The movie is told in form of chapters, nine in all, none remarkably amusing. Although, the biggest problem isn’t even really a question of whether or not it entertains, the chapters build up towards an ending that never quite unfolds. Many questions are left unanswered and parallel stories are introduced, but no payoffs follow.

Chapters one and two set up the story; Violet (Alexis Bledel) and Daisy (Saoirse Ronan) are looking to save up some money for their favorite pop idol, Barbie Sunday’s dresses. An easy hit job presents itself and they accept. But when they discover their target, Michael (James Gandolfini), has a heart big enough to engulf their own, they hesitate pulling the trigger. What should have followed is a touching story of two rebellious girls who rediscover themselves, and through heartbreaking scenes and tear inducing lines find their ways back to the “correct” way of life. Regrettably, what does follow is a series of corny and clichéd moments that work hard for a twist that never happens.

The dialogue is not convincing. Michael and Daisy sit on the couch while a group of ugly looking, serious, non-teenage assassins, point guns at them. Daisy, in a very girlish tone, more like a ten-year-old than a teen, raises the argument that they should lower their guns to not tire out their arms while she tells them a “secret.” The tough, gun-packing assassins quickly obey. The scene reeks of cheesiness and, of course, the “secret” does not exist, Daisy just wants to buy time. When the audience immediately understands a character’s motives and is able to connect all the dots in the scene, what is left to do? Hopefully you brought a partner to make out with.

Although Violet and Daisy are assassins, the movie tries to portray the two as teenage girls with simple teenage desires. However, the director, Geoffrey Fletcher (Precious), tried a little too hard, making them look more like kids than anything else. Milk moustache? If you’re above twelve and still have one of those, chances are high you will not succeed in life.

Throughout the beginning of the movie images of a sniper woman who aims her gun directly towards the main characters come up. Her presence is perplexing and little is said to explain who she is. Later, her character is introduced and she makes a threat to Daisy. The perplexing sniper woman leaves; the threat is never carried out and never mentioned again.

The girls are depicted as having family related issues; Daisy comes off as a little too needy and Violet cringes when Michael asks about her parents. Throughout the movie references to the girl’s past come up but none that really explain anything at all. The end comes, but no explanation. The audience is left with a feeling of having been cheated out of a good movie. The interesting storyline teases, showing it’s tempting legs, but reveals quite a dumb blonde during the actual date. It seems the script was lazily put together with cheap explanations. Fletcher’s education however was not very cheap.

Fletcher is a graduate of Harvard who also attended NYU’s Tisch Graduate School program. In 2010 he received an Oscar for best-adapted screenplay for the movie “Precious,” which he wrote based on a novel entitled “Push”, by Sapphire. The movie is nothing like “Violet & Daisy” in the sense that it delivers extremely profound dialogue, a coherent and logical flow in the plot, and deep characters with meaningful stories to tell.

“Violet & Daisy” marks Fletcher’s directorial debut and hopefully his last.

* ½ out of *****

Wilder coached at Glendale from 2001 to 2013, winning 213 games during his career overall and 124 in divisional games.

GCC assistant softball coach Sal Pizzo said he had been living with Wilder for the past few months, assisting him due to complications with post-polio. Pizzo said Wilder died of natural causes.

“I was stunned when I heard of his death, because I saw him that morning,” said Pizzo, who was coaching the Lady Vaqs in a tournament when he heard of Wilder’s death. “I learned of his death through a voicemail from his sister, Jamie”

Wilder was known well for his generosity and passion for the game.

“At any time, he would help anybody, on-the-field or off,” said Pizzo. “He gave me an opportunity to work at the community college level.”

Assistant coach, Casey Nicodemus said that Wilder fired up the team to play with gusto.

“He had such a great passion for the game, the players were more excited to play due to his passion,” said Necodemus. “He inspired me to take a coaching position. He promoted that in me.”

Many said that Wilder was friendly until the end.

“Hawk had a friendly demeanor,” said Lady Vaqs trainer Steve Demchak “In one word, he was Approachable. He would help anyone.”

Demchak said that Wilder did show signs of health complications during the last few months. Wilder suffered from symptoms of post-polio.

“He brought a lot of experience and exposure to the college,” said Pizzo.

Quoting Wilder, “The softball program at Glendale Community College is looking for not only talented players but more importantly, student-athletes with a great attitude, ready to make the commitment to change their lives”

Wilder was a Native American, born in June 27, 1942 and was a member of the Karuk Tribe.

He is survived by his sister, Jamie.

Cartoon by Monica Terada

The Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale debuted a new exhibit Friday called “Art of the Brick” by the New York based artist Nathan Sawaya. Each of his sculptures are made exclusively out of Lego blocks.

Sawaya draws inspiration from everyday life. Even a simple object like a skateboard, baseball bat or even Crayola crayons may become the subject of his art.

Photos By Ksenia Rabinovich

Many of Sawaya’s works are untitled. The artist wants attendees to come up with their own names for his sculptures.

To define his works, if it is art or just a game is difficult in this case. “I leave that to critics and art students,” Sawaya said. “I just have fun, it’s art made out of a toy. Hopefully it inspires kids.”

Lucy Tsai, a 4 years old exhibit visitor said, smiling, “I will go home and try to build my own piece.”

Joan Adan, a museum director explained how the Forest Lawn Museum was able to display the Lego art. “The Senior Vice President of Operations Scott Drolet saw Sawaya at the Tonight show few years ago, and asked if we can get his exhibit for our museum.”

The traveling exhibit came from Utah and is going to North Carolina after it is finished in July.

A human size sculpture takes about 15,000-25,000 pieces and about two to three weeks to build. Sawaya uses the same Lego bricks that are available in the store.

The “Peace” sculpture is made entirely from recycled Lego pieces. It makes the concept of reachable art even more visible. “I use this medium because I enjoy seeing people’s reactions at artwork created from something with which they are familiar,” Sawaya said.

Sawaya’s creations are challenging to transport. So he usually participates in the exhibit installation. All sculptures are bonded with a special glue that Sawaya said is made “from mixing goat milk with elf tears.”

The exhibition is free and open until July 21.

That weekend, Graham-Zamudio, a sophomore and sociology major at GCC, won the Vaqueros’ first triple crown and helped the track and field team land the high ranking.

“I feel very accomplished and I’m really blessed to have had such an amazing season this year,” said Graham-Zamudio. “I would like to thank my family, my coaches and my teammates. I’m really happy how this season turned out.”

The championships were held at the San Mateo College from May 17 to 18.

“She concluded her season by becoming the first woman in California

community college state history to win the 1,500, the 5,000 and the 10,000 meter events in the same meet,” assistant coach Bryan Ramos said.

During the championships, Graham-Zamudio took first place at the 1,500 meter run, speeding past her opponents and finishing with 4:36.13, the second place runner, Becky Hobby, finishing second at 4.43.56.

“With every victory, she always remained to be the humblest of athletes,” said Charlene Quintanilla, Graham-Zamudio’s teammate and friend. “Sometimes Grace would be 200 plus meters behind the leader, and somehow we all knew that she would make it back to the front.”

After the 1,500, she then ran the women’s 5000-meter, landing first place again at 17:41.04, nearly 15 seconds ahead of Megan McNally, the second place runner.

Her last competition was the 10,000-meter run, where she won her third state title scoring first place with a time of 37:22.19. The second place runner, Evelyn De la Luz, finished in second with 37.39.93.

When asked what helped her this season, Graham-Zamudio talked about commitment and dedication. “I was very consistent as far as training goes and listening to what my coach said compared to my past seasons,” Graham-Zamudio said.

Ramos said that what Graham-Zamudio accomplished at the Track and Field State Championships was historic.

“I don’t think we will see another athlete pull off this accomplishment,” Ramos said. “She not only captured the Triple Crown at the State Championships, but did so at the Southern California Championships and Western State Conference Championships. I think the entire coaching staff would agree that what she did was special and she inspired us all.”

The last runner to perform as well at state was Joe Staub, who took home two medals in the 1980 state meet in the shot put and discus competitions, one medal behind Graham-Zamudio.

Graham-Zamudio gave advice to the teammates she worked with this semester and to any future competitors.

“Follow your heart and keep your dreams alive because hard work pays off,” Graham-Zamudio said. “As long as you keep working hard the results will come eventually. It doesn’t happen overnight.”

She intends to compete when she transfers to a four-year university.

“I’m trying to decide between two colleges,” Graham-Zamudio said. It’s kind of difficult because one is out of state and ones only an hour and half away. It’s between Arizona State University and Long Beach.”

Graham-Zamudio has been offered scholarships at both universities. “There’s only great things ahead for Grace,” said Ramos. “She’s going to make her mark competing at the four-year university. Her range from the 800 meters all the way up to the 10,000 meters is her strength.”

The 19-year-old track star has no regrets. She said she’s happy she came to GCC and decided to pursue running at a collegiate level after high school.

“Back in high school I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to continue running, but after going to Glendale and running with Coach Lopez, I’ve come so far and I’ll definitely be doing it wherever I transfer to,” said Graham-Zamudio.

Graham-Zamudio didn’t only take home three state titles, scholarships and shiny medals; she was also able to create lifelong relationships with her teammates. “I met my husband on the team last semester, so it’s a big part of my life.”

Quintanilla and Graham-Zamudio became great friends and helped each other through rough practices and tough competition.

“Sometimes coach Lopez would give us really hard workouts, but she never complained,” said Quintanilla. “She always has a positive attitude, and that really helped, because we all feed off each others energy.”

She also said that she owed most of her friendships and the relationships she created with her teammates to GCC. “My teammates and coaches played a big part in who I am today,” said Graham-Zamudio.

Graham-Zamudio said she is proud to call herself a Vaquero and lift GCC high in the rankings. She also said she’s proud of herself and that she had enough talent to accomplish something so great.

“I feel really happy because before this season I never won a state title,” said Graham-Zamudio. “I probably would’ve been content with just one, but to have three is really a blessing and I’m very thankful.”

Admission is free. However, the seating is limited so it is suggested that you arrive early. No children under 5 admitted. Showtimes are as follows: Tuesday at 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday at 12:20 and 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

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Slideshow photos by Richard Kontas

For Vaquero athletes, that team is Jose Gomez and Claudia Alvarez, the GCC athletic trainers.

“Considering the lack of funding, resources and space we have; our athletic trainers are second to none,” baseball head coach Chris Cicuto said.

“They work just as hard as our coaches and get no accolades for success, wins and championships — although they are a huge part of all our programs,” Cicuto said. “Their selfless efforts allow for our athletes to stay or get healthy, which in turn allows for all of our programs a chance to win.”

ICING IT UP: Athletic trainer Claudia Alvarez wraps the arm of Vaquero’s star pitcher Angel Rodriguez after Rodriguez pitched all nine innings against L.A. Mission College.

Gomez is entering his 24th year as a trainer at GCC. “We are highly qualified healthcare professionals that work with the physically active—from professional athletes to collegiate athletes, olympians, recreational athletes, youth athletes and now even the Special Olympics. So anybody that is physically active — we assist,” Gomez said, describing the job of an athletic trainer.

Alvarez was a student athlete at GCC and played basketball and soccer before continuing her education at CSUN and then returning to GCC as a trainer 12 years ago.

“To be in our field, to work in an institution like where we’re at, you have to love your job” Alvarez said. “Its a lot of time – a lot of work, but I enjoy it and Jose enjoys it.”

Athletic trainers need to take a two-year accredited athletic training/kinesiology program, earn a bachelor’s degree and then pass a state exam. “CSUN has a contract or curriculum with GCC and sends students from their programs to do their practical experience with us,” Alvarez said.

Gomez also teaches an athletic training class, Health Training 110, the care and prevention of athletic injuries. “Students are required to do 10 hours of observation time in the facility so they can see what we do and they need to cover three games,” Gomez said. “If they want to do what we do— the academics are strong and they need to apply those academics out on the field and at the facility.”

Gomez gives his students practical experience. Students learn when to ice or not to ice, when to use ultrasound, when to use muscle stimulation, when to do manual stimulation and learn from watching the trainers deal with actual injuries.

Alvarez and Gomez have been working together for 12 years, but their relationship goes back even farther. “Claudia was a former student of mine so I did train her, gave her the practical education. She got the textbook education at CSUN, but she had the building blocks and philosophies that I developed — the Vaquero system,” said Gomez.

Cicuto met Alvarez in 1996 when they were both student athletes at GCC. “I have been working with Claudia and Jose for 12 years now and I have known Jose since he started working at Glendale over 20 years ago because my dad was the head football coach,” said Cicuto.

The trainers also deal with the mental side of the games. “The relationships they build rehabbing our players are so special because often times they take an athlete that is down and out and get them physically and mentally prepared to compete at a high level. The mental side often times is the hardest part,” said Cicuto.

At the recent Vaquero’s baseball games at Stengel field, Alvarez could be overheard yelling encouragement to the players. “Alright Whitmer” and “You got this Angel.” Her enthusiasm for the players and the game makes her a great cheerleader. “Its all part of the job,” said Alvarez.

“We are lucky to have such professionals at GCC,” said Cicuto. “They not only excel in their jobs of getting players back on the field, but they make the work environment enjoyable because they are such nice, selfless and amazing people,” he said.

Gomez and Alvarez take care of hundreds of athletes in 14 different sports at GCC, sometimes travelling with the teams. It is a job made of long hours and heavy responsibility, but for GCC’s dedicated trainers, it is a labor of love.

When he’s performing he’s known by his stage name, Alex Trebor, but at home, he’s just ‘Rob’ Berberian. “My middle name is Alex and ‘Trebor’ is just Robert backwards,” Berberian said. He goes by his stage name to promote his career as a rapper.

Berberian does much more than just produce music. He also tutors students, is the vice president at 9120 Media and is a business administration and marketing major at GCC.

The rapper’s latest music video is coming out in June, called “Home Sweet Home,” along with many other songs and videos he has recorded, all surfacing in a couple weeks.

Berberian dreams big, taking his career by the horns and diving into the business side of the entertainment field as well as pursuing his dream of being an artist.

“I think of dreams as being deep-rooted ‘desires’ that are fueled by some type of personal pain,” Berberian said.

“I want to be a successful entrepreneur in general. Even if that means being a well-established rapper, owning my own independent record label and signing other artists.”

Berberian is the vice president, songwriter and artist at 9120 Media alongside Araik Mouradian, known as MG, who is the CEO, producer and engineer.

“What I always look for when working with an artist is someone who’s so hungry and determined to be successful that they won’t stop until they reach it; and he’s got it,” said MG.

Berberian is known locally, but he believes it’s just the beginning.

“I’m never satisfied, and with that being said, there should always be room to grow and expand your brand and business as an artist,” Berberian said.

Berberian matured into a performer and driven businessman, by throwing himself headfirst into the industry, but some opportunitties were missed.

Berberian’s good friend Arin Khodaverdi got him onto a show called “The X Factor” three months ago. Berberian said he had every intention of dominating on camera, but he had to drop out because of an illness within the family.

“I like to play a part in any opportunity offered to me that is beneficial not only to myself, but my loved ones,” said the aspiring rapper.

Berberian had other reasons for turning down his acceptance to be on the show. “The X Factor” contract demanded all of his time, and Berberian didn’t have any time to give. “I can’t take a month off to film at their pace when my family has no money coming in. I can’t stop that and concentrate on ‘The X Factor’.”

Berberian has learned from his role models, Ryan Leslie and Jay-Z, that performing and entertaining isn’t the key to success in the entertainment industry.

“The music industry is 90 percent business and 10 percent talent,” said Berberian. “The business side makes you a rational thinker and keeps you more stable. The creative side is what makes you feel vulnerable enough to pay attention to your emotions yet free enough to wild out and let life do its thing.”

Berberian dropped out of GCC for two years to work and support his family, but luckily found his way back to fulfilling his college education.

When asked why he is pursuing a competitive career in music when he has so much weight on his shoulders, Berberian said that there is nothing wrong with being an underdog.

“I make music to motivate, inspire and be a voice for the misunderstood,” said Berberian. “I want people to know that even though there are downfalls—you can always get back on your grind.”

Berberian works hard for his dream, career and education, but this hardly leaves room for friends and social connections.

“I’m always struggling to find balance and better ways to manage my time, but that’s the beauty of it all,” said Berberian.

Thanks to Nick Lalaian, one of Berberian’s closest friends, Berberian has a loyal helping hand. Lalaian helps him handle the music’s engineering.

“One thing’s for sure, it takes more than patience and persistence to work with Alex,” Lalaian said. “The smaller

details that most artists usually overlook are not taken lightly when we’re in the studio.”

Berberian has put his time, heart and mind into becoming a success with his music, while also helping other aspired artists reach the same dream he’s been working on since junior high school.

He is inspired by missed opportunities. “Any inspiration that’s drawn from the feeling of ‘losing things’ gives more of a motive to ‘prove yourself’ afterwards,” said Berberian.

The GCC parking lot turns into a mall every third Sunday. Vendors park their car and unload their items. They then prepare to sell items, but also to shop. Reserving a spot is $40 prior to the event and $50 on the day of the event.

Maria Garcia has been participating in the swap meet for four years. Ready to sell glassware and pottery, she arrived early in the morning. Seconds after setting up, she started walking around to see what other vendors were selling. She tries not to leave her post to look around, but finds it impossible.

“I started bringing my son so he could watch over my stuff. After I set up I usually start shopping,” said Garcia. “There is so much cool stuff I usually spend more money than I make.”

John Harris, who runs the swap meet for the college was pleased with this month’s swap meet. He said the weather and turnout was perfect.

“With 100 vendors and a beautiful sunny day it was easy to see why we had such a great turn out,” said Harris.

A booth had classic Beatles memorabilia including an autographed Beatles poster by all four members as well as cups and toys by the fab four. The item that caught everyone’s eye was a Ringo doll from the 60’s.

Another booth had classic stitch jerseys from Shaquille O’neal and Kobe Bryant as well as a high school jersey of Lebron James.

Amy McCrory has been selling antiques for more than 20 years and has been selling here for over a year. She had jewelry and various cups. She arrived at six in the morning and loves doing the swap once a month.

“You meet all types of interesting people, it’s not only about making money but the experience. Sharing stories and being surrounded by people who are just like you,” said McCrory.

The meet had a wide variety of toy collectibles. From everyday Spiderman figures and Star Wars figures to the more collectable Michael Jordan Space Jam doll. Figures were priced at a reasonable $5 to an inflated collectors price of $150. A Mickey Mouse doll from Fantasia was behind a glass case and the asking price was $150.

Shoppers were pleased with the variety and prices. Brian Shapiro has been shopping at GCC for over six years. He started by joining his mother and helping her load her purchases to the car. Soon he found himself shopping for items for himself.

“At first it was a burden, spending my sunday’s lifting sofas and beds. After a while I found myself looking for books and records,” said Shapiro. “It is so hard not to want to buy something, when I look at a booth there is always something I want.”

The swap meet is located in GCC upper parking lot in the main campus every third Sunday of the month.

“You’re so busy with school you end up skipping meals. Sometimes I’ll get students that come in to the Health Center and they had been studying all night and all they’ve had is a cup of coffee,” Toni Reyes, director of the GCC Health Center, said.

“By 10 a.m. they’re feeling dizzy and shaky and that is because they don’t know they need to be having a snack from time to time,” Reyes said.

Considering the food choices found on and near the campus —the cafeteria’s oh so healthy morning options of bland potatoes and eggs, or McDonald’s, well, McDonald’s anything really —there are no options. What then does the humble, shaking, midterm-terrorized student do?

For the past 10 years, the college’s Health Center has offered a free nutrition consultation for students and faculty during a period of the spring semester. For those interested in learning more about the food they eat, including the key nutrients needed in the morning to stay awake in class, stop by the center to schedule an appointment. The secretary’s a delight of a woman who will be more than pleased to pencil you in.

“There’s a way to do it, to balance school, life, and health. The free nutrition consultation is part of a program that we partner up with Cal Poly,” Reyes said.

“When the students initially come in for an appointment, our RN will see them and will discuss their reasons for coming. There’s also some paperwork that they will give them, a diary for them to keep track of what they eat. Then the students will come back after a few days and make a food plan with the dietary interns from Cal Poly,” Reyes said.

Many students, however, are unaware of the free nutrition consultation option available on campus.

“I didn’t even know that we had such a thing,” said GCC student Niary Tajeran. “The first thing I see and eat when I come to school in the morning is a burrito. I know that’s not really good to eat, but that’s what we have available. And a couple of bananas. So your options are burritos and bananas.”

Although the school has two cafeterias which offer reasonably healthy food choices, they close mid afternoon, making the coffee stands and nearby fast food chains the only available options.

“We do need more healthier choices on campus. And even when there’s food being sold on campus for cultural days or fundraisers, it’s hot dogs or burgers. It’s not really healthy food,” Tajeran said. “So if there is a nutritional service here, I think that they should also work with the cafeteria to give the school healthier options of food.”

The nutrition consultation session consists of outlining the best diet plan to suit each person’s nutritional needs. A daily food log will be established and based on that a course of action will be traced.

“When I am counseling with students, I know that the food options on campus are not the best, so I recommend lots of packing snacks and getting in the right amount of water,” Brianna Hanratty, dietetic intern, said.

“I also recommend the ‘my plate’ method that shows how your plate should look. If you follow this for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it really helps just to assure that you are getting the right nutrients. You don’t have to measure, it’s not like serving, and it shows how your plate should look. That’s a very helpful tool.”

Food is what gives you energy to study, climb up GCC’s many stairs, or even skip class to go hang out with friends. It affects your eyesight, your hair, your skin, and even your mood.

“You know how babies get cranky when they’re hungry? Well, so do adults,” Reyes said.