas. A variety footprint" based on the size apply to them. U' you'd rather stay at home and of health risk facto1:5 includ­ of your home, the number and play video games then drop out before it's too late ing air quality and pollen type of vehicles you own, and and let someone who cares take your place. score are used to determine other habits you may have that Too many times you hear students grumbling the placement<;. Additionally are hutTying the world down and complaining because professors keep the the repo11 lists Bakersfield's the road to ruination. class working to the very last minute. But it's air quality as ·'worse than av­ According to one such site. the professors \vith the right attitude: ''You paid erage." a family of two adults, in a for these classes, and rm going to make it wo11h Unfo11unately, things moderately sized home with every penny." There have even been times when don't seem to be getting \ two cars would have a carbon the amount of participation was so dismal that a any better for our local air. ~ ~-----.....,. footprint of 23 tons a year. And professor has had to stop the class and ask, ''Does The American Lung Associa­ for the mere pittance of $322, anyone want to be here?" tion published the 10tJ1 annual State g1-ams from power or 12 easy payments of $26.83, The truth is, many students expect to be let out of the Air Report in 2009 and it states companies have made these more ef­ you can be completely relieved early, they expect to be babied and coddled and that Bakersfield, along with cities like ficient light sow·ces readily available of any guilt. The money suppos­ pass without effort. It's these students that cause Pittsburg, Los Angeles and Houston, ar places like the dollar store. SAMANTHA GARR.ETr /THE RlP edly goes to fund a wind Fann in a the most problems because they are lowering the as actually having a worsening par­ Energy Star, a joint program or town that is rebuilding aft.er having standards of learning at commwuty college. ticulate matter pollution rate. the U.S. Department of Energy and than that. but the general idea of been devastated by tornadoes, which BC is supposed to be a college that satisfies The deu-imental effects to our lo­ the U.S. Environmental Protection what consumers are being told is that seems odd, as in a fight between a lower level cw·1iculum for just about any univer­ cal climate do not end with our at­ Agency was established in 1992 as if you care about the environment tornado and a wind fann, the smart sity you could wish to go to. That means your mosphere woes. Rather, the use of a raring system for the energy con­ you need to buy a hybrid car. buy money would be on the tornado. entry-level education is supposed to be identical pesticides, chemical fettilizers and sumption of appliances. According the funky spiral light-bulbs and buy Pay your money and drive your to that you would get your first two yea.rs of any diesel powered farm equipment in to their website, the replacement of things that can be or have been re­ Hummer from sea to shining sea with university. Yet students have brought this college this hotbed of valley agriculture just one incandescent bulb with a CF cycled. Buy. buy, buy, but remember the air conditioner going full blast. down to such an extremely low level that even the contribute to the contamination of device by each American household to buy green. In fact. according to a Feel free to run over any cute baby average student, who does work that is considered groundwater. would save enough energy to power study by market research provider fur seals you come across in your passable at any other college. is passing with fly­ So. that's it folks. Go buy a Toyota 3 million homes for a year. They also Packaged Facts. sales of "greenly" n-avels. Isn't green living great? ing colors here. P1ius, use less oil and we will all live equate this amount to the carbon labeled products in supennai'kets If we are ro be the true stewards Also heard often in the classroom is the phrase, happily ever after, right? Of course if emissions of 800,000 cars. rose 8.7 percent in 2009. Destrnction of our environment. the answers "I would've passed but that smart kid threw off the we honestly believed that driving a So whether you believe global of the environment may be an incon­ don't lie with rarnpaill consumption curve." There really are students who get angry small bubble of a car could save the wanning is real or think it's a liberal venient truth, but it was also a very of so-called green products. Over­ witJ1 their fellow Renegades for achieving some­ world from all of man's formulated farce, there are direct impacts to our convenient source of $38 billion in consumption is at tJ1e very heart of thing. The fact is, the few who care about their toxins, one might accuse us of smok­ immediate health from tJ1e everyday sales for supermarkets. environmental damage. The answer education are the ones who do their work and ing sometlling green. activities we participate in. Don't Is going green in the consumer is in the simple things, doing more consequently get better grades than anyone else. Having said tJ1at, we shouldn't be dismiss the more and more popular sense really helping things? Those with less, taking only what you need, If you don't want to be thrown off tJ1e curve then discouraged if an over-priced hybrid green lifestyle as a fad that will go energy-saving compact fluorescent and making sure you leave yow· little maybe you should actually try. isn't in ow· personal future. After all, away or quite simply, we will go bulbs contain toxic mercwy. It's a piece of the planet as nice or nicer This is mostly a transition school, but for two going green can be simple, cheap and away. Perhaps we should take the small ainount, but when you con­ than you found it. In fact picking years until you graduate or transfer, this is yow· most of all. ir can include small acts advice of an old adage: don't shit sider that we buy over 270 million of up a piece of litter just might be be a college. yow· education and yow· responsibility. that create steppingstones toward a where you eat, my friend. them a year. nearly all of which a.re good place to start.

'GADE FEEDBACK What is your spirit animal?

Editor's note: 'Gade Feedback is Wilma Singh, Lauren Rubi, Stuart Martin, Marisa Ochoa, Samantha Nichols, a feature that asks students their nursing: "A psychology: "A psychology: "A nursing: •A pitbull, engineering: "A opinion various topics. unicorn'.' wol[' Tasma nian devil:' reputation lo snap'.' mama bear'.'

Compiled by: Rip staff

The Renegade Rip Write The Rip Letters should not exceed 300 words, must be EDITORIAL BOARD STAFF accompanied by a signature and the letter writer's identity must be verified. The Rip reserves the right to edit letters, however, Editor in Chief...... Kelly Ardis Reporters: Martin Chang, Samantha Garrett, Denise Winner of tbc 2003 and 2008 writers will be given the opportLmity to revise lengthy or JACC Pacesetter Award News Editor ...... Vincent Perez Gonzalez, Laura Liem, Alma N. Martinez, Mateo unacceptable submissions. The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College M. Melero, Julian Moore, Natalie Rodriguez, Ifan organization submits a Jetter as a group, it must Sports Editor...... Michael Morrow journalism classes, printed by Bakersfield Envelope & be signed by only one person, either the leader of the Lauren Strong, Michael Wofford, Brian Willhite organization or the letter writer. Pen names are not allowed Printing Co. Inc., and circulated on Wednesdays during Copy Editor ...... Anlhony B. Ell rodt the fall and spring semesters. Photographers: Joseph Cota, Ryan George, Annie and anonymous letters will not be published. Multi.media Editor...... Gregory D. Cook The newspaper is published under the auspices of the Stockman, Jofel Tolosa How to reach us Kern Commllllity College District Board of Trustees, but Opinions Editor...... Katie Avery -Address: Bakersfield College, sole responsibility for its content rests with student editors. 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305 The Rip is a member of the Journalism Association Magazine Editor...... David Karnowski of Commlmity Colleges and the California Newspaper -Phone: (661) 395-4324 Publishers Association. -Web site: www.Lherip.com Adviser ...... Danny Edwards Page9 The Renegade Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Student starts business with BC education

Denise M. Gonzalez make things in good craftsman­ Reporter ship. Ch1is and others take what I teach and add their own styles." What do you get when you mix "There is so much to learn horseshoes and chandeliers? A from her experienced years in unique jewelry line that is created designing," said Parker. "Mar­ by a mix of hand-picked cultured lene lets the students be creative pieces and reconstructed chains. along with guiding us through Chris Parker, 54, student. from the process, all while having a the Levan Insti tute at. Bakersfield good time." CoUege, has been involved with Parker's styles in jewelry cre­ jewelry design for ten years. She ations go beyond expectations. is currently taking the silver­ She makes sure she goes far and smithing classes at BC. beyond with all of her pieces, in Parker has also received her order to please herself and cus­ business license to continue with tomers. A mix of current styles GREGORY D. COOK /THE RIP her passion in jewelry design, in along with her own personal order t.o expand into selling. Park­ touches of vintage and antique Using a rawhide mallet, punch and anvil, Chris Parker er has taken the initiatjve to create styles, is what makes Parker's turns a flat piece of copper into part of a buckle Feb. 19. her own jewelry line, Horseshoes jeweby pieces so unique. Parker Parker is also proud to hold one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. and Chandeliers, which she has takes time t.o create jewelry that open houses of her jewelry line "Jewelly designing is part of been developing throughout her cannot be bought at local town to Bakersfield residents each my life now;' said Parker. "I am designing practices. st.ores. month. The open houses show­ so passionate in what I do and I Marlene 'fatsuno, Eme1itus of After years of learning how case the decadence and current. plan t.o continue to expand my Alt at BC, is the master of the t.o use the proper machines and reconstructed pieces she has put learnings and talent" craft who has taught Parker her tools for jewelly design, she has together to make her jewelry The Levan Institute program, special techniques. 'fatsuno has now been able to create a studio line. for adults who are interested in been a designer and craftsman in her home. It took Parker some The random mix of influences continuing their knowledge in for the last 40 years. Her jewelly time to gather all of the equip­ from cultured crosses, is what certain fields, are able to get far training was in Europe, and at. ment due to the expense of the adds a statement to her line. Cus­ and beyond with the techniques the Revere Goldsmith Academy machines. Subsequently, she is tomers will find multi-colored they gain. in San Francisco. With her work very pleased t.o be able t.o work pendants, necklaces with hand­ "I sn·ongly believe in the shown in many galleries, she has from home with the tools that are crafted beads, bracelets with a program," said Parker. "I hope decided to share her knowledge needed. choice of inspirational writings, people who are passiona te in jew­ and experiences to her students "I have always been a creative Ethiopian crosses and numerous elry making continue t.o take this in silversmithing. person," said Parker. "I was pur­ de1ailed reconstrncted chains. class. I've met so many talented GREGORY D. COOK /THE RI P "It's good people keep com­ suing a career in business and Parker is set to have a gallery individuals that. I've personally Bakersfield College student Chris Parker, 54, shapes a ing to learn about the process of stayed inn·igued by jeweliy, so I showing this upcoming April in lea.med many techniques from, piece of copper into jewelry during a class Feb. 25. jewelry making," said 'fatsuno. finally decided to get myself in­ Minnesota. The an show, called and it. is so fun to feed off each "I always tty to teach them to volved completely." Alt Crawl, will showcase Parker's other's talent." Jim Ranger Plans for KSVG underway

By Mateo M. Melero game I got in a big argument on the side­ sings at Reporter lines with my head coach about. a play," said Looney. "My dad was the offensive Residents of Bakersfield may soon have coordinator, and when I got home after the a new station to tune into on the radio game he took my music away for a week dial. for arguing with the coach in front of ev­ New Life 89.7 KSVG Savage Radio is expected to e1y body, and that's when it hit me that mu­ be on the air within a year, and after three sic was everything to me. By Alma N. Martinez years of submitting applications, hiling "That's when I decided that I wanted to Reporter lawyers, engi neers and resubmitting ap­ do something in music, and I didn't care plications, Kem Community Radio Inc. what it was, for better or for worse." Commonly known as the "Ameri­ founders and radio lovers Greg Looney Aft.er graduating high school, Looney can Idol" season nine contestant and GREGORY D. COOK /THERJP and Jake Chavez have received theii· per­ moved back to Bakersfield to live with his pastor at New Life Center, Jim Rang­ Jim Ranger performs at the New Life Center on Feb. 19. mit to build from the Federal Communi­ mom and st.epdad where he enrolled at Ba­ er's life is much more than the foot­ carions Commission, and have begun to kersfield College and began working for age shown on the popular television see people coming out of a dark place Ranger mentioned in the conceit spread the word. the school radio show and from there his show. and into the light," he said. "You see that the moment that he got the ticket "Me and Greg were about to burst," said love for radio grew. Ranger, 27, is a husband and a fa­ a lot of things, and that helps me to to move on to Hollywood, he looked Chavez. "We could have stai1ed raising "I was a junior at East High and my ther of three children: a 5-year-old see the bright. side from any negatjve up and said to God, "If this is for me, money four years ago, but we just couldn't friend was a punk rocker and had a show girl, a 4-year-old and 1-year-old boy. situatfon." open the doors, but if it's not, shut. talk about it, because if someone else ap­ at KBBC at Bakersfield College. We asked He has been married for seven years, One of the elements that Ranger is them closed." He said he understood plied on the same frequency and they had him if we could go up there ai1d watch him going on eight this June. in charge of at the church is oversee­ that. God would never give him more a bit of a better applicatjon, we would of do a show and I got to play a song," said Ranger has always included music ing and helping with the direction of than he could handle. have lost our opportunity." Chavez. "I played Cockney Reject's "Bad in his life. He started playing guitar the church. He is mainly in charge of Though Ranger would have loved Fearful of having to compete with other Man" for my cousin Alex . That. was the at the age of 13. However, "it wasn't all of the musical processes. Music to chase the dream of pursuing his applications, Chavez and Looney kept fu-st time I played on the radio, and I think until 18 that I began to take playing is something he has been doing for a music career professionally, he "nev­ their project a secret until they obtained I was hooked from then on." guitar se1iously," he added. long time and will continue doing. er had a chance to push it," he said. their pe1mit to build. As for musical format for KSVG, ex­ He desc1ibes himself as being His father said he is very proud of "I don't have time to chase it the way "What was great was that no one else pect. to hear anything from Mazzy Star in blessed for being raised with musician him. "Of course I hoped that he would this dream is usually chased, because applied. We showed up to play the base­ the morning to Black A ag at night parents. His father, James Ranger, 49, become a pastor but I never told him I have a wife, three kids and I am pas­ ball game, but the other team didn't show "We plan to offer ai1 eclectic mix of mu­ senior pastor at. New Life Cent.er, is that I want.ed him to choose his own t.or at a church that I am very active at. up. So as long as we got the application sic. Heavy on the punk side and the indie a singer as well as a pianist.. James path and for him to figure out what he That's why I am trying t.o go a di ffer­ right, we would get it," said Loony. side, but you might tum it on and heai· a Ranger has been a pastor at. New Life wanted." ent route and do it. out. of the church in "No competition, that's how secret Merle Haggai·d, Buck Owens countly Center for the past. 26 years and prior James never pushed his son into a Bakersfield." we kept. it. But. then again, I can think of show. Or, you might hear John Coltrane to that, his fa ther was a pastor at. that music career but he always supported Due to the fact that. he has been 10 people now who would apply if they ai1d some Blue Note Stuff," said Chavez. same church. Ranger's mother and him and "gave him the opportunity to playing music, wri tjng songs and would have known," Chavez said. "You list.en t.o KRAB radio, and it's like brother are also musicians. develop his talent." singing for 11 years, he has been giv­ As the former owner of Downtown you took a time machine to 1998," said Ranger was raised in church, but Prior to the season nine audition, en the opportunity to meet many mu­ Records, Chavez was informed by an Looney. "The rock we'll be playing will did not see that becoming a pastor Ranger auditioned the year before in sicians who have helped him become employee, at the time, about a possible be like the Sonics back in 1965 but. then was his calling until about four and New Jersey. Ranger credits his friends known around town. opening for a community radio station. we'll play present.-day stuff. It.'s going t.o a half years ago. He realized that he for making it possible for him to audi­ Nevertheless, "God is opening a lot "My manager, Dave, was at a gig here be a huge, huge variety. It's going to be was already doing most of the things tion in 2008, but he did not make it to more doors since 'Ame1ican Idol,"' in town and came across a guy named insane." that a pastor was supposed to do so the first round in that audirion. Ranger said. "It is crazy and surreal, Todd Urick, and he is pa.it of an organiza­ "Since we started this radio has been he thought he should probably get. the He decided to give it a second but. awesome at. the same time when tion called Common Frequency," he said. dying, little by little. It wasn't when we license in order t.o be able to marry chance. This this time it was more people around town recognize me." "They were going around cities in Califor­ staited," said Chavez people, since his friends would ask convenient because the auditions So far Ranger has recorded one al­ nia t.o try to get. interest in applying in this " [Radio] isn't personable anymore' " him t.o marry them, but he couldn't do were being held in Pasadena, and his bum titled "Remember." The album NCE window, and he happened t.o talk to said Looney. "It's like you 're listening to a so. He attended the school of ministry brother wanted to audition as well. contains 10 songs, of which he wrote Dave about it, and Dave goes 'My boss robot. You're lucky to hear a human voice that is based on a two-year program This time he felt more ready and said nine of them. He plans on releasing owns a record st.ore, and he has done col­ to let. you know what you 're listening to." and obtained his license in 2008. he "felt more confident in who I am." three new albums this year: an acous­ lege and pirate radio.' " With shows ranging from local a tattoo Having been raised in a church, Regarding the audition, Ranger tic album, another full studio album "First person I thought of right. here. I ai·tist answering question from inquiring and now being a pastor, has given said it felt awesome to be spotlighted and one with the band that played with go 'We got to do this application! OK, I callers, to local kids talking about. skate­ him "a real perspective and a posi­ on the show, and for his sto1y to be him at his first concert, Soulajar. The got to call Greg Looney' that was the first board issues in town and local news up­ tive out look because as a pastor you shared with the audience felt great. genre of his music is a mix of counny , thing," said Chavez. dates, KSVG plans to be a resource to the Ranger recently held a free concert southern jazz, and blues he said. "He says ' we got less than a 10 percent community and its people. on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. and the crowd According to Ranger, he has had chance' and I said 'It's better than zero "We don't own the station, when we sang along to most of his songs. "It's offers from smaJI labels that. want to percent,' " said Looney. retire it goes on to the people of Bake1-s­ a great feeling because people seem sign him, but he hasn't felt that. the "Our engineers and lawyers are still field," said Chavez. to really connect well with what. I right opportunity has come along. astounded that we got where we are out As a non-profit radio station, KSVG is play," he said. "I am blessed to not want. to jump today," said Chavez "We barely had a depending on government grants to help Dming the concert, Ranger sang on eve1y offer presented, but rather I chance." get. the station up and running, as well as many songs and one of them was the wait and will jump at an opportunity Upon receiving their permit to build help from the community. Looney and song that he auditioned with in the if it felt like the 1ight one," Ranger and the right to name their radio starion, Chavez plan on having fund-raising car first round. He also sang the song that said. Chavez and Looney decided to name it washes, as well as eventually opening a he pe1formed with in the Hollywood Ranger's goal is to get as many KSVG Savage Radio in honor of Kris Sav­ thrift store to help raise the funds needed week, "Sunday Morning," by Maroon people as possible to listen to his mu­ age, a mutual friend who passed away dm·­ to maintain the station. Donations ai·e cur­ 5. sic, but he doesn't feel that he is lack­ ing the time of the application process. rently being accepted at the station's web­ The concert consisted of him sing­ ing or that gettfog a record label will Long-time music lovers Looney and site www.KSVG.org via PayPal. ing, playing gui tar and playing with make his life more meaningful. Chavez fell in love with music at an eai·ly For updates and for those who ai·e in­ the band Soulajar in the second half. "It will just be something exna. be­ age. terested in making a donation, visit the GREGORY D. COOK /THERJP He also shared that many of the songs cause I am content with getting the "It was my senior year of high school, station's website or become a fan on Face­ American Idol contestant Jim are dedicated to, and inspired by, his opportunity to sing and lead people and I was on the football team. I was quar­ book t.o keep up-to-date with the station's Ranger sings Feb. 19. wife. with music. I love what I do." terback and the night of the homecoming progress. REVIEWS Page 10 The Renegade Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Stickin' it to 'the man' with booty in hand

By Michael Wafford in the movie. The bar is set high the quicker jokes I missed the tell whether it was created just Reporter early on and "Black Dynamite" first time. for "Black Dynamite" or if it never disappointed me. The film drips with style. The was removed from a '70s B­ "Black Dynamite," released "Black Dynamite" isn' t a first thing you'll notice is the movie. However the soul songs on DVD and Blu-Ray Disc on mean-spirited parody or satire film grain found throughout the are the biggest draw. I'm not go­ Feb. 16, is a loving tribute to the of blaxploitation. It's the biggest film. The grain makes the film ing to spoil what makes them so blaxploitation genre. tribute to the genre in decades, look like it was copied over from special, just make sure you pay Black Dynamite (Michael Jai and you can tell everyone in­ some old VHS tape or video reel attention to the lyrics. White) sets out to fight "The volved in the project loved the to disc, and they even splice in The movie also comes along ------Man." He source material. The writing old stock footage seamlessly into with a few extra features that is joined by matches that found in the genre's the film. are surprisingly disappointing. INDIE FILM club owner best movies and the acting does The colors in the film are also While there are some interest­ REVIEW Bul lhorn, as well. While every named very saturated which makes the ing features about how they con­ (Byro n character, and even the extras, character's threads pop out even structed the '70s vibe, deleted Minns), gave me a chuckle while watch­ more. The costumes themselves scenes, trai lers for other films who chan­ ing "Black Dynamite," White's were also authentic as possible, and director and cast comedy, the nels***** the spirit of the genre clas­ perfonnance as the ever-serious being made entirely of clothes package feels a little empty. This sic "Dolemite," the pimp Cream Black Dynamite pushed the bought from thrift stores accord­ is problematic as I discovered Com (Tommy Davidson) and an movie from good to great for me. ing to a special feature found on that "Black Dynamite" had a se­ assorted group of revolutionaries White even manages to add more the disc. All of this somehow ries of retro-styled public service and other blaxploitation staples. to the film by occasionally, and made "Black Dynamite" feel announcements that are hilarious The tone is set during the first purposefully, breaking character more authentic to me. and would have been nice to see scene where Black Dynamite's during more intense moments. The style of the soundtrack included in the package. brother is killed by "The Man." The movie doesn't seem to is also a plus for the film. The Overall, though, if you like to That scene is one of the funniest slow down and was even more background music, a combina­ laugh and want a good night, I COURTESY OF BLACK DYNAMITE LLC. murders I've seen, but it's just enjoyable to me on repeat watch­ tion of funk, soul and generic say sit down and watch "Black Black Dynamite takes on "The Man" with his foxy ladies. one of countless others found es as I was able to catch some of movie themes, is so good I can't Dynamite." Punk rock band plays Aging hipsters light up the ballroom By Kelly Ardis Editor in chief

Everyone ages, even the most influential of rock stars. With too to the heart and soul many of these rock stars, aging means not realizing their abilities have gone the way of their youth By Vincent Perez band got down to business just like they used and playing concerts when they News editor to on older albums. should be relaxing on a beach, "Dine, Dine, My Darling," a play on words long-retired, with a fmity drink in Alkaline Trio is back with a vengeance with and a homage to 1980s New Jersey goth punks hand. This isn't the case for Ray their seventh album, "This Addiction." Re­ the Misfits' song, "Die, Die, My Darling," was Manzarek, keyboardist of The leased on Feb. 23, the Illinois punk rock band similar to the Misfits' songs, as Alkaline Trio Doors, who played at the Double­ returns to darker lyrics about love, death, ad­ displayed their vocal abili ties through harmo­ tree Hotel Ballroom with Gram­ diction, suicide and war more so than their pre- nies. my-nominated slide guitarist Roy vious efforts for their first The next few tracks on the album pleased Rogers as part of the No Stinkin' ANNIE STOCKMAN/THE RTP full-length album on Heart my ears as I nodded along until one song Service Charge Blues Series on ALBUM & Skull/Epitaph Records. changed the tempo. Feb. 26. Ray Manzarek (left) and Roy Rogers (right) perform at the Alkaline Trio signed with "Draculina" takes the speed down a bit to Doors opened for the concert at Doubletree Hotel during their blues tour Feb. 26. Manzarek is REVIEW Epitaph to pa1tner with possibly relax a listener, but I wanted to hear 6:30 p.m. to a surprisingly small one of the founding members of the rock group The Doors. the Hollywood indepen­ more of the same, as odd as it might sound. ------crowd, con- dent record label to create Lyrics from the song pay homage to Alice in sidering the and blues songs, but one stuck out producers' requests to censor the their**** label, Heart* & Skull in November 2009 Wonderland and twist the story around, as lead (0 N( ERT magnitude of more than others. Manzarek sang lyrics in "Light My Fire." after a falling out with RCA records. vocalist/guitarist Matt Skiba sings: "What ever REVIEW the evening's about having the Bakersfield blues. He answered questions from the Being an Alkaline Trio fan already, I knew happened to Wonderland; Where'd Alice go? ______performers. "Good place, good people, good fans, and also mentioned that his what to expect, yet I I Oh, I took a night .A.. But by 7: 20 sun, but that Kern River keeps favorite part of being in The Doors loved what I heard dream with knife in ),.,{ p.m., 20 min­ suckin' 'em up! " This song was a was walking on the beach with mostly throughout the hand/ And cut out to ute****s after the show was supposed bit unexpected from a serious rock front-man Jim Morrison, talking whole record; classic the next show, back to start, and when opening musi­ star, but maybe Manzarek has got­ about philosophy. "Fortunately, Alkaline Trio, with in her living hell/ I cian Joel Jacob began his set, the ten a little silly in his old age. we were doing lots of acid at the dark lyrics describing wish to dwell, I long room had filled considerably, and Many of the songs were instru­ time!" he added. the troubles of life, to be, in the blood with an interesting mix of old hip­ mentals, and although they were Manzarek and Rogers also death, love and drugs. and the guts with the pies and young hipsters. enjoyable, it was the weird songs played Doors' favorites, "Love Me If already a fan, one birds of prey and the Manzarek and Rogers started and Manzarek 's constant joking Two Times," "Crystal Shit" and would enjoy this al­ stinging of bees; and their show on a very odd note, or that kept the concert from becom­ "Riders on the Storm." bum as much as I did, bullets baby." tune rather. The jazzy number had ing boring. Throughout the concert, the but if one is not, then "Piss and Vin­ few lyrics, but those few lyrics Even better, Manzarek didn't songs were played masterfully. I suggest older mate­ egar" could be heard were perhaps more curious than hide or shun the band and music Manzarek is still the keyboard king rial to get acquainted along with any of even the most psychedelic Doors that made him famous. So many he proved himself to be 40 years with the Trio from the band's older ma­ song. musicians from famous bands will ago, and Rogers showed why he Chicago. This record terial as it sounded Before Manzarek started in try to distance themselves from has been nominated for two Gram­ is not for the optimist. in sync with their on his "Presidential Boogie," he their past in hopes of being recog­ my awards. It is for the realist. signature sound. joked about George W. Bush and nized solely as an individual, even Unfortunately, the sound system The first track, COURTESY OF EPITAPH/HEART & SKULL The album's last Carl Rove dancing to a song. Over though the audience knows very didn't quite do the music justice, which shares the al­ Pills form a heart for "This Addiction." two songs, "Doro­ the music, he said "Look at that well who they are. giving a low but constant buzz dur­ bum title, was the thy" and "Fine" are president go! Shake it, George!" Manzarek fully embraced his ing the entire concert. first video released the mellowest tracks Despite the bizarreness of this identity as a member ofThe Doors, If focused on the music and the from Alkaline Trio since 2008's "Help Me" on the album, to possibly end of a softer note song, the music was good and well telling several stories of his time experience enough, the buzzing off of their 2008 Epic Records release, "Agony for the album, but I was expecting more from played and it set a fun tone for the with the band, like their infamous was easily ignored, but it still kept and Irony;' and the songs play no tricks and the band on tracks such as these. Overall, I was rest of the concert. appearance on "The Ed Sullivan the concert from being as good as is straight-punk rock. This pleased me as the happy with what I heard. The duo played several jazz Show" where the band ignored it could have been. Scorsese disturbs audiences with psycho thriller

By Katie Avery case before he gets trapped there pense in moments that were not vious and exactly one that you Dolores, Teddy's dead wife, who of makeup and special effects, Opinion editor forever. suspenseful. It felt like it was would expect from a mental in­ appears in flashbacks and dream the characters were sinister and Scorsese's productions have too loud and didn't quite fit with stitution thriller. It was easy to sequences. She is, for the most menacing without being cheesy "Shutter Island," Martin Scors­ been known to use striking imag­ what was happening on screen. spot from about halfway through part, quiet and calm. When those or fake. ese's latest gripping suspense es on screen to evoke emotion in There was also no break from the movie. Still the twist played attributes would usually make a Visually, the film had mostly a thriller, is scary yet intensely the audience, and Shutter Island the suspense. The film put you out well and made for a decent character seem docile or hann­ dark and grayish tint to it, prob­ moving at the same time. was no exception. The imagery in a constant state of unrest, you ending. less, it made her deadly and ably to give the film an overall Set in 1954, in the Boston was sickening and incredibly didn't know which characters to Whenever a twist is imple­ creepy. stormy feel, but some reels were Harbor, well done. It did exactly what trust and you were always afraid mented in a movie, there is al­ Both Ben Kingsley and Mark distinctly more green or blue U.S Mar­ it was meant to do: frighten and that someone would pop out of most a guarantee of multiple Ruffalo gave memorable but tinted than others. This was, FILM shall Teddy disturb the audience. the darkness at you. views because the meaning of not outstanding performances. however, an inconsistency that Daniels in­ The film had a great way of The fi lm had a linear storyline the entire movie changes after Kingsley played Dr. Cawley, the the average viewer may not pick REVIEW vestigates drawing the audience into the with short flashbacks chock full the twist. psychiatrist, and Ruffalo played up on. a mental story. You feel for the main char­ of symbolism and brilliant im­ Leonardo DiCaprio did very Teddy's partner, Chuck. Each of Overall, "Shutter Island" hospital on acter and join him in a dreadful agery. They appeared in short well in his performance. He was their characters were friendly, keeps the audience on the edge Shutter Island, where a danger­ spiral into insanity. bursts, which were just enough able to show a range of emotions yet there was something about of their seats and scared out of ous patient has escaped. The music came mostly in to grab attention and keep the without going overboard and them that was suspicious or mis­ their wits. Once he gets there, he realizes loud intermittent booms, which audience guessing, but they were making it too dramatic. trustful, which can be difficult to There are some aspects that the place is not what it seems, gave the audience a feeling of confusing and appeared random­ Michelle Williams gave prob­ pull off effectively. could have been better, but it was and he must work through his foreboding and fear. It also cre­ ly in inappropriate places. ably the most impressive perfor­ The psychotic patients were definitely worth the price of a personal issues and solve the ated an undue amount of sus- The ending plot twist was ob- mance in this movie. She played very well played. With the help $LO ticket.

BC BRAINS What does anomie mean?

Editor's note: BC Brains is a Vernocia Trojillo, Mckay Calderon, Nathan Purcell, Laura Salaman, Daisy Noriega, feature that asks students a child development: undeclared: "A cell'.' computer science: culinary arts: "A child development question to test their knowledge "Sounds like a "The clip that holds type of animal on a ' and American Sign of all things trivial. bacteria'.' your badge to get different planet'.' Language: "Sounds on the snow lift:' like a Japanese food'.' Compiled by: Rip staff