Archive for 2010
Prop. 203: Victory for medical marijuana
By KYLE WASSON
aztecpress@pima.edu
After many days spent counting and recording votes, state officials confirmed the victory of Proposition 203, which allows for the sale of medical marijuana. A mere 4,300 votes determined the proposition’s success.
“This can be good for the state and all the patients who are looking for a different means of medicine,” Pima Community College student and glaucoma sufferer Rhonda Byrne said. “I hope it does what it is intended to do.”
The measure will allow “qualifying patients” with a “debilitating disease” the means to acquire an “allowable amount of usable marijuana” from dispensaries statewide solely with a recommendation from a physician, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Under the new law, ADHS is required to adopt and enforce a regulatory system for distribution. The funds needed to keep the program afloat will come from application and renewal fees, civil penalties imposed and private donations received.
Once qualified and registered with ADHS, patients can acquire up to 2.5 ounces every 14 weeks from any dispensary. Only patients who live farther than 25 miles from dispensaries will be permitted to grow marijuana, and no more than 12 plants at a time.
A recommendation will not be given to every patient. They must have one of the following diseases: Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease or severe/chronic pain.
Patients will not be able to start the process until Spring 2011. ADHS predicts a 120-day rule-making period, and hopes to stick to the following timeline:
● Dec. 17: ADHS posts an initial informal draft of the rules.
●Dec. 17 – Jan. 7, 2011: ADHS receives electronic public comment on the initial informal draft rules.
●Jan. 31: ADHS posts official draft rules for public comment.
●Jan. 31 – Feb. 18: ADHS receive public comment on the official draft rules.
●Feb. 15 – 17: ADHS holds three public meetings about the draft rules:
o Phoenix: Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m., 250 N. 17th Ave.
o Tucson: Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m., 400 W. Congress St., Room 222.
o Phoenix: Thursday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m., 250 N. 17th Ave .
●March 28: ADHS publishes the final rules that will be used to implement the legislation.
●April 2011: ADHS begins accepting applications for registry identification cards and for dispensary certificates.
Prop. 203 details posted on the ADHS website, www.azdhs.gov, include an outline of the proposition, state legislative analysis, frequently asked questions and timelines.
Registration opens for National Collegiate Leadership Conference
By GENESIS SALAZAR
aztecpress@pima.edu
Early registration has opened for a National Collegiate Leadership Conference to be held Feb. 18-20 at the University of Arizona.
The largest student-run leadership conference in the nation brings together students and leaders from diverse backgrounds to adopt leadership skills and cultivate social responsibility.
Pima Community College students serving on the conference planning committee include Ana Claudia Albelais, Alma Cuellar and Jose Rodriguez
The conference is open to undergraduate and graduate students. The early registration fee of $50 includes a free T-shirt.
After Jan. 19, the registration fee increases to $75 and the T-shirt will be sold separately.
Last year’s conference filled to capacity, and registration ended early.
The conference features a banquet, motivational speakers, more than 80 workshops and teambuilding sessions, service projects, entertainment events and a leadership award ceremony.
All participants will receive a raffle ticket after attending workshops or teambuilding sessions and will be entered to win a 16GB iPad.
To learn more or register online, visit leadership-conference.org.
Survey: Residents pleased with college
Editor’s note: This article, the second in a two-part series, examines responses from PCC employees, county residents and community leaders. Part 1 summarized student responses.
By LIZA PORTER
aztecpress@pima.edu
A Fall 2008 survey of 987 Pima Community College employees, 1,203 Pima County residents and 203 community leaders showed that PCC facilities and services are widely used by the community, and that PCC is important to Pima County’s quality of life.
According to the executive summary of the Organizational Climate Survey dated March 2009 by ETC Institute, a Kansas market research firm, “the percentage of residents who thought they receive good value for the taxes they pay to support PCC was significantly above the national average.”
Just 47 percent of U.S. residents thought their taxes were being used wisely by local governmental organizations, according to the summary. Almost all of the Pima County residents and community leaders (97 percent and 98 percent, respectively) thought PCC provided good value for taxes paid by citizens.
More than eight out of 10 of the 987 employees surveyed said they would recommend the college as a good environment to in which to work.
Employees gave high ratings for “the level of respect shown by co-workers to other employees, how well the college supports diversity in the workplace and the number of opportunities employees have to use a wide range of skills,” among other areas.
Areas in which the employees saw improvement needed were enough space to do their work, making sure that employees know when opportunities for promotions are available and letting employees know their work is appreciated.
According to a Chancellor’s Message from Roy Flores in June 2009, the Organizational Climate Survey was carried out to “objectively assess efforts to achieve the goals and objectives of the 2008-11 College Plan.” The plan was approved by the PCC Board of Governors in May 2008.
The College Plan set out the following planning initiatives:
- Provide evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness.
- Improve student success in developmental education.
- Redesign student services.
- Create foundations for creativity and innovation.
- Improve the use of physical assets.
- Master technology.
- Strengthen administrative operations.
Other major findings noted in the campus climate survey summary include:
- Eight out of 10 students said the quality of teaching at PCC is excellent and 84 percent were satisfied with their overall experience.
- PCC has a reputation for providing quality education.
- PCC is exceeding student expectations.
- The perceived quality of education, programs and services provided by PCC is improving.
- Most community leaders think PCC is a good partner with the community.
The residents of Pima County surveyed indicated the programs needed most to serve the community were international studies, banking/mortgage services, nutrition careers and professional bookkeeping.
Rachelle Howell, assistant vice president for marketing, said data from the survey have been incorporated into the college’s Self-Study, “which is a key part of PCC’s renewal of accreditation in 2010.”
The HLC/NCACS visited PCC campuses in mid-September and announced they will recommend PCC for re-accreditation. The final re-accreditation report is expected to arrive this month.
FYI
Organizational Climate Survey in brief
Pima County residents
96%—PCC important to overall quality of life in Pima County.
97%—PCC provides good value for tax dollars.
72%—quality of programs improving.
65%—friend or relative who’d taken classes at PCC.
47%—taken classes at PCC themselves.
Top 4 programs needed in community:
- International studies
- Banking/mortgage services
- Nutrition careers
- Professional bookkeeping
Community leaders
100%—PCC important to overall quality of life in Pima County.
98%—PCC provides good value for tax dollars.
74%—quality of programs getting better.
82%—PCC doing good job of collaborating with Pima County businesses.
78%—PCC doing good job of collaborating with Pima County schools.
77%—PCC doing good job of collaborating with governmental organizations.
PCC employees
82%—satisfied with employment
83%—would recommend employment at PCC
Sample of highest rated areas:
- Level of respect shown by co-workers.
- Support by college of diversity in the workplace.
- Employee opportunities to use a wide range of skills.
- How well supervisors treat their employees.
- Level of enjoyment from work.
Areas needing improvement:
- Adequate space to work.
- Preparation for opportunities for promotions.
- Rewards and recognition fairly distributed.
- Notification that work is appreciated by PCC.
- Ensuring employees understand the vision of PCC.
FYI
Complete results of the Organizational Climate Survey can be found in the Executive Summary on the PCC web site at pima.edu/climatesurvey. It also includes the college’s responses to student, employee and community comments, including actions undertaken and proposed.
The 2008-2011 College Plan and Status Reports are available at pima.edu/collegeplan.
The May 2010 Self-Study Report prepared for accreditation renewal is available at pima.edu/selfstudy.
Other PCC performance indicators are listed at pima.edu/indicators.
Balancing act: Sore soles, study woes, happy soul
By ASTRID VERDUGO
aztecpress@pima.edu
Dance partners Daniel Burgeno and Astrid Verdugo perform. Photo by Ed Flores
Dance concerts often fall during finals week, when my brain fills with algebraic expressions, vocabulary, historical information, scientific terminology and dance steps — lots of them!
Tombé, pas de bourrée, pirouette, chasse, arabesque, repeat.
It’s inevitable that both my body and brain are sore as I squeeze in extra dance rehearsals and study time.
Dance is not my major, though I am probably accidentally earning a degree because I have taken so many classes. It is definitely my passion, hobby, a way to work myself on stage and, of course, a way to remain fit.
It is surely time consuming and it clashes with my academic classes when it comes to studying. Still, it’s lots of fun — the rewarding kind of fun that academic courses can’t provide.
History and mathematics don’t give me a chance to express myself through movement on stage in front of a paying audience, but dance does.
It is a “high” I’ve undergone at the end of three semesters.
I love the rush, nerves mixed with the joy and anticipation I feel from the wings as I wait to go center stage. I love the bright lights blinding me, and how my body moves in ways that are only acceptable, appreciated and possible inside a spacious theater.
When I finish a number, I run backstage and change to the next costume as quickly and carefully as possible, trying not to ruin my stage make-up.
I repeat this stressful, wonderful process for five shows over three days, with four dance numbers in each performance.
It’s a hassle, but something I won’t give up just yet.
How can I even begin to complain? It is a fun-stressful-rewarding-indescribable process that I absolutely love, until I start thinking of those long, sore hours I must spend awake after the show, studying.
Once the show is delivered, with perfection almost achieved, I sit at home with an open history textbook, reliving what I experienced on stage a few hours previously.
I most rewardingly lose focus for my history final as I dance in my mind, day-dreaming about being on stage.
Another $100,000 down the bureaucratic hole
By LIZA PORTER
aztecpress@pima.edu
Pima Community College conducted a survey in Fall 2008, asking students, employees, residents and community leaders how Pima is doing. The survey results were published in March 2009.
This “organizational climate survey” was conducted by an outside marketing firm and cost the college $94,215.
What action has the college taken in response to the survey answers? Not much, as far as I can tell.
One big gripe by students was: let them know sooner when they are doing poorly in class. This boils down to wanting instructors to show an interest in their progress.
Yes, it’s our responsibility as students to keep up with our work and communicate with our instructors. But if this issue tops the list of student gripes, shouldn’t the college make changes?
Pima administrators handed the problem to Faculty Senate, and told them to find a solution. The faculty representatives discussed forming an “Early Alert” committee. They considered putting some type of student progress form on MyPima.
Faculty Senate posts minutes from its monthly meetings online, at pima.edu/facsenate/ minutes.shtml, though they move slowly. The last minutes posted are from May 2010.
A check of Faculty Senate minutes from March 2009 to May 2010 shows the climate survey issue was discussed at six of the meetings held in that 14-month span.
A lengthy discussion in April 2010 fills almost three pages in the minutes. But that was seven months ago!
I do not want to pick on faculty. Their jobs are difficult. I also suspect that the student performance complaint is not the only survey issue that hasn’t been acted upon.
My question is this: Why did the college spend $94,215 on a survey and not push through the changes students want? Isn’t that why the survey was conducted in the first place?
Porter, a “non-traditional” student, was an empty-nester but recently got two kittens, Roxi and Tiny. She has to keep them off her keyboard in order to get any writing done.
Take charge of your sexual health
By MIKI JENNINGS
aztecpress@pima.edu
A few months ago I ended the longest relationship I had ever been in.
We dated for something like three years. I thought I loved him, and we talked about getting married at some point.
You might think it would be an honest, caring relationship. Me, too, until recently.
Then, I found out about the girl he knocked up while we were still together. It took a year and a half for me to find out.
That means the unprotected sex we had when I thought we were in a loving, honest, monogamous relationship put me at risk for god-knows-what. I’m really lucky not to have ended up with HIV or something similarly horrible.
He’s lucky, too — if I had, his bone structure would probably be rearranged in a most painful way.
Needless to say, I’ve lost all respect for him and would never get involved with him again.
Even at the worst points in our relationship, I figured that the person I was sleeping with would put my safety before his instant gratification. Full disclosure of one’s sexual history is not merely considerate, but necessary when it comes to making decisions about safer sex.
It should not be too much to ask of anyone who says they love you or, at the very least, someone who wants to get into your pants.
Dec. 1 was World AIDS Day. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 56,300 people in the United States were infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in 2006.
Approximately 13 percent of the people with HIV/AIDS are between the ages of 13 and 24. At least 1 in 4 college students is estimated to have some kind of sexually transmitted infection.
The moral of the story? Be honest about your sexual partners, folks, and always use protection.
Even if you trust someone with your heart, there’s no reason to put your health in someone else’s hands.
Jennings, 20, is a feminist and journalism major. Last year she started a community project to combat relationship violence, and currently works with an organization that sponsors creative writing workshops for teen girls.
Latino migrants stuck at ‘bridge’
By ASTRID VERDUGO
aztecpress@pima.edu
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica are independent countries that share only geographical proximity with Mexico.
So why are people from those and other Central and South American countries taken to Mexico after the U.S Border Patrol apprehends them? Why aren’t the undocumented Latinos returned to their country of origin?
I grew up in the border town of Nogales, Arizona. Taking occasional trips to Nogales, Sonora, opened my eyes to this issue.
In Nogales and other Mexican border cities, it is quite common to be approached by needy people.
I recently encountered an individual begging for money. He looked like what most people would label as “Mexican” because he had dark skin.
This happened to be an erroneous stereotype. He was Guatemalan. When I asked why he needed money, he said it was for bus fare and food. He desperately needed to return to his starving family in Guatemala.
Mexico serves as a bridge for people from countries in Central and South America who hope to reach the United States and find dollar-paying jobs. They pass through Mexico during their journey. The United States returns them to Mexico when they are caught.
I understand that it would cost the United States more money to deport people back to their country of origin. However, deporting people to Mexico has hidden costs for both our country and our neighbor country.
Corruption occurs when people stuck in “the bridge” can’t return to their country of origin. Desperate, starving people become easy prey for the drug trafficking world.
Verdugo wants to be a TV broadcast journalist for either a Spanish-language or English-speaking network. Mastering both languages makes her happy that she can choose.
Dec. 10-11 dance concerts will showcase ‘GrATTITUDE’
By SAMANTHA ESQUIVEL
aztecpress@pima.edu
PCC dance student Claudia Casal executes a high leap while rehearsing for the "GrATTITUDE" concert. Photo by Ed Flores
Gratitude mixed with attitude will be the theme for this year’s winter dance concert.
Pima Community College dancers will perform in three “GrATTITUDE” concerts Dec. 10-11 in the West Campus Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre. The Friday performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday shows are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
“I picked the name for the performance because people are more aware of their blessings during the holiday,” director Aurora Gonçalves-Shaner said.
The show emphasizes the passions and convictions of college-age students by blending the virtue of gratitude with the power of dance attitude, she said.
PCC students and faculty, along with guest artists from the University of Arizona, will perform a variety of dance styles.
Dance numbers will range from classical works, such as the Black Swan Grand Pas de Deux from “Swan Lake,” to contemporary dance styles including salsa and hip-hop.
Gonçalves-Shaner, a full-time dance instructor at both PCC and UA, was born in São Paulo, Brazil. She grew up in Bahia, where she developed her classical ballet and modern dance techniques.
Her professional experience includes traveling the world with a Brazilian contemporary dance company, Ballet Teatro Castro Alves. She has won U.S. national titles in ballroom dance competitions.
Tickets to “GrATTITUDE” cost $10, with discounts available. Call the box office at 206-6986 for additional information.
Gonçalves-Shaner said she hopes the show helps patrons feel gratitude.
“I want the audience to leave being thankful for lives, friends and the blessings in their lives identified through dance,” she said.
FYI
‘GrATTITUDE’
When: Dec. 10-11
Where: Proscenium Theatre, CFA, West Campus
Tickets: $10
Box office: 206-6986
Holiday spirit makes Tucson sparkle
By MARIE RODRIGUEZ
aztecpress@pima.edu
The Tucson desert may not get blanketed with snow during the holiday season, but our abundance of twinkling lights and festivities sure do make it shine.
Whether you’re a native to the Old Pueblo or a newcomer, there is plenty to keep you in the holiday spirit this month.
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
Join the crowds to visit more than 400 arts and craft booths, eat at your choice of 35 food vendors and enjoy two stages of entertainment at the Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair.
Kids will enjoy the free hands-on-art pavilion, face painting and balloons. Artists of all sorts will fill booths with crafts made from clothing, metal, glass, wood and pre-packaged food.
When: Dec. 10-12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Fourth Avenue between University Boulevard and Ninth Street
Admission: Free
Details: 624-5004 or www.fourthavenue.org.
Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo
Visitors enjoy holiday entertainment, Santa Claus, twinkle lights and even snow during “Zoo Lights” at Reid Park Zoo through Dec. 19. “Zoo Lights” will run Thursdays through Sundays from 6-8 p.m.
Bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots through Dec. 12 and get $2 off your admission.
When: Dec. 3-19, Thurs-Sun, 6-8 p.m. Extra bonus nights, Mon-Wed, Dec. 20-22
Where: 1100 S. Randolph Way
Tickets: $5 general admission, $3 children 2-14
Details: 791-4022 or www.tucsonzoo.org
Downtown Parade of Lights
The 16th Annual Downtown Parade of Lights on Dec. 18 will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Parade viewers can expect to see lighted floats and vintage cars along the two-mile route. New this year: a pirate ship from the Celtic Pirate Society.
Other activities include Mercado San Agustín, a European-style Christmas market. It opens at 11 a.m. on the west end of Congress Street.
An informal tree lighting and pre-parade revelry will take place at 6 p.m. in front of Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
The parade ends at Armory Park, where visitors can enjoy refreshments and live music.
When: Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Begins at 17th Street and Stone Avenue
Admission: Free
Details: 837-6504 or www.downtowntucson.org/downtown_parade_of_lights
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Walk, drive or take a ride through Winterhaven for an always-pleasing showcase of light displays. This year’s event was almost cancelled when the City of Tucson cut funding, but private donors stepped in to cover costs.
The festival is always free, but is also a fundraiser for the Community Food Bank so canned food and donations are welcome.
When: Dec. 11-26, 5:30-10 p.m. Cars allowed only on Dec. 14, 16 and 26.
Where: Country Club Avenue and Fort Lowell Road
Admission: Free, donations for Community Food Bank welcome.
Details: 320-3873 or www.winterhavenfestival.org.
Tribal nations welcome new year
Native American dancers, drummers and singers from throughout North America will compete and celebrate the new year in Tucson from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.
A Midnight Friendship Dance will take place on Dec. 31. The next morning at 5, there will be a Sunrise Ceremony with music by international recording artist R. Carlos Nakai and others.
What: New Year’s Competition Powwow & Indian Craft Market
When: Dec. 31—Midnight friendship dance; Jan. 1, 2011—5 a.m. sunrise ceremony
Where: Rillito Park Race Track, 4502 N. First Avenue
Admission: $12
Details: 622-4900
Arts Briefs
Ballet Tucson presents
traditional ‘Nutcracker’
By MARIE RODRIGUEZ
aztecpress@pima.edu
Ballet Tucson will present a traditional version of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 23, 24 and 26 at Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
The productions, complete with snowflakes, marching toy soldiers and giant mice, have entertained Tucson audiences for more than a decade.
Tickets cost $27 to $54, with discounts available for students. Show times are Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.ballettucson.org. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000.
Other holiday entertainment options include:
“Holiday of Lights Planetarium and Laser Music Shows”
UA Science: Flandrau
When: Through Dec. 31
Show times:
Thursdays (Family Night): Planetarium show – 6:30 p.m.; Laser show – 7:30 p.m.
Fridays: Planetarium show – 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m.; Laser show – 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m.
Saturdays: Planetarium show – 11 a.m., 4:30 p.m.; Laser show – 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays (Family Day): Planetarium show – 1:30 p.m.; Laser show – 2:30 p.m.
Winter Break Shows Dec. 20- Dec. 31
Mon-Fri: Planetarium show – 11 a.m., 3 p.m.; Laser show – 1 p.m.
(closed Christmas and New Year’s Day)
Where: 1601 University Blvd.
Price:
General admission (includes planetarium show): $7.50 adults, $5 children 4-15.
Music Laser shows: $10 adults, $7.50 children 4-15.
Discounts on Family Night/Day and matinees.
Details: www.flandrau.org
“A Christmas Carol”
The Comedy Playhouse
When: Dec. 10-30
Show times: Sun., 3 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Where: 3620 N. First Ave.
Price: $18 regular admission, $16 students
Details: 260-6442, www.thecomedyplayhouse.com
“The Secret Santa”
The Gaslight Theatre
When: Through Jan. 1
Show times: 3 p.m., 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m., Sunday matinees noon, 3 p.m., 7 p.m.
Where: 7010 E. Broadway Blvd.
Price: $17.95 adults, $15.95 students
Details: 886-9428, www.thegaslighttheatre.com
“Annual Holiday Concert”
Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
When: Dec. 11
Show times: 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Price: $15-$18
Details: www.boyschorus.org, 296-6277
“A Tucson Pastorela”
Borderlands Theater
When: Dec. 16-19
Show time: Sun., 2 p.m., Thu., Fri., Sat., 7 p.m.
Where: Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave.
Price: $17-$22, discounts available
Details: 882-7406, www.borderlandstheater.org.
“Holiday Spectacular!”
Tucson Symphony Orchestra
When: Dec. 18-19
Show times: Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Where: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Price: $25-$66
Details: www.tucsonsymphony.org, 882-8585
Horoscope
By ANA RAMIREZ
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec 21)
Being lethargic and bored with life isn’t fun, Sagittarius. The next few weeks should be different. You’ll meet new, even strange, people at random.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan 19)
You are on fire this week. Some may even say you’re looking a tad bit suave. Keep up the good work, you sexy thing… it may only last a week.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The semester’s almost over, Aquarius. Do something spontaneous. Take that short road trip you’ve always dreamed about.
Pisces (Feb.19-March 20)
You’ve been dreaming a lot lately about airplanes or trying to escape a torturous death, Pisces. Ever think your dreams might be hinting at something?
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today you embarrassed yourself by getting caught singing at the top of your lungs to a “Little Mermaid” soundtrack. It’s OK, the embarrassment will heal. At least you’re original.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
So the cat’s out of the bag but your significant other wasn’t as angry as you feared. Did it ever occur to you that maybe your sweetie is also cheating on you? Just asking.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Disaster after disaster! When will the madness end, you ask? Don’t fret, Gemini. By the end of the week, you’ll find some serenity.
Cancer (June 22- July 22)
Procrastinating seems good at first. In the end you’re only screwing yourself. Just think of all the fun you could be having.
Leo (July 23- Aug. 22)
This may be the one week you want to play the lottery, Leo. You’re feeling lucky and you should. You’re surrounded by luck. I bet you could even find a four-leaf clover if you tried.
Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)
Be very careful this week if you want to stick around for 2011. Look both ways before crossing the street and chew your food slowly.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
How about taking the bee out of your bonnet, Libra? Lighten up. Next week will look a little better if you do. Otherwise it will be just as gloomy as now.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Found out some bad news this week, did ya? Well, Scorpio, take one step at a time. Don’t jump into that shotgun wedding your parents are insisting on. Other options will reveal themselves.
FACEOFF: Creating special holiday moments
By GABI PIÑA
aztecpress@pima.edu
Warm and fuzzy feelings fill us when the holiday season arrives. Spending this season with your significant other can be exciting but difficult to manage.
Issues arise about where to spend the holidays – with her family or yours. If possible, spend time with both. Talk about what days and times would be best for whose family.
You both may bring very different traditions into the relationship. Maintain an open mind while spending time with her family and you’ll have a splendid time.
Don’t forget that you two are technically a small family as well. Make time for yourselves. Use that time to exchange gifts and just relax from hectic days.
Ideas of what to get your girlfriend may have been running through your head since November. The truth is, not every female on this planet feels like she needs a fancy piece of jewelry.
Most girls appreciate something small that has a lot of meaning as opposed to something really expensive. Give her a gift that shows her how much she really means to you.
As cheesy as it sounds, the holidays are not about how much you spend on each other. Concentrate instead on how awesome it is to spend the holidays with your significant other. (Not that holidays can’t be awesome when you’re single.)
Now, enjoy each other’s company. Drink some eggnog and sneak kisses under the mistletoe. Happy holidays!
By D.J. OCHOA
aztecpress@pima.edu
The holidays are right around the corner. Spend the last few days of 2010 enjoying special moments with your love.
Holidays like Christmas, Hanukkuh and New Year’s provide opportunities to appreciate one another much more.
Divide your time wisely between his family and yours. He wants to make you happy, but he also enjoys spending time with his family.
Communicate to find out how he wants to spend the holidays. Reach an agreement that satisfies both of you.
Before you know it you will be hanging ornaments from the tree and smooching under mistletoe.
Once you precisely calculate your schedule, it’s time for the fun part: shopping.
Buying a gift should be simple because you know what he wants. Wait, what’s that? You’re clueless?
Start with a budget. Don’t max out your credit cards trying to impress him. Go to his favorite stores to find a perfect present. He will enjoy it regardless of the price tag.
You subconsciously expect him to give a gift that matches your own, so choose something meaningful. Receiving a $25 gift card from Forever 21 doesn’t make you feel appreciated.
The last holiday event on the horizon is New Year’s Eve. Make it a special night for both of you.
You will happily receive a New Year’s kiss as the ball drops, with everyone shouting “Happy New Year” in the background.
Show him 2010 was only a taste of the bliss that awaits after the clock strikes midnight.
Gamer fan site becomes thriving business
By CONRAD PURSLEY
aztecpress@pima.edu
When Reid Young started a fan site in 1997 for the Super Nintendo classic “Earthbound,” he had no idea what he was unleashing.
Starmen.net and its sister merchandise website, Fangamer.net, created a vibrant online community for classic game fans and an online business that defies the ailing economy.
“Starting with nothing and getting to this point, I’ve just stopped being surprised with everything,” Young said.
The gamer company also gives back to the community, supporting charities that include the ACT Today autism foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s disease.
Starmen.net held an auction Nov 27 for Mr. Saturn plushies available only in crane machines in Japan. The auction raised more than $10,000 to help combat Parkinson’s disease.
The company began when Starmen.net was facing tough times. Young and his wife, Camille, decided they would try to cover site costs by selling clothing inspired by “Earthbound.”
“I thought we’d sell a finite number of shirts and that’d be it,” Reid Young said. “But orders just kept coming in.”
As orders continued, he brought in help. The cycle repeated until a business was born.
Fangamer.net opened in August 2008 as a site to handle merchandise created by the Starmen.net crew.
Camille Young, a Tucson native and fine arts graduate of Pima Community College, recalled the early days when she and Reid ran the business from their second bedroom.
“At first I helped with package and mail orders,” she said. “But eventually I got to take on some artistic projects, like the ‘Mother 3 Handbook.’”
She originally became involved with Starmen.net in 1999, when her brother convinced her to submit “Earthbound” fan art to some guy named “reidman” who ran the site.
“That’s also the story of how I met my husband, Reid,” Camille Young said.
Fangamer.net has now expanded well beyond “Earthbound” merchandise.
“We like to include games that we all agree are great and ones that can inspire great designs,” Reid Young said. “We don’t just do classics, but we like to put a classic spin on things.”
Each Fangamer product is elaborately designed with high-quality materials, using art inspired by the game it represents. Typical prices are $20 for shirts and $60 for figurines.
“They’re not Walmart prices,” said Ryan Alyea, a key employee who serves as Fangamer’s tech guy. “We’re not big enough to get bulk discounts.”
A $28 E-Tank coffee mug, inspired by the popular Megaman series, has so many preorders that Fangamer.net had to extend the release date and restrict how many mugs one person can buy.
Fangamer.net also designs custom-made cards, pins and other game-inspired items.
“I’m very happy that I took the route of being an artist and doing what I love,” Camille Young said. “I still use techniques, design principles and color theory that I learned at Pima.”
Despite the sacrifices and financial risk, Reid Young has no regrets about starting a business.
“If you’re willing to sacrifice the security of a job, working for yourself is great,” he said. “I would never work for someone else.”
CRACKING WISE: Celebrate geekiness
By DAVID MENDEZ
aztecpress@pima.edu
There’s nothing worse than a screaming fanboy, Pima.
A few of you may be unfamiliar with that term, but I guarantee that you know at least one fanboy (or fangirl — I’m all about being inclusive here.)
For example, look at people who own both a MacBook and an iPhone 4.
The owners will crow about what well-made products they are and how perfectly they do everything desired. But after a few minutes you’ll figure out the truth: They have no blasted idea what they’re talking about.
They bought the products because they’re fancy and popular. In fact, these are probably the same kids who demanded Furbies and Tamagotchis in the mid-to-late ‘90s. (It just occurred to me that some of you may be too young to get those references. I feel ancient.)
That’s OK, though! There’s something quaintly pleasant about being blindingly ignorant. Most politicians have built their careers off of it. Look at John McCain and his waffling about gays in the military, or Raul Grijalva thinking that boycotting Arizona could possibly be a good idea.
The problem lies in not having any idea of what you’re talking about, but still blindly following in the footsteps of a product or company while screaming about how a competitor is completely inferior.
It’s like someone who votes for a Palin regardless of what the election is about (Bristol Palin and “Dancing with the Stars,” anyone?)
Still, as a video gamer, I’ve done my fair share of this in the past. Just look at my tirade against “DJ Hero” earlier this year, or the personal threats I’ve made to friends who talk badly about the Fallout series.
(Though, to be fair, my threats encouraged my roommate to try “Fallout 3.” It’s all about the little victories, right?)
When you look at it, fanboyism is simply product worship. Everyone does it, whether they admit to it or not, from Apple enthusiasts to Pepsi drinkers to NFL fans to the people who line up at midnight movie premiers about their favorite book series. (Twilight, Potter and comic book fans should all be nodding right now.)
We’re a culture of geeks, Pima. It’s time we all sat down and celebrated that for what it is. Let’s not make fun of each other for what we love, like a bunch of annoying, screaming fanboys.
Mendez wipes his feet with the line between “humor columnist” and “annoyingly preachy writer.” Tell him how wrong he is at mendez.jdavid@gmail.com.
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