Through out the game, the Clippers could not match up with the speed of the Spurs in transition on the court or control the pace of the game with 15 turnovers.

“We weren’t able to slow them down,” said Clippers Head Coach Vinny Del Negro. ”I thought the tempo was in their favor a lot.”

Down low in the post, Griffin and Jordan could not eliminate the efforts of Spurs Tim Duncan from taking it to the paint and scoring. Majority of the Spurs points came from scoring in the paint and he made it look easy.

Despite the difficulty of shutting down Duncan, the Clippers had some incredible steals and blocks that opened up breakaways and allowed them to score on the other end of the court. Including a couple of slam dunks by Griffin and Jordan.

Eric Bledsoe scored his playoff career high with 23 points shooting 10 for 16 from the floor along with three steals and four assists. Griffin had 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks with Nick Young shooting 3-3 from the three point line.

It has been talked about that the Clippers may never make it to first round or even the second round of playoffs due to being a very young and inexperienced team.

Winning the first round against the powerful Memphis Grizzlies in seven games was just a sample of what they were going to face next.

By having Chris Paul, a great team leader and observer of the court who executes and sets his teammates up to score shows strong leadership on the court.

Clippers are a great team and work well together, they need to find ground where they can control the game in their favor and have strong defense.

One way they can do that is by shifting faster on defense. They tend to get clogged on one side of the court, leaving the other side open where Spurs guard Gerald Green is waiting to take the open shot. If they can do that, they can limit their three-pointers and pressure them to pass down low.

Once they pass it to the post, this is where the bigs, Griffin and Jordan need to pay attention where players are positioned because this is how Duncan scored on them.

The bigs can’t allow Ducan to keep scoring so as long as they shift over quickly and transition they should be good for the next game.

The Clippers are a young team, but they have the potential of becoming a great power in the NBA.

Last Week Zeta Tau Alpha had their Annual Think Pink Week and congratulations to Philip Castellanos from Sigma Chi Fraternity for becoming their Bingo Baller, and for helping raise the most money for Breast Cancer Awareness.

“Congratulations to brother Phillip Castellanos!! Zeta Tau Alpha Kappa Theta Chapter‘s new Bingo Baller, We are proud of you!!!” Sigma Chi Fraternity posted on their Facebook page congratulating their brother.

Phillip Castellanos ZTA's Bingo Baller

The Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha will be hosting a Tiki- Hut Fundraiser on Tuesday.

The Gentlemen of Sigma Nu Fraternity will be hosting their Annual Bid-A-Nu on Wednesday May, 16 from 7–9 p.m. in the SMSU Theatre.

This week I want to take a look the Brothers and Sisters of Delta Sigma Chi Coed Fraternity Inc.

Delta Sigma Chi’s Beta Chapter was founded at CSUSB’s campus on April 16, 1993.

Their mascot is the Black Panther. Their colors are red, black and gold, and their motto is “One Fraternity. One Family.”

Their Chapter philanthropy is St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

“Philanthropy Week has always been something that I look forward to. Every year we raise more money to donate to St.Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the amount of support is always amazing. Not only are you making a difference by supporting St. Jude’s, but you also see the Greek unity that comes from collaborating during the week” said Maria Riestra, Philanthropy Director for Delta Sigma Chi.

They also have a National philanthropy, which is The Boys and Girls Club of America.

Some of the events they’ve participated in on campus are:

~Annual Delta Sigma Chi Against Drunk Driving

~Lambda Theta Nu sorority’s Smooth Silver King

~Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Queen of Hearts

~Zeta Tau Alpha’s Think Pink Hottie

~Delta Sigma Phi’s Queen of the Nile

~Sigma Chi’s Derby Days

~And several other Organization’s philanthropies

~E.T.A., Sigma Nu, and Delta Sigma Chi Health Awareness Week

~St.Jude’s Philanthropy Week

~Build-A-Park @ Casa Ramona Elementary School

~Sister Shuneza Allen says, “I donated my time with a Dress Drive for Child Protective Services and an Alumni Workshop.”

~They also participate in Greek Week

Some events they have coming up on campus are:

~Risk Management Awareness with Alpha Delta Pi, Lambda Theta Alpha and Lambda Theta Phi on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 6 p.m.

~ Don’t Stop Caring Book Drive for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital

~St. Jude’s Volleyball Tournament

Sister Kayla Gutierrez states that her favorite event was “Lip Synch during Greek week because it gave my fraternity a chance to work with Alpha Phi, a sorority, and meet all the amazing sisters of that sorority. Now, it’s awesome that when we see the sister of Alpha Phi, we hug, say hi and ask how their day is going.”

Being a part of a Greek organization is such an important decision.

“Becoming Greek has probably been one of the hardest decisions I made throughout my college experience. At first I was scared to go Greek, I was scared of meeting new people and putting myself out there into a new environment. I wanted to gain the experience of being in organization that would help me obtain the business aspect and social aspect, and Delta Sigma Chi has helped me do that “ said Alberto Jasso the USFC delegate for his chapter.

“During my two years in this great organization, one of my best memories was when I was given the chance to be my chapter Philanthropy Director. I was in charge of our St. Jude’s Week, my brothers and sisters and I hosted several events during the week to raise awareness and donations to the children of St. Jude’s,” said Jose Cruz, Brother of Delta Sigma Chi.

Photos Courtesy of Ashlynne Macan

I’m getting down to the big ohh facts here on campus. Sex: it’s a campus truth. Hell, it’s a life truth. Sex sells, doesn’t it? Let’s not kid ourselves; your curiosity for an unleashed sexual perspective led you here.

Am I making you feel creepy yet? Well, take comfort in at least knowing that you’re not alone. We are all a little creepy about our sexuality. Think about it: when you walked to class this morning, weren’t you wondering if you looked presentable? Checking every time you passed your reflection? Or at least when last night’s party became this morning’s “I need a shower so people don’t throw up when they see me?” These are all subtle expressions of our creepy obsession with presentation.

We are becoming more and more exposed to violence in the media. Constant contact with video games like
“Call of Duty” and “Grand Theft Auto,” action films like ”300,” “Scarface,” “Kill Bill,” and even news coverage has cultured us to be unresponsive to violence. Sex, however, has remained a hush hush topic outside of comedy clubs and crude websites (scratch YouTube sensation Jenna Mourey, a personal hero of mine). Still, nobody talks about it.

But why? Conversation and connection is vital (not to mention powerful) for an enriched, healthy and informed campus. Leaving topics swept under the rug creates an unspoken disconnect, making students less likely to feel understood.

So, last week I tried an experiment, because I’m not the end-all goddess of sexy sexual sex. (It’s okay, I gasped too).

But seriously: I want voices, stories, questions, comments, and ideas about individuals and their personal experiences with sexuality. Or else how can I represent the variety of people on our campus, right?

So I sent a “help-I’m-not-a-full-sex-Yoda-and-I-need-other-half-sex-Yodas-to-help-me-make-this-a-successful-blog” type of email. To over 600 people. And how many responses did I get for the effort, you ask?

Twenty. AND of those twenty, only three didn’t mind being anonymous.

But I’m not discouraged.

Instead, I’m suiting up to head out with my posse of sexuals to spread the word about sex as more than “doing it.” It’s a part of who we all are.

Well, what the hell does the title “Made Flesh” have to do with a sex blog? That’s me, giving in to my nerdy English-ness.

Made Flesh is the name of a collection of poetry by the late poet Craig Arnold, who disappeared in 2009 when he was hiking in Japan on a fellowship to study volcanoes for his next writing project.

A large focus of the collection is a remark on life and sex, and Arnold often uses terms like “bodies” and “flesh” to turn what would be vulgar, into something poetic and relatable. This is the core of his connective value

Sexy sexual sexuality, yes. But it has to connect. It has to mean something. This blog’s purpose has to make us step back and consider our secret natures on a larger scale. I am fighting for a purpose that will let us finally exhale the breath that we hold in about what our sexual natures mean to our own identity.

Our lives are broken down and then rebuilt through the act of bodies sharing skin. Through re-creating our own flesh with another person.

I am going to uncover the connection between individuality, and the bare, almost primal instincts of all human beings.

That said, I’m not here to protect sensibilities. I’m here to strip down the layers of our socially sheltered “feelings,” to explore the nature of real raw college sexuality.

And if I haven’t scared you off yet, welcome to a new level of taking sex just a little bit further. Because when it comes to sex, why wouldn’t you approach it with a grip on who you are and what you want?

You don’t pull up to a drive thru window and ask what the cashier suggests, do you? The hell with that. You tell that pimple-faced-minimum-wage-making cashier that you want the number five combo exactly how you like it.

So why aren’t we this honest about sex? If sexuality isn’t spoken, it can’t be understood. Opening our minds promotes communication that works to nurture individuals, making our campus a positive experience for everyone.

Got a fetish, a secret get-it-on spot on campus, a cheating secret, a hilarious sex story, or just want to read about just how creepy I can get? Then stay tuned, because we’re going to go deep.

In a game seven, with everything on the line, Kobe took Lakers nation by surprise: he trusted his teammates, throwing pass after pass after pass, picking up eight huge assists in the team’s 96-87 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

His teammates did not let him down, as they made big shots in big moments, led by veteran point guard Steve Blake, who undeniably had his best game in a Lakers’ uniform. Blake scored a playoff career-high 19 points, going 5 of 6 from beyond the arc.

Metta World Peace followed Blake’s lead, scoring 15 points, 12 of which came from his four 3-pointers.  More importantly, he shut down Danilo Gallinari and Andre Miller to 2-for-19 shooting combined.

”He [World Peace] made plays tonight that won’t show up in the stat sheet that were absolutely amazing for us defensively,” said Lakers’ head coach Mike Brown. Just his presence alone helped us out, and that’s what we missed the first six games. … He was monstrous for us tonight.”

As good as World Peace and Blake were, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum were fantastic. Gasol had 23 points, 17 rebounds (11 of which were offensive), six assists and four blocked shots. Bynum had 16 points, a playoff career-high 18 rebounds and six blocked shots.

Gasol finally brought that fire and emotional play that Lakers fans have been waiting to see from him. There was one play that best exemplified his grit and determination, as he kept tipping the ball at the rim to try and put his team back up in the fourth quarter. Sure enough, his sixth attempt was a success, bringing the Lakers’ faithful to their feet.

”We were aggressive,” Gasol said. ”We attacked the paint better. We pounded the boards as hard as we could, every single time. … Our backs against the wall also had something to do with it.”

The team will have to quickly forget about this win, as they are in route to Oklahoma City to face Kevin Durant and his tough Thunder squad tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m.

There are plenty of plot lines that have people buzzing about this series.

For one, Kobe’s best friend and long teammate Derek Fisher, was picked up by the Thunder after the Lakers decided to part ways with the veteran leader to get quicker in the backcourt. Kobe and Fisher are both seeking their sixth championship ring, as they won five together in the purple and gold.

Second, and most interesting, Peace’s seven-game suspension came as a result of his crushing elbow to Thunder guard James Harden’s head. He is sure to get a packed house of boos from the Thunder crowd the moment his name is announced in the starting lineup, not to mention every time he touches the ball on the offensive end.

This is sure to be an epic six or seven-game series, but only if the Lakers play like they did in game 7 of their first round series against the Nuggets. It will take heart, grit, determination and team play for the Lakers to pull away victorious four times in this series. It will not be easy by any means, but if they can get MVP-like play from Kobe, great performances from Gasol and Bynum, a solid defensive effort from Peace on Durant game in and game out, and if they can get Blake to step up off of the bench and hit three-pointers, anything is possible.

CSUSB’s Theatre Arts Department is set to present their adaptation of the world-famous Broadway musical “Cabaret” this June.

The transcendental production of the critically acclaimed musical is about the lives of an array of characters within the overtly sexual taboo Kit Kat Club.

The Broadway production “Cabaret” is the Tony Award-winner for Best Musical and Best Revival of a Musical. “Cabaret” details the story of the seedy Kit Kat Club and its denizens as they live their lives under the growing influence of the Nazi Party during the final gasps of the Weimar Republic.

Productions of “Cabaret” have been entertaining and historical; however, “Cabaret” does contain sensitive adult themes and content most suitable for mature audiences, according to cast member Michael Rodriguez.

Topics ranging from prejudice to self-image allows audiences to think and reflect on today’s society.

Michael Rodriguez is the assistant choreographer of the “Cabaret” production and also plays the role of Bobby, one of the Kit Kat boys. “I get to be in the show and I get to be part of the creation,” said Rodriguez.

The process of getting into character for all the dynamic roles within “Cabaret” is different for every cast member. Karli Royer plays one of the Kit Kat girls, Marlene, and describes the show with an in-your-face approach.

Royer gets into character by finding a connection to her character. “I love how much of a spit-fire she is,” said Royer. She mentioned that being in such a comfortable, professional environment makes getting into character and playing the role much easier. There will be endless plot twists throughout ”Cabaret.”

“The show will surprise the audience multiple times,” said Royer. “Don’t get complacent because the story line changes quicker than you can imagine.”

CSUSB “Cabaret” director Tom Provenzano has a unique vision for the show that is sure to entertain audiences as explained Royer.

Provenzano’s favorite character of the original production is the leading role of the Emcee, played by Eric Barnard. The show becomes a production within a production with several individual stories being told.

Many of the scenes and musical numbers of “Cabaret” involve characters stepping outside of the scene and, as Provenzano creatively announced, “demolishing the fourth wall” between the audience and performers.

The CSUSB production of “Cabaret” will be an authentic version that will incorporate all of the original musical numbers. With a cast of around 30 actors, there will be a mixture of singing and dancing from the Theatre Arts Department that should make for a big and exciting show.

“Cabaret” opens June 1 and runs through June 10 in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets will range from $6-15. VIP seating on stage, which will give the illusion of being a part of the Kit Kat Club, is also available.

The Department of Music and voice students of the opera program presented “Hänsel und Gretel” on May 4 and May 6 in the Performing Arts Recital Hall.

Dr. Stacey Fraser, Director of the CSUSB Opera Theatre,  presented Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera with a modern take on its original story line.

“Opera has a tradition of being a high brow art form and I am trying to advocate that opera can indeed be accessible to the modern audience,” said Fraser.

In this modern take, the opera is filled with pop culture references, as well as commentary on poverty, greed and commercialism that applies to our world, according to the Department of Music.

“It is all about telling the story within a setting that relates to those who are watching the production,” said Fraser.

While talking to the students about going in a different direction in choosing Humperdinck’s version of “Hänsel und Gretel,” one of her students said, “Dr. Fraser, we want something that we can really sink our teeth into, we are ready.”

The new director of choral activities, Mr. Kosta Popovic, conducted the singers and the opera orchestra. The opera was presented in its original German, while subtitles were present on stage for the audience to follow along.

Danielle Perrault played Hänsel, with Natalie O’Donnell as Gretel and Aaron Molina as the witch. The opera’s twist on the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale sparked an element of fantasy almost in comparison to the style of Tim Burton.

Costume Designer Fabiola Munoz developed the costumes as a dark, but vibrant embrace filled with bright wigs and carefully put together dresses and blazers. Gretel’s costume was a tailored dress made of pieces of cloth and fishnet tights, while Hänsel‘s costume had a more punk-rock style complete with Converse shoes, jeans, a stud belt and a torn top.

The normal tale of the brother-sister duo facing the evil witch in her gingerbread house was turned into a coffee shop filled with cake pops, frappuccinos and lattes.

Hänsel and Gretel are sent out in search of dinner after their mother grows angry from lack of food in the household. The siblings become lost and frightened while the Sandman, played by Denise Tillman, puts the children to rest.

The next day the dew fairy, also played by Tillman, wakes the children and they discover the coffee shop. It is here where the witch casts a spell on Hänsel to fatten him up to turn him into coffee.

Many of the elements of the original tale have been updated to suit modern audiences. Instead of the oven, the witch tries to lure the children into a coffee roaster.

The opera was a beautiful harmony between the actors and orchestra. The preludes to each act included incredible displays of choreographed dance, acting and singing.

“Hänsel und Gretel” is drastically dark and its different delivery proved that tweaking classical fairy tales to fit the styles of modern times can be a success.

English professor and published poet Juan Delgado has dedicated himself to inspiring others through his writing.

The CSUSB Alumnus has published books: “Green Web” (1994), “El Campo” (1998), “A Rush of Hands” (2003) and his soon-to-be released “Vital Signs and Lavish Weeds.”

Delgado has learned to appreciate the inner beauty of life’s simplicities through his poetry. “I’m writing about the things that matter to me and the context and culture in my history. I am affirming and acknowledging my past with poetry,” said Delgado.

Delgado was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and came to the United States with his family when he was 6 years old. He received his citizenship when he was 28-years-old. He then graduated from CSUSB with a degree in English and received his master’s degree from the University of California at Irvine.

Today, Delgado has recited his poetry across the country and has spoken to universities rounding up an estimated fifteen showcases per year.

“It’s always touching when a student or writer comes up and shares his or her experience and enjoys the work. It is always good when they come and talk to you after a reading. It inspires me to keep doing what I do,” said Delgado.

Delgado appreciates student feedback. This is one of the things that inspire him to create and publish more books.  Each published book has its own essence.  All three books tell a story and create a vision of what he hopes is appreciated and acknowledged in the world.

“Green Web comes from a poem of the book that had to do with the death of my father and the right of passage to becoming a man,” said Delgado. “El Campo was my second book with artist Simon Silva, a combination of paintings and poems that had do with labor and farm workers who [undergo] the prisms of family life and [social standards]. ‘A Rush of Hands’ deals with immigrants and people transitioning between two states and countries.”

Delgado’s poetry represents the everyday situations immigrants encounter, the shadowed artwork that goes unnoticed and local murals and landmarks that ignite the spirit of the Latino community.

His new book, “Vital Signs and Lavish Weeds” a collaboration with photographer and art professor Thomas McGovern, focuses on  San Bernardino’s murals, landmarks and homemade signs that have been forgotten in today’s ever changing society.

“It’s all about looking at the murals and homemade signs in San Bernardino,”said Delgado. “It’s beautiful and unique because of the vivid colors and passion that goes into a street side mural. They create a landmark that is familiar for natives who come back into town. It is a city worth celebrating for its culture and art.”

“Vital Signs and Lavish Weeds” is simply a working title for his new book but the beauty beneath his poems is to be praised.

Many individuals would view weeds as something to look down upon, but Delgado views weeds as something worthy. According to him, they are a metaphor for prosperity within the Latino culture.

Delgado uses verdolaga as an example. Commonly called purslane and considered a weed, his mother used it as a “poor man’s spinach” to create healthy, delicious egg dish.
Delgado’s passion has encouraged him to create beauty in the world and turn something that was once a negative into a positive.

“I grew up with people who didn’t have a voice and it [has led to] an ethical and political side of writing that [has become an] important asset to me.”
Delgado’s poetry encourages appreciation for life’s simplicities, culture and everyday surroundings.

“Even [if] we take art for granted, there is probably [a] local artist that has painted local walls that has gone unappreciated but it helps … when you can recognize that mural from any other city or state when you come back home,” said Delgado.

The rock climbing wall in the Student Recreation and Fitness Center offers students a chance to test their athletic abilities while providing health benefits.

The wall is 34 feet high and has a width of 1,000 square feet. It is open to all CSUSB students. Those brave enough to scale the wall will reap plenty of health benefits such as weight loss and increased muscle tone.

Climbing wall staff member David Dysart explained how climbing is good exercise for students to take advantage of since it’s here on campus.

“It is a full body workout. It’s very similar to swimming in a way,” said Dysart. “You’re working out your entire muscle groups.”

The exercise benefits for rock climbing also include improving cardiovascular health, weight loss and can increase a persons’ muscle tone according to fitday.com.

Students who take part in climbing will experience an excellent workout in the chest, leg, and arm muscle groups as well. Student Priscilla Leon believes rock climbing provides a good workout and encourages other students to try it.

“I feel rock climbing is a great, intense, conditioning work out that other students should start to take advantage of,” said Leon.

Rock climbing can also contribute to increasing upper and lower back strength, along with expanding a person’s coordination and flexibility due to the constant varying positions their body is makes.

Student Mario Ochoa has been rock climbing more than three times and admits there is a sense of adventure when climbing on the wall.

“I feel a sense of accomplishment to persevere in other obstacles that are coming my way,” said Ochoa. The SRFC website lists four major reasons students should begin rock climbing.

For one, students can enlist in classes in various levels that help increase their climbing skills. There are also free harnesses, shoes and chalk bags for students to use, not to mention the fact that all lessons are held by a person certified by the Performance Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA). Lastly, you do not have to have any experience to begin.

Dysart would like all CSUSB students to come by the SRFC and take part in the fun of rock climbing. “It’s a very welcoming community and that itself is an exciting part of rock climbing. The Rec Center offers you new and fresh challenges,” said Dysart.

As the school year comes to an end, Coyotes should take advantage of the rock climbing wall because it is a great way to have fun while working out.

Senior softball player Felicia Cervantes will always remember the great influence her family and high school coach had in helping her develop into the talented player she has become in her four years as a Coyote.

Cervantes started playing softball when she was six years old and wanted to attend her brothers’ practices and games every chance she got.

Her uncle noticed the passion that she had for softball and taught her the fundamentals of the game. He spent time with her in their garage, practicing hitting off a tee.

He worked with her day in and day out and together they practiced to develop her complete game. “He was always there from the mental aspect to the physical aspect of the game,” said Cervantes. “He taught me everything.”

Her uncle laid out the path for her to become a great athlete, but her grandparents were the ones that influenced her to keep growing and working hard on her game.

According to Cervantes, her grandparents are her biggest supporters and the reason why she did not give up. “I didn’t give up on the sport because that is what [my grandparents] enjoyed. I felt like playing softball and going up north, it brings my family together,” said Cervantes “I feel like that’s what they look forward to—seeing me play.”

Even though they live 400 miles away in Stockton, Calif., they are still supporting and influencing her in everything she does.

Cervantes excelled in the sport throughout her childhood, and when she got to high school she met who would turn out to be her head softball coach Janelle Bauer.

Bauer coached her all four years at Western Ranch High School and was one of her biggest influences when it came to pursuing softball upon graduation.

They became closer through the years, and when times got tough, Bauer was there to console and guide her. Cervantes’ family went through a difficult time during her high school years when her parents got divorced and she ended up living with her grandparents, who would prove to be monumental to her success.

Bauer played an important role in Cervantes’ life during this time. “Coach Bauer kind of took me under her wing,” said Cervantes. “The only reason why I’m here is because of her.”

Bauer was like a mother figure to her during high school and discussed with her the possibility of attending and participating in a college softball program, specifically CSUSB’s.

She took Bauer’s advice to check out the school on a recruiting trip and, as it turned out, she clicked with the players and enjoyed her time there.

Cervantes decided to join the Coyotes’ softball program and before her second year of playing, she was offered a scholarship.

Having the opportunity to play softball was not the only thing that brought her attention to CSUSB. The school’s ROTC program for the Air Force provided the foundation for her desire to become an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

She majored in biology her first three years and then switched to kinesiology this year to prepare for that next step. Cervantes has professors who have been helping her succeed in her courses, which has helped prepare her to take that walk across the stage and get her degree.

With all of the help and support she has received over the years from family, friends and coaches, Cervantes has been able to grow and blossom into an outstanding softball player, student and most importantly, person.

Cervantes’ mental and physical strength will surely prove to be monumental in her career and life on and off the field.