Author:pablo
February 28, 2016
“Deadpool” Movie Review
With the influx of countless superhero movies that have come out now and even more on the horizon, it’s not hard for many movie-goers to feel burned out by their familiar troupes and formula. . . and then along came a film called Deadpool.
The movie stars Ryan Reynold as Wade Wilson who becomes Deadpool, everyone’s favorite fourth-wall-breaking mercenary as it details his origin, his wacky hi-jinx, and his revenge against the man who created him, Francis Freeman (played by Ed Skrein). Along the way, he teams up with X-men characters Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead as they go on to cause all sorts of mayhem during the later half of the film.
The film pulls all the stops when it comes to portraying Deadpool’s larger-then-life personality and his insatiable appetite for obscure pop culture references and “meta-gags,” especially during it’s marketing campaign. Deadpool is a unique hero as he’s both our protagonist and our unreliable narrator but not unreliable in ways you would think. It’s clear that the character is insane but also acknowledges the audience watching for clever jokes which made him such a noteworthy character amongst comic fans and the film captures that in spades. Not since Guardians of the Galaxy was there a superhero film that took himself less seriously. But unlike Marvel/Disney’s offering, this IS NOT a superhero movie you should ever take your children to. The movie’s humor is also very adult with all the violence and vulgarity that definitely earns it it’s R rating.
If the film has any flaws, it is that the humor can get pretty tiring to some as it goes on. Since this film is a comedy, your overall enjoyment will largely depend on your sense of humor and if you haven’t chuckled at any of the trailers, there likely won’t be anything for you. Other then that, it’s a very entertaining film that’s sure to be a breath of fresh air for superhero fans but mostly the older ones.
February 24, 2016
Earthquake Preparedness
Source: www.ready.gov (Dept. of Homeland Security)
If you are inside a building:
- Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside. Do not get in a doorway as this does not provide protection from falling or flying objects, and you may not be able to remain standing.
- Drop down onto your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down. Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
- Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.
- If you are in danger from falling objects, and you can move safely, crawl for additional cover under a sturdy desk or table.
- If there is low furniture or an interior wall or corner nearby, and the path is clear, these may also provide some additional cover.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures or furniture.
- Hold on to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.
If getting safely to the floor to take cover won’t be possible:
- Identify an inside corner of the room away from windows and objects that could fall on you. The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.
If you are in bed when you feel the shaking:
- If you are in bed: Stay there and Cover your head and neck with a pillow. At night, hazards and debris are difficult to see and avoid; attempts to move in the dark result in more injuries than remaining in bed.
If you are outside when you feel the shaking:
- If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Stay there until the shaking stops. This might not be possible in a city, so you may need to duck inside a building to avoid falling debris.
If you are in a moving vehicle when you feel the shaking:
- If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that the earthquake may have damaged.
February 22, 2016
Refugees in Our Backyard
by Alberto Muro
On Feb 5 director of the Levan Center for the Humanities Jack Hernandez hosted an open panel discussion called “Refugees in our Backyard”. As a sponsor of the event Hernandez kicked things off by welcoming everybody to the facility and discussed the purpose of the panel.
He then introduced the three key speakers with expertise on laws regarding immigration.
Asylum claims
Associate Director of the Immigration Law Clinic Holly Cooper brought with her law students Anita Barooni and Amanda Whitney to cover topics such as immigration policies, the foundation of detention centers, and the differences between migrants and refugees.
Holly Cooper started the panel by discussing her roles as an attorney for immigrants, and has met with detainees that are in custody. “I was disgusted by the ethical treatment of detainees” she says.
preparing to discuss the differences between migrants and refugees
Next, Barooni began her discussion by informing the audience about three events that have triggered a massive migration. She says “currently there are three notable events such as the European Crisis, the influx of central American children in 2014, and the African situation where war lords are causing people to flee.”
She then followed up with explaining the difference between migrants and refugees.
“Migrants are people that make a conscious decision to leave their country of origin, while a refugee is someone that is compelled to leave due to threat” she said.
discussion about the privatizing of detention centers.
After Barooni’s presentation, Whitney talked about the privatization of detention centers. She pulled up the statistics showing that in 2002 there were a total of 4,841 detainees held in privately owned detention centers and since 2010 that number has gone up to 14,814.
Whitney voiced her concerns about privately owned detention centers. “privatization increases incentives to detain immigrants and establish more punitive immigration laws” she says.
At the end of the panel the key speakers then answered any questions pertaining to the subject of immigration. Also the panel discussion shined a light on the current migration crisis.
February 20, 2016
Spring Student Show 2016
By Ashley Renteria
Taft College’s Spring Student Art Showing is open from January 25th to February 26th. The gallery, which is located in the Technical Arts Room 11, is open every Monday and Wednesday from 12 PM to 4 PM, and every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
The art gallery features student’s work such as 3D art, pencil work, paintings, and photographs.
Megan Wade, a freshman art major at Taft College has 10 pieces hung in the gallery. She previously went to school in Indiana and found inspiration for her artwork through her emotions and the hidden meanings of them she put into her work. Some of Megan’s favorite pieces in the spring showing are Madison Olsen’s “Atis”, Jessica Morgan’s “Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Banana?” and her very own “Still Life” drawing.
students admire artwork
students discuss and examine artwork
Carolina Gomez’s “Rings in Balance”
Sarah Smith’s “Prism”
“Atis” by Madison Olsen
February 19, 2016
Running and Learning About It
Students and lovers alike lined up, waiting for the alarm to sound, for the voice to say those fateful words “Ready, Set, GO!” A voice on the microphone broke over the silence of over hundred eerily silent runners, the words were spoken, and off they went. On February 13th, Cal State Bakersfield’s PEAK program hosted a 5k and 10K Valentine Run. All levels of fitness were encouraged to attend and participate. The PEAK program just wanted to get people outdoors and moving.
Runners getting ready for the start
Runners picking up their t-shirts and racing Bibs.
PEAK stands for Physical Education and Kinesiology. The students at CSUB are studying to become future athletic trainers, physical therapists, and personal trainers. The PEAK program at CSUB caters to students who are looking to go into any field dealing with athletics or physical education.
I talked to one of the students in this PEAK program who also came in 2nd overall in the 10K race. His name is Cody Logan, and he is 21 years old, getting his bachelor’s in exercise science from Cal State Bakersfield. I asked him what he wanted to do with his degree; he said, “I want to work in the field of running which is my passion.” He talked about why he joined the PEAK program and why he enjoys it. “It gives us opportunity to learn stuff that you don’t think about with exercise. You don’t think about trajectory or biomechanics.” He goes on to say, “It’s nice to get your own focus whether it’s exercise science, sports psychology or physical education.” Cody explains that the CSUB PEAK program allows students to explore and find where their passion is in the world of sports and exercise. Cody encourages anyone who is passionate about sports or exercising to check out the PEAK program at Cal State Bakersfield.
February 19, 2016
TCs’ Offense Leads the Way
By Nick Kuwano
On Friday, Taft hosted College of the Siskiyous Eagles. The Cougars fell behind in the first inning after giving up 3 unearned runs on 2 errors.
It didn’t take long for Taft to answer back as Ricky Sottile hit a solo blast in the 2nd inning which sparked an offensive surge as the cougars collected a total of 17 runs on 21 hits in 8 innings of opportunity.
Robby Brewster cruised through 5 innings on the mound giving up no earned runs on just 3 hits while striking out 3 in route to his 2-0 record.
Travis Turner, Richard Ortiz, Shane Kotz, Ricky Sottile, Kaivon Kealoha, and Kyle Wedel all collected doubles.
Austin Pendergrass, Ortiz, and Wedel each collected 2 RBI’s a piece.
Robert Higgs went 2-for-5, Sottile went 3-for-5 with 3 RBI’s, and Kealoha went 5-for-6 with 4 RBI’s to help stream the offensive attack.
Tyson Canfield, Caleb Newman, Spencer Throgmorton, Alfred Souza, and Brett Haney all got work on the mound to preserve the lead throughout the last 4 innings.
Kealoha said, “It was a great team win, to be able to go out and swing the bat the way we did was huge for us. If we keep our approach, pitchers of the opposing team will not want to pitch to us.”
Taft now has a 2-1 heading in tomorrow they will host Cerro Coso College. Next week they go on the road to Monterry Peninsula twice on Thursday and Saturday.
February 19, 2016
Wind Wolves Preserve
By Ellie Hillard
From the base of the San Joaquin Valley floor, extending upward toward the mountains, resides an often unmentioned and unexpected gem. Wind Wolves Preserve, established in 1996 as a part of The Wildlands Conservancy Program, exists as nature preservation with a goal that focuses on ecological conservation. At a size of 93,000 acres, Wind Wolves holds the title of being the West Coast’s largest non-profit nature preserve.
Not only does Wind Wolves act as an epicenter for ecological conservation but also provides a great place for many outdoor activities. The preserve itself is made up of incredible views of both the San Joaquin Valley and the mountain range above accessible by several popular hiking trails. Wind Wolves Preserve often provides its own organized outdoor activities such as birding hikes, full moon and blackout night hikes, movies in the canyon, and even backcountry excursions. Each of these scheduled events is guided and can be attended at a time provided by the Preserve.
Wind Wolves Preserve is soon to develop a strong relationship with Taft College through the establishment of a new internship program for Taft College students. This semester marks the first in which Taft College students have been able to volunteer their time and efforts toward ecological conservation while receiving internship credit. Jonny Slocum, an environmental science major at Taft College, is elated to have this opportunity. Slocum states, “I love being out in nature, and I hope to be able to forge trails, or track certain species.” Hopefully, as time progresses more Taft College students with an appreciation for nature conservation will take part in this opportunity.
Whether you desire to take a nature hike, participate in an internship, or just want to see for yourself the sweeping views of nature provided by Wind Wolves Preserve, I encourage you to visit. You won’t be disappointed, and you might even learn more about the history and habitat of the region within which you reside.