Volume CXII, edition 2 since 1949 September 13, 2006 Remembering the unimaginable:

by Ife-Chudeni Oputa FCC pays tribute to the victims of Sep. 11 Rampage Reporter Gurdeep Sihota, FCC College Ac- Based on a poll of Fresno tion. It’s scary.” Monday marked tivities Director, at the ceremony. City College students, 64% believe In a CBS News/ New York the fifth anniversary of “We just wanted to be able to have that the nation is no safer from ter- Times poll the nation agreed, with the attacks on the World something that was subtle, but also rorist attacks now than it was five 39% saying they felt less safe since Trade Center. Around a time of reflection.” years ago. “I felt initially, I felt 9/11 and 46% saying they felt the the nation, ceremonies FCC instructor Dale Eng- like they really tightened things same. “I don’t think security wise were held to honor the strom concluded the ceremony up. Now I feel like their getting a it’s gotten that much better, to lives that were lost on with a performance of “Taps,” as little more complacent,” said Viola where they would be able to stop September 11, 2001. faculty, staff, and students watched Harshman, a student at FCC. “I terrorists all the way,” said FCC Fresno City College in respective silence. think they need to pay more atten- student Catherine Inouye. was no exception. In the months after the 9/11 A t n o o n o n attacks, the nation united to mourn Monday, FCC students the loss of loved ones and the gathered in front of loss of their security. Amidst the the Library near the heightened feelings of patriotism, fountain where a com- the nation was tense with fear. memorative wreath was A mere 45 days after the displayed. After the attack, the USA Patriot Act was Fresno City College signed into law. President Bush City Singers performed assured that the Patriot Act was a selection, the wreath necessary to fight the threat of was carried to the Veter- terrorism, and an overwhelming ans’ Peace Memorial by majority of Congress agreed. members of the Police However, this security came at and Fire Academies. a cost; citizens would have to “This is really give up certain civil liberties. The meant more to be more benefits of this sacrifice have yet Photo by Robin Vallentyne of a reflection time for 9/11,” said to be seen. Photo by Robin Vallentyne FCC confident in accreditation progress report “We have gotten recommendations in these areas: staff, and technology and distance tions, Tony Cantu. “Through better as an education plan. program reviews, the kind of institution. There by Buen Moua Participatory Gover- Members include seven committees we’ll have, through nance representatives from Academic assessment, through evaluating Rampage Reporter has been more The college acknowledged Senate, five from the Classified programs and curriculums…all the need to implement a participa- Senate, four representatives from of those kinds of things are things dialogue, more The draft of the college’s tory governance process in which administration, and two from that we do on a regular basis of op- communication.” progress report on recommenda- all constituent groups, being the Associated Student Government. erating the college. A lot of those -Tony Cantu, tions by the Accrediting Commis- Academic Senate for the faculty, The college president assigned things are aligned with several of sion for Community and Junior Classified for the staffs, the Ad- Strategic Planning Support Team the accreditation standards.” Vice President of Colleges acknowledges and fully ministration for the president and to assist SPC in the development Instructions addresses the issues that needed to his cabinets, and the ASG for the of the new strategic planning be corrected. students, would have an integral process. The final report will be sent role in the planning and decision Library Resources to Board of Trustees, and then making in its October 2005 self In addressing to this recom- Also Inside: mailed to the commission by Oc- study. They have been researching mendation, FCC will increase its Pluto takes a step down, gets tober 4, according to a statement successful governance structures library holdings by about 12,000 by Fresno City College President, at other colleges, specifically City titles over the next three years. In ‘Dwarfed’ Ned Doffeney. College of San Francisco. addition, the library will be adding “I think our school really approximately 12,000 Netlibrary came together to get going with the Program Review e-books to its collection. Accreditation process by creating Significant progress has Said Blanco, “The college committees,” said ASG Senator been made in refining and imple- has hired a new Dean of Librar- Kate Blanco. “We focus on our menting a workable program ies, also expanding the number of strategic planning…to figure out review process. In result, the staff, who do not only know about what kind of stuff we need to recommendation is being fully books but technology as well to address in the school that obvi- addressed, and all 58 program adapt to the changing needs of the ously we were not able to address reviews that were behind have students.” before.” completed a draft and are currently Districtwide The accreditation process being reviewed and in revision, 10 In February 2006, Chancel- does not end with the submission which are in final form. lor Tom Crow formed a District of the progress report this year. Office Accreditation Planning and “Every year we’ll be work- Planning Facilities Committee to meet to de- ing on accreditations and making All FCC constituent groups velop, implement, and evaluate a sure that we’re on track,” said FCC approved the creation of the Stra- collegewide strategic plan, and the Vice President of Instructions, tegic Planning Council and the strategic development of SCCCD Tony Cantu. new Strategic Plan, which includes as it expands in the area. integration of human resources, a “Accreditation is never According to the draft, FCC An artist’s rendition of Pluto, first from the front, See Pluto systematic evaluation of its entire really over,” said V.P. of Instruc- responded to the visiting team’s then the back page 2 2 Rampage News September 13, 2006 Extend your learning Pluto’s new title: ‘Dwarf Planet’ by Ana Zavala too? Pluto. Rampage Reporter As some astronomers Ronnie Weil, executive FCC’s Extended Learning Center cheered with delight at the thought director at The Discovery Cen- Waves of articles pour as of adding more planets to the solar ter and Amateur Astronomer in improves students’ success the events of last month reach the system, others were disturbed. Fresno, believes otherwise. When press. The belief is, if all the newly dis- asked how the changes in the solar Yes, it is true Pluto has a covered are to be granted planet system would affect the Discovery new title. hood, the number of planets would Center’s star lab, she simply said Even since the day of its be in the hundreds. there would be no great change in first appearance in 1930, it has The controversy was fi- the way they educate the public. been viewed with a question mark. nally solved last month when the “We don’t think of Pluto as Little is known of the icy 1400mile International Astronomical Union being demoted, we just think of it wide ex-planet Pluto. held a meeting consisting of only as being reclassified.” Weil adds, Its slanted orbit and sloppy 2500 astronomers. After rigorous “It just opens doors to great ques- travel, together with the fact that debate, the IAU announced that tions. It shows that science is al- it’s even smaller than earth’s the word “Planet” has a new defi- ways modifying and changing.” moon, have kept it from blending nition. Pluto did not fit the criteria, This account might affect in with its ex-siblings. followed by a couple others was more than just the regular infor- Not only did Pluto not renamed Dwarf Planet. mation seeker. Earlier this year, Today the definition of Photo by Robin Vallentyne behave as a planet “should” but NASA set out for an expensive 9 astronomers also found other Pluto a Planet will have created a dis- 1⁄2 year robotic mission to learn Said Math ELC coordi- like forms, which brought forth the ruption within the world of As- more of “planet” Pluto. Nothing nator Soheil Partovi, that the question: Is Pluto a planet? And tronomy and that of the average has been said on how this will af- sentimental human who wishes by Buen Moua math ELC was established if so, are all those things planets fect the time consuming mission. the planets system still included Rampage Reporter last semester that aid students in any math course from the basics to second semester cal-

culus. Math ELC also offers Can’t understand a math students web-based math soft- problem? Looking to improve ware ALEKS, where students your reading and writing skills Rampage Newsroom: (559) 442-8263 can go online to improve their Fresno City College Business: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783 and get good grades? Want to 1101 E. University Ave. math skills. E-mail: get a personal tutor but can’t Fresno, CA 93741 Editor In Chief: Tutors are made up of afford it? Editor in chief: Matthew T. Mendez [email protected] mainly upper-division or gradu- News Editor: Matthew T. Mendez [email protected] Here at FCC, the Ex- Sports Editor: Quinn Robinson ate students from Fresno State, Views Editor: David Witte Rampage business Office: tended Learning Center, to help [email protected] who have taken special training Reviews Editor: David Witte students in understanding their Photo Editor: Robin Vallentyne Advisor: courses in tutoring, math tutors Business Manager: Leah Edwards class materials in reading, writ- [email protected] passing second semester calcu- Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju ing, and math, and to improve lus with a B or better, according Reporters in their grades, is offering tu- Rampage is an award-winning newspaper published to Partovi. “There are also three biweekly by the Fresno City College Journalism 4 & 5 toring services. And it’s free. Matthew T. Mendez, Leah Edwards, Joseph math instructors available.” Rios, Quinn Robinson, David Witte, Eric Valdez, program and is a member of Journalism Association of Coordinators of the ELC Natalie Oglesbe, DC Leavy, Chelsea Bieker, Community Colleges. Views expressed in The Rampage are Arechiga added that some Carly Hubbell, Efren Marquez, Johanna Tanori, those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect said their goal is to assist stu- Brian Noonan, Buen Moua, Ana Zavala, Ife- tutors in the writing department Chudeni Oputa, Molly Carlin, Maylin Tu, and those of Fresno City College, its students, administration or dents. Located in the Library in the State Center Community College District. are English majors. Michael Williams Rm. LI-134, the ELC has two “Not only does the ELC divisions for assisting students. Photography/ Letters to the editor and submissions to the calendar will be ac- help students, we have formed Graphics cepted via e-mail or in person 12 noon - 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday One is for reading and writing and Friday, at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, above the bookstore. relationships with many in- upstairs of LI-134, and the Robin Vallentyne, Please keep all letters to a maximum of 500 words along with structors on campus, so that David Witte, Matthew T. Mendez contact information. other is the math ELC below they are referring ELC to the the writing ELC. students,” said Partovi. “Students, when they Mary Arechiga said that begin their college year, they’re Classifieds it would have cost students encountering difficulties with 15-50 dollars per hour for a FALL WORK NOW the language,” said Writing private tutor. $12.25 base-appt., FT/PT, ELC coordinator Mary Are- flexible schedules, no exp She continued that a lot chiga. “We can give them help nec, customer sales/service, of times students think that this ages 18+, cond. apply, 222-7527 with brainstorming, finding is a remedial thing…and it’s www.workforstudents.com a good thesis, revising rough not. “Last semester there was a drafts…with a tutor.” Rooms for Rent student that already had a full According to Arechiga, With full access to scholarship to Berkeley. So it’s the writing ELC’s third Study/Library, Weight you know she’s a good student. semester, currently with 11 Room, She was up here every single writing tutors, and about 25- Large Backyard w/pool day working with a tutor…” $450 plus utilities 35 students come for help per said Arechiga. Contact: (559) 276-3663 or day. Some are regulars coming for help. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: -A Tribute to Steve Irwin, pg. 14 -A Q&A with Tony Cantu regarding accreditation, pg. 5 -Editorial by the Editor-in-Chief, pg. 12 September 13, 2006 News Rampage 3 See the world, earn credits that should satisfy even the most home-sick prone of students. Dr. Mark Harmon, psy- chology instructor at Clovis Center and Amie Mazzoni, instructor in the forestry and natural resources program at Reedley will be teaching Hu- man Sexuality and Conser- There is still time vation of Natural Resources respectively. to sign up for the Both plan to incorporate the location heavily into the Spring 2007 academic part of the program, taking almost daily field trips Semester in to places like the Tower of England Program! London, Westminster Abbey, the Sigmund Freud Museum, Epping Forest, and the London Aquarium. Exciting Dr. Harmon will even be leading a select group of opportunities await mature students on a tour of you as you visit the infamous red light district historic landmarks in of Amsterdam. And if an English speaking country England, while you by Maylin Tu isn’t your, ahem, cup of tea, Paris, Spain, study and earn Rampage Reporter and Thailand await. Chuck Erven, co-leader of the brand transferable college new Thailand/Vietnam program says that credits. Optional It’s about seeing the world. It’s about students who choose the program, which travel to other broadening your horizons. It’s about becom- focuses on the performing arts, shouldn’t ing a global citizen. expect a sedentary series of lectures about European cities is You’ve heard all the clichés about theatre. easy and convenient. study abroad. Guess what—they’re all “Everyday we’re doing something true. new, we’re going someplace, we’re seeing Come to the And students from the SCCD district something interesting, and then talking information session can see for themselves in one of five dif- about it and writing some response papers and learn how you ferent study abroad programs planned for for it.” Spring and Summer 2007. Some of those interesting things in- can be a part of this Whether they choose to experience clude tours of temples, puppet shows, guest fantastic program. European culture first hand while gain- lectures, and a cooking class. Although the ing valuable transferable college credit in program focuses on the performing arts, London, Paris and Spain, or decide to try Erven insists it’s not just for theatre or dance out the newly minted Thailand/Vietnam students. program, one thing’s for sure—they won’t “If you’re into architecture, if you’re come back the same. into anthropology, if you’re into reli- The sole semester length program, gion—you’re going to find something of Information Session which takes place in London, offers courses value in [it].” in English and Music taught by FCC instruc- FCC Chicano/Latino studies instruc- September 28 at 5:30 p.m. tor Rosemarie Guglielmino and Reedley tor Art Amaro has been teaching at FCC for at the District Office Board Room College instructor Colleen Snyder. For the 30 years. This will be, however, his first sake of cultural acclimation, students also time in Spain, as co-leader of the summer live with a British family and co-mingle in Spain program. with native students at the University of Amaro believes students stand a lot London. to gain from going. Currently quoted at $7,245 (round- “I think that it’s an experience that trip airfare included), the semester in they’re going to remember—not only for Registration Deadline: October 23, 2006 England program has its own club, the their college career—but for the rest of aptly named London or Bust, where stu- their life.” dents devote time and energy to running His course, Intro to the History, fundraisers. Heritage and Culture of Spain, represents For their first fundraiser this semes- an attempt to “reconcile the differences and ter, the London or Bust club sold donated combine the best of two worlds together— used books at Club Rush. the Spanish and the Indian indigenous.” President And just how can students Melissa Sarno hope to pay the roughly $3,000 sees her semes- to $7,000 it takes to go abroad? ter abroad as an Luckily financial aid, scholar- opportunity for ships and grants can all help foot “Getting away the bill. from everything And if that’s not enough? familiar and find- Amaro tells his students to ing out who I “beg, borrow or steal the money.” am as a person. On a less larcenous note, he is I know it sounds also putting together a club to cliché, but that’s fundraise for the trip. really a big part of Erven advises the slightly what I’m looking more drastic route of giving up forward to.” what most students use to get to For those school: “Look—you have a car— unwilling to leave a used car—sell it. You’ll always mom and dad for have crappy cars your [whole] such an extended life, so why not use that money to period of time but really invest in yourself. . . Call in still eager to experience England in all of its your gambling debts, do whatever you can bangers and mash glory, the London sum- to get there. . . it really is life-changing. You mer program offers a three-week program may not get a chance like this again.” 4 Rampage News September 13, 2006 Club Rush looks to guide students FCC Clubs showcase goals, aim to recruit new members

ated Student Government member Club Rush today and we will have for people’s rights. They grant children, say to join the club and at FCC, invited students to sign three more during the semester.” scholarships and give donations to also volunteer for community Christian Beltran up for the intramural sports-vol- Diversity Club is a club that organizations that need it. The Di- service. “We are helping students leyball, soccer, flag football, etc. promotes respect and acceptance versity Club table featured colorful get new skills and strategies, and Rampage Reporter signs showing pride. “You can be also get them involved with other different in any way, you can be people who are interested in teach- gay, you can be lesbian, you can ing,” said Dowling; “It’s still the be black or you can be white and beginning, and we are looking for- Members of the Latin you should be offered the same ward for new members to come,” American Student Organization opportunities as everyone else,” Nichilo added. invited students to visit UC cam- Rios said. Vang Yang, president of puses. While the Diversity Club Erika Gutierrez is president the Hmong Club, said they were displayed pride and respect with of L.A.S.O. Club and was among very excited about promoting a rainbow flag, and members of the students participating in the their club and also fundraising to Alpha Omega, wore doctor-like college’s Club Rush this week. She give $250 scholarship to incoming suits and jackets, answered ques- said her club was recruiting new freshmen students at FCC, which tions and distributed information members and will do fundraising is granted every year. “We want to about their health club. starting at the next Club Rush. let Hmong students at FCC know Welcome to Club Rush, an They plan to visit UC campuses that there is a club here to help and event that gives students an op- and experience a different environ- support them in whatever they may portunity to learn about campus ment. “This year we are trying to need,” Yang said. groups and allows clubs to recruit get more involved with the com- Many FCC students work new members. The first Club munity, giving donations and not full time and only go to school Rush, which took place this past just focus on campus activities,” part-time. Students don’t always Tuesday Sept. 5, at Fresno City said Gutierrez. spend much of their free time on College. Maria Delgado, president campus. However, there are many Whether it’s a passion for of Alpha Omega, was very ex- opportunities for all students to art or culture, an interest in the cited about Club Rush. Her club develop friendships and one way medical field, or a concern for reli- was promoting people to join the is by joining one of the many clubs gious doubts or sexual orientation, club to help with their community and organizations at FCC. students can find a club that caters work, charity service and also get If students missed Club to their individual needs. medical experience. “Come and Rush they can contact the advisor Clubs are as varied and join us! We meet every Tuesday for the club or call the College diverse as the students themselves. photo by Leah Edwards in Room 280 in the Health Science Activities Office at (559) 265- FCC looks to create more positive building at 12:45 p.m.,” Delgado 5711. Students who are inter- connections with students, and “There’s a sense of involvement. for all, regardless of their race or said. ested in creating a new club can students seek ways to get involved, It’s a great way to meet people sexual orientation; they want to Amber Dowling and Felice find information at the Student make friends and get a competitive and express individual interests make a positive impact to change Nichilo enjoy being part of Teach- Lounge/College Center or at www. edge on the college process. in a variety of different activities,” FCC campus. Katrina Rios, presi- ers of Tomorrow. They are inviting fresnocitycollege.edu, under the Rabiah Rahman, Associ- Rahman said. “We are doing the dent of the club, said they fight students who like to interact with “College Activities” tab, then click on “Clubs & Organizations.” Salute to On-Scene Heroes Say Goodbye your Old Library Card

Emergency Responders Honored All that is needed is an ASB card or a photo ID

fundraiser. The community is en- by Buen Moua buy all the library cards or the big The library staffs would stamp the couraged to support the honorees process of issuing them…” back of the cards for indication. by Ife-Chudeni Oputa as well as TIP. “Just getting the Rampage Reporter “The little cardboard “Now the tutorial center, word out about our program is one Rampage Reporter cards just were not working for the computer labs, etc., have a of our main goals,” said Biswell, Beginning this fall se- us. It wasn’t cost-effective…they new tracking system and no longer “If they want to attend to honor the mester, FCC Library will no were constantly being replaced, needed our cards,” said Handy. The Fresno County, honorees, but also to financially longer be issuing library cards. In people were always leaving them It is not sure whether this Madera, and Mountain Chapters support us with either donations, or place of the library cards will be at home,” said Norma Handy of new procedure would be perma- of Trauma Intervention Program, live or silent auction purchases.” students’ ASB card or any photo the Library Services. “We would nent, according to FCC Library Inc. (TIP) will hold “Salute to TIP will be holding a ID for all library users, including always use a photo ID in absence services. “This is sort of a trial On-Scene Heroes”, an awards training academy in November, faculty and staffs. of a library card any ways.” basis. We’re soon to meet with ceremony to honor emergency and is in need of new volunteers. The procedure for check- According to Handy, the other libraries in the district to responders. “It’s perfect timing with this ing out materials will still be the library had kept the card in the way discuss all this…hopefully coming TIP provides support for fundraiser to get more people same, as well as updating users’ that it was because for years the up with a standardized method, trauma survivors around the na- aware, and perhaps interested in account every semester. people in the computer labs or the maybe a district-wide library card,’ tion. “We have about 30 chapters volunteering also,” Biswell said, Said Head of Library Ser- tutorial center all required students said Norma Handy. “We no longer over the United States,” said TIP “There are no qualifications as far vices James Tucker. “It makes the to show the library card to prove honor our cardboard cards, but we Crisis Team Manager Sharon as your career or your education or process simpler…we don’t have to that they were a current student. do honor all district cards.” Biswell. “We respond immediately anything…so, other than just hav- to the scene of a traumatic event ing a big heart and wishing to help and we’re there to offer emotional people out in that type of situation, support to family members, wit- that’s it.” nesses, victims of the event.” “Salute to On-Scene He- The ceremony will honor roes” will be held on Friday, Sep- individuals dedicated to emer- tember 29, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. gency assistance. “This year we at the Copper River Country Club are honoring people that have been in Fresno. Tickets are available very supportive of TIP, within the for $45 or $450 for a table of ten. emergency response system,” said For information, call Trauma In- Biswell. In addition to an awards terventions Program, Inc. at (559) ceremony, the event is also a TIP 265-8730. September 13, 2006 News Rampage 5 Q &With FCC’s VP of Instructions Tony Cantu A: We have gotten better warning from the accrediting on committees and are looking Q: What’s in store for A as an institution. There’s been commission? for student representation that FCC’s future? Buen Moua more dialogue, more communi- is who we go to. It is just like Rampage Reporter cation. I think the process that A: By addressing the re- when we want the faculty, we go A: We are making sure we used in forming the Strate- quirements of the Accreditation to the Faculty Senate; when we that our planning processes gic Planning Council was very standards. want classified representation, work, to make sure that our Q: What has the col- positive. I think it has worked we go to the Classified Senate. processes are aligned, so that lege done in response to the well. Q: How can the college the decisions are not made in a Accreditation team’s recom- gain the confidence that it may Q: How does the Accred- vacuum, that there is a process mendations? Q: Do you feel confi- have lost? itation affect FCC students? in place for decision-making dent in the college’s progress and everybody understands what A: We’ve done quite a bit. report, in meeting the recom- A: I think by implement- A: It affects students; their process is, and that it’s a We were addressing each one mendations? ing the strategic plan and going if the school is not accredited, process that is well presented. of the recommendations. There through the implementation then the students’ credits are is a Strategic Planning Council A: Yes. We’ve made sig- process is going to make the not transferable and accepted… Q: What would you say which the Associated Student nificant progress. The fact that school stronger, because the none of the programs are ac- to students about FCC’s future Government is very much in- in a little less than nine weeks mechanisms are in place to credited…no financial aid…it and its Accreditation? volved, as well as the Classified we developed a strategic plan- insure that all the groups are pretty much accounts for all the Senate and the faculty. A draft and that was pretty quick. Once talking to each other to ensure courses offered. A:It’s positive. There’s of the progress report is already we got the recommendations, we that there is participation. no doubt in my mind. written, that has gone to the did what we needed to do. We Q: Is the Accrediting board, came back to the campus started working and continued Q: Many FCC students process over after the prog- and is currently being updated working well into the semester. don’t really know what’s going ress report is turned in, in on a regular basis. And during the summer we’ve on about the Accreditation. October? “Once we got the got together a couple of times; How can students get involved Q: From the time of ac- We worked bringing the support and become more aware of any A: After the progress recommendations, crediting commission’s visita- team to get the presentation matter, not just the Accredita- report is turned in we have a we did what we tion until now, how strongly ready for the opening school- tion? midterm report. So again we’ll needed to do... do you feel the college has and that report was very well need to address the accreditation become, pertaining to the received. A: Through the Associat- recommendations in two and a working well into different constituents coming ed Student Government because half years…it is ongoing. We the semester.” together on this matter? Q: How can the college that’s primarily the student will start getting ready for the prevent from getting another voice. When we want students next accreditation process. -Tony Cantu

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CVIP.NET • 559-278-1111 or 800-578-0905 • 1762 E. Barstow (Bulldog Plaza) • www.cvip.net 6 Rampage News September 13, 2006 Fighting the ‘Freshman Fifteen’ by Ife-Chudeni Oputa breakfasts that are high in sugar, “ I bring a lot of vegeta- refrigerated section and pick up and works with any schedule. Rampage Reporter such as Coco Puffs, and Pop bles, like carrots and celery, and a salad or a bowl of fruit, or even Exercise will not only help Tarts. The simple act of eating whatnot,” added Silva Yaacou- simpler, grab a turkey sandwich maintain students’ figures, it Late nights, caffeine bing- breakfast can result in more bian, also an FCC student. on wheat bread, and go easy on can also help FCC’s atrocious es, partying, and fast food are energy, better mental focus, and The grocery store, not the mayo. Making the decision parking problem. characteristic of college life. easier weight maintenance. Carl’s Jr., should be a students’ for grilled over fried, or whole There are a number of With all that is required of stu- Finding time to eat during one-stop shop for healthy eating. wheat over white can make all simple ways to fit in exercise dents, there is little time to worry the day can be tough. For busy Grocery shopping takes time, the difference in the world. while avoiding the hassle of about fitness. As a result, many students nothing is easier than but it gives students complete In addition to eating right, parking. First, students can walk students suffer from the dreaded stopping at a near by burger or control over what they eat, and students need to exercise to stay or bike to school. Second, if you “freshman fifteen”. burrito joint to grab a ready- is significantly cheaper than eat- fit. Exercise is not limited to drive to school, walk to lunch. The theory that most fresh- made meal, doubled and super- ing out. With a full refrigerator, hour-long training sessions at The heart of the Tower District men gain about fifteen pounds in sized, but fast food is fitness’s students can make wise meal gyms that cost $300 a year, is only a few blocks from the their first year, though com- worst enemy. Fast food is a decisions ahead of time, instead there are many time and money Fresno City College campus, and monly true, is not a necessary ravenous wolf in sheep’s cloth- of buying fatty meals in the inter- conscious ways to stay active. offers a number of restaurants aspect of the college experience. ing; it lures students in with est of time. Legs are the best exercise tools that will accommodate a healthy Unfortunately, many students its convenience, then cleans As helpful as it is to plan a student can use, and luck- eater. This way, students can battle the bulge from freshman out their wallets and devours ahead, it’s not always possible. ily, they’re portable. Students stay fit without giving up their on through senior year. With a any healthy eating habits they Students will inevitably find should look at free time as a parking spots. little bit of time and conscious once had. themselves in a situation where chance to workout. “When I Staying healthy has so effort, students can reverse this To avoid being trapped time overrules the desire to eat have a break I walk, or I hang many benefits over and above trend towards portliness. in a cycle of unhealthy eating, well. In these cases, it is the small out, or I find a friend to walk the physical. It saves money, First things first, to start students should take a moment decisions that make the differ- with me, so I can be hanging out reduces stress, and increases the day off right students should to plan each meal of the day. “I ence. All restaurants, fast food and walking at the same time,” the overall quality of life. If eat breakfast. Even if there’s no plan ahead and bring fruit and or otherwise, offer healthy meal said Wilson. students make a conscious ef- time for scrambled eggs, bacon, things with me,” said Fresno alternatives. I n s t e a d o f s t a n d i n g fort to change their diet and French toast, and a glass of OJ, City College student Kaitlyn Fresno City College’s around and talking between exercise habits, they can change grab a piece of fruit or some Wilson, “then when I’m hun- Campus Café is no exception. In- classes, take the conversation that “freshman fifteen” into a whole wheat toast to chow down gry, I just pull an apple out of stead of going for a slice of pizza on the move and power walk “sophomore six-pack”. on the way out. Avoid eating my bag.” or a cheeseburger, head to the around campus. It’s free, easy, 9/11: remem- New man on campus bering the dead Cont. from page 1

by Christian Beltran his position. Nevertheless, in March Rampage Reporter He declared he is willing of this year a revised version of and able to help the students in the Patriot Act was signed into Helping students, finding any issue they may have; any law, allowing national security answers, understanding what we suggestions or just help them to continue to take precedence need to know. Jim Tucker joins on expanding their education. over certain civil liberties. FCC FCC as a Dean of Instruction, “We have very diverse student students disagree with this action. managing Library and Student body here at FCC, all different When asked if they believed their Learning Support Services, and ages, experiences, backgrounds, safety was worth giving up certain he is certainly on the cutting and that’s a good mix,” he de- freedoms, only 37% said yes, with edge. What else could someone clared. 63% saying no. “They’re listening ask for with 22 years of experi- He previously served to your phone calls, and stuff like ence? as the su- that, but if you’re not a terrorist Tuck- p e r v i s i n g then what’s the problem with it,” er was the l i b r a r i a n said Inouye. “I’m willing to give Director of at the Vi- up civil liberties like that, just as Learning Re- sions Adult long as it doesn’t go too far to sources and S c h o o l a t where they’re doing too much and Instructional California not actually stopping terrorism.” Technology State Prison Even five years after the at College of in Corcoran; attack the effects of 9/11 are being the Sequoi- h e h e l p e d felt. In the minds of FCC students, as and now the inmates the nation has a long way to go joins Fresno with their before it’s safe to feel safe again. City College l e g a l r e - to make sure search, and the library worked in and the tu- the educa- torial center t i o n d e - are working p a r t m e n t well. developing E v e n vocational though Mr. p r o g r a m s Tucker has been working at FCC for the inmates, which com- for only two weeks, he said, pletes part of his more than two “I am very happy to be here; decades of experience. I’m still getting involved and “My goal is to make this acquainted with people, things the best possible Library and are going very well.” He also Tutorial Center that we possibly mentioned that on his previous can to help the student.” Tucker position at the College of the stated. Sequoias he had a lot of tasks He also expressed his to complete; “Here at FCC, my thoughts about FCC staff, “I focus is narrower, I was a librar- find this to be just a great ian by training and this is what I Institution since I have been like to have my main focus on.” here; there are a lot of people He added. dedicated to educating students “I was fortunate enough furthering their education.” to get the job” said Tucker about Sports September 13, 2006 7 Hanging with the best Star player sits out with injury but Rams show no sign of slowing down.

Photo by Robyn Vallentyne

The Rams are looking to continue playing the same style of soccer that has them out to a quick start in ‘06.

By Mike Williams five different players scored the playoffs. The only player injury. Rampage Reporter and four different players had that scored for the Rams was Solberg hopes he can make assists. Oregon, who did so on an assist a speedy recovery from the injury Rams’ Jon Lomeli led from Regalado. but is content with playing without Upcoming Schedule The Fresno City Rams the onslaught against Ohlone The next day the Rams Casagrande while he lets the injury soccer team is right where it College. Jesus Pinto, Mark Ben- played College of the Canyons. heal completely. Sept. 15 vs. West Valley wants to be, with a record of nett, Andrew Feld and Brandon It seemed like another walk in Some players are play- 4-1-1. With their captain on Oswalt followed Lomeli’s lead the park for the Rams, winning ing out of position because of Sept. 16 vs Evergreen defense, Nick Casagrande out with a goal each. this game 3-0. Casagrande’s injury, but Solberg with a thigh muscle injury, Pradeep Naina, Andrew Victor Regalado, Devon knows that his team is talented Sept. 19 @ Allan Hancock coach Eric Solberg is hoping Feld, and Victor Regalado each Grousis and David Diaz scored enough to get the job done with that players will step up until contributed with one assist the goals in this game. Assisting or with out him. Sept. 22 @ Contra Costa Casagrande returns back to the while Eli Oregon rounded up the goals were Pinto, Oregon The Rams already finished lineup. two. and Juan Gomez. the hardest part of their schedule, Sept. 26 vs Hartnell The Rams won two out The Rams really played The top three leaders playing five games away from of three games in the Hartnell like a team this game and looked in goals so far are Regalado the turf they’re used to dominat- Sept. 30 vs. Las Positas College Tournament, beating fantastic while doing it. (10), Feld (10) and Pinto (5). ing on. Cerritos City College 2-0, San Last Friday, FCC faced These three guys are just get- FCC will return to that turf Oct. 6 vs. West Hills Francisco City College 6-1 and what can arguably be called the ting started. and look to pick up where they tying Irvine Valley 2-2. toughest opponent the Rams Feld, a freshman is not a left off on Sept. 15 in front of the Oct. 10 vs. Cosumnes River Next the Rams took a will play all season. surprise to anybody, especially home crowd. Their first opponent trip to Fremont to play Ohlone Mt. San Antonio College Solberg who knew that Feld will be the team from West Valley Oct. 13 @ Modesto College. This game ended up (ranked #1 in the state) beat the would have an outstanding year. and then the next day, the Rams being a walk in the park, with Rams 2-1. Many of the other freshmen are will face Evergreen College. Oct. 17 @ American River the Rams winning 5-0. The Mt. San Antonio is one playing well too. “Our team is performing defense stepped up this game of the best teams in the country “We’re breaking fresh- well we are about right were I Oct. 20 vs. Taft even though Casagrande was and the Rams played them toe- men in and getting ready for our thought we would be,” said Sol- watching from the sidelines. to-toe. stretch,” said Solberg. berg. “But for us to be really good Oct 27 @ West Hills Everybody put in a help- Solberg is pretty sure Nick Casagrande is day- and make a run to the final four, we ing hand in this cupcake game, that they will meet up again in to-day with a thigh muscle have to be more disciplined.” 0ctt. 31 vs. San Joaquin Delta 8 Rampage Sports September 13, 2006 New bag of tricks Production from new players key to Rams season success

for their first loss of the season FCC wants to keep “It hurt us very badly,” said the success up, Ger- freshman forward Meaghan Co- By Quinn Robinson mond explains that chran. “We weren’t used to losing others will need to Rampage Reporter and definitely not by that much. step up as well. We took that loss and know what “If we’re go- to expect in our upcoming games ing to be successful and never want to experience that this year, everybody again.” needs to have a role,” Germond expressed the said Germond. “I Five games played. Four same lessons learned that his think a few of them wins. players did. right now are a little The rest? Oh, just the usual. “We learned a lot from that timid and they just That’s not the way coach game,” said Germond. “We talked need to step up and Oliver Germond sees the quick about [the loss] after the game and make sure they con- start out of the gates for the Fresno made sure we put it behind us. Cy- tribute to our game City College women’s soccer press is a good team. They’re one and help us out.” team. The Rams have started the of the top teams every year. I was This week 2006 campaign much like they upset that we lost like that but last the Rams have two did the previous two seasons—by year we tied them, so I think this games. First they winning. time they wanted to come out and play at Cuesta Col- “We’re a little inconsistent exact some revenge on us.” lege on Sept. 12 and right now and that kind of concerns Even with the loss that Cy- then host West Val- me,” said Germond. “It’s still early press handed to them, Germond ley on Sept. 15. in the season and even though and his team found a little con- “I look at ev- Photo by Robyn Vallentyne we struggled at times, we’ve still solation when the new NSCAA ery week we have Kristal Llamas retrieves a ball in the Aug. 29 match against managed to win games and that’s rankings came out. and until the end College of the Canyons at the Fresno City College soccer field. The nice.” “We started out the season of the season every Rams won the game 2-1. The Rams first three vic- ranked 9th in the nation and we week is tough,” ex- tories of the young season came came out of that Cypress game plained Germond. over Diablo Valley, College of the ranked 6th,” said Germond with “We purposely made our sched- “We have a tough confer- another exciting season of FCC Canyons and Spokane (WA) by a a laugh. ule strong to prepare us and ence this year,” said Germond. soccer. combined score of 9-3. On the offensive side of the make sure we play the best “We have Modesto, Sequoias is “Having wonderful coaches Everything looked well ball, the Rams are led by freshmen teams we possibly can.” currently undefeated. West Hills make us want to work so much for the Rams but a tough task Lena Tovar, Meaghan Cochran and Germond also expects is going to be tougher this year harder,” said Cochran as freshman lied ahead in soccer powerhouse sophomore Tiffani Moore while the chase for the Central Valley and Taft will also be a challenge midfielder Katy Harris shook her Cypress. the defense is headed by Katy Har- Conference title to be a tough even though they’re a fairly new head in agreement. “ The Chargers from the Or- ris, Veronika Aldape and Kristal one with Modesto, College of program.” We know each other like ange Empire Conference lived up Llamas. All six of these players the Sequoias and upcoming With a long battle ahead the back of our hands and now we to their nickname and put a charge are responsible for the success the programs such as West Hills and of them, the Rams are more than just need to work together [on the into the Rams as they beat FCC 5-0 Rams have seen early on, but if Taft rounding out the league. looking forward to competing in field].” The Heart Behind the Game Dedication is this team’s strength

Photo by Robin Vallentyne Photo by Leah Edwards Right, Fresno City College football players practice through the heat Left, Jacob Kahawaii , Redshirt football player plays the ukalele September 13, 2006 Sports Rampage 9 Catch her if you can FCC runner continues her race against time

band later began teaching at Fresno her special. Whether she’s mingling seen him and the rest of his team full medical team that included a By Joseph Rios City College. with other athletes around the world, walk into the gym where she spent chiropractor and a masseuse. Rampage Reporter By 1984 Kemi had earned Olympians here, or a reporter from her evenings and nights working out “When they told me that, I her BA in Art, her Masters Degree the college newspaper, she meets in aerobics class, running, and lifting had no idea what a chiropractor did, in Art Education and was busy them with a smile and a warm, weights. She was right in the middle but I knew what a masseuse was,” working for the West Fresno School child-like joy that radiates from her. of an “aerob-athon.” Solwazi said as her eyes widened. District. There were no thoughts of It’s magnetic. From 5p.m. – 9 p.m. they Once she started training with this group of elite athletes Randy Huntington’s Olym- it was apparent that Solwazi pians called her “Stud Woman” needed a lot of work. The talent and “The Bionic Woman” while was there, but she had never run they trained with her just before track or cross-country. They told they went to Barcelona for the ’92 her, as far as knowledge of the Olympics. sport went, she was at an eighth When they worked out, they grade level. picked animal names for each “I didn’t know what any other–she was the cheetah. of the lines on the track meant, I She was also 53 years old. didn’t even know how to come That was over 14 years ago. out of the blocks,” Solwazi said The now 66-year-old Kemi Solwazi laughing at herself. is less than a month away from her But Huntington saw 67th birthday and she shows no signs something special. For Hun- of slowing down. tington it was an opportunity to I first learned about her when train an athlete with the potential I enrolled in a running PE class at to excel at the world level and a Fresno City College. chance to prove his theory that Coach Gary Bluth rounded an athlete can get to the podium up our class for our first 400 meter without the aid of performance trial. He pointed out to Solwazi who enhancing drugs. was busy gliding around the track Unlike some athletes at and told all of us, “See that woman the top level, Solwazi doesn’t out there? She’s 66 years old and win with the help of drugs. She she’s the fastest woman in the world is a blank slate. in her age bracket.” Solwazi stayed with Hun- After my eyes widened and tington for almost two years my mouth dropped, I thought to my- before she was handed over to self, “Wow.The world?” and then, Bluth who is the head coach of “What is she doing here?” Fresno City’s track team. “When you guys come back He has been at her side on I’ll give you your time and then I’ll this road to the many podiums. tell you how fast she can run it,” Mostly he’s there to keep her he said. focused. As it turns out she can run “I like to be silly,” Sol- it in about a minute-fourteen. She wazi said (still laughing), “But broke an American Record in the I gotta tone it down when coach 400 with the time she etched on is around.” April 8, 1995. Her time of 65.29 is “[But,] he’s more than still collecting dust – it hasn’t been a coach; he’s my friend. We’ve touched. been around the world together I In 2005 she ran the two couldn’t have asked for someone fastest times in the 200 and the better.” 400-meter races for women between Photo by Robyn Vallentyne Solwazi will probably 60-65. In the 400 she clocked in at continue running until her legs 74.35. In the 200 she skid by the Kemi Solwazi runs around the track at Ratcliffe Stadium. Solwazi holds the American record in fall off. Besides the numerous finish at 31.72. the 400 meter race wth a time of 65.29 seconds in 1995. Solwazi still holds that record today. accolades and travel opportuni- For the last 14 years, Solwazi ties the sport has brought her, has been chasing world records at being in the shape has been one of World Masters Track meets all over running or breaking records, well, The same carefree, uh, silli- could not stop moving. the greatest benefits. the globe. From Puerto Rico to Aus- running through her mind. ness (I guess that’s the best word) “At the end of it,” said Solwa- “I don’t have diabetes, heart tralia, from England and to the ends In fact, up to that point she I saw when the two of us spoke zi (while actually jumping in place), problems, and I don’t have to take of the known world, Solwazi has hadn’t been apart of any organized was probably the same silliness “I was still bouncing around.” any prescription drugs,” Solwazi faced Olympians and World-Class athletics, let alone track or cross- she showed Huntington when he During the aerob-athon Sol- said. “People say, ‘you could be in athletes from every conceivable country. took her over to Fresno State to run wazi noticed the group come in. perfect shape and still get hit by a country. “My father always told me intervals for him back in ’92. They started working out there, but car.’ You don’t have any control over After meeting Solwazi, ‘Athletics don’t bring you nothing, “He told me to run around the they didn’t approach her for another that. But you can take care of your though, I realized she is much more but a degree does, “ said Solwazi. track. They had to show me where few weeks. body. As I get older, the health ben- than 66 year-old phenomenon, more “So that put an end to that.” to line up and everything,” said Sol- It wasn’t until later that one efits [get even more] excellent.” than all the records she’s broken, and Outside of her avid obsession wazi. “I didn’t have a clue.” of the athletes came up to Solwazi I asked Solwazi where she more than all the medals she’s won. with playing marbles as a kid, she After she cleared the techni- and asked her to train with the Kaiser would be if Huntington and his team And to think, her track career shied away from the sports arena. cal hurdles and finished, the coach Olympians. hadn’t picked her up and trained her almost didn’t happen. She would play with boys and take who has coached many an Olympian “She had no idea how old I back in ’92. After getting married, leav- their marbles in countless sidewalk to the top of the podium asked her, was,” said Solwazi, who was 53 at She said, “I’d probably still ing St. Louis, living in Chicago, a matches. “Do you have any idea how fast the time. be at that gym taking aerobics, run- stint in San Diego, then Los Angeles, “I was good,” said Solwazi you ran?” After the intervals with Hun- Photo by Robin Vallentyne ning at any park I could find, and her and her husband Kehinde finally as she bent over laughing, showing “I told him, ‘Nope,’” said tington, it was a done deal. He’d beating my head against the wall sank their roots in Fresno where she off her bright smile. Solwazi. seen all he needed to see and offered with all this energy I have.” enrolled at Fresno State and her hus- Really, that’s what makes Only weeks before, she had to train her and provide access to a

September 13, 2006 Sports Rampage 10 Sports schedules

9:00 AM Football Schedule Men’s Cross Country Wrestling Fri 17-Nov State Dual Champi- Sat Sep-06 9/15 Shasta Invita- onship TBA 10/10 Conference City College of San tional Cotton- Wed 13-Sep TBA Match Modesto Francisco Fresno wood 03:00 PM West Hills College Sat 18-Nov Ful- Spring Creek Coun- 07:00 PM 9/23 Fresno Invita- Lemoore 07:00 PM lerton Open Tour- try Club 12 Sat Sep-06 tional Fresno nament Fullerton 10/12 Conference Merced College 8:30 AM Sat 23-Sep 9:00 AM Match Visalia Merced 06:00 PM 9/28 Lou Vasquez Sacramento City Sat 2-Dec Valley Oaks 12 Invitation- College Sacra- North Regional 10/16 -10/18 Sat Sep-06 al San Francis- mento 9:00 AM Stockton TBA Lady Otter Invita- Sacramento City co 03:00 PM Fri 8-Dec tional Monterey College Fresno 10/7 Crystal Sat 27-Sep State Champion- Black Horse Golf 07:00 PM Springs Invitation- Chabot College ships Fresno Course TBA Sat Oct-06 al Belmont Fresno 07:00 PM TBA 10/23 Conference BYE 04:00 PM Sat 9-Dec Match Reed- Sat Oct-06 10/13 Toro Park In- Sat 4-Oct Skyline wood City Menlo West Hills College vitational Salinas College San Bru- Country 12 West Hills 07:00 PM 03:30 PM no 07:00 PM Women’s Golf 10/26 Conference 10/14 Santa Barba- Sat 7-Oct Santa Match Fres- Sat Oct-06 Col- ra Sana Barbara Ana College Tourna- no Fig Garden lege of the Sequoi- Noon ment Santa Ana 9/14 Conference Golf Course 12 as HOMECOMING 10/20 Pat Ryan Invi- 9:00 AM Match Visalia 10/31 Conference Fresno 07:00 PM tational Santa Wed 11-Oct Valley Oaks 12 Championship Rosa Sat Oct- Moorpark College 9/19 Conference TBA TBA TBA 10/25 CVC Confer- 06 Sierra College Moorpark 07:00 PM Match Fres- 11/6-11/7 Norcals ence Champion- Rocklin 02:00 PM no Fig Garden Fresno Riverside ships-Woodward Sat 14-Oct Golf Course 12 Golf Course Park Fresno Sat Nov-06 West Valley Tour- 9/21 Sierra Col- TBA 03:00 PM San Joaquin Delta nament Saratoga lege & Sacramento 11/12-11/14 College Stockton 11/4 Nor-Cal 07:00 PM City College State Tournament 01:00 PM Champion- Fresno Fig Gar- Fresno Belmont7AIT*#&##2AMPAGE&XPDF Wed 18-Oct Sat Nov-06 ship Belmont West Valley College den Golf Course 12 Country Club 10:30 AM 9/26 Conference Reedley Fresno Fresno 07:00 PM TBA 07:00 PM 11/18 State Champi- Match Lem- onships Fresno Sat 21-Oct oore Lemoore Golf 10:00 AM North Dual Tourna- Course 11 ment Santa Rosa 9/28 Conference TBA Match TBA Sat 28-Oct All TBA 12 Star Dual San Luis 10/3 CVC/BVC Obispo TBA Midseason Tour- Sat 4-Nov ney Sacramento Cuesta Tournament Bing Maloney Golf San Luis Obispo Course 12 9:00 AM 10/5 Conference Sat 11-Nov San Match Hanford Francisco Tourna- Kings Country Club ment San Francisco 12 Views September 13, 2006 11 Safety or privacy? They can listen all they want. So long, Bill of Rights. It I don’t have anything to hide. was nice knowin’ ya. Bye. by Quinn Robinson would start to understand. Personally, I don’t care if I’m listened by Carly Hubbell harassment also go along with the Patriot Rampage Reporter to while having private phone conversations. If Act to monitor people who are citizens and someone out in the middle of nowhere on the Rampage Reporter who may be simply involved in a common I remember where I was that day. east coast wants to get excited from listening Hell, everyone does. political association. Apparently we can’t to me and my girl have an intimate conversa- I was just waking up in my bed at 6:45 have views that differ from those of the tion then more power to him, because I have in the morning. What was unusual was I im- We’ve all been to history class government and if we do they have to be nothing to hide and in the long run I realize it’s mediately shook awake and looked outside for the best. at some point in our educational career so eavesdropped on, just in case. my window to see if something was wrong, Many of you may not understand where everyone must be well aware of a certain Giving our liberty to the gov- because I just had that gut feeling deep down exactly I’m coming from, so let me go a little document called the Bill of Rights. ernment could seem like a good idea in a inside that for some reason, something was. deeper and give you an idea of where it is I am Yes, I wasn’t off to a good start on getting to It’s not too long and has a pretty nutshell. I mean, come on, they’re only try- coming from. school on time that day; I was then a sophomore easy theme to catch on to: We live in a ing to protect us right? But once anyone gets I’m a newly recruited solider of the at Hoover High. free country. We have a hold of a power as great United States Military. I enlisted for the Cali- As I leapt out of bed toward my sock fornia National Guard in August of 2006. Many certain civil liberties as freedom, they are prone drawer to grab some fresh clothes and head to of my friends couldn’t believe that I made such and rights granted to us “Our country is to abuse it. Imagine the the shower, I turned on the TV to see what the a life-changing situation when I first broke it that we were promised turning its back on world fifty years from now weather was going to be like that day. to them. I was bombarded with questions like, That’s when it hit me. would never be taken if we still allow this to go “Are you scared if you get deployed to the hot what it was founded It hit me like a ton of bricks. On the away. But now, in the on. The one thing that made zone [Iraq]?” on, and the outcome screen before me, I finally realized why I’d midst of terrorist scares us the envy of every other It didn’t even take me a second to say waken up thinking something was wrong. I no. The reason I’m not is the fact that I would and the constant shifty will be nothing but country in the world will found myself frozen in front of the screen, rather go over there and take care of the problem eyed politicians telling chaos and constant disappear and we will live staring at the World Trade Center towers on than let the problem come to us again. I would us live in fear, we are lives of trepidation about fire with clouds of smoke emerging from the give my life a million times over before I would fear.” top floors. starting to give up the saying anything contro- even contemplate the idea of sitting back and That day has been dubbed the “Pearl one thing that is guaran- versial, or anything with a giving them another opportunity. Harbor” of our generation and can arguably be teed to us, the one thing that we can hold on strong opinion for that matter, in fear that the What the general public also doesn’t considered worse than that even though both realize is the fact that there are many more to; our freedom. So long, Bill of Rights. It government would hear us. Privacy will be were tragic days in American history. people in this country that think just like me was nice knowin’ ya’. a thing of the past and the complete control The day I’m referring to is Sept. 11, and we all have one thing in common: we’re The Due Process Clause in our of American citizens will be the future. 2001. Our country once again experienced in the military. th terror the likes of which it hasn’t seen in a few constitution assures us that a person can- I know what September 11 did to We appreciate the concern we get and decades. not be treated in any unfair way under us and I don’t think we’re blind to the threat how you want us home as soon as possible, Five years and two wars later, the overall the law. We kicked that clause in the butt that it could happen again, but I think the but we’re all doing this for a reason. We knew population is struggling to see the point behind what kind of stuff we could be facing when we when the Patriot Act came into use. Not strategies that are being used aren’t benefit- what it is we’re doing. Within the past couple signed on the dotted line, but it didn’t stop us only does this act make it okay to deport ing us but are changing us. No longer can of months, a federal judge in Detroit blocked from doing so. people who may give us a bit of a fright for we trust the political administration because President Bush from conducting secret wiretaps When you look at all the controversy the in order to possibly gather information that belonging to a lawful organization, but it they have no trust in it’s citizens wiretapping caused in the media, it was ridicu- could help American authorities stop the next also gives the go-ahead to keep foreigners Our country is turning its back on lous. Yes, I’m part of the journalism community attack before it happens. inside the country with just a simple piece of what it was founded on and the outcome will also, but seeing the way the “pros” handle Many of you are skeptical about his things, I’m glad to say that I won’t be part of paper. Note that I’m not even talking about be nothing but chaos and constant fear. We reasoning for allowing the NSA to take such a this community much longer. I believe that the American citizens right now. We are using as citizens need to take a stand against drastic step in security, but I’m sure if you were media is responsible for most of the controversy these fascist rules against all people we find these laws that are being undertaken and to switch places with people trapped on the top the American government is facing today. floors of the WTC that decided it would be a scary, mainly those of the middle-eastern be handed back our freedom because that Journalists and lawyers were the ones less painful death to leap from over a thousand descent. Surprise, surprise. is what we fought for and that is what we in the first place to bring up this action that feet up in the air than suffocate, then maybe you Surveillance, wiretapping and deserve. see Pro, Page 13

by DC Leavy and Robin Vallentyne Campus Voices Do you believe our safety is worth giving up certain freedoms?

William Doyle Joseph Connelly Kathryn Inouye Luke Kruper Howard Hurtt

“No, not at all. It’s a one- “It’s been going on for 30 “Yes, if you’re not a “Yeah, if you’re doing “I’d be willing to have sided argument, people years, so it’s a little late terrorist, you shouldn’t something wrong, you some liberties taken away see safety and think it’s to think about it now.” have anything to hide.” should get caught. It’s a if I knew it was only the right thing to do.” little annoying, but that’s temporary, but it doesn’t a small price to pay.” look like it will be.” 12 Rampage Views September 13, 2006 College parties - a haven for bad decisions

by Chelsea Bieker have no problem with having fun, lately it seems that people have a hand on the back of her leg. I mean situation. On a more seri- but recently I have been noticing been going a little overboard. “Hahaha” we all laugh. In my ous note, these practices are not Rampage Reporter other things that come along with During the party you are mind I’m thinking, “Wow, this is only dangerous, but completely these Friday and Saturday night having tons of fun, you love every- ok right?... Right?” unnecessary. But yet, I observe excursions. one, and everyone loves you. You Another issue with col- them every weekend. I don’t run with a crazy couldn’t be happier. But what about lege partying is the hookups. We The most serious issue crowd. OK, maybe we’re a little when you wake up with the worst all know about that guy or girl that with partying has to do with driv- It’s Friday night, and if you crazy, but I have observed some headache of your life, and mind full increasingly becomes cuter and ing. Props to all of you out there are like most college age people, off color decision making during of questions, such as, “What did I cuter with every sip. Would you who have a D.D, but we all know you are probably getting ready for these times. do last night?” touch them with a ten foot pole about those who get in the car after a fun night out. The music is loud, the This can’t be healthy be- when you’re sober? a night of drinking with no qualms. Why wouldn’t you be? room is full of people, and ev- havior, but yet it just doesn’t stop. Probably not, but hey Come on guys, haven’t you seen With school and work dragging eryone is here primarily for the I was recently at lunch with a close they’re lookin’ reeeeaaaal good the M.A.D.D commercials? The the weekdays down, it’s nice to let same reason. Drinks in hand, you friend, and we were marveling at at the time. Another friend of mine point is there is nothing wrong loose and have a little fun. mingle around, maybe participate the wounds she had collected from recently ruined a long time rela- with loosening up a little and hav- I’m not speaking for every- in an innocent game of Beirut the night before including a bruise tionship with her boyfriend after ing a good time. All I’m saying one here, but for some people fun (or five) and have fun with your skewed across her knee followed by having way too much to drink. is try to stay coherent enough to means drinking and partying. Or friends. Nothing is wrong with a scrape. But did she know where To make a long story short, she remember what you did the night getting “crunk.” Isn’t that what this, but where do we draw the they came from? No. Another friend cheated on him, and was caught before. On that note, party at my people are calling it these days? I line? Perhaps it’s in the air, but of mine awoke with an imprint of in a very compromising position, place this weekend. B.Y.O.B.

The language of love, hate, and boring stuff I’m a talker, and sometimes what I say is profane

by Matthew T. Mendez not represent the typical FCC stu- to read something, we’re not likely doesn’t communicate well enough soporific comfort zone. dent: a grounded underachiever to be offended when we come at the dinner table anymore. Stuff There’s no need to panic Rampage Reporter who never received a head start across certain vernacular most of so somniferous it could bore a when you read the words “ass” in life. us have been using since we were brain-dead monkey back to nor- and “crap” in a junior college We have real problems. We foul-mouthed preteens. We are not malcy. newspaper. If you want Children’s Fresno City College has are single mothers struggling to living in the 1950s, and in this day Yeah that’s right, I’ve over- Literature, go to the library and always been one of the most di- raise two teenage boys. in age, some of us have already heard some of your conversations, check out “Green Eggs & Ham.” verse junior colleges in the state We are former Marines been desensitized to the point of and it’s simply amazing how much Not everybody is used to speak- of California, and for what it’s attempting to jumpstart a new era complete apathy anyway. some of you fail to understand a ing with their church voices--or worth, the school often reaches of our lives. On the other hand, some younger generation; a generation church--for that matter. out to different ethnicities through We’re not always admira- teachers and faculty members clearly raised on greed, technology I’m not gonna tuck my sack social clubs, scholarship opportu- ble either. We are gang members, have long since lost touch with the and hedonism. back and neuter my style just to nities, and celebratory events held illegal immigrants, meth addicts, uneducated world, and they believe We want what we want adhere to the prudish demands on campus. and convicted felons. everybody should speak in the same when we want it, and if we don’t of a few self-righteous control The majority of FCC stu- All of us are enrolled in manner as they do when they’re get- get it, then the world must be freaks. I’ll tone it down a notch, dents either came from lower- school hoping that it may some- ting together to talk about the same against us. but maybe you should try to open income families, support families day lead to a more attractive life- boring garbage everyday. It’s that simple; we’re that your minds and think outside the of their own, or work full-time in style than the one we’re currently I’m talking about some simple-minded. Well, most of us area surrounding your little house order to support themselves. There rotting away in. pretty tedious stuff too. Stuff like are anyways, just like most of you on the prairie for once. Stop being are a few students who come from And we are all adults. uneventful family vacations to are that myopic. You can’t seem to afraid of change; change is a nec- affluent environments, but they do When (and if) we decide Disneyland, or how their family accept anything outside of your essary portion of progression.

A random Rampage opinion by David Witte Catch the next issue of the Ram- page for such riveting stories as: • The Legend of the Norris Controversial “facts” about the star of “Walker, Texas Ranger”, such as the fact A photo of Pluto and it’s moon Charon, taken by the Hubble Telescope. that he invented all 32 letters of the alphabet. Pluto’s not a planet? Pluto’s not a PLANET?!! When are they going to stop messing with our heads? What the hell is a dwarf planet? And • OK, that’s all we have planned so far what’s with this Ceres crap? September 13, 2006 Views Rampage 13 Pro: We can’t defend ourselves from the grave

continued from Page 11 “You’re on a need to know basis and this great point: We can’t defend Media that kills was taken to stop the wiretapping. you don’t need to know.” ourselves from the grave. [Chuckle] there’s a room full of ethi- In certain situations, that Instead of making the govern- cal people if I’ve ever seen one. should be the case for the media and ment’s life a little harder by taking To quote my favorite movie, the citizens of this country. They them to court on every little issue of Television was hailed “The Rock”, John Spencer’s char- don’t need to know certain things and national security, how about you stick acter FBI Director James Womack if they knew a little less, I think we’d to driving your fancy cars, turning explained to William Forsythe’s be better off. Maybe we would’ve the volume up on your iPods a little as a savior. Now it’s character, Special Agent Ernest Pax- found Osama by now, who knows. louder and enjoy all the “necessities” ton after he was inquiring about what A few friends that I’m close to we have in this country and let us do just the boob tube. was going on at Alcatraz by saying and see this situation like I do made the dirty work. EARTH TALK From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine by Christian Beltran nothing more than a fantasy cre- Rampage Reporter ated behind lights and cameras.

Of subtle and persuasive way, the television molds the at- titudes and takes the little Before, the mother was ones to imitate false models. the antidote against the anguish and the sadness… now it’s tele- The minors get to be believed vision. “heroes” of television or try to During these summer va- acquire qualities of the charac- cations I made an attempt, like a ters on TV; and then noticing challenge, to control the minutes that it is impossible, they feel a in which my eyes would settle frustration, as if it was a personal on the small screen. With pain I defeat. The result is an image de- see that every day more “TV ad- valued of themselves, their fam- dicts” exist, and I fight so that I ily and a social misalignment. do not become part of a statistic. The worse thing is that in the I am not trying to put television daily schedule of TV the main as an evil influence, I am sure it position of the films, novels and can be an effective instrument for even cartoons represent a threat a positive formation if it’s used to morals and the familiar values. suitably. But in a world with low appreciation of values, I consider The famous series The Simpsons it an aberration to think that if a represents the worst one of the 4 year-old can turn on a TV, then examples: the father is gross, vul- the child must have the right to gar and drunk. His boss does not perceive the same image that call him by his name; instead, he an adolescent or an adult of 55. calls him stupid idiot. The mother only communicates by shouting Television has transformed the to her husband. The older son is meaning of childhood; collapsing usually punished to write on the Dear EarthTalk: I heard tling plants thought to be depleting group, the Centre for Science and the walls that protected TV itself board 50 times: “I do not have that Coca Cola is depleting groundwater. Environment (CSE), says it tested of the hard adult reality. Recent to call my teacher a *****”. ground water around bottling “Drinking Coke is like 57 carbonated beverages made by University studies demonstrate This pseudo hero is a TV-ad- plants in India so surrounding drinking farmer’s blood in India,” Coca-Cola and Pepsi at 25 bot- villages have no safe water sup- said protest organizer Nandlal tling plants and found a “cocktail that children who watch a lot dicted cheater, and champion of ply? Is this true? Master. “Coca-Cola is creating of between three to five different of TV are more pessimistic and videogames. The eight year-old -- Dan Ehl, Centerville, IA thirst in India, and is directly re- pesticides in all samples.” CSE daughter is the representation of more hostile than those that see sponsible for the loss of livelihood Director Sunita Narain, winner of the Freud theory: she falls in love less. Simply because more they An ongoing drought has and even hunger for thousands the 2005 Stockholm Water Prize, are exposed to domestic vio- with her school teacher. The mes- threatened groundwater supplies of people across India,” added described the group’s findings as lence, sex, insults and scenes that sage is well defined: the school is across India, and many villagers in Master, who represents the India “a grave public health scandal.” exceed their emotional capacity. martyrdom; the parents only give rural areas are blaming Coca-Cola Resource Center in the campaign For its part, Coca-Cola says useless advice. The Simpson fam- for aggravating the problem. against Coca-Cola. that “a small number of politically Madeline Levine, author of the ily questions the filial love, the Coke operates 52 water- Indeed, one report, in the motivated groups” are going after Spanish issue La violencia en marriage, and brotherly love... intensive bottling plants in India. daily newspaper Mathrubhumi, the company “for the furtherance los medios de comunicación In the southern Indian village described local women having to of their own anti-multinational published that, “when leaving Not long ago we thought that of Plachimada in Kerala state, travel five kilometers (three miles) agenda.” It denies that its actions for example, persistent droughts to obtain drinkable water, during in India have contributed to de- middle school, children have families would be benefited have dried up local wells, forcing which time soft drinks would come pleting local aquifers, and calls spent 50 percent more of their by television, they would find many residents to rely on water out of the Coca-Cola plant by the allegations “without any scientific healthy entertainment, and lifetime in front of the television supplies trucked in daily by the truckload. basis.” they would have easy access set than in front of a teacher”. government. Water isn’t the only issue. to education and informa- Some there link the dry The Central Pollution Control CONTACTS: India Re- Before, the mother was the tion. The opposite happened. wells to the arrival of a Coca-Cola Board of India found in 2003 that source Center, www.indiare- refuge, now it’s television that bottling plant in the area three sludge from the Uttar Pradesh source.org; Coca-Cola India, children attend when they feel The comfort to sit down on a years ago. Following several large factory was contaminated with www.coca-colaindia.com. anguish, sadness, or fear. The sofa, press the button and see protests, the local government high levels of cadmium, lead and television set is on more than without limits the unimaginable; revoked Coca-Cola’s license to chromium. GOT AN ENVIRON- seven hours daily in an average TV supplanted the sports, the operate last year, and ordered the To make matters worse, MENTAL QUESTION? Send it American home, and a boy spends conversations in family, the company to shut down its $25 Coke was offloading cadmium- to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Envi- million plant. laden waste sludge as “free fertil- ronmental Magazine, P.O. Box between three and four hours a narration of a good story and Similar problems have izer” to tribal farmers who live 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit day in front of it. Thus, little by even the time dinner is served. plagued the company in the rural near the plant, prompting ques- it at: www.emagazine.com/ little, television replaces the par- Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, tions as to why they would do that earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: Families have fewer conflicts ents. TV becomes a new window where farming is the primary in- but not provide clean water to local [email protected]. that displays models to imitate, every time, because every one dustry. Several thousand residents residents whose underground sup- Read past columns at: www. inserts the child into society and is isolated in its own film, in its took part in a 10-day march in plies were being “stolen.” emagazine.com/earthtalk/ar- it shows a reality to him; which is solitude. 2004 between two Coca-Cola bot- Another Indian nonprofit chives.php Reviews 14 September 13, 2006 ‘Covenant’ a waste of time and money It may have topped the box office, but it topped the weakest box office in three years

special powers that include the fight and is suddenly able to defeat by Brian Noonan ability to conveniently maneuver Chase, although the writers leave Rampage Reporter an H2 Hummer over a cliff, into room for a second, and likely more the sky, and back onto the original homoerotic-inspired sequel. To put it quite simply, The cliff behind their police pursuers. Although it’s only 97 min- Covenant is one of the three worst At age 13, they first get a “taste” of utes long, the hour and a half feels movies I have ever seen. their magic until they “ascend” at like a full-length exploitation of It ranks right up there with age 18 and acquire power beyond Abercrombie models trying to all-time greats like Brendan Fra- their imagination. Because they act. Thankfully, the script only ser’s Dudley-Do-Right and the are all in high school, they have calls for less than witty remarks martial arts spoof, Kung Pow: yet to ascend, but have become and strategically placed one-lin- Enter the Fist. Delivering a win- the popular clique at the disturb- ers. Otherwise, the quartet of ning combination of near-naked, ingly pompous Spencer Academy. friends might have stumbled over orientation-questionable jocks Everything seems to be going great any words longer than five letters and powerful one-liners like “Hey for them until pretty boy Chase and the film might never have boys, ready to party?” or “I’ll Collins transfers in and stirs up the been finished. With nude locker make you my wiotch,” The Cov- competition. A few of the friends room towel fights, swim meets, enant represents everything that seem to get along well with him, and topless late night “bro to bro” is wrong with the modern film until a swim meet accident leads phone calls, The Covenant takes industry. Considering this is a to suspicion about his background. advantage of every opportunity to movie coming from the producers The friends soon discover Chase show off the bodies its brawny pro- of a much heralded Underworld, is the missing member from the tagonists. It becomes evident from it is a huge disappointment to any ancient covenant that has come the opening lines that their supe- yahoo movies hopeful anti-Lycan enthusiasts that to exact revenge and steal their rior muscle structure is perhaps Steven Strait stars as Caleb Danvers in “The Covenant”. The movie have already seen the trailer. powers. I’ll go ahead and spoil their only “talent” when it comes topped the box office its first week, but is the lowest-grossing movie to top The story picks up with the ending only because I know my to acting. A more appropriate title the list since “Dickie Roberts, Former Child Star”. best friends Caleb, Pogue, Reid review will convince you not to go would have been The OC Meets and Tyler, who are descendants see this movie. After discovering Buffy the Vampire Slayer in a Real in the trailer, and nothing more. action flick. Your 10 bucks would of a sacred warlock ancestry that their friend’s true identity, a battle World Showdown. The action Too many male bonding mo- be better spent renting a classic first settled the Ipswich Colonies in royale ensues leaving no one left sequences, which are definitely ments, soap-opera quality acting like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Massachusetts. Thanks to their su- but Caleb and Chase for the final the highlights of the film, consist and a heinous screenplay are the than wasting time and money on pernatural bloodlines, they all have showdown. Caleb ascends mid- of basically everything shown downfalls of this overly-ambitious this sad piece of cinema. Lamb of God leads new wave of metal Irwin will be missed “Sacrament” also has several by David Witte After years of playing with tracks that will certainly send mosh the most dangerous animals in the pits into a teeth gnashing frenzy and Rampage Reporter world like they were G.I. Joes, become instant live show classics. You probably don’t remem- Irwin’s lifestyle finally caught up The punchy first single “Redneck” ber the first time you heard about with him. But even in death, he and the molten thrash of “More Steve Irwin, but it probably went was unique. Irwin’s death is only Time to Kill” hit like an angry gorilla something like this: the seventeenth by a stingray. Ever. running at full speed, and the tracks “Yeah, there’s this crazy In the world. “Again We Rise” and “Forgotten little Australian guy called the Stingray venom is painful, (Lost Angels)” remind us why Crocodile Hunter, and he runs but rarely fatal. It is there to drive modern thrash metal was originally around looking for the most dan- predators away. What killed Ir- called speed metal. gerous animals, saying, ‘Crikey, win was the barb that delivers the The album’s heaviness that’s a big one!’” venom, which is serrated like a doesn’t just end with the guitars. What you might not know hunting knife. The barb penetrated Lyrically, this album runs through about the guy is that he was a Irwin’s heart, which the experts the full array of heavy metal song lifelong activist for the protection agree was the cause of death. subjects. Death and despair are defi- of wild animals. He dedicated his So who’s going to take his expanding their sound while keep- nitely touched upon but other songs by Efren Marquez time for free to further the cause spot as the reigning crazy guy on ing things fresh enough to keep have a deeper grasp of subjects such Rampage Reporter of conservationists. Animal Planet and Discovery? Jeff long-time fans satisfied. The ar- as the difficulties and criticisms of In 2002, Irwin and his wife, Corwin? I don’t think so. Corwin’s Lamb of God is not a Chris- rangements on every song are tight living in the spotlight, “Redneck” Oregon-born Terri Irwin, founded show is informative, but he lacks tian rock band and they are not in and surgically precise, and the mu- and the bleak situation and future Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, a the charisma of Irwin, who would anyway religious. These two things sicians themselves simultaneously of humanity itself “Forgotten (Lost group whose objectives include juggle snakes like they were no are important to know considering deliver a razor sharp and brutally Angels)” the protection of wildlife, as more dangerous than bowling pins, the band’s name. In fact, they are heavy attack. One criticism of “Sacra- well as researching to find better then show off his wounds when he the farthest thing from religious- Never ones to limit them- ment”, while satisfyingly heavy, ways to educate the public about was injured, all the while explain- inspired music as you can get. selves to any standard of heavy is that it needs some amount of wildlife. ing details about the subject. Lamb of God is one of the metal formula, the band lays down variations or character between Irwin’s death by stingray The specter of a world with- most popular acts in a new wave a wholly new style of heavy that few each song. At first listen, the tracks Sept. 4 came as a shock to not just out Irwin is a bleak one. There will of American metal bands that have bands can emulate. One of Lamb of seem to run together but that phe- his native Australia and the U.S., never be anyone else like him. been making names for themselves God’s hallmarks is to bridge more nomena easily disappears after where his nature shows gave him despite other, better selling styles of traditional metal styles while deliv- hearing the album in it’s entirety a larger-than-life image, but to music. Their latest release, “Sacra- ering an almost unbelievable playing a few times. Overall, it’s a ripping the entire world. On Sept. 5, the ment”, available on Epic records, ability, and the new batch of songs release that will help to push Lamb web page with the most hits was will definitely reinforce that grow- shows no signs of disappointment. of God to the next level of metal the CNN story about his death. ing popularity. The album instantly proves its mettle rock-stardom. The band moved After the initial shock wore off, The second release after with the opener “Walk with me in up from playing theaters to tearing however, the general sentiment their major label debut, “Ashes Hell,” a joyful number that speaks up arenas in the last two years and rose that it was bound to happen of the Wake”, this new album is of hopelessness so deep, you could “Sacrament” is solid justification sometime. a furiously solid step forward in drown in it. for that move. September 13, 2006 Reviews Rampage 15 ‘Crank’ will crank up your adrenaline

by Chelsea Bieker Rampage Reporter

As soon as I saw Jason Statham get on all fours and furiously sniff coke off the floor of a dingy bar bathroom in the first five minutes of the movie, I knew Crank was going to be good. You may know this actor from other hard-core action movies such as The Transporter and Snatch and here is just another pulse-pumping movie to add to his resume. With his serious British accent and the balding shaved head, you can’t help but be drawn into any of the characters he plays, and in this movie filled with everything you could positively need in a film, you will absolutely worship him. This movie will fittingly raise your adrenaline in the movie theater, almost like being on an eighty-seven minute roller coast- er…while on drugs. Statham plays Chev Chelios, a hitman of Los Angeles who has landed himself into a bit of trouble. The movie starts out with him stumbling out of bed and getting a nice little wake-up call from a video labeled “F*** You”. Apparently he has been poisoned by a deadly Chinese toxin that will kill him in the next hour. This does not make him happy. The first thing he wants is revenge and for this he will not stop at any cost. The only way to live a little bit longer is to keep his adrenaline up through anything he can manage to come across, and believe me, he comes across many a thing in his chase such as chugging Red Bull’s in a liquor store and stuffing nasal spray up his nostrils. You’ll see him raid a hospital for epinephrine and kick huge gangster ass. Watch out for the scene with Chev and his ditzy blonde girlfriend, played by Amy Smart, in Chinatown . Positively hilarious. This is the film that all ac- tion-lovers have been waiting for. It’s edgy and outrageous with enough humor to have you cracking up one minute and flinching in another. There’s not only car chases that will keep you on the edge of your seat but heaps of drugs, sex, violence, foul language and a Brit’s naked bum; all of which you will enjoy, trust me. Call it a guilty pleasure, if you will. Some would say that Crank is too over the top and stupid, but in my opinion it is so stupid it’s brilliant. It was made with just the right ingredients to intensify any human emotion one possesses, such as the thirst for revenge, passionate love, the need to be good as well as the innate primal need to be bad. If you’re looking for a vacation from romantic comedies and thrillers that make you think too much, Crank is right up your alley. Go see it!

www.movies.yahoo.com Jason Statham, a veteran of “Snatch” and “The Transporter”, stars in “Crank”. 16 Rampage Reviews September 13, 2006 Young Dro Wicker Man burnsburns it up on the rise Nicholas Cage departs from his action star roles of the past by Mike Williams Rampage Reporter by DC Leavy Willow came into his life years ago and left be like if women ruled?” A land where just as quick. Now it seems that her daughter feminism runs rampid and men are merely T.I.’s artist Young Dro , has been the Rampage Reporter Rowan has gone missing and Edward is the second-class citizens. “Best Thang Smokin” in the club all sum- mer, with his hit single “Shoulder Lean”. The only person she trusts to find her. She asks From plot twist to plot twist, the Atlanta, GA native hopes to keep the wheels search for Rowan is anything but easy. It him to come to her home on a private island turning for the Dirty South movement with his The Wickerman, starring Nicholas called Summersisle. seems everyone in this town is convinced first LP “Best Thang Smokin”. Cage, is one of this years’ best-kept Holly- Edward, the knight in shinning that the girl never existed…and if she did, You couldn’t have a better intro than wood secrets. With fewer previews and less armor, jumps at the chance to rescue his she was no longer alive. “They Don’t Really Know About Dro”. media coverage than most other Nicholas damsel in distress, hoping that it will help But what Edward’s blind sense of The first song on the album is perfect Cage films, it was anxiously awaited by make up for the family that he couldn’t save bravado never realizes is that by answering for a rookie to the rap game. Young Dro re-in- his fans. before. So he hops on a seaplane and heads Willows plea for help, he’s invited much troduces himself to everyone who thinks they Unlike his other action-packed for the islands of the pacific Midwest. more into his life than he knows. know about him. He lets people know that his wallet is thick as well as best friend T.I. “Man roles like “Gone in 60 Seconds” and “Lord But on Summersisle nothing is as While unraveling Summersisle’s it seems, it’s a place that time forgot and deepest and most sacred secrets, Edward In The Trunk” is another banger with an 8-ball of War,” the Wickerman is a suspenseful and MJG Memphis kind of sound. When he women are the dominating gender. It’s an is drawn into a world of ancient rituals and mystery that keeps the audience guessing. says there’s a man in the trunk, Young Dro is rumors of murderous deceit. Each step he A mix between M. Night Shyamalan’s “The island of beekeepers, traditions and secrecy. referring to a loud system. It’s a decent song Village” and John Singleton “Shaft,” the Summersisle helps answer the ques- takes seems to take him further away from that will probably hit the clubs in the South. Wickerman will satisfy the appetite of any tion, “What would the world the answer but closer to the Wickerman. In “U Don’t See Me”, Dro is talk- drama lover, or Nicholas Cage fanatic. It’s a great film to add to the box ing to the people acting like they don’t see In his latest role, Nicholas Cage office smashes that Nicholas Cage is well that he’s getting money. Young Dro, who is plays a police officer named Edward Malus. known for. The only disappointing moment joined by Slim Thug on this track, attacks all While out patrolling California’s highways, of this film is that the most dramatic line of the haters on this one. Jazzy Pha produced Edward pulls over a station wagon to return Nicholas Cage says in the film is “…Step this mellow piano-sounding beat, as well as “Fresh”. Dro is getting fresh on this track . a little girl’s doll. Seconds later a runaway away from the f@#*ing bicycle.” But no Speaking about what he has over, over, over, diesel crashes into the car, setting it ablaze matter how hard you movie buffs try you’ll never guess the ending, so enjoy. and over again. and trapping the mother and daughter There are a few songs on this album inside. Racing against the clock, Edward that Dro should have kept at home, if you fails to save them before the car explodes. DC gives Wicker Man know what I mean. “Hear Me Cry” is a He then spends the next few months trying sentimental record that should have been put to get the images of their burning faces out together a lot better than it was. Another bad of his head. song is “High Five”. The beat is all right, but After a brief dance be- come on Dro. The hook is horrible, “When you tween schizophrenia and sanity, he gets in the club and you see me HIGH FIVE”. a letter from his former fiancée Wil- It doesn’t get any worse than that. low (Kate Beahan). Those two songs are the only songs that were horrible. Some other mediocre songs 3.5 out of 5 are “100 Yard Dash”, “It Ain’t Over”, and stick men “Presidential”. Young Dro is gangsta but he also has some songs for the ladies as well. In “We Lied”, Young Dro talks about trouble in his relationship with his girl. Young Dro says on this song arguing with his girl makes him want to cheat some- times. He gets kind of soft, but when T.I. joins him on “My Girl”, they team up and get conceited about how fresh they are and how groupies will do anything for them. T.I. does a nice job on the hook. T.I. also collaborates with Dro on “What It Is”. Again T.I. delivers a great hook. The sound is a real Dirty South grimy kind of sound. Young Dro again lets people know that he’s not going anywhere and rappers in the South can actually rap. “You know my rhymes propa / you’re whole click’s floppas / I got chicks singin’ in the phantom like an opera.” “Shoulder Lean”, which was on every radio station and TV channel all summer, is of course one of the best songs on the album, but the song on that will be his next single is “Gangsta”. Dro gets personal on this song, speaking about where he grew up and what he grew up around. “Gangsta” has a sound that you can bounce to, and Young Dro lets people know that white people love him too. “Ride wit me shorty while I let this shoulder lean play / white people love me, I’m on MTV with Green Day.” There are fifteen tracks on this album, and most of them you can shoulder lean to. Young Dro seems to talk about what he has too often. On almost every song, he talks about what he has or what he’s going to get. This is an album that you can blast while riding around town because most of the beats are nice. But it’s not an album that you would want to sit down and really listen to. Young Dro has a lot of room for improvement, and he’s only going to get better with the king of the South, T.I. by his side. Mike gives “Best Thang Smokin’” 2.5 out of 5 blingz