Thursday, December 11, 2008
Ricky Clark - Basketball v. Cabrillo
The men's basketball team defeated Cabrillo 73-68 last night to boost the team's record to 9-5. This weekend the Gladiators will have a tournament Dec. 19-21.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Spectator - Triumph!! Over KCRH
Photography by Sean Jones
In the most epic of battles the Spectator prevailed gloriously over Chabot radio station KCRH 30-28. To get the game rolling, the Spectator ran through a sign to get pumped up.
Despite the intense action, both sides were able to unite at the end in celebration for the Mass Çommunications field.
In the most epic of battles the Spectator prevailed gloriously over Chabot radio station KCRH 30-28. To get the game rolling, the Spectator ran through a sign to get pumped up.
Despite the intense action, both sides were able to unite at the end in celebration for the Mass Çommunications field.
Ricky Clark - Laney v. CH football
Photography by Sean Jones
In Chabot football's rivalry game and season finale vs the Laney Eagles, the team was brutalized 32-0.
The defense was outgunned and the offense never got going for Chabot. 
Brandon Williams was a lone bright spot for the team with 102 yards on 17 carries. Chabot finishes the season 5-5, 2-2 without a bowl birth.
In Chabot football's rivalry game and season finale vs the Laney Eagles, the team was brutalized 32-0.
The defense was outgunned and the offense never got going for Chabot. Brandon Williams was a lone bright spot for the team with 102 yards on 17 carries. Chabot finishes the season 5-5, 2-2 without a bowl birth.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Ricky Clark - Men's soccer a nail in the coffin
Not quite the ending the men’s soccer team would have wanted, with a season finale loss to Foothill College 2-1. The Gladiators went down the stretch without winning a single
match since Oct. 21 against Mission College (five losses, two ties). Coach Markus Bathelt explains the string of bad luck has been due to inconsistencies.
“We do good against good teams, but we lose focus in games we should have won,” said Bathelt. Against Foothill the Gladiators were outplayed and mounted little offensive pressure. The lone goal came from forward Pablo Moreno in the first half to tie the game 1-1. Moreno booted the ball approximately 20 yards for a score that sailed past the Foothill goalkeeper’s head.
Moreno was often in the mix throughout the game, in the second half he leaped in the air to head-butt the ball, but clashed heads with a Foothill player. Moreno later re-entered the game, and over kicked the ball past the net after getting a break away.
The Gladiators finish their disappointing season at 7-9-3 and out of playoff contention.
match since Oct. 21 against Mission College (five losses, two ties). Coach Markus Bathelt explains the string of bad luck has been due to inconsistencies.
“We do good against good teams, but we lose focus in games we should have won,” said Bathelt. Against Foothill the Gladiators were outplayed and mounted little offensive pressure. The lone goal came from forward Pablo Moreno in the first half to tie the game 1-1. Moreno booted the ball approximately 20 yards for a score that sailed past the Foothill goalkeeper’s head.
Moreno was often in the mix throughout the game, in the second half he leaped in the air to head-butt the ball, but clashed heads with a Foothill player. Moreno later re-entered the game, and over kicked the ball past the net after getting a break away.
The Gladiators finish their disappointing season at 7-9-3 and out of playoff contention.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Ricky Clark - Volleyball's Sophomore night a hit
It was just another moment for a Chabot sports program to play their last home game of the season, this however was nice for the volleyball team.
Chabot volleyball swept Skyline College in three sets (25-22,25-21, 25-22). After the game the volleyball players embraced one another and many players said their goodbye's from playing at Chabot, winning in a sweep was ever the perfect ending. "It's really exciting, we pulled through [winning efficiently]. It's sad [to finish at Chabot], I don't was to miss the team," said Irene Takahashi-Coker.
The last game for the Lady Gladiators will be away at Foothill College (Nov. 19). Earlier this season Foothill got the best out of Chabot, the team will definetly want to make the most of this game by ending the season with a "W".
Chabot volleyball swept Skyline College in three sets (25-22,25-21, 25-22). After the game the volleyball players embraced one another and many players said their goodbye's from playing at Chabot, winning in a sweep was ever the perfect ending. "It's really exciting, we pulled through [winning efficiently]. It's sad [to finish at Chabot], I don't was to miss the team," said Irene Takahashi-Coker.
The last game for the Lady Gladiators will be away at Foothill College (Nov. 19). Earlier this season Foothill got the best out of Chabot, the team will definetly want to make the most of this game by ending the season with a "W".
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Joey Brownlee - A's trading for Holliday is a mistake
Billy Beane was right in rebuilding the farm system last offseason. However, he is wrong for this time around.
The Colorado Rockies have agreed in principle to trade all-star outfielder Matt Holliday to Oakland for pitchers Greg Smith, Huston Street and promising outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.
Holliday will turn 29 in January and is looking for a huge contract. And no better man to negotiate that than, Scott Boras. He’s the best big-money agent in baseball who will no doubt use Alfonso Soriano’s as a starting point in negotiations.
The Cubs signed the converted second baseman to an astounding 8-year, 136 million contract, during the 2006 offseason. Soriano, 32, is atrocious defensively, isn’t the RBI man Holliday is, and certainly doesn’t produced like a 17-million dollar player.
Power hitters will hit for power no matter where they play. 38-year old Frank Thomas, coming of two injury-marred seasons, hit 23 hrs in 2006 at the Coliseum.
Giambi, Tejada, Chavez, Cust and Dye never had trouble going yard at the coliseum. It's the marginal players you worry about; Suzuki, Crosby, Cunningham and Sweeney.
I don’t foresee any formidable decline in Holliday’s power production. He’s a man on a mission to get paid.
If he's as advertised, then where do talks with Holliday begin? Never has he hit below .290 in a season (four straight over .307), is a proven clean-up hitter and performed better than Soriano in postseason play. 8 years and 180 million?; Oakland couldn’t match New York ’s offer to Jason Giambi in Dec. 01 of 7-years and 120 million. So...what's changed since then?
Nothing’s changed since then. Fans have not supported the team, leaving Oakland to retain its small-market tag. They’ll be waving good-bye to Holliday during the trading deadline or in Nov. 09.
It’s your basic one-year rental. Just like Johnny Damon, Ray Durham and Jose Guillen were.
But this will pale in comparison to what this team is giving up. Only one player –Aaron Harang- in those deals produced. All three will in this one.
Parting with Street and Greg Smith is acceptable because highly-touted relievers Andrew Carignan and Henry Rodriguez are emerging; starting pitchers Brett Anderson, Vin Mazzaro, Trevor Cahill and James Simmons have bigger upside than Smith.
What you worry about is trading the best prospect on the team: Carlos Gonzalez. He's the kind of player that makes people think they can play baseball.
What do I mean by that? Well, he makes the game look so easy, and is so imperturbable under duress, that a pathetic athlete like me believes they have a chance to make the big leagues.
While he struggled at times last season, he clearly demonstrated tools superlative than anyone in the A's outfield. Ryan Sweeney is a decent player, but got by with a lot of broke n-bat hits and is injury prone. Nobody in Oakland has seen the caliber of prospect Gonzalez since Reggie Jackson.
He’s the combination of speed, power, defense, arm and ability to hit for average that scouts adore. Giving up six years of him for one of Holiday should get someone fired.
The kid is just 23 and will be 29 when he can become an unrestricted free agent. Holiday will be 38 and declining. Gonzalez will still have some prime years worth investing in, Holiday won’t.
This trade weakens the outfield as well. You are replacing an already above-average center fielder with an ordinary outfielder in Ryan Sweeney. He’s not Jack Cust out there with a cast-iron pan for a glove, but he’s better suited for a corner spot.
These are the kind of deals you make on the brink of World Series contention, not playoff mediocrity. You don’t waste 13-years of service time (before all three become free agents) for one-year of Matt Holliday.
Colorado strolls into Oakland on June 26-28. Gonzalez will be there; Holliday…mite.
The Colorado Rockies have agreed in principle to trade all-star outfielder Matt Holliday to Oakland for pitchers Greg Smith, Huston Street and promising outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.
Holliday will turn 29 in January and is looking for a huge contract. And no better man to negotiate that than, Scott Boras. He’s the best big-money agent in baseball who will no doubt use Alfonso Soriano’s as a starting point in negotiations.
The Cubs signed the converted second baseman to an astounding 8-year, 136 million contract, during the 2006 offseason. Soriano, 32, is atrocious defensively, isn’t the RBI man Holliday is, and certainly doesn’t produced like a 17-million dollar player.
Power hitters will hit for power no matter where they play. 38-year old Frank Thomas, coming of two injury-marred seasons, hit 23 hrs in 2006 at the Coliseum.
Giambi, Tejada, Chavez, Cust and Dye never had trouble going yard at the coliseum. It's the marginal players you worry about; Suzuki, Crosby, Cunningham and Sweeney.
I don’t foresee any formidable decline in Holliday’s power production. He’s a man on a mission to get paid.
If he's as advertised, then where do talks with Holliday begin? Never has he hit below .290 in a season (four straight over .307), is a proven clean-up hitter and performed better than Soriano in postseason play. 8 years and 180 million?; Oakland couldn’t match New York ’s offer to Jason Giambi in Dec. 01 of 7-years and 120 million. So...what's changed since then?
Nothing’s changed since then. Fans have not supported the team, leaving Oakland to retain its small-market tag. They’ll be waving good-bye to Holliday during the trading deadline or in Nov. 09.
It’s your basic one-year rental. Just like Johnny Damon, Ray Durham and Jose Guillen were.
But this will pale in comparison to what this team is giving up. Only one player –Aaron Harang- in those deals produced. All three will in this one.
Parting with Street and Greg Smith is acceptable because highly-touted relievers Andrew Carignan and Henry Rodriguez are emerging; starting pitchers Brett Anderson, Vin Mazzaro, Trevor Cahill and James Simmons have bigger upside than Smith.
What you worry about is trading the best prospect on the team: Carlos Gonzalez. He's the kind of player that makes people think they can play baseball.
What do I mean by that? Well, he makes the game look so easy, and is so imperturbable under duress, that a pathetic athlete like me believes they have a chance to make the big leagues.
While he struggled at times last season, he clearly demonstrated tools superlative than anyone in the A's outfield. Ryan Sweeney is a decent player, but got by with a lot of broke n-bat hits and is injury prone. Nobody in Oakland has seen the caliber of prospect Gonzalez since Reggie Jackson.
He’s the combination of speed, power, defense, arm and ability to hit for average that scouts adore. Giving up six years of him for one of Holiday should get someone fired.
The kid is just 23 and will be 29 when he can become an unrestricted free agent. Holiday will be 38 and declining. Gonzalez will still have some prime years worth investing in, Holiday won’t.
This trade weakens the outfield as well. You are replacing an already above-average center fielder with an ordinary outfielder in Ryan Sweeney. He’s not Jack Cust out there with a cast-iron pan for a glove, but he’s better suited for a corner spot.
These are the kind of deals you make on the brink of World Series contention, not playoff mediocrity. You don’t waste 13-years of service time (before all three become free agents) for one-year of Matt Holliday.
Colorado strolls into Oakland on June 26-28. Gonzalez will be there; Holliday…mite.
Jared Howard - Around the NBA
As the 2008-2009 NBA season gets under way, the road to claim domination in a league of freakish athletes relishes past story lines, but adds a few twists in as well. The Lakers and the Hornets still sit amongst the storied franchises among the West, while the Celtics and the Pistons are the beasts of the East.
East: The defending champs, the Boston Celtics, have retained their core in Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, and with the rising buzz about Rajon Rondo, many expect to see the Celtics back for another trip to the NBA Finals.
The Detroit Pistons, who have become accustomed to conference finals appearances, don’t look as though they are willing to settle in for another conference finals loss. Earlier this week, the acquisition of perennial all star Allen Iverson, in exchange for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess, has made for interesting talk on how far the Pistons can actually go. Some believe this to be a move that gives the Pistons the prime time scorer that they have lacked which will put them over the top come playoff time. Others feel that this could be a sign that Detroit has shifted its philosophy and is now looking to clear their financial books come next season with the hopes of landing a superstar come 2010.
While these two teams look like the favorites, don’t be surprised to see Lebron James and the Cavaliers, Philadelphia’s new lineup anchored by Elton Brand, or Chris Bosh’s Toronto Raptors as possible candidates to come out of the East.
West: Nobody will deny the Lakers talent. Headed by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the defending Western Conference finalists look poised to make another run at the finals. Especially with their young seven-footer, Andrew Bynum, back into the lineup after his season ending injury toward the end of last season, the Lakers have the best lineup on paper.
The New Orleans Hornets will continue to stay competitive as long as they have their six-foot stud point guard, Chris Paul, laced up and ready to go. As the runner up in the MVP voting last year behind Bryant, Paul looks even more determined at the start of this season averaging 21 points, 12 assists, and three steals per contest. With the addition of James Posey, a veteran who has tasted victory in multiple cities –including Boston last year–look out for the young run and gun team to storm their way to the top.
Some clubs that might give these teams a run for their money are the Houston Rockets–with the addition of Ron Artest, the Utah Jazz, and the Phoenix Suns.
East: The defending champs, the Boston Celtics, have retained their core in Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, and with the rising buzz about Rajon Rondo, many expect to see the Celtics back for another trip to the NBA Finals.
The Detroit Pistons, who have become accustomed to conference finals appearances, don’t look as though they are willing to settle in for another conference finals loss. Earlier this week, the acquisition of perennial all star Allen Iverson, in exchange for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess, has made for interesting talk on how far the Pistons can actually go. Some believe this to be a move that gives the Pistons the prime time scorer that they have lacked which will put them over the top come playoff time. Others feel that this could be a sign that Detroit has shifted its philosophy and is now looking to clear their financial books come next season with the hopes of landing a superstar come 2010.
While these two teams look like the favorites, don’t be surprised to see Lebron James and the Cavaliers, Philadelphia’s new lineup anchored by Elton Brand, or Chris Bosh’s Toronto Raptors as possible candidates to come out of the East.
West: Nobody will deny the Lakers talent. Headed by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the defending Western Conference finalists look poised to make another run at the finals. Especially with their young seven-footer, Andrew Bynum, back into the lineup after his season ending injury toward the end of last season, the Lakers have the best lineup on paper.
The New Orleans Hornets will continue to stay competitive as long as they have their six-foot stud point guard, Chris Paul, laced up and ready to go. As the runner up in the MVP voting last year behind Bryant, Paul looks even more determined at the start of this season averaging 21 points, 12 assists, and three steals per contest. With the addition of James Posey, a veteran who has tasted victory in multiple cities –including Boston last year–look out for the young run and gun team to storm their way to the top.
Some clubs that might give these teams a run for their money are the Houston Rockets–with the addition of Ron Artest, the Utah Jazz, and the Phoenix Suns.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Ricky Clark - Football vs. Cabrillo preview
Last home game of the season, it seems like it's going bye too fast. The Gladiators are coming off a win against Los Medanos 38-14, but this team has not won two games in a row. It's been a season in between average and above average for coach Calcagno's Gladiators with a win loss record of 4-4, 2-1. On Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. the Gladiators will host Cabrillo Seahawks (0-3, 2-6). The Seahawks are on a four game losing streak and were shutout by Modesto. Perhaps the Seahawks are just a victim against top teams. Their first game was with last year's state winners City College of SF, an undefeated Monterey Peninsula, and the two top Golden Gate Conferece teams Laney and Modesto. Chabot has a slim shot of winning the conference. In order for the team to accomplish this, they must beat Cabrillo and Laney (Nov. 4), and have other conference teams do some things for the Glads.
Here is the synopsis: If Modesto beats Laney this weekend, they will have to lose to Merced. If Laney beats Modesto, the Glads will still need Merced defeat Modesto and ultimately beat Laney for the season finale.
Here is the synopsis: If Modesto beats Laney this weekend, they will have to lose to Merced. If Laney beats Modesto, the Glads will still need Merced defeat Modesto and ultimately beat Laney for the season finale.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Ricky Clark - Wrestling quick notes
The wrestling team was at Cuesta College for a tournament. Out of 16 teams the Glads placed 10th. Stephan De La Cruz earned 3rd place at 141-pounds after defeating Sacramento City College's Blake Nichols by a 10-4 decision. Carlos Martinez (157-pounds) beat Palomar College's Aaron Eberhart by injury forfeit, earning 5th place.
Ricky Clark - Volleyball defeats De Anza
The volleyball team finished of De Anza 3-1 in a teeter-totter match tonight. Sammy Capurro simply summed this win saying, "It felt good." Sets one, three, and four belonged to the Lady Glads. The first set went 25-20, third set went 25-22, and fourth set went 25-21 with the team losing in the second 25-20. For those who have not seen a volleyball game this season, Christa Hicks is a very talented player. Hicks plays outside hitter and in this latest game she constantly delivered scores on spikes, towers, and serves. Without Hicks this team probably would have a terrible season. Another player who's coming along for the Lady Glads is Amanda Meyer. She was a force in the middle, blocking shots and finishing spikes. Next week (Wednesday) will be the team's last home game at 6:30.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Joey Brownlee - It's not the players; it's the coaches
My sister, who can’t tell the difference between a football and baseball, knew the moment Lane Kiffin was fired, we’d begin to look more like the Raiders of 2006 than the competitive team we’ve been over the duration of Kiffin’s coaching duty.
The Raiders BK (before Kiffin) couldn’t give the Texas Tech Red Raiders a good game. And four games AK (after Kiffin) they can’t give the Toronto Argonauts a run for their money.
In short, Kiffin has what every person desires to attain: “IT”.Whatever “IT” is, he has it. All the great ones do and it showed in the 20 or so months he was here.
Kiffin knew the weaknesses of this team and stayed away from them like the plague. He passed the ball when the opportunity presented itself and used the running game –the strength- to the fullest. When you have Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas, why not run the ball and wear down defenses.
It doesn’t make sense to pass the ball 30+ times a game when the offensive line couldn’t pass protect if their life depended on it; much less for a franchise QB. His best wide receiver is his tight end, Zach Miller.
Seventh round pick Chaz Schilens, can become another Marcus Colston (also a seventh round pick) but he needs to get the ball more. That won’t happen, however, because the ball distributor gets more pressure than middle school teenagers and a tap at a keg party COMBINED.
I thought a fresh start in the zone-blocking scheme would benefit left tackle, Kwame Harris. The former first-round pick play has proved me wrong. Ricky Clark told me back in February he and Deangelo Hall were overrated and would vacillate in Oakland.
He was wrong. They’ve been a disaster. They shouldn’t be in pro football, much less the NFL, the way they fall to show up on game day.
And I don’t think Tom Cable merits blame for this atrocity. I’d blame him for not standing up for what he believes in and placating to each and every desire of the owner.
The few times Russell has had time to throw, he’s proved to be inaccurate with the football. At times, it looks like he couldn’t hit the ocean standing on the beach.
Al Davis doesn’t care, wants him to throw more because “he’s a great player.” Those are his words, not mine.
The thing I most admired about Lane Kiffin, from a fans perspective, was he was his own man and wanted to do things his way (which was working) and wasn’t intimidated by Davis when, Bugel, Callahan, Turner and Shell were.
Kiffin changed the mentality of the locker room and got the players to play inspired football; something he predecessors (besides Jon Gruden) failed to do.
He was developing Russell, grooming the offense and using what worked. It was all part of the plan, a plan terminated because of Davis’ jealousy of Lane.
Aside from one season (five total), Rob Ryan has done a horrible job of imitating a defensive coordinator and should be kick-out of the acting futurity for life. It’s good a thing he hasn’t been fired, then we’d really be screwed.
Had Kiffin been giving the liberty to run the show –draft and signed the free agents of his choice- the Raiders would be a first-place team looking to do serious damage in the postseason.
Now all the ESPN TV shows are changing their opinion on whether is was the right move to fire Kiffin. After these last for games, where the offensive put up a total of 29 points (7.25 per game) and were held to -2 yards in the first-half vs. Atlanta, didn’t record a first down until the third quarter and totaled 77 yards…enough said.
The Raiders BK (before Kiffin) couldn’t give the Texas Tech Red Raiders a good game. And four games AK (after Kiffin) they can’t give the Toronto Argonauts a run for their money.
In short, Kiffin has what every person desires to attain: “IT”.Whatever “IT” is, he has it. All the great ones do and it showed in the 20 or so months he was here.
Kiffin knew the weaknesses of this team and stayed away from them like the plague. He passed the ball when the opportunity presented itself and used the running game –the strength- to the fullest. When you have Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas, why not run the ball and wear down defenses.
It doesn’t make sense to pass the ball 30+ times a game when the offensive line couldn’t pass protect if their life depended on it; much less for a franchise QB. His best wide receiver is his tight end, Zach Miller.
Seventh round pick Chaz Schilens, can become another Marcus Colston (also a seventh round pick) but he needs to get the ball more. That won’t happen, however, because the ball distributor gets more pressure than middle school teenagers and a tap at a keg party COMBINED.
He was wrong. They’ve been a disaster. They shouldn’t be in pro football, much less the NFL, the way they fall to show up on game day.
And I don’t think Tom Cable merits blame for this atrocity. I’d blame him for not standing up for what he believes in and placating to each and every desire of the owner.
The few times Russell has had time to throw, he’s proved to be inaccurate with the football. At times, it looks like he couldn’t hit the ocean standing on the beach.
Al Davis doesn’t care, wants him to throw more because “he’s a great player.” Those are his words, not mine.
The thing I most admired about Lane Kiffin, from a fans perspective, was he was his own man and wanted to do things his way (which was working) and wasn’t intimidated by Davis when, Bugel, Callahan, Turner and Shell were.
Kiffin changed the mentality of the locker room and got the players to play inspired football; something he predecessors (besides Jon Gruden) failed to do.
He was developing Russell, grooming the offense and using what worked. It was all part of the plan, a plan terminated because of Davis’ jealousy of Lane.
Aside from one season (five total), Rob Ryan has done a horrible job of imitating a defensive coordinator and should be kick-out of the acting futurity for life. It’s good a thing he hasn’t been fired, then we’d really be screwed.
Had Kiffin been giving the liberty to run the show –draft and signed the free agents of his choice- the Raiders would be a first-place team looking to do serious damage in the postseason.
Now all the ESPN TV shows are changing their opinion on whether is was the right move to fire Kiffin. After these last for games, where the offensive put up a total of 29 points (7.25 per game) and were held to -2 yards in the first-half vs. Atlanta, didn’t record a first down until the third quarter and totaled 77 yards…enough said.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Joey Brownlee - A's off-season
The MLB off-season is set to commence next Thursday and many are wondering if the A’s will shell out some coin for a primer hitter to anchor the heart-of-the-order.
As a die-hard, life long A’s fan, of course I’d love to see Mark Teixeira man first base for the next five or six years; but he alone cannot provide what we sordidly need: A Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
I first saw this in Dragon Ball Z, when Vegeta and Trunks (Saiyin warriors) were set to fight the evil villain, Cell, in the “Cell Games.”
What the heck does it do? First, it’s a room that is in a different dimension than Earth. Used by warriors for training, the difference in dimensions allows the warriors a year of training in a single day.
Unfortunately, the Hyperbolic Time Chamber is a figment of my imagination and doesn’t really exist. Even worse, the 10-year, 200 million+ Teixeira is seeking couldn’t buy one.
What we really need is time. That’s what Tampa Bay and the Dodgers did; they bided their time and struck at the most opportune moment to make big splashes.
Let’s decipher the numbers real quick.
The young Dodger hitters –Martin, Ethier, Loney and Kemp- have accumulated 4,969 Major League at-bats; add Upton of the Rays, the total swells to 6,308. Shifting gears to pitching. The combination of Garza, Shields, Kazmir and Billingsley has pitched 2,033 innings in the bigs, gaining 29 years of experience for all of the aforementioned players.
The A’s equivalent to that group of talent –C. Gonzalez, Suzuki, Barton, Buck and Sweeney; G. Gonzalez and Gallagher- has a sum of 2,467 at-bats and 164 innings pitched. Our best prospects –Anderson, Cahill and Mazzaro- have yet to throw a big league pitch.
But stats don’t account for one important thing: the mental and physical grind a 162 game schedule has on these young players. All (except Dave Winfield, Jon Olerud and Evan Longoria) struggle with it. I was a every A’s home game last season and it clearly wore on Buck and Carlos Gonzalez as both made Sacramento and Oakland home.
When our playoff run began at the beginning of this decade, Giambi, Chavez, Tejada, Hernandez and Long all had time to get acclimated in 1998 and 1999. That’s all this young group needs, a little time to develop.
I want to win more NOW than anyone in the universe because it hurts to lose. However, I’m not willing to compromise a foundation of a potential 5-7 year playoff run for 2-3 years of playoff mediocrity.
The players are already here. We just have to beat the waiting game, first.
As a die-hard, life long A’s fan, of course I’d love to see Mark Teixeira man first base for the next five or six years; but he alone cannot provide what we sordidly need: A Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
I first saw this in Dragon Ball Z, when Vegeta and Trunks (Saiyin warriors) were set to fight the evil villain, Cell, in the “Cell Games.”
What the heck does it do? First, it’s a room that is in a different dimension than Earth. Used by warriors for training, the difference in dimensions allows the warriors a year of training in a single day.
Unfortunately, the Hyperbolic Time Chamber is a figment of my imagination and doesn’t really exist. Even worse, the 10-year, 200 million+ Teixeira is seeking couldn’t buy one.
What we really need is time. That’s what Tampa Bay and the Dodgers did; they bided their time and struck at the most opportune moment to make big splashes.
Let’s decipher the numbers real quick.
The young Dodger hitters –Martin, Ethier, Loney and Kemp- have accumulated 4,969 Major League at-bats; add Upton of the Rays, the total swells to 6,308. Shifting gears to pitching. The combination of Garza, Shields, Kazmir and Billingsley has pitched 2,033 innings in the bigs, gaining 29 years of experience for all of the aforementioned players.
The A’s equivalent to that group of talent –C. Gonzalez, Suzuki, Barton, Buck and Sweeney; G. Gonzalez and Gallagher- has a sum of 2,467 at-bats and 164 innings pitched. Our best prospects –Anderson, Cahill and Mazzaro- have yet to throw a big league pitch.
But stats don’t account for one important thing: the mental and physical grind a 162 game schedule has on these young players. All (except Dave Winfield, Jon Olerud and Evan Longoria) struggle with it. I was a every A’s home game last season and it clearly wore on Buck and Carlos Gonzalez as both made Sacramento and Oakland home.
When our playoff run began at the beginning of this decade, Giambi, Chavez, Tejada, Hernandez and Long all had time to get acclimated in 1998 and 1999. That’s all this young group needs, a little time to develop.
I want to win more NOW than anyone in the universe because it hurts to lose. However, I’m not willing to compromise a foundation of a potential 5-7 year playoff run for 2-3 years of playoff mediocrity.
The players are already here. We just have to beat the waiting game, first.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Ricky Clark - Football Recap
Photography by Sean Jones
The football team defeated Los Medanos 38-13 in a rainy affair Saturday night.
Defensive back Matt Parker breaks up a pass to stop the Mustangs drive on a third and long. Parker returned a 25-yard punt for a touchdown.
Brandon Williams and Tyler Mason combined for five touchdowns (4 runs, 1 kick return) against the Mustangs. The team is now 4-4, 2-1.
The football team defeated Los Medanos 38-13 in a rainy affair Saturday night.
Defensive back Matt Parker breaks up a pass to stop the Mustangs drive on a third and long. Parker returned a 25-yard punt for a touchdown.
Brandon Williams and Tyler Mason combined for five touchdowns (4 runs, 1 kick return) against the Mustangs. The team is now 4-4, 2-1.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Ricky Clark - Soccer Recap
Men's Soccer tied City College of San Francisco 3-3 on Friday night. The Gladiators pulled off the tie after a 0-3 first half with goalkeeper Chris Nguyen making important blocks. Goals were made by Dupree Gant, Nick Arredondo, and Andres Ponce.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Alfredo Sanchez - Ever heard of Cobra Starship?
Whether you have heard of them or haven’t doesn’t matter because a more pertinent question is- do you like to have fun?
October 29th- mark that date on your calendar if you like all night dance parties. The Sassyback tour will be coming to San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium. Cobra Starship will be bringing down the house with likes of Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights and Sing it Loud.
Cobra Starship’s brand of pop-punk electronica will be sure get you to drop your inhibitions- think Justin Timberlake meets Nintendo. Opening acts Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights, and Sing It Loud are also rock/pop/indie/electronica acts similar to the headliner, but each with their own flavor. The final mélange is will leave a fantastic taste that’ll stick around for days.
Courtesy www.cobrastarship.com
To purchase your tickets you can go online to
http://www.livenation.com/venue/the-fillmore-tickets
or call (415) 346-6000. If you end up procrastinating you can also buy your tickets at the door. The ticket office opens at 7:00 pm
So if you decide to have fun next Wednesday night head on over to the Fillmore.
October 29th- mark that date on your calendar if you like all night dance parties. The Sassyback tour will be coming to San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium. Cobra Starship will be bringing down the house with likes of Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights and Sing it Loud.
Cobra Starship’s brand of pop-punk electronica will be sure get you to drop your inhibitions- think Justin Timberlake meets Nintendo. Opening acts Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights, and Sing It Loud are also rock/pop/indie/electronica acts similar to the headliner, but each with their own flavor. The final mélange is will leave a fantastic taste that’ll stick around for days.
Courtesy www.cobrastarship.com
To purchase your tickets you can go online to
http://www.livenation.com/venue/the-fillmore-tickets
or call (415) 346-6000. If you end up procrastinating you can also buy your tickets at the door. The ticket office opens at 7:00 pm
So if you decide to have fun next Wednesday night head on over to the Fillmore.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Ricky Clark- Chabot sports go 1-2 Friday night
Photography by Sean Jones
Volleyball - The volleyball team suffered a tough and disappointing loss to Foothill College 1-3. The Lady Gladiators won by a high-margin in the first set 25-16, yet this proved to be the only bright spot of the night for the team.
Men's soccer - The Gladiators were shut out 3-0 against Cabrillo College. Throughout the game, the Glads struggled to get the ball in enemy territory.
Women's soccer - Only women's soccer was able to record a victory in Friday's match-ups, pulverizing an outmatched Hartnell College 10-0.
Volleyball - The volleyball team suffered a tough and disappointing loss to Foothill College 1-3. The Lady Gladiators won by a high-margin in the first set 25-16, yet this proved to be the only bright spot of the night for the team.
Men's soccer - The Gladiators were shut out 3-0 against Cabrillo College. Throughout the game, the Glads struggled to get the ball in enemy territory.
Women's soccer - Only women's soccer was able to record a victory in Friday's match-ups, pulverizing an outmatched Hartnell College 10-0.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Ricky Clark - World Series thoughts
I’m going to admit, I’m on the Tampa Bay Ray’s bandwagon. This team should win the World Series, even though game one was lost 3-2. The Ray’s have the better starting rotation (Scott Kazmir, James Shields, and Matt Garza) and the Philadelphia Phillies are going with a four-man rotation. This means Cole Hamels (the ace and game one winner), the Phillies won’t be able to have him throw until game five.
Overall the Phillies rotation can be sporadic and this could cause them the series. On offense, the Ray’s have enough firepower in B.J. Upton, Evan Longoria, and Carlos Peña and enough bullpen talent with David Price being a valuable arm to get the job done. The Ray’s depth will be the deciding factor.
A controversy brewing over the World Series now is the event is losing its glamour and losing its magic. I’m enjoying the shift in power between teams. The series gets boring when it’s just the New York Yankees. Seeing the Red Sox now being champions is great for baseball. The story is as good as it gets, from historic losers to now top dogs.
Overall the Phillies rotation can be sporadic and this could cause them the series. On offense, the Ray’s have enough firepower in B.J. Upton, Evan Longoria, and Carlos Peña and enough bullpen talent with David Price being a valuable arm to get the job done. The Ray’s depth will be the deciding factor.
A controversy brewing over the World Series now is the event is losing its glamour and losing its magic. I’m enjoying the shift in power between teams. The series gets boring when it’s just the New York Yankees. Seeing the Red Sox now being champions is great for baseball. The story is as good as it gets, from historic losers to now top dogs.
Ricky Clark - Wrestling recap
Last night the wrestling team was defeated by Skyline College 28-17. Despite the loss, the team was able to have key victories. Stephan De La Cruz (CH) quickly beat Kris Swatsbaugh by fall (1:40), Daniel Musselman (CH) outgunned Greg Kelly 2-10, Kyle Wright (CH) gave his all to defeat Joe Bultra 7-9, Tafari Robinson (CH) flipped Tim Ferrick over and over again for a 2-10 decision. The rest of the Gladiators weren't able to pull of wins unfortunately.
Joey Brownlee - Win doesn't mean anything for Raiders
TO THOSE WHO think the Raiders are back on the road of perpetual success after a 16-13 OT win over the pathetic Jets, think again.
Sunday’s victory wasn’t merely a step towards achieving pay dirt. The contest illuminated a myriad of problems, beginning with discipline.
Fourteen penalties totaling 85 yards is unacceptable and is the foundation for most of Oakland’s futility since returning from Los Angeles. Obtuse infractions –false starts and illegal formations- such as the one’s incurred Sunday will hinder offensive continuity, and moreover, retarded the progression of this young offense.
Run defense; or lack thereof. I couldn’t find it Sunday –and I was there. 252 yards allowed – 159 by Thomas Jones and 59 to Brad Smith. Yes, Brad Smith on four carries. I don’t know who he is either.
Davis committed more than 159 million in contracts during the off-season and isn’t getting a bang, or boom, for his buck. And Mr. Tommy Kelly, he of the richest contract ever giving to a defensive tackle, and fresh off a DUI. You’re paid like an elite run-stuffer, but are playing like an elite buffet-stuffer.
Tackling, a basic fundamental of this barbaric sport, yet it’s a concept this group doesn’t seem to comprehend. Leon Washington practically walked through the defense, bouncing of feeble tackles, during his 11-yard run, which tied the score at 10-10, in the fourth quarter.
Third-down efficiency is make or break in this league, and it broke Oakland during the second-half’s vs. Buffalo and San Diego. 4-17 on third down conversiuons will not cut it against Baltimore this Sunday. Better teams will exploit this shortcoming.
If Jet receivers had better traction in the final 15 minutes, the outcome most certainly would have resulted in a Raiders loss. But at the end of the day, a win of any kind in Raider land is revered; no matter how ugly.
However, if they don’t rectify these obvious holes, with diligence, reducing the number of fights in the stands will be the only victories seen in Oakland.
Sunday’s victory wasn’t merely a step towards achieving pay dirt. The contest illuminated a myriad of problems, beginning with discipline.
Fourteen penalties totaling 85 yards is unacceptable and is the foundation for most of Oakland’s futility since returning from Los Angeles. Obtuse infractions –false starts and illegal formations- such as the one’s incurred Sunday will hinder offensive continuity, and moreover, retarded the progression of this young offense.
Run defense; or lack thereof. I couldn’t find it Sunday –and I was there. 252 yards allowed – 159 by Thomas Jones and 59 to Brad Smith. Yes, Brad Smith on four carries. I don’t know who he is either.
Davis committed more than 159 million in contracts during the off-season and isn’t getting a bang, or boom, for his buck. And Mr. Tommy Kelly, he of the richest contract ever giving to a defensive tackle, and fresh off a DUI. You’re paid like an elite run-stuffer, but are playing like an elite buffet-stuffer.
Tackling, a basic fundamental of this barbaric sport, yet it’s a concept this group doesn’t seem to comprehend. Leon Washington practically walked through the defense, bouncing of feeble tackles, during his 11-yard run, which tied the score at 10-10, in the fourth quarter.
Third-down efficiency is make or break in this league, and it broke Oakland during the second-half’s vs. Buffalo and San Diego. 4-17 on third down conversiuons will not cut it against Baltimore this Sunday. Better teams will exploit this shortcoming.
If Jet receivers had better traction in the final 15 minutes, the outcome most certainly would have resulted in a Raiders loss. But at the end of the day, a win of any kind in Raider land is revered; no matter how ugly.
However, if they don’t rectify these obvious holes, with diligence, reducing the number of fights in the stands will be the only victories seen in Oakland.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Ricky Clark - Gladiators (football) manage to win
Photography By Sean Jones
In Saturday night's contest vs. the Merced Blue Devils, the Gladiators had enough offensive production to hold off their opponents in a 28-18 win. Thomas Lanto once again received the majority of the playtime at quarter back and is starting to establish himself as a capable leader for the Gladiators.
During the second quarter Lanto connected on a 37-yard pass to Lee Pinkston that eventually set-up a 5-yard touchdown pass to Roy Polk.
Defensively the Gladiators allowed some big plays that led the Blue Devils to score, often the defensive line pressured the Blue Devil quarterback.
Free safety Tiquan Payne was an active force in the Gladiator secondary, finding himself around Blue Devil ball carriers for tackles most of the time. The key play of the game for the Gladiators came in the fourth quarter when defensive back Matthew Parker returned a kick off for 80 yards.
This effort set up running back Tyler Mason for a two-yard rushing touchdown which was the final Gladiator score (28-18). The Gladiators are now 3-3 on the season.
In Saturday night's contest vs. the Merced Blue Devils, the Gladiators had enough offensive production to hold off their opponents in a 28-18 win. Thomas Lanto once again received the majority of the playtime at quarter back and is starting to establish himself as a capable leader for the Gladiators.
During the second quarter Lanto connected on a 37-yard pass to Lee Pinkston that eventually set-up a 5-yard touchdown pass to Roy Polk.
Defensively the Gladiators allowed some big plays that led the Blue Devils to score, often the defensive line pressured the Blue Devil quarterback.
Free safety Tiquan Payne was an active force in the Gladiator secondary, finding himself around Blue Devil ball carriers for tackles most of the time. The key play of the game for the Gladiators came in the fourth quarter when defensive back Matthew Parker returned a kick off for 80 yards.
This effort set up running back Tyler Mason for a two-yard rushing touchdown which was the final Gladiator score (28-18). The Gladiators are now 3-3 on the season.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Jennifer Falcon - Prop 8
Hello all you Spectators out there!
It was an exciting week for news at our own campus with many things going on with Prop 8. It amazes me how something so tiny can cause such a huge uproar on a college that is so diverse and is full of so much hope and potential. Its sad to let this issue divide not only our school but our faulty as well. With there cent hateful words that some faculty is saying to one another on the email system is disheartening to say the least. To see our school divided makes me as a student feel very angry.
By staff and faculty fighting over Prop. 8 it saddens me to see some people who are apart of Chabot singling out any group of Chabot students and staff. No one questions a straight person after they ruin their marriage and cheat on their spouse. Its still legal for them to remarry, they are not made uncomfortable at their place of work or school. You would never see a campus wide email talking about a faculty member who got a divorce.
We are offending people who are merely trying to be comfortable in their own skin, the truth is when it comes to Prop. 8 the school should realize that they cannot have a healthy debate on this issue without offending their own students or colleges. I respect the schools stand against Prop. 8 and I think it’s a great thing for the college to encourage and support diversity. Why deny anyone rights based on any reason. We are taking a step backwards at the school if we allow anyone related with the school to say things such as “If you don’t like I hear there are other job openings at in other countries, perhaps you should move there?” or “oh so civil union just isn’t enough for ya huh?” How hurtful is that to say to someone who just wants to fit in and be like everyone else.
I felt I didn’t belong anywhere, and to see someone have to feel this way at their place of education or job makes me feel so bad. Homosexual students and faculty are being unfairly discriminated and it creates a negative vibe on campus for any student.
I wish the said faculty could go back and re-read some of their statements and realize just how hurtful and sickening they really are. I think NO ONE has the right to say the quotes above and should be reprimanded just as any student would be. We should not tolerate any kind of slander or hate at Chabot.
It was an exciting week for news at our own campus with many things going on with Prop 8. It amazes me how something so tiny can cause such a huge uproar on a college that is so diverse and is full of so much hope and potential. Its sad to let this issue divide not only our school but our faulty as well. With there cent hateful words that some faculty is saying to one another on the email system is disheartening to say the least. To see our school divided makes me as a student feel very angry.
By staff and faculty fighting over Prop. 8 it saddens me to see some people who are apart of Chabot singling out any group of Chabot students and staff. No one questions a straight person after they ruin their marriage and cheat on their spouse. Its still legal for them to remarry, they are not made uncomfortable at their place of work or school. You would never see a campus wide email talking about a faculty member who got a divorce.
We are offending people who are merely trying to be comfortable in their own skin, the truth is when it comes to Prop. 8 the school should realize that they cannot have a healthy debate on this issue without offending their own students or colleges. I respect the schools stand against Prop. 8 and I think it’s a great thing for the college to encourage and support diversity. Why deny anyone rights based on any reason. We are taking a step backwards at the school if we allow anyone related with the school to say things such as “If you don’t like I hear there are other job openings at in other countries, perhaps you should move there?” or “oh so civil union just isn’t enough for ya huh?” How hurtful is that to say to someone who just wants to fit in and be like everyone else.
I felt I didn’t belong anywhere, and to see someone have to feel this way at their place of education or job makes me feel so bad. Homosexual students and faculty are being unfairly discriminated and it creates a negative vibe on campus for any student.
I wish the said faculty could go back and re-read some of their statements and realize just how hurtful and sickening they really are. I think NO ONE has the right to say the quotes above and should be reprimanded just as any student would be. We should not tolerate any kind of slander or hate at Chabot.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Ricky Clark - Yay for the Rays (a doubter turned believer)
I’ll be one of the first to admit, I never thought the Tampa Bay (Devil..err.. nvm..) Rays would have a winning season in the AL East. I’ve doubted this team all season long, expecting the Yankees to somehow pull it all together and take the wild card spot along with the Red Sox winning the division. Not only have the Rays had a winning season, they won the division and are just one game away from the World Series.
It’s not that I hold any bias towards the Rays, I just enjoyed them more when the team were the bottom feeders of Major League Baseball. When I was a kid playing Ken Griffey Jr. Slugfest on Nintendo 64, my choice of team was the [Devil] Rays. A line-up stacked with past their prime sluggers Wade Boggs and Fred McGriff and a bunch of no-name pitchers. I remember all the constant defensive blunders and offensive meltdowns.
This team has come along way in such a short period of time, and they don’t look like they will slow down in years to come. Evan Longoria will win AL Rookie of the Year, and he’s already one of the best third basemen in the AL. Longoria is a player that will lead this team and challenge for MVP awards if his career isn’t derailed by unfortunate things. The pitching situation looks promising as well for the Rays. David Price who was just called-up in September has the potential to be a dominating hurler, throw in other pitching prospects like Wade Davis and Jeff Neimann the team has more depth to add to their all ready strong starting rotation.
So in looking dumb for doubting this team..
Good luck to the Rays in hopes of gaining a world series birth!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Carmen Shiu - ABDC tour: Everything a fan can possibly want…almost
With electrifying energy both from the performers and audience, the America’s Best Dance Crew concert was nonetheless amazing and truly displayed what the show is all about.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, five crews from MTV’s ABDC stopped at Oakland’s Paramount Theater as part of their nationwide tour.
Though the newest champions were season two’s Super Cr3w, it was obvious that it was really all about the JabbaWockeeZ, winners of the first season. The crowd cheered the loudest for them, as they should.
The show started with each crew performing a never-before-seen routine of their own, starting off with Fanny Pak, BreakSk8, A.S.I.I.D., Super Cr3w, and finally JabbaWockeeZ.
Afterwards, all the crews come out to introduce themselves to the crowd. Shout-outs were given, including the families of Phil from JabbaWockeeZ and Tiffani from Fanny Pak, and as well was the late, JabbaWockeeZ member Gary Kendall, known as Gee.
Fans were then in a treat as each crew performs some of the most memorable moments on the show. Yes, that’s right. SuperCr3w brought some of their most amazing tricks live on stage. That highly-praised Fanny Pak performance to Missy Elliott’s “Get Your Freak On?” It was there. And who can forget when Kid Rainen of the JabbaWockeeZ spun on his head for longer than most can handle? It was all there live on stage. ABDC fans really have to appreciate the crews and even the producers to include such pieces into the show.
All the crews performed together as a whole to pay tribute to old-school hip-hop after. This was where fans were able to actually see the JabbaWockeeZ unmasked. Personally, it was both weird but entertaining to see the members without the mask.
After looking into the past, the show shifts gear and goes into the future. Who/what exactly is the future? Of course, that was the JabbaWockeeZ. They performed a total span of 6-7 minutes with new routines that seemed to have only amazed the crowd.
A 15-mnute intermission was scheduled afterwards. During that time, it was announced that they will be a very special guest appearing onto the stage. For the fans who research ABDC information online, they know very well that Bay Area’s ABDC finalist, Supreme Soul, was going to make an appearance. Many of them pretty much figured that they were the special guest.
Wrong.
As the lights dimmed low so that the audience knows that the show is about to begin again, a “mysterious” voice came about. It turned out to be Big Von, a DJ from local radio station, KMEL 106, asking the audience to please welcome Bay Area rap ambassador, E-40.
Yes, you read that right. E-40 was live on stage. Of course, none of that was ever expected. Before the show started, there was no word online that E-40 was going to be at the show. This definitely hyped up the crowd and was an excellent way to restart the show again after the intermission. E-40 performed his newest single, “Wake It Up,” and the real turning-point single in terms of mainstream radio, “Tell Me When to Go.”
To pay tribute to the Jacksons, members of all crew (with the exception of the JabbaWockeeZ) performed together as they did on the show itself for season two to Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation.”
The JabbaWockeeZ then gave the same performance as they did on the show live on stage and that was the routine to Michael Jackon’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).”
Each crew then had a segment on the big screen to thank the fans, look silly to entertain, and also to introduce their routine. Some of the routines were from when they performed on the show, while others were brand new.
JabbaWockeeZ performed the popular routine entitled “Red Pill,” which consists of their originally-created beat. Fanny Pak did a new performance to Pussycat Doll’s “When I Grow Up” that started out with them in baby cribs and then came out to perform in typical career outfits, such as astronauts.
The show ended with all the crews in a “battle zone” that has each so-called battling each other, even though it is obvious that it was all choreographed.
As the music ended and all took their final bow, the crowd rushed to the front of the stage while the members shook everyone’s hands.
The show was approximately two hours long. Right after it ended, many fans stood around the tour buses to wait for the dancers to come out in hopes of meeting them. Although it took a while, they finally did. Contrary to some rumors out there, all of the dancers were extremely kind and wanted to talk with all of their fans. They made sure every fan that was still there are pleased with autographs and pictures.
Overall, the show was truly amazing. For any real ABDC fans, that was where they really had to be Saturday night. The performances are even better in person and to watch all of the crews live were simply breath-taking. It really is almost what every ABDC fan would want for a show. And by almost, I really wish the show was longer. Two hours may seem long to some, but when you’re actually there, it feels short. Also, the fact that Supreme Soul turned down the offer of appearing on the show, which was a down point for those who wanted to see them perform live.
If there is a tour next year for ABDC, it is definitely a tour that you would not want to miss at all. Truly, it was well worth the money, regardless.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Miuson Chi - Prop 8 is ridiculous and unfair
In my point of view, Proposition 8 is ridiculous and unfair to the country. Frankly speaking I don’t have much information about Prop. 8, however, it seems to be getting more and more serious. One of the reasons that attracted me to gain more knowledge about Prop. 8 is the $100,000 donation by Brad Pitt. When I start reading more documents about Prop. 8, I started to be more concerned about homosexual people.
What if there is an offer at Harvard University given to you with a scholarship of two years and after they said it was just a joke, they are not going to offer you anything. Meanwhile you have already prepared to quit your job, and concentrate on your studies. How do you feel? It is just not fair to anyone, right?
The same thing is happening to homosexuals. California allows gay couples to marry. Now if we pass Prop. 8, then the gay marriages will be stopped. Come on! Stop fooling others around. What is the point to take away rights once they've been given? Everyone should have their own right to have the equal fairness of love.
We allow criminals to get married with their partners, but we don’t allow same-sex marriage? So does it mean that gay and lesbian people are even worse than criminals? It really sounds like non-sense to me.
One of the reasons people support Prop. 8 is because they want to preserve marriage. The supporters think that it is not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Prop 8 doesn’t take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships. So if they are really saying they are not taking away rights then why are they supporting Prop. 8? Does it make sense that they are actually against some people to get married, but they think they are not exploiting their rights? Domestic partnerships are not a substitute for marriage, are they?
Laws treat everyone equally. And I believe the equal protection under the law is the foundation of American society. We have the freedoms of religion and speech, why not the freedom of marriage? If Prop. 8 succeeds against the same sex freedom, we might have Prop. 9, Prop. 10 later on against the speech and the religions beliefs of society.
Sorry, it shouldn’t be up to the government to decide who can and cannot get married. Marriage is not a business of the whole country. If people have so much time to be concerned and care about the rights of another person, they should try to spend their time to make our country thrive.
What if there is an offer at Harvard University given to you with a scholarship of two years and after they said it was just a joke, they are not going to offer you anything. Meanwhile you have already prepared to quit your job, and concentrate on your studies. How do you feel? It is just not fair to anyone, right?
The same thing is happening to homosexuals. California allows gay couples to marry. Now if we pass Prop. 8, then the gay marriages will be stopped. Come on! Stop fooling others around. What is the point to take away rights once they've been given? Everyone should have their own right to have the equal fairness of love.
We allow criminals to get married with their partners, but we don’t allow same-sex marriage? So does it mean that gay and lesbian people are even worse than criminals? It really sounds like non-sense to me.
One of the reasons people support Prop. 8 is because they want to preserve marriage. The supporters think that it is not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Prop 8 doesn’t take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships. So if they are really saying they are not taking away rights then why are they supporting Prop. 8? Does it make sense that they are actually against some people to get married, but they think they are not exploiting their rights? Domestic partnerships are not a substitute for marriage, are they?
Laws treat everyone equally. And I believe the equal protection under the law is the foundation of American society. We have the freedoms of religion and speech, why not the freedom of marriage? If Prop. 8 succeeds against the same sex freedom, we might have Prop. 9, Prop. 10 later on against the speech and the religions beliefs of society.
Sorry, it shouldn’t be up to the government to decide who can and cannot get married. Marriage is not a business of the whole country. If people have so much time to be concerned and care about the rights of another person, they should try to spend their time to make our country thrive.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Joey Brownlee - Maybe Al is on to something
If you’re a Raiders fan who thought nothing iniquitous could happen during a bye-week, oh how naïve you were.
Al Davis not only told you what’s obtuse with his franchise, he read it out loud and illuminated it with an over-head projector. He called Lane Kiffin a “flat-out liar,” and was heard after the presser if he called him a liar enough.
Truth is: Al Davis was the only liar in that room.
“There are reasons which I could go into,” the devil begins. “But I thought what I would do is bring you up to (the time that led to the firing)…”
OK, so, you, Al, you don’t want specific dirty laundry to get into the open? Then, what was the purpose of projecting the letter you gave to Kiffin? Or so you say, “I sent him a letter,” he says. He quickly corrects himself and utters, “gave it to ‘em, actually and Federal Expressed it to him.”
Reads like a lie, doesn’t it?
Later on he feels a sense of regret because, “I hired the wrong guy.” Sorry, Al. He actually was the right guy, but you never gave him a real opportunity to prove that.
My gosh, perhaps, another fib. Maybe Al is on to something.
Subsequently, Davis rambles on why he didn’t offer his version of the story due to the fact he “didn’t want to win in the press, I want to win on the field.” Then why hold a 45-minute conclave with the media bashing Kiffin?
Kiffin said that Davis and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan were in constant communication about schemes. Davis ordered Ryan to publicly refute that claim. Last week former Raider Warren Sapp helped corroborate Kiffin’s assertion on Showtime's Inside the NFL.
"I remember one time we had a defensive game plan because we were struggling against the run. We were going to get our safeties and put them up in the box and almost have a nine-man front. We practiced this thing 80 percent of the time on Wednesday and Thursday. We showed up that Friday morning, [defensive coordinator] Rob Ryan came in and he looked like someone had just shot his dog. He said [Davis] pulled it on us. ... He snatched the teeth out of our defense," Sapp said.
Another lie by the domineering proprietor/general manger/I’m in the market for a convalescent home dictator named Al Davis.
The only propaganda bellowed in that room was what Davis sold to the gullible media in attendance. Davis was on the point of an entity lying. He failed to differentiate himself from Kiffin.
Al Davis not only told you what’s obtuse with his franchise, he read it out loud and illuminated it with an over-head projector. He called Lane Kiffin a “flat-out liar,” and was heard after the presser if he called him a liar enough.
Truth is: Al Davis was the only liar in that room.
“There are reasons which I could go into,” the devil begins. “But I thought what I would do is bring you up to (the time that led to the firing)…”
OK, so, you, Al, you don’t want specific dirty laundry to get into the open? Then, what was the purpose of projecting the letter you gave to Kiffin? Or so you say, “I sent him a letter,” he says. He quickly corrects himself and utters, “gave it to ‘em, actually and Federal Expressed it to him.”
Reads like a lie, doesn’t it?
Later on he feels a sense of regret because, “I hired the wrong guy.” Sorry, Al. He actually was the right guy, but you never gave him a real opportunity to prove that.
My gosh, perhaps, another fib. Maybe Al is on to something.
Subsequently, Davis rambles on why he didn’t offer his version of the story due to the fact he “didn’t want to win in the press, I want to win on the field.” Then why hold a 45-minute conclave with the media bashing Kiffin?
Kiffin said that Davis and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan were in constant communication about schemes. Davis ordered Ryan to publicly refute that claim. Last week former Raider Warren Sapp helped corroborate Kiffin’s assertion on Showtime's Inside the NFL.
"I remember one time we had a defensive game plan because we were struggling against the run. We were going to get our safeties and put them up in the box and almost have a nine-man front. We practiced this thing 80 percent of the time on Wednesday and Thursday. We showed up that Friday morning, [defensive coordinator] Rob Ryan came in and he looked like someone had just shot his dog. He said [Davis] pulled it on us. ... He snatched the teeth out of our defense," Sapp said.
Another lie by the domineering proprietor/general manger/I’m in the market for a convalescent home dictator named Al Davis.
The only propaganda bellowed in that room was what Davis sold to the gullible media in attendance. Davis was on the point of an entity lying. He failed to differentiate himself from Kiffin.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Alex Miranda - Here we go again.
It was the Democrats! It was the Republicans! She said he said, they said he did. Who’s to blame for the $700 billion not going into use? Both sides of the party had people vote against it.
But it seems people from both sides of the party are blaming each other for the rejected plan.
What happens know? I keep waiting for it to start raining blood and the coming of the Prince of Darkness. WOO EEHH UMMM!
They keep comparing this situation to the Great Depression. But the Great Depression had people taking swan dives of the dang Chrysler Building in New York.
I’m so broke I can’t sleep at night. Everything I own is on credit, even my education. I feel like I’m being robbed of my college experience.
I’m in college; I should be worried about STDs and getting laid. I should be worried about trying new and exiting things, like drugs or even the weird drunken nights in a Circus Circus Las Vegas hotel room. Where my guy friend and I are too drunk to remember if we did stuff together. But it’s apparent cause we’re both naked, cuddling.
Insomnia over the credit crisis has led me to sleep walk and write POV’s such as this one. I wake in a cold sweat from a dream where I’m talking in front of an audience and I’m naked. So I run and try to buy clothes with my credit cards. But I end up not being able to because of the crisis, and have to walk all day naked.
Don’t get me wrong. I like being nude, but the point is these dreams and nightmares are beginning to take a toll on me. I’m getting to the point I feel so stressed out I’m breaking out in hives.
I’ve tried replacing thoughts of the whole nation running in chaos with pictures of little puppies and unicorns. But it doesn’t work. Even repeating the scene from that one movie where you can see Angelina Jolie in – I’m getting off topic.
The only thing that helps me get through it is imagining me driving to Washington, D.C., and bitch slapping each politician in Congress.
Point is I feel we’re going down a rabbit hole. I fear I’ll turn on the TV one of these days, and see people jumping out buildings running from financial burdens.
Out off all the countries that hate us, I fear ours the most. Because it’s our own country that has betrayed us the most.
But it seems people from both sides of the party are blaming each other for the rejected plan.
What happens know? I keep waiting for it to start raining blood and the coming of the Prince of Darkness. WOO EEHH UMMM!
They keep comparing this situation to the Great Depression. But the Great Depression had people taking swan dives of the dang Chrysler Building in New York.
I’m so broke I can’t sleep at night. Everything I own is on credit, even my education. I feel like I’m being robbed of my college experience.
I’m in college; I should be worried about STDs and getting laid. I should be worried about trying new and exiting things, like drugs or even the weird drunken nights in a Circus Circus Las Vegas hotel room. Where my guy friend and I are too drunk to remember if we did stuff together. But it’s apparent cause we’re both naked, cuddling.
Insomnia over the credit crisis has led me to sleep walk and write POV’s such as this one. I wake in a cold sweat from a dream where I’m talking in front of an audience and I’m naked. So I run and try to buy clothes with my credit cards. But I end up not being able to because of the crisis, and have to walk all day naked.
Don’t get me wrong. I like being nude, but the point is these dreams and nightmares are beginning to take a toll on me. I’m getting to the point I feel so stressed out I’m breaking out in hives.
I’ve tried replacing thoughts of the whole nation running in chaos with pictures of little puppies and unicorns. But it doesn’t work. Even repeating the scene from that one movie where you can see Angelina Jolie in – I’m getting off topic.
The only thing that helps me get through it is imagining me driving to Washington, D.C., and bitch slapping each politician in Congress.
Point is I feel we’re going down a rabbit hole. I fear I’ll turn on the TV one of these days, and see people jumping out buildings running from financial burdens.
Out off all the countries that hate us, I fear ours the most. Because it’s our own country that has betrayed us the most.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Karen Swain - Cell phone etiquette
The communication culture has exploded in America. We are bombarded by commercials trying to sell us the newest gadget. We have iPhones and blackberries that can text, send e-mail, surf the Internet, blah, blah, and blah. I can’t deny that I have a love-hate relationship with my cell phone.
Am I the only one that finds these technological toys annoying as all hell at times? These days you couldn’t escape cell phones if you tried. You can be on the toilet, minding your own business, when you’re interrupted with and you hear the person-in-the-next-stall’s conversation. As much as we all love our cell phones, can’t we admit that there’s a time and a place for them?
I often wonder if this technology has grown faster than the etiquette surrounding the culture. In this modern day, is it considered rude to carry on a cell phone conversation at a restaurant? Anyone working retail can relate to the frustration one feels when someone in line can’t hang up on their conversation for 20 seconds and acknowledge the cashier as a person.
It seems as though our society is growing less personal, and technological innovation is taking over. Most of my friends have cell phones and their popularity is undeniable. We buy them, throw our money down this bottomless pit, and loose our manners at the same time.
It is not uncommon to see a 12-year-old boy or girl with their very own cell phone. Shit, call me old fashioned, but in my day it was walkie-talkies. If I had even asked for a cell phone at that age my parents would have literally laughed in my face.
American culture has embraced cell phones and marketed them to be items of necessity rather than luxury items. Everyone has them, we must need them, and not simply want them.
What I want to someday be a trend is cell phone etiquette and courtesy. Think about your surroundings before you chat non-stop with your friend over the phone. Be considerate of those around you and for goodness sake, don’t talk on your phone in a bathroom stall at Chabot!
Although I haven’t had an Office Space moment as of yet, where I smash my cell phone into little pieces and kill the damn thing; I’ve day dreamed about it.
Am I the only one that finds these technological toys annoying as all hell at times? These days you couldn’t escape cell phones if you tried. You can be on the toilet, minding your own business, when you’re interrupted with and you hear the person-in-the-next-stall’s conversation. As much as we all love our cell phones, can’t we admit that there’s a time and a place for them?
I often wonder if this technology has grown faster than the etiquette surrounding the culture. In this modern day, is it considered rude to carry on a cell phone conversation at a restaurant? Anyone working retail can relate to the frustration one feels when someone in line can’t hang up on their conversation for 20 seconds and acknowledge the cashier as a person.
It seems as though our society is growing less personal, and technological innovation is taking over. Most of my friends have cell phones and their popularity is undeniable. We buy them, throw our money down this bottomless pit, and loose our manners at the same time.
It is not uncommon to see a 12-year-old boy or girl with their very own cell phone. Shit, call me old fashioned, but in my day it was walkie-talkies. If I had even asked for a cell phone at that age my parents would have literally laughed in my face.
American culture has embraced cell phones and marketed them to be items of necessity rather than luxury items. Everyone has them, we must need them, and not simply want them.
What I want to someday be a trend is cell phone etiquette and courtesy. Think about your surroundings before you chat non-stop with your friend over the phone. Be considerate of those around you and for goodness sake, don’t talk on your phone in a bathroom stall at Chabot!
Although I haven’t had an Office Space moment as of yet, where I smash my cell phone into little pieces and kill the damn thing; I’ve day dreamed about it.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Alfredo Sanchez - I have a simple suggestion, one that strikes me as quite practical- a calendar.
Wouldn’t it be great to, at a glance, see all the upcoming deadlines for things like financial aid, dropping a class, withdrawing with only a ‘W’, final schedules, and visits from representatives from the various four-year schools? Doesn’t it also make sense to combine the Chabot sports calendar with the school activities which I’ve heard about, kind of?
As things are now, I don’t know anything about what’s coming up. I guess that’s my fault. Students are notorious for being lax about these kinds of things.
All those bright flyers around school are nice and all, even if they are just a waste of paper. I often find myself noticing those rectangles announcing some event that has already transpired. Aw well, so it goes right? It’s not like those school events are even that popular.
A nicely designed, easily accessible calendar that marks the days for when and where events will be held- I don’t think it’s an impossible task. It can be online, right there on the home page for Chabot- that way no paper is wasted and any necessary changes can be made.
What could be standing in the way of such a simple idea’s execution?
As things are now, I don’t know anything about what’s coming up. I guess that’s my fault. Students are notorious for being lax about these kinds of things.
All those bright flyers around school are nice and all, even if they are just a waste of paper. I often find myself noticing those rectangles announcing some event that has already transpired. Aw well, so it goes right? It’s not like those school events are even that popular.
A nicely designed, easily accessible calendar that marks the days for when and where events will be held- I don’t think it’s an impossible task. It can be online, right there on the home page for Chabot- that way no paper is wasted and any necessary changes can be made.
What could be standing in the way of such a simple idea’s execution?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Justine Carreon - Don't screw up or you'll end up at Chabot
There is a looming social stigma that comes along with attending a community college. It is perpetrated to be a second-rate education, a last resort, or any other negative aspect. The formulaic teen comedy dealing with college will often times have a character telling another that if they don't clean up their act they'll end up at a junior college. What a positive image this sends to all future college students: Don't screw up or you'll end up at Chabot.
Every time a colleague asks where you go, a tingling feeling of resentment washes over you. You feel as though you need to validate your decision of community college with an answer better than "I go to Chabot College." No. Instead we choose to add to our answer with something more adequate. What we reply is more along the lines of "I go to Chabot College because I want to transfer to Berkeley," or "I'm at Chabot right now, but only so I can become a nurse." Once we do tell them our situation they give the empathetic head nod and say they completely understand. Then they insist on giving you reasons for going to a community college as if you hadn't gone over them before. Are we trying to convince them or ourselves of what we are doing in our life? Have we no pride in our school?
Walk onto any state or private college, and more than likely you will pass by numerous students wearing sweatshirts bearing their schools' names. Rarely do we see such an act on our campus. The Chabot blazoned attire in the bookstore goes untouched, despite their likeable appearance. People don't want to attach themselves to something degrading in the eyes of others. It is the opposite reason why people buy Coach bags. Forget the fact that it is simple in design and slapped with a hideous "C" print, it was expensive and heightens your social status.
But that is not the way it is. We aren't all slackers from high school, and even if we were it makes no difference. Our school is not a defunct decision, professors at Chabot aren't some hacks that somehow ended up where they are. Many hail from distinguished schools and have probably done many great things in their lives before settling here. Not to say that one "settles" at Chabot, but more or less find their way to this campus… and enjoy it. Opportunities are here if you aren't too lazy to look for it and teachers are not mindlessly nagging you to talk to them during their office hours, they encourage it. We all know of someone who started here then went to become something amazing. Tom Hanks attended Chabot! Think of community college as a stepping stone, not some easy way to a college degree. Some classes at Chabot are immensely difficult. This is proof enough that community college is not the decay of society. If we're getting this good of an education at a place that is supposedly full of idiots then we should be damn proud.
Every time a colleague asks where you go, a tingling feeling of resentment washes over you. You feel as though you need to validate your decision of community college with an answer better than "I go to Chabot College." No. Instead we choose to add to our answer with something more adequate. What we reply is more along the lines of "I go to Chabot College because I want to transfer to Berkeley," or "I'm at Chabot right now, but only so I can become a nurse." Once we do tell them our situation they give the empathetic head nod and say they completely understand. Then they insist on giving you reasons for going to a community college as if you hadn't gone over them before. Are we trying to convince them or ourselves of what we are doing in our life? Have we no pride in our school?
Walk onto any state or private college, and more than likely you will pass by numerous students wearing sweatshirts bearing their schools' names. Rarely do we see such an act on our campus. The Chabot blazoned attire in the bookstore goes untouched, despite their likeable appearance. People don't want to attach themselves to something degrading in the eyes of others. It is the opposite reason why people buy Coach bags. Forget the fact that it is simple in design and slapped with a hideous "C" print, it was expensive and heightens your social status.
But that is not the way it is. We aren't all slackers from high school, and even if we were it makes no difference. Our school is not a defunct decision, professors at Chabot aren't some hacks that somehow ended up where they are. Many hail from distinguished schools and have probably done many great things in their lives before settling here. Not to say that one "settles" at Chabot, but more or less find their way to this campus… and enjoy it. Opportunities are here if you aren't too lazy to look for it and teachers are not mindlessly nagging you to talk to them during their office hours, they encourage it. We all know of someone who started here then went to become something amazing. Tom Hanks attended Chabot! Think of community college as a stepping stone, not some easy way to a college degree. Some classes at Chabot are immensely difficult. This is proof enough that community college is not the decay of society. If we're getting this good of an education at a place that is supposedly full of idiots then we should be damn proud.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Alex Miranda - I-generation of consumers
America has become sofa units, string green stripe patterns on my bed sheets, hip shirts with smart witty quotes, and techni-colored techno-crap, complete with matching sets of Ikea odds and ends.
I say, never be complete.
We want to pay the $300 because we’re all trying to compensate for what we don’t have. That touch screen, Wi-Fi ready, iPod, I got, I want, generation we live in makes us believe we need thee iPods as a status symbol or maybe something to fill the void.
I look around everyday at the world around me and see the strongest and smartest people who've ever lived. I see all this potential, and I see squandering. An entire generation pumping gas at $5 a gallon, grinning, taking it, and asking for more.
“Thank you sir may I have another,” say modern day economical masochists.
Waiting tables, being slaves. Accepting what is given to us. Settling on taking second best. Settling on possessions over life.
Advertising media has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy the perfect body. The truth is we like pretending we’re superstars when in fact we’re not. I see people slowly realizing we’re being lied to, and we’re pissed.
We're the middle Brady Bunch girl; no purpose or place, just a nice little transition.
We pay. We fight wars. We run this country. We are the gears. We put money in banks so banks can lend it out and gain interests. We serve you food, we milk the cows, we build the white houses and monuments that people inhabit. We are apple pie.
If we stop, if we let go. The gears would stop working.
I bet I could turn one penny into the sum amount of $30. I can see how this turning water into a venti double decaf latte could sound like it’s a bit to good to be true, but hear me out.
Put 98 cents into your checking account. Make sure 98 cents is the only amount of money in your account. Then take a ride down to Target, or any other fine establishment, and buy a 99-cent coke. Ninety-eight minus 99 equals negative one, meaning you owe the bank a penny. If you don’t deposit a penny or a check for thee amount of one cent before midnight that day you will be charged the overdraft fee of $30.
A 3,000 percent interest rate of what you owe the bank for a penny. Washington Mutual, my bank, isn’t the only bank doing this. By far Washington Mutual is generous compared to other banks that charge you for everyday you’re overdrawn.
But If I refuse to pay I become an example that banks work for me. I put my money in them. If I had no money to put in there have no money to lend out. Meaning they don’t make a profit.
I’ve had to put ketchup on saltine crackers and use them as a major food source. I’ve ordered a soup at Denny’s with an order of extra crackers and collected condiment packets from major fast food chains.
I recently read Fight Club. In the book they blow up credit companies to reset them to zero. They take the establishment and flatten it out. Because it’s when you’ve lost your house and your living off ketchup and crackers that you can do anything you want.
I say, never be complete.
We want to pay the $300 because we’re all trying to compensate for what we don’t have. That touch screen, Wi-Fi ready, iPod, I got, I want, generation we live in makes us believe we need thee iPods as a status symbol or maybe something to fill the void.
I look around everyday at the world around me and see the strongest and smartest people who've ever lived. I see all this potential, and I see squandering. An entire generation pumping gas at $5 a gallon, grinning, taking it, and asking for more.
“Thank you sir may I have another,” say modern day economical masochists.
Waiting tables, being slaves. Accepting what is given to us. Settling on taking second best. Settling on possessions over life.
Advertising media has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy the perfect body. The truth is we like pretending we’re superstars when in fact we’re not. I see people slowly realizing we’re being lied to, and we’re pissed.
We're the middle Brady Bunch girl; no purpose or place, just a nice little transition.
We pay. We fight wars. We run this country. We are the gears. We put money in banks so banks can lend it out and gain interests. We serve you food, we milk the cows, we build the white houses and monuments that people inhabit. We are apple pie.
If we stop, if we let go. The gears would stop working.
I bet I could turn one penny into the sum amount of $30. I can see how this turning water into a venti double decaf latte could sound like it’s a bit to good to be true, but hear me out.
Put 98 cents into your checking account. Make sure 98 cents is the only amount of money in your account. Then take a ride down to Target, or any other fine establishment, and buy a 99-cent coke. Ninety-eight minus 99 equals negative one, meaning you owe the bank a penny. If you don’t deposit a penny or a check for thee amount of one cent before midnight that day you will be charged the overdraft fee of $30.
A 3,000 percent interest rate of what you owe the bank for a penny. Washington Mutual, my bank, isn’t the only bank doing this. By far Washington Mutual is generous compared to other banks that charge you for everyday you’re overdrawn.
But If I refuse to pay I become an example that banks work for me. I put my money in them. If I had no money to put in there have no money to lend out. Meaning they don’t make a profit.
I’ve had to put ketchup on saltine crackers and use them as a major food source. I’ve ordered a soup at Denny’s with an order of extra crackers and collected condiment packets from major fast food chains.
I recently read Fight Club. In the book they blow up credit companies to reset them to zero. They take the establishment and flatten it out. Because it’s when you’ve lost your house and your living off ketchup and crackers that you can do anything you want.
Ricky Clark - Volleyball player returns from major injury
After dealing with pain from a torn ACL and waiting on the sidelines, Christa Hicks is back in action
For the entire story visit the Chabot Spectator website.
For the entire story visit the Chabot Spectator website.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Jennifer Falcon - Welcome to the Spectators Blog
I am the head news/ managing editor here at the Chabot College paper. While this is my first year at Chabot, I have written for the Tracy Press and the Tri City Voice. Actually I still currently moonlight as a local politics writer for the Voice.
I am an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Indian Tribe. A first-born suburban Indian, my mother grew up on the reservation in Poplar, Mont.
When my mother was a teenager they picked up and moved to Denver, Colo. where I would later be born in the middle of one of Denver’s worse snowstorms. My dad would point out right now that it was then he knew I would be stubborn.
I tackled the job of news editor because I am addicted to news, watching the Daily Show and the Colbert Report are the highlights of my day. I can’t get enough of news, be it PBS or CNN, The Huffington Post or just Yahoo!’s top headlines.
Some crave coffee, I crave my campaign trails.
And with the elections coming just around the corner I simply cannot get enough. This is THE most exciting presidential race we have yet to encounter. History, and no matter who wins, the White House will be changed forever.
I think my love for all things political was passed down from my grandmother and mother who have fought to ensure equality on the Indian reservations and in America.
In 1974 my grandmother and her friend traveled to the Washington and stormed the capital building fighting for Indian hiring preference when its came to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA.) They believed that since reservations were sovereign nations the BIA should be ran by Indians to aid their self-government.
It was there that she met Ted Kennedy, in the midst of eating lunch, they told him what was going on. Kennedy stopped eating his lunch and walked them across the Capital Rotunda, through the tourists that were there that day, many screaming out at the senator as they made their way behind the velvet rope.
Ted walked her and her friend into a room where they met Ethel Kennedy, Roberts Kennedy’s wife and founder of the Robert Kennedy foundation.
Because she made this trip to fight for the rights of Indians to be involved in their own governments the Kennedys took them under their wing and provided everything they needed through the Robert Kennedy Foundation.
Because of she took the time to stand up for something she believes in she was able to enrich many Indian peoples’ lives.
Resulting in Freeman v. Morton, a law that enabled the reservations, which are a sovereign country, to run the BIA and give Indians a preferred part in their own self-governing. Today the BIA is 95% Indian ran and self-governed.
That is what is so inspiring to me; we can be that change. It’s really not that far of a reach to impact the world if you feel your beliefs are really that important. You may seem like just one person but if you try you can make a huge splash!
So make it your business to know what is going on with your government, be a part of history yourself and go out there and vote. Be active in shaping your country, the country you are going to pass on to your children. Research your candidates and make your vote wisely. After all you can’t complain if you didn’t speak up when you had the chance!
So welcome to my blog, and expect many other juicy family stories and updates on what’s going on in the news.
I am an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Indian Tribe. A first-born suburban Indian, my mother grew up on the reservation in Poplar, Mont.
When my mother was a teenager they picked up and moved to Denver, Colo. where I would later be born in the middle of one of Denver’s worse snowstorms. My dad would point out right now that it was then he knew I would be stubborn.
I tackled the job of news editor because I am addicted to news, watching the Daily Show and the Colbert Report are the highlights of my day. I can’t get enough of news, be it PBS or CNN, The Huffington Post or just Yahoo!’s top headlines.
Some crave coffee, I crave my campaign trails.
And with the elections coming just around the corner I simply cannot get enough. This is THE most exciting presidential race we have yet to encounter. History, and no matter who wins, the White House will be changed forever.
I think my love for all things political was passed down from my grandmother and mother who have fought to ensure equality on the Indian reservations and in America.
In 1974 my grandmother and her friend traveled to the Washington and stormed the capital building fighting for Indian hiring preference when its came to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA.) They believed that since reservations were sovereign nations the BIA should be ran by Indians to aid their self-government.
It was there that she met Ted Kennedy, in the midst of eating lunch, they told him what was going on. Kennedy stopped eating his lunch and walked them across the Capital Rotunda, through the tourists that were there that day, many screaming out at the senator as they made their way behind the velvet rope.
Ted walked her and her friend into a room where they met Ethel Kennedy, Roberts Kennedy’s wife and founder of the Robert Kennedy foundation.
Because she made this trip to fight for the rights of Indians to be involved in their own governments the Kennedys took them under their wing and provided everything they needed through the Robert Kennedy Foundation.
Because of she took the time to stand up for something she believes in she was able to enrich many Indian peoples’ lives.
Resulting in Freeman v. Morton, a law that enabled the reservations, which are a sovereign country, to run the BIA and give Indians a preferred part in their own self-governing. Today the BIA is 95% Indian ran and self-governed.
That is what is so inspiring to me; we can be that change. It’s really not that far of a reach to impact the world if you feel your beliefs are really that important. You may seem like just one person but if you try you can make a huge splash!
So make it your business to know what is going on with your government, be a part of history yourself and go out there and vote. Be active in shaping your country, the country you are going to pass on to your children. Research your candidates and make your vote wisely. After all you can’t complain if you didn’t speak up when you had the chance!
So welcome to my blog, and expect many other juicy family stories and updates on what’s going on in the news.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Ricky Clark - Volleyball Recap
(Media Credit: Sean Jones)
The Lady Gladiators demonstrated the efficiency on offense, and team quickness Last Wednesday after sweeping the Ohlone Renegades 3-0. This season the volleyball team has new uniforms.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Joey Brownlee - Al Davis is ruining the Raiders
I never fathomed a person, anything for that matter, arriving late to their own funeral; yet every day Al Davis, walker and all, paces the earth I’m proven wrong.
Al, haven’t you put us through enough? Joe Bugel, Norv Turner, Bill Callahan? The guy, who coached in 06, was so awful he doesn’t merit reference.
He is the immovable force that prevents the Raiders from ascending to the plateau Lane Kiffin had his sight set for. Hopefully Coach Kiffin can continue to set sail on the heading he’s set.
Mike Shanahan fired after 20 games, captained the hated Broncos to victories in ’98 and ’99. The best coach to last more than two seasons under the master of disaster –Jon Gruden- beat his former employer, 48-21, in SB XXXVII, beginning this catastrophe that has been a five-year reality.
Kiffin brings a hope, vision and enthusiasm that a return to glory is probable again. But he can’t unleash this plan with Davis’ interference in football related decisions. No plan interrupted has a chance for success.
C’mon, Al, if Steinbrenner can relinquishe his supremacy in New York, you can too. You were the man in your hay day, now you’re the man running this team into the gutter.
You can’t win football games like you did in the 70s anymore. The times of workout warriors and track stars ended the instant disco died.
I’m tired of your antics that always comeback to afflict us (fans, team) in a negative fashion. You think you know what you’re doing, but you have no idea. A first-round pick on a kicker?
The Raiders, under Big Al’s jurisdiction, will never, ever be what they were –the best there is, was and ever will be.
You’ve tickled my last nerve. If Kiffin is gone, so am I and my wallet. Just die (or kick rocks), baby!
Al, haven’t you put us through enough? Joe Bugel, Norv Turner, Bill Callahan? The guy, who coached in 06, was so awful he doesn’t merit reference.
He is the immovable force that prevents the Raiders from ascending to the plateau Lane Kiffin had his sight set for. Hopefully Coach Kiffin can continue to set sail on the heading he’s set.
Mike Shanahan fired after 20 games, captained the hated Broncos to victories in ’98 and ’99. The best coach to last more than two seasons under the master of disaster –Jon Gruden- beat his former employer, 48-21, in SB XXXVII, beginning this catastrophe that has been a five-year reality.
Kiffin brings a hope, vision and enthusiasm that a return to glory is probable again. But he can’t unleash this plan with Davis’ interference in football related decisions. No plan interrupted has a chance for success.
C’mon, Al, if Steinbrenner can relinquishe his supremacy in New York, you can too. You were the man in your hay day, now you’re the man running this team into the gutter.
You can’t win football games like you did in the 70s anymore. The times of workout warriors and track stars ended the instant disco died.
I’m tired of your antics that always comeback to afflict us (fans, team) in a negative fashion. You think you know what you’re doing, but you have no idea. A first-round pick on a kicker?
The Raiders, under Big Al’s jurisdiction, will never, ever be what they were –the best there is, was and ever will be.
You’ve tickled my last nerve. If Kiffin is gone, so am I and my wallet. Just die (or kick rocks), baby!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Ricky Clark - Saturday Night (lack of) Lights
(Media Credit: Sean Jones)A power outage occurred in Chabot football's first home game of the season (Sept. 6) for over 30 minutes in the fourth quarter, the atmosphere of the fans attending the game was energetic while having a sense of curiosity. Fans were waving their cell phones in hopes of having some light during the darkness. The opponent (West Valley) received a much needed break after a 60-26 beating.
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