Volume 78, Issue 10 | www.elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, November 25, 2020
ELAC awarded Champion of Higher Learning BY MELVIN BUI Staff Writer The Associates Degree for Transfer program at East Los Angeles College has been recognized for its large increase of students transferred from California Community Colleges. It was awarded 2020 Champion of Higher Learning by The Campaign for College Opportunity. The award is given to colleges that exemplify exceptional dedication toward their students' academic endeavors. ELAC has helped hundreds of students successfully transfer to California State Universities and Universities of California in the past four years. The California Master Plan for Education was an initiative passed in the 1960s to help students pursue higher education. However it was not effective,
according to former governor of California Gray Davis. TCCO started as an initiative to reprioritize higher education in California, since the Master Plan for Higher Education was not helping students progress through community college. TCCO President Michele Siqueiros said California by design sends most of their college students directly to community college, over two-thirds of students start in community college. “We need to make sure more of them succeed. After two years we only see 4% of them transfer, and this is really unacceptable,” Siqueiros said. Former California Senator Alex Padilla authored the legislation for Senate Bill 1440, commonly known as ADT to help increase the number of community college students transferring to four-year institutions in September 2010. This is the 10-year anniversary of ADT legislation being passed. There have
been over 280,000 ADT awarded in the past decade, according to TCCO. “There is a strong relationship in ELAC awarding more Associate Degrees for Transfer and the increase in our yearly transfer numbers, specifically when looking at our CSU transfers. “The vision of the Degree with a Guarantee is to remove transferbarriers and align major curriculum between the CA Community College System and the 23 Cal State(Universities). “These ADT degrees help to standardize the major requirements into a single road map, making it easier for students to understand what courses are required when applying to various CSU campuses,” Transfer Center Director and Counselor Kirby Dominguez said. ADT assures acceptance to CSUs and allows students to obtain a bachelor’s degree quicker than usual, since half of their units were completed in community college. It also allows transfer students
“There is a strong relationship in ELAC awarding more Associate Degrees for Transfer and increase in our yearly transfer numbers, specifically when looking at our CSU transfer.”
KIRBY DOMINGUEZ
Transfer Center Director and Counselor
to focus on their upper division courses without having to worry about general education courses. “It’s a community and within that community, professors and other faculty members push students to transfer. “They often share personal stories or successes of other students, and then students envision themselves moving forward to four-year universities. So, it's safe to say that the transfer students are excited to transfer,” said Transfer Center Employee Bianca Izzo. Former Husky Albert Meija obtained an AA-T in anthropology during spring 2020. He took an untraditional route and didn't talk to counselors for transfer advice, however the ADT academic plan that was available online helped give him class recommendations. Meija applied to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona as an archaeology major and was accepted in fall 2020.
He said information on the required courses was easy to find online and made the overall transfer process easier. Dominguez said ELAC is an amazing campus, and that this recognition helps validate what is being done to make it a better place. “Students need to know that when we say ‘Start at ELAC, Go Anywhere’ we mean it,” he said. The Transfer Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Counselor appointments are open for booking on Friday at 8 a.m. To book an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/3kUogRy. ELAC currently offers 31 ADT degrees. Students can graduate with an AA-T, AS-T or certificates from a wide range of disciplines. For more information visit https://bit. ly/372pWDw.
DRC panel focuses immigration petitions
List narrowed for president
BY ANNETTE QUIJADA Staff Writer
BY JUAN CALVILLO Staff Writer
The President Search and Interview Committee narrowed down the list to five finalists, with a final decision expected Dec. 16. Los Angeles C o m m u n i t y C o l lege District Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez said that the finalists will be introduced during a webinar Dec. 4. Rodriguez said in a statement the candidates include Dr. Juan Avalos, Dr. Cynthia Azari, Dr. Robert Frost, Dr. Alberto Roman and Dr. Chris Villa. The finalists will be interviewed by Rodriguez during the week of Dec. 7. The statement said the LACCD Board of Trustees is expected to make their decision on the president.
The Dream Resource Center teamed up with the Central American Resource Center to discuss family based immigration petitions. This panel focused on giving insight regarding essential information to family members or spouses, who must know if they are looking into immigration petitions. The panel was led by DRC Coordinator Elizandro Umaña, alongside a few others of the DRC staff. Umaña introduced Managing Attorney Julie Mitchell, who’s provided legal services for 15 years at CARECEN in Los Angeles to help the immigrant community. Mitchell’s currently overseeing immigration services at 16 colleges and universities, which includes ELAC. In Mitchell’s presentation, she explained family based immigration petitions, which are for a family member to be able to receive a green card or citizenship. It’s important to note that these petitions don’t guarantee that the family member will obtain legal status, Mitchell says. “People that can file petitions are citizens and green card holders. Citizens can petition their parents, spouse, siblings, children under 21, and children over 21.
green card then they’re looking at a 3-5 year wait to apply for citizenship,” she said. Although the process seems pretty simple, Mitchell believes that the biggest obstacle is the amount of time the process actually takes. “Most petitions are submitted, and then waiting a few years and in cases of really long categorizes 20-25 years. It’s a terrible and very slow system. Family based immigration laws is a series of laws that they come up with through the years that build on top of each other that don’t really interact well with each other. And they prevent a lot of people from moving forward with their cases,” Mitchell said. Mitchell said that it’s important for people to consult with an attorney instead of taking cases on their own because having a family member petition for them is not enough. The process comes with many challenges and new requirements appear all the time. Those who have any questions regarding personal cases revolving around immigration can schedule an appointment at https://carecenla.simplybook.me
Green card holders can petition spouses and their children.” She also said that the petitioner citizen must be over 21 years of age, another vital part of petitions is the process. Mitchell said that the process depends on 3 things: the petitioners status (resident or citizen), the relationship of the petitioner and family member and what country the applicant is from. She suggests that those waiting take a look at Visa bulletins. She said, “A Visa bulletin comes over every month and it basically lets people know where in the line they’re at with their family petition.” It’ll give those waiting a time frame in which they should expect to hear something back about their applications. These bulletins can be found on travel.state.gov. Mitchell then moves on to talking about what to expect once a petition is put into the system. “(The petitioner) must prove that they themselves either have a green card or are a citizen. And that they have a qualifying relationship with the family member. (Once accepted) the next part is using the petition for residency.The vast majority have to go abroad to complete the residency process. Part three is the interview of the family member to go through all of their eligibility. After assuming they were able to get their residency
Local Judge voices for day of tolerance BY STEVEN ADAMO Staff Writer Superior Court of Los Angeles Judge Lucy Armendariz spoke virtually Monday for International Day for Tolerance, emphasizing the importance of education and mentors. Armendariz was invited to speak by Chicano Studies Professor Felipe Agredano and Political Science Professor Kenneth Chaiprasert, who hosted the event on Zoom. At an early age, Armendariz’ mother was sentenced to life in prison, which put her in the foster
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care system, moving from houseto-house frequently. She said she remembers being terrified and everything being chaotic. She received stable housing at the age of 18, which provided the stability that facilitated her pursuit of a college education. Armendariz said that she knew if she wanted to survive, she had to go to college. Armendariz shared her experiences growing up in Boyle Heights, from foster care, University California, Los Angeles graduate, to superior court judge. “We are all dealt a deck of cards at birth,” Armendariz said. “Some of us draw a crappy hand… no
Friendsgiving
matter what hand you’re dealt, everyone has the capacity for greatness.” As an alum, she volunteers at Roosevelt High School Law and Service Magnet in their Teen Court Program. “This program offers opportunities for first-time juvenile offenders to be heard by a jury of their peers,” Armendariz said. While at UCLA, Armendariz joined organizations like La Raza and dedicated her career to public service, motivated by her experiences as a foster child and a long history of involvement in her community. “We need more lawyers. We need more judges. We need more legal
EOPS, CARE and NEXT-UP are hosting a virtual Friendsgiving Nov. 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Zoom ID is 996 8667 6684. Password is: 057740
“This program offers opportunitues for firsttime juvenile ofenders to be heard by a jury of their peers.” LUCY ARMENDARIZ
Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles
advocates who will be there to be the guardians of our community,” said ELAC professor Kenneth Chaiprasert, coordinator of the
Transfer Workshop
Transfer Center will have a virtual computer lab where you can work on your UC/CSU transfer application. You can Zoom on Nov. 25 and 30 from noon to 7 p.m. To register visit tinyurl.com/ ZoomTransferSupport
Pathway to Law School Program. Armendariz mentors students at the Pathway to Law School Program at ELAC. She believes strongly in students to make use of resources provided to them. Now, with her signature big hair, hoop earrings and red lipstick — she wants others in the courtroom to know that Latinos can be successful too. “As you are climbing up the ladder of success, do not forget to look down and lend your hand to those climbing up with you,” Armndariz said. Contributing to this story were: Josie Beltran, Natalie Sanchez, Jesus Zesati
Town Hall Meeting
LUCY ARMENDARIZ
Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles
Co-hosted by ASU President Yuxuan Bai and Interim President of ELAC Dr. Alberto J. Roman. Students can ask questions and express concerns on Dec. 3 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Opinion
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020
Cameras should be turned on for online classes BY LEONARDO CERVANTES Staff Writer The ruling on synchronous class came down and they vary depending on college. I think students should comply and have their cameras on for synchronous online classes. Some students are unable to have their camera on whether it be because of financial or personal reasons. But they can let the instructor know about it. They can sort out the problem and come to an understanding. Having cameras on can simulate the in-classroom feeling. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the usual in-person classes were forced to shift to online learning. Students were forced to socially distance so the only way to attend classes was remotely. For students that are not the most tech-savvy, it could have been an uncomfortable transition. With much repetition even students that aren’t the best with technology have managed to access their online classes. If students keep their cameras on it can better simulate the in-class feeling. Students are used to interacting and socializing
with one another in classrooms and having the cameras on help with that familiar feeling. Having your camera on enhances the interactions between students and professors. With the cameras on faculty can easily take attendance and see who is paying attention and hold them accountable, and not dozing off as one would be able to if the camera were turned off. One of the biggest issues faculty members have with requiring a camera on rule is equity issues. Some students feel like it is an invasion of their space as well as displaying their living conditions. This can highlight equity gaps between students and making them uncomfortable with having their cameras on. A student’s home is where they are protected and having the camera on might impact that and feel like an invasion of privacy. Students using their webcam make the class feel like an in-person environment. It is the closest students can get to interact with their classmates. Many students were used to interacting with their classmates. So if every student has their webcam on it makes them feel like they
are back in a classroom. It helps simulate in-person instruction as well as a familiar feeling for faculty and students. If some students feel odd about the camera being on there is an alternative with Zoom that allows you to change your background. This way the camera will only be focused on you and your virtual background and not on your actual background. This increases your privacy and does not showcase anything going on in your home besides the student in front of the camera. Marc LeForestier is the General Counselor of California Community C o l l e g e s . “D i s t r i c t s should adopt policies strictly limiting or prohibiting faculty from instituting cameras-on requirements in order to protect against violations of student privacy, balance academic freedom, and ensure compliance with FERPA, California’s student privacy law, and federal disability laws and their state analogs,” LeForestier said. Students should be strongly advised by faculty to have their
camera-on that way it can resemble the same feeling as attending in-classroom. For students that are unable to afford the technology needed, or have personal issues like not having their own room or privacy they can talk with their
instructor. It can be a reasonable conversation that should lead to an understanding. For students that do not have any issues, they should have cameras on to help faculty by feeling a sense of normalcy and interaction.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Juan Cavillo MANAGING EDITOR Luis Castilla FRONT EDITORS Melvin Bui Erica Cortes OPINION EDITOR Daniella Molina NEWS EDITOR Jonathan Bermudez FEATURE EDITOR Erica Cortes ARTS EDITOR Cassidy Reyna SPORTS EDITORS Melvin Bui Jonathan Bermudez
CN/ ZASHA HAYES
Music platform Bandcamp helps out artists Staff Writer
Music platform Bandcamp is once again lending a hand to artists during the COVID-19 pandemic with the launch of their new interactive ticketed live-streaming feature. B andc amp announce d l ast Tuesday the launch of Bandcamp Live. The new feature allows artists to set up a ticketed live stream. Artists can set ticket prices and sell merch during the live-stream. There is also an optional streamside chat where fans can talk to each other. Artists can choose to record their concerts. The recording of the show will be available for fans after the show, but this may take an hour or more. Once the live-stream is over, the window will be open for an additional 60 minutes for fans to chat with artists and buy merch, just like at a real concert. Bandcamp is also waiving their 10% ticket fee until March 31. When an artist schedules a livestream, that artist’s Bandcamp followers will be notified through the Bandcamp app. Throughout the pandemic,
Bandcamp has championed artist compensation with their monthly “Bandcamp Fridays,” wherein the platform waives its fees and 100% of money from purchases goes directly into artists’ pockets. When the pandemic began, live music was among the first things to be cancelled and will likely be one the last things to come back. Artists who relied on touring money were left basically jobless. St r ug g les bre e d cre at iv it y, however. Many artists turned to live-streamed concerts through Instagram, Facebook and Twitch, but those platforms were not designed for live concerts and do not offer as many opportunities for artists to make money. Artists on Bandcamp already have a following and merchandise to sell. Bandcamp Live ties it all up in a nice bow with a concert where everything is available at once. Bandcamp Live simulates the concert-going experience. You pay for your ticket, you watch the show and maybe buy some merch and meet some cool people while you’re there. Going to a concert is a unique experience and Bandcamp Live is keeping the essence of that intact while giving artists a way to make
STAFF WRITERS Sonny Tapia Raymond Nava Melisa Valenzuela Leonardo Cervantes Annette Quijada Stephanie Sical Brenda De La Cruz Christopher Reynoso PHOTOGRAPHER Diego Linares CN/ DANIELLA MOLINA
BY LUIS CASTILLA
COPY EDITORS Melody Ortiz Ivan Cazares Diego Linares
money in a time when it is much needed. Aaron Brotman, guitarist of the Los Angeles based band The Haunts, said he thinks this launch is a step in the right direction. “Bands like us really make most of our profits through touring and selling merch at shows. At our level, you really can’t count on revenue from the streaming numbers of
platforms like Spotify,” Brotman said. “ Throughout this whole q u a r a nt i n e , B a n d c a mp h a s definitely been the most artistfriendly platform with their Bandcamp Fridays once a month.” The Haunts have held some live concerts over Instagram and Twitch during the pandemic. “They’re not our favorite, but
live-stream shows are still going to be the norm for a while, so we’re definitely looking into how we can make our live-streams better for everyone involved,” Brotman said. Even with a vaccine on the way, it will still be a very long time before concerts are back as they used to be. Bandcamp Live is a necessity for both artists and fans of music alike.
Some people may need the Covid-19 holiday BY MELODY ORTIZ Staff Writer
It is no secret that college students living away from their families may feel pressured to make holiday visits, but with the restrictions and risks Covid-19 has given the perfect excuse to skip the trip this year. T h a n k sg iv i ng, C h r i s t m a s , H a n u k k a h a n d a n y f a m i l ygathering holidays bring stress to most people, especially college students. Students can use quarantine and the stricter restrictions to take a step back and reevaluate their priorities. This is the perfect year for students struggling with money, time, school and their mental health to take some time for themselves and celebrate the holidays more intimately. This could be a good time to try to reflect on what people are truly grateful for this Thanksgiving. This is the time to try out recipes without the pressure of messing it up. Make dinner for one or two without the duty of cleaning a thousand dishes. This is a time for people to not worry about dressing in a way that makes them look thinner so
their aunt doesn’t notice all the quarantine weight they’ve put on. A time to enjoy one’s singleness with close friends or roommates instead of being bombarded with questions about their relationships (or lack of). This year is the year of new
traditions. This holiday season should be no different. Keep the traditions that were loved, lose ones that were stressful and make more to test out. As for the Christmas season, which is an even more tiring one, students can save more than just stress.
They won’t have to worry about buying as many gifts this year, or any at all. For those who just love the feeling of giving gifts, try doing a secret santa with friends, sending packages instead of meeting up at a party. If someone is feeling
CN/ DANIELLA MOLINA
www.ELACCampusNews.com
a little more adventurous, they can participate in Imgur’s secret santa event. Imgur is an image sharing website/app. Participants must sign up with their Imgur accou nt. They will receive a match (someone else who signed up) on Dec. 1 and have until Ch r ist mas to send their gif t. Anyone interested can visit imgur. com/secretsanta. To reiterate something people need to hear every year, it is not all about the presents. Watch holiday-favorite movies, decorate in a more personal and unique way. Don’t wor r y about what or n a me nt s p e ople t h i n k a r e appropriate. Choose what Christmas really means. Is it a religious holiday? Is it a feel-good holiday? Is it a necessary holiday? It is up to each person to answer these questions and fit the holidays into their lives accordingly. Those who have jobs may not feel secure enough to ask for time off to travel, as it is already hard to get a job during these times. Students can use some of that money that’s being saved to treat themselves for the holiday. If any family member complains about not getting a gift from them, that should be an easy sign on where they stand.
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Arts 3 Artist speaks to students about her journey in art EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020
BY DANIELLA MOLINA Staff Writer Ceramic artist Natalia Arbelaez spoke to students of the ELAC Art Department during an artist lecture via Zoom. The Colubian-American artist spoke of the propounding motivation that inspired her concepts of art and about who inspired the work she does. Arbelaez creates pieces that tell the stories of her parents' immigration struggles and the historical details of her almostforgotten heritage. Arbelaez was born and raised in Miami, Florida. However, when she was about 2 years old, her mother decided that they would move back to Colombia, Medellin for a few years. Upon their return to the states, when Arbelaez was four years old, she remembers learning English and forgetting Spanish within a month. She was quickly losing touch with her Columbian roots and culture. The reality of the issue was brought to light even more when they moved from Connecticut back to Miami when she was 10 years old.
She can recall struggling to understand Spanish and having small flashbacks of her life in Columbia. It was about this time when her quest of wonder of her pre-Columbian history began. Arbelaez received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida International University and a Master of Arts degree from Ohio State University.
Most of Arbelaez’s work is based on human figurines. Including a mold of her own head that she transformed into several ceramics heads to form an outstanding masterpiece. While she was there, she began researching social issues such as women's suffrage and Latin history. She began to unknowingly document her parent's life story through pieces of clay. She produced intriguing
figurines that she contributes to her memories of Saturday morning cartoons and her perspective of things. She was mushing together what she knew with parts of herself that she thought had forgotten. Arbelaez said “With creating work, I could fill that loss and I have been able to reconnect with my heritage. My work serves as a bridge to research my history and culture while aiming to preserve. I look to the history of Latin American and the Amerindian people; I work with how these identities are lost through conquest, migration, and time, gained through family, culture, exploration, and passed down through tradition and genetic memory.” “I use these influences to contribute to a contemporary dialogue while simultaneously continuing the work of my ancestors. There has been so much loss and stigma of these communities that it is important to me that my work celebrates and honors them,” said Arbelaez. Most of Arbelaez’s work is based on human figurines. Including a mold of her own head that she transformed into several ceramics heads to form an outstanding masterpiece.
COURTESY OF NATALIA ARBELAEZ
FIGURES--- Artist Natalia Arbelaez uses the history of her culture to create her sculptures. One of her first pieces was a small pregnant figurine, which represents her mother's journey while pregnant with Arbelaez. Another notable piece was one of her father. A small man lying lifeless on an island represented when her father was left to die in the
Bahamas. He was on a journey to America with a man who had promised to get him to the United States, but was instead left stranded at sea. Fortunately, he survived, made it back to Columbia and was able to tell Arbelaez his story. In 2016 Arbelaez was awarded
the Inaugural Fellowship that funded a residency to the Watershed Center for the Ceramics Arts. Her pieces have been placed in national exhibits, in several galleries, art museums, and also included in various collections.
‘Animaniacs’ is back, ready to bring joy BY BRENDA DE LA CRUZ Staff Writer The 2020 remake of “Animaniacs” on Hulu floods its older fans with nostalgia and laughter, while bringing witty and modern comedic lines to its newer viewers. It focuses on three sibling cartoons who live on the Warner Brothers filming lot. Their every -day activities include getting into trouble while annoying the WB’s security guard and psychiatrist. Along with the trio, the show also gives viewers another 90’s cartoon classic, “The Pinky and the Brain.” The two lab rats in this section of the show often concoct plans to take over the world and spend their time running into barriers in hilarious situations. Many other characters from the original make their appearance as well, but viewers will need to continue watching the new series for them. The last time “Animaniacs” was on the air was in 1998. After 5 years, it was put to rest, but not before bringing laughs to many children after school. The first episode of the 2020 reboot begins with a quick introduction of the siblings, along with a brief explanation of how long it has been since they were last seen. This description in the opening
scene is spoken by a cartoon depiction of Steven Spielberg, who is one of the executive producers of the show. The opening credits hold onto the original theme song and beat, but decided to add proper pronouns in it in an attempt to be politically correct with today’s audience.
Watching the new reboot feels sort of like reading a history book combined with an episode of “Family Matters,” except all in one cartoon episode.
Along with being politically correct, the writers ensure to add in all events that took place in the last 22 years since the show last aired, sort of like catching up the trio on current events. The animation, when compared to the original has, as expected, improved. The characters and backgrounds look brighter and clearer as compared to the original. The show also uses the original actors for the voices of the trio trouble-maker cartoons. Tress MacNeille reprises her role as Dot, Jess Harnell returns
as Wakko, and Yakko is played once again by Rob Paulsen. What seems to stand out the most with this reboot is how up to date the writers make sure to be. There are several Trump jokes in the series, as well as many nods to how progressive society has become in terms of having female bosses and leaders. Music and singing fill most episodes, with funny lyrics and valuable lessons about being a good human being. Watching the new reboot feels sort of like reading a history book combined with an episode of “Family Matters,” except all in one cartoon episode. The messages are always something valuable, yet pitched in a hilarious manner. Puns and wise-cracks are made with today’s society as the butt of the joke. Whether you agree with the jokes or not, the parody-filled show will have you laughing one way or another. Nothing is spared with the Warner siblings, including gun rights, millennials or even Russia. Viewers will feel the warmth as the show taps into many childhood memories , while also managing to match society's current sense of humor. The cartoon is rated TV-Y7 for viewers ages 7 and up and season one can be watched on Hulu.
COURTESY OF HULU
THREE MUSKATEERS— The Warner brothers and sister Dot (left), Yakko and Wakko return after a 22 year hiatus, and no one is spared.
COURTESY OF NETFLIX
ALIEN TAKE OVER—Holly’s mother Noelle(left) and Holly decorating their Christmas tree with X the Klept in hand.
‘Alien Xmas’ takes over Netflix, new hoilday films BY CASSIDY REYNA Staff Writer Although the holidays aren’t as joyous due to COVID-19, and it seems as though everything is canceled, holiday movies are still in full swing. Netflix’s “Alien Xmas” is very reminiscent of typical holiday movies, however, fills the void of missing holiday cheer. The film is quite short, but not too long either, in a 42-minute time-frame. The plot revolves around the alien species the Klepts, which have always known that they are to steal. E v ery p l a n e t t h e y h a v e inhabited, they have stolen everything and left the planet dead. The film centers around one alien in specific named X, he is the smallest, but sneakiest of the Klepts. The leader of the Kelpts, Z, discovers Earth and decides that it will be the next planet to inhabit. In order for them to do so, a Klept must volunteer to go to Earth and implant a device to take over the planet. Once X lands in the North Pole, he becomes fascinated with everything around him and runs into a young elf named Holly and her family. Once they meet, X’s mission changes.
The film is very cutesy and can please any viewer of any age. Although the targeted audiences are younger children, older audiences can enjoy it just as much. It is also very hilarious that the aliens are called the Klepts, as it is more than likely a shortened version of the word kleptomaniac.
It is also very hilarious that the aliens are called the Klepts, as it is more than likely a shortened version of the word kleptomaniac. What makes the film so great is that it takes inspiration from Christmas movies and stories viewers know and love. Viewers will recognize the style that the film took when it came to character creation as it’s very reminiscent of the modern claymation of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Not only that, but the Klepts ethos is very similar to that of the Grinch. Although different circumstances, the Klepts base themselves on stealing. Whereas the Grinch steals Christmas due
to his hate for the holiday itself. Viewers can see that some elements from the film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” come into play as well. Once X is at the North Pole, he becomes fascinated with the idea of Christmas, similar to Jack Skellington and his ideals of stealing Christmas. Another aspect of the film that is hilarious, but very informative, is the representation of the Klepts taking from a planet and leaving it dead. It sends a message to audiences showing that humans are currently doing that to Earth as well. However, once Earth is uninhabitable there is nowhere to go. This message might get across to children quickly along with teaching children not to steal and to appreciate friends and family. Especially during these current times, it is especially hard to appreciate what society has to offer. In ways, that is what makes the film special. Although it could have used a little more originality when it came to the plot, the story is still sweet and heart-warming. “Alien Xmas” is definitely a cute modern film to watch with the at-home family this holiday season. Despite the COVID-19 virus interrupting this holiday season, this film can bring the family together for the night. www.ELACCampusNews.com
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Arts
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020
Pikmin 3 Deluxe gives players taste of nostalgia BY RAYMOND NAVA Staff Writer
“Pikmin 3 Deluxe” for the Nintendo Switch is a near-perfect port of the 2013 game for Wii U except for some minor flaws here and there. Released on Oct. 30, “Pikmin 3 Deluxe” adds plenty of new modes and features that were not in the original release. These include all new difficulties, new side stories and for the first time in the Pikmin series, split screen co-op play for the main story. “Pikmin 3 Deluxe” follows Alph, Brittney and Charlie, three explorers from the planet Koppai, who travel to Earth in order to find food after exhausting their home world’s resources. The team ends up getting stranded on Earth and comes across small ant-like creatures called Pikmin. Throughout the game, players use Pikmin to collect many types of fruit and other types of resources for the Pikmin to use to build bridges and platforms. Players can play the game using pointer controls similar to the Wii U’s motion controls, or play in
handheld mode similar to playing the game on the Wii U gamepad. One of the biggest additions to “Pikmin 3 Deluxe” is the new split screen co-op for the main campaign. For the first time, two people are able to play through the main story as opposed to multiplayer only being an option for side modes, like in “Pikmin 2” and the Wii U version of 3. While it is a nice addition, it’s puzzling that co-op is limited to local split screen play with no ability for online co-op. Given there is currently a pandemic and social distancing is being encouraged, it’s unfortunate that Nintendo would leave out the ability to play co-op online. New side-story missions have been added to “Deluxe,” which follow Captain Olimar and Louie, the protagonists from the previous games. These are nice little side missions that contain a small story in the form of the mission mode. While it would have been nicer if the missions were bigger instead of being confined to the timed mission mode format, it’s still nice for fans of the previous installments to play as the characters from those games. These additions add value to the game. One thing that is frustrating about
“Deluxe” is the control scheme for handheld mode. In the original release for Wii U, players had the option of playing the game on the Wii U gamepad instead of on the TV, similar to the Switch’s handheld mode. The button layout of the gamepad is nearly identical to the Switch, which should have allowed the handheld mode controls to be the same. Unfortunately, some controls are different. Instead of having different buttons to switch between captains, dismiss Pikmin and use potions, “Deluxe” groups all of these actions into a menu brought up by pressing the Y button and using the analog stick to select an option. While the change doesn’t affect the overall gameplay in a big way, it’s a little frustrating that “Deluxe” doesn’t just use the same control layout as the Wii U gamepad. “Pikmin 3 Deluxe” is a great game that is the definitive version of “Pikmin 3.” The extra content that’s been added is enough to entice owners of the Wii U version to buy “Deluxe.” It’s a great way to introduce the series to a new generation of gamers which hopefully spells good signs for the series’ future. “Pikmin 3 Deluxe” is a definite must buy.
COURTESY OF NINTENDO
OUT AND ABOUT—Alph and his army of assorted Pikmin transverse through the uncharted planet in search of food.
Netlix’s ‘Crown’ puts an end to royal rumors BY STEPHANIE SICAL Staff Writer
COURTESY OF KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD
King Gizzard, Lizard Wizard explores new unanticipated sound BY LUIS CASTILLA Staff Writer Australian band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard add a new quarantine- themed chapter to its prolific catalog with its new album “K.G.” A t t h i s p o i n t , i t ’s a l m o s t impossible to call King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard a rock band. It has covered so many musical bases and genres, it’s difficult to pin down its sound. “K.G.” sees the band dive back into microtonal tuning and odd time signatures, which are not common in Western music, making for a blend of Middle Eastern styles and psychedelic themes. This is not the first time the band has experimented with microtones. “K.G.” is the long awaited “Explorations Into Microtonal Tuning Vol. 2.” The band first used microtonal tuning on their 2017 album “Flying Microtonal Banana” for which they modified their instruments to play the notes between notes, www.ELACCampusNews.com
or microtones. This album was also known as “Explorations Into Microtonal Tuning Vol. 1.” “K.G.” builds on the foundation “Flying Microtonal Banana” lay down. The band seems to have a better understanding of the possibilities microtones provide and use them freely on this album. “K.G.” opens with the minuteand-a-half instrumental “K.G.L.W.,” which also introduces the listener to the microtonal aspect of the album. Much of the album delves into the complicated and mixed emotions that come up while in quarantine, from damning governmental incompetence on “Minimum Brain Size,” to the hopelessness of trying to stop the COVID-19 pandemic on “Straws in The Wind” and “Some Of Us.” “Intrasport” has to be the most unexpected and pleasantly surprising track on this album, even by the standards of a band as musically diverse as King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Described as a “‘’90s Turkish house banger” by the band, “Intrasport” is funky and electronic with vocals akin to those of Britnery
Spears. It is by far the most fun track on “K.G.” “Honey,” one of the singles released prior to the album, is still a standout. This sweet acoustic track began its life back when the band began working on “Flying Microtonal Banana,” Stu Mackenzie, the band’s frontman said in an interview with Julian Martlew of KEXP. “Honey” is also complimented by the rest of the album, flowing nicely with its dynamic sound. “K.G.” turns a heavy corner after ”Honey,” ending with a face-melter in “The Hungry Wolf Of Fate.” This sludge metal track closes “K.G.” with a Black Sabbath-esque wave of noise and is among the heaviest tracks the band has ever released. This album was created mostly remotely as the pandemic prohibited the band from recording together. Much of the album was recorded using iPhones as well. The band also released a live album, “Live In San Francisco ‘16,” on the same day as “K.G.” Both releases are available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music and for purchase via the band’s website.
The Crown is built to defy classification. However, the new season feels even fresher than the previous one due to the so awaited appearance of Emma Corrin starring as Princess Diana and her marriage with Josh O’Connor starring as Prince Charles, one of the most disastrous royal marriages in history. Season four of “The Crown” was released on Nov. 15 on Netflix. This season takes the popular series from the late 1970s up to 1990 and through political and personal turbulence for the royals as well. Diana’s loneliness and struggles with bulimia, royal affairs, assassinations and a divided nation carry the series into modern times. Creator Peter Morgan and his writers remain impressive in their ability to condense national events into dramatically compelling crises of the week and flesh out real life personages through just a few scenes This season of The Crown, even more so than the previous ones, is all about the repercussions of the repressive system that powers the royal family. Olivia Colman starring as Queen Elizabeth II, remains steadfast as the head of
state and of the Windsor family, but also demonstrates that she’s learned very little when it comes to matters of the heart. Toward the end of the 1970s, Prince Charles, heir to the British throne was in search of a wife. Lady Diana Spencer was just the young woman for the job, or so the royal family believed. Diana was thrust into the spotlight at just 19 years old, her incredibly complex entry into royal life plays out over the course of the season.
The fourth season, in all its shameless glory, may be its most successful yet, even as it puts prestigious perception to bed.
Emma Corrin has received good criticism for taking the huge challenge of impersonating such an icon loved and cherished by so many. The resemblance is astonishing and quite appealing to the eye. Her role in this season is not a condescending portrayal, and it doesn’t turn Diana into a victim or a perpetrator. She’s just a mess, and she has joined a mess of a family. What makes this season riveting is the contrast between The Queen
and Thatcher, the powerful women knowing exactly what they want from this world and Lady Diana, the young girl struggling to fit in to the most famous family in the world, on to the other. The money is still very much on the screen. The lavish costumes, the opulent sets, the exquisite cinematography, but what stands even further is the smashing performances by the main cast and supporting actors. like Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne and Princess Margaret, played by Helena Bonham Carter the Queen’s younger sister and only sibling. This season of The Crown will see her as a lonely objector to Charles and Diana’s wedding. Now Olivia Colman remains pitch perfect as The Queen who for the most part remains a distant, dignified character among all the tumult around her. For four seasons now, Peter Morgan has written a remarkably addictive, stealthily silly royal soap opera. The Crown has successfully sold itself as one of Television’s most serious dramas. The fourth season, in all its shameless glory, may be its most successful yet, even as it puts prestigious perception to bed. It had more popularity by the audience and it shows how eager fans were to see the Princess Diana storyline.
COURTESY OF IMDB
REAL EYES REALIZE REAL LIES—Prince Charles and his new love, Princess Diana play a big part in this season plot.