I was watching the 11 o'clock news on ABC, when to my shock I heard that there was a shooting at the Metreon. A movie theater frequented by several USF students and myself.
An 18-year-old male was shot several times after a verbal altrication with another male in the lobby of the movie theater. The gun-man fled from the scene, but luckily there were police outside the theater and one followed him on foot, police said. Tthe 18-year-old died at San Francisco General Hospital, police said.
The reason for the initial arguement was not given, however to me that is beside the point, how does this affect those, like myself, living in San Francisco? How can one trully feel safe nowadays? Seriously, a movie theater is the last place you would expect that to happen.
I'm from Los Angeles, and I've been in the "ghetto" and even in those movie theaters I've never heard of something like this happening? How is it that someone can just shoot someone because of a verbal fight. That just doesn't make sense to me. More than anything it saddens me. What does an incident like this say about our society, we can't even be civil with one another anymore, that we resort to shooting? Not even physical fights, but actually involving weapons. Honestly where are we headed?
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Safety on Campus
Due to the recent robberies and car accidents on the USF campus, Dan Lawson, Director of Public Safety, spoke to the ASUSF Senate giving updates regarding what is being done to improve safety at USF.
Within the last two weeks eight rooms have been broken into in the Phelan dormitory, Loyola Village also had three thefts. “All students did everything, but now what more can we do” Lawson said. While some Residence Halls have Once Card locks and new technology as forms of protection, Phelan, the most affected building does not.
It was discovered that several of the emergency exits in Phelan were broken at the time of the thefts. Lawson said the exits are being repaired and that new precautions will be taken to increase students’ safety. Public Safety is fixing emergency exits, installing some CCTV circuits (surveillance cameras), and changing the locks on all residence hall doors, Lawson said.
However there was no specific date for these changes to be implemented. Lawson simply stated that doors locks would be changed in the upcoming summers, or as soon as possible. However Public Safety’s escort service is still running, and students should use it. After all USF remains a safe campus, Lawson said.
Regarding safety on surrounding USF streets, Public Safety is planning to install speed bumps around Lone Mountain, forcing drivers to lower their speeds and hopefully prevent accidents. Lawson asked all USF senators to spread the word and ask students to be safe while crossing streets as well as take necessary precautions to be safe on campus.
In other business, Dr Charlene Lobo, Assistant Director at the Learning and Writing Center spoke in Open Forum to the Senators. The Learning and Writing Center offers tutoring in several different subjects, Lobo said. However the Learning and Writing Center’s space in Cowell Hall does not seem to be permanent space for the Center. Administration has informed Lobo that they will be moving but has not decided where they will be moving.
The Learning and Writing Center hopes to stay on main campus, “because that’s where students are,” Lobo said, however no final decisions have been made.
In other news two candidates were presented for the Financial Committee run by Simmy Singh, VP of Business Administration. Two fellow senators presented the candidates and both candidates seemed to have support from the representing parties. Also International Student Representative reported that preparations for Culturescape, an annual celebration of the diversity on the USF campus, are taking place. Tickets for this event will be going on sale soon, the representative reported.
Within the last two weeks eight rooms have been broken into in the Phelan dormitory, Loyola Village also had three thefts. “All students did everything, but now what more can we do” Lawson said. While some Residence Halls have Once Card locks and new technology as forms of protection, Phelan, the most affected building does not.
It was discovered that several of the emergency exits in Phelan were broken at the time of the thefts. Lawson said the exits are being repaired and that new precautions will be taken to increase students’ safety. Public Safety is fixing emergency exits, installing some CCTV circuits (surveillance cameras), and changing the locks on all residence hall doors, Lawson said.
However there was no specific date for these changes to be implemented. Lawson simply stated that doors locks would be changed in the upcoming summers, or as soon as possible. However Public Safety’s escort service is still running, and students should use it. After all USF remains a safe campus, Lawson said.
Regarding safety on surrounding USF streets, Public Safety is planning to install speed bumps around Lone Mountain, forcing drivers to lower their speeds and hopefully prevent accidents. Lawson asked all USF senators to spread the word and ask students to be safe while crossing streets as well as take necessary precautions to be safe on campus.
In other business, Dr Charlene Lobo, Assistant Director at the Learning and Writing Center spoke in Open Forum to the Senators. The Learning and Writing Center offers tutoring in several different subjects, Lobo said. However the Learning and Writing Center’s space in Cowell Hall does not seem to be permanent space for the Center. Administration has informed Lobo that they will be moving but has not decided where they will be moving.
The Learning and Writing Center hopes to stay on main campus, “because that’s where students are,” Lobo said, however no final decisions have been made.
In other news two candidates were presented for the Financial Committee run by Simmy Singh, VP of Business Administration. Two fellow senators presented the candidates and both candidates seemed to have support from the representing parties. Also International Student Representative reported that preparations for Culturescape, an annual celebration of the diversity on the USF campus, are taking place. Tickets for this event will be going on sale soon, the representative reported.
USF Journalism Panel
Ten USF graduates sat before 50 aspiring Journalists on Tuesday the 16th ready to answer questions and give all the advice they could. Vicky Nguyen, class of 2000 graduate and current reporter for NBC 11, told current USF students there will always a place for a Journalist. Other panelist had similar advice and positive energy towards the audience.
Among the panelist was 2001 graduate Myra Sandoval, 27. As the current Copy Writer for The GAP, Myra proves that despite a convergence and bloggers, Journalists still have a place in this world. Prior to this job, Myra worked for Bay Area magazine as the Assistant Editor. This job was taking over her life, Myra said. A remark echoed in other panelists.
Jennifer Jolly, class of 1993, also expressed how much a job in Journalism could interfere with one’s personal life. There were times when she could not spend enough time with her child, Jennifer said. However, she like many others also commented on the exhilaration and addiction to the Journalism industry.
Several of the Journalist, particularly on-air Reporters, expressed how much a person has to be willing to give up, Jennifer Jolly moved eight times in five years, 2000 graduate Toan Lam spent holidays away from his family, but nearly every single panelist said that if you have enough passion for it, everything is worth it.
Nearly every single panelist stressed the importance of internships, connections, passion, and the blog. Panelist included the aforementioned alumni as well as, Tanning Su Hu, a very comedic Tiffany Maleshefski, Kent German, and Jessica Dyrden Cook.
Perhaps the most powerful words came from Toan Lam. While young hopefuls asked him and his colleagues, he asked students in the audience “Are you willing to be broke? Do you love it? Do you want it?” His words impacted the audience more, because instead of telling students what they should be doing he suggested that students listen to themselves before they dive into their careers.
Among the panelist was 2001 graduate Myra Sandoval, 27. As the current Copy Writer for The GAP, Myra proves that despite a convergence and bloggers, Journalists still have a place in this world. Prior to this job, Myra worked for Bay Area magazine as the Assistant Editor. This job was taking over her life, Myra said. A remark echoed in other panelists.
Jennifer Jolly, class of 1993, also expressed how much a job in Journalism could interfere with one’s personal life. There were times when she could not spend enough time with her child, Jennifer said. However, she like many others also commented on the exhilaration and addiction to the Journalism industry.
Several of the Journalist, particularly on-air Reporters, expressed how much a person has to be willing to give up, Jennifer Jolly moved eight times in five years, 2000 graduate Toan Lam spent holidays away from his family, but nearly every single panelist said that if you have enough passion for it, everything is worth it.
Nearly every single panelist stressed the importance of internships, connections, passion, and the blog. Panelist included the aforementioned alumni as well as, Tanning Su Hu, a very comedic Tiffany Maleshefski, Kent German, and Jessica Dyrden Cook.
Perhaps the most powerful words came from Toan Lam. While young hopefuls asked him and his colleagues, he asked students in the audience “Are you willing to be broke? Do you love it? Do you want it?” His words impacted the audience more, because instead of telling students what they should be doing he suggested that students listen to themselves before they dive into their careers.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Basmah (far right) with two fellow ROTC peers.
Modern Day “Rosie the Riveter”
At first glance Basmah Yassin’s relatively petite frame and friendly demeanor could easily fool you into thinking she would never think of joining the Army. However, growing up Basmah dreamed of being a military officer, even if it meant having to rebel against her traditional family.
As the daughter of Middle Eastern and Colombian parents, Basmah views her family as very strict and traditional. So traditional that Basmah said, that they so strongly felt that ROTC and the army were not for females, that they stopped talking to her.
Although they are supportive now, the path to her goal has not been an easy one and continues to be a challenging one, said Basmah. Whether is be being belittled because she is a female, being called a ‘baby killer’ by those against war, or even the prospect of war itself, however Basmah is ready for any challenges.
As a sophomore at the University of San Francisco 19 year Basmah is currently working toward fulfilling her dream of being a military officer. As a ROTC student, on scholarship, she has fully committed herself to the rigorous expectations of ROTC classes, as well as eight full years of service to the Army upon graduation.
Anyone of these years could be a year of service in a war zone, while Basmah said that she hopes for the best and hopes the war in Iraq will be over by the time she graduates, she is ready to serve if needed. War is a something that will happen, and in some instances necessary. However, the current War in Iraq is a pointless war, said Basmah.
This war has no real purpose, but regardless of the state of the war people should be supportive of the troops and try to get the home, said Basmah. Even though she is Middle Eastern, her ethnic background does not affect her stand. She believes that people should support the troops because in the end they’re risking their lives so regular civilians won’t have to.
Basmah is fully aware of the possibility being sent to war and having to serve, and she is fully prepared for that, because “it’s part of the job” Basmah said. The prospect of going t war did cross her mind as she decided to commit to ROTC, but then like now Basmah is hopeful that she will not have to go to war.
Basmah and some of her ROTC peers have considered the possibility of having to kill someone if they are sent to war. Interestingly, this is one fact Basmah admits to not considering when deciding to accept her ROTC scholarship. However, now she says that if she had to kill someone she would, because “it’s part of the job” but she also said she wouldn’t be able to shoot a child.
On the very liberal USF campus, Basmah has encountered some opposition to her career choice; “one day I was running with my ROTC shirt and someone called me a baby killer’”. While Basmah respects those against war, she does not feel it is correct for students to speak negatively of her choice especially when “they don’t know everything about it”, said Basmah.
As one of the few girls in the ROTC program Basmah did say that there were some instances where she has been underestimated because she is girl. While it is bothersome, it doesn’t seem like it will change, said Basmah. At the same time sexist comments do not stop, at this point it seems like no challenge is too much for Basmah Yassin.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Sydey White
So, I went to go watch Sydney White a few weeks for the Foghorn, however I never saw the review in The Forghorn. Therefore to make myself believe I did not write this review in vain I am posting it here. enjoy!
In Universal’s Sydney White, Sydney Amanda Bynes begins her college career at Southern Atlantic University in hope of pledging her mother’s sorority. She finds out however, that college life is no fairytale and soon begins her quest to change the status quo at SAU.
Sydney White, directed by Joe Nussbaum, is loosely based on the story of Snow White- but Nussbaum’s film has a very modern twist. It has the same framework: there is a witch character, Rachel Witchburn Sara Paxton as well as a charming prince, Tyler Prince Matt Long, it even has seven dwarves- or dorks - as they are know in the film.
Nussbaum cleverly takes the Snow White fairytale and sets in college ruled by Greek life. As a result, Sydney White is more just a fairytale, but a story about discovering one’s true self and accepting it.
Sydney, thinks pledging, her mother’s sorority will let her connect more with her mother, but once she begins the process, sorority president Rachel Witchburn (Paxton), makes the pledge process an unpleasant experience for Sydney. Soon enough, Sydney realizes that the sorority is not something she wants to be a part of and leaves. As a social outcast she is forced to move into “The Vortex” with seven dorks. However, these awkward guys become her roommates and only friends.
When Sydney begins to realize how much the Greeks dominate the school. Even though there are other interest groups and organizations on campus, their presence is invisible. The Greek community stomps over them by taking away funds and ignoring their concerns. Upon realizing this Sydney decides that the current situation at SAU must change, and is determined to take power away from the Greeks. During her quest for change she shakes things up on campus, creating drama and laughs.
Fans of Amanda Bynes will be happy to know she brings her comedic skills to the film. Sydney White might look a little campy, but it delivers more humor and depth than one expects. For example, one sorority sister tries to keep Witchburn from going into her room by telling her she just farted in there. Also, in one scene the seven dorks from “The Vortex” walk by Witchburn in single file, each telling her “Hi Ho.”
Still, despite the genuinely funny moments, the Snow White references are a little cheesy. For instance when Sydney’s Mac computer gets hacked into it is referred to an a “poison apple.” Additionally, Sydney’s romantic interest, Tyler Prince, wakes her up and they share their first kiss, much like in the fairytale.
While this film falls into the typical teen comedy category, with its comedic timing, romance and college setting, it is definitely relatable and entertaining- fun allover. It brings out the dork in the whole audience.
Sydney White, directed by Joe Nussbaum and starring Amanda Bynes, opens Friday September 21st.
In Universal’s Sydney White, Sydney Amanda Bynes begins her college career at Southern Atlantic University in hope of pledging her mother’s sorority. She finds out however, that college life is no fairytale and soon begins her quest to change the status quo at SAU.
Sydney White, directed by Joe Nussbaum, is loosely based on the story of Snow White- but Nussbaum’s film has a very modern twist. It has the same framework: there is a witch character, Rachel Witchburn Sara Paxton as well as a charming prince, Tyler Prince Matt Long, it even has seven dwarves- or dorks - as they are know in the film.
Nussbaum cleverly takes the Snow White fairytale and sets in college ruled by Greek life. As a result, Sydney White is more just a fairytale, but a story about discovering one’s true self and accepting it.
Sydney, thinks pledging, her mother’s sorority will let her connect more with her mother, but once she begins the process, sorority president Rachel Witchburn (Paxton), makes the pledge process an unpleasant experience for Sydney. Soon enough, Sydney realizes that the sorority is not something she wants to be a part of and leaves. As a social outcast she is forced to move into “The Vortex” with seven dorks. However, these awkward guys become her roommates and only friends.
When Sydney begins to realize how much the Greeks dominate the school. Even though there are other interest groups and organizations on campus, their presence is invisible. The Greek community stomps over them by taking away funds and ignoring their concerns. Upon realizing this Sydney decides that the current situation at SAU must change, and is determined to take power away from the Greeks. During her quest for change she shakes things up on campus, creating drama and laughs.
Fans of Amanda Bynes will be happy to know she brings her comedic skills to the film. Sydney White might look a little campy, but it delivers more humor and depth than one expects. For example, one sorority sister tries to keep Witchburn from going into her room by telling her she just farted in there. Also, in one scene the seven dorks from “The Vortex” walk by Witchburn in single file, each telling her “Hi Ho.”
Still, despite the genuinely funny moments, the Snow White references are a little cheesy. For instance when Sydney’s Mac computer gets hacked into it is referred to an a “poison apple.” Additionally, Sydney’s romantic interest, Tyler Prince, wakes her up and they share their first kiss, much like in the fairytale.
While this film falls into the typical teen comedy category, with its comedic timing, romance and college setting, it is definitely relatable and entertaining- fun allover. It brings out the dork in the whole audience.
Sydney White, directed by Joe Nussbaum and starring Amanda Bynes, opens Friday September 21st.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
First Blog EVER!!!!
It's true I don't blog ever, but I guess I should start considering this craze is taking over the Media Industry/ Journalism.
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