BY DESMOND MILLER
EDITOR

Uncanny X-Men #501
Written by Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction
Art by Greg Land

It’s very rare in comics when they decide to take a character or characters out of their regular surrounding. So when it was announced that the X-Men would be moving for the east coast (up state New York) to the west coast (the Bay Area) everyone was intrigued.

The X-titles have never had a hard time getting fans especially after 3 movies. So why change the formula? Who knows honestly, all we can expect is new and interesting stories.

Most feel that we will get those because the two writers, Brubaker and Fraction, have been in the business of shaking up stasis quo’s and this one is just what the doctor ordered.

Legion of 3 Worlds #1
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by George Perez and Scott Koblish

Out of that crisis’s that DC Comics have had the last few years, it’s amazing that anyone can get excited about anything that has to do with the destruction of the universe.

Well, color me shock when I found out that DC was doing a tie-in that I was actually excited about.

The story is actually the continuing saga of Earth Prime Superboy’s journey to find his perfect earth. What started more then a decade ago, looks like it could finally come to an end in the far future.

Superboy, after being blown to the future, wakes and finds that he is in the future of the Legion of Super Villains and he is their savior. Meanwhile in another dimension the Legion of Superheroes contacts Superman in the past and brings him forward in time to help them stop Superboy.

Confused? Well don’t be, Geoff Johns is a fantastic writer who is known to weave fantastic comic book tales and with legendary artist George Perez on pencils this mini will be out of this world.

BY MICHAEL GALLEGOS
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Updates to City College’s wireless internet service have simplified user access, boosted the network’s capacity and increased network speeds for students and faculty that use the service according to Tim Ryan, the network manager for City College.

The installation of new wireless hot spots around the Ocean campus has expanded network coverage and access has been increased five-fold from two thousand users to a maximum of ten thousand registered users on the 802.11b/g Wireless Local Area Network. The WLAN can reach speeds of up to 54 Mbps, but typically runs around 19 Mbps, according to Ryan.

On average, a device can access a hot spot as long is it is no more than 100 feet from a hot spot. These hot spots can be found at multiple locations on the Ocean Campus, including the 200 Series Bungalows, Smith Hall, Batmale Hall, the Student Union, Cloud Hall, the Visual Arts Building and Rosenberg Library. WLAN access is also available on the Evans, Mission, Southeast and Downtown campuses.

Further network expansion and installation of more hot spots is expected to happen in September, increasing the range and coverage of Ocean campus’ WLAN, making Internet access easier and more accessible while on campus.

Students and staff can access the free network by sign-up at http://www.ccsf.edu/wlan. Comprehensive instructions to register your wireless device, troubleshooting and answers to frequently asked questions are also available on the website. Registration take less then two days and each student or staff member can register up to two devices.

When asked, many students were not familiar with the free service available to them, or were not expecting to be regular users of the service.

“I didn’t know that free Wi-Fi was available on campus, but I would probably only use it if I had to, since I don’t usually travel with a laptop, “ said Andrew Sargenti, 20, a Sociology major.

Mary Jane Sacks, a 21-year-old Business Administration major was also unfamiliar with the wireless network, saying “I don’t think I would use it. My laptop is too heavy, and I already have a computer at home.”

The network requires users to have a wireless device that supports the security protocol WPA. Wireless devices such as the iPod Touch and iPhone are supported as well.

“The WPA key [the network uses] is not one hundred percent secure, but it definitely helps,” said Ryan.

“There is little threat of identity theft, [but] I would definitely recommend anti-virus and anti-spyware software.”

For users who are having trouble with the service, live support is also available Monday – Thursday, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Science Hall, room 37.

There are currently six major hot spots available on Ocean Campus. Locations include Rosenburg Library, Smith Hall, Science Hall, Batmale Hall, Student Union, and the 200 series bungalows. Service is also available on Evans, Downtown, and Mission Southeast campuses.CCSF.EDU

BY ELLEN SILK
EDITOR

The relationship between you and your pot dealer is unique. Both of you share a common goal of getting high and usually talking about getting high. But could you ever imagine spending the night in a tree with your dealer, or shooting up a barn for him?

The hilarious Seth Rogan as the buyer and James Franco as the dealer take you there and further in Pineapple Express. After Dale, played by Rogan, witnesses a murder, the two go on the run. Their totally high, totally clumsy adventure is packed with plenty of action to satisfy even the non-smokers.

If you smoke this movie is super funny, if you’re not a stoner this movie is super funny. Judging by the commercials for it you would think this is more of an action film than anything else. Also misleading from the trailer is the theme song “Paper Planes” by MIA. Not once in the movie is this song played, however this does not take away from the film.

This hilarious slapstick comedy is full of crazy “remember when…” stories and decisions only stoners would make. Pineapple Express is probably not going to win any awards, unless they are from High Times, the magazine dedicated to pot smoking, but it is still very much worth seeing.

DESMOND MILLER / GUARDSMAN

Obama will lead us to a brighter future.

BY PARREE FOSTER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The United States Constitution says: “…We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union…;” the Declaration of Independence states: “…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” and in the Redeclaration of Independence by Kentucky Patriot is written”…[A]nd are empowered by their Creator…”

These passages begin the manifesto of a young rebellious country of people who felt they could change the course of the human condition and bring freedom and enlightenment, not by terror of oppression by the strength of their bombs and armies – but by the moral truths of said manifesto.

Unfortunately, no sooner were these written that the seeds of their demise were planted in the politics of our new government: the practice of slavery and racial superiority, the marriage of industry and power, the distancing of Washington from the common man. Today, scarcely anybody, not only in the United States, but throughout the world, recognizes us as the nation who penned those words over 200 years ago.

In this world, where any country can pose a nuclear threat, a so-called “superpower” like the United States can be defeated by Third World nations like Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. War can only mean the mutual destruction of all people. Our country needs a leader who can fulfill the ideas of the original manifesto to show the original promise to the people is not dead, but alive.

We need a symbol, a beacon. What better symbol to take us forward than a black man leading our country?

Black people have always represented American strife, struggle and various other aspects of our national identity. I believe we are not only ready, but we need to make a black man, in particular Barack Obama, the Commander and Chief, to facilitate the rebuilding of respect, stability and hope of our, once great, nation in our own country and as a sign for the rest of the world.

Yes, America is ready for a Black president!

BY LAUREN TYLER
STAFF WRITER

Aside from the liberal premonition of San Francisco, the United States embracing an African-American president seems far from likely.

Approval rates of McCain do not linger far behind that of Obama in a country who still does not know past the superficiality of their candidates.

Since the beginning of the presidential race McCain, without lifting a finger, has been inching his way toward the favorable light of Obama.

According to the August 25, 2008 poll on gallup.com, Obama and McCain both have a 45 percent approval rate.

Though nominees typically receive a five percent boost after announcing the vice president, Obama has found himself tied in the polls, a far fetched idea not long ago, as the election rolls on.

With racism and a fear of changing the rural blue-collar norm, an extra wrench is thrown into the political machine.

In an article from The Economist, “The Big, Bellwether Battlefield” from July 31, 2008, Obama has yet to appeal to rural “lunch pail” Ohio democrats.

In certain areas of the state signs read “Hell is real,” and “Repent!” along the highway. Obama “still has a problem connecting with the white working-class votes,” writes the Economists.

Many blue-collar Ohio democrats still ask “Who on earth is this guy?”

Obama campaigned twice as long as Clinton but still lost by 10 points.

Many Americans do not want liberal referendums to shake the foundation they were brought up upon.

Frankly, many feel Obama is just being audacious. MaCain might be in the same boat of audacity, but in the mouth of conservatism that is a bit more familiar.

Though both candidates had hopes for changing the system, on the “campaign trail, the system is winning,” the system of the rich, white man who say’s a lot while saying much of nothing.

City College Rams volleyball team warm-up before practice with players performing net drills. BONTA HILL / THE GUARDSMAN

BY ARCEL CUNANAN
STAFF WRITER

With only four remaining players from 2007’s roster, City College Volleyball Head Coach Ed Parker has high hopes of creating a reputable program, building on strengths the team already possesses during the highly anticipated 2008 season.

“When most people hear CCSF they automatically think about the football team,” said Parker, who is in his seventh year coaching at City College. “Because the majority of the students attending this school are commuters, it is difficult to get them involved with volleyball,” Parker added.

CCSF is home to the 2007 National Champion football team, which does set the bar pretty high for other sports teams. However, Parker foresees to change the student population and surrounding communities’ obliviousness towards the volleyball program.

Last year’s team ranked fifth out of six in the Coast Conference North Division, falling shy behind Skyline College. The 2007 roster consisted of eight players which included returnees Amanda Ly, Dana Lee, Cynthia Osorio, and Poe Malepeai. All-star Ly, who is also one of the three team captains, was listed fourth in the conference with her digging skills, maintaining an overall percentage of 6.99.

Perfection was not a necessity to make this year’s team. Instead, Parker was not only looking for players who could contribute to the team with basic skills and knowledge, but more importantly the right attitude to learn and play. There are 12 girls on the team who range from ages 17-23 and come from local high schools such as Abraham Lincoln High School, Balboa High School, and Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory.

Parker feels the team’s cohesiveness, camaraderie, and leadership will help with practice. The basis of the team’s strength comes from defensive skills.

“The bread and butter of the team will be our defense. The girls are quick and light on their feet,” Associate Head Coach Aziza Bledsoe said.

Parker and Bledsoe both lay out high expectations for their team as they are hopeful to win their conference, and reach the highest level of competition, which is always the goal.

“I would love to see the girls walk out of the gym 100% happy of what they did on the court. If they have any regrets, my job as a coach was not done. If they are happy and proud, that is a job well done,” said Bledsoe. “We will do even better this year. We want to grow every year and build on that.”

By Michael Gallegos

Nicole Hardwick, 19

Hip Chic
Life in San Francisco can be expensive. Actually, the cost of living can be outrageous for students anywhere in the world.

Nicole Hardwick, a thrift shop junkie, is influenced be the endless possibilties of vintage clothes. Nicole personalizes her own style.

“I listen to Hip-Hop, House, R&B and especially Lauryn Hill, but music doesn’t really influence my style.”

Her laid back, collected appearance, however, could very well be influenced by those genres, maybe even a tribute to Ms. Hill.

“I go to stores like Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads, and thrift shops, mainly in the Haight.”

Nicole, who is studying Sociology and Salesmanship here at City College. pays the bills by tending bar at a club.

When asked what she would wear if money was no object,  she said, “I would go big, probably Versace, Gucci. I’ve wanted to shop at Bloomingdales, it’s just so expensive, and I love Betsey Johnson.”

Things change quickly in San Francisco – design and legislature change, leading us in bold new directions. Neighborhoods adjust to the influx of new people and ideas, causing parts of the city to look different and unfamiliar.

In an effort to keep you excited about the city where you study, New Additions will showcase a few of Frisco’s freshest spots.

We owe it to ourselves to check out what new developments this city has to offer and integrate ourselves into the city President Taft once called, “the city that knows how.”

Potrero Del Sol Skateboard Park

Officially opened in July, San Francisco is now home to a skatepark designed by professionals with the true interests of skateboarders in mind.

Skaters are no longer limited to the ditch vert of Crocker Amazon as the only legal and approachable spot to skate in San Francisco.

The good people at Grindline, who have molded other notable parks in Oregon, such as Orcas Island, have blessed the Mission District with the concrete gem it deserves.

The Potrero park offers more flow to a “street” section than many parks in the Bay, making it a good place to find lines to keep your speed and cover the whole park.

“Groms” love the euro-gap; “Barneys” will dig the four-to-ten foot bowl with a better waterfall than the one in San Rafael, as well as a difference in vert from the park in Pacifica.

Pads are not enforced and you can always brown bag it on “Heckle Hill” in-between runs.

It’s awesome to see the older generation of skaters (over twenty-one) coming out of the city’s woodwork to collide with beginners still learning park etiquette.

Potrero del Sol Skatepark recently hosted the annual Toad and Salmon’s Chili Bowl Cook-off, making it the official skatepark of San Francisco.

BY KAREN KINNEY

Contributing Writer

Unless California lawmakers can agree on a state budget already two months overdue, disbursements of over $600,000 for Financial Aid and state funded programs like EOPS will not be available for City College students this September.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state legislators are currently deadlocked over a decision to approve a budget for the state of California. The legislator has drafted a budget that proposes no costs to community colleges, while the Governor says a $450 million shortfall needs to be addressed with fewer student services and fewer courses offered. The Governor’s budget proposal includes a three-year increase in the state sales tax by 1 cent per dollar as well as additional cuts and limits on spending that would allow the state to save money.

Those plans, which the governor had revealed to legislative leaders during a private meeting Aug. 3, so far have failed to win endorsements from lawmakers.

EOPS receives money from Cal Grants and according to Jorge Bell, Dean of Financial Aid, there are approximately 13,000 students enrolled in the program with another 5 to 6 percent still planning to apply this semester.
“My main concern with the state budget not getting signed is without the disbursements of the Cal Grant funds, many students will carry a heavy financial burden going into the 2007-2008 school year.” said Bell.

Bell also said that some proposed cuts include reducing supplies and the amount of money for book vouchers.

“With a big demand for services and more needy students, hopefully the district can help pick up the slack.” said Bell.

The truth is, until the budget is signed, City College does not have a definitive answer on what programs will have cuts or by how much. In addition, if the budget is not settled by the middle of September, the college will need to borrow from the state or county treasury to meet its payroll.

According to Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Peter Goldstein, City College feels prepared to deal with potential pending disbursements of Financial Aid and face any questions in the future.

“We took a cautious approach and tried to start our fiscal year in a conservative way.” said Goldstein. “We have developed a conservative set of assumptions if the Governor’s version of the budget comes through that would protect the college.”

Both Bell and Goldstein are urging students and voters to call local government and insist lawmakers assign a budget and share how this budget standstill will affect their lives.

STAFF

Quirky bits of the Internet missed by the main-stream.

• WTF Urls

This Web site has the latest internet news, photos and videos about things that make you scratch your head and go WTF? You can even finds stories about ninja vigilantes!

http://www.wtfurls.com

• Crunchyroll

If you love anime, then this Web site is for you! Crunchyroll lets you view hundreds of animes, mangas, Asian movies and T.V. shows. Not to mention it’s absolutely free!
http://www.crunchyroll.com

• One More Level

I bet you can’t just play one! One More Level has lots of addictive web-based flash games that are sure to keep you busy for hours and hours. Be sure to try 3D Missile game.
http://www.onemorelevel.com

BY JESSICA LUTHI
EDITOR

The new version of Quark’s desktop publishing software, QuarkXpress 8, may be superior to previous releases, but it still falls short of Adobe’s InDesign CS3 intuitive interface and usability.

This doesn’t mean that QuarkXpress is inferior to InDesign, the new release has many great changes. The biggest difference Quark users will notice is the new look of the interface. All original tools and functions are the same, but they are more aesthetically appealing. Let’s face it, Quark hasn’t updated their interface for nearly 20 years – this was way overdue. Not only has the interface changed, but now Quark has integrated the ability to edit flash without having to switch between programs.

Unfortunately you can’t edit files that you’ve saved in Quark with Adobe Flash. That’s OK, who would do that anyway, right? Another cool thing is you can build web pages, presentations and interactive web tools too.

The makers of Quark claim that you can work much faster with the new release. I disagree, it’s not faster than InDesign. I’m a designer, who works with different types of software, and I found this version of QuarkXpress easier to use then previous release. Still, some things are just impossible to do quickly using Quark. For instance, the “runaround” feature, which allows a user to run text around a image or graphic, is still difficult to use. InDesign makes this so much easier, with the push of a button you can wrap the text and that’s it.

Personally, I’m going to stick with InDesign. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not totally knocking Quark. The new release is awesome, but InDesign still reigns supreme in my book.