The HornetThe Voice of Fullerton College

January 28, 2015Volume 100, Issue 8

hornet.fullcoll.edu @fcHornet fchornetTheHornet

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3 4 5 6 7NEWSThe Hornet Newspaper is in process of making an app for download.

LOCALA go to calendar to see all the happenings in Fullerton.

A.C.E. Take a load off the first week of school and check out our campus & city entertainment calendar.

OPINION Learn six ways to fix that sleep schedule and adjust back to the school grind.

SportsLearn everything you need to know going into the Super Bowl.

Baseball aiming for a promising season Page 7

FC Hornet

Celebration of Life event remembers FC administrator and the legacy she left behind. NUR SATTAROnline Editor

Fullerton College lost Toni DuBois-Walker, Vice President of Student Services on Friday, Nov. 7 after a three-year battle with cancer.

Friends, colleagues and family members came together on Friday, Jan. 23 to celebrate her life and contributions to Fullerton College at the campus theater.

The memorial included musical performances from the FC Concert Choir as well as faculty members Joe Jewell and Mike Scott.

Speakers included President Rajen Vurdien, Lisa Campbell, dean of counseling, DuBois’ sister, Gina Piane and DuBois’ assistant, Sharon Kelly.

They recounted stories of life with DuBois at work, at home and with her family.

“Toni was our leader,” Piane said. “She was the hub of all family decision making.”

Piane discussed DuBois’ early medical problems with her eyesight, providing an example of the kind of strength and resilience she carried from an early age.

“The most important thing she gave us was that she made us feel appreciated for all the hard work that is done everyday for our students,” said Rena Martinez Stluka, FC registrar.

DuBois served Fullerton College for six and a half years, her last day on campus was Oct. 6.

Prior to her position at FC, she served as dean of financial aid, EOPS and veterans services at Long Beach City College.

Born in Chicago, DuBois first visited California on a family trip to Long Beach.

She later went on to attend CSULB where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1976 in radio television and speech communication.

See MEMORIAL on page 3

Friends and family honor memory of late VP

DuBois- Walker

Fullerton’s

LARGESTEnrollment

MARTIN BECERRAEditor-in-Chief

The first week of school can seem overwhelming to incoming freshmen at Fullerton College. The Quad littered with students taking a break in between classes, the lines of petitioners requesting add codes and the dog-eat-dog rush to find parking all paints a picture of a campus that is overflowing in capacity.

This may be new for them but for the veterans on campus, it’s an old portrait they are tired of looking at. What may seem as a crowded inconvenience, is actually a positive thing for the school.

Fullerton College was ranked number one for the fastest community college enrollment growth with 24,301 students, surpassing over a thousand community colleges across the nation from 2012 to 2013, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

“It’s a great feather in our hat for Fullerton College to be number one,” said Lisa McPheron, director of campus communications.

Fullerton saw a 23.8 percent enrollment increase from 2012 to 2013, that is a 4,677 student population difference between the two years.

Out of the top 50 of the fastest-growing colleges, the first 8 out of 10 were in California, according to the “Fastest-Growing Community College Rankings” published by Community College Week. California colleges were the top in the state in enrollment trends.

This is due to California’s 2012 Proposition 30, a sales and income tax increase initiative that provided $800 million in state funding to be divided amongst the 112 community colleges in California.

The funding helped Fullerton provide more Saturday classes for students and

bottleneck courses like chemistry, which further increased enrollment.

“Additional state funding gave us the support to offer more classes. But it was the shared commitment by faculty, staff and the administration that allowed the college to create and strengthen services that support students,” said Rajen Vurdien, Fullerton College president.

For the 2013 to 2014 school year the college continued to grow with an 18.6 percent spike in student enrollment which brought the total enrollment to roughly 28,821 students.

Fullerton’s high enrollment rate didn’t occur out of a coincidence.

“It’s not like we went from one day to another and became much bigger, it was strategic and planned out to increase our student headcount,” McPheron said.

See INCREASE on page 3

Fullerton College surpassed all community colleges in the nation by ranking number one for the largest enrollment during 2012 – 2013.

Photo by Stephanie Lara, The Hornet

News

ON CAMPUSNews Briefs

2 January 28, 2015CAUTIONCAUTIONWEEKLY LOG OF CRIME STATISTICSCampus Safety’s

August 25-September 7January 1-25, 2015

1. Jan. 3, 2015C.V.C 10851Stolen & RecoveredDistrict VehicleBerkeley Center-100 N. Lemon Street.

2. Jan. 5, 2015 487 P.C. Stolen andRecovered ElectricCartNorth side 1200 building.

3. Jan. 10, 2015Medical aidSherbeck Field.

4. Jan. 16, 2015Trespass warning/Non-student-juvenileFC Parking Structure.

5. Jan. 20, 2015459 P.C. Burglary1100 building

OFF CAMPUS

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Campus Safety Phone Number: (714) 992-7080Emergency Phone Number: (714) 992-7777Fullerton Police Department: (714) 738-6700Fullerton Fire Department: (714) 738-6122

Fullerton museum to begin new exhibitThe Fullerton Museum Center will host an opening reception of its

new exhibit, Heroes and Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross on Saturday Feb. 14 from 6-9 p.m. The exhibition is the first time the museum will be featuring the artwork of Ross, an acclaimed comic book artist known for his photorealism work. Ross, known as the, “Norman Rockwell of the comic world” will have features from his personal collection that will include paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures. The exhibit will be from Feb.14-May 10.

Fullerton to expect a snow day The Fullerton Parks and Recreation Department will host a “Snow

Day” at the Brea Dam recreation area. Man-made snow will be spread along the dam for sledding, making snowmen and for snowball fights. The event will feature three 75-foot sled runs as well as a special toddler sled run for children five and under. There will be a children’s play area and a “Blast Zone,” where families can build campfires, have arts and crafts and games for a small fee. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Campus celebrates Black History Month The North Orange Community College Office of Diversity and

Equity is holding a stage reading titled, “The Meeting, A Dialogue on Ideology and Purpose.” The reading will be held in the Wilshire Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 6-9 p.m.

Lawsuit filed against new bond measure Measure J passed with a 55 percent majority on Nov. 30, 2014

but was met with a lawsuit on Dec. 18, 2014. The lawsuit is against the district and the Registrars of Voters of Los Angeles County and Orange County claiming that there were illegal provisional ballots that were cast during the election in November.

Photo courtesy of Fullertonchamber.comWinter Wonderland: Children play and make snowballs at previous “Snow Day” event hosted by the Fullerton Parks and Recreation Department located at the Brea Dam recreational area.

Spring graduation deadline for studentsIn order for students to graduate with an Associate’s Degree,

they must apply for graduation no later than Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. The graduation ceremony will be on Saturday, May 23 at 6 p.m. Applications are available at the Admissions & Records Office or online at admissions.fullcoll.edu.

Teacher of the year nominations underwayStudents are welcome to select any FC instructor who has inspired

or made an impact on their education for this title. The instructor needs to be a former one for the student and the deadline to nominate a teacher is Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 by 4 p.m. Submit nominations to the Associated Students Office Room. 222 or Student Affairs Office Room. 223.

Inspiring Instructors: FC President Rajen Vurdien surprised last year’s Teacher of the Year recipient, Jodi Balma in class with the announcement that she won.

Photo by Greg Diaz, The Hornet

{Continued from page 1}

DuBois is survived by her husband John Walker, her daughters Kristen and Nicole DuBois and her parents Ed and Mary Piane.

“The last thing she told us was

how proud of me she was,” said Nicole DuBois-Mcewen, DuBois’ daughter. “She was always proud of everything my sister and I did.”

The family requests that any donations in her name to be given to the Fullerton College

newly renamed Chris Lamm and Toni DuBois-Walker Memorial Food Bank.

For more information on how to donate to the food bank, email fcfoodbank@fullcoll.edu.

News 3The Hornet

Memorial: Honor our own

MARTIN BECERRAEditor-in-Chief

Journalism and reporting is in a state of evolutionary change with most news organizations focusing their efforts on reporting stories online through a website or social media versus printed publications.

This transition are the results of advancing technology and most people preferring to use an electronic device over a print medium to receive information.

The Hornet, Fullerton College’s student run newspaper, will be releasing an app this semester in order to better communicate campus, hot topic and local news efficiently to the entire campus.

Hornet Adviser, Jay Seidel believes that the app will be convenient for the campus community in staying informed and being more connected to the college.

“It will be a resource for students,” Seidel said. “We will work with Student Services, Cadena Center, financial aid and the [Fullerton College] foundation to let students know about key dates along

with a calendar of events and deadlines.”

There will be a soon-to-be scheduled soft launch of the app this semester, available for download on a smartphone or tablet through Apple iTunes, with a full launch at the start of the 2015 fall semester.

The Hornet will reduce from a biweekly to a monthly print publication to focus more on creating content for a mobile and online audience. The change will help journalism students learn skills that will make them essential in today’s profession.

An app will also be created for the campus’ Spanish publication La Antorcha to provide relevant information to its local audience.

“With Fullerton College being one of the fastest growing colleges in the country, it is important for The Hornet to find ways to reach its audience in a way that is accessible to all.” Seidel said.

For 93 years, The Hornet newspaper, which began as The Weekly Torch, has served as the voice of Fullerton College and remains to be one of the oldest continuous publications in California.

Follow The Hornet on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on the app release date.

School media app in progress

{Continued from page 1}

There could be many factors contributing to the growth of enrollment.

For example, Fullerton’s proactive approach of being at the forefront of establishing new programs.

McPheron recalled a time

when the state requested the colleges to create new programs for the AA-T and AS-T transfer degrees.

“We launched them as early as we could,” McPheron said. “It shows a willingness to be proactive and I think you can see our growth trends through it.”

According to McPheron, the

campus plans to slow down the enrollment growth rate to five percent for next year in an effort to ensure it accommodates and serves its students properly.

More student enrollment equals more funding from the government, which in turn provides for better resources for students, McPheron added.

Increase: Enrollment spikePhoto by Stephanie Lara, The Hornet

Saying Goodbye: Faculty member, Mike Scott providing the background instrumentals to a picture slideshow of DuBois with her family and friends at a memorial service on Friday Jan. 23.

The Hornet newspaper will release a free app this semester to help connect the campus community.

January 28, 20154 Local

Shop for a cause

EXPERIENCE FULLERTON

Throughout February, $7 from every Sevenly shirt purchased at Shop & Do Good will benefit The Guest House, an Orange County program

that acts as a shelter for human trafficking survivors.

A launch party will be hosted at Shop & Do Good on Jan. 31 from 7-10 p.m. Meet program

staff and find out how to get involved.

110 E. Wilshire Blvd, Fullerton.

JAN. 30Critical MassMeeting at The Night Owl, this monthly bike ride aims to show that cycling is a viable form of transportation and that cyclists and motorists can share the road.200 N. Harbor Blvd. | 6:30 p.m.

FEB. 1Groves Antique MarketThe early bird will find some good deals at this monthly antique market. Hosted at the Cal State Fullerton parking lots off Yorba Linda Boulevard.

800 N. State College Blvd | 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FEB. 6Fullerton Art WalkEvery first Friday of the month, art galleries and venues around Downtown Fullerton become hosts to art exhibits and performing acts. 6-10 p.m.

FEB. 7Rotors, Wings & WheelsThe Fullerton Airport invites visitors to meet pilots and look at aircraft classic cars and motorcycles. The event is free but visitors can pay for a helicopter tour or a biplane ride. 4011 W. Commonwealth Ave. Noon to 6 p.m.

FEB. 8Aircraft displayVisitors can view a collection of classic aircraft at the Fullerton Airport and owners of classic aircraft are encouraged to display their aircraft. 4011 W. Commonwealth Ave. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WEEKLY EVENTSMax Bloom’s Cafe NoirMovie night Tuesdays | 7:30-10 p.m.Open Mic night Thursdays | 8-10 p.m.Stand-up comedy Fridays | 7-10 p.m.220 N. Malden Ave.

The Night OwlOpen Mic night Tuesdays | 9 p.m.Poetry every last Sunday | 9 p.m.Midnight movie Wednesdays 200 N. Harbor Blvd.

The Hornet Arts, Culture & Entertainment 5

CITYMaverick Theater

A Few Good MenJan. 16-Feb. 21Fridays and Saturdays | 8 p.m.Sundays | 5 p.m.Tickets: $22, $10 for students with valid ID110 E Walnut Ave.

CAMPUS

The Natural World: Adonna Khare and Jon NgFeb. 2-19 Monday-Thursday10 a.m. to noon | 2-4 p.mOpening Reception: Jan. 29 | 5-7 p.m.Gallery closed | noon to 2 p.m.Art Gallery Room 1004

20th Annual Piano EnsemblePerformance of Piano Duets and Duos featuring Early Intermediate to Collegiate and Teacher categories.

Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m.Tickets: $10, $8 for students, seniors and children.

The Drowsy ChaperoneMarch 12-19Thursday-Saturday | 7 p.m.Sundays | 2 p.m.Tickets: $15 at door, $12.50 pre-saleCampus Theatre

Opera WorkshopJan. 30-Feb. 1Friday and Saturday | 7:30 p.m.Sunday | 2:30 p.m.Tickets: $10, $7 for students and seniorsRecital Hall

Keep up with all things Fullerton

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4 FC News4 Campus Events4 Activities Calendar4 Local Entertainment4 Hornet Sports4 Downtown Fullerton Specials

Coming Soon!

Keep up with all things Fullerton

4 FC News4 Campus Events4 Activities Calendar4 Local Entertainment4 Hornet Sports4 Downtown Fullerton Specials

DOWNLOAD THE HORNET APP!Coming Soon!Availble for Android and iOS

Y en EspañolY en EspañolGet the app!Get the app!

DETAILS COMING SOON!

Doris Rosenthal: An American Artist in MexicoFeb. 5-April 4Wednesdays-SundaysOpening Reception:Feb. 5 | 6:30 p.m.Gallery tour March 5 | 7:30 p.m.Free admission1201 W. Malvern Ave.

Five Knaves for BreakfastJan. 24 - Feb. 21Saturdays and Sundays | 5 p.m.Tickets: $20, $18 for students and seniors.400 E. Commonwealth Ave.

Photo courtesy of The Muckenthaler

Photo courtesy of Fullerton College Art Department

Photo courtesy of Maverick Theater

Cadena Book Club: The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon LeysonFirst meeting of the Cadena Book Club Feb. 2 | 2-3 p.m.Free admissionCadena Cultural Center Room 212

Beat Cafe Open Mic NightFor poets, musicians and singersFeb. 24 | 4-6:45 p.m.Free admissionCadena Cultural Center Room 212Contact: (714) 992-7086

Mardi Gras for AutismFamily carnival that supports autism charities and special edu-cation in Fullerton.Feb. 14 | 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.Free admissionBourbon Street Bar & Grill110 E. Commonwealth Ave.

AROUND TOWN

Photo courtesy of STAGES

STAGES

Muckenthaler

OTHER

Opinion6 January 28, 2015

Nation may not be ready for free collegeFree community college may not pass but it is a challenge worth fighting for.

Freedom: it’s a beautiful thing. It’s like the life giving color that paints the paths of one’s journey. Freedom and its entirety is made possible from education.

As Americans, we have the freedom to be educated, the right to choose our own path and the unfortunate right to neglect such a privilege.

In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama recently proposed free community college tuition for two years in order to increase college graduation rate and usher more people into the middle class.

Depending on which side of the fence one sits on, this is either an outrageous, impossible dream or something that could be possible with work and sacrifice.

The proposal is modeled after the “Tennessee Promise,” a scholarship program created by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.

The program made Tennessee the first state to offer free community college. The requirements needed for all students are maintaining a 2.0 GPA and to complete eight hours of community service per semester.

Granted, many questions arise from the proposal. For example: how would the nation pay for this and how does it ensure increased graduation rates?

Virtually, no one would argue against free college but the same would most likely argue about paying to pave way to make college free.

In some cases when one gives something free, it is often neglected and not appreciated by the recipient because they didn’t earn it.

What’s to say the same if people’s education was paid for?

It’s bad enough that students drop classes due to laziness despite paying tuition out of their own pockets but for tuition to be paid for by someone else would probably be far easier.

The odds of free college will not likely raise the graduation rates as much as it would appeal to many.

As great as it sounds, odds are it may not pass on a federal level but with local and state levels, it is very possible for inspiration to spark from this proposal.

As challenging as Obama’s plan is, maybe the nation isn’t quite ready for a change that monumental.

Before education was public, it was a luxury only obtainable by the wealthy. It is very possible that when the proposal

came to make it public, it would have been widely challenged.

But imagine if education was never public. Most of us would have only received education in a public school until sixth grade. A vast majority may have never been allowed the opportunity to pay for college let alone attend it as a result of a lack of education.

Thankfully, we don’t live in that alternate universe and we all received a free education up through high school.

Free college may seem like an impossible and expensive dream but isn’t it because of the “impossible” that this great nation was formed and was able to made a name for itself?

Wasn’t it impossible for a small band of 13 colonies to face a superpower or for mankind to fly or explore space?

We get to enjoy the luxury of the accomplishments of the generations before us because they chose to not let the “impossible” stop them from advancing and doing good for mankind.

Maybe free college is not in the foreseeable future but it is definitely something worth considering.

How to gear up for that 8 a.m. class after six long weeks of sleeping in.

Last weekend, you rolled out from under the covers to realize it was well past lunchtime. The other weekend you found yourself at a party that raged on into the hours of dawn.

Now you’re lying in bed at 4 a.m., deep into the fifth hour of your Netflix binge when the realization hits you with a pang: school is in just a few days. You’re registered for an 8 a.m. class and you haven’t gotten out of bed before noon in over a month.

Before you panic and begin stocking up on copious amounts of Red Bull, here are six easy steps you can take to get back on track with your sleep schedule.

1. Wake up at the same time every morning.

Yes, every morning. Yes, even weekends (sorry, you party animals out there).

Diligently keeping up a routine of wake-up times will gradually adjust your internal clock, aka your circadian rhythm.

2. Calculate your optimal bedtime.Although you’re all grown up and

may no longer believe in bedtimes, maintaining one can actually help you wake up without feeling like a zombie.

How? Your sleep occurs in cycles that last approximately 90 minutes.

While waking up in the middle of a sleep cycle will leave you feeling groggy and sluggish, waking up in between these cycles will help you feel alert and refreshed. Figuring out these optimal times may seem like too much math for

us overworked students but luckily there’s a handy website called sleepyti.me bedtime calculator that takes out all the

guesswork of calculating. Simply input the time you need to

wake up, and sleepytime calculates the best times for you to hit the hay. Visit the website at sleepyti.me.

3. Learn to power nap.After that three hour history lecture,

knocking out for a few hours may be a very tempting idea. However, long naps are counterproductive when trying to fix one’s sleep schedule.

Not only will you delay your nighttime sleep, you may wake up feeling even less alert than when your head first hit the pillow. Instead, try to keep your naps 30 minutes or shorter. Or if you need to recharge your batteries in between classes, simply relax in a chair and close your eyes for 10 minutes.

These shorter power naps are more effective at recharging than long naps, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

4. Get a light on.Make a habit of throwing the curtains

open as soon as you wake up, saturating your room with daylight.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, your body’s internal clock is set by various cues, such as eating and exercise, the strongest of these cues being lightness and darkness.

The presence or absence of light naturally tells your brain whether it is

daytime or nighttime; time to sleep or time to wake up.

Immediately exposing yourself to natural light in the morning helps your brain realize it’s time to wake up.5. Dim the lights at night.

Too much exposure to light in the evening will actually delay the onset of sleep.

Towards the end of the day, turn off any bright lights overhead and opt for dimmer lamps instead.

Lower the brightness on your laptop. Reducing light exposure will tell your brain it’s almost time for bed.

6. Put down your phone.Responding to texts, catching up

with vlogs on YouTube, and checking Instagram in bed may seem harmless, and many of us have made these things a pre-bedtime ritual.

What many may not realize, however, is that the artificial light from your phones and tablets may actually be wrecking your sleep.

Electronic screens emit a “blue” false light that suppresses production of the hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles, called melatonin, studies found.

Mindlessly scrolling through Facebook mobile just before bedtime can disrupt the onset of sleepiness and cause you to feel restless.

Break the habit, shut off the screen and get some much-needed shut-eye. Don’t worry, Instagram will still be there in the morning.

With these simple steps, you’re on your way to a consistent sleep schedule.

It may not happen overnight, but in time your body, skin and grades will thank you. Sweet dreams, Hornets.

HETTY LAOpinion Editor

Six easy steps to fix your sleep scheduleAddressing the nation: President Barack Obama proposes free college tuition in his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening Jan. 20.

The HornetServing Fullerton College since 1922

The Hornet is published as a learning experience, under the guidance of Fullerton College’s journalism program.

The editorial and advertising published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff.

Under appropriate and federal court decisions and California law, college newspapers are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Accordingly, information published in this newspaper, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted to represent the position of the North Orange County Community College District, Fullerton College, or any officer or employee thereof.

THE HORNET321 E. Chapman Ave.Fullerton, CA 92832

714-992-7134

Editor-in-ChiefMartin Becerra

Managing EditorRebeka Nop

Opinion EditorHetty La

A.C.E EditorAnastacia Barbosa

Sports EditorJason Burch

Assistant Sports EditorJoshua Min

Photo EditorMathew Flores

Layout Design Amanda Lee

Online EditorNur Sattar

MultimediaStephanie Lara

Copy Editor Gina Allstun

Adviser Jay Seidel

The Hornet is a proud member of the following associations: Associated Collegiate Press, California Newspaper Publishers Association, and Journalism Association of Community Colleges.

Photo courtesy of whitehouse.gov

The Hornet 7SportsBaseball aiming for championshipDespite losing key players, Fuscardo is confident Hornets will contend for OEC title.JOSHUA MINAssistant Sports Editor

After placing fourth in the Orange Empire Conference last year, the Fullerton Hornets baseball team is ready to get back into the swing of things for 2015.

Not the result they were looking for when they finished with a conference record of 11-10 after coming out on top in 2013.

Nick Fuscardo, head coach, will be entering his 29th season as the head coach of Fullerton and looking to add on to his already historic resumé.

One of the roster’s weaknesses last year was its lack of quality pitching as they were dead last in the OEC in earned run average with 4.26.

“In order to win, you always have to have good pitching,” Fuscardo said. “You have to command your pitches, get ahead in the count and you got to be able to make the right pitches.”

The Hornets brought in Mike Karpel as a pitching coach in order to improve the arms on the team.

Karpel was the head coach and athletic director at Barstow College, but before that, he was a former Hornet baseball player from 1991 through 1992.

“My expectations are to develop a staff,” Fuscardo said. “You look down in your bullpen and look on your bench and ask who can help us? You win with strength in numbers so you try

and develop the entire staff.”Despite the pitching troubles

from last year, Fullerton has some strengths to build upon.

“We’re a very fundamental baseball club,” he said. “We expect our kids to bunt, make the routine play, run the bases right and we expect our kids to be on time and to get mentally prepared to play in the toughest conference in America.”

Fuscardo claims the team is defensive-oriented but the bats should come alive this season.

“We’ve got some veteran kids coming back and we will hit as we normally do but I think we’ll have some power and we’ll generate some deep balls,” Fuscardo said.

That will be no easy task as the Hornets will look to replace multiple players who signed with four-year colleges, including outfielder Dakota Wix who will move down the street and become a Cal State Fullerton Titan.

As a Hornet, Wix ranks in the top five in multiple hitting categories.

Despite the losses, Fuscardo praised the current club, emphasizing that many of the players in 2015 are more than capable of shouldering the load to achieve wins.

The Hornets aspire to getting back to their winning ways this spring after an unsatisfactory finish in the 2014 season.

“Our first goal is that we want to win a conference title. We did that a couple years ago and it was very rewarding for us,” Fuscardo said. “It’s really rewarding for me to look on our bench and see guys that I can call on to come off the bench. I think that’s part of being a championship team.”

SUPER BOWL XLIX EDITION

Every year heading into Super Bowl Sunday, the world directs its attention to the NFL.

The fanfare is unparalleled. For all its beauty, this time of year can be cumbersome because everyone has an opinion about the big game. Perhaps the most frustrating is when you are the one standing around the water cooler with nothing to add to the conversation.

It harkens back those painful memories of the cool kids at the school yard passing around some inside joke that you have been excluded from.

This year, you can confidently approach any circle and toss your two cents in. We have outlined some of the top Super Bowl storylines to watch for this week as the big game approaches, so you can enjoy the game and the banter that comes along with it as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots duke it out.

Dynasty WatchWill this be one last hoo-rah

for the old dogs or will the new regime assert their dominance?

It was exactly one decade ago that the New England Patriots won a second consecutive Super Bowl title. A feat that has not been matched since then. The Patriots were being labeled as a dynasty and rightfully so because it was their third championship in four years.

They’ve remained competitive but have failed to win another ring since then.

Their opponent, the Seattle Seahawks now have their sights set on becoming the first team to repeat as Super Bowl champions since New England last accomplished it.

Kraft’s CoachesWill Carroll have the last

laugh over New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft? Undoubtedly, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll still has a chip on his shoulder. After a mediocre start with the Patriots, Kraft fired Carroll just two seasons into his tenure.

Kraft has hired only two head coaches since purchasing the franchise in 1994. Those two coaches are Carroll and Bill Belichick, who will face each other on Sunday. Both have been incredibly successful as Carroll and Belichick are No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, in regular season and playoff victories since 2012.

Since returning to the NFL three years ago, Carroll has led the Seahawks to the most wins in the NFL but a victory in this game would be a feather in the cap of his coaching career.

DeflategateWill the Patriots use the

“Deflategate” controversy as a slap in the face to motivate the team or will the whirlwind surrounding the team be a distraction? The biggest circus surrounding the Patriots following their 45-7 rout against the Indianapolis Colts are the Patriots’ game balls were underinflated during the AFC Championship.

This should be a non-story but the NFL media will surely refuse to let it go. The referees inspect the footballs before kickoff and are constantly handling them during the game.

If there was any change made to the balls’ air pressure, the officiating crew should have pointed it out during the game. Any enhacement in performance

would be miniscule at best. A deflated football had nothing to do with the fact that Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount ran all over the Colts defense for 148 yards and three touchdowns.

The NFL has found that 11 of the 12 footballs were indeed deflated by two pounds per square inch. The results of deflated footballs can hardly be quantified. It would seem the benefits of deflated footballs would be negligible at best but no one will ever know.

The fact that it is even a question is what is troubling. It calls into question a team’s integrity. This isn’t the first time the Patriots’ integrity has been questioned.

Back in 2007, it was discovered that the Belichick and the Patriots had secretly recorded the New York Jets coaching signals throughout the game.

Through that investigation, the NFL also learned that the Patriots had also secretly recorded the St. Louis Rams’ practices the week of the 2002 Super Bowl.

A full investigation has now been launched by the NFL, but in reality there will be no repercussions handed down until after the Super Bowl anyway. We should probably all collectively put a pin in “Deflategate.”

The bad news for the Patriots is this black eye will still be there whether they win or lose. The Patriots’ dynasty under Belichick’s regime may always be looked upon as one of the greatest in professional sports history but not without an asterisk.

Jason Burch contributed to this story.

Hornet SportsCalendar

Jan. 28SOFTBALL | 2:00 p.m. Palomar vs. Fullerton

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL5:00 p.m. Fullerton @ Irvine Valley

MEN’S BASKETBALL 7:00 p.m.Fullerton @ Irvine Valley

Jan. 29WOMEN’S TENNIS | 2:00 p.m. Cuyamaca vs. Fullerton

Jan. 30SOFTBALL | 11:00 a.m. Fullerton @ Desert

SOFTBALL | 1:00 p.m. Fullerton vs TBA@ College of the DesertCollege of the Desert Tournament

JOSHUA MINAssistant Sports Editor