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Cast Your Ballot for the People’s Choice Award!

By Lisa Ybarra

Taft College students and members of the community are invited to cast a ballot for the People’s Choice Award for the current Best of Spring 2014 art exhibit in the TC art gallery. The works on display were created by students from various art classes. You can pick up and turn in ballots at the TC art gallery Monday through Friday 9am-4pm, room T-11. Voters can cast more than one ballot as long as it is not on the same day.

The winner will be announced at the reception being held for the students on Thursday, October 2 at 4pm in the TC art gallery. The winner will receive a cash prize thanks to a grant from the Taft College Foundation. Everyone is invited, so come show your support!

Change, Get Used to It

By Michael Clites

The Taft College library had a bit of a makeover this summer.  Remember the room near the library books that had a bunch of children’s toys and books in it? That was a classroom for Taft College’s child development course that was moved to the northwest corner of the library.  Why did the college decide to move this area? To put in a little more suitable classroom for the Inco classroom.

Another notable change about the library is the new tutoring center located right next to the new Inco classroom. Before, this section was more of a spot where any student could study, get homework done, or simply to just pass time while waiting for another class to begin. But now, this area is used for students who seek tutoring in a course. This area may still be open for the students who used it before, but its main focus is for the students who need help in their studies.

When asked about the changes done to the library and how they could benefit students and staff, current librarian Terri Smith had lot to say. ” The new Inco classroom will be a huge success because it allows the students of the course to be more hands on with the books and have an easier time learning how to properly resource them; as far as the tutoring center goes, I have no idea how it will turn out because it is something that has never been done before.” Smith hopes that the tutoring center draws in more students to the library to “actually get work done and not eat lunch or socialize with friends.”

But these changes most likely will not be the last to hit Taft’s library. Smith says that the library’s new motto is “change, get used to it” because you just never know what can be fixed, renovated, or simply just improved. So if you’re a student who is seeking a place to get tutored, your options are not limited with the Taft College library.

The Maze Runner Review by Nick Fequiere

The Maze Runner is a new sci-fi and action adventure film based off of James Dashner’s 2009 book of the same name. The film stars Dylan O’Brien of Teen Wolf fame as the main protagonist, Thomas, who at the start of the film finds himself in what our characters call “The Box.”

The premise is simple enough: the Box is an elevator that rises from beneath the ground every month to deliver animals, supplies, and a new member to the makeshift community that the young inmates have created. The members of the community all share a very specific trait, being that they are all male. The young men call their new home the “Glade,” and while they have no memory of their previous lives, many desperately wish to escape the dense and dangerous maze that encapsulates the Glade. Upon his arrival, Thomas learns of the hierarchy and rules of the Glade.

Alby, who was the first boy to ever be taken to the Glade, is the community leader. He is a strong and smart, and portrayed well by Aml Ameen. Thomas Brodie-Sangster also turns in a strong perfomance as Newt, Alby’s second in command. Will Poulter plays the intense and forceful rule follower, Gally. Naturally, Thomas’ curious nature and Gally’s intent on abiding by the rules draws them into conflict with one another. Alby had instituted only three laws for the community to follow: everyone must carry their own weight, no one is to ever harm another Glader, and no one must ever explore outside of the Glade without the proper permission.

Thomas discovers that the Gladers are given different jobs, with some boys becoming “Runners.” Therein lies the main plot point; Thomas wants to become a Runner so that he can explore the Maze and discover an exit strategy. However, the young Runners, led by Ki Hong Lee’s Minho, have explored and mapped the surrounding maze in the hope of finding a way out for the past three years. While the audiences’ first introduction to Minho starts off with a bad impression and he has to share screen time with an ensemble cast essentially, he becomes a fan favorite by the film’s end.

One of the film’s few weak links lies in Kaya Scodelario’s portrayal of Teresa. While her significance is made clear by the fact that she is the first girl to ever enter the Glade, as well as her connection to Thomas in a previous life, her character is never truly fleshed out and her purpose never really explained. As the Maze Runner is a trilogy, it can be expected that more of Teresa’s story and her relationship with Thomas will come to light in the second film.

The Scorch Trials is already set for a release date of September 18th, 2015. At the conclusion, some questions are answered and many more arise. While the film’s end may be unsatisfying for some, it is undoubtedly the set up for bigger and better things to come.

Local Artist to Keep an Eye On

By Nicolas Fequiere

Canvas Wear is a clothing company that was begun in April 2012 by Cameron Werner, a graphic artist from Bakersfield, CA. In his own words, he “started Canvas Wear to spread creativity in the community as well as share the love of God through [his] passions and hobbies. Over the last two years, Canvas has been a stamp on not only myself but the overall concept of Canvas has changed peoples view on creativity as a whole.” Werner is unapologetic about his faith, but never overly insistent on sharing his personal beliefs.

He explains that his passion for art comes from God, as well as his father, who also happened to be a graphic designer. Werner’s father taught him about art and design, even as a child. He explains that even though he fought against becoming an artist for quite some time, he eventually began to see it as his calling as he got older.

Canvas Wear is essentially “not for profit,” as all proceeds earned are funneled back into the company to create even more art that Werner uses to promote creativity and inspire positivity. He now sees it as his responsibility to keep his fans happy and supply them with awesome artwork that they can not only wear, but bond with on a more personal level. In the past, Werner has also done tattoo designs for others. Some of his biggest inspirations are those who have walked this very same path before him and achieved success, such as his mentor Barret Colvin, who works for Neff Headwear.

While Canvas could be considered Werner’s flagship company, he also runs Werner Designs, which is his graphic design business. He has helped many young people with grand aspirations to get started off on the right path to achieving their dreams. He creates amazingly beautiful logos and other designs for new clothing companies and local bands. As he explained to me, he does not see the clothing industry as a competition as it pertains to Canvas’ role in the marketplace. He only hopes to focus on fostering others and their own dreams.

Werner is intensely focused on helping others achieve their dreams, as it pertains to graphic design and artistry. He understands the importance of asking for, providing assistance, and engaging in collaborative efforts with others in order to uplift an entire community of young creatives. While he comprehends the direct effect that his talents have had on the local scene, Werner also gets caught up in the little moments. He explains that he appreciates every single time he sees a random person at the mall wearing a Canvas shirt or anytime he sees someone on Instagram post a picture tagging the Canvas page.

For those who are looking to achieve success in graphic design or start their own business, Werner offers this advice: “Stay passionate and follow your dreams. Never give up when it seems hard… Never stop believing in yourself.” You can check out more of his designs on his personal Instagram account: @Canvas_Cam and you can support Canvas at @Canvaswear on Instagram. If you wish to purchase Canvas products, they can be found on the official website: Canvaswear.bigcartel.com

Getting to Know Don Bandy

If you have taken a social science class at Taft College since 1979, hopefully, you were lucky enough to have Don Bandy as your teacher. I had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Bandy, and if you have ever met him, you know it was a good time.

Bandy grew up in Lynnwood in Southern California, and he went to Compton College in the 1960’s before transferring to the University Of Tulsa to play football. After a few years in Tulsa, Don played 2 years in the NFL for the Washington Redskins. He has many memories of his time in the National Football League, including cocktail parties at Ted Kennedy’s house who was a huge Redskins fan.

Mr. Bandy came to Taft College in 1979 and was named head football coach that same year and would go on to win 2 national championships in 1982, and 1984. He says that they would have won 3 in a row, but he tried a new career in insurance in 1983. After a year in insurance, Bandy returned to Taft College to teach and coach football up until all sports we’re discontinued at Taft College in 1994.

Don retired in 2012, now teaching part-time at Taft. He is enjoying retirement and says he is trying to spend as much time going to Kansas watching his son play college football. If you ever need to take a social science class at Taft College, take Mr. Bandy’s class; you might just learn something.

ConnExpo

ConnExpo!

By Jessica Guillen
VP of Instruction Mark Williams Explains Experiment at Conn/Expo
Greg Golling, the math and science faculty, and STEM Coordinator Rachel Belden has put together an exciting display to open the eyes of students and introduce them to the fascinating world of science. You can find this thrilling event held at the cafeteria’s banquet room, open to every student, faculty member, and even the citizens of Taft anytime the cafeteria is open. Every semester, a new theme will be presented for everyone to gain interest and see how each scientific concept works. Come on over today and get involved!

Self-Defense Workshop

Alliance Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault:  Free Self-Defense Workshop on Tuesday, September 23rd led by David Woods from Bakersfield Elite Martial Arts.  The workshop is offered for women ages 14 and up. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

Lu Chi Fa

Author Lu Chi Fa will be sharing his remarkable story on Monday, October 20th. If you have not attended before, mark your calendar and prepare to be engaged while Lu Chi relays the highlights from his book, Double Luck: Memoirs of a Chinese Orphan.

Rib-Eye Cookout Coming Soon

Join the Taft College Foundation on Thursday, October 16 for the 5th Annual Cougar Alumni and Friends Rib-Eye Cookout. Tickets are On Sale now at the Student Services Cashier. Students and Faculty can get tickets for only $10! Your ticket includes a wonderful rib-eye dinner and includes a raffle ticket to win a Cruise for 2 to Catalina Island and Mexico, donated by Chevron Valley Credit Union. This special event includes a salute to our veterans and recognition of John & Better Miller with the Taft College Foundation Community Spirit Award. Contact the Foundation for questions.Veterans will receive 2 complimentary tickets to attend as well. Please see the attached flyer for all of the information. We hope to see you there!

TC Men’s Soccer Looking Stellar Already

By Michael Clites

After being upset by Las Positas City     College in the first round of the 2013 playoffs last season, Taft College’s men’s soccer team looks to redeem themselves this season. With eleven returning players on the roster this season, including last seasons leading scorer Rogelio Santiago, Taft’s squad should be hungry for redemption.

Heading into his 13th season, Head Coach Angelo Cutrona looks to have another good season. Hopefully, Taft’s competition isn’t too stiff but being in a league with schools like Fresno City College and College of the Sequoias, the season is always a toss up.

So far the Cougars team is off to a great start, winning all 4 of their first games, not to mention that they all were away games.

The Cougars next game is a big game for them because not only is it their first home game of the season, but it’s also their first rivalry game. TC will be facing rival Santa Barbara City College this Tuesday. The SBCC men’s soccer team is off to a 0-3 start this season but never considered an easy win by any means.

After Tuesday, the Cougars will have two more home games. Hopefully, Taft can take all three of these games and come out victorious to keep the win streak going. It is safe to say that the Taft College men’s soccer is not an underdog this year; if anything, they look like top dog as of now. But the Cougars will get their true test when league games begin in the beginning of October.