Financial Aid Application Workshop

By Arely Mondragon

Clueless on filling out your financial aid application?

Taft College is offering financial aid workshops to help students fill out the application correctly.

A financial aid specialist will be available with guidance and assistance to help with any questions.

For independent students, you will need your social security number and  2015 federal tax returns including W-2 or records of untaxed income for yourself or for your spouse (if married).

For dependent students, you will need your parents’ 2015 federal tax returns including W-2 or records of untaxed income, parents’ social security numbers, dates of births, and date of marriage or divorce.

Other materials to bring would be FSA ID Username & Password (https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm) for student & if applicable for parents and Alien Registration Number (if applicable).

The upcoming workshops dates are March 29 from 1-2 p.m. classroom T-15 and on April 26 from 12-1 p.m. in classroom T-15.

Financial Aid Specialist Joanne Dumbrigue assists student Enrriqueta Parra with her FAFSA application.

Pi Week

Avoid Negotiating With Cyber Criminals

By Alberto Muro

The birth of the internet was accompanied by the advancement of technology which allowed house holds to become connected to the world wide web. People around the world were also introduced to the new concept of electionic mail (e-mail) which became a reliable means to transmit messages within moments.

The development of the internet also introduced online users to the threat of malware attacks. Unlike viruses, which cause system corruption and the destruction of data, malware is rouge hardware that is designed to commandeer computers and inflict damage to online users by gaining access to their personal information.

Online security software soon began appearing in household and company computers to combat the threat of online attacks. The most noteable software, Norton Anti-virus, is one of many examples of exclusive hardware designed to rejuvenate your computer to its previous function condition.

As online security increases, the threat of malware attacks shift their focus through other means. Often, people forget that they are vulnerable online despite having up to date software security. Online criminals have shifted their malware attacks through personal e-mails, and the most common victims are people with little knowledge about online security.

Now imagine opening an e-mail attachment that your bank apparently provided, and after downloading it and opening the file your computer screen locks and goes dark. Moments later a large emblem to the Federal Bureau of Investigation appears along with text information stating that you have been involved with illegal activity. It is a frightening scenario that causes panic even though the computer user has no prior convictions, at the end of the message there is a demand to pay a fine within 72 hours or you will be arrested.

It sounds like your computer is being held hostage, which is exactly what is occuring thanks to that “urgent” e-mail attachment from your bank. This kind of newly developed malware attack is called Ransomware, and what happens is that attackers access your computer and render it useless against any intervention unless you send money to the email provided.

In order to prevent attacks such as ransomware, do not click on links or websites that are unfamiliar or unsafe. Enable pop-up blockers as they prevent uneccesary windows from opening and allowing malware to enter your system. Be sure to back-up your files as ransomware often requires one to reformat their computers. Most importantly, do not install unfamiliar software or extensions as they are created with the intention to cause harm to computers.

Wild Pitch Walk Off Win

Story by: Mark O’Connor

Photos by: Denae Ayala

Richard Ortiz sits back for a fastball

Seth Sorenson loaded to deliver a pitch

On the last day of February the Cougars baseball team defeated the Antelope Valley Marauders in an unusual walk off.

Tyson Canfield threw one of his best games of the short season surrendering three earned runs, six hits, and striking out five in six innings of work. He did an outstanding job of keeping hitters off balance and getting ahead in the count.

Seth Sorenson came in relief throwing a scoreless four innings and striking out two batters.  Sorenson earned his second win on the season.

Coach Defreece tries to settle down Canfield

The Cougars struck first, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the third inning. Nick Kawano singled home Dayton Wilson and Dominic Tating laid down a sacrifice bunt to score Jayce Gardner.  The Marauders answered back in the top half of the fourth inning with two runs of their own to tie the score 2-2.

After an RBI single by freshman Brandon Stevens in the bottom of the fourth drove in Brendan Halstrom and a home run by the Antelope Valley’s  Zach Diaz in the top of the sixth inning the score was tied 3-3. The scored remain locked until the bottom of the tenth inning when the Cougars cooked up a rally.  

Brendan Halstom crossing the plate

The inning started off with a pinch hit walk by Luke Lubinieki. Lubiniek was out at second as Nick Kawano reached base on a fielder’s choice.  Kawano then advanced to second base on a wild pitch by Marauders pitcher Andrew Garcia. Following the wild pitch Kawano was moved to third base with a ground ball from Dominic Tating. With two outs and a 2-1 pitch Garcia threw another wild pitch that lead to the game winning run for the Cougars.  

Travis Turner drops down perfect bunt

“Get Out” Movie Review

By Alex-Zandria Corbin

The motion picture “Get Out” was released to the movie theaters on Feb. 24, with a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The genre of the movie is a horror and a comedy.

The film is about a young man’s visit to his girlfriend’s parent’s home. When he arrives he notices the neighborhood around him, gives a strange and unfamiliar disturbance.

Daniel Kayluuya stars as Chris Washington, a photographer. Allison Williams portrays  Chris’ girlfriend Rose Armitage. Lil Rey Howrey portrays Rod Williams, Chris’ best friend and comic relief.

It begins with a song called “Redbone” by Childish Gambino. The lyrics to the song have the reoccurring theme to the entire picture. Rose’s family take advantage of the young men who visit the house. Her father, a neurosurgeon, uses his skills to transfer the youths’ bodies and vitality to family members and friends.

The movie itself was well thought out and put together, and well acted. Not only did it have the entertainment aspects of it, but it also had thought processes. The feature discusses the realities of being an African-American, particularly an African American male.

The movie shows a humanitarian type of discrimination. The antagonists appear to portray a tranquil environment. Yet, they make it seem that they aren’t a threat to begin with. There are events in the film that have happened in the past with Black and White Americans and also in the present day. Overall, the movie has enjoyment but also contains realist perspectives.

Daniel Kaluuya stars as Chris Washington

60th Annual Whiskey Flat Days

By Alberto Muro

This Presidents Day weekend saw the return of the  60th annual Whiskey Flat Days in the city of Kernville, California.

For 60 years, Kernville hosted a 3 day celebration of western themed festivities for adults and carnival rides for the youth. Live music kept the patrons dancing as the streets filled with spectators and western enthusiasts.

Kernville is located near the Sequoia National Forest, so there was no shortage of vendors selling handcrafted wooden souvenirs such as signs, necklaces and accessories. Vendors also sold vintage western attire, flags, handmade clothes, and a wide variety of food.

Live bands played for the sea of visitors flowing through the streets of downtown Kernville. There was an unplugged trio that consisted of a double-bass, acoustic, and a violin playing on the outside of a corner store. The other live band played upbeat tunes in the park with electric equipment and could be heard throughout the event.

The carnival at Whisky Flats provided entertainment for the youth with rides that rose to an elevation of 10 feet. The carnival rides were set up next to the Kern River, so patrons had the opportunity to view the entire event with the sound of the roaring river.

The western theme of Whisky Day Flats became noticeable as shops in downtown Kernville echoed with the sound of boots stomping on the wooden floors and prop firearms knocking against the stools. The old-time saloon days made a comeback for Whisky Flats Day and thankfully no duels were initiated.

On a Local Mission

Movie Review: “Split”

By Denae Ayala

Written and directed by Manoj “M. Night” Shyamalan “Split” is the breakout thriller movie for his career. According to “Los Angeles Times” Justin Chang, “’Split’ doesn’t just revive Shyamalan’s career; it resurrects his brand.”

“Split” is not your ordinary scary movie. There isn’t much blood or glory; instead, you find yourself scratching your head. It definitely gets you thinking about the supernatural world.
The movie mainly focuses on this mysterious man Kevin that is diagnosed with not one, not two, but 23 distinctive personalities.

Throughout the movie Kevin (James McAvoy) frequently visits with his psychiatrist Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley) for checkups on his status with controlling his disorder.
The disorder Kevin is dealing with is called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

As Kevin jumps from different personalities, it is up to the three girls he kidnapped to figure out who they are dealing with. Will it be Dennis? The one who kidnapped them. Will it be Patricia? The lady who is constantly reminding Kevin what to do. Will it be Hedwig? The 9 year old boy who occasionally tells the girls too much information. Or will it be Barry? The calm, collective fashion designer.

Their escape from Hell starts to seem impossible as they later find out they are dealing with something much bigger than the 23 personalities.

Kevin describes this personality as the “Beast”. Who has unnatural superpowers.

Honoring Kal Vaughn

President of the Taft College Board of Trustees Presents Kal Vaughn with Award if Service

The West Kern Community College District recognized Kal Vaughn’s service for being n the Board of Trustee’s. From 2008 to 2016, Kal Vaughn has been an exceptional Board Member.

He was elected to the Board in 2008. For him, the Taft College background runs in his family. His mother Susan Brown and his mother-in-law Rita are both retiree’s from Taft College. His son Micheal, has also graduated from Taft College.

Vaughn stated, “One of the bucket list experiences of my lifetime, was being able to hand my son Michael his diploma from Taft College as he walked across the stage.”

Billy White, the President of the Board of Trustees, honored Kal Vaughn for his hard work and commitment to the board. He remarked, “His dedication to the college is just beyond belief.”

White hopes that Kal Vaughn continues being involved with the college. Finally, Vaughn plans to  be a member of the  Taft College Foundation Board.

People enjoying the reception for Kal Vaughn