Volume CXII, edition 3 since 1949 September 27, 2006 Growing up together, as a family by Chelsea Bieker strengths and weaknesses. They Rampage Reporter SYMBAA and Idile Programs offer aid have a sense of responsibility to African-American students at FCC to one another that mimics not Today students of all age just an academic group, but a and race face challenges when family, said Donald McQuiller, it comes to completing their a student in the program. college education. With bumps “What we are trying to in the road such as maintaining do through the program is to work, family life, and school infuse both social and academic deadlines, it is easy to get side- responsibility amongst the stu- tracked. With such varying dents,” Hardamon said. And backgrounds Fresno City Col- the students definitely know it. lege students possess, everyone Donald McQuiller, 26, agrees. here is on their own unique path He said that after moving fre- to success. The sad part is, many quently throughout his child- don’t make it. hood, it was difficult for him With extracurricular cri- to find the motivation to stay ses that occur in life, school can in school. be overwhelming, and challeng- The SYMBAA program ing to have the time to complete has helped him tremendously. the things necessary to excel. “Growing up, I didn’t have a Many students slip through the solid foundation to lean on, cracks, going unnoticed. What is but I do with SYMBAA,” Mc- encouraging though is that there Quiller said, or Mr. McQuiller are groups right here on campus as he would be addressed in the willing to not only help, but go program. Darlene Roach, the the extra mile to ensure student program’s counselor explained success. Two such groups are that in the classroom, the stu- SYMBAA and Idile. dents insert a formal “Mr.” in At first glance, these front of everyone’s last name to groups are very similar. Both Idile students engage in class activities show respect. This way, the stu- BAA program is a plan to assist are aimed at helping the African ing Young Men By Academic City College. Nationwide, Af- dents feel more accountable for African American male students American population succeed in Achievement -- is geared spe- rican American males have their conduct in the classroom. in achieving success through a school. Both groups use commu- cifically to the African Ameri- the lowest success rate among It lets everyone within earshot coordinated program of courses nity involvement and the instil- can male population, according college goers, Hardamon said. know they mean business. and support, but according ment of leadership skills to build to the program’s coordinator, The SYMBAA group is working McQuiller says he is to those involved, it is much self-confidence in the students. Cedric Hardamon. SYMBAA hard to change the statistic and clearly thinking beyond the more. At a second glance though, they is designed to address the lack prove that they are not only good realms of graduating. “I want to It’s a learning community are in fact different. of academic success in African people, but great students. be a teacher. I have knowledge where involved teachers and stu- SYMBAA-- Strengthen- American men attending Fresno By definition, the SYM- See Programs, page 5t dents are aware of each other’s Whatstitution Too fast, too curious? Day ? Fresno launches its assault against street racing, but some feel Police officers FCC’s celebration of are profiling drivers based on their race. See ‘Dragnet’ story pg. 3 Constitution Day finds many uninformed students by Carly Hubbell Rampage Reporter The Associated Student Government of Fresno City College hosted the 2nd annual Constitution Day on Septem- ber 18th. The event went on from 10:00 to 11:00 near the Another car on campus with illegal tire modifications fountain. Music, activities, and contests were displayed to educate students about the Constitution and the found- ing government of the United States. The Associated Student government received grant money that was used especially for that day. It is required nationwide for schools to ac- knowledge Constitution day so putting on this event was Cars with raised or extra fins may easily be labled as illegal required. Jennifer Mendrin, a stu- This car found on campus is packed is NOS photos by Robin Vallentyne see Const. pg. 6 Office: (559) 442-8263 Business: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783 E-mail: [email protected] 2 Rampage News September 27, 2006 News Inside this issueSports Idile/Symbaa Football The Fresno City Col- Programs A detailed look at lege football program began Rampage Newsroom: (559) 442-8263 its 9th season under head Fresno City College Business: (559) 442-8262 two of the progams at Fax: (559) 265-5783 coach Tony Caviglia, and 1101 E. University Ave. FCC providing services E-mail: have already faced a tough resno for minority student. F , CA 93741 Editor In Chief: schedule. Page 10 Editor in chief: Matthew T. Mendez [email protected] Page 1 News Editor: Matthew T. Mendez [email protected] Sports Editor: Quinn Robinson Views Editor: David Witte Rampage business Office: Reviews Editor: David Witte [email protected] Crack down on Photo Editor: Robin Vallentyne Business Manager: Leah Edwards Advisor: [email protected] Racers Views Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju Fresno’s new task Reporters force on illegal street Rampage is an award-winning newspaper published biweekly racing. Page 3 The Legend of Matthew T. Mendez, Leah Edwards, Joseph by the Fresno City College Journalism 4 & 5 program and is Rios, Quinn Robinson, David Witte, Eric Valdez, a member of Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Chuck Christian Beltran, DC Leavy, Chelsea Bieker, Carly Views expressed in The Rampage are those of the individual Fresno Reacts to A completely irrel- Hubbell, Efren Marquez, Johanna Tanori, Brian writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresno City Col- evant column about why Noonan, Buen Moua, Ana Zavala, Ife-Chudeni lege, its students, administration or the State Center Community Pope Oputa, Molly Carlin, Maylin Tu, and Michael The world reacted to Chuck Norris is consid- Williams College District. the Pope’s questionable ered to be the most pow- choice of words by pick- erful man on the planet. Photography/ Letters to the editor and submissions to the calendar will be accepted ing sides and condenming Page 12 Graphics via e-mail or in person 12 noon - 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, above the bookstore. Please keep all all dissenters. Has Fresno Robin Vallentyne, Michael Behlen, letters to a maximum of 500 words along with contact information. done the same? Page 4 David Witte, Matthew T. Mendez Back in the day Some children today Cigarette usage at do not even recognize where Classifieds FCC their favorite television Cigarettes may be the shows got their start. Here’s most dangerous killers on why. Page 12 Coca-Cola Ban Plea earth, but not only are they available in every corner FCC Students presenting a store, they can also be used speech to board of trustees in many outdoor public Male bashing time on Oct. 4th @ 4:30 pm environments. Should FCC If you hate men, @ McLane high school change its policy? Page 4 you’ll love reading piec- contact: Rosanna Spicer es that bash them even 322-4857 more. Here are some op- [email protected] tions on what to do when A day to be you encounter chauvin- Ready to Transfer? celebrated? istic men. The Associated Stu- Page 13 dent Government hosted Want to know your its 2nd annual Constitu- tion Day on Sept. 18 to options? celebrate the 219th an- To Join or not? niversary of the day the A heated debate on Visit the FCC Transfer Constitution was signed. the whether the benefits ASG found that many stu- of joining the military Center dents do not know much outweigh a bullet. Located on the 2nd floor of about this sacred docu- Page 11 the Admin. Bldg. ment. Page 3 photo by Michael Behlen 442-4600 Ext. 8085 Participants of FCC’s 2 on 2 Intramural Volleyball Tournament battle it out during the championship round.

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All funds received are reinvested into instructional programs and technology upgrades. per room Contact: (559) 276-3663 or 559-278-1111 or toll-free 800-578-0905 or visit us online at www.cvip.net (559) 665-5531 Ext. 6530 September 27, 2006 News Rampage 3 Mexico’s real ‘Dragnet’ could be on your tail independence day celebrated number of accidents related to will meet you and get the Chief of fiber hood, wider tires, larger brake by Leah Edwards street racing because of a lack of Police, maybe even help to police caliber that shows through, and a witness testimony. The Primary it.” big coffee can muffler. These are but by Efren Marquez Collision Factor is usually stated One FCC student, who a few on an extensive list of what is Rampage Reporter Rampage Reporter as something else like drunk driv- requested his name not be re- looked for by officers. Do you feel the need for ing, speeding, or driving too fast leased, stated he has received a Musser added, “You can Every year Americans speed? Are you one of the many for conditions.” ticket for illegal modifications on have a vehicle that’s been heavily may celebrate Cinco de Mayo who thrives on the thrill of adrena- In Fresno, the racing days his car, and said he is concerned modified and your sole intention is as Mexican Independence day, line? of old, where 200 people stood by this has become a racial issue. racing it on the track and you’ve but the real date actually falls Perhaps, you are one of watching the street race are now “The law isn’t fair, never raced it a day in your life on on September 16. Cinco de many racing enthusiasts, who gone. “It’s four or five cars stop- someone might just like the looks the street, however if you drive it Mayo is actually the date of work tirelessly on your vehicle, ping at In and Outs, and they run [race car],” said FCC student Da- back and forth to school you’re still the Mexican victory over the making endless modifications out and race real quick and then vid Hernandez, “Improving your in violation of the smog laws.” French at the Battle of Puebla and adjustments to achieve that get back to town,” said Musser. car is just something to do.” If you receive a ticket for in 1862. September 16, the real perfect balance of looks, speed and “We use a helicopter, and fly over “We have to use prob- illegal modifications, it cannot be Mexican Independence day, is performance. outlining areas looking for a large able cause to make a stop,” said signed off by an officer, you must go the day that Mexico declared Or are you one who sud- group of taillights, two or three Officer Jason M. Musser. “I’ve to an agent of the state, an automo- war against Spanish rule in denly discovered the desire to races go off at McKinley and pulled over hundreds of these tive smog representative. 1810, some 50 years before join the ranks of speed racers Hayes, and Shields and Bishop.” guys since the program started There is a smog referee sta- Cinco de Mayo occurred. after watching ‘The Fast and the In 2002, a 14 and 18 and there’s been every spectrum tion from the State of California, To help celebrate this Furious?’ year old brothers were killed at of the population we have here in run by Rick Nishioka, located at the occasion, Fresno City College If so, Fresno police’s anti- Cornelia and Lincoln, this was Fresno. We profile the car, not the FCC Career and Technology Center held activities and music from street racing task force at 2930 E. Annadale Ave radio station 107.9 “La Kalle” (DRAGNET) might soon in Fresno. “You make an in the free speech area and be on your tail. Drivers appointment, pay a fee and food booths on the Bookstore of illegally modified your vehicle is inspected for lawn. Some of the activities vehicles risk receiving a everything,” said Beer. included the Fresno High Folk- citation or getting their “The only way lorico Dancers, the FCC Grupo vehicles impounded if you’ll get your car towed is Folklorico Dance group and a they fail to make ordered if you’re involved in a street salsa making contest as well as corrections, according race, exhibition of speed, a club rush. to Sergeant Gary Beer, doing a brodie or burnout, “This is very important head of Dragnet. Real or once we write you a because I’m from Mexico, and racing is dangerous, not ticket for a violation, we this reminds me of where we like it’s portrayed in the put you out of service,” said come from. Basically, this is movies. Musser. “You cannot drive to remind us that we have to The popularity of this vehicle other than from follow our cultures and that’s the underground world the place ticketed, to home what it’s all about to me” said of street racing has sky- or to a place of repair.” Daniel Gonzalez, a first year rocketed over the past The smog ref- Fresno City College student. decade, causing the State eree station can tell you In addition to the music of California to recently what parts are considered and performers, a salsa making devote more money and illegal. “They can legally contest was held with entries energy into keeping this modify their engine; it is from some of the clubs pres- dangerous lifestyle from the fact that they are ille- ent including Latin American entering the mainstream gally modifying their parts. Students.org (LASO), Student public. Photo courtesy of ‘DRAGNET’ What makes them an illegal Paralegal Service, Culturas Racing is one of the most one of the tragedies that led to the person.” part is that they are not approved Unidas, The Diversity Club, ancient forms of competition on award in May of 2005 of the two- Sergeant Beer by the California Air Resources Alpha Omega Medical Assis- the planet, starting as far back as year grant ‘DRAGNET’ designed added, “We look for signs that the Board, (not smog legal),” said Beer, tants and the Native American the first man and horse. The de- to impact illegal racing. The first vehicle has been modified for rac- “Anything under the hood that’s Student Association. The win- sire to ‘best’ one’s opponent fuels of its kind began in San Diego in ing. We don’t care what race you adjustable is illegal.” ner of the Salsa contest was this need for speed. According to 1999, where they were facing 16 are, but on the Internet they say The task force is out to Ali Espinoza, Executive Vice www.Historyofracing street fatalities a year believed connected that we are targeting, picking on enforce laws already in effect; they President of the Associated racing was first outlawed in 1674 with street racing. Asians because they are the only are just beginning to strictly enforce Student Government, who was because people were being run This statewide grant in- ones driving a Honda, and that’s them. “We are car enthusiasts too,” unavailable for comment. over by sprint (horse) races in the volves educational programs and not true. With the re-invention of said Musser. “Just keep it on the “I think that we want streets. ten host agencies, with all the the Mustang, Dodge Charger, and track.” to represent diversity here on “There has always been Central Valley departments work- the Camaro’s coming back, there campus and all cultural events a problem with street racing. ing together with Fresno. Andre are plenty of kids modifying these that we can and, of course, Street racing has never really been Mucelroy, the racer involved in the types of cars too.” Mexican Independence day is monitored,” said Beer “It is hard death of the two teen boys on Cor- “New cars nowadays For more information very important and that’s why to prove if someone involved in an nelia and Lincoln in 2002, is now look very modified. I want to we do recognize and bring in accident was street racing or just a guest speaker for the program as make my car look good and sound regarding the ‘DRAG- performers and culture and hit a pole due to excessive speed, part of his probation. good,” said FCC student Tou Lee NET’ program, contact entertainers to make it real” because a lot of times the other The goal is educate people Vang. “Muscle cars don’t even said racer doesn’t stick around.” on the woes of racing and to get get stopped when they are fully Sergeant Beer, head of Maile Glover, College Sergeant Beer said he illegally modified cars off the modified, and they stop us for our the task force at 621- Center Assistant for College receives information regarding street. tiny imports!” Activities. The event also two or three accidents or deaths a “Guys from Fresnorac- Probable signs that a ve- 5050. brought in coverage from local week connected with street racing ers.net said, ‘We need a track’ and I hicle has been illegally modified television news stations. worldwide. According to Sergeant totally agree,” said Beer. “You find are such things as tinted windows, Beer, “It is hard to judge the actual a place and put it together and I bald tires, an added wing, carbon 4 Rampage News September 27, 2006 Dangerous Hobby on Campus Should FCC be smoke-free?

survey also showed that out of campuses worldwide, suggested Luna, Custodian 1. 25 percent who say they smoke, “20 percent of students actually At the Business Building, eight percent of those smok- began smoking in college, while students smoke not even 15 feet ers agreed there should be a 50 percent intensified their smok- away, which is only 15 paces from campus-wide ban on smoking. ing during college.” Also found the building,” Luna said. Sixty-one percent of students in there research was that “cam- Luna added, “There is who say there should not be pus smoking rates doubled in definitely a littering problem with a campus-wide ban are non- the last decade and are currently cigarette butts. We find them in smokers. twice the rate of the overall adult restrooms, elevators…sometimes The unofficial survey population.” students would smoke going into was done between Sept. 18-20, Cigarette smoke, accord- the restrooms.” with 550 participants total. ing to the 2004 Surgeon General The website www.ciga- As far as smoking on Report, contains approximately rettelitter.org, a not-for-profit or- campus, Fresno City College’s 4000 chemicals. The report also ganization dedicated to aiming at only regulation is to stay 15 to said that, “smoking harms nearly significantly reducing the amount 20 feet away from any building every organ of the body, causing of cigarette butt litter stated that on campus. many diseases and reducing the an “estimated several trillion Cigarette smoking does health of smokers in general.” cigarette butts are littered world- not only affect smokers. It “Cigarette smoking is the wide each year…cigarette filters affects nonsmokers and the leading preventable cause of are made of cellulose acetate tow, environment as well. death in the U.S.,” stated The Na- not cotton, and can take decades April Harris and Lindsay tional Center for Chronic Disease to degrade.” Merrow, both Liberal studies Prevention and Health Promotion “Fire concerns also play major and nonsmokers, say (CDC), and The World Health Or- a role,” according to the Federal that there should be designated ganization. “And it causes about Emergency Management Agency, by Buen Moua areas for smokers. Harris added 440,000 deaths each year; more reported in a 2002 article in the place of the cigarette,” he says. that there should not be a campus- than AIDS death, illegal drug use, Akron Beacon Journal in Akron, Rampage Reporter After hearing a friend wide ban because smokers have alcohol, motor vehicle injuries, Ohio. “Arson and careless smok- make such a radical statement, the right to smoke cigarettes. suicide and murder combined.” ing closely follow cooking as the While trying to enjoy a the friends joked, “Yeah, and we An anonymous FCC stu- Secondhand smoke is the leading cause of fire injuries on menthol cigarette between classes will all walk to the nearest ash- dent, who smokes, said a cigarette third leading preventable cause college campuses.” one day with friends, a student tray and toss our cigarette butts ban would make him smoke less of death, according to American In a fight to reduce the expresses the thought of America in it. Ha!” and that would motivate him to Cancer Society, in www.cancer. number of smokers, California being one of the fattest (and pos- For some college students quit. org. has proposed a cigarette tax of sibly the unhealthiest) nations in like this group of friends, smoking Vannet Vath, criminology The FCC maintenance well over two dollars per pack of the world made him realize how has become a normal part of their major and a nonsmoker said, crew especially has much to say cigarettes. In January, California insalubrious and stupid he felt for college experience, becoming tol- “There should be a ban because about a campus-wide ban on ciga- became the first state to declare inhaling that “death stick.” erable even for nonsmokers. I don’t like secondhand-smoke. rette smoking. “FCC should have secondhand smoke a toxic air pol- “I don’t feel like I would In a recent poll at FCC, less Plus the campus looks dirty be- a stricter rule on cigarette smok- lutant, while the city of Calabasas want to quit smoking just yet, than half of students surveyed feel cause butts are everywhere.” ing because they [the students] prohibited smoking on all public cause if I did, I would just find there should be a campus-wide A research by the Uni- don’t honor the 15 feet rule, and areas in March 2006, said Cala- something else--like food--in ban on cigarette smoking. The versity of Minnesota on college I take pride in my job,” said John basas city officials in The Acorn newspaper. The Pope is only human, he makes mistakes too. Leaders of Fresno’s Catholic and Muslim communities affirm ties

by Ife-Chudeni Oputa attempted to kill Pope John Paul Pope Benedict’s com- echoed this sentiment in his about dealing with the situa- II in 1981. ments have been felt all over the official message regarding the tion.” Steinbock agreed, “The Rampage Reporter On Sunday, September world, including here in Fresno. Pope’s remarks, “Needless to current controversy will not 17, Benedict expressed his “I personally felt that his com- say, the quotation has been taken shake the Islamic-Catholic rela- On September 12, Pope regret at the offense taken by ments were irresponsible,” said out of context and is being used tionship that has been so strong Benedict the XVI outraged the the Muslim community, say- Malika Sharef, a Fresno City by some Muslim leaders to in- in so many places throughout international Muslim commu- ing he was “deeply sorry”. He College student and member of flame their followers against the the world, including here in our nity with a quote in his speech at further apologized at his weekly the Muslim community “I don’t Holy Father, against Christian- own valley,” he said. the University of Regensburg. general audience in St. Peter’s think that he did it to really put ity, and against the West.” Stein- While many around the Pope Benedict quoted Square on Wednesday, Septem- down the religion or do harm to bock emphasized that the quote world are still rattled by Bene- Byzantine emperor Manual II ber 20. “In no way did I wish to the religion, I just thought he has diverted attention from the dict’s words, Fresno is taking Paleologus, “He said, I quote, make my own the words of the made a very, very big error.” intended message of the Pope. the situation in stride. “There ‘Show me just what Mohammed medieval emperor. I wished to “The Muslim community “It is interesting that the Holy was never a long-term conflict,” brought that was new, and there explain that not religion and vi- was surprised, and this message Father…is calling for the great he said, “The message itself and you will find things only evil olence, but religion and reason, from the Pope caught us off- Religions of the World, inspired the circumstances around the and inhuman, such as his com- go together,” he said. He also guard,” said Kamal Abu-Sham- by Faith and Reason, to enter message brought Muslims and mand to spread by the sword the expressed admiration for Mus- sieh, Director of the Islamic into a dialogue of cultures,” said Catholics together.” faith he preached.’” Benedict’s lims, “I hope that my profound Cultural Center of Fresno, “Not Steinbock, “The main emphasis speech was met with a surge of respect for world religions and just Muslims, but Catholics as of his lecture is not Islam. He is anger and demands by Muslim for Muslims, who ‘worship the well.” Abu-Shamsieh agrees that mainly criticizing the way West- “I personally felt that leaders for an apology. one God’ and with whom we the quote was offensive and gave ern civilization is taking faith his comments were out of political, technological, Anger over Benedict’s ‘promote peace, liberty, social an inaccurate portrayal of Islam, irresponsible...a very, words has lead to threats on justice and moral values for but does not agree with Muslim cultural, and social life. …” his life. Mehmet Ali Agca cau- the benefit of all humanity’ is leaders who have continued to Even with all the conflict very big error.” tioned the Pope against making clear.” Benedict said he hoped stir conflict. “We welcome their surrounding the Pope’s com- -FCC student a planned trip to Turkey, “As that this incident could gener- opinion, we encourage them to ments, the Islamic-Catholic someone who knows these mat- ate “positive, even self-critical issue their opinion, but that is relationship is not lost. “We can regarding the Pope’s ters well, I say your life is in dialogue both among religions not the binding opinion of the still be unified,” said Sharef, “It infamous quote. danger. Don’t come to Turkey,” and between modern reason and Muslim community,” he said. just depends on how people of said Agca, the same man who Christian faith.” Bishop John T. Steinbock different faiths … plan on going September 27, 2006 News Rampage 5 Programs: both Idile and SYMBAA help students succeed cont from pg. 1 the success of the African Amer- when they accomplish some- derstatement. A past marred by ican student, except the Idile thing is the best part,” Taylor New to Fresno City is years of domestic violence, and to share, and no one should be p r o g r a m i s seventeen-year old single-motherhood paved the left in the dark.” McQuiller says open to Males Kenneth Belmont. way for nothing but struggle he would like to teach History and Females. Apprehensive to when it came to academics. A or African American History. This program start college, he mother of seven, she never took As his smile grows wider, he accepts stu - has found a sense a stab at college. That is until added, “It may be hard now, but dents on the o f c o m m u n i t y now. She says she is back and it’s gonna be a greater later.” English 125 or through the Idile more determined than ever. 126 levels, and program. “If you The Idile program has McQuiller certainly isn’t is designed to miss an assign- opened the door for Grice- Fag- the only one raving about the i n c r e a s e t h e ment, you can call gins to thrive, and that’s exactly program. Antonio Parker has transfer rate, someone; it’s like what she is doing. She doesn’t been involved in the program develop lead- a family.” Belmont give Idile all the credit though. since spring of 2006 semester ership skills, raved about the “My family is so supportive of and recognizes the amazing a n d i n v o l v e two hour study me and what I’m doing. It was opportunities the SYMBAA students in the session included intimidating at first knowing I program has provided. Not al- c o m m u n i t y, in the program, would be sitting in a classroom ways the best student growing according to when they do peer full of people who could be my up, Parker said he has made up the program’s tutoring and get kids, but I want everyone out for lost time. pamphlet. extra help. “I think there to know that it’s never too With good grades, and big I wouldn’t have late. plans for transferring to a uni- T h e met as many new “The instructors care. versity in Florida, he said that main counselor people if I wasn’t They care that we succeed; they coming to class and doing his of the program, involved in the care that we understand; they re- personal best are not just choices Shuntay Taylor, program,” Bel- ally do take time to get to know anymore, they are his lifestyle. said she thrives mont said. He said each student,” she said. He has learned to maintain his o n t h e s u c - he hopes one day The Idile and SYM- academic life as well as maintain cesses of the his hard work will BAA students have it together. a spot of the Fresno City College students. “The land him a job as a With plans for the future, and football team. When asked his most rewarding photo-journalist. optimistic attitudes, success for favorite part of the program, he thing about be- A n - them is inevitable. They seem doesn’t hesitate. “Everyone is ing involved in o t h e r a m a z i n g to be working hard, and doing like a family, it’s like a support a program like part of Idile is the all they can to give back to their group.” For SYMBAA commu- this is knowing thatKen Belmont,you helped Jr. and memberssaid. Withof the Idile about family a 60 percent diversity of the participants’ fellow members as well as their nity is key. equip someone with the neces- transfer rate, those involved with backgrounds. To say that forty- communities. With the leader- Idile, (pronounced e sary skills to succeed. Idile must be doing something year-old Pearl Grice-Faggins ship skills they are acquiring, dee lay) is also geared toward The joy on their faces right, according to Taylor. is a survivor would be an un- the future is bright. 6 Rampage News September 27, 2006 Const: Founding fathers long for- gotten Welcoming a familiar face Cont. from pg 1 dent at Fresno City was in charge of the event and made sure everything went in order. All in all, the day went on flaw- lessly with active participation from students. Mainstream music was played to capture Q & A the attention from students and to make the experience an 1. Favorite flavor of ice cream? enjoyable one. Baskin Robbins Mint Chip “It was fun,” says James Martinez, a fourth semester 2. Favorite color? Purple FCC student who participated in the production, “We had con- 3. Biggest pet peeve? Soap Op- tests and gave out prizes, like era Acting gift certificates to Starbucks, Jamba Juice and Borders.” 4. Favorite actor? Mark Ruffalo Questions requiring par- ticipants to explain specific 5. Favorite actress? Laura Linney Constitutional amendments or name all 13 colonies were just a 6. Favorite movie? “Eternal few of the inquiries asked. The Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and also....given my favorite contest required the students to Janine Christl, Speech Instructor photo by Ryan Weber be put into two groups of three, by Maylin Tu actors, I love “ You Can Count with the winning group having ferring to UC Santa Cruz. She later need.” On Me”. answered the most questions Rampage Reporter graduated from Cal State Fullerton First semester theater stu- correctly. with her MFA. dent Charles Estes describes his 7. Favorite candy? Well--I James laughs as he re- Many Fresno City College Walk down the halls of the class with Christl as “very, very, guess M & M’s with the Movie calls the answers that a couple students go on to great things— theatre building and look at the very wonderful” and says she is, in Popcorn (extra butter) all mixed students had answered dur- whether in the arts, the sciences, pictures of past productions— his opinion, a great teacher: together ing the contest. “One guy or just in life. The rest end up back you’ll find her there (hint: she was “She knows a lot about the thought the founding father at City. here in 1993). industry of acting and about vocal 8. Dream car? My car. I love it. of our country was Abraham Just kidding. Debi Shapazian, head of work . . . she’s able to help all of It’s a VW Jetta...... drive happy. Lincoln,” he says, “And the Wait! Put those rocks down, the theater department and herself us as far as speaking in front of person who got it right asked I have the perfect counter-ex- a former FCC student, remem- people.” 9. Favorite musician/band? Right if the founding father was the ample: Janine Christl, theatre and bers Christl from her days as a The course covers correct now, The Fray....but that will person on the one dollar bill.” speech instructor at FCC. student: enunciation, correct posture, and change by next week. Many students around Not very long ago, she too “She was always very, very correct grammar, and is, according campus really don’t know a was a student here. In fact, she sweet, very nice, prepared—she to Estes, not like school at all. 10. Favorite book? The Power of lot of the facts that the United personifies the successful, pro- was very bright.” “[It’s] more like a yoga Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer States was built upon. In fact, ductive, and well-adjusted former After graduating with her class . . . everyone’s so calm, laid many didn’t even know what attendee. MFA in 2001, Christl taught at back, not full of stress . . . you Bonus question: one piece of art the Preamble was. The goal Not only does she teach Cypress College in Orange County don’t think of anything else in the (song, play, movie, whatever) of the event was to shine light three classes at City, she also runs and opened an acting studio with a world.” that’s on the national holiday and her own theatre company and friend. On visits home to Fresno, Estes says she brings a changed your life? There was an perhaps get students more in- serves as Director of Development she noticed that the arts were start- casual, informal environment to art exhibit of Georgia O’Keeffe’s volved in knowing about the at the new Cal Arts Academy (for- ing to blossom. That did it. She the class: work on display when I was country they live in. merly Cynthia Merrill’s). moved back to Fresno. “She’s just Janine when she in DC a few years back called “I was at first just drawn Her company, Epic Theatre, Two years and one theater comes to class . . . she brings her “Working In Black and White” to the music by the fountain, just received its second grant from company later, Christl still finds personality . . . she dresses like us, and as you went through the “says Katie Bayliss, a 3rd se- the Fresno Arts Council. Their next time to teach at City College. she act like us.” exhibit you realized that every- mester Fresno City Student, production will be Jose Rivera’s “I love teaching—teach- Clearly, everyone at FCC thing consistently became shades “But then I started watching play Marisol, which touches on is- ing’s my favorite thing . . . The is glad she decided to return to of grey. After seeing that exhibit, and I guess I could say that it sues of homelessness, war, and the classroom’s just such a joyful Fresno. I titled my thesis graduate book was pretty cool. I learned a lot temporality of material things. place for me because I feel like “She’s delightful to have after it and realized that ev- of stuff about the Constitution Christl started Epic in re- I learn something every day, and around, she’s always positive, very erything that I had learned and that I didn’t really know about sponse to what she saw as a void in hopefully I offer something every cheery, which I appreciate,” says continue to learn blurs together before.” the Fresno theater community. day.” Shapazian. to form something in between Matt Steele from the “I felt like [we were] lack- This semester she is teach- “I think her students really the clarity of one thing or it’s op- Fresno Bee and Peter Ellision ing theatre that really inspires ing three sections of Speech 12, a appreciate her work, and they do posite. Life seems to be that way. of the New York Times had change.” class focused on teaching students good work for her.” also helped out in the Con- Her inspiration has always how to speak in front of people. stitution Day event by taking been to create thought provoking “It doesn’t ask you to pictures, and interviewing art, “Theatre that . . . as you walk change who you are, but it helps students. Both had offered to away, you go, ‘Ah, I want to go to you to develop who you are and pay for certain items, but the coffee and talk to someone about find your own voice.” Associated Student Govern- this.’” Christl’s goal is to see each ment had instead decided to In a bid to fuse art with ac- student succeed on a personal use grant money of their own. tion, Christl plans to send part of level: The two newspapers provide the profits from the show to Global “I try to create an environ- the school with free copies of Green, an organization dedicated ment where people feel free to their respective issues every to rebuilding New Orleans with the express themselves as creatively weekday. latest in energy saving technology. as they possibly can, and without The Associated Student She hopes others will be inspired judgment.” Government puts on almost to give back to the community: The hardest part, she says, all Fresno City events held on “Instead of just feeling is the end of the semester. campus, most of which can be frustrated with what’s happen- “Sometimes I wish there seen by the fountain. They will ing—find ways to change it.” was more time than what I have.” be holding a Voter Registration Christl grew up in Fresno Christl’s own experience at Ray, where they encourage and got her start at Bullard Project City has helped her teach. students to register; that will Talent, an audition-in program “She has a real good un- be followed by Ramburger for students in elementary school derstanding of what a community Roundup Day, where they sup- through eighth grade. She attended college student is about,” says ply free lunches to those who Clovis West High School, and then Shapazian, “she knows what each have a Fresno City ID. studied theatre at City before trans- class—their personality, what they Sports September 27, 2006 7 An inspiration to us all FCC college student helped himself and continues to help others

By Joseph Rios fingers latched onto his palms and One day while Camacho The next thing Camacho vousness and has been going out Rampage Reporter his wrists laid limp. was eating lunch back in 2000, did was start working out. At his to practice every summer for the “What’s up you guys?’ Stan and his friend Robert, also weight he couldn’t just lace up his past three years. John Camacho came in “Oh, Stan, this is my friend a special needs student, came up running shoes and run the Boston Each summer when con- through the door on the opposite Joseph.” to Camacho and asked him if he marathon, so he started slowly. ditioning starts, the girls wonder side of the building. He was “Hey Stan, it’s nice to meet could feed them. Well, he did, He hit the streets with a who he is. Germond explained that wearing an over-sized green t- you.” and he’s been doing it ever since. staggered pace. A little running, a he always waits a few days before shirt with the word, “Champion” “Hi,” he said, taking a bite Monday through Thursday at 10 little walking. Each day he gained telling the group of about 50 girls a.m. and 12 p.m. on strength. In time, he was running who he is and what he has done. Fridays is time for him more and walking less, running As shy as Camacho is, Germond and Stan. farther and running faster. always asks him if it’s alright to The two of them After a while, his clothes share his story. shared with me that ceased to fit. This time, it wasn’t The girls are amazed to the Robert passed away this because he was too big and they see the before pictures and then past July. They weren’t were too small. look at the man that’s running sad though. Stan went “Everything was falling off alongside and, most of the time, on to tell me how he and my body,” said Camacho. “I got ahead of them. Robert spent their time more confident in myself. I real- “He’s half, no a quarter of checking out girls near ized that I could do this.” the man he was,” said assistant the fountain. After shedding over one coach Drew Mattos settling down “He taught me hundred pounds, Camacho en- in Germond’s office during our everything I know.” rolled in head women’s soccer interview. The three of us coach Oliver Germond’s swim- “In weight,” Germond couldn’t stop laugh- ming PE class. added. ing while he told his The pool seems like the Besides being one of the story. I looked over at last place someone trying to lose girls’ biggest fans, he’s grown Camacho, who leaned weight would want to be consid- into a pillar of strength for the back laughing, and I ering the need to unclothe, but he girls when summer workouts get couldn’t believe what a was out there. tough. remarkable young man “He really wasn’t that great “He’s a role model. He he was. of a swimmer, to be honest,” said gives the team someone to look At first glance, Germond. “But he was always up to as far as work ethic,” said Camacho doesn’t seem working so hard. He’d swim a few Germond. “He’s almost part of the like he’s anything to strokes and then stop. Then he’d coaching staff.” marvel at. He’s quiet, keep going.” “He’s a motivator,” said reserved, taller than Germond noticed his work Mattos. “John’s out there doing most but not a giant; ethic and began talking to him. the things the girls think they he’s got an athletic build When Germond learned about can’t do.” but he’s no Arnold. what Camacho was doing, he in- Even though Camacho sur- Camacho’s just vited him out to his team’s summer mounted all the obstacles and has an ordinary guy - an conditioning. lost the weight of an NFL defen- ordinary guy, with an On the first day, Cama- sive back, he still holds firm to his extraordinary story to cho said, he was a little nervous diet and his exercise routine. tell. showing up to an all girls soccer I asked him what was the Six years ago practice. “I was thinking, ‘What most difficult thing to give up, Photo by Joseph Rios 220-pound-Camacho the heck am I doing here?’” he “Pizza,” he said with a smile on said. “I’m sure they were thinking John Camacho continues to push himself in his workouts. Whether he’s weighed 412 pounds. But his face. “I loved pizza.” the same thing.” running at Woodward Park with the Women’s Soccer Team or doing dips to him, it wasn’t that big He’s gotten over his ner- Continued on Page 8 outside the gym, he gives it his all. of a deal. It wasn’t until he out of the air with his greeting. was walking around campus one embroidered across his heart and While I wolfed down my day and found himself out of the buckle in front of his pants grilled beef and fried potato hunks, breath that he decided to make a synched the excess denim into Camacho fed Stan. He did it with change. bound up wrinkles near his waist the exercised precision of a veteran “Hey Stan, do you remem- and the legs flared out wide. nurse. Stan sat there and com- ber me when I hadn’t lost the “We waiting on Stan?” municated to Camacho what he weight?” “Yeah, I told him I was wanted with head nod variations “Huh?” coming, so he should be here.” and flutters of the lips. “Remember how I looked “I’m going to go grab some- First it was the sandwich. before I lost all that weight?” thing to eat.” Camacho carefully, but quickly, “Oh,” he said as his head While I browsed through unwrapped the sandwich and put sank low and he laughed. He re- the bags of chips and bottles of it in front of Stan’s mouth. Ca- membered. Powerade, I could only imagine macho had already uncapped his Camacho endured the name- what was about to take place. I juice and poured him a cup with calling growing up, the jokes, and paid for my greasy hamburger and a straw. Stan leaned over to straw being made fun of as if they were fries and clenched the two black and took a swig. something inevitable, something caps on my blue Powerades and “How long have you been he couldn’t change. But for the first walked over to the table. doing this?” time he felt compelled to change In those five seconds it took “I started back in 2000.” the look of his situation and change me to get to the table, I gave Stan “So about the same time his life in the process. a once over. you started losing weight?” He cut all the junk food He sat hunched over in his “Yeah, pretty much.” from his diet–everything from ice motorized wheelchair laughing Once the sandwich was cream, fast food, pizza, to soda at something Camacho told him. done and the juice was sucked and candy was cut from his daily His eyes shut tightly, pulling the down, he unscrewed the cap to a lineup. No food entered his mouth ends of his smile past his ears. His thermos filled with warm coffee. after 7 p.m.. Before his quest began, John Camacho weighed over 400 pounds. 8 Rampage Sports September 27, 2006

Camacho: knows what The Rock is cookin’

continued from pg 7

When it came time to re- ward himself for the hard work and fasting, he’d reach for a grab bag of nacho cheese Doritos – crunchy triangles of cheese covered heaven. How did he workout? Like The Rock himself no less. He mod- eled his workout after Dwayne Johnson’s as it appeared in Men’s Health Magazine. All of it was a part of the 180-degree turn in his life. Cama- cho turned his back on everything that contributed to him being overweight, and turned toward healthy living. “Most people who have lost weight have had surgery, or cheat- ed by taking pills,” said Germond. “He did it with hard work.” “Johnny did it the right way,” said Mattos. Athlete Spotlight “He changed his lifestyle. By Mike Williams It’s inspiring to know that you can Rampage Reporter change your life in a positive way,” said Germond. I asked Camacho if he ever regretted being overweight. Photo by Joseph Rios Travon Jones “Sometimes I think about going back in time to change things,” he Camacho takes his daily run around the FCC soccer field. During a.k.a. Superman, is on a mission this year. His said. “But I wouldn’t change be- the summer, Camacho trains with the women’s soccer team. mission: to lead his team to a Northern Califor- ing overweight. If it all wouldn’t have happened I wouldn’t have to Stan, I looked over at Camacho a preschool teacher. While I sat nia championship. Jones is one of the most elu- met Oliver and I wouldn’t have and I couldn’t help but think: here across from Camacho and Stan, sive running backs in California this year, already met the soccer team.” I was with the guy that Germond, I thought about everything I had I finished my hamburger Mattos, and the girls from the heard about John Camacho and receiving a scholarship offer from the University and I was almost out of French soccer team said was the coolest, in that moment, I believed every of Nevada. You’ll have a better chance of sneak- fries. nicest guy around. word of it. ing on a gun on a plane than taking “Superman” Stan was going on about his “There aren’t many like Before we parted I asked escapades with his old buddy Rob- him,” Germond said. Stan, “Hey Stan, what do you like one-on-one. ert while Camacho and I buckled Here was the guy who qui- the most about John?” over laughing. He might be tough etly lost over half his body-weight He thought for a second Q: How old were you A: Myself. to understand at first, but the man in six years, a guy who feeds a about what I was asking him then when you began play- has got stories. good friend everyday during the he gave me a big smile and shied to ing football and why Q: What keeps you go- But as I sat there listening week, and a guy who wants to be one side and said, “He’s funny.” did you choose this ing? sport over other sports? A: My parents, they’re A: I was 12 and I chose always motivating me. football because some of the athletes I looked up to Q: Do you get nervous They Keep on Rolling were football players. before games? A: I used to when I was Q: Do you get frustrat- younger, but now it’s just ed in a game if things like a riding a bike. are not going you’re way? Q: What was your favor- A: Yes, I have to learn how ite cartoon growing up? to keep my composure. A: I had a lot of favorite cartoons, but if I had to Q: Biggest fear in life? pick one it would be the A: God. Flintstones.

Q: Where do you see Q: Who would you yourself in 5 years? marry Christina Milian A: Living life to the fullest. or Oprah Winfrey? A: Oprah, just because of Q: Why do you call the money. yourself “Superman”? A: When I was a kid, I ran Q: Who’s your number around the house with a 1 fan? Superman costume for two A: My little sister Marshay. weeks straight. After that my family started calling Q: What’s your goal for me Superman. this season? A: To have a healthy year Photo by Quinn Robinson Q: Favorite athlete of and be a threat to every The Fresno City College women’s soccer team is seen here all time? defense. in action against West Valley on Sept. 15. The Rams defeated the Vikings in a rematch of last year’s second round playoff game 5-0. The Rams record is currently 7-2-0 September 27, 2006 Sports Rampage 9 Delivering the kill Volleyball team in midst of another tough conference battle

By Mike Williams Rampage Reporter Storey the only returning players The team this year is a lot for this year’s squad, have adjusted closer than they had been in the to the fact that they are now the past. They get along like they are There is no doubt about the leaders on a very young team. all sisters. talent that is on the Fresno City With so many freshmen on One of the keys in having Women’s Volleyball team. the team, a couple of these girls a great team is the relationship With 11 freshmen on this have been asked to play out of with players and coaches on and year’s team, experience seems to position or step up their play. off the court be one of the only problems that The freshmen on this team “Last year’s team had a can’t be fixed over night. respond well to a challenge. lot of talent,” said Hill. “But this Coach Bethany Buller said Lyndsey Myrick has made a year’s team is more of a unit. On she believes her team will get bet- huge impact on and off the court ter week in and week out and make this team with we are like a fam- a run to the league title. her ability to “This year’s team ily.” The Rams are 4-2 after los- play three po- This year’s ing to College Of The Sequoias. sitions. Wher- is more of a unit. team is also filled This was a rival match that ever the team with players who could have gone in any teams n e e d s h e l p , On and off the come to work favor that night. The Giants just Myrick can go hard everyday be- happened to make the least amount in and get the court, we are like a cause they know of mistakes. job done. that the hard work “ I feel our biggest oppo- D o n e - family.” will pay off. Sto- nent is ourselves,” said Buller. sha Jackson rey is one of the From Buller’s prospective has stepped up -Jacqueline Hill hardest workers all of the problems that occurred her game tre- on the team and, Wednesday night, can be fixed. it shows on game days. th mendously. She’s progressing as The Rams are ranked 14 in the season goes on. Whenever the This is Buller’s first year the California Community College team is in need of a kill shot, you as head coach, but she’s been here Women’s Volleyball Coaches As- can always count on Jackson to for the past couple of years and it’s sociation poll. deliver. nothing new to her. The Rams, however do “I don’t think people realize “I love my girls,” said not pay attention to their ranking, how much work we put in,” said Buller. “ I wouldn’t trade them the girls focus on each game, one Storey on how the team has ad- for anybody.” game at a time and let their ranking justed to the lack of experience. Buller can talk to her play- handle itself. There are a couple of things ers about anything off the court. On Sophomores Jacqueline different on this year’s team, com- the court, one of Buller’s strength Hill, Jackie Anaya, and Lauren pared to last year’s team. is that she is a great motivator. She believes in her players, and her players believe in her as well. She is focusing on her team getting better everyday and mini- mizing the mistakes. With a young team, the Rams have a lot of work to do if they want to win the league. You better believe that Buller will push this team, be- cause she wants to see her team be successful. She also has Sept. 27 marked down on her calendar. That date is the Rams’ first match against Taft

“I’m looking forward to Photos by Robyn Vallentyne playing them,” said Buller. “It’s always a fun match.” Ashley Fantazia (14) and unidentified teammate attempt to block a kill against Modesto Junior College on Sept. 13 Power in numbers: FCC returns with three sophomores on this years team, but is still a highly feared opponent in the CVC Opinion Grizzlies sell stadium name for $16 million. FCC has five sports venues. You do the math. Columnist takes a look at what FCCcan gain from selling its stadium’s naming rights

By David Witte ton/wrestling gym, tennis courts, naming rights. The Wal-Mart dium? The house that Bonds contract is up in 15 years, and a pool, and… um... a game room Administration Building has a built, presented by Coke and the place becomes Hot Topic Rampage Reporter by the cafeteria. nice ring to it. Payless Shoes. Now that Rupert Field, I’ll still call it Grizzlies Why not sell the naming Murdoch owns Myspace, will Stadium. The Grizzlies’ new deal Why stop there? I’m sure rights? Imagine the football we see a stadium named after Not that I have anything with Chuckchansi for the renam- there’s someone that would pay team playing at 7-11 Stadium, it? Tom Field, maybe? against Indian casinos. I’m all ing of Grizzlies Stadium brings $16 million to name this place or the softball team playing at All sarcasm aside, I’m for them. up some interesting possibilities Maxi Pad City College. Chuck’s Vinyl Siding Field. tired of organizations selling Screw those palefaces out for FCC. We could have a class on The basketball team could their stadium’s name to the high- of their hard-earned money. We The Grizzlies deal is for how to go horseback riding and play in the City Lights Arena, est bidder. screwed you out of your hard- 15 years and $16 million. My do cartwheels without leakage. and all your tennis classes could I don’t care how much earned land. only question is: who the hell I m a g i n e w h e n 1 5 5 0 be held at the Lamar Entertain- the Chuckchansi “resort” paid, But leave the stadiums is this Ratcliffe guy, and why is Sports Radio covered the base- ment Courts. I’m still calling it Grizzlies alone. We don’t go for that here his name on FCC’s football sta- ball games: “Maxi Pad City’s Imagine what you could Stadium. at Maxi Pad City. dium? Is he paying for this? defense soaked up a lot of hits, do with a few million dollars People in Denver still If you want a minor- Try this on for size: “To- but they won it with a liner up from each sports venue. refer to Invesco Field as Mile league baseball stadium, build night, FCC football plays Reed- the middle.” The college wouldn’t High. I still hear Giants fans yourselves one. Put a team in ley College at Tachi Stadium.” This is a trend in sports have to beg to renovate the Old referring to the new Candlestick there. It would probably be bet- We have a football field, that is unstoppable. I don’t even Administration Building. Park. ter than the Grizzlies. a softball field, a baseball field, know where the San Francisco We won’t even call it When Chuckchansi’s a basketball/volleyball/badmin- Giants play anymore. that any more, we’ll sell the AT&T Park? SBC Sta- September 27, 2006 Sports Rampage 10 Built Ram tough Fresno City College football is back for the 2006 season.

By Eric Valdez

Rampage Reporter Michael Williams and Zeb White, with an early 21-0 first half lead. game, I wanted to see how this has strong hopes in the season’s running backs Cody Hobbs and During the first quarter, sophomore team would respond to the chal- future. Travon Jones, and tight end Trevor Casmin Thomas blocked a punt lenge of facing a good team like “After the game, although Messersmith make up most of the and returned it seventy yards for a SF,” said Caviglia. we did not win, we felt very happy Under ninth-year head Rams.’ Offense. touchdown, to extend FCC’s lead “We are still trying to sort with our team. We competed well coach Tony Caviglia, the Fresno On defense, linebacker to 14-0. out and evaluate our personnel, and gave it our best. The character City College football team has John Clark, cornerback Casmin Later on in the game, dur- and going into the game we still and attitude of this year’s team is begun its season, prepared to over- Thomas, defensive back Jason ing the second half, he returned had a lot of unanswered ques- very good, ” stated Caviglia. come any challenges and produce Strope, and defensive lineman another blocked punt for a touch- tions.” a quality record. Josh Smith provide the defense down However, Cavigila still Last year, the team per- with talented play that could take FCC’ s Cody Hobbs was formed well, finishing with a them far in 2006. able to run the ball well against a Remaining Schedule record of 7-4 in the Valley Con- One of the biggest chal- very strong CCSF defense. How- ference. lenges that the Rams faced is the ever, this was not enough for the This season, the team has a game against City College of San Rams as they lost the game. Sept. 30 @ Sacramento City 7:00 PM lot of strong players coming from Francisco. FCC had a record of 1- They made too many mis- different positions. Although the 7-1 against CCSF before the Sept. takes including dropped passes by team consists of many talented 16 game at Ratcliffe stadium and receivers and defense coverage Oct. 7 BYE players, there are some that really after last season’s 40-0 loss, FCC breakdowns. stand out in coach Caviglia’s eyes. was primed for payback. One of FCC’s biggest prob- Quarterback McKinson Souverain, The Rams came out like lem was applying pressure on the Oct. 14 West Hills 7:00 PM wide receivers Keston Cheathem, they were on a mission, beginning CCSF quarterback, Zach Lee. Lee muffed a handful of snaps, but FCC’s defense couldn’t get the ball quickly enough, allow- Oct. 21 COS (Homecoming) 7:00 PM A Running Start ing Lee to throw the ball away or make big conversions. Cross country team is loaded with talent After that, the defense Oct. 28 @ Sierra 2:00 PM broke down and Lee had enough time and space to launch7AIT*#&##2AMPAGE&XPDF the ball By Brian Noonan deep for a completion. Nov. 4 @ San Joaquin 1:00 PM The game ended with a Rampage Reporter close score of 34-31 in favor of San Francisco. Nov. 11 @ Reedley 7:00 PM The Rams kicked off the the spring track season. “Going into the CCSF season with a bang Saturday, Sept. Moreno comes to FCC from 23, as they took the Northern- perennial powerhouse Madera. California team title and fourth The Coyotes were ranked nation- overall at the Fresno Invitational ally during his junior year. While at Woodward Park. Fresno City at Madera, Moreno finished fourth also finished third in the Ameri- overall at the 2005 CIF Central can River College Invitational on Section Championships at 16:04 Saturday, Sept. 9 in Sacramento. for the 3.1-mile course at Wood- Freshman Bobby Rodriguez was ward Park. ninth overall and the second man “The team has come a long across for Fresno City College. way since last year. Everyone is “I was very nervous about training hard, and in the process is running in college level, and I was encouraging everyone else to fol- saying to myself ‘What place am low,” said Pulido. “Also, the team I going to take?’ After I got done, seems to be more united, making I realized that it was a very easy us even stronger since we don’t race,” said Rodriguez. “Now I want to let each other down, push- have a good idea where I fall in ing our only limitations.” with the rest of the runners and Besides the former Madera my first race was a very cool one teammates, red shirt Cesar Rodri- to remember when I move on to guez has been training with the doing other things.” team and will help FCC come track Sophomore Tony Pulido season. Rodriguez placed 7th in and freshman Isaac Vizcarra made the 10k at the 2006 Junior College up a strong top three for the men Track and Field Championships and finishedfifth and 28th overall, with a time of 33 minutes. David respectively. The Rams also saw Reynders will provide additional freshmen Julio Moreno and John depth with his 1:55 800 and 4:24 Brodie cross the line for 40th and 1600 track PRs. 45th overall. With a solid team Fans looking to cheer on score of 125 points so early in the the runners are encouraged to season, the outlook for the champi- watch them at their next home onship season seems bright. meet; the Central Valley Confer- Thanks to a strong group ence Championships on Oct. 25 of newcomers and returnees, FCC at Woodward Park. cross-country also looks to be a “We are looking at a good contender for the Nor-Cal Cross- chance of placing in the top two Country title and a high placing in at Northern California Regionals, the state championships come No- and in the top five at state,” added vember. Pulido was a 2006 North- Pulido. Everyone in the team ern-California Championships seems to be getting stronger and participant in the 1500 meters, and faster with each practice.” boasts a personal best 4:06.17 from Views September 27, 2006 11 To be, or not to be

MilitaryAll offers that the GI Bill, youThis is thecan same government be which provides money for college. that once thought slavery was OK.

by Ana Zavala wages, and in addition the military gets half a by DC Leavy ist or even fighter pilot. There is also a vast percent increase more than that of civilians. list of regular jobs needed such as dental Rampage reporter Rampage reporter While working a civilian job, never assistant or military barber, but the chances really leaving your town, doing anything ex- of you getting a position that you want are citing or experiencing much is good enough slim. Nowadays, it seems you’d probably for some, others don’t mind a little traction to have a better chance of getting a job guard- Much has been said to propel civil- achieve all of those. First off, let me state that I realize this ing a local airport. ians against joining the military. This can In addition to pay and travel, the mil- is an era marred by war and terrorist attacks, Military service also results in a higher be inferred when looking at the number of itary offers a vast amount of benefits members and that during such times, going against percentage of casualties and fatalities. Un- enlisted within the past few years. Let’s just and their intermediate families can receive the government may not be the smartest like working for the IRS, you have a higher say numbers have not doubled. while in and after retiring from the military. choice. I also realize that I may be unfairly chance of never seeing your family again. A countless number of people have Of course they must meet all requirements to labeled as a traitor, or even an advocate of We all watch the news-another soldier dies the impression that the only field in the mili- receive any benefit; naturally, the requirements terrorism. in Iraq from a suicide bomber. I’ve heard of tary is that of a soldier, and that is just not true. for every benefit vary widely and benefits vary But, despite the opinions of the nar- occupational risks but who’s willing to go up Although you can be a soldier, the military from state to state. row-minded, I am here to remind us all that against a suicide bomber? I can’t remember offers just about every job occupation held That being said, there is an abundant there is a minimum of two sides to every the last time I had to deal with a suicide in the civilian world, with some of the best amount of benefits earned while in the military. story. While not always popular, someone bomber working at Wal-mart. training in the world. For example: Those in active duty have medi- has to speak up for the other side. These days I can understand the pride that one There is a wide variety of military cal, vision and dental benefits. These benefits stating one’s opinion against the military can gets from accomplishing something and occupations, ranging from dental assistant to have 100% coverage. This together with the only be done only by “a few good men” (or making a difference. I also understand military intelligence. Some of the very keen fact that you can retire after only 20 years of women), however I took up the metaphorical what it means to serve one’s government, military men and women claim the most service, well… that’s if you want to, are a great gauntlet and have risen to the challenge. but there’s a couple of things that you need skilled expertise in a variety of jobs. addition to the many reasons for joining the I’m here to say that the military isn’t to keep in mind. This is the same govern- Let’s face it; you’ve probably heard military. all glitz and glamour as the images promoted ment that at one point thought slavery was a great amount of prejudicial claims against Another of the more recognized by Hollywood cinema and commercials okay and justifiable. It is the same govern- the military. One of the most frequent; civilian benefits the military provides is the GI bill. make it appear. If you go into the military ment that imprisoned thousands of Asian jobs are better because pay for a civilian job The GI has been available to military person- you won’t turn into the next “Rambo.” I Americans, as well as non-native Asians is higher than that of the equivalent military nel since 1944. Active duty service members guarantee you it’s not as magical as the during WWII. It’s the same government job…and well…that’s just not accurate. and veterans can receive more than $37,000 “Be all you can be” commercials you see that bombed Hiroshima and killed around At its lowest men and women form- in tax-free money that helps fund tuition fees, plastered across the TV screen. It just seems 200,000 Japanese, and gave radiation poi- ing part of the lower entry-level pay scale, books and even living expenses. that everyone assumes that as soon as you soning to the 100,000 survivors of the same make about $1,200 a month (pay for an E-1 With a variety of benefits ranging for go into the military, you get your own tank, government, then refused media access to with less than four months of service). Nev- personnel, whether active-duty, in the Reserve, M16, as well as your own squadron and jet the sites, so no one would question their ertheless many who started as an E-1 excel the Guard or retired, the list of benefits would fighter. In actuality, a quarter of the recruits method of weapons tactics. and come out of the service having advanced take too long to read about but some of the that sign up never make it to the battlefield. It’s the same government that’s a couple ranks *(the previous does not apply following can be almost simplified. Because most are dropped for not being waging war in Iraq because of the actions to all military branches of entry level military Benefits for California: Fishing and military material, or they can’t handle the of a small terrorist group that supposedly personnel). On the other side of the scale is hunting license (pay less for license), Farm required training course. resides there. It’s the same government the basic pay for achieved military personnel and home loans (Direct loans from the state If you’re not one of the thousands that’s finally confessed to having secret and that is at about $16,000 a month (while of California), State and park recreation pass that gets assigned to the kitchen or janitorial prisons where they torture people to get serving as JCS/Vice JCA, CNO, CMC, Army/ ($3.50 for a life time pass to any California duty, then there is a chance that you could information, showing that our dark side is Air force CS, commander of a unified or park), Motor vehicle registration fee waiver get trained in one of the courses that the just as bad as anyone else’s. But lastly it’s specified combatant command). The pay scale (registration fee waiver and free license army and navy are well known for: to be a will increase if there is an increase in civilian see PRO, p. 13 sniper, tank driver, communication special- see CON, p. 13 Campus Voices by Ana Zavala and Robin Vallentyne What can you get out of joining the military?

Andrew Garcia Dwayne McClain Maria Gonzalez Aaron Autler Daniel Ayala Marriage, family, child counselor Medical Nursing U.S. Marines English

“Nothing much, except job op- “The military teaches you how “You get the G.I. Bill and experi- “The schooling and opportu- “Nothing at all. I think it’s a bad portunities, skills for the future, to be disciplined, respectful, ence.” nity to pick a field having little choice. I think people want to and a new haircut.” responsible, and it helps you pay qualifications. You become very live.” for college.” proficient in a job.” 12 Rampage Views September 27 2006 The Legend of the Norris Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door*, and you still have trouble slamming a six-pack. The Norris rules the internet with a blood soaked beard and an endless supply of roundhouse kicks to the face. You’re next.

has gotta be true. Chuck Norris became better than by Matthew T. Mendez No it doesn’t, but it sure you, and me too I guess—not by Rampage reporter would’ve been a kick-ass way to all that much though. get our originative party started. I have no clue how many re- As for the Chuck Norris ligions are practiced on this planet, Who do you believe in? phenomenon, I believe it got its but ALL of them were created by Allah? Buddha? Pac? It start with the 1986 film “The Delta humankind somewhere, in a time doesn‘t make a difference; whoev- Force,” starring you-know-who. A long before security cameras and er he is, Chuck Norris either killed film based upon the 1985 hijacking Hot Pockets. him or roundhouse kicked him so of TWA Flight 847, it was incredi- You don’t have to believe hard it left a bootprint across the bly inaccurate and features just one any of this crap. You don’t even face of his soul. Chuck Norris does musical theme that runs through- have to like Chuck. There is no not take kindly to imposters. out the entire movie. Chuck, as penalty for blasphemy in The There is no easy explanation always, was unstoppable in both Church of the Norris; however, for how Chuck Norris obtained his pursuit of justice and his inept you will be ordered to be put to such an insane cult following, but sense of reality. death by the method of execution trust me on this one, Chuck Nor- A few years later came the preferred by 42 states: lethal injec- Random Chuck Norrisfrom chucknorrisfacts.com facts ris has legions of hardcore fans most ridiculous show in televi- tion of chemical CNRhK (Chuck • Chuck Norris doesn’t daydream. He’s too busy giving sion history. I speak of course, of Norris Roundhouse Kick*). invading the internet as we speak. other people nightmares. I proudly am one of them--not “Walker, Texas Ranger.” This is Believe in whatever you because I take this thing seriously- where Chuck Norris planted the feel is most righteous for you. • They say curiosity killed the cat. This is false. Chuck seeds for his eventual reputation as For me, all religions were created -but because I finally found some- Norris killed the cat. Every single one of them. thing that is meaningless enough an omnipotent badass. As Cordell equally at the same place AND to plaster a smile across my face Walker, he could easily handle any time by the benevolent provider • According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, Chuck difficult situation, he had no flaws of relentless malevolence: Chuck whenever I think about it. Norris can actually roundhouse kick you yesterday. As the online legend states: whatsoever, and he constantly Norris. In the beginning, there was noth- defeated the most feared criminals Created by roundhouse • Chuck Norris invented black. In fact, he invented in their respective fields--all in less kick...somehow. ing...until Chuck Norris round- the entire spectrum of visible light. Except pink. Tom house kicked that nothing in the than an hour. Always. face and said, “Get a job.” That is Oddly enough, the man To see clips illustrating Cruise invented pink. who is probably most responsible the greatness of Chuck Norris, the story of the universe*. • Chuck Norris uses 8’x10’ sheets of plywood as toilet And so you, Rampage read- for the hype surrounding Chuck or if you simply would like to er, have become the next human Norris is Conan O’Brien. The day disucss all things Chuck, go to my paper. NBC purchased the rights to all of myspace page at www.myspace. to be enlightened by the most • There are no races, only countries of people Chuck persuasive theory on the origin of the USA Network’s TV shows will com/lowercasejenkins the universe yet. A story like that forever be remembered as the day *-from ChuckNorrisfacts.com Norris has beaten to different shades of black and blue. Everything was better in my day at me like I was the crazy old guy you see legends like “Thundercats,” “Voltron,” and Saturday morning entertainment, we were by DC Leavy at the bus-stop talking about Jesus. the “Smurfs” will only pop up as special the first to start perfecting the recipe. Rampage reporter I decided to let it go and just en- flash back reruns. To think that “Pokemon” The standards of todays writers have- joy my bus ride, when their conversation and “Yugi-Oh” have replaced our “G.I Joe” been dramatically decreased when it comes When I was a child I used to hear turned to boy bands and how “98 degrees” and “Dinosaurs” (Not the Momma!). Even to what makes an interesting story and a stories from my grandpa every time I went was better than “Nsync”. When everyone though my generation wasn’t the first to decent plot line. I was watching “Toonami,” to his house to visit. Stories about how back knows the greatest boy band of all time was create some of these signature pieces of one of my favorite time slots on Cartoon in his day they had to walk six miles in the the “Jackson 5.” Like “Nsync”, Network, and a show called “Bobobo-bo bo- snow every morning to get to school, which “Backstreet Boys”, or “98de- bobo” (that’s really the name) came on. always seemed kind of odd since he grew grees” could ever hold a flame It’s a new show where one of the up in Bakersfield. Other times he used to to the “Jackson 5” crew. main characters is a 6-½ foot tall, caucasian talk about how TV was better back when After a while I realized that guy with a blonde afro, who uses his over- he was a kid. it’s not these kids fault that they grown nostril hairs to fight crime. At first I I never thought I’d end up like him, don’t know what came before was positive that I was mistaken, but after a chasing kids off the lawn with a broom and them, they’re just a product of their few more minutes of watching it, I was sure a bad disposition. But my time seems to be environment. They, like many of that the cartoon animation world had given coming nearer. the years that came before tend to up, and this show was the result. You see, I was on the bus the other focus on the present rather than I don’t want this to come out like I’m day and I couldn’t help but over hear two the past. Using this logic I started sick of the accomplishments of the world of middle school kids conversation (journal- to think even more about this at animation in 2000. In fact there’s quite a few istic trait). They were talking about how if first it was an interesting thought, shows I wish we had when we were kids but Michael Jackson wasn’t a rich white guy he then it became a fascination and I’m glad I can enjoy them as an adult. But I wouldn’t have gotten off. What?!?! It took soon an obsession. tvacres.com long for the days of “Fraggle Rock” and the Great shows like “Dinosaurs” (above) have been me a while to grasp what just happened. Thinking about all the “Snorks,” when a superhero not only was replaced by the likes of “Bobobo-bo bo-bobo” (below). These kids actually thought Michael Jack- movies, music, and especially forum.judgehype.com super, but he was a hero, and the fantasy of son was born white, and that was the reason cartoons we took for granted and every kid in class was to be them. he was acquitted of child molestation and now seem to be lost to the archives The idea that our children are going endangerment. Being a good samaritan and of our memory and a vault some- to live with “Felicity” instead of “Family a human being who believes that everyone where. I wish I would’ve taken Matters” and “Charmed” instead of “Mar- should be enlightened and educated, I took the time to record the shows and tin” is a little unnerving. the time to tell them that he wasn’t white kept them with me, instead of I know TV is TV, but the classics and actually was born black and had skin frantically searching the Internet should never die, especially since the world therapy to get his complexion lightened. trying to recover my youth. needs the wisdom of “Hermans Head” & Oddly enough they ignored me and stared It’s sad to believe that “Animaniacs” now more than ever. September 27, 2006 Views Rampage 13 Hey, bro, you a jerk, too? We at the FCC Rampage would like to thank Earth by Ana Zavala is, are boys jerks forever or do they Talk/The Environmental Magazine for their contribu- Rampage reporter grow out of it? Growing up, I was a con- I posed this same ques- tion. If you have any questions regarding Earth Talk stant boy defender on the “all boys tion to a good friend of mine who articles, please contact them directly. are jerks” subject. “They’re not all is 30 years old. His all-too-honest jerks” I’d say, “you just need to response was nauseating. keep looking.” “I don’t know,” he said, A few years and a couple “I’m still one.” of bad relationships later, I too Girls, how much more EARTH TALK have found myself repeating the truthful of an answer do we From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine infamous quote. need? It seems that “cool” soci- But can we really label ety has driven all the nice boys out the male gender as a whole, when and brought forth what we’re stuck not all are at fault? with now. So what’s a girl to do? I’m not sure, but it seems You have a couple of options. that for every girl there are at least 1. Date as many boys as two jerks. Now, unless all jerks possible, hoping to find the “right have been recycled numerous one”(maybe not) times (an unlikely possibility), we 2. Wait it out, maybe the can deduce that, even if all boys guy you like will out-grow his jerk aren’t jerks, most of them are. self (12 months- forever) Helpful hints to all jerks 3. Make all guys you date trying to change their ways…don’t sign an “I’m not a jerk…for reals” be a jerk! form and have it notarized (conse- If in doubt; if it isn’t how quences unknown) you would want your mother, 4. Date the least attractive sister, or potential daughter to be guy and teach him the un-jerk like treated, DON’T do it!! ropes (don’t be shallow!) My own definition of a 5. Become their friend, then JERK: **Guy who dates you to do date them. you, dates you until he does you, Regardless of the silly op- and/or dates you and acts like he tions, the important question here doesn’t care about you** Pro: Be proud to serve continued from P. 11 exemption, disabled veteran busi- plates), and California veterans ness enterprise opportunities and a Photo Courtesey of Getty Images cemetery (all expenses burial paid variety of others. Still one of the most impor- at no costs to veterans) are only a Dear EarthTalk: I know small amount of the many things the tant things you can get from the military has to offer. military that you might not be able to that global warming for North Americans in the ing the spread of the disease **Disabled veterans license get anywhere else, is the knowledge causes extreme weather summer of 1999, when 62 via animal-to-human and hu- plates, Veterans in California civil that you’ve achieved something that and melts glaciers and cases of West Nile virus man-to-human contact. were reported in and around service examination, Farm and many never have and will never causes sea level rises. achieve. Serving your country is defi- New York City. Dr. Dickson A Congressionally- home loans, Employment and un- But how does it increase employment insurance assistance, nitely something to be proud of. Plus Despommier, a Columbia mandated assessment of Business license, tax and fee waiver, you get to wear a really cute outfit! the spread of disease? University public health pro- climate change and health College tuition fee waivers for **Facts were derived from -- Curran Clark, Seattle, WA fessor, reports that West Nile conducted in 2001 predicted veterans’ dependents, property tax www.military.com** Virus is spread by one spe- that global warming will Climate change accel- cies of mosquito that prefers cause or increased incidenc- erates the spread of disease to prey on birds, but which es of malaria, dengue fever, primarily because warmer will resort to biting humans yellow fever, encephalitis global temperatures en- when its normal avian targets and respiratory diseases Con: Is the warand democracy over? with an M16 and continued from P. 11 large the geographic range have fled urban areas during throughout the world in com- a pistol in hand. in which disease-carrying heat waves. ing decades. The assessment the same government that said the So, before you believe all war was over two years ago, yet animals, insects and mi- also concluded that insect- the propaganda and media hype, croorganisms--as well as “By reproductive im- and rodent-borne diseases we’re still in Iraq putting many take time to evaluate your life and American lives at risk. It’s sad the germs and viruses they perative, the mosquitoes are would become more preva- make your own decision about carry--can survive. Analysts forced to feed on humans, lent throughout the U.S. and irony that we’re attempting when what’s right for you. In the end, the you attempt to bring about peace believe that, as a result of and that’s what triggered Europe. only person that matters is you. global temperature rises, the 1999 epidemic,” De- diseases that were previously spommier says. “Higher The news isn’t good limited only to tropical areas temperatures also trigger for less developed parts of may show up increasingly increased mosquito biting the world either. Researchers in other, previously cooler frequency. The first big rains have found that more than areas. after the drought created new two-thirds of waterborne breeding sites.” He adds disease outbreaks (such as For example, mosqui- that a similar pattern has cholera) follow major pre- toes carrying dengue fever been recognized in other cipitation events, which are used to dwell at elevations recent West Nile outbreaks already increasing due to no higher than 3,300 feet, in Israel, South Africa and global warming. but because of warmer tem- Romania. peratures they have recently CONTACTS: Natural been detected at 7,200 feet Bird flu is another ex- Resources Defense Council in Colombia’s Andes Moun- ample of a disease that is Consequences of Global tains. And biologists have likely to spread more quickly Warming, www.nrdc.org/ found malaria-carrying mos- as the Earth warms up, but globalWarming/fcons.asp. quitoes at higher-than-usual for a different reason: A elevations in Indonesia in United Nations study found GOT AN ENVIRON- just the last few years. These that global warming--in con- MENTAL QUESTION? changes happen not because cert with excessive develop- Send it to: EarthTalk, c/ of the kinds of extreme heat ment--is contributing to an o E/The Environmental we’ve experienced in recent increased loss of wetlands Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, months, but occur even with around the world. This trend Westport, CT 06881; submit Fresno City College minuscule increases in aver- is already forcing disease- it at: www.emagazine.com/ age temperature. carrying migrating birds, earthtalk/thisweek/, or e- who ordinarily seek out mail: earthtalk@emagazine. But extreme heat can wetlands as stopping points, com. Read past columns at: Bookstore also be a factor, and the to instead land on animal www.emagazine.com/earth- nexus of global warming farms where they mingle talk/archives.php. and disease really hit home with domestic poultry, risk- Reviews 14 September 27, 2006 Mastodon a roaring, Graphic novel ‘Persepolis’ angry metal force

by Efren Marquez for the band. In the last few years, a depiction of Islamic Iran Mastodon has drawn comparisons Rampage reporter to legendary bands like Metallica, This band could not have Black Sabbath and Rush and the new release does earn some of by Johanna Tanori would revel in the full color world childhood where she grew up in a more fitting name. Mastodon those comparisons. Rampage reporter for at least twenty minutes. That’s Iran during the time of the Shah: an sounds exactly as their name a long time for a kid. Until I hit ten, extreme fundamentalist group that implies: a roaring, pummeling, Wasting no time, the band opens “Blood Mountain” at full when I developed what you could ran the country for many years. In angry beast that can ravage mosh pits and who also stomped across speed with a wild opening drum Graphic novels are truly the call a more sophisticated literary this story Satrapi does an amaz- solo by insanely talented drummer snobs of comic books. Some are taste. So I put down the Family ing job of depicting the everyday Pre-Historic Earth. The similarities are there Brann Dailor on the opening track actually pretty serious, some are Circus without a second thought. experiences of an eight-year-old if you choose to look: the Wooly “The Wolf is Loose.” It’s a solid sarcastically dry, and others serve So long Billy, PJ and Barfy! girl confused by the oppressive American Mastodon roamed the and heavy song that is also high- as the only outlet of communica- It wasn’t until recently that government. land for millions of years. The lighted by the playing of guitarists tion for creepy 20 some-things I reverted back to my old ways, Coming from a family band Mastodon has been touring Brent Hinds and Brandon Kelliher. who cant relate to people without and this time I have Marjan Satrapi where her parents were both lib- and playing in America for 6 years The first track isn’t the only one a storyboard. I used to hate comics. throwing me head first into the eral professors, Marjan was con- which makes them nearly ancient that shows just how innovative Actually I should say I used to love “born again comic feign” category. sistently pressed to question the in the music world. these guitarists are. “Circle of Cys- them. Reading the Sunday morn- “Persepolis: The story of a child- rules of the restrictive community The American Mastodon quatch” picks up and improves on what Metallica left behind in the ing funnies is just a part of every hood” is Satrapies first graphic around her. As Satrapi grew up was an enormous beast that used its immense strength to break huge 1990s while “Bladecatcher” spins nerdy kid’s weekend routine. I novel. An autobiography of her her days in primary school were off into a hallucination of swirling littered with awkwardly funny branches off ancient trees in order to eat hard-to-reach leaves. The guitar sounds and textures earning encounters between her fellow band Mastodon is an enormously the Rush comparisons. Another classmates and the conservative heavy beast that uses its immense notable track is the driving “Hand school nuns. Satrapi clarifies the musical strength to break down of Stone” which will probably social aspect of Persian culture by doors in order to reach hard to find cause massive headaches for fans giving the reader a child’s innocent success and fans in the notoriously who love to headbang. perspective on the world, while fickle metal world. Another thing about Mast- also offering up endearing mo- In trying to find success the odon is that they rock. Simply ments between her and her mother band hasn’t failed. This year alone put, the band rocks like those now lumped into the classic rock genre. where she attempts to explain the saw the Atlanta-based metal band playing a high profile metal tour They are careful to maintain a delicacies of religion, the myster- Rock and Roll streak in their music ies of the veil, and the divine desire that featured thrash legends Slayer and new metal kings Lamb of God. while improving on metal band to become a war martyr. With the release of the new album techniques. It’s a steady balance of Marjan not only depicts “Blood Mountain” available out on styles that works to satisfy metal her personal blunders but she also Relapse Records, there is a good fans without alienating new fans gives us stories from soldiers af- chance that things will get better just getting into them. fected by the war in Iran. Starting from the beginning of the country’s history and then dipping into cur- rent times, Satrapi craftily relates humanity to her everyday experi- ences and uses Persepolis to act as a satirical guidebook, giving the reader some much needed comic relief considering the country’s current state. I found this graphic novel to be a dashingly quick read. Yet in reality it was just like a funny history class where all the slides reminded me of School House Rock. Persepolis was equally sar- castic and sentimental: a task never easily accomplished. I recommend that you read this book and see how it’s done. Heck, you might randomhouse.com

even learn something. www.mastodonrocks.com

Timberlake takes place as next “King of Pop”

by Brian Noonan track released and has since taken will be the second single. The the overall image of the album. ilera’s new album, Back to Basics, Rampage reporter dance floors across the nation by song is essentially a contemporary Other tracks of note in- which is largely jazz inspired. storm. The song is an excellent love ballad, and blends well with clude “Chop Me Up” and “Damn The song takes a different feel representation of Justin’s trans- Girl”. Oscar-winning rap group from the rest of the album, but formation from teen pop sensa- Three Six Mafia is featured on appropriately so, adding a more tion to intrepid pioneer. the Timbaland produced “Chop eclectic tone. Crooning listeners with a There is simply noth- Me Up”. The lyrics are flirta- The innovative musical sultry fusion of groove-era funk ing else out there quite like it. tious in nature, with Justin and structure and creative talent that and contemporary dance melo- The track combines breakneck Three Six trying their best to went into this production make dies, Justin Timberlake’s Future- dance beats with the now fa- win the heart, and body, of a girl this CD an excellent purchase. Sex/LoveSounds is a masterstroke mous catch phrase “I’m bringin who has them “screwed up.” It has a very eclectic feel to it, of musical ingenuity. With two sexy back,” to create a much Following suit in FS/ making it marketable to almost hot singles already getting major needed detour from an influx of LS’s sexually charged line-up, all types of music listeners. radio play, FS/LS should further the materialistic rants consum- Damn Girl is a throwback of If you haven’t already cement Timberlake’s fast-rising ing hip hop inspired songs. sorts to traditional jazz-funk bought it, stop what you’re doing reputation as the next “King of “My Love”, a sublime roots. now and hit up the local music Pop.” concoction of chic studio pro- Listening to the track shack to get your hands on an “Sexy Back” was the first duction and passionate lyrics, brings to mind Christina Agu- instant classic. September 27, 2006 Reviews Rampage 15 Good cast, intentions ‘Namesake’ a in ‘All the King’s Men’ classic coming- of-age novel by Maylin Tu have worked in the book just Clearly, when it comes to Rampage reporter aren’t believable on the big story, this guy knows his stuff. screen. If anything, the film So what went wrong? simply confirms the adage Perhaps the director got that power tends to corrupt too close to the material. If good intentions were and absolute power corrupts All criticism aside, kudos cockroaches, “All the King’s absolutely. to the director for attempt- Men” would need an extermina- Writer/director Steven ing a star-studded movie that tor, and quick! Zaillian, Fresno born (but not relies on story above all else Based on Robert Penn bred), is best known for writing and kudos for venturing into Warren’s Pulitzer Prize winning the screenplay for “Schindler’s melodramatic territory with a novel, the film chronicles the List”. He also wrote such well- straight face. rise and fall of Willie Stark, an known films as “Gangs of New So, Steve (can I call you ambitious, man-of-the-people York”, “The Interpreter”, and Steve?), you have brought good Louisiana politician played by “Clear and Present Danger”. things to Fresno (and the rest of Sean Penn. As a director, he made the world). Boasting an impressive “Searching for Bobby Fischer”, Your film reminds us, cast—try Sean Penn, Jude Law, which made the game of chess in stark contrast, of all the Anthony Hopkins, Kate Wins- scintillating, and “A Civil Ac- wonderful things you’ve done let, and Mark Ruffalo—“All the tion”, which made John Tra- in the past. You may have King’s Men” fails to deliver the volta look very, very good, and screwed up this time, but we dramatic goods. corrupt corporations look very, forgive you. Story elements that might very bad. Just don’t do it again.

by Chelsea Bieker American sound, Nick. Rampage reporter With his new name, and new -found confidence, we embark on his adult life. We follow Nikhil Jhumpa Lahiri, already through series of awkward teen having a Pulitzer Prize under moments, his first high school her belt for her story collection, party, and his life mission to break Interpreter of Maladies, takes on away from the Bengali customs. a brazen look into the lives of a I didn’t expect to relate to traditional Indian family in her this novel, but I found that through debut novel, The Namesake. This Lahiri’s writing, she can make you finely tuned novel takes us up close feel anything she wants. She really and personal into the customs and is that good. Each sentence is con- ways of life through two genera- structed in a way that accurately tions of the Ganguli family. paints a picture in the mind of the The first half of the novel reader. There were times when focuses on the lives of Ashima and reading this novel I found it impos- sible to put down. Gogol, or Nick, movies.yahoo.com Ashoke Ganguli, who were part Sean Penn plays Louisiana politician Willie Stark in Sony Pictures’ “All the King’s Men.” of an arranged marriage in Cal- takes us down a winding path of cutta . When they decide to move love affairs, and struggle. By the to the United States , they settle end of the book I felt as though I in Cambridge , Massachusetts . knew him on a personal level. The Rampage When their first son is born, they I read a lot of books, and face a predicament. His name. In it isn’t that often that one comes the Indian culture a child is born along with such strength. I truly with a “good” name, to be used couldn’t believe this was Lahiri’s for school and business, and a pet first novel, for she writes with name, to be used by family and wisdom far beyond her years. friends. The Ganguli’s are wait- After reading this book, I decided ing for a letter from India from to read her short story, Interpreter the grandparents that will hold of Maladies. Once again she cap- the child’s true name. When that tivates the reader with the beauty letter does not arrive, the newborn of human nature. Her writings do is given the name Gogol, after his not revolve around a vast amount father’s favorite author. of action, but they make you so As Gogol grows older he involved in the characters lives, resents the name that was be- you are left yearning for more. stowed to him. He feels a true lack If you choose to read one of identity, and above all shame. In novel this year, make it this one. America few kids walked around It is a classic coming of age with such an interesting name. portrait, and is sure to tear at the Gogol desperately wants to fit heartstrings a little. It is extremely in with everyone else. In a fit of cliché to say that it made me laugh, desperation he legally changes and it made me cry, but that’s ex- his name to Nikhil, or for a more actly what it did.

We’re there when s#@t Rampage correction happens Carly Hubbel wrote the “‘Crank’ will crank you up” review in our last issue, not Chelsea Bieker. Whoops. 16 Rampage Reviews September 27, 2006

‘Last Kiss’ not quite ‘Garden State’ character isn’t someone you would to hysterical and irate the next. thinking of leaving the theater in by Carly Hubbell (almost 30)-year old man who recently found out his girlfriend naturally like because of his cheat- Bilson took a step in her first any kind of feel-good mood. Rampage reporter of three years is pregnant. ing and deception, but at the same film since the OC and plays Kim While “The Last Kiss” is no While he at most times time you feel pity for the guy and perfectly, using the vulnerable but “Garden State”, it still has the same What’s forgivable in love keeps his composure around her, wonder to yourself, can you really carefree attitude only the young components of characters you love and what’s not? When can you he is terrified of what lies ahead of blame him? can attain. to analyze and a soundtrack that be selfless and when can you be a him and isn’t sure if Jenna (played Michael has no doubt he The movie also follows is compelling in every scene. The horrible jerk? by Jacinda Barrett) is all he wants loves Jenna, but he also has no the lives of Michael’s three best movie is an emotional train-wreck Questions like these arise for the rest of his life. doubt he desires the time spent friends who have entire problems of events but it’s one of those in “The Last Kiss”, the latest film At a wedding, Michael with Kim. A huge wake-up call of their own as well. One is a com- things that you love watching, starring Zach Braff, about a con- meets a cute, young college girl comes in the form of a screaming mitment-phobe who loves sex but mostly just because you’re happy fused man and those in his life who named Kim (Rachel Bilson). She girlfriend and a sad, needy college not what follows, one is thinking that you’re not him. are struggling around him. approaches him and decides that student. about leaving his wife and son, This may not be a movie The movie illustrates re- he is who she wants, and invites Jacinda Barrett, who was and one is desperately trying to you would want to see with your lationships at their hardest, and him to meet her one day on her actually originally a Real World get over his ex-girlfriend while significant other, since I’m sure it how everyone, young or old, goes college campus. cast member in the mid-nineties, at the same time tending to his won’t make you happy about any through a crisis at some point, but What happens next is both steals all the scenes she’s in. She ailing father. kind of relationship, but see it if its getting through it that defines intoxicating but heartbreaking. can turn on her emotions at the This movie can put you in a you really want to see acting at its your life. His actions are driven by his con- flick of a switch, going from calm depressed state and probably isn’t finest and a storyline that sticks Braff plays Michael, a 29- fusion and panic about his life. His and understanding one second one you would want to see if you’re with you well after the credits.

‘Gridiron Gang’ a typical feel-good sports movie Weathers immediately runs into by David Witte trouble with a rival gang member, Kelvin Rampage reporter Owens (David V. Thomas), who plays for the defense. When I saw the previews for “Grid- The rivalry is put on hold when, af- iron Gang”, it looked like another one of ter only a few weeks of practice, the team those sappy sports movies where a group of faces off against one of the best teams in rejects comes together to beat the odds. the state. And it was, but I’m a sucker for that On the first offensive drive, the team kind of movie. learns that its quarterback, Leon Hayes In the vein of “Friday Night Lights”, (Mo), has never thrown a pass in a game, “the Mighty Ducks”, and any number of contrary to his earlier bragging. sports movies, Gridiron Gang follows a group After a 38-0 loss, the team goes about of rejects in the form of juvenile delinquents trying to become an actual team. at an L.A. County detention center. Yorker does a great job playing the Sean Porter (The Rock) is a counselor kid who’s conflicted about trying to get out at Kilpatrick Detention Center, who laments of the gangster lifestyle. At times he wants that 80% of the kids who are released from out, but when things go wrong, he goes right the center will either die or return to jail. back to his old ways. Porter presents an idea to his superi- A young Brandon Smith, however, ors: create a football team. It will give the steals the show as Bug Wendal, the ex- kids something to do besides the gang life. tremely cocky water boy. At one point, With the help of his trusty assistant Malcolm Wendal writes home, saying the team won Moore (Xzibit), Porter goes about putting seven games in a row because he scored his team together. about 60 touchdowns. Enter Willie Weathers (Jade Yorker), So if you like your movies with

sonypictures.com who is sent to the detention center after seemingly impossible obstacles bested, and shooting his step-father in a family dispute. Willie Weathers (Jade Yorker) delivers the important speech at halftime of the biggest swelling music during tear-jerking inspira- Porter tags him as his unwilling running game of the season. tional speeches, then this is the movie for back. you. If not, then, uh... too bad.