The best places in the area for your coffee fix
Swine flu paranoia out of proportion
Learn Japanese at lavozdeanza. com
FEATURES | P 6
OPINION | P 11
PODCASTS
LA VOZ WEEKLY The Voice of De Anza College | May 11, 2009 | Vol. 42, Issue 24
Smokers stray out of bounds
Education community split over budget propositions
Joy Mann LA VOZ NEWS
The De Anza College police have received reports of people smoking cigarettes in smokefree areas on campus, but cannot cite policy violators by law. De Anza student Christina Leiwes said that she often sees smokers in the smoke-free area by the Child Development Center. “I’m pregnant and my four-year-old son has asthma,” said Leiwes. “The smoke is going over the fence and into the children’s playground. It’s not fair to the kids.” Health Educator Mary-Jo Lomax said that the college is aware of students violating the non-smoking policy. CONTINUED PAGE 5, SMOKING
Students save on textbooks Dakarai Mills LA VOZ NEWS
Since its launch in fall 2008, De Anza College Bookstore’s textbook rental program has succeeded in renting out 11 of of the 12 textbooks currently available. The program was conceived as a means of offsetting rising textbook prices. By renting textbooks from the bookstore, instead of buying them, students can save as much as $300 per quarter. “The students love it. They are definitely taking advantage of the program,” said textbook coordinator Steve Mallet. CONTINUED PAGE 3, TEXTBOOKS
SOURCE: http://smartvoter.org
Glendale Calmerin and Joyce Sim LA VOZ NEWS
The California education community is divided over two measures in the upcoming statewide election, one of which would allocate $93 billion to K-12 schools and community colleges. Proposition 1A, one of the six propositions on the May 19 ballot, proposes a change in California’s budget process by increasing the
state’s “rainy day” reserve fund (Budget Stabilization Fund) and limiting state spending. It will allow the governor and the legislature authority to increase taxes with no checks and balances. The proposition aims to close the $41 billion gap between California’s revenues and spending. If passed, the reserve fund could increase from 5 to 12 percent of the state’s general fund. Proposition 1A is linked to Proposition 1B, which would pay K-12 schools and community colleges the money previously cut from educa-
tion. However, this will only take effect if both Proposition 1A and 1B are passed. Proposition 1B would fund $9.3 billion to K-12 schools and community colleges, beginning 2011-2012, using money from Proposition 1A’s proposed reserve fund increase. Approximately 1.5 percent of state revenue ($1.5 billion) will be paid to schools each year until the figure reaches $9.3 billion. CONTINUED PAGE 5, ELECTION
Paper towels eliminated to save money, environment Ed Pereira LA VOZ NEWS
Paper towels have been removed from campus bathrooms due to budget constraints. De Anza spends $1,000 a week on paper towels, and $12,000 a month on paper products for the campus, according to College Services Director Donna JonesDulin. The college is also short of four custodial positions. Shortly after their removal, paper towels made a resurgence in campus bathrooms last week, to the confusion of students. “Folks were concerned about the swine flu and did not want to touch the dryer button, so we are temporarily restocking all paper towel dispensers again,” said Jones-Dulin.
Custodial Services Manager Manny Da Silva said it was determined that “the blowers were not that efficient, so we are restocking again.” According to Jones-Dulin, paper towels will be removed from bathrooms again once the swine flu scare has passed. “The plan will be to completely switch to hand dryers in the future,” she said. Jones-Dulin said that paper towels were taken away partly in order to encourage students to use the hand dryers. “They are already there and students need to use them,” she said. “They are much more environmentally friendly than paper towels.” Not all De Anza bathrooms have hand dryers. Those without dryers will continue to be stocked with paper towels.
There are no immediate plans to add hand dryers to unequipped bathrooms. However, the college’s goal is to eventually have motion-enabled dryers in bathrooms for hygienic purposes, said JonesDulin. Da Silva said that restrooms were noticeabily cleaner during the period that paper towels were not available. “Maybe people saw it being cleaner when they walked in so they were hesitant to throw anything on the ground,” he said. Da Silva said that students go through copious amounts of paper. “The ATC bathrooms alone use five cases a week, each case containing six rolls.” LV Ed Pereira is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: edpereira@ lavozdeanza.com.
BELLA YASHAYEV / LA VOZ
An anonymous donor brought paper towels into the women’s bathroom by Parking Lot B.
PAGE 2
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
CAMPUS EVENTS Tuesday, May 12 MEET THE DASB SENATE CANDIDATES Tuesday, MAY 12, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., main quad The LEAD Political Action Committee is organizing a “Meet the Candidates” event for the De Anza Associated Student Body Senate Elections. For information contact PACstudents@gmail.com.
Wednesday, May 13 THEATER OF THE OPPRESSED WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m., campus ctr, FIreside rm. All members of the De Anza community are invited to attend a performance of Hector Aristizabe and the Theater of the Oppressed, as part of Latina/o Heritage Events. For information contact Marc Coronado at 408-864-8409 or coronado.marc@gmail.com.
POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., WRC ATC 309 The third annual Poetry Writing Week Workshop is open to all students and will include writing exercises, drinks, snacks, muses, rhyming dictionaries and perhaps prizes.
GUEST LECTURER: MICHAEL YANG WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 6 - 8 p.m., at 120 The Photography Department invites the De Anza community to a free guest lecture featuring San Francisco photographer Michael Yang. Learn more about him in the “Photographers in Focus” video at: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AarJdh7ZwCE. For information contact Diane Pierce at piercediane@deanza.edu or 408-864-8804.
Thursday, May 14 SPRING JOB FAIR THURSDAY, MAY 14, 10 A.M. - 2 p.m., campus ctr. rms A&B Approximately 30 local employers will be available to meet with students. Students should bring several copies of their resumes. For information call Cindy Lister at 408-864-5711.
THEATER OF THE OPPRESSED THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m., campus ctr, FIreside rm. All members of the De Anza community are invited to attend a performance of Hector Aristizabe and the Theater of the Oppressed, as part of Latina/o Heritage Events. For information contact Marc Coronado at 408-864-8409 or coronado.marc@gmail.com.
POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP: UNLEASH YOUR INNER POET THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., WRC ATC 309 The third annual Poetry Writing Week Workshop is open to all students and will include writing exercises, drinks, snacks, muses, rhyming dictionaries and perhaps prizes.
Friday, May 15 DEADLINE FOR NAME IN GRAD PROGRAM FRIDAY, MAY 15 Students must turn in their petition to graduate this spring by May 15 in order for their name to appear in the 2009 graduation program announcement. Students can petition to graduate up through June 26, but their names won’t be in the program. For information go to http://www.deanza.edu/graduation.
PATNOE JAZZ FESTIVAL CONCERT FRIDAY, MAY 15, 7:30 - 10 p.m., VPA THEATER 115 The Herb Patnoe Memorial Jazz Festival takes place each spring, featuring a nationally-known jazz artist performing with De Anza College instrumental and vocal jazz groups. Cost is $15 for general admission, $12 for students/seniors. For information go to http:// www.deanzadaddios.org or contact tylersteve@fhda. edu or hawkinsmichelle@fhda.edu.
CAMPUS CAMP WELLSTONE FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 15-16 Campus Camp Wellstone is a new training program for students across the country interested in gaining skills in leadership, political action and civic engagement. Two units of college credit are offered. For information call the Institute of Community and Civic Engagement at 408-864-8349.
Saturday, May 16 NEW STUDENT, PARENT OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, MAY 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., SCSB and STAFF LOT A High school students and their parents are invited to an open house with music, refreshments and activities including on-site application, Counseling 100 registration, information table visits, program area tours and breakout sessions. For information contact Rob Mieso at 408-864-8835.
PENINSULA SYMPHONY SATURDAY, MAY 16, 8 p.m., Flint center The Symphony features Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” with San Francisco opera stars Nikki Einfeld, soprano, J. Raymond Meyers, tenor, and Eugene Brancoveanu, baritone. Also featured are the San Jose Symphonic Choir and the Ragazzi Boys Chorus. Admission is $34 for general, $29 for students 0-18 and seniors 65+. Tickets available at Tickemaster.
Sunday, May 17 duel at de anza autocross sunday, May 17, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., parking lots a & B Auto drivers compete for the best times around the track, navigating a race course with their own cars. Free for spectators, drivers pay to register. For information contact 408-864-8527 or brandtmichael@deanza.edu.
Monday, May 18 library west computer lab grand reopening & renaming MONDAY, May 18, 1:30 - 3:30 P.M., Library West computer lab The Open Media Lab reopening as the Library West Computer Lab with new equipment. The lab
has 90 new dual-boot Macintosh computers and 10 Dell PC’s, all with the full Microsoft Office Suite and fast Internet connections. Also available in the lab are document scanners, color and b&w printers. Available for 72-hour checkout are a Panasonic mini DV PVGS85 video camera and a Kodak Easyshare C663 still camera, along with Distance Learning Center video tapes and DVDs. The Library West Computer Lab is located in the northwest corner of the lower level of the Learning Center West and is the only fully open lab on campus. Any registered De Anza student with a DASB card is welcome to use a computer, although there is a cost for printing. Apple representatives will be on hand during this event to answer questions.
Free CHAIR MASSAGE MONDAY, May 18, 4 - 5:15 P.m., MAIN QUAD The spring chair massage class will be giving free 15-minute chair massages on a first-come, first served basis. For information contact tuckdeborah@fhda.edu
Tuesday, May 19 PRESIDENT’S OPEN OFFICE HOUR TUESDAY, May 19, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., PRESIDENT’S OFFICE De Anza College President Brian Murphy will hold an open office hour in the Administration Building.
Saturday, May 23 - Monday, May 25 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Saturday, May 23 - Monday, May 25 De Anza College will be closed for Memorial Day.
Wednesday, May 27 SPEECH & DEBATE SHOWCASE Wednesday, May 27, 4:30 p.m., location tba The Speech and Debate Club will demonstrate their activities and participate in a debate for pubic viewing. All students interested in speech and debate are invited to attend.
Thursday, May 28 author anthony bourdain to speak thursday, May 28, 7:30 p.m., flint center Anthony Bourdain, the veteran culinary and cultural adventurer who exploded onto the scene with his internationally best-selling book, “Kitchen Confidential,” will speak. Tickets available at Ticketmaster for $50 and $125.
Friday, May 29 last day to drop with ‘W’ Friday, May 29 This is the last day for students to drop classes with a “W.” After this date, students are not allowed to drop spring quarter classes and will receive a letter grade.
Saturday, May 30 San Francisco Symphony Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m., Flint Center The San Francisco Symphony will present Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture and his Unfinished Symphony juxtaposed with Berg’s Three Pieces for Orchestra and his Seven Early Songs. Tickets range from $35 - 62 and are available from Ticketmaster.
Monday, June 1 Free CHAIR MASSAGE MONDAY, May 18, 4 - 5:15 P.m., MAIN QUAD The spring chair massage class will be giving free 15-minute chair massages on a first-come, first served basis. For information contact tuckdeborah@fhda.edu.
Tuesday, June 2 Chancellor search profile forum Tuesday, june 2, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., campus ctr. rm. A As the Foothill-De Anza Community College District prepares for a nationwide search for a new chancellor, please share your thoughts about the attributes, experience and skills needed for the District’s next leader. Feedback on the desired characteristics will be used to create a profile to will be used in the search. If you are unable to attend, e-mail your thoughts to chancellorprofile@fhd.edu.
Thursday, June 4 campus abroad - madrid meeting Thursday, june 4, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., atc 309 Meet to find out about the Campus Abroad program to Madrid, Spain during fall 2009. Scholarships are available. For more information see http://www. foothill.edu/programs/campusabroad/spain.html or contact Kathy Fransham at 650-949-7614 or franshamkathy@fhda.edu.
Friday, June 5 auto tech golf tournament friday, June 5, all day, sunol golf & country club The Auto Tech Department is sponsoring the annual Caracci Memorial Scholarship fund raiser golf tournament and dinner with raffle prizes to raise money for student scholarships. For information contact Dave Capitolo at 408-864-8312 or capitoldave@fhda.edu.
Saturday, June 6 De Anza Flea Market saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., parking lots A&B The De Anza College Flea Market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Entry is free; parking is $5. For information go to fleamarket@deanza.edu.
Tuesday, June 9 STUDENT ART SHOW RECEPTION TUESDAY, June 9, 5:30 - 7:30 p.M., Euphrat Museum The De Anza College Student Art Show invites the community to its reception. Awards will be presented
Happenings@LaVozDeAnza.com Send event notices to Happenings@LaVozDeAnza.com by noon Wednesday, preceding the publication week. Please type “Happenings” in the subject line. La Voz does not guarantee publication. All events take place on the De Anza College campus and are free, unless stated otherwise.
Wednesday, June 10 campus abroad - madrid meeting wednesday, june 10, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., atc 309 Meet to find out about the Campus Abroad program to Madrid, Spain during fall 2009. Scholarships are available. For more information see http://www. foothill.edu/programs/campusabroad/spain.html or contact Kathy Fransham at 650-949-7614 or franshamkathy@fhda.edu.
Free CHAIR MASSAGE Wednesday, JUNE 10, 4 - 5:15 P.m., MAIN QUAD The spring chair massage class will be giving free 15-minute chair massages on a first-come, first served basis. For information contact tuckdeborah@fhda.edu.
Thursday, June 11 student dance demonstration thursday, june 11, 7 - 9 p.m., VPAC theater De Anza students will give a dance performance. For information contact Warren Lucas at lucaswarren@ deanza.edu. .
MAY 11, 2009
Friday, June 12
Last day to add caos self-paced classes friday, june 12 The Computer and Office Systems Department offers self-paced classes which accept late enrollments up through June 12. For information, go to the computer lab in the ATC.
Dr. MARION WINTERS RETIREMENT PARTY friday, JUNE 12, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Main Patio & fireside rm
After more than 35 years of dedication to De Anza’s students, staff, faculty and the De Anza campus community, Dr. Marion Winters is retiring. Join the celebration.
student film/video show friday, june 12, 7:30 - 11 p.m., VPAC theater The Creative Arts Department will feature a De Anza student film and video show. Admission is $7. For information contact Zaki Lisha at lishazaki@deanza.edu or Tom Schott at schotttom@deanza.edu.
Sunday, June 14 latin jazz concert sunday, june 14, 7 p.m., VPAC Theater De Anza students will perform a Latin Jazz concert. Admission is $7 for general admission, $5 for students/seniors. For information contact Steve Tyler at tylersteve@fhda.edu.
Tuesday, June 16 PRESIDENT’S OPEN OFFICE HOUR
De Anza College President Brian Murphy will hold an open office hour from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. in the Administration Building on June 16.
Thursday, June 18 student piano recital thursday, june 18, noon - 2 p.m., vpac theater Professor Anna Poklewski’s students will perform at a free piano recital. For information contact poklewskianna@deanza.edu.
de anza daddios in concert thursday, june 18, 7:30 p.m., vpac theater The De Anza Daddios will perform. Admission is $10 general and $7 for students/seniors. For information contact Steve Tyler at tylersteve@fhda.edu.
Friday, June 19 de anza vocal flight in concert friday, june 19, 7:30 - 10 p.m., Vpac theater De Anza Vocal Flight will present a concert. Admission is $10 general, $5 students. For information contact Michelle Hawkins at hawkinsmichelle@fhda.edu.
Saturday, June 20 Wind ensemble in concert saturday, june 20, 7:30 p.m. John Russell and the Wind Ensemble will present a concert. Admission is $10 general, $5 students and seniors. For information contact John Russell at russelljohn@fhda.edu.
Wednesday, June 24 student literary journal launch party/celebration Wednesday, june 24, 6:15 - 8:15 p.m., WRC, ATC 309 The Red Wheelbarrow Student Literary Journal will host a launch party and celebration. Over $300 in prizes will be awarded for best student poems, stories and art.
Thursday, June 25 2009 reconocimiento thursday, JUNE 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., appreciation hall Please come celebrate as we honor De Anza’s transferring and graduating Latina/Latino students.
Friday, June 26 last day to file: spring degree/certificate Friday, june 26 This is the last day for students to file for a spring A.A. or A.S. degree or certificate. Please see the counseling office for information.
Saturday, June 27 2009 Graduation Saturday, june 27, 9 a.m., Outdoor events arena Student, parents and friends are invited to watch the 2009 De Anza graduation ceremony. Author Tamim Ansary will be the graduation speaker.
ANNOUNCEMENTS BUDGET UPDATE
Information about the district budget is available at http://business.fhda.edu/budget/budget_update. Information about the De Anza budget is at http://www. deanza.edu/budgetinfo/.
CAROLYN KEEN LITERATURE PRIZE
The Carolyn Keen Literature Prize grants awards to outstanding essays written on works of literature by De Anza College students. The prize is given every spring quarter to recognize Carolyn Keen, a founding member of the De Anza College English Department and Literature Studies. Students should submit two copies of their essay along with a one-page cover letter and contact information to Steve Howland’s mailbox by Friday, May 22. Prizes range from $100 to $300 and the winning essay will be published in Red Wheelbarrow, the De Anza literary magazine.
CELL PHONE DRIVE
The student cell phone drive will be held through May 29. Look for donation baskets throughout the campus.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OPENINGS
The Child Development Center is taking applications for the 2009-10 school year for children between the ages of 18 months to 5 years. Full-time, low-income students may be eligible for no-cost or low-cost child care. Interested students should contact Linda Koyama at 408-864-8891.
DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR SAN JOSE BALLET
De Anza students may purchase two tickets to any evening performance of the San Jose Ballet for $10 each. The balance of the up to $85 cost will be paid by an anonymous patron. To register for this program go to http://www.studentsjballet.org.
FOOD DONATION BARRELS
A De Anza College food drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank will be held through May 15. Look for donation barrels throughout the campus.
FREE COMPUTERS TO STUDENTS
De Anza provides refurbished computers to qualifying students throughout the year. To apply for a computer, contact the Financial Aid office.
LITERARY MAG CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Student writers, poets, artists and comickers are invited to submit their best poems, stories and artwork for a chance to win over $300 in prizes and publication in Red Wheelbarrow, the De Anza College literary magazine. For guidelines, go to http://www.deanza. edu/redwheelbarrow/. Submissions should be sent to weisnerken@fhda.edu by May 22.
OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
De Anza’s trip this year to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland will consist of six plays in five days, departing on Aug. 13. The $775 cost incudes all transportation from De Anza, a room at Southern Oregon University, breakfast and dinner each day, six theater tickets with premium seats, a backstage tour, an actor’s talk, pre-trip lectures, morning-after-play discussions and the cheerful company of 30 other theater lovers. For information go to http://faculty.deanza. fhda.edu/pesanojulie.
STUDENT ART SHOW
The Student Art Show at the Euphrat Museum of Art in the VPAC runs from May 21 through June 17. It features paintings, drawings, mixed-media works, photography, graphic design, sculpture and ceramics. The artworks reflect expertise in diverse media and varied interests and points of view.
SUMMER SESSION REGISTRATION
Continuing student registration will take place June 5-12; New and former student registration will take place June 15-28. The first day of summer session is June 29.
TRANSFER CENTER EVENTS
Appointments to meet with university and college representatives can be scheduled in person at the Transfer Center on the 2nd floor of the Student and Community Services Bldg., or by calling 408-864-8841. Upcoming college and university representative visits include: University of California, Berkeley Transfer Center drop-in advising Wednesday, May 13, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. University of California, Davis Transfer Center by appointment Every Monday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. University of California, Irvine Transfer Center by appointment Wednesday, May 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. University of California, Santa Cruz Transfer Center by appointment Tuesday, May 12, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. San Francisco State University Transfer Center, by appointment Thursday, May 21, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. San Jose State University Transfer Center, by appointment Wednesday, May 13, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. John F. Kennedy University Main Quad Information Table Tuesday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
MAY 11, 2009
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
P1 | Textbooks not returned
TEXTBOOKS | “You get the book for onethird of the price on a promise that you will return the book at the end of the quarter,” said bookstore director Jeri Montgomery. The most commonly rented textbooks are those for science and math courses. The program works well provided that there is a need, and instructors agree to use the books for a minimum of two years, said Montgomery. The De Anza Student Body Senate is currently gathering $8,000 in grants for the program. If the grant is approved, more textbooks are expected to be available for rent.
Mallett said they are currently negotiating to obtain a book for child development courses. In fall quarter, the bookstore had 16 textbooks that were not returned. The number increased to 60 in winter quarter. Montgomery said that there is a possibility of enmity from students who have defaulted on the program. “If you don’t return the book, you can no longer use the program,” she said. “But we’re more concerned about getting the books back; we might give the student a second chance.” Montgomery said the program does not re-
quire credit card deposits, as they do not want to fault the students who do not abuse the program for the few who do. However, if trends persist in books not being returned, more restrictions will be added in the upcoming school year. If a book is not returned, a hold will be placed on the student’s record. The books are property of the De Anza Bookstore, so should be returned in fair condition. LV Dakarai Mills is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: dakaraimills@ lavozdeanza.com.
Available for rent at De Anza Bookstore:
PAGE 3
Meeting Notes DASB Senate The De Anza College Associated Student Body Senate is the governing body for De Anza College students. It meets every Wednesday afternoon.
APRIL 29 MEETING RESIGNATION: Joyce Sim resigned from her position as Senator, effective May 4. ADMINISTRATION: The Senate approved the new secretarial code. Sharon Su is the new vice-chair of administration. BUDGET & FINANCE: The Budget & Finance Committee passed $165 for the budget books to present to the Board of Trustees.
Textbook
Rental price
Sales price (new)
Sales price (used)
“Computer Science”
$39.00
$115.00
$75.00
“Concise Business Law Custom”
$29.00
$84.45
$63.35
“Critical Thinking”
$31.00
$92.25
$69.20
COMPILED BY DAKARAI MILLS
“Fit & Well”
$15.00
$42.25
$31.70
“Essentials of Phys. Anthropology”
$26.00
$110.48
$52.38
Inter Club Council
“Humanity”
$22.00
$64.95
$48.75
“Intro to Chemistry”
$38.00
$132.30
$99.25
“Pre-Algebra”
$24.00
$65.30
$49.00
“Understanding Business”
$52.00
$153.90
$115.45
“World of Psychology”
$39.00
$115.60
$86.70
WEB SITE: Asection on the DASB Web site listing discounts available with a DASB card will be posted.
The Inter Club Council is the governing body which allocates funds to De Anza College’s more than 50 clubs. The ICC meets Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Council Chambers.
APRIL 29 MEETING
New and used sales prices from De Anza Bookstore. Other books available for rent include “Criminal Investigation” and “Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies.”
De Anza Voices: How much do you pay for textbooks each quarter? “$150, from Amazon and the bookstore.” Josh Deen Undeclared 19
“$90 at Aida’s.”
“$200, from the bookstore.”
Victoria Schofield Communications 21
Jo Ellen North 31 Business administration COMPILED BY JAMES CHEN/LA VOZ
Campus Snapshot
MUTUAL RESPECT GUIDELINES:
Guidelines were changed to prohibit discrimination due to class, generation, genetic features, languages or dialect, beliefs, personal philosophy, political opinion, membership of a national minority or majority, indigenous groups, birth, disability or preferences. ART DECO: Requested $1,000 for the cost of attending a “How to Design” workshop in Austin, Texas. CLUBS ON PROBATION: South Asians for Peace, De Anza Marketing and Communication, De Anza Club of Accounting and Finance, De Anza Fencing Club and the Habesha Student Association are on probation for missing Welcome Week and Club Day. COMPILED BY JAMES CHEN
Police Log INVESTIGATION Suspicious vehicle Location: Flint parking garage, 4th floor Tuesday, May 5 at 4:20 p.m. TRAFFIC INJURY Traffic accident - minor injury Location: Lot C Wednesday, May 6 at 7:10 a.m. HIT AND RUN Hit and run - property damage only Location: Lot B Wednesday, May 6 at 3:50 p.m. VANDALISM Vandalism Location: De Anza Auto Tech Wednesday, May 6 at 7:22 p.m. INVESTIGATION 911 hang up Thursday, May 7 at 9:55 a.m.
The magnetism of a Tesla Roadster electric sports car draws both students and faculty members.
JOYCE SIM / LA VOZ
THREAT Criminal threat - non-hate Thursday, May 7 at 3:27 p.m.
PAGE 4
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
MAY 11, 2009
CLASSIFIEDS
Ballet San Jose Thanks to a generous patron, Ballet San Jose can offer you, as a De Anza College undergraduate student, 2 tickets to any evening performance of our amazing ballets for only $10 each. The balance of the up to $85 costs of these seats will be paid by this anonymous patron. To register for this program go to www.studentsjballet.org Couple Looking To Adopt View our website or contact our Adoption Agency at 800 877-OPEN or visit www.debbieandchrisjuco.com Complete Meal $6.50: Togo’s For DeAnza students, Staff Members. Complete Meal = Regular 6” Sandwich + Bag of Chips + 20 oz. Fountain Drink. Show your ID at Togo’s. 21267 Stevens Creek. Valid until June/30/09 (408) 517-0475 Sports writers/photographers needed for online sports magazine (www.sjsportsreport.com) San Jose Sports Report covers all SJ sports including the Sharks, Stealth, Sabercats, Giants, and many more. We are looking for writers/photographers to freelance for our staff. This is an unpaid position but will look great for your portfolio. We currently need beat reporters for SJSU Athletics throughout the year. Press passes are provided. If interested please e-mail us your clips and tell us why you want to write for our magazine. All inquiries should be sent to reza@sjsportsreport.com
VISIT WWW.LAVOZDEANZA.COM AND CLICK ON CLASSIFIEDS TO SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED POSTING
MAY 11, 2009
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Exposing students to world culture, art, fashion
PAGE 5
Joyce Sim LA VOZ NEWS
The lights were dimmed, focusing the attention on the bright stage for Kung Fu and Karate performances and an international fashion show in Conference Rooms A and B during the International Festival on April 30. “It’s so awesome,” said Derek Teng, a third-year business major. “The Kung Fu was mind-blowing!” Throughout performances, club members and vendors staffed their displays to educate students about their cultural origins. The Japanese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese Sudent Associations, the Korean club and Latina/o Empowerment at De Anza came to celebrate diversity and form networks with other clubs. Students played with a variety of toys while others sampled traditional food from across the globe. “I am happy to see so many cultures at [De Anza],” said Satomi Yokoyama, a civil engineering major and festival co-organizer. “I love the diversity here.” The fashion show began midway through the event, and students in cultural clothing took the stage. Students wore traditional Japanese kimonos, indigenous Taiwanese garb, trendy Korean street attire, Chinese dynastic clothes and Mexican sports wear. “This event brings cultures together and help us understand each other while having fun,” said Doreen Chen, president of the Taiwanese Club, which sponsored the kung fu demonstration. “It is a wonderful and inexpensive way to experience different cultures instead of actually traveling to those countries,” said Gary Whitley, a retiree studying languages at De Anza. A Japanese travel agency from the International Association for Cultural Exchange handed out travel information and special deals for students during the event. “We come here every year,” said Kumiko Morito, a travel representative. With more than one thousand F-1 visa interPHOTOS (3) BY JOYCE SIM/ LA VOZ national students coming from countries all over the world, De Anza is known for celebrating cultural and TOP: Students dress in traditional clothes from across the globe at the ethnic diversity. International Festival on April 30. The idea for the International Festival came about in fall 2008. The April 30 event marked the beginning of what may an annual gathering where clubs and BOTTOM: Club members perform karate and kung fu demonstrations for students can experience campus diversity and world cultures at De Anza. LV
campus clubs during the International Festival.
RIGHT: A martial arts performer dazzles a crowd at the cultural event.
P1 | Divide over propositions
ELECTION | When the target has been met, the annual $1.5 billion will be deposited to the reserve fund to pay off California’s debts in government transportation projects and deficit spending. “Our schools need money soon, especially community colleges like De Anza,” said nursing major Camille Mendoza. “It is hard to enroll in classes because of the limited seats.” She believes the $9.3 billion that Proposition 1B would give schools will remedy the situation. Nicky Yuen, a political science instructor at De Anza College, warns that Proposition 1A will write into the state constitution a permanent cap on governmental spending, including spending in schools and social services. “This is yet another failed attempt to deal with our budget,” Yuen said. “It is like putting a Band-Aid on a heart attack. We need a transplant.” According to Yuen, Proposition 1A will only worsen Californa’s education problems. He said that the government should offer voters a solution that truly works and makes sense for the state. Josef Chen, a political science major, also opposes Proposition 1A. “This should not be in the poll at all,” he said. “This kind of budget spending should be left to non-partisan experts.” Political science instructor Robert Stockwell is undecided over the is-
sue. “We need money for education, but it is unclear what this will do to De Anza and other [community colleges],” he said. Preliminary polls are showing No in the lead, which Stockwell said is probably due to voters thinking it is an unrealistic solution to our budget crisis. “I don’t want this to be an avenue to fund education,” said political science major Patrick Ahrens. He fears that the proposition will take money from future taxpayers. Organizations that have endorsed Proposition 1A include the California Teachers Association, Association of California School Administrators and the Small School Districts Association. Foothill-De Anza Chancellor Martha Kanter, recently nominated as Under Secretary of Education for the United States, has recommended endorsement of Propositions 1A and 1B. The California Business for Education Excellence, taxpayer support groups, unions and the California Faculty Association oppose Proposition 1A. The California Republican Party recommends voting against Propositions 1A and 1B. The California Democratic Party has remained neutral on both measures. LV
Glendale Calmerin and Joyce Sim are staff reporters for La Voz Weekly. Contact them at: glendalecalmerin @lavozdeanza.com and joycesim@lavozdeanza.com
Joyce Sim is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: joycesim@lavozdeanza.com.
P1 | Smokers light up Lot D
SMOKING | “We are taking action,” she said. “We know we have a lack of enforcement and are having a meeting to see what we can do about this situation.” According to Lomax, the college cannot legally address the problem because the college has a non-smoking policy, not a non-smoking city ordinance banning smoking on campus. “It is a policy, not a law,” she said. The non-smoking policy changed three years ago. “It is not the police department’s responsibility, because it is not a law,” said Lomax. “We are going to increase our efforts.” Policy documentation states that the district’s non-smoking policy “relies on the consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers.” “It is up to faculty, staff and students to self regulate smoking, along with the police department to inform smokers where they are allowed to smoke,” said Foothill-De Anza Chief of Police Ron Levine. According to Levine, smokers who violate the college’s policy first receive a warning, then a referral to the Office of Student Affairs for possible discipline proceedings. Leiwes said that she has witnessed several cases of students smoking in Parking Lot D, near the Child Development Center. “I park [there] because it’s supposed to be restricted to non-smokers,” she said. Levine said that the police department does not patrol specifically for smoking violations. “The district’s smoking policy does not allow us to issue a criminal citation for smoking,” he said. De Anza’s policy states that smoking is prohibited on campus. Students may smoke in Student Lots A, B and C (except the Stelling parking structure), Staff Lots A and J, the north section of Parking Lot E, and the top floor of the Flint Center parking structure. “The Board of Trustees cannot enact an ordinance that allows us to cite violators,” said Levine. “Cities can enact a law, but the college district cannot.” LV Joy Mann is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: joymann@lavozdeanza.com.
DANIEL GAMBERG/ LA VOZ
A concrete ashtray sits under a smokefree sign near the walkway connecting Parking Lot D to the Child Development Center and the Kirsch Center parking lot. Smoking in Lot D is prohibited to protect children from smoke.
REVIEWS
PAGE 6
MAY 11, 2009 LAVOZDEANZA.COM
Monsieur Bean
REVIEWS
Barefoot Coffee Roast-
1383 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA 95125 Lucie Ashley LA VOZ NEWS
My ďŹ rst stop on my coffee adventure landed me at Monsieur Bean in Willow Glen. I happen to frequent this little coffee shop regularly, but I deďŹ nitely do not come just for the coffee. As soon as I walked in, I heard the smooth tones of classic jazz and espresso machines. The place has a communal feel, featuring a bulletin board overowing with business cards and announcements, local artwork displaying on the walls, and people lounging around making conversation. Monsieur Bean has a somewhat eclectic feeling about it, as its coffee is full of avor from all over. The seating area includes an assortment of hand-painted chairs, a games table, a PAC man arcade game, and couches that are almost too comfy. This place is not just a place to get coffee, but also a gathering place for the young and old alike. After milling around and taking in my surroundings, I walked up to the barista and asked her for a couple of fun and interesting drink ideas. She came up with the Zebra mocha and the Mexican mocha, both of which I
5237 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95051 Adam Hanes
gave my approval. The Zebra mocha, which costs $3.40 for a medium, is a white and dark chocolate mix of deliciously sweet goodness. I found the Zebra a polar opposite to the Mexican mocha. The Mexican mocha is a crazy blend of sweet and spicy; it is blended with chocolate and cayenne pepper. This was my ďŹ rst encounter with a spicy beverage, and it certainly left me contemplating whether or not I absolutely loved it.You truly get three kicks for the price of one, as the drink is sweet, spicy, and caffeinated (thankfully!). All in all, this coffee shop is a pretty happening place that roasts its own coffee, holds regular events (such as open mic nights), and is always hustling and bustling with new and interesting people. Monsieur Bean regular Marcus Grunwald sums it up well: “It’s unique, and it’s deďŹ nitely not like other chain places.â€?
LA VOZ NEWS
And so I begin my day of trying the best coffee shops of Stevens Creek. As all coffee adventures start, I awoke at the crack of noon to make my ďŹ rst stop at quite possibly the ďŹ nest coffee establishment I have been to. There is an atmosphere about this place that exudes friendliness. I know that is what every business strives for, but this place has perfected it. You can tell the employees are all good friends, not just co-workers. They chat nonchalantly about the Asobi Seksu concert they had seen the night before while still awlessly preparing every drink to order. Now that is synergy. The decor is offbeat yet amusing; every chair is different, and the artwork is eye-catching and intriguing. Which is always a plus, because I do not enjoy staring at a blank wall or advertisement while enjoying my coffee. The music is varied, but mainly of the indie genre, my music of choice. It is insanely gratifying to recognize nearly every song that plays, from Sufjan Stevens to The Decemberists. All right, enough about decor and mood. Let’s get to what we all came for, the coffee. Plain and simple: get the cappuccino. This is the cashier-described â€œďŹ‚ag-
Lucie Ashley is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: lucieashley@lavozdeanza.com
Roy’s Station LA VOZ NEWS
I entered Roy’s Station in Japantown just before 8 a.m. The place wasn’t hopping, but it was certainly awake and lively. The employees laughed and had fun as “Good Morning Americaâ€? played on the at screen to the left. Roy’s is a themed coffee shop modeled after the gas station that was originally on the property. I groggily asked the barista what their most popular/best drink was. She promptly rang me up for their signature mocha, and I plopped down at a table. To my pleasant surprise, my mocha was brought to my table and had been poured into a ceramic cup with a drawing on the caramelized cream surface! It turns out Roy’s really does have a reason to brag, because their mochas seem to be the perfect blend of chocolate and coffee, and is my favorite mocha so far. As I sat, I couldn’t help but feel right at home as I shared a table with a student doing homework, watched “Good Morning America,â€? and discussed it with the friendly baristas behind the counter.
Adam Hanes LA VOZ NEWS
When I ordered my drinks from Barefoot Coffee Roasters, I asked for “one small coffee, and, in your opinion, the best drink you make.â€? So I ďŹ gured it only fair to order the same thing from each place I try. Immediately upon walking into the Roasted Coffee Bean, I get a sense of reďŹ nement. Classical music and shelves upon shelves of handmade mugs, jewelry and other local crafts make a very sophisticated ďŹ rst impression. But upon further inspection I ďŹ nd that the plastic outdoor chairs and tables being used as furniture, along with the odd barrel-table, take away from the desired ambiance considerably. After ordering a coffee and the perfectly polite barista’s favorite drink, I receive a paper cup and vanilla latte. I pick the french roast from the four different coffees available. It is disappointingly watery but still decent. The latte is sickeningly sweet. Well, sickeningly sweet for my bitter tastes, but if you’re one to add sugar and cream to your coffee, than it is more than acceptable. One point of interest: there’s no outdoor seating,
Lucie Ashley is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: lucieashley@lavozdeanza.com
!"
The 2009 JavaOne Conference is free for students and educators. Register now. (SM)
Ready to give your career a java jolt? Students get a free full conference pass to the 2009 JavaOne Conference, and educators who bring 10 students get one too. (That’s an $895 value.) Get the lowdown on the latest Java™technology. Choose from 200+ technical sessions, keynotes and the Pavilion. Learn from the gurus of rich media applications and interactive content, mobility, services, core technology and more. Your free pass also gets you admission to the first day of CommunityOne (our open source conference) and CommunityOne Deep Dives (half- and full-day technology tutorials). Grab your student ID and register today at sun.com/DeAnzaStudentsgofree.
June 2-5, 2009 | Moscone Center | San Francisco Š 2009 Sun Microsystems,Inc. All rights reserved.
Adam Hanes is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: adamhanes@lavozdeanza.com
19110-A Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
As it turned out, the guy doing last-minute homework across from me was David Collins, a De Anza College student who had nothing but good things to say about the place. “This is the most welcoming coffee shop that I’ve been to in the area,â€? he said. This family-owned place was opened by Jasmine Rast and her family toward the beginning of this year. I talked with Rast, who reminisced about the time when it was her grandfather’s gas station. When her grandfather retired in 1990, the place was left empty. That is, until Rast visited Japantown and noticed there were no places for the community to converge after going to one of the many restaurants. It was then she decided Japantown deďŹ nitely needed a coffee shop. “I wanted to build a place where the community could converge and hang out,â€? said Rast. As I left, I knew Rast had succeeded in creating a “chillâ€? spot where you can hang out as long as you like, all hours of the day.
Are you free June 2-5? Funny, JavaOne is too.
ship drink,â€? and boy is it good. Really good. I almost always try a cafÊ’s cappuccino, because it is generally a good marker of the rest of the drinks’ quality. And because of this, I have had a LOT of cappuccinos over the years. This is the best cappuccino I have ever had. Period. Caramely, perfectly foamy, rich, sweet, refreshing, heavenly. I could go on forever. For completeness’s sake, I also ordered a regular coffee. Needless to say, it too was fantastic. Strong yet not bitter, I tend to take my coffee unaltered, so if I can get an un-bitter cup of black coffee, I know it’s good coffee indeed. Now, these people could charge whatever they wished for this perfect cappuccino and stellar coffee. But amazingly, they were only $3.25 and $1.50, respectively. I have spent more on a watery disgrace of a mocha from Starbucks than two of the most fantastic caffeinated beverages to grace my tongue. My rating? Five out of ďŹ ve.
Roasted Coffee Bean
197 Jackson St., San Jose, CA 95112 Lucie Ashley
PAGE 7
5SBOTGFS "ENJTTJPO 4DIPPM PG 4UVEJP 1SBDUJDF #'"
%&4*(/ "/% 5&$)/0-0(: '*-. /&8 (&/3&4 1"*/5*/( 1)050(3"1): 13*/5.",*/( 4$6-1563& $&3".*$4
4DIPPM PG *OUFSEJTDJQMJOBSZ 4UVEJFT #"
)*4503: "/% 5)&03: 0' $0/5&.103"3: "35 63#"/ 456%*&4
which I ďŹ nd disappointing as well. What better way to enjoy a beautiful day than sipping a tasty beverage in the sun? But no, you have to stay inside if you want to sit, and frankly I ďŹ nd the classical music irritating after about ten minutes, forcing me to listen to my own music to keep the mood enjoyable. The prices are comparable to Barefoot: $3.00 for a small latte, and $1.95 for a small coffee, making my total $4.95. A word of warning, there’s no restroom. Something I would consider vital for a place that sells beverages that go right through you, if you get my drift. And for the environmentally conscious such as myself, there are only paper cups, even if you drink it there. Tsk tsk. All in all, not bad, not fantastic. Three out of ďŹ ve. Four cups of coffee into the day and already my hands are shaking and heart palpitating in a way that makes me wonder if it’s possible to overdose on caffeine. But I must continue, in the name of journalism. Adam Hanes is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: adamhanes@lavozdeanza.com
“create change� sfai
#'" BOE #" BQQMJDBUJPOT BSF OPX CFJOH BDDFQUFE GPS 'BMM 'BMM DMBTTFT CFHJO "VHVTU "DBEFNJD BOE QPSUGPMJP TDIPMBSTIJQT BSF BWBJMBCMF
san francisco. art. institute. since 1871.
'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTF HP UP XXX TGBJ FEV BENJTTJPOT DBMM 4'"* PS F NBJM BENJTTJPOT!TGBJ FEV
XXX TGBJ FEV
ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 8
Brave new world stephenZILL
Economics for Everyone Unlike Paul Krugman, academic The Federal Reserveanother System is this economist who writes a columnit is foroura nation’s central bank. Actually, publication only slightly less prestigious third central bank. The colorful saga of than one, ultimate I make ademise conscious effortthe this second’s in 1836 is for various this but column worthy of reasonsa column to ofkeep its own, perashaps politics-free as possible. Krugman, the another time. The current incarnamost winnerinto of the tion recent was signed lawthebyEconomics President Nobel, wears his politics hisasleeve Woodrow Wilson in 1913,on after series and you would likeconvinced an idea ofenough which of ifeconomic crises way he that leans,it awas fewtime years ago I meta people to establish him before a talk give at that UC government entityhetowas playtothe role Berkeley and that ofsimply JP Morgan diddiscovered during the Panic 1907, mentioning the gathered term “Republicans” when Morgan the heads of can the caused him York to practically at the other New banks in froth an effort to mouth in aeconomic paroxysmmeltdown. of anger toward the avert an Grand Old today’s Party. Luckily, that and the As for Fed, its being structure top Professor Krugman’s head comes roleof re: the economy is quite differjust my its chin, I was able to avoid the ent tothan originators envisioned. A ensuing spittle shower. “quasi-public” institution — governBut given but thisprivately weeks topic, I’m afraid ment-run, owned (and no, I’m going totheorists, have to itbreak conspiracy does my not vow exist to certain Andprivate beforebanks”) we proceed, “makeextent. money for — the just let primary me makeresponsibility clear that I was pledge no Fed’s to act allegiance of the i.e. twobemajor as “lendertoofeither last resort,” there (U.S.) parties. liquidity to keep with political the necessary You probably but notice, banks solvent.couldn’t A role help at which they but a couple weeks back on “tax failed spectacularly by sitting backday” and supposedly in the of the Boston watching as 40 spirit percent of 1773 the nation’s Tea Party-tax revolt the1930s, Colonists banks wentaunder in theby early takofingBritish featured the 25-30 America percent ofwhich the money supply dumping of three (English) with them: quite shiploads likely the of number one tea into the Boston (have you contributing factor toHarbor the Great Depresever whyas the majority of sion wondered Phase I. And a matter of fact, Americans’ breakfast beverage of choice the Fed’s initial response was actually to israise coffee and rates, not tea?)-overthat 750 Tax interest believing higher Day parties took placeto across the ratestea would induce people save more, United States, result ostensibly in response which would in a greater pool of the “outfor ofbusinesses control spending” money to dip into.by the Obama Administration. Granted, some In 1951, a deal was swung between folks attended honorable the Fed and with Treasury, whichintentions laid the and have beenforconsistently big groundwork the Fed asagainst we know spending/big throughout, no and think ofgovernment it today. That is, until just matter the ring leaderuntil in DC, first recently! (Though the but latethe 1970s, thing that came to took my mind was, “Where monetary policy a back seat to fiswere all these people when the GW Bush cal policy.) Administration was in this the column processpreof As has been noted doubling gross national federal debt?” viously, the traditional methods of restartAnd am economy also dubious of the this ing Ithe have hit claim a wall.that When was nonpartisan“grassroots” movement theaeconomy is really in the dumps, the (atextbook spontaneous natural uprising), versionand of monetary policy is particularly the organizations and tantamountgiven to “pushing a string”: i.e., it media outlets doesn’t work.in support of and at least partially organizing Thus, behind the Fedthehas resorted of to these such Camellia sinensis leaf-beverage nontraditional efforts: like acting asshin jusdigs-thethe Astro Turf (fake tice ofbut themore peaceoffor union of Bears grassroots) All in Chase, all, the fearing whole Stearns andkind. JP Morgan thing of partisan that that smacks by allowing Bear politics, to fail, and a negathese gatherings ended up being, the tive chain reaction would set in. for In late most part, not anti-profligate government 2007, it created a lending facility, which spending but instead, allowed rallies, virtually anyone anti-Obama to borrow rallies. from the Fed via its “discount window,” Let’s put few things in perspective. which wasapreviously reserved for comNo matterbanks how and youcarried measure it, yes, the mercial a stigma. Federal fiscal year 2009 Sincebudget then, deficit they for have created ad(ending September) all ditionalin“facilities” in isanindeed effort an to get time high-estimates now In put September it at a eyecredit flowing again. popping $1.8more trillion! Butauthorized do note, that this 2008, they or less astronomical figure isn’t stand-alone only the result the remaining two large US ofinvestment spending by the current administration, banks (Morgan Stanley and but also partially product“bank of theholdlast Goldman Sachs) abecome President’s budget,Then and there keep is in TALF, mind, ing companies”. itawas underimplemented Bush the Younger that recently but slow to the get bailout boondoggle under moving program, got which hasway. up toAnd $1 dotrillion you at really believe inthat if McCain its disposal, an attempt get would beenmore elected President, given credithave flowing freely to household the of theOh, economy, additional andstate students. I almostnoforgot about stimulus in spending) the bank(read: “stressincreases tests” (redundant?), the would beenhave proposed? It might resultshave of which just been released. also noted,have thatitthe hero of many of Andberumors that, if worse comes the goers, Reagan,tountil this to party worse, and Ronald Kate decides divorce most deficit, over the four Jon recent for having an presided affair with a 23-yearlargest budget as a proportion of old, the Fed deficits will oversee the divorce GDP since the Second World War. settlement. Again, most of Very recently, Fed the Chairparticipants Ben Berand the nankeproponents/defenders and his colleagues at of the Fed demonstrations emphasize thatstill most of reiterated that though we’re going the protest has topatch, do with government through a rough modest signs that spending, but is there is an obvious the economy improving continue to connection likely appear. Buttoto taxes, me, theand mostthe important possibility that will see statement is thateventually they intendwe to “stay the taxes riseand to cover such but course” continue to spending, make aggrespresently, it in might come as a their surprise, sive moves an effort to keep foot relative to most other major countries on the “monetary accelerator.” It is no and even our the ownbrakes.” past weLVare a low-tax time to “hit country. Hey, like pretty much everyone else, I don’tZill” like is paying taxes, but we all “Stephen an “economics know the old at saw andHis death. instructor” Deabout Anza them College. Right? Toappears me the most aspect column everyunfortunate week.
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
MAY 11, 2009
It’s new to me: Kurt, hilariously awful Russell and Kim Cattrall. Filled with awful special effects,
Lucie Ashley LA VOZ NEWS
Well, guys, I’ve finally found them. I’ve recently found some movies that can be categorized as so incredibly bad that they are incredibly awesome. What are they? Old Kurt Russell movies. I stumbled upon my first truly bad Kurt Russell movie not long ago. My friend came up to me and said a very odd thing. “Lucie, do you want to watch a really bad Kurt Russell movie with me?,” he said. My reply then was, of course, a very big no. Fortunately, he was not going to let me off that easy. He explained that the movie was so horribly made that it was quite entertaining to watch. After a bit more twisting of my arm, I was sitting down watching “Big Trouble in Little China” for the very first time. The 1986 film is roughly two hours of pure cinematic disaster starring
Kurt Russell huge-hatted Chinese wizard masters shootting lightning from there hands and cliché kung fu battles where they either die incredibly easily or keep running around long after receiving a couple axes to the back. Come on, what’s an eighties film without some orange hairy creature, that has no connection to the plot
whatsoever. A few other greats include “The Thing,” “Escape from New York,” “Escape from L.A.” and “Captain Ron.” One of my personal favorites is “Soldier” where his longest line is probably “Yes Sir!” Who knew Russell could actually be cast in another star role with less lines then his “Stargate” character, Colonel O’Neill, who communicates almost entirely in blank stares and nods for the first 40 minutes. At this point, you must be asking yourself why on earth I am selling this as a fun experience. Have no fear your reason is here. When a movie is so bad you almost cringe, that means it’s absolutely hilarious. Stupid effects and horrible dialog are very funny things. All you have to do to enjoy a “good,” bad Russell movie is go into it knowing it will be awful and not take anything seriously. If you do that, you’ll be laughing
at the bad clichés, cheesy dialog and the worst special effects ever, in no time. Now here’s the final and most important question: why Kurt Russell? Well, my friend says that it is because Russell has been supplying us with plot holes and quite frankly bad acting since 1957. You all must have seen at least one of his movie at some point in your lives, and it was at that point when you probably decided they were borderline horrible. And you were probably right. Yes, Russell is a bad actor, but try not to hate, instead celebrate. There are virtually stockpiles of his old movies at your disposal so grab some friends, popcorn and sit back and enjoy. I guarantee loads of entertainment and plenty of quotes to laugh about with them later.
Lucie Ashley is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: lucieashley@lavozdeanza.com
Author’s post-9/11 e-mail goes viral He used this following analogy: “When you think Taliban, think Nazis. When you think Bin Tamim Ansary, an American author who grew Laden, think Hitler. And when you think ‘the up in Afghanistan, spoke to students in journal- people of Afghanistan’ think ‘the Jews in the conism instructor Brad Kava’s class on May 29 about centration camps.’” the Islamic philosophy and Taliban oppression. Ansary’s books, including his new book “DesAnsary is known for his mass e-mail after Sept. tiny Disrupted: A History of the World through 11 about the media’s bloodlust for Afghanistan, Islamic Eyes,” show the difference in Islamic and stating that Bin Laden and the Taliban are not the western philosophy. Afghani people. “I wrote After Muhammad died, something that was a several Muslims tried to quick explanation of what break away and no lonSome say, why don’t the I thought had gone on in ger pay taxes to Medina. Afghans rise up and overthrow Afghanistan and sent it The first successor to the Taliban? The answer is, to some number of my Muhammad, Abu Bakr, they’re starved, exhausted, hurt, friends and they sent it to would not allow them incapacitated, suffering. others and they sent it to to succeed and went to others,” said Ansary. The war. “What this estabTAMIM ANSARY lished was, Islam is not next day, his email had AUTHOR a kind of community. circulated through the United States. Islam is a community,” Ansary criticized the said Ansary. way Americans were viewing Afghanistan. He Before Sept. 11, Ansary’s agent wanted him referenced a caller on Ronn Owens of KGO AM to write a novel about the Taliban. However, the (810)’s talk radio who talked about “bombing Af- book he wrote was not about the Taliban, but ghanistan back to the Stone Age.” did mention it. After his well-distributed e-mail Being from Afghanistan, Ansary said that it was reached the world, his agent and publishers were not the people of Afghanistan who were behind now interested in his memoirs that he had been the attacks, but the Taliban. Most Americans did writing for years before the attacks. His writing not know there was a difference between the two was published after finding a publisher he was groups until his letter hit the mass media. satisfied with. In his e-mail, he stated that the Taliban is acDuring his presentation at De Anza College, tually a cult who took over Afghanistan and the Ansary discussed his previous experience as a Afghans were the original victims of the Taliban. writer, journalist and textbook editor. Joel Seibert LA VOZ NEWS
“
”
Tamim Ansary “I would say that my specialty as a journalist was failing to get the story and then later writing a witty piece about how I failed,” he said. Ansary will be a graduate speaker at De Anza College this spring. LV Joel Seibert is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: joelseibert@lavozdeanza.com
Student advocate pursues justice Ernest Chavez LA VOZ NEWS
Several heated protests were sparked by the Israeli Air Force’s air strikes against Gaza last December. One of these protesters was De Anza student Daniah Din. In the aftermath of the attacks, Din and other young peace advocates from the South Bay came together to form A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) South Bay chapter. At eighteen years old, Din is an outspoken advocate for peace, immigrants’ rights, an opponent of racism and a leader in the student and social movements of the South Bay. Din shares a deep concern for human rights around the world, rooted in her family. “It started with my grandmother, who influenced my mother, who influenced me,” said Din. She recalls a period when her mother worked her job tirelessly, and sent as much money as she could to her hometown of Dera Ismail Khan, in Pakistan. As an International Relations major, Din is preparing for a trip to India, where she will work in the towns of Hyderabad and Gujrat. She has been fundraising for a few months, and is approaching her goal of financing her trip. Although most of the funding has been donated by
family and friends, Din said she has also benefited from the kindness of strangers. She remembers one woman in particular, whom she met at a Student Alliance mixer at De Anza. The woman ended up donating $200 to her cause. While in Hyderabad, Din plans to work with an organization called IMRC (Indian Muslim
Daniah Din at a Gaza protest on Stevens Creek Blvd Relief & Charity), to help build an orphanage and teach at an all-girls school. “My goal is to learn about non-government organizations that perform humanitarian work in third-world countries. My dream is to build an orphanage one day in my parents’ hometown of Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan,” said Din.
Din also plans to spend several weeks in Gujrat, a town which suffered a massacre of civilians by government-assisted groups during a 2002 riot in a Muslim ghetto. While there, Din will be helping human rights groups. These groups have filed lawsuits against organized groups who waged violence against the civilian groups. When asked about what sparked her involvement, Din discussed the San Francisco protests during the assault on Gaza, which spilled over to San Jose. A.N.S.W.E.R. South Bay organized protests on the corner of Stevens Creek and Winchester, which turned into marches of hundreds, blocking off traffic in Santana Row. “I became way more involved at De Anza by working with groups like Students For Justice and South Asians for Peace,” she said. Din said that joining student groups taught her new things from the conversations and exchange of information with others. “It’s important not to get discouraged,” she said. “Don’t be like ‘It’s all b.s. – nothing’s gonna change.’ Just have faith in yourself.” LV Ernest Chavez is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: ernestchavez@ lavozdeanza.com
MAY 11, 2009
TECHNOLOGY
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
PAGE 9
Tech advances trample over copyright paradigms Last week, Technophilia covered the artistic flowering seen in a culture where ideas and concepts are seen less as individual property and more a collective resource. But the issue isn’t just about whether letting ideas go free is good on artistic merit. Rather, it’s a more pressing issue: whether the very concept of copyright can even stand up in the face of mounting technological change. It is a very familiar credo to hackers, crackers, and tech geeks of all stripes and shapes: “information wants to be free.” While information is inarguably valuable – knowing the right thing in the right place can change lives, nations and cultures – the cost of getting information out has gotten lower and lower, to the point that the only thing allowing information to be retained at all is the secrecy of its originator. From a less technical standpoint, information freeness is why musical piracy is such a big problem in the first place: it’s magnitudes
more expensive to keep access to music limIt is held as fact that there is such thing as fair ited than it is to load up an MP3 to a Bittorrent use – that artistic merit allows the reinterpresite. Same with movies, textbooks, tation and replication of concepts, e-mails, and even state secrets. james CHEN ideas and artistic works for perThe moment something has sonal use. been recorded onto even the most But even the best copyright lawbasic and fundamental of storage yers and the most respectable texts devices – the human brain – the on this legal grounds are forced potential for its duplication and/ to admit that the concept of “fair or replication becomes a nonzero use,” far from having a concrete probability. standard, is almost entirely ad And when the information in hoc, or improvised, in interpretaquestion is highly desired, such Technophilia tion – especially in comparison to as with a Grammy-winning album, the clear and definite rights of the that nonzero probability, aided by creator, and the consequences of the technological advances of this era, be- breaching them. comes a near-certainty. The laws, as they stand, fail to even benefit Our legal system gives us very few guide- the artists and creators they were designed to lines on how to fulfill our culture’s rocketing protect. Rather, the ones that benefit most from demand for more and more information with- copyright laws are copyright lawyers, and the out criminalizing millions under our current corporations they serve. understanding of intellectual “property.” Rather than encouraging the flourishing of
innovation via the protection of innovators, we have seen instead a veritable quagmire of lawsuits and entire forests of cease and desist letters swarm every nook and cranny of the American exocortex. Rather than the nebulous and hazy grounds of fair use benefiting the innovative spirit, it is those with the most money to throw at it who are the best at utilizing its inherently improvised nature – and it certainly isn’t the artists. The system is clearly broken. We’re finding ourselves with a stone chisel when we need laser scalpels: we’re using outmoded ideologies set when a fast horse was the last word in communications to answer problems. A critical analysis of the idea that concepts are “property” is long since overdue a critical analysis at its most fundamental levels. LV James Chen is the technology editor for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: technology@ lavozdeanza.com
OPINION: Popping pills to think better? Don’t bother adamHANES
As midterms begin to creep up, so do thoughts on how to stay ahead of the game intellectually. For many people, cognitive enhancers becoming very alluring. Enhancers range from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder medication (such as Adderall and Ritalin) to illegal substances such as amphetamines, or even just endless amounts of potent espresso. The idea’s so simple: just pop a pill and become Encyclopedia Brown. Hate to break it to you, but that’s not how it works. Adderall and Ritalin are prescription medications for
a reason. For one thing, they take weeks of regular use before they are properly metabolized for use by the brain: one pill a few hours before class won’t suddenly increase your cognitive ability. Not to mention the slew of side effects these medications have. Stroke, heart attack, vision change, seizures, decrease in growth, even death – and they’re further compounded if you don’t actually have ADHD. Doesn’t sound quite so alluring now, does it? ADHD medications were designed to help people with debilitating chemical deficiencies, allowing them to lead normal lives. Applying the logic of, “Well, Adderall helps him, it must be able to help a normal person tenfold!” is dangerous and flawed. Imagine trying that argument for chemotherapy: “Well, it helped a cancer patient, it must help me because I don’t have cancer!” The abuse of any drug, however, is danger-
ous and, ironically, stupid. And even caffeine quickly goes from making you think faster to simply making you jitter faster and feel worse quicker. Those desperate for a mental edge should follow advice that has been proven to help: for one, actually use your brain. Study more than one night before a test. Stop getting smashed every night. Having a good time can easily be balanced with being a responsible adult – there are just times and places for both. “Smart” people will tell you that they had to earn it. True, there are people with better memory and critical thinking abilities than others, but nobody is born with a dictionary encoded into their genome. Conversely, nobody is born lazy, irresponsible and apathetic. As for the mentally disabled? They certainly aren’t stupid. They have to overcome immense challenges to learn the simplest things,
and that makes them a lot smarter than anybody who thinks they can take a miracle pill to pass a test. There are no shortcuts when it comes to the human brain, only hard work and determination. Sadly, those smart enough to appreciate the hard work needed to intellectually succeed are probably aware of these points anyhow. It is human nature to seek the path of least resistance, and especially to keep doing what they’ve been doing since high school. Though those who try to enlighten the masses will be persecuted, ignored and even loathed, if it’s possible to keep even one person from indulging in cognitive enhancers, society will be all the better – and smarter – for it. LV Adam Hanes is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: adamhanes@ lavozdeanza.com
Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Lunch & Dinner
408-873-1600 fax 408-873-1614
Ask for free student beverage
PAGE 10
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
OPINION & Editorial
La Voz Weekly
After the 2008 presidential election, California’s residents are called once again Kelly Truong Editor in Chief to cast their votes. This time lavoz@fhda.edu addressing a more pernicious Joe Chunnic Managing Editor problem: what to do about our lack of money? managing@lavozdeanza.com The upcoming May 19 ballot holds six propositions, Dae Kim Multimedia Manager each suggesting a way to fill up the state’s treasury, or Amy Franklin A&E/Features Editor at least keep it from hemorrhaging. Bella Yashayev Opinions Editor Following are the recommendations of La Voz Weekly’s editorial board. James Chen Technology Editor No on Proposition 1C. It’s a textbook case of irreLina Kwon Broadcast Editor sponsible spending of money the government doesn’t Daniel Gamberg Web Editor actually own. “Borrowing” against future lottery proceedings without a cap reeks of a high potential for Soheil Rezaee Associate Editor future political abuse, and leaves no mechanism for which this deficit spending can, later, be covered. Contributing Staff No on Proposition 1D. When California’s pre-colLucie Ashley, Glendale Calmer- lege education has already gotten massive cuts, and in, Ernest Chavez, Isis Copeland, compares unfavorably against the national average, Adam Hanes, Mayumi Kurotsu, Joy Mann, Alex Mendiola, Daka- there is little wisdom in cutting pre-school funding. rai Mills, Takahiro Nei, Ed Pereira, It will serve only to poison our state’s long-term viJoel Seibert, Stephanie Shin, ability. Joyce Sim, Daniel Wakefield, No on Proposition 1E. Its effect on California’s Shoko Yamagami mental health care services is nothing but negative, and will take money away from those with some of Business Staff
About Us
La Voz Weekly is a First Amendment newspaper written and published by De Anza College students. La Voz Weekly is partially funded by the De Anza Associated Student Body and is printed with soy-based inks at Fricke-Parks Press. All rights reserved; no part of La Voz Weekly may be reproduced without permission. Phone: 408-864-5626 Fax: 408-864-5533 lavoz@fhda.edu www.lavozdeanza.com Room L-41 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014 Come to Room L-42 Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. to attend the newspaper staff class.
Contact Us
Letters to the editor, submissions and press releases are welcome and can be submitted to: www.lavozdeanza.com/letters Letters should be 300 words or less; letters more than 300 words may be edited for length. Letter content must not be libelous or intended to air personal grievances. La Voz does not guarantee that submissions and letters to the editor will be printed, nor does it guarantee coverage of events for which it receives press releases. La Voz reserves the right to edit letters and submissions for clarity in accordance with Associated Press writing style.
Advertising
Advertisers reach 3,500 De Anza community members weekly by advertising in La Voz Weekly. Contact Business Manager Reza Kazempour by phone at 408-864-5626 or send an e-mail to ads@lavozdeanza. com for rates.
Photo Reprints
Images published in La Voz Weekly or online at http://www.lavozdeanza.com are available for purchase. Ten limited use digital images can be obtained for $20 or ten 8x10 prints for $25. Contact Business Manager Reza Kazempour to place an order.
Additional Copies
The first copy of each issue of La Voz Weekly is free to everyone. Additional copies can be purchased through Business Manager Reza Kazempour.
INFO
Staff editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or the opinions of the La Voz staff. Opinions expressed by staff and contributors are the opinions of the individuals and not necessarily the opinion of La Voz Weekly.
Recommendations for May 19 ballot
Editorial Board
Beth Grobman Faculty Adviser grobman@fhda.edu Walter Alvarado Lab Technician alvaradowalter@fhda.edu Reza Kazempour Business Manager ads@lavozdeanza.com
MAY 11, 2009
aN OPINION by ThE LA VOz Weekly EDitorial Board
ILLUSTRATIONS (3) BY GALEN OBACK / LA VOZ
the greatest needs and who are helpless in addressing them. Like Proposition 1D, the overall effect of passing 1E is trading off vital needs and services for but a pittance of short-term gain.
Yes on Proposition 1F. California’s legislative representatives and executive officials are amongst the best-paid government employees in any state. Although California’s standard of living is one of the highest of the nation, Pete Stahl’s argument that a roughly $110,000 yearly salary is “middle-class compensation” is clearly elitist. The frank fact of the matter is that freezing further pay increases for high-tier government officials during a time of economic recession just makes sense – when our government shepherds have saved our economy, they will get the raises they’ve deserved. As for Propositions 1A and 1B, our editorial board has failed to gain a two-third consensus. Although we support any measure that would rescue the state’s faltering post-secondary education system, the fact that 1B’s success is dependent on 1A’s passing is a controversial issue. The most hotly contested part of the proposition is the high level of discretionary power it gives the governor’s office over the usage of the “rainy day” fiscal reservoir. Regardless of your own stance on the issues, be sure to get out and vote on May 19. The success of any democracy is dependent on how many voices are heard. LV
Photo-catalytic paint: friendly, affordable patrickGARTNER Here is a hypothetical situation: it is 100 degrees outside and you can be wearing a white sweat suit or a dark blue sweat suit. Which would you choose? If you paid attention in your middle school science class, you would wear the white sweat suit, because you would know that it would not absorb as much radiated energy from the sun as the dark blue suit. Wearing clothes that absorb less radiated energy, you stay cooler. This very same concept is being applied to a new technology called photo-catalytic paint, A.K.A Heat/ultraviolet reflective paint. The sweat suit analogy can be applied to describe what is happening with the polar ice caps. The white reflective glaciers are melting into dark blue oceans, accelerating climate change even faster. The debate about the causes and solution for global warming continues, but regardless of which side of the argument you stand by, action is still required. De Anza College could switch its regular exterior paint for a photo-catalytic overcoat. Doing this would save money on energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint simultaneously. Heat reflective paint isn’t much different from regular paint, except that it is infused with finely ground glass, made of silicon that is also used in the semi-
conductor industry. The glass infused paint works like a mirror by reflecting much of the UV radiation off. And the best news is that De Anza doesn’t have to give up its signature brown and beige, the paint comes in a variety of colors. An immediate benefit of switching to heat reflective paint is that it reflects… heat! A photo-catalytic overcoat can make the interior of a room up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature, and with summer just around the corner, De Anza should understand the benefits of preemptively cooling our classrooms and offices, drastically reducing air conditioning costs. A long-term benefit of using UV reflective paint is that it will extend the life of structures. While we all know that ultra violet radiation is harmful to our skin, we rarely realize that UV radiation is destructive to all organic matter. This includes the materials we use to build our homes, offices and classrooms. Reflecting more of the sun’s radiation will prolong the life of the organic materials cultivated from endangered environments. Scientists and inventors are racing to develop a “green” energy industry just as efficient as coal and carbon. Unfortunately, wind and solar powered televisions will not do the job alone. We must find ways of cutting back our consumption drastically. If
De Anza were to make the switch to heat reflective paint, we would not only be reducing our carbon foot print and AC costs but setting a great example for other schools. LV Patrick Gartner is a freelancer for La Voz Weekly.
Paper better than ineffective hand dryers ashleyMATUSZAK
Some De Anza College students and administration are concerned with consumption of paper towels in the bathrooms, and the amount of waste generated by them. Some argue that we should all use the hand dryers, and just do away with paper towels altogether. I am all for saving paper whenever possible, but not having paper towels in the bathroom is just irresponsible and dangerous. Hand dryers are one of the most germ-ridden devices a public restroom can have. Hand dryers contain filters in them, and several other mechanical parts that the air passes through before it gets to your hands. A study by the University of Westminster reveals that fecal bacteria in the air can get into these hand dryers, which then put the bacteria on your hands, arms and even under your fingernails. After we wash our hands and dry them under these dryers, we might eat, touch our eyes, hair, face, and further contaminate ourselves. We can get different sicknesses from these hand dryers, the most common being staph infection, which can lead to the flu, strep throat or bronchitis. Why even bother washing your hands, right? I’d rather have my own bacteria on my hands instead of everyone else’s.
Not having paper towels in the bathroom forces people to use the hand dryers, and further subject themselves to these germs and the risk of getting
sick. Try to avoid these hand dryers. Even if there are no towels, it is much safer to wipe your hands on your pants or just let them air dry. Think of it this way, when you wash your hands under running water with soap, you are loosening the bacteria. Then, by wiping your hands, you are wiping off whatever germs didn’t go down the drain. If you dry your hands with a hand dryer, you are just drying the bacteria back onto your own hands. We are all responsible adults and know that we don’t need 50 paper towels to dry our hands. I don’t think anyone at De Anza College abuses our paper towel “privilege” and I think this might just be a sneaky way for the school to save a buck. Many incidences in bathrooms that require the use paper towels. If someone spills water on the floor, should they go find a custodian to clean up the mess so that nobody gets hurt? That would take too long. Sure, you could use half a roll of toilet paper, but that would be wasting paper. I realize that paper towels create more of a mess and accumulate more garbage, but less garbage could mean more spread of disease. I am no germaphobe. But this is just common sense to me. If the school wants to do away with paper towels, fine. But you won’t see me using a hand dryer. LV
Ashley Matuszak is a freelancer for La Voz Weekly.
MAY 11, 2009
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
PAGE 11
OPINION & Letters to the Editor Media blows swine flu out of proportion
danielWAKEFIELD
As the world population prepares for the virus known as swine flu to reach pandemic status, paranoia sweeps the globe. Chaos will ensue when the virus mutates and create a super virus. Vaccinations will be thrown into testing, and we will be awaiting a savior in the form of a drug or a loaded syringe. Meanwhile, thousands, possibly millions, will have died and the rest will be left to wait and hope. Although this scenario is currently fictitious, the media would love for you to believe that the worst is yet to come. But how dire is this situation really? The H1N1 virus, better known as swine flu, is creating fear and panic in multiple countries around the world. But the real culprit of instability and trepidation is the mass media, not the flu. The situation is not as alarming as the media coverage leads
you to believe. It is estimated that the flu is responsible for 30-40,000 deaths per year. Although there are no exact statistics on the H1N1 virus, the United States had a total of 403 confirmed cases, 49 of which are in California. So far, there has been only one confirmed U.S. death. Hygiene is important. You should wash your hands and take certain precautionary measures to avoid illness. However, there is a fine line between caution and paranoia. People should not be afraid of the media’s over-blowing of the events. Its job is to report and captivate. The more fear it heaves
ILLUSTRATIONS (2) BY GALEN OBACK / LA VOZ
through the airways, the more viewers it will attract. The populace yearns for updates and wants to be immediately informed. It wants tragedy and despair, not positive and uplifting news. Life isn’t a Disney movie, adults want something rated R. That is why negativity is the basis of American media. It gives people what they want, despite the effects on the population. After reading the late Michael Crichton’s “Complexity Theory and Environmental Management” essay, it is impossible not to see the correlation between media coverage and over exaggerated statistics. This process has been repeated time after time. If H1N1 were responsible for one death, the media would be sure to notify you of 20 more future deaths on the way. So when H1N1 mutates and we’re thrusted into an apocalyptic plague, don’t worry. The media tells you that when you walk outside, you may be struck by lightning, or, if you’re really lucky, hit by a meteor. Chances are you will die in a car accident before you will die of swine flu, so no one should drive. There are millions of situations in which death can occur. H1N1, as of right now, is an extremely rare means and shouldn’t be feared, only observed with caution. LV Daniel Wakefield is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: danielwakefield@lavozdeanza.com.
Miss USA controversy leaves no one looking good dakaraiMILLS
Let me put you on track, in case you were too busy to catch this sensational event. This year, Miss California was asked by pageant judge Perez Hilton, an openly gay media blogger, whether she thinks all states should legalize gay marriage. Miss California replied that according to her values, a marriage is between a man and a woman. The next day, Hilton posted a heated response on his blog, calling Miss California “a dumb bitch,” for which he later apologized.
Every year, a big spectacular known as the Miss America Pageants gets women dreaming and the men drooling, and every year the producers try to outdo the previous year’s show. The contestants are presented with questions about important issues such as health care and the current economic crisis. As much as this might as seem like a good idea in the pre-production of the show, can we really expect an insightful response about Iraq from a woman whose knowledge is limited to looking great with a tiara on her head? I hate being the one to judge in the spotlight of the grand design, but I never thought I would see the day a Miss America Pageant would take a political stance against a hard-hitting issue in our society, such as gay marriage.
Diet pills not the way to go glendaleCALMERIN The importance our generation attributes to body image makes both men and women obsess about their weight. People are not satisfied with their weight anymore, normal or not, and they turn to dangerous diet pills and diet programs that dig deep into their pockets. People resort to diet programs because they don’t have enough time or will to exercise, but want to lose weight fast. Women alone spend almost six billion dollars a year on weight loss products and diet programs. Jenny Craig, Weightwatchers and NutriSystem are just a few expanding diet companies that give results, but for how much and how long? These diet plans are expensive and often results are temporary. When people return to managing their meals, the amount of calories they consume will change; this will force the body to readjust itself, slowing down the metabolism process. When diet plans fail people turn to extremely dangerous diet pills. These pills work by suppressing the appetite. This will lower the calorie intake, and may slow the metabolism rate to the degree that will result in seizure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and
high blood pressure, just to name a few possible outcomes. As a victim of diet pills, I wasn’t able to finish meals because my stomach couldn’t take in so much food, couldn’t obtain an ounce of sleep and felt miserable and unhealthy. But it’s possible to achieve good results when losing weight, and not even pay a dime. How? Just believe in yourself! Take control of these urges, keep track of what you eat and make time for exercise. Instead of completely changing the your eating habits, add fruits and vegetables to your daily meals. Limit “junk” food to make room for what is important: minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Don’t just rely on healthier food in your diet. Exercise will increase your energy level and lowers your risk of disease. It’s not necessary to pay for gym memberships and private trainers. De Anza College offers many physical education classes, and the instructors are more than willing to give advice on how to exercise and will push you to your target goal. Free online programs that calculate calories make it easier keeping track of your calories. And all you iPhone and G1 phone owners; there are even free applications that can keep track of those calories while you’re on the go. Inexpensive and healthy alternatives for diet programs and pills are many. All you need is just a little determination and motivation. LV
Glendale Calmerin is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact her at: glendalecalmerin@ lavozdeanza.com.
Media outlets from across the nation started to cover the story. Miss California went on air to defend herself, and Larry King inteviewed Hilton on his show. I am aware of the First Amendment and the right to free speech, but the media went overboard with the story. Instead of finding the important stories, the media is picking the ones that grab the most attention. This reminds me of the octo-mom story: a woman gives birth to eight kids, and all of a sudden she has a reality show and a cover on US Weekly. Miss California, you shouldn’t feel the need to defend yourself. You were posed a question and answered what you felt was right. Perhaps you should have phrased the answer differently, but you were in a beauty pageant, and gorgeous as you are, being politically correct is not your forte. Perez, your feelings may have been hurt, but you can’t expect everyone to say what you would like to hear. Your apology, however, made you more likeable. As for the producers of the pageant: it’s good that you’re trying to be politically sensitive, but please remember it’s just a beauty contest. Leave the thinking to the contestants on Jeopardy. LV Dakarai Mills is a staff reporter for La Voz Weekly. Contact him at: dakaraimills@lavozdeanza.com.
Mail Bag Save the romance of newspapers I am writing this letter to express my sadness toward an opinion piece, Internet Killed the Newspaper Star, published on May 20. Newspapers must find a way to survive. Every time I hear of a publication shuttering, I cringe, especially if it happens to be over a century old. Newspapers represent romance; not romance in the sense of love, but romance in the sense of drivein cinemas; of diners; of Hollywood playhouses such as the Stanford and Castro Theatres. This romance depends on the survival of society as we know it, and vice versa. Plopping down on the couch, or sitting at the kitchen table and going through the paper, newsprint rubbing off on one’s fingers, is a time-honored tradition. It represents a simpler, more relaxed time in which everybody would receive the news at the same time. This, sadly, is no longer true. But I still read the newspaper because I believe in that time. I love it; I embrace it.
I still get emotional when going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Do you know why? Because it is a place that has refused to change for over 100 years, it represents a time when puppy love and romanticism was real. And the entire park calls out for a return to the lost art of camaraderie. Any society needs a sense of hope; something that says we can treat one another fairly; that we can re-establish connectivity; that there can once again be romanticism; that there “must” be romanticism. I strongly urge you all to support print media as much as you can. Subscribe to the San Jose Mercury and San Francisco Chronicle. Log on to http://www.thewavemag.com and subscribe to The Wave, as opposed to picking up a free copy each week. This, my fellow students, is romance; it’s our culture; our history. This is a result of what people have fought for to make this country great. Letting it die completely would destroy the essence of innocence and humanity. Daniel Mart 28 Environmental studies
PAGE 12
C A F E T E R I A
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
MAY 11, 2009
WHAT’S COOKING?
monday
tuesday
wednesday
Vegetable
Italian Wedding Meatball
Cream of Mushroom
Hawaiian Ham & Pineapple & Green Peppers Chines Chicken World Risotto Tour - Mexico (Marinated Beef Carne Asada Risotto, Pasilla Peppers, Cotijo Cheese, Mole Sauce and Ancho Cream)
thursday
friday
Mexican Tortilla Vegetarian Combo
Mortadella Italian Sausage, Artichoke Hearts, Peppers, Pesto & Caesar Spring Greens Salad Southwestern Fusilli
BBQ Chicken w/ Green Onions Szechwan Beef Salad California Fettucine
Soutwestern Chicken Brocolli Bow Tie Pasta Grilled Mahi-Mahi, Black Beluga Lentils, Asparagus with Lemon Caper Aioli
New England Clam Chowder Chef’s Choice
Every Thursday, we will be hosting a new grill special design for those who enjoy the simplicity of grilled fish. The emphasis is on a creation out of the norm.