Friday

February 6, 1998

Classroom criticism is not relevant to outspoken CSUS professor

Robert Humphrey fancies himself mildly controversial, although one could argue he would be better characterized as lucid.

Humphrey teaches Journalism 50, Mass Media Critical Thinking, a general education course dealing with critical perspective -- especially with regard to mediated messages.

He is convinced there is a general lack of training and attentiveness in dealing with messages from the media.

This results in having ideological "third level of meanings" pass undetected through the hapless listener's subconscious.

Humphrey, who has been at CSUS since 1985, currently has the distinction of being the only professor of journalism who holds a doctoral degree. Although his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa is in American history, he said Ph.D.'s in journalism are so rare they are virtually nonexistent.

After writing a book and spending a period as a nontenured teacher, he gained acceptance to law school at the University of Iowa. He then opted for a second master's degree in communication studies from Iowa, after which he sought a full-time, tenured position.

When Humphrey applied to CSUS, his future employer showed a primary interest in his teaching two areas: history and law. An emphasis in one of his master's programs had included FCC regulations and, since the journalism department had allegedly come under some mild outside criticism for not having a Ph.D. on its teaching staff, Humphrey was invited on-board to teach history and mass media law.

Today, the journalism and communication studies departments have merged, and Humphrey remains a non-journalist who principally teaches general education and background courses within his department. That means more contact with beginning students, whose guileless psyches it is his job to mold with more savvy awareness. He says that he feels that an "innocence-is-bliss" attitude may imperil one toward disillusionment or failure; this is especially true for someone pursuing a career in the field of journalism or public relations. Humphrey, while prudent, worries less about popularity contests, and more about his students and the thorny issues surrounding them.

Although he has some concern that his mission of enlightenment may come across as negative or curmudgeonly toward his students, he feels quite strongly about instilling more aware perspectives.

Wryly acerbic, articulate and outspoken, his noble baritone seems poised to confront almost any controversial topic: the state of local journalism, politics or interdepartmental skulduggery. Then, with a nod, he might quip, "I can comment off the record," leaving a long, and unfilled pause -- Humphrey's droll way of begging "no comment."

A self-professed cynic, Humphrey offers his delineation of the three levels of meaning: "The first level is just a simple dictionary meaning. If we are talking about a tree, we mean just a large plant. At the second level, you have all sorts of additional connotations that exist within the culture . . . so you have cultural meanings, values and emotions. Second level meanings of trees have changed over the past 25 years ... they now represent health and the environment we ought to preserve. So we have a conflict going on over second-level meanings. Then there is a third level -- the ideological level -- basic beliefs that we hold about how a society should operate, and what's proper in a society."

"One such ideology is that capitalism is efficient and offers us a high standard of living," said Humphrey. For instance, Chevron runs these ads that show a forest or some natural scene, and they'll say, 'Do people care about such environments? Yes they do,' and on comes the Chevron logo," he continued.

"Well, that's an ideological message, and it says that American business is a good thing, and it's not harmful to the environment," he said. "(It says) in actuality, American business cares about the environment."

Humphrey argued there is a "tremendous inequality of power in our society. The media control and manipulate us."

An example he gives is hand-holding, noting the inordinate amount of the activity in which Bill and Hillary Clinton seem to engage.

Although this emblem of affection may not be nearly so customary with couples as one might first assume, Humphrey sees its use on-camera as representing a powerful ideological message: that marriage is an important and sanctified institution and that the Clintons are firmly committed to that institution. At this third, ideological level, he feels that unquestioning acceptance is very likely if one has not already stepped back and taken some time for analysis.

In a similar vein, Humphrey senses naïveté in people's belief that no conflict should exist between career achievement and family contentment. Again he would chalk this up to some cultural ideological expectation that one can have it all, like the Cosby family: Mom's a lawyer, Dad's a doctor, and the whole family just hangs out next to the stairs in the living room.

He notes that while the number of jobs in print media is declining, this is not so in the areas of electronic and broadcast media or in the field of public relations. Although readership of print media -- namely daily newspapers -- has declined in the below-age-30 set, he does not view the print media as a dying industry. The dynamics of allied media fascinate him.

"I don't know whether the news hole has been contracting," says Humphrey, "but I think you have to realize that newspapers are instruments of advertising ... and one might even say, purveyors of news."

MOVIE REVIEW

Filmmakers take 'Desperate Measures' -- but fail to create a criminal mastermind

"Desperate Measures" has Michael Keaton in yet another compelling role. Keaton has continually reinvented his image in films including "Mr. Mom," "Beetlejuice," "Batman" and "Multiplicity," portraying all facets of the human character.

In "Desperate Measures," Keaton plays Peter McCabe, a homicidal sociopath. McCabe not only has a high IQ, but DNA matching perfectly with that of Matt Connor, the son of San Francisco police officer Frank Connor, played by Andy Garcia.

While Matt lays dying, in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant, Frank has determined through an illegal search of the FBI's database that McCabe is the only match for his son.

After some convincing, and Connor's promise of better living conditions and lots of cigarettes, McCabe agrees to the bone marrow transplant.

Connor somehow convinces his superiors that a multiple murderer, who has escaped from prison twice, should be freed, brought to a hospital and operated on.

This weak and unlikely premise creates an unusual situation when McCabe manages to escape prior to the transplant. Utilizing a shoelace, some floss and a deliberately broken thumb (Ouch!), McCabe's escape rivals one from any "MacGyver" episode.

The hospital becomes a battleground as McCabe increases the body count and Connor tries to keep him alive so his bone marrow will be viable for the transplant.

"Desperate Measures" really shines in these middle scenes as Connor finds himself in several precarious situations. He is constantly trying to keep this murderer alive, while at the same time keep him from killing his fellow police officers.

But time is of the essence -- Matt's condition is weakening.

McCabe's character, in spite of shallow development and unanswered questions, is reminiscent of Hannibal Lector in "Silence of the Lambs."

Director Barbet Schroeder ("Reversal of Fortune," "Single White Female," "Kiss of Death") wastes no time presenting conflict and forgetting early character development.

Loopholes, as well as violence, abound in this movie. But if McCabe is such a vicious, dangerous and intelligent person, why is he allowed access to a computer shortly before his transfer?

The blueprints for the historic hospital that serve as his battleground and shoes with laces -- the crucial elements to his escape -- are handed to him on a silver platter. Despite the weak premise, "Desperate Measures" develops into a very tense and suspenseful story.

Hypnotist Tom DeLuca returns to mystify masses at CSUS

Mark your calendars and join UNIQUE Programs as they welcome hypnotist supreme, Tom DeLuca, for his 16th annual appearance on campus.

DeLuca, who has a limited three show engagement at CSUS, has delighted audiences around the country with his spirited performances.

Get ready to witness the power of suggestion as DeLuca performs his wonders in a two-part show: mind reading and hypnotism. For skeptics of hypnotism, DeLuca's show will surely turn you into a believer.

DeLuca, who has a master's degree in psychology, has visited thousands of universities and college campuses over the course of his 15 years of career.

The result? He has earned the praise of students and faculty around the country.

In 1996, DeLuca was chosen for the third year to receive the title of Campus Entertainer of the Year from the National Association for Campus Activities.

In addition to appearing on programs for both MTV and CNN, DeLuca went beyond the boundaries of his regular campus appearances and has surfaced onto television shows such as "Show Business Today" and "Regis and Kathie Lee." He has also been featured in mainstream magazines such as "People" and "Newsweek."

Already been to a show before? Don't worry, DeLuca's shows are never the same. His performances are unique and consist of more than merely having volunteers bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken.

According to Rolling Stone magazine, "His approach is to forgo gimmickry in order to reveal the fun and wonder hidden in the antics of his volunteers' minds. There are moments of joy and happiness on stage."

DeLuca's shows are all about "imaginism," a concept that he created over a decade ago.

"It's an inclusive experience for the audience-we all learn about each other. It's a very big show-with many different facets," said DeLuca in an interview with Campus Activities Programming.

Another concept that he has developed is called "Power Napping �." The concept is meant to help people fall quickly into a deep state of rest for short periods of time.

Several schools have requested the Power Napping Workshop as a result of the lack of sleep reported by students and faculty. DeLuca is in the process of publishing a book which combines the use of images and symbols to redirect people's focus to become more productive and creative in their daily lives.

The best part of DeLuca's shows is that it is for everyone. No matter the age of an audience member his shows are entertaining and capable of getting through to almost anyone.

Audiences are known for leaving his shows feeling good because he is not just an entertainer, he is someone who can communicate with and reach out to audiences personally to get to know them.

DeLuca will appear in the University Union Redwood Room on Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. He will also appear on Feb. 12 at both 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Shows sell out quickly, so buy your tickets now. Tickets are $5.50 for CSUS students and $7.50 for general admission and are available at the ASI Business Office, located on the third floor of the University Union. For more information, call 278-6595.

CD SHOWCASE

Everclear

By JOSH DIEHL
FEATURES EDITOR

Seemingly in response to the inevitable backlash that comes with having a monster hit single, Everclear cleverly titled its newest album "So Much for the Afterglow."

For those who only know this Portland trio via the radio, there is no sequel to "Santa Monica" on this album. Instead, vocalist, producer and primary songwriter Art Alexakis decided to stress songwriting over singles.

Alexakis' lyrics are refreshingly honest and heartfelt. Songs like "Why I Don't Believe in God," "Father of Mine" and the newest single, "I Will Buy You a New Life" are all examples of his strengths as a songwriter.

Although a trio, Everclear took advantage of the musical freedom that success brings by using multiple instruments to orchestrate a more panoramic sound. In addition to the standard guitar, drum and bass setup, the band utilizes banjos, mandolins, keyboards and slide whistles to create a diverse and compelling album.

The Wedding Singer

By ERIN WATT
ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

Remember the '80s? Those were the days -- hot pink lip gloss, teal eye-liner, checkerboard Vans, pegged 501s, Billy-Idol-inspired clothing. Yes, go back and relive the days of frivolity and innocence.

The soundtrack to "The Wedding Singer" is a necessity to anyone who can't seem to get over the '80s era, or for anyone remaining there spiritually.

The Presidents of the United States of America have recreated "Video Killed The Radio Star," giving the cult classic a little squeeze of Presidential zing.

Culture Club's claim to fame, "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me," will probably take you back to the vinyl 45 you bought with your milk money.

Remember New Order's "Blue Monday?" This was one of THE fast dance songs played during those sweaty, awkward, after school gymnasium functions.

"The Wedding Singer" soundtrack will rekindle those memories of 80s youth and days of intentional fashion faux pas.

EVENTS

"Boogie Nights"
Chicano/Latino Graduation Committee Fundraiser Dance
9 p.m.-Midnight
Unitarian Universalist Hall
Free

Feb. 7

Art, Music and Culture in Florence
10 a.m.
Regional and Continuing Education Office
Free

Feb. 10

Speaker Xiaoping Hu: "An Overview of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Technical Issues and Applications"
4:30 p.m.
Amador Hall 150
Free

Alpha Phi Omega
Rush Information Night
6-8 p.m.
UU-Oak Room
Free

Steve Montgomery: Acoustic Solo Guitar
7:30-9 p.m.
UU-Redwood Room
Free

Feb. 11

"Nearly-Wed Game"
Noon
UU-Redwood Room
Free

Mike Shotwell: Contemporary, Acoustic Folk
7-9:30 p.m.
UU-Coffee House
Free

"A Night with Tom Deluca"
7:30 p.m.
UU-Redwood Room
$5.50 w/CSUS ID

Feb. 12

Speaker John Ellman:
"Combinatorial Chemistry and New Drugs"
4:15 p.m.
MND 1015
Free

"A Night with Tom Deluca"
6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
UU-Rewood Room
$5.50 w/CSUS ID

Feb. 17

Tim Morse:Improvised Piano
7:30-9 p.m.
UU-Coffee House
Free

Feb. 18

Free Association:
"Spoken word- African American issues through poetry and music."
Noon
Redwood Room
Free

Tom Palmer: Acoustic Originals
7-9:30 p.m.
UU-Coffee House
Free

Feb. 19

Kofy Brown: Funky Soul and Hip-Hop
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
UU-Redwood Room
Free

Feb. 24

Ronald Goldbery:Folk Rock
7:30-9p.m.
UU-Coffee House
Free

Feb. 25

Addict Merchants:
Hip-Hop/Jazz
Noon
UU-Redwood Room
Free

Carolyn Conner: Folk, Pop
Originals
7-9:30 p.m.
UU-Coffee House
Free

Feb. 26

"Harold Pauley & Unlimited
Praise Choir"
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
UU-Redwood Room
Free