The Active Dreamers Club of Chabot College recently played a short film called “Stories of Undocumented Youth”, which spoke on the immigration injustices in America today, specifically towards students who have grown up in America and aspire for college and other accomplishments. Continue Reading

The Chabot College forensics team recently competed in the weeklong Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Schaumberg, Illin. Continue Reading

The 2012 Macworld Expo took place January 26-28 at the Moscone West in San Francisco, showcasing hundreds of the latest hardware, apps, software, and accessories for Mac enthusiasts.

With the extreme rise in popularity of portable devices like: iPads and iPods, the convention seemed to focalize on carrying cases and mobile audio.

Lifstil Protect is a company that creates artistic cases for iPads and laptops. You can also create your own custom case, according to a Lifstil spokesperson.

The Flygrip is a small plastic attachment where you are able to handle your mobile-device using just two fingers. The accessory helps utilizing your iPad or other smart-device much more accessible. Another carrying-based attachment for iPads would be: The Grablet, which is more of a glove for your tablet – to make sure your tablet is never dropped.

What was most noticeable (on my account at least) was the abundance of audio technology at the expo. Of exhibitors included: Gazio, Dr.Dre Beats, Polk Audio, All Jack, among others…

Gazio, Dre Beats, and Polk were the top companies that headlined: ear-bud headphones, DJ performance headphones, portable speakers, and iPod docks. Gazio, of which, were my personal favorites – who displayed various ear-buds and portable speakers that distributed impressive bass and sound. They also create exceptional computer headsets for gaming purposes.

Dre Beats audio had the best DJ performance-wise headphones. Listening to the bass it produced through the headphones was impressive, the only inconvenience is that they cost over $300… Otherwise I’d own a set.

As pricey audio equipment goes, nothing compares to what All Jack Boutique has produced. The stylish audio company created a set of five speakers that cost up to $68,000 all together.

“The speakers were all hand-made. They have incredible audio performance as well as being nice to look at,” All Jack Boutique spokesperson Leslie Huang explained.

There was also a popular appearance of miniature speakers for mobile use. Many stands advertised the X-mini, a collapsible speaker that is rechargeable via USB.

Best in show for me would be the Alljack $68,000 speaker set. It was elegant; it educed much attention, and of course – great bass. Second prize would be the appearance of mobile audio; I’m particularly fond of nifty gadgets.

In their most recent string of matches, the Chabot College wrestling team lost to Skyline College 27-15 on Oct. 13, and also traveled to Santa Rosa to compete in the prestigious Northern Calif. Dual Meet Tournament Oct. 15, finishing eighth place.

Although the final score of the matches did not end up in the Gladiators favor, they did have a few individual wins. Versus Skyline College: 125-pounder Daniel Nguyen defeated Nelson Ortega, 3-1. In a dominant manner 197-pounder Dan Heka pinned Maher Coleman in 18 seconds. Also, heavyweight wrestler Richard Segovia pinned Skylines Timo Cervantes in 4:49 seconds. Richard is currently the number one ranked wrestler at 285lbs in California community colleges, according to www.CACCwrestling.com.

In The Northern Calif. Dual Meet Tournament, Chabot finished eighth, defeating Shasta College 25-18 and San Joaquin Delta by 27-19. They were blanked 54-0 by the top ranked Fresno City College and also lost in a rematch to Skyline College 34-24. In their final match versus Modesto College they once again faltered by a score of 36-17.

The Chabot Gladiators wrestling teams next competition will be at the Meathead Invitational Tournament Saturday, Oct. 22nd in San Luis Obispo.

 

Al Davis: the maverick of football, a legend of the Bay Area; passed away Saturday, Oct. 8th at the age of 82. Many called him the “Frank Sinatra of Football” because he did it his way, and no one else’s. He contested authority and – to the best of his ability – lived up to his ‘Commitment to Excellence’.

Many NFL fans see Al Davis as the old, wily, renegade owner of the Oakland Raiders. His demeanor was startling, aggressive, and controlling. In some ways, these are right – he actually prided himself on that very belief.

“He would rather be feared than loved, because love is transitory, while fear is consistent,” described by former Raiders’ tight end Todd Christensen (1979-88).

Al Davis’ unconventional style defined his vision to what he foresaw the Raiders to be. In 1963 he was hired as head coach to the Oakland Raiders, who at that time carried a 9-33 record in the first three years of the AFL’s existence. In his three years after taking over, Davis compiled a record of 23-16-3 and won the AFL Coach of the Year award the year he was hired.

In 1966 the AFL hired Al Davis to be the league’s commissioner. Later that year, unbeknownst to him, the AFL and the NFL agreed on a merger. Davis would immediately resign as commissioner, preferring to triumph over the NFL rather than cooperate with it.

From then on, Davis would be the Oakland Raiders owner and general manager. What proceeded was a thrilling era of uniqueness and success. The Raiders won three Super Bowls and 71 percent of their regular season games from 1966-1985, according the NFL.com.

What was built more importantly was the mystique atmosphere of sheer toughness and pride of being a rebel that characterized his image of the Raiders.

His teams were described as misfits and criminals. In fact: in 1976 Pitt. Stealers coach Chuck Noll, commented to the media saying, “Players like George Atkinson (Raiders safety 1968-77’), carry a criminal element that should be kicked out of the game.”

“Just win, baby.” – Al Davis’ famous quote, that in ways, he lived by. Davis would make changes to his organization in the desire to win, even if the move was groundbreaking. He hired John Madden when he was 32 years old, becoming the youngest professional coach ever (at that time). He made Tom Flores the first Hispanic head coach ever and made Art Shell the first black head coach. Also, Al made Amy Trask the first woman chief executive in the NFL.

“The Oakland Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of Al Davis,” the team said in a statement. “Al Davis was unique, a maverick, a giant among giants, a true legend among legends, the brightest star among stars, a hero, a mentor, a friend.”

Al Davis was a visionary, an innovator of the game. Lived on by hundreds of former players and millions of die-hard fans, his legacy will never be forgotten.

Al Davis : July 4, 1929 – October 8, 2011

“No pressure, no diamonds,” – Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle; a quote that reflects directly to J. Cole and his debut Studio Album release, Cole World: The Sideline Story. The self-proclaimed Simba of hip-hop brought his emotional, lyrically driven creativity for the world to enjoy on September 27^th.

As for great debut albums go, this does not deserve to be placed on the same shelf as those legendary releases (i.e: Ready To Die- Biggie, Illmatic – Nas, The Marshall Mathers LP – Eminem, etc…), but none the less a very good and well put together album. Tupacs debut record wasn’t his most polished work either; he continued to get better and better.

Songs like Mr. Nice Watch and Work Out, my only knocks on the record, seemed like a requirement to include on the album for the sheer purpose of portraying the ‘commercial rap lifestyle’ (as I can describe it), departing from his “I’m one of you guys” persona.

That being said, the Roc Nation-Jay Z protégé has always had his own style of lyricism and technique, rapping from his heart and emotion instead of his salary. Something that has set him apart from his peers so far in his career, and he continues this with songs like: Dollar and a Dream III, Daddy’s Little Girl, and my favorite song on the record: Lost Ones, a story about a Mother-to-be and a young man arguing over the decision of an abortion, which is a perfect example of J. Coles sometimes extreme narrative style.

J. Cole is also fearless in showing his upbringing for the world to see in his song Breakdown; a direct message to his father that was never there and his mother that was addicted to crack. He also tells his own tales of tribulation on becoming a successful musical artist with songs, God’s Gift, Rise and Shine, and Sideline Story – which is an excellent illustration to what the album stands for.

He also brings back works like: In the Morning ft. Drake, and Lights Please. Songs he’s been working on perfecting since his 2009 mixtape release, The Warm Up.

J. Cole’s unique style has never ceased to impress and although this release may not be the classic that many hip-hop fans hoped for, it’s still an outstanding album and a great testament to the person and rapper J. Cole is.

To his fans, Cole is already a star with his lyrical ability and effortless storytelling flow, and with Cole World: The Sideline Story, he looks to jump off the bench and into superstardom – and it just might do it for him.

Cole World: The Sideline Story dropped worldwide Monday, September 27 and the reception has been well received. Do your eardrums a favor and give it a listen.

Hayward hosts its final of 4 downtown Street fairs this year Saturday, Sept. 17 in its annual Art, Wine and Specialty Brew Street Party.

According to the City of Hayward’s website, the street fair will be held on B street (between Foothill and Watkins streets) from noon – 5p.m. The party will have numerous food vendors, including Buffalo Bills, The Bistro, Bon Apetito, an art fair and a car show hosted by Vic Hubbard that will include over 125 hotrods,

In accordance with the Hayward Farmers Market being held near city hall, the street party will have a wine section being held at the corner of Watkins and B streets, while also providing beer gardens, over 80 vendors, live salsa, party bands and the Hayward High School band to keep you entertained.

Along with having several games and activities for children and adults to enjoy, the party will include: face painters, pony rides, and fire trucks to explore making this a great day out for the kids.

“Hayward street parties have been bringing families to our city center to celebrate the summer for 12 years,” said Kim Huggett, president of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.

“These free events are part of a great Hayward tradition of community celebrations that appeal to all ages,” Hugget explained further.

The free to attend event will also provide free parking courtesy of AC Transit and the Hayward BART station.

For a nice Saturday out in the sun with a bite, and a beer in the humming downtown Hayward area of B Street, this event is the perfect occasion to plan on going to.

For more information go to www.hayward.org and click on upcoming events.

Created in 1974, the Solano Stroll street fair has been regarded as the largest street festival in the East Bay. Being held Sunday, September 11 (every second Sunday of September) on Solano Avenue in the nearby cities of Albany and Berkeley.

The mile-long festival will host over 500 attractions; from BBQ and restaurant stands, to arts and crafts, to entertainers dancing and playing music for your enjoyment as well as a parade, all beginning at 10 a.m.

“We’ll have over five hundred vendors, including food stands with cuisine from Armenia, China, Italy, Vietnam, Mexican, Mediterranean, Mongolian, French, Indian, barbecue, vegan — You name it, we’ll have it there,” said Solano Ave Assoc. executive director and events manager, Allen Cain, “Not to mention 50 exceptional entertainers representing the same great international diversity that is the Bay Area.”

The event is also known as an ideal family gathering as there will be a designated area for kid entertainment like; giant slides, carnival games, clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers, face painters, magicians and even mechanical rides, according to the Solano Ave Association website.

Also, in correspondence with the environmentally conscious minds of Berkeley, the fair will feature a “Green Zone” that will showcase tools for green technology like: solar panels, tank-less water heaters, as well as providing tips to your home or business to be more environmentally helpful.

Getting to the venue will also be no problem as free shuttles will run from the North Berkeley BART station from 10am-7pm. Additionally, if you plan to bike to the festival, there will be free bike parking.

There will even be valet parking at both ends of Solano Ave, courtesy of the East Bay Bikes Coalition and the Albany “Strollers for Rollers” association.

Driving may not be the best choice as a way to get to the area as limited parking will be available because of a large attendance expectation.

Event manager Allen Cain expects the turnout to bring over 250,000 people!

This will be an alcohol and tobacco free event, so instead of your party hats – bring your sun hat and enjoy a fun stroll in the sun. For more information on the Solano Stroll go to http://www.solanoavenueassn.org.

Joaquin Miller Park: Lush forest, tons of fun, fresh air, a space for the intermediate hiker or biker

Take a trip to Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland hills for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life and venture down one of the many trails of the 500-acre park.

Joaquin Miller is a great place to hike, bring your dog and also bicycle for an exhilarating and technical mountain bike ride through the sometimes narrow passages. “I love bringing my boys (dogs) here to walk around. I love the tall trees here, its very beautiful,” said hiker Nancy Walker.

Tall Redwood trees and Oak groves make the area very relaxing and beautiful to the eyes. Ferns and over 200 other species of plants are abundant in the lush creek sides and meadows that scatter throughout the area of the park, according to the Joaquin Miller Park website. Also, many different types of animals scurry about through the green wilderness, such as lizards, snakes, deer and an occasional grey fox if you get lucky to see one.

These trails will surely give you a great workout as there are a lot of uphill climbs throughout the park, but like Sir Isaac Newton reasoned, what goes up must come down, so there are also many steep downhill experiences. So if this one of your first times biking on a trail, I DO NOT suggest these trails for you as these trails are meant for intermediate and experienced bikers only. A bike with good shocks on it would be a great help as the trails can get pretty bumpy with rocks and tree roots sometimes sticking out of the ground.

If you take the Big Trees trail, as I did, you’ll find the name of the trail is pretty self explanatory; incredible Redwood trees surround you as you make your trek. It reminded me much of the tall redwood forests of Northern California where I used to camp as a boy, which was very refreshing. From there I merged onto the also aptly named Bayview trail, which feathers great scenic views of the Bay Area overlooking Oakland, viewing all the way to San Francisco.

For a great workout, fun and enjoyment, great views of the bay and also an experience through a thriving wildlife area, the Joaquin Miller Park is the place for you to go.

For more information about the park go to www.oaklandnet.com/joaquinmillerpark and for a direct map of the park for you hikers and bikers go to http://www.oaklandnet. com/joaquinmillerpark/map.html

The Chabot College forensics team (not CSI) led by communications professor and forensics instructor Jason Ames has had a great run of success in debate competitions this year. This includes six individual top-ranked competitors and 10 team medals, with three first place finishes against a variety of two and four year colleges throughout the state of California and at a National level.

Competing in debate events about numerous topics from current events (such as the issues in the Middle East, the economy and other domestic policies and civil services), the forensics team has been successful against top local area colleges like UC Berkeley, San Francisco State, San Jose State, and UC Davis, as well as large number of universities from Southern California. “Its been fun being a part of the team, its really cool to see us doing so well,” said forensics team- member Clint Corvello.

Chabot is currently one of the highest ranked community college forensics teams in the state, winning the “Talk Hawk” invitational in the community college division.

Chabot also has several state and national award winner; among them are Eileen Vivian Zedd, who won: a gold medal in persuasive speech at both state and national events, a bronze medal in extemporaneous speaking at a national event, and a bronze medal in parliamentary debate alongside teammates Jessica Hollie, Jake Hewitt and Brad Bettridge. Toan Nguyen won a gold medal in programmed oral interpretation of literature; Fatima Ansary took silver in communication analysis.

Working as a team, Chabot has done well for being so low on the college totem pole, so to speak. “It’s hard for a Community College with just two coaches to compete against schools with larger teams, larger coaching staffs and multiple graduate assistants. We stress three things: education, fun, and then the competition. If you succeed with the first two, the last one seems to work out fine,” explained instructor Jason Ames.

Cooperation is a big part to the team’s success, as preparing for events is a group effort. Senior members of the staff help out the novice members in assisting in research and also giving feedback to help give a further understanding of what is being debated. Peer coaching is a big part of the development process, so everyone plays a valuable role in the team.

Jason Ames adds, “Often people join with little to no public speaking experience, people on the team have been in their position and have become successful,” and also according to Ames “forensics is the best way for a student to build critical thinking skills, persuasive skills, research skills, public speaking skills, and listening skills,” for those people who are worrisome of public speaking and presentations.

To join the Chabot forensics team, register for Communication Studies 48 and learn the tools to become a successful public speaker, debate over public issues and become an all around good student. Like forensics member Jessica Hollie said in a previous interview with The Spectator, “Don’t doubt yourself, your coaches, or your team and never ever give up. Forensics can be lovely and it can be brutal, but just like with everything else in life the hard work is so worth it in the end because the benefits are limitless.”