CAMPUS Page 6 The Renegad e Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, February 3, 2010 BC awarded 'Exemplary Program Award'

By Denise Gonzalez California Community Board on campus succeed in school honored to win another state­ "These new strategies allow to develop curriculum courses Reporter of Governors who in turn issued work and future goals. level award for our depa1tment. students to focus on specific and interventions that will serve award checks for their respective A check for $4,000 was then The award is a reminder to the skills through special workshops to improve the students learning The Academic Senate for Cali­ programs. awarded to be used within the Kern County community and and classes while continuing to experiences. fornia Community Colleges hon­ In honor of the BC Academic campus program. This program constituents across the state that address their broader academic Along with other representa­ ored two schools that received Development program, Kim­ has initiated well-designed strat­ Bakersfield College is commit­ goals," as said in a press release tives in the Academic Develop­ the 2009 Exemplary Program berl y Van Horne took the ini­ egies to assist students in their ted to student success," said Van by BC president Greg Chamber­ ment department, Van Horne will Awards for best exemplifying tiative as the BC representative academic development needs. Horne. lain. continue to collaborate with the this year's theme, "Creating a and submitted a proposal. The The program strives to help stu­ Therefore, the ACDV works Van Horne advocates how administration, student services Bridge to Transfer or Career." proposal to ASCCC included the dents prepare to transfer to four­ to improve teaching and learning until all BC students are achiev­ and disciplines across campus Bakersfield College and San­ numerous programs, workshops year institutions and into career by building study, reading, writ­ ing their academic and career because according to Van Horne, ta Barbara City College were and courses that representatives opportunities. ing, info1mation competency and goals, the Academic Develop­ she positions students to be her the two schools chosen by the work on in order to help students "We are extremely proud and mathematic skills. ment department will continue number one priority. BC, CSUB collaborative STEM SGA sponsors project helps students transfer 'Ask Me' tables

By Martin Chang to leave the tables with a smile. Reporter One problem that was not ex­ pected was the heavy rain that oc­ The Student Government As­ curred during the week. Because sociation of Bakersfield College of the weather, the tables were organized Ask Me tables the fi rst shut down for a shott time and the week of school in order to inform organizers did their best to work and help students in the new se­ around the problem. Newsom and mester. others "overcame and adapted" to The tables were placed in stra­ the weather. tegic places to help the most stu­ According to Mike Stepanovich, dents, such as outside the Fireside executive director of the BC Foun­ Room. At the tables, volunteers dation and a volunteer at the would help students and answer tables, many of the students did any questions they had. The tables seem a little flustered and stressed. ran from Jan. 19 to Jan. 21. Some students would come a few Also available to students were minutes before their classes and several pamphlets and handouts to ask for directions. Most of the aid students in the new semester. students were new to the campus These pamphlets and handouts in­ and some were even accompanied cluded info1mation on location of by their parents. Stepanovich felt classes, choices of majors, coun­ that he was helping students and seling, jobs available and financial saw a notable sense of relief from aid. the students after he had assisted According to Shawn Newsom, them. assistant to the dean of students When Newsom called for feed­ and the organizer of the Ask Me back, it was mostly positive. The tables, the goals of the tables were only complaints had to do with to help students new and old at the the weather. Newsom felt that the beginning of the semester. He says tables were "very successful." that the campus can be "really big" He felt that the tables accom­ and knows how overwhelming a plished exactly what they were new semester can be for students, meant to do which was help stu­ especially new ones. Newsom dents at the beginning of this further stated he wanted students spring semester.

DAVID KARNOWSKI /TlfE RIP Bakersfield College political science major Rocky Blatto has his transcript reviewed by Cal. State University, Solar power to be Bakersfield transfer and matriculation specialist Marisa Marquez in the Fireside Room on Jan. 21. The two-day event was sponsored by a science, technology, engineering and math transfer project between BC and CSUB. added over parking

SGA blown away by high winds By Michael Wafford school's power costs for the next Reporter 20 years. Chiang went on to say that the panels will generate the Bakersfield College, in an on­ equivalent electric usage of 293 going effo1t to become more homes per year by taking advan­ green, will be building a solar tage of the abundant sunlight in panel field. the area. The field will be one of Approved by the board of trust­ the few of its type located on a col­ ees in December 2009, the panels lege campus. will be constructed over the no1th­ Chiang said the panels wi ll ar­ east parking lot located on the cor­ ticulate, following the movement ner of Panorama and Mt.Vernon of the sun, to maximize efficien­ Avenues. cy. According to Amber Chiang, Several students and facu lty are director of Media Relations at BC, anticipating the project, such as the field will generate up to one­ geology professor Natalie Bursz­ third of the school's power once tyn. "I think that this project is a constructed while placing any un­ really amazing step fo1ward for used power back into Bakersfield's the college;' she said. power grid. Aside from generating energy, Through a series of rebates and the solar panels also have other incentives, the $8.3 mill ion project purposes. They will work as cov­ will be budget neutral, according ered parking for the northeast to Chiang. parking lot providing protection The project will lock in the for cars. school's power rate, as of the end Construction will begin after of the semester, solidifying the commencement in May. Administrator no longer on campus, may not return

By Anthony B. Ellrodt Amber Chiang, director of Me­ Copy editor dia Relations at BC, stated the ad­ ministration will not comment on A main administrator of Bakers­ her absence. field College is not on campus this "This office will not delve into semester, which has some students Mildred Lovato's personal life, questioning the reason behind her and that's what we'd be doing if absence. we released info1mation regarding Vice President of Instruction her absence," she said. "Students Mildred Lovato is on adminis­ don 't need to know if an adminis­ DAVID KARNOWSKI /THE RIP trative leave according to Greg trator is returning to campus. All Bakersfield College Student Government Association president Kristi Newsom and senator Shawn Newsom hold Chamberlain, president of BC. the students need to be concerned down the gazebo covering in the Campus Center while maintenence workers try to tie it down Jan. 20. High winds "Mildred Lovato is on admin­ with, is that their education and during the first week of the spring semester almost uprooted the aging structure. The SGA is currently considering istrative leave due to personal and student services are moving for­ options on how to replace many of the older parts of the Campus Center. confidential reasons," he said. ward uninterrupted." OPINIONS Page 7 The Renegad e Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Staff Editorial Suggestionsf or SGA bud get TV host feud causes kerfuffle As of last December, Bakersfield College's Student Government Association had nearly $750.000 in vaii­ By Kelly Ardis Leno did receive better ratings, which is not After dreaming of hosting the show for years, fi­ ous accounts. This money. according to BC dean of Editor in chief surprisi11g since he had 17 years to eam them, as nally and rigtfully getting it, and moving his fam­ students Joyce Coleman, accumulated because previ­ opposed to O'B1ien's seven months. Leno had ily, his crew and their families from New York ous SGAs did not use it. SGA and Coleman want to "The Tonight Show" has been t11e greatest a t:,>reat following wi th the older crowd, where City to Los Angeles, he stepped down because spend this money on the students they represent, but tracljtion in late night television since its start in O'Brien's biggest following wa5 young adults. he favored the show's integrity over his own job. money in some of these accounts can only be spent on 1954. For decades, Americai1s have watched tl1e But the older crowd liked Leno because they He also said pushing the shows back would also specific areas of the college. show after the nightly got used to them; ce11ainly they'd get used to push back "Lare Night," which he said would be According to an article printed in the Dec. 2 issue of I BR IEN news, staying tuned for 0 'Brien. if NBC had given him the chance. In " unfair'' to his successor Jimmy Fallon. While The Renegade Rip. SGA's accounts and balances are O some laughs before bed. addition to his lack of time to prove himself. obviously upset over losing his dream job. on ...... ______~ It is u1.ily shaine that as follows: The TB 150 account, or the student center a O'Brien was given a poor lead-in with the fa:il­ his final episode of ''The Tonight Show," instead fund, has a ba1anceof$561,286.05. which is Lo be spent such a beloved show has been tarnished by the ing-from-the-stai.1 "111e Jay Leno Show.'' which of saying one last ''Up yoms!" to NBC. he took on the student center, including maintenance, opera­ recent NBC drama, which ripped the show from Leno was given when he decided he didn 't want the time to say how grateful he was for his time tion and renovation; 1l1e TAlOO accowu, or the "SGA its newest host, Conai1 O'Brien. to retire after all. Given that he was so successful there. O'Brien is tnily a class act. presents" account, has a balance of $23,536.64, to be O'Brien only got to host "The Tonight Show'' on "The Tonight Show;' it's obvious that the sec­ However, O' Brien is also a great talent with a spent on activities like spring fling and homecoming; for seven months, but this short time provided ond show failed because Leno couldn ·1 stand on huge fan base. Team Coco. as his fans are called, the TA200 account, or the representation account, has more laughs than 1l1e prior 17 years with Jay his own without the legacy of his previous show. will follow him 10 whichever network is lucky a balance of $17,835.42. to be spent on SGA travel and Leno. But the prn])Ose here is not to hate or blame His lackluster show led to bad ratings for NBC's enough to pick him up. Who knows what the conferences and ''other costs associated with represent­ Leno who, despite poor reviews from critics. djcl local affiliates, whose news programs were suf­ future will hold for O'Brien, but he's too great ing the students of BC;" and two interest accounts with continue the show's success with viewers. This fering because of his lead-in. This in turn hurt to fade into obscuri ty. He'll be back, ideally in balances of $100,000 and $143,998.69, to be spent on article is to show why O'Brien was superior. "The Tonight Show." NBC had to look out for September, when NBC allows him to start a new anything approved by the BC senate. On both "Late Night" and 'The Tonight Show;' itself, which is how this whole mess got sta11ed. show on a competitor's network. Hopefully his The cwTcmt SGA has seen the mistakes previous O'Brien proved he can not only tell a joke, he Looking to cover themselves as much as pos­ crew will follow him to his next adventw·e too. SG As have made in not spending this money in the past can actually be funny. Leno's biggest laughs sible, NBC executives planned to start ''The Jay because Max Weinberg, Andy Richter and of and are striving to do better by the students. In the Dec. came from "Jaywalking" and ''Headlines:· and Leno Show'' at 11:35 p.m., the timeslot held by comseLaBamba will surely be missed almost as 2 article, SGA president Kristi Newsom and Coleman in both it was other people being funny. not him . ''The Tonight Show'' for 60 years. "The Tonight much as O'Brien himself. mentioned some tentative ideas. The editorial board of But O'Brien used his natural humor in many Show'' would then be pushed to 12:05 a.m., O'Brien's time on both "Late Night" and The Renegade Rip would like l'O offer some sugges­ skits. "Noches De Pasion" featured O'Brien as which doesn't quite make sense given the show's "The Tonight Show" has eained O'Brien enough tfons to SGA on ways to spend the three-quarters of a Conando in a faux telenovela. and ·'Jn the Year title. In his official statement, O'Brien said this faithful followers who wiJJ watch his show any­ million dollars that they have accrued. 2000" O'B1ien and a guest predjcted what life was the "destruction" of what he believed was where. This isn't the last we 'll see of O'Brien. so A new gazebo for the campus center was an idea would be like in the future. Both of these slits "the greatest franchise in the history of broad­ now until September is just going to be one long mentioned for the TB 150 account, and we'd like to en­ relied on O'Brien ·s abilities as comediai1. casting;· and he wanted no part of its demise. commercial break. cow·age that. The need for a new one was made even more evident since the recent sto1ms nearl y knocked the old one down. This new gazebo could be stronger and made with more reliable materials, and could last longer and be a better investment. tl1an the previous gazebo. Another idea for the TB 150 account was new tables for the campus center. While that would be nice, we feel this money would be better spent elsewhere. as the tables ai·e not in poor conditions requiling replace­ ment. SGA typically spends lots of money on events like Sp1ing Fling and Homecoming, setLing up slwl)ee tables, rock-climbing wails and the like. Those can be fun. but we wonder how many students actually use them. We suggest that they talk to students and find out if their investments are wot1h the cost. Also, many uni­ versities have concerts by popular bands on campus. We know it would be hard to get big bands like those schools have, but booking smaller professional bands is definitely possible. It would be a welcome change from the local bands that have perfonned here in the past, making students race for class not because they are late but because they want to get away from that music. Stu­ dents would even pay for a decent conce11 at a good price, which could put more money into SGA. A great deal of money from the TA200 is spent send­ ing SGA to conferences. Students deserve to know what SGA leams at these conferences and to see that all tl1e money spent is being put to good use. Suppos­ edly these conferences are teaching them how to be a better SGA. which is great if they are leaining and bettering themselves as student representatives. But no one knows what they do or how the conferences help. SGA could set up an open discussion with students and tell them what they leained and how they plan to use their new knowledge. SAMANTHA GA.RRb'Tf /THE RIP SGA could offer students an incentive for good grades. For example. students with a 3.5 grade point By Katie Avery no intention to retire; he just planned on taking TV is a cutthroat business. Those t11at don't average could be given a gift certificate for the book­ Opinion editor his talent to another network. NBC refused to let prove themselves immediately ai·e tlu·own to the store, or even free books for students with a 3.8 GPA. him out of his contract and instead offered him dogs. O'Brien had seven months hosting "The Free parking permits would be another great incentive ''The Tonight Show,'' the longest cLmently run­ his own show. which wasn't a success either. So Tonight Show," not the longest run, but still he to encourage students to stud y and do well in class. ning and regularly scheduled TV show in histo­ NBC was now suffering a loss on both fronrs. should be thankful that NBC didn't pull the plug Slurpees and rock-climbing walls ai·e nice, but students ry, has been tlu·ust again into the spotlight when 'Io remedy the problem NBC decided to push immediately when the ratings looked bad. NBC would really remember gesrw·es like these, and they'd a controversy involving back the time of "The Jay Leno Show" so that tried to make amends by keeping them both on appreciate them more than food and games. two hosts flared. Host it pushed back "The Tonight Show" into a late­ the air and it was bad business with both shows. A few creative touches would add life to the campus, LEN O Jay Leno, who took over night spot. Leno told Oprah that when the net­ So Leno now looks like the bad guy in ail this and also give an opportunity to showcase some of BC's ------from Johnny Carson in work proposed moving "The Jay Leno Show" because he took a chance and accepted the invi­ ai1istic students. SGA could pay for the materials need­ 1992, told the world in September 2004 tllal he to the new timeslot. he asked NBC if O'Brien tation to retrn11 to "The Tonight Show." Mean­ ed and find art students to add some color and freshness was retiring and passing the show on to someone would consent to it, ai1d they said he would. while O'Brien. the so-called victim. is crying all to BC. Another addition could be expanding the cam­ else five years later. When O'Brien refused to move ''The Tonight the way to the bank. NBC paid O'Brien out of pus Wi-Fi, which is W1available in some places. NBC, the network in charge of ''The Tonight Show'' to a later spot ,NBC decided to offer Leno his contract, and generously. I might add, so they BC used to have a student lounge but it was shut Show:' replaced Leno with late night stai· Conan "The 1bnight Show" again , and let O'Brien out could offer Leno his show back. down in 2007 due to illegal behavior. Perhaps SGA O'Brien hoping he would fill the shoes of hosts of his contract instead. Leno's ratings have been consistently outstand­ could reopen it so that the students who do not misuse before him. O'Brien was very populai· and if Not only was it a bad decision to replace Leno ing, bringing NBC more viewers than O'B1ien the room can enjoy it, but manage and monitor it bet­ NBC didn't promise him "The Tonight Show" in in the first place, it was also unfair for the net­ did in his seven months on the show. NBC made ter, so that bad behavior doesn't get it shut down again. advance, they were afraid he might get snatched work to pull the plug on O'Brien when they had a lot of stupid decisions but in the end they made Maybe SGA could even set up a wa y for outside pri­ up by another network. a contract aJJowing him to do the show. Either the only choice to cover their losses. vate businesses, like various restaurants, to set up shop Since NBC promised the show would be way it is wrong for the public to blame Leno Leno is getting on in yeai·s, let's face it. and on campus so the students can have more options for handed over to O'Brien in 2009, there was no­ simply for taking his job back. If you had your when he finally does retire (for good), "The To­ lunch. where for Leno to go. They basically kicked him dream job and had essentiaJJy been kicked out, night Show·· will again need a host and O'Brien These ai·e the ideas that we have come up with. We off the show to make way for a younger, fresher wouldn't you rake it back if it was offered to can take over then. That is if he still wants to. know SGA will have plenty of their own as well and we host. Unfortunately, when they brought O'Brien you again? NBC offered Leno the job; he didn't With all the hype that tl1is drama has created applaud them for sttiving to do better thai1 the SGAs on. the ratings were not nearly as high as they walk in and demand it back. He doesn't have the he is sw-e to be flooded with offers from other before them. We hope that this semester's students will were with Leno ai1d NBC suffered. Leno, in an power to pull the strings at NBC. and he was not networks to do pretty much whatever show he get to see some benefits from ail of this money. interview with Oprah Winfrey, said he really had responsible for what happened. wants. so I do not in the least feel soITy for him.

'GADE FEEDBACK <

Editors note: 'Gade Feedback is Dan iel Munoz, Jerry Kammerzell, Jenny Vazquez, Katherine Flores, Vincent Berardini, a feature that asks students thei r digital arts: business: registered nurse: criminal justice: law enforcement: opinion on various topics. "Myspace; the "! can talk to "Myspace, because "Myspace, it's the "Myspacc because I space'.' friends without you can make new only one I know don't know how lo call ing them'.' friends'.' how to use'.' use Facebook'.' Compiled by: Annie Stockman /The Rip

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 leners, however, Editor in Chief ...... Kelly Ardis Reporters: Samantha Garrett, Denise Gonzalez, Laura Winner of tbc 2003 and 2008 writers will be given the opportLmity to revise lengthy or JACC Pacesetter Award News Editor ...... Vincent Perez Liera, Alma N. Martinez, Mateo M. Melero, Julian unacceptable submissions. The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College Moore, Natalie Rodriguez, Lauren Strong, Rigo Ifan organization submits a letter 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 Villalobos, Micbael Wolford, Brian Willhite organization or the letter writer. Pen names are not allowed Printing Co. Inc., and circulated on Wednesdays during Copy Editor ...... Anthony B. Ellrodt the fall and spring semesters. Photographers: Joe Bergman, Frank Bruce, Martin and anonymous lellers will not be p ublished. Multi.media Editor...... Gregory D. Cook The newspaper is published under the auspices of the Chang, Joseph Cota, Ryan George, i\m1ie How to reach us Kern Commllllity College District Board of Trustees, but Op inions Editor...... Katie Avery Stockman, Jofel Tolosa sole responsibility for its content rests with student editors. -Address: Bakersfield College, 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 REVIEWS Page8 The Renegade Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Video Game 'hyper-sexualized; 'thrill ride'

By Michael Wafford who resides at the Gates of Hell games. for players, there are two modes ing if you enjoyed the combat the a film strip. The effect isn't bad, Reporter and provides her with an array As you may have expected, of play, Easy and Very Easy, that first time through. it's just unint.eresting compared of weapons to aid in her quest. the sto1y isn't the main draw of allow you to perform eve1ything From the hyper-sexualized la­ to the other in-game scenes of From the incomprehensible Sound weird to you? It did to me "Bayonetta," the gameplay is. listed above with one button. For dies to the stylized ai1gels, eve1y­ chai·acters using motorcycles story to addicting combat, "Bay­ until I killed a pait-angel, part­ The action-01iented play style is more hardcore players, there ai·e thing in the game is drenched in as weapons or using missiles as onetta," available for the Play­ dragon, pait-statue, pait-chicken filled with depth but never forces a vai·iety of unlockable difficul­ the kind of cool you only see in sw-fboai·ds. Station 3 and beast with a giant bird formed the player to become an expe1t at ties and weapons to keep them cheap fantasy movies. The chai·­ It's been repo1ted by several GAME Xbox 360, from Bayonetta's hair and real­ anything to complete the game. coming back to the game, with acter designs ai·e creative and gaining publications that the never aspires ized that this game is completely The control scheme is simple. nearly every one of these un­ the cut-scenes are always set up PlaySta tion 3 version of "Bayo­ REVIEW to be anything insane. You shoot, punch, kick, jump lockables radically changing the well. The only possible down­ nett.a" suffers from slow-down more than an "Bayonet.ta" is nonsensical in and dodge with each action al­ game. The combat always feels sides are that. everything seems issues that do not effect the Xbox adre naline the way only video games are locat.ed to a button. Dodging is satisfying and there is rarely ever to be as sexualized as possible, 360 version and it does impact ***** -packed ttuill able to get away with, and it em­ the biggest factor in the game as a dull moment with the game be it. Bayoneua spinning around the game enough to make it an 1ide and it does not disappoint. braces this fact taking every ele­ neai·ly everything you encoun­ only dragging in a few areas, but. a pole to tum a gear or simply inferior version. "Bayonetta" is the story of an ment of the story to its illogical ter can be evaded and success­ they never last long enough to losing clothing to pe1fo1m a The game isn' t the most ap­ amnesiac witch named Bayonet­ extreme. The result is an enter­ fully dodging an attack initiates dis11-act from the ove1-all expe1i­ powerful attack. Some of the proachable one out there but for ta who must confront a seeming­ taining, and utterly confusing, a "Mallix" inspired mode called ence. The game is a little short, in-game cinematic scenes suffer ai1yone with a little patience, a ly endless army of angels while mix of campy dialogue, snappy "Witch-Time" where time slows taking me ai·ound ten hours to from an odd style that features taste for the absurd and a love for also discovering her past To do one-liners, bad romances ai1d for eve1y thing on screen except beat, but the unlockable difficul­ spoken dialogue while still pic­ over-the-top action, "Bayonetta" this, she is assisted by a bartender endless references to other video for you. If all of this is too much ties make the game wo1th replay- tures move as if they were pait of is worth a t1y. Italian joint Killer angel movie close to BC too over-the-top tasty food, By Katie Avery nothing is safe. Opinion editor Paul Beuany, who played the fallen angel Michael, gave the "Legion," the newest apoca­ best performance. He pulled lyptic action tlu·iller, which off the right auitude to make low prices premiered in theaters Jan. 22, his chai-acter work and stood simply did not live up to all its out among the medioc1ity. Gregory D. Cook hype. Adiianne Palicki who played Multimedia editor The stage of "Legion" is set pregnai1t girl Chai·lie, ai1d Lu­ when God, once again, loses cas Black, who played her in­ A dingy sllip mall directly faith in tensely loyal companion Jeep, across Mt. Vernon Avenue from MOVIE mankind. gave passable performances as Bakersfield College's Memo1ial He sends well. However, theover-t.he-top Stadium is not the first place I REVIEW his angels intense dialogue was poorly would think to look for a good to possess written and, for the most part., Italian restaurant, yet that is and take poorly delivered by the cast. precisely over human beings so they can The creepy ice cream man/ where you k··~ill a baby who w ill, accord­ mutant advertised wildly in the GREGORY D. COOK /Tiffi RIP RESTAURANT can find ing to some obscure prophecy, nailer was a huge letdown. Not REVIEW one. Patrons of the L.A. Pizza Veloz Italian restaurant eat lunch Jan. 30. The restaurant, grow up to lead mai1kind away to spoil the surp1ise, but this For the located right across from the Bakersfield College's Memorial Stadium on Mt Vernon from dai:kness. The archangel chai-acter dies half a second af­ last two Avenue, offers lunch specials for $5.99 from 11.am. to 3.p.m. Michael, who holds onto his ter being in11·oduced. faith in humanity, goes against yeai·s,L.A. The least they could do is Pizza***** Veloz has been serving salads that come with the lunch mai-inara. gredients such as spinach, fresh God's orders, falls from heaven give this character a bit of up a vai·iety of pizza, pasta and pasta dishes. The pesto sauce was a pa1ticu­ basil, barbecue chicken and even and seeks to protect the unborn screen ti me. They made the sandwiches. The restaurai1t is a The salads were your typical larly pleasant. surprise. All 1.00 chile verde. child. audience think this chilling bit 11·ansplant from Beverly Hills, green salad, nothing special here often, pesto sauces are simply The pizza I tried was cooked This premise seemed very ex - of COi was an important story Calif. and in my humble opinion except for the notable freshness made from tlu·owing a handful of evenly, with no bubbles in the citing. Who would've thought element when it didn't even we are lucky to have them. of the ingredients. There was no basil, gai·lic and a cup or two of crust. a movie could work where an­ last long enough to advance the The rest.aurant. is open from hint of brown ai·ound the edges olive oil into a blender, resulting They advertise their pizza as gels ai·e the bad guys? If done plot. This is lai·gely unimpo1t­ 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. most. of the lettuce ai1d the cucumbers in a lot of shai·p individual tastes "New York style", but the crust properly, this was going t.o be a ant but it b1ings into question days, later on the weekends. and tomatoes were c1isp and fla­ fighting among themselves in the I got was notably thicker than film celebrated for its inventive the motives of these filmmak­ While they offer a surprisingly vorfull. sauce, but that was fai· from the a trne New York pizza. It was and 01iginal ideas. ers ai1d what they will do to get vaii ed menu of dinner en11·ees The nonnal selections ofd ress­ case at this establishment. generously topped with quality The problem is, the most im­ butts in the seats. such as linguini p1imavera with ings were available. My com­ My beeftort.ellinis were paired ingredients, distributed evenly portant part. of the plot doesn' t The intensity of the loud, slu·imp, chicken cai·bonai·a, and a panion had the Italian dressing, with a creamy pesto sauce. The around the pie. I noticed a subtle make sense. God sends his boomy music was great and full menu of pizzas and calzones, which tast.ed exactI y as should be cream base served to blend the sharpness in cheese as weII as angels to possesses humans kept me on the edge of my seat of paiticulai· interest to BC stu­ expect.ed. I had the blue cheese competing tastes within the a hint. of smokiness which I be­ and force them t.o attack the unti l about halfway through the dents is their lunch special. And dressing and was surprised to sauce into a perfect harmony of lieve comes from adding a little protagonists. Why couldn't the movie. It was like hearing your that is where I will focus this re­ find that it was more of a creamy flavor and also helped the sauce cheddar and provolone cheeses angels, who are much stronger favorite song played on the ra­ view. blue cheese, rather than the more coat the pasta evenly. to the normal mozzarella that than humans, k:iU off eve1y­ dio 16,000 times until you nev­ Weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 3 traditional style with pieces of The pasta dishes also included most pizze1ias use. one without even a struggle? er want to heai· it again. We get p.m., patrnns can choose from blue cheese mixed in. a couple of pieces of gai·lic bread, But the 11·ue stai· of any pizza is Answer: Because then we it. The movie is di-amatic, but if 14 different pasta dishes or six Our en11·ees ai1ived at the table and this addition, no more than the sauce, and here, once again, wouldn' t have a movie. So ba­ the composer uses the same ex­ types of sandwiches. The price is just as I swallowed the last bite an afterthought at many restau­ L.A. Pizza Veloz did not disap­ sically the entire story s11·ucture act theme for eve1y fight scene $5.99 and the portions ai·e gener­ of my salad. My companion or­ rants, was one of the high points point. Instead of the nonnal to­ is based on completely illogical and creepy moment the whole ous to say the least. dered the beef ravioli with pink of the meal. mato paste based sauce you find bauie orders from a supposedly movie becomes repetitive and As my companion and I en­ sauce, and I chose the beef tor­ After the meal I spoke with on most pizzas, the sauce on infallible deity. boring. tered the 65-seat dining room, tellini and topped it off with a owner Carlos Delgado after we this pizza was a thinner, pureed Plot inconsistencies aside, The movie ended but didn't we were greeted by the kind of creamy pesto sauce. Both en11·ees had finished our meals and he tomato sauce. The sauce was the movie isn't a total loss. The really finish. One would expect relaxed, casual atmosphere that were served hot, and all of the informed me that they bake all of sweet.er than it was tangy, and special effects used to demonize the climax of the film to be the should proceed a good Italian pasta components were cooked their own breads and create all of the spices were subtle enough the villains are very welJ done. biggest action sequence, prob­ meal. to a pe1fect al dente. their sauces from scratch. that it complimented the flavors When Gladys, a sweet little old ably featuring a giant angel-on­ The dining room was decorat­ I was very pleased with both Since no review of a restaurant of the toppings rather thai1 over­ lady, turned into a demonic vil­ angel battle. Instead the whole ed primarily in red, with humor­ the pink and the pesto sauces named L.A. Pizza Veloz would powe1ing them. lain the tension and feai· in the ending was small bursts of ac­ ous signs (Free beer tomoITow) we were served. The pink sauce be complete without at least a From the prompt, f1iendly ser­ audience was palpable. One of tion laced with cheesy overdi-a­ hung on the walls and even a seemed to be a gentle blending mention of pizza, I also sampled vice, to the generous po1tions of the scaii est moments occwTed matic dialogue. I left the theater small stu"ine of sorts to BC foot­ of alfredo and marinara sauces a pie. While L.A. Pizza Veloz of­ deUcious pasta, pizza. and sand­ when a child falls prey to pos­ wonde1ing, that's it? ball. that managed 1.0 keep the creamy fers many of the traditional pizza wiches, I would definitely rec­ session. The filmmakers turned "Legion" is definitely not The service was prompt and richness of a good alfredo while toppings and combinations that ommend L.A. Pizza Veloz to t.he cute and seemingly inno­ worth a $ 10 movie ticket. My tiiendly, and within three min­ adding the t.anginess and subtie most people are used to, they anyone looking for a great casual cent into the creepiest monsters advice see it when it aiTives at utes we were eating the green sweetness of a properly made also offer pizzas topped with in- ltalfan meal. making t.he audience feel like the dollar theater. New OK Go album big disappointment, 'difficult to understand'

By Ryan George may have been the point. bai1ds, and can understand easily. the heck ai·e they basing ai1 album on a Reporter OK Go is most noted for their low The albums cover-book does give book from that long ago? Where and budget music video for "Here It Goes some insight and definitely interest into why on eaith did they read this book? OK Go's latest. release may be con­ Again," also known as "The Treadmill the albums reasoning of why the album None of the before-mentioned questions sidered by t.he Video," with 49,411,001 views on You­ is the way it is: inside, several pages are are answered in OK Go's album cover­ ALBUM band as a "dance Tube alone as of Jan. 22, that definitely filled with colorful graphs, with no real book, or on the bands website, OKGo. album," but it can­ put t.hem on the map. understanding of what they are until fur­ net. REVIEW not be much more The album does have its high points at ther along in the book. In the end, I can see this album mak­ than that. While least. The technical use of ins1111ments The graphs, and title of the album, are ing hundreds of millions of YouTube listening to "Of the " ... excerpt[s from] the book [by] Gener­ fanatics making parodies of the music and computers to make a very elec11·onic COURTESY OFCAPITALRECORDS Blue Colour of the vibe t.o the music is great in itself, but the al A.J. Pleasonton's The Influence of the videos to come, some of which already Sky" and reading the ly1ics along with elec11·onic sound should not have been cal mix make it very difficult to under­ Blue Ray of the Sunlight and of the Blue have, and maybe heai· these songs at a the music, my head kept spinning, and put to the vocals of the singers. Some of stand, and I come from a background of Colour of the Sky published in 1876 ... " dance club being mixed by a DJ, or a not in a pleasant way. But I suspect that these ly1ics overlapped with the techni- listening to heavy metal and scream-o which b1"ings me to these questions: why gamer on a future version of DJ Hero.

BC BRAINS «What does 'photovoltaic' mean?"

Editor's note: BC Brains is a Tino ChaVln, Jackie Frias, Cli'von Carter, Michael Richard Rivera, feature that asks students a mechanical psychology: criminology: Hernandez, criminal justice: question to test their knowledge engineer: "Someone who's "Developing a psychology: "Something at a of all things trivial. "Maybe more super photogenic" picture.:• "Having to do with stripclub:' cameras and more some camera, light security in school:' density, or outer space:' Compiled by: ~J ' Annie Stockman I The Rip J3A\Od JEj0$ :J;)h\Slle p:>Jlo:) THE SPOTLIGHT

Page 9 The Ren egad e Rip I www.therip.com Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Honky-tonk band 'spirit of Bakersfield'

By Brian N. Willhite Swa11z and Brett's wife, Silvia Neal on bass. The Reporter group found common ground in playing music that's stripped down to its roots, while honoring Classic country music comes alive with local classic country icons. troubadours The Daliens. Covering artists from the "Everybody loves this kind of country. lt's the golden age of country like Buck Owens and Merl e music we all grew up with," said Brett Neal. Haggard, these "08ers" pay homage to the spirit The band does not have any recordings of origi­ and music that influenced a genre. nal music, nor have they written any as of yet. "The Coming together in the latter half of 2009, The band is still in its infancy, so who knows what will Daliens have made it their mission to bring real live happen," said Calande about the future of the band's honky-tonk music back to Bakersfield's bars and music. In the meantime, the band is currently out clubs as they did Jan. 30 at the Dive Bar in south playing live shows and turning each venue into a Bakersfield. Skipping original music in their set genuine honky-tonk. list, the band sticks with time-tested, classic music The band even pays tribute to Bakersfield in their from country pioneers and local legends. name by calling themselves The Daliens, a term "We play a lot of music from our influences like dubbed for the residents of Oildale. Hank Williams, George Jones, Billy Mize, Johnny Oildale, as well as Bakersfield, are both known Cash and Red Simpson. We're trying to capture for having a history associated with country mu­ that old country sound. We're obsessed with that sic and its culture, hence the slogan on their MyS­ old country twang," said lead guitarist Bryan Ca­ pace page, "The spirit of Bakersfield, the pride of lande. Oildale. " Calande and singer Brett Neal sta11ed playing More information, including show times and music together a few years back, but The Daliens contact info about The Daliens can be found at weren't complete until they added drummer Virgil myspace.com/thedaliens.

GREGORY D. COOK I THE RIP Above: Brett Neal, of The Daliens, performs at The Dive Bar on South Chester Avenue in Bakersfield on Jan. 30. Right: The Daliens, a local country music band, perform at The Dive Bar on Jan. 30. Gallery gets new Virtuoso location, name shows artists

((The purpose for the new location is to continue the at Element same idea concept, same goals and to concentrate on the many talented local artists. )) The Virtuoso Art Show took place Jan. 22-23 at -John Moore, co-owner of new Basement The Element Lounge. It featured artists of different kinds, including photography, painting and musicians. By Denise Gonzalez the room and spaces for new artists want­ Reporter ing to showcase their work. Left: Joey Pisillas has been playing guitar for 7 years. Both Bell and Moore want to keep the He played a set Jan. 22. Two artists are now joined together to basement of the new building as ori ginal bring out the beauty of downtown Ba­ as possible due to its true beauty of how kersfield's artistic atmosphere. downtown Bakersfield should be appreci­ Below: Greg Ross plays the guitar Jan. 22. Deon Bell and John Moore have col­ ated. laborated to reopen and reconstruct what The Basement will continue to show­ has been well known in Bakersfield as case all the local artists own work along PHOTOS BY DAVID KARNOWSKI /THE RIP The Basement, at a new location. The with both of the owner's own paint­ new art building is now located on the ings, sculptures and drawings displayed corner of Chester Avenue and 20th Street. throughout the gallery. The grand opening is expected to be in Many buyers do purchase local art ist's March. work and therefore, Bell and Moore high­ The new building is spacious and both ly suggest that artists should take in their stories of the basement will be used. paintings for display. "The purpose for the new location is "My advice to local artists is to keep to continue the same idea concept, same painting whenever you can and have goals and to concentrate more on the your work displayed," said Bell. "This many talented local artists," said Moore. indicates that people are ambitious on ex­ A new name that has not been released pressing their art." yet will be released by opening day, al­ Live entertainment will continue to be though Bell and Moore will still appreci­ performed but will be limited due to more ate the nickname "The Basement." Local concentration that will be given to the art­ aspiring artists, and anyone interested in ist. art, also might find the new location con­ Bell and Moore will have a variety of venient. workshops for those interested in classes Many events are expected, such as the concerning art. artistic vintage feel of what downtown Since Bakersfield's art scene and its Bakersfield used to be, and a more com­ people are limited to a place of socializ­ fortable atmosphere. ing, the new location will be open daily Moore wants to bring back the older for all ages for those interested in art. environment from what downtown Ba­ Events will continue such as movie kersfield has to offer. nights, fashion shows and artistic expres­ The lower level is being set up first and sion. is spacious with fascinating architecture The main concept for the new location and brick walls and archways. The light­ is to keep the downtown art scene alive ing is dim with paintings running along and continue for years to come.