It is safe to assume that everyone reading this publication is well aware of the fact that cigarette smoke is harmful to an individual’s health. The number of public service announcements warning consumers of the fatality of smoking cigarettes is countless.
Day: February 27, 2008
Intercom to come in fall
The installation of an intercom system, enabling direct communication from classrooms to the sheriff’s office, should be complete by the beginning of the Fall 2008 semester. Nextel has created a one-of-a-kind prototype call box that teachers and students alike can use to directly speak to the sheriff in the case of an emergency.
Super Tuesday, super sweet
People crowded around TV screens as record numbers of voters voiced their opinions. Results were slowly tallied and viewers were kept on edge. And it wasn’t even American Idol. Super Tuesday 2008 (Feb. 5) was the biggest day of voting in presidential primary history and the race on the Democratic side only got closer.
Department money on the chopping block
A further attempt to cut spending in community colleges has resulted in a district-wide push-back of department purchasing deadlines. A memo from the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) gave schools until Feb. 28 to make any last-minute department purchases for the 2007-08 fiscal year, which ends on June 30.
THE WEEKLY BLOTTER
Jan. 30 – 4 p.m. Five laptop computers were stolen from Room 1411 sometime between Jan. 16 and Jan. 29. Though the room was locked, no forced entry was detected. Feb. 4 – 1:50 p.m. In the agricultural area, a contractor engaged in a loud verbal dispute with union representatives.
The budget of our futures
As students, our failure to act in unity has cost us greatly in terms of community college funding. California community colleges may lose up to $525 million, according to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed 2008-09 state budget. Community college enrollment is rising, especially at Pierce College, yet the amount of money we receive from the state is plummeting.
Students weigh in on Music Games
The video games Guitar Hero and Rock Band have made it possible for everyone to be a rock star in the comfort of their own home. Guitar Hero is a series of music video games released in 2005-2006 worldwide by RedOctane and Activision. Guitar Hero comes with a controller that looks like a guitar and the game itself involves playing the guitar and hitting the right notes in songs that range from “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath to “Fat Lip” by Sum 41.
No mercy for Pierce
The Pierce College softball team was beaten by Citrus College 3-17 Feb. 21, with the umpire calling for mercy in the fifth inning. In the first inning, Pierce matched Citrus run for run with Citrus scoring two runs in the top and Pierce answering with two runs in the bottom of the inning.
Tax returns made easy
The annual Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is back to offer free tax preparation to both students and non-students. Through the program, which is located in Room 3218 of the Business Education Building, Business 10 students offer free income tax preparation for anyone making less than $40,000 a year.
A lot like mama’s cooking
What was once called the Pierce College Cafeteria is now called the Pierce Country Cafe, with changes including a new head chef, Jose Cruz, former personal chef to hockey celebrity Wayne Gretzky. The name changed because, “we want a new face and want people to try us and try us again,” said Cafe Manager Linda Brown.