Kristin's Kolumn

Illegal immigration has been a subject of great controversy that has long plagued the United States. It is an issue that has come to the political forefront in the last few years, and is a cause for concern for those individuals who believe in upholding the laws and regulations that this country holds dear. In late 2006, Thomas G. Tancredo, a Colorado Congressman, said, “Since January of 2004, when President Bush first proposed his ‘comprehensive immigration reform,’ it has become increasingly evident that there is a sharp disconnect on this issue between the political elites in the nation’s capital and the values and concerns of average citizens.” It has become abundantly clear that this country is not taking the issue of illegal immigration as seriously as it should, and that the values which we, as American citizens, treasure are being torn down and trampled upon by those who tread across our borders illegally.

Caution

With the 2008 presidential elections quickly approaching, the subject of illegal immigration has been brought into the limelight, and candidates across the country have begun communicating their viewpoints to the American people and taking positions on the issue. Associated Press writer Libby Quaid recently reported a story for Yahoo! News which outlined presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani’s inconsistent views on illegal immigration. His more liberal views on illegal immigration from earlier this year (March to May 2007), were more recently denounced when he bumped heads with presidential rival Mitt Romney, and spouted his more conservative ideas on immigration reform. In his recent CNN Headline News interview, Giuliani stated that illegal immigration was “not a crime [or] criminal proceeding.” His comments to CNN come mere months after he was quoted saying the following back in March: “There should be a very, very strong requirement that they speak English, read English, write English, and understand American history.” According to the article, a Romney spokesperson claimed Giuliani’s comments shows his inability to take illegal immigration seriously, as well as his overall incapacity when it comes to implementing policies. Giuliani’s people, in a rebuttal to Romney’s comments, also cited Romney’s lack of seriousness for immigration issues as well.

While presidential hopefuls try to persuade the public with their views on this issue, President George W. Bush and his administration have attempted to remain steadfast in their policies on illegal immigration – however, to no avail. In one of the White House’s original press releases from early 2004, the Office of the Press Secretary outlined the Department of Homeland Security’s series of reforms that the government and Administration have every intention of following through with in order to counter the recent immigration challenges that have overwhelmed the United States in recent years. More specifically, these reforms “represent steps the Administration can take within the boundaries of existing law to secure our borders more effectively, improve interior and worksite enforcement, streamline existing guest worker programs, improve the current immigration system, and help new immigrants assimilate into American culture.” The Administration details its plans on upping border security through the increase of border patrol agents, more fencing, additional cameras and radio towers, as well as three additional UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). The Administration has also stated its intentions on maintaining what they call their “Catch and Release” program; meaning, that anyone trying to cross the border will be held until they return to their home country. However, since this original press release, our country’s Congress and political leaders have failed to address and establish a concrete, efficient system and legal procedure in dealing with illegal immigrants crossing our borders, often times debating the issue of  an immigrant worker program or an amnesty policy. Our borders – especially in regards to our southern borders – continue to remain open, and illegal immigrants continue to cross into the U.S., undocumented and against the law.

The Great Wall of Mexico

Americans for Legal Immigration PAC President William Green has remained vocal on his organization’s stance on the issue of illegal immigration. Green wrote an article in April 2007 that cites that although illegal immigration “can never fully be stopped, it can be reversed.” Among the causes he states for the influx of illegal immigrants, he states that the main challenge is enforcing laws that are already in place in the United States, taking the power away from those politicians, corporations and businesses that only further encourage such illegal proceedings. Green specifically states that there are four things the U.S. must do in order to reverse the damage that illegal immigration has already placed on our country. They include securing the borders, applying a concentrated effort on employers that are harboring illegal laborers, taking away all benefits for illegal aliens (such as licenses, in-state tuition and welfare), and giving local police the authority to enforce immigration law. Green also states that national polls show an 80% approval rating for such proposed plans. Green also includes his personal preference that English should be instated as our country’s national language – a position that many individuals are in accordance with. It is indecent and wrong for illegal immigrants to come into this country, unwilling to assimilate to OUR culture, expecting non-Spanish speakers to learn their language and cater to their needs.

Congressman Thomas G. Tancredo, from the Sixth District in Colorado, is also another political figure that has remained steadfast with his views on illegal immigration, and wrote a lecture for the Heritage Foundation in late 2006 regarding such. He was firm in stating that any actions taken to correct this country’s shortcomings in the forum of immigration must first start with stronger border control. He also made mention of the difference between illegal “aliens” versus illegal “immigrants,” and how many individuals interlace the two terms synonymously, when Tancredo states that, in fact, they have two different meanings. He also notes that this Administration’s attempts of correcting the problem have failed greatly, and have lead to much confusion. He states his belief that a constant “physical presence” on the U.S.-Mexican border would relieve much of the unwanted flow of immigrants. Our current border patrol system is sporadic and inconsistent along the southern edge of the United States, and needs a major overhaul in order to actively pursue, catch and return those attempted immigrants to their original countries of residence. Tancredo also predicts growing political tensions, and that “failing to secure our border [could result in some serious] security ramifications.” Tancredo also states that he believes immigrants failure to assimilate into our culture is also to blame for the serious challenges this country is facing.

Go Home

California Conservative, a political blog that boldly addresses issues affecting this country, has tackled the issue of illegal immigration and the detrimental effects that affect this nation. In May 2006, the website addressed the many claims advocates of illegal immigration have given, and countered with its own rebuttal, stating known facts and several statistics. Some of the allegations California Conservative addressed included the claims that illegal immigrants do the jobs that other citizens won’t, that illegal immigrants help the American economy, and that immigrants are being denied civil rights, among others. The site provided several interesting facts including the following: “[That] in Los Angeles, alone, 95 percent of all outstanding warrants for homicide target illegal aliens.” It also stated that while “less than 2% of illegal aliens are picking crops, 29% are on welfare,” only contributing to the depletion of welfare available to those who need and deserve it. Apart from this, the author also states that illegal aliens are draining the federal government for costs such as “Medicaid, food assistance programs, federal prison and court systems, [as well as] federal aid to schools.” The site also brought up a very important argument regarding the “rights” these illegal immigrants think they are entitled to when they come into this country, and stated the following: “Civil rights pertain ONLY to citizens. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines civil-rights as ‘the nonpolitical rights of a citizen; especially the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the 13^th and 14^th amendments [of] the Constitution, and by the acts of Congress.’ If one is not a citizen of the country, civil rights do not apply.”

Illegal immigration will continue to be an issue of conflict in our political sphere as long as there continues to be an influx of illegal immigrants swarming into our country through loose borders, undermining our nation’s legal system, and ultimately causing distress to this country’s economy, draining public welfare services and contributing to criminal warfare. As a daughter of a (legal) Canadian immigrant, I firmly believe that illegal immigration needs to be dealt with immediately, and it upsets me that certain individuals think they don’t have to abide by the law. We have a legal system that MUST be adhered to; rules and regulations that must be followed in order to obtain citizenship, no matter how long it takes. No one is above the law, and illegal immigrants need to recognize that the United States is strict in upholding their immigration procedures, and those that break the laws will be dealt with firmly and accordingly.

I'm pretty sure that most people - employers, educators, parents, etc. - appreciate the importance of a good, solid education. Many of these educations, in fact, start off at a community college level. As a student, I know that without an affordable instituition available to me, I would probably be working full-time and not pursuing such an education; I would be following in my parents footsteps.

Thankfully, there are community colleges across the state that strive to provide students with an affordable means of education. Many students - including myself - decided to SAVE money, and attend a community college while completing general education requirements, rather than pay hundreds more in tuition costs at a state university or college completing the same courses.

However, over the last few years, the price of tuition and cost per units has fluctuated greatly, often times having a dire effect on those students who pay their own way through college. The rise in tuition feels may seem minimal to those who get outside help, but for those of us who pay for our own books and schooling, an increase in fees determines whether or not we stay in college.

A new community college initiative was recently introduced and qualifies for placement on the next statewide ballot. This initiative would set fees at $15 per unit - a significant decrease from the $26 it was just a couple years ago (it is now currently $23). It would also establish a separate system for the administration of these funds to avoid the corrupt politics that currently hold our community college systems.

Below is an article taken from http://www.californiansforcommunitycolleges.org. It outlines exactly what the new initiative proposes and what a relief it would be on community college students such as myself.

I was recently reading the Los Angeles Times online when I came across the following article:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/los_angeles_metro/la-me-kittens26apr26,1,1965318.story?track=rss&ctrack=1&cset=true

Orphaned Kitten

Kitten Drinking

Please tell me that these are the cutest pictures you have EVER seen!

Unfortunately, many kittens like the one pictured above - approximately 5,622 - were put to death in the last 12 months ending March 31, because the Los Angeles area animal shelters lacked volunteers and surrogate cat mothers to wean these kittens to health.

These are just a couple of pictures of the many kittens that currently call the animal shelter in South L.A. home...

Cat ID#A867900

Cat ID#A867901

Cat ID#A867927

Now, if you're as much of an animal lover as me and are looking to bring another pet into your home, please don't go to a pet shop or a private party. The animals in these shelters need your help. They have only so long before the shelter decides to euthanize them and make room for more of the orphaned animals coming in.

For more information on adopting, or to see pictures of ALL the cute animals - both cats and dogs - that these shelters have to offer, visit www.laanimalservices.com.

In a 51-46 vote, the Senate passed a war bill which would begin withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq by October 1st, with a complete withdrawal six months following that date.

However, the bill is likely to get President Bush's veto, and without the two-thirds majority needed to override his veto, the House and Senate will have to go back to the drawing board. (Because both the House and Senate votes were so close, it is obvious this bill does not have the two-thirds majority.)

"The president's determined to win in Iraq. I think the bill that they sent us today is mission defeated," said deputy press secretary Dana Perino. "This bill is dead before arrival."

Has President Bush not recognized that FOUR YEARS later the war he's so intent on winning is still dwindling with no hopes of an end in sight? Meanwhile, all these American soldiers that he's supposedly "so deeply concerned about" are getting killed and he's demanding that we send even more troops over.

I think it's obvious that the United States is NOT winning this war, and Bush needs to wake up to the fact that we WON'T. You can't win a war if you cannot identify the enemy. Yes, you can tag a certain militant group with the title "terrorists" but that doesn't stop the hundreds of other unaffiliated individuals - who have something against the United States - out there from shooting at our troops.

Bush needs to recognize that the American people don't want to continue these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; in a recent poll conducted by NBC News and Wall Street Journal, 67% of the Americans polled said they disapprove of Bush's handling of the situation in Iraq. In the same poll, 55% said that a victory in Iraq was not possible.

In another poll produced by USA Today, 57% of individuals polled said that the United States made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq.

Well, Mr. President...I hope you've enjoyed the fine mess you got our country into. Because of you, 3,334 American lives have been brought to an end for a war that no one wanted. You need to get off your high horse and do something RIGHT for once; start sending our troops home.

This is nobody's war but your own.

I'm back after a five-month hiatus, and I apologize for not keeping up this blog! I've been INCREDIBLY busy with school (taking 18 units), work (40 hours a week), my internship at the middle school (two days a week), and also volunteering at the elementary school.

Current events still play an integral role in my writing, and I have missed writing about politics, news and such. I will try to post on a regular basis from now on.

Hopefully, now that my school semester is winding down, I will be able to get back on track with these blogs!

Feel free to also visit my other Vox - one that I update more regularly than this one, that's for sure - for my daily ramblings: http://kristinparker.vox.com

Until the next post...

Kristin

It's said that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person through a chain of six people.

Such an interesting hypothesis has now turned into a successful new television show on ABC called "6 Degrees." The show, which aired its pilot episode on Sept. 21, gets an average of 10.5 million viewers weekly.

While it may not be a hit according to industry standards, "6 Degrees" is definitely a fall show viewers will get hooked on.

This theory, known as the "six degrees of separation," was first proposed in 1929 by Karinthy Frigyes, a Hungarian writer, in a short story she called "Chains."

According to Wikipedia.com, the theory is built on "the idea that the number of acquaintances grows exponentially with the number of links in the chain, and so only a small number of links is required for the set of acquaintances to become the whole human population."

In this new drama from the producers of ABC hits like "Alias" and "Lost," six very diverse New Yorkers go about their everyday routines without comprehending the influence they're having on one another. However, an inexplicable snare of incidents increasingly drags them closer, altering the direction of their lives permanently.

"Six Degrees" is a new drama about the potential of a greater power at work, steering everyone together and linking the lives of us all.

The show stars Jay Hernandez ("Friday Night Lights") as Carlos, Bridget Moynahan ("Sex and the City") as Whitney, Erika Christensen ("Flight Plan") as Mae, Dorian Missick ("Lucky Number Slevin") as Damian, with Campbell Scoot ("The Secret Lives of Dentists") as Steven and Hope Davis ("About Schmidt") as Laura.

Shiri Appleby, from the WB's "Roswell" series, also returns to the small screen and plays Steven's love interest and budding photographer.

Zoe Saldana ("Guess Who" and "The Terminal") also appears in the show, playing Regina, Damian's unsuspecting girlfriend.

In its premier episode, Laura, a single mother who's grieving the loss of her journalist husband who got killed in Iraq, begins the chain. Next to come is Whitney, the self-made success story who has a strong inkling that her boyfriend is cheating, followed by Steven, the photographer who disappeared from the world for several months, only to come back to New York jobless and at odds with his former wife and son.

Then comes Damian, a limousine driver who can't escape his shady past, followed by Mae, a girl who keeps running from a dangerous secret (that is yet to be uncovered). And finally to Carlos, a legal aid with a good heart that has a crush on a girl he can't keep tabs on.

In the episodes following the pilot, viewers come to find out how each character is interconnected with the other, and how each of their actions influence someone else's life.

This fascinating tale of connected fates remind viewers that reconciliation, love, achievement or mercy might be right around the corner, as the saying goes, but that these things can also be gone in a blink of an eye.

As ABC says, "It's a story that underlines just how small the world really is, and how someone just five people away might be shaping your future right now."

"6 Degrees" is on every Thursday night at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Breast cancer: It's a disease far deadlier than any snake bite. It claims the lives of 40,000 women each year. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while there are a variety of ways to cure the disease, women and men everywhere continue to die from breast cancer due to ignorance and lack of self-awareness.

However, Pam Chambers, a program assistant in academic affairs whose mother-in-law and father-in-law were affected by cancer, agrees that "awareness" months bring about just that.

"It is 30 days to get the word out and into people's faces. (Breast cancer) isn't a hush-hush thing anymore," Chambers said. "The more education we have, the better off we are for something like this."

Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among the female population, affecting, at some time in their lives, approximately one out of seven women who reach age 90. It is an issue that affects populations worldwide, but it is also a disease that continually hits closer to home. 

Many students, staff and faculty of the Cerritos College community have been affected by the disease, whether they themselves developed breast cancer, or knew a family member of friend who was coping with it.

Margaret Taylor, a division clerk in the liberal arts department, witnessed her mother succumb to breast cancer at the tender age of 37. 

"She left a husband and three small children," she said, "I grew up thinking I would die at an early age."

Taylor believes that early detection is the best defense.

"Breast cancer is most treatable and curable when it's found early," she said. "Three methods of detection are breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and screening mammography for all women."

Yet, despite being treatable there are stats that show it may be an epidemic. According to the American Cancer Society, "Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women (after lung cancer), and the number of incidence rates has increased rapidly in the 1980s. About 1,720 new cases of breast cancer are expected in men (alone) in 2006."

But there definitely are survivors. Joan Walker, a part-time instructor in the cosmetology department, is a 13-year survivor of breast cancer.

She was first diagnosed with the disease back in 1993 when she was working full time here at the college. After a routine mammogram produced x-rays that showed what Walker calls a "spider-like growth" in her breast, her oncologist suggested surgery immediately. 

Although the surgery was a success, Walker believes it had little to do with medical reasons. 

"I was scheduled to have the surgery on a Wednesday, so that Sunday (before) I went to a Catholic healing mass," she said. 

"That Monday, I also attended a non-denominational prayer service with a group of friends; I really had faith in God.

"By Tuesday, I was questioning the need for surgery at all. However, I went through with it and when the biopsy on the tissue came back they found no traces of cancer at all. My surgeon couldn't believe it."

While Walker did have a miraculous healing, many other women are not so lucky. 

Faculty Senate Clerk Dodie O'Donnell has had breast cancer twice, but is a cancer survivor of 16 years. 

It was through her cancer that O'Donnell recognized what she wanted to do with her life.

"I hadn't gone to college when I was younger, and (the cancer) made me go back to school and start taking classes at Cerritos, a year after the first time," she said. 

"I was taking classes and working part-time, but eventually started working full-time here on campus."

O'Donnell, having lived through the disease twice over, said there's a good chance of survival if it's detected early on. 

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Representative of the 39th Congressional District of California, which includes communities such as Artesia, Cerritos and Long Beach, is no exception to the issue of breast cancer. 

Sanchez lost a "beloved and trusted member" of her staff to breast cancer this past spring; she also said her aunt had recently undergone intensive treatment after being diagnosed with the disease. 

Sanchez is an advocate to the cancer cause, raising awareness both nationally and on a more local level.

"Since coming to Congress, I've co-sponsored and supported various anti-cancer bills, including one that would provide more money for early cancer detections screenings, as well as another that would create a new postage stamp to raise awareness and funds for cancer research," she said.

She continued, "At home, my sister and I have joined thousands of other local women in doing breast cancer walks that raise money and awareness."

Although her experiences with cancer were heartbreaking, Sanchez did not let that get her down.

"I was inspired by the courage that my friend and aunt showed in dealing with cancer," she said.

"Their strength has increased my resolve to work with others to improve the ways we prevent, treat and ultimately cure cancer."

Sanchez encourages student involvement in bringing awareness to the community.

"Students can increase awareness of cancer research through a variety of ways. You can do big things, like helping organize events (such as) the Susan G. Komen 'Race for a Cure,' which raises awareness and money for breast cancer research," she said.

"You can also do something more basic - talk to your friends and your family about breast cancer, and ask them to talk to (theirs)."

While breast cancer can be a deadly disease, there are cures available and medical treatments that can be used to help eliminate the cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Gerald Tilley, a reading instructor, knows first hand about the treatments for breast cancer, as his wife had to battle it 12 years ago. 

Tilley said he "questions the value of chemotherapy in most cases."

"Statistics seem to indicate that few people live longer after having chemo than they would have without it," Tilley stated. "There are newer, less destructive methods of combating (breast cancer) and as well as some natural methods, without the serious and dangerous side effects."

He concluded, "Breast cancer is survivable. Women need to get checkups so as to catch it early."

Yet, it's a disease not exclusive to women. Because the breast is made up of identical tissues found in both males and females, neither sex is immune to it, although cases of male breast cancer account for less than one percent of the total.

Dr. Marijean Piorkowski, department chair of the physical therapists assistance program and a 12 year survivor of breast cancer, said that after her initial "shock and denial period," she was resolute on fighting the disease.

Piorkowski said she was fortunate enough to have an outpatient surgery that happened on a day she didn't have to teach; her surgery didn't have to have follow-up chemotherapy either.

She believes medical advances and research being done on breast cancer is only getting stronger and more efficient. 

"Over the last 10 to 15 years, treatment regimens have improved greatly, and they are having more successful outcomes. There are new developments every month," she said. "The chances of being around 10 years from now are much better than they used to be."

Inez Pineda-Ruelas, a buyer in the purchasing department on campus, has also witnessed first-hand how devastating a disease such as cancer can be.

Pineda-Ruelas said that while cancer was unheard of in her family, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when Pineda-Ruelas was in her thirties, shortly after having her first child.

However, the young mom did not despair.

"(You can't ever) lose hope," she said, "treatments and medications are getting better."

"My mom was diagnosed at stage 3 (of four) and more than half of the lymph nodes removed were positive (for cancer). But, she is close to hitting that four year mark in remission."

Although English instructor Renee Decter did not develop the disease, she does have extensive knowledge in the subject of breast cancer.

"I worked in medicine for a long time before becoming a professor," she said. 

"In fact, I was a 'guinea pig' on the first mammogram machines when they were being tested for use in Los Angeles. OUCH!"

Decter feels that months designated to promoting awareness definitely do their job. 

"We get caught up in our busy lives and forget about the diseases. We need to be reminded," she said.

President of the Together for Hope Chapter Brenda Warner firmly believes in the importance of being aware of a disease such as breast cancer. Her organization helps bring awareness and raise funds for breast cancer causes, through fundraisers and organized walks. 

"Students should be aware of the illness. They should know that if it's not taken care of as soon as possible it can be deadly," Warner said.

"While there are cancer survivors, there are also those that don't survive. It can be very aggressive and students need to know that it's a leading cause of death among females - plain and simple."

While many people feel that the college does an efficient job of covering the issue of breast cancer through its annual breast cancer walk, students like Alejandrina Ruiseco, undecided major, think it should do more.

"It should start having flyers or handouts on breast cancer everywhere. Have posters in the women's restrooms and lockers," she said. "Have them posted in the women's studies classrooms and just have them on counters all over the school; like the library and admissions (office). It might be costly, but it also may help."

While breast cancer death rates are down because of medical and technological advantages, earlier diagnoses and improved treatments, specialists say they continue to see too many first timers who have gone beyond the earliest stages of breast cancer.

Many believe that women put off their monthly self-examinations and yearly mammograms because of fear.

Chambers is well aware that students and young adults may be hesitant to get examined, but she encourages them not to be.

"Don't be afraid! Just do it. It doesn't hurt," she said.

"We (have) to be able to take care of our own life decisions. Don't let it get to the point of dying. The cure is out there - just be aware of it."

In one of his wisest decisions since becoming governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Bill SB 160, a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to apply for financial aid from the State.

Schwarzenegger said, in a letter to the Senate, that the State has limited funds and also noted that undocumented students in California are already receiving reduced tuition rates.

Not only that, but these undocumented residents are also receiving tuition exemptions from certain community colleges and universities through the bill known as AB 540.

Over 100,000 students, who are here in California legally, compete for financial aid annually. Many of those students don’t receive financial assistance from the state and end up having to pay much of their college tuition out of pocket, often struggling to do so.

Senator Gil Cedillo, SB 160’s sponsor, wanted to take away that financial aid from the eligible, legal residents of California and give it to those undocumented immigrants that really, have no right to financial aid.

These sorts of bills only further encourage illegal immigrants to flood into the country. If bills like this were made into laws and such, it would be a horrific situation for the nation.

It would be saying that illegal immigration is okay, and that you don’t have to follow the rules of the country, but you can still garner the benefits of legal citizens.

You might as well stamp it on your forehead now: illegal immigration, accepted everywhere.

I understand that immigrants come to this country in hopes of pursuing better career and education opportunities. However, as an illegal immigrant, you don’t have the same rights and eligibilities as a legal citizen, and you know that.

You cannot reap the benefits of a college education if you don’t abide by the rules that are in place to ensure the quality of that education.

Legal residents have dreams of accomplishing a college degree, many of which would not be able to take place if not for financial aid.

Now those dreams are being squashed by illegal immigrants who think that they have the same rights and are eligible for the same financial opportunities as legal citizens. This is not the case.

If you’re an undocumented student and want to be included in the State’s financial aid programs and open to all opportunities given to a college student, get your papers and then we’ll talk. Stop complaining about the process, how long it takes, blah blah blah. Get it done. Get an education. Move on.

I've always found it quite funny that our President resembles a monkey.

2006_09_21t141051_450x295_us_rights_un_usa

Big ears, huge hands and that awful thing he does with his mouth. No wonder why leaders of other countries don't respect him.

Although it sold over 234,000 records the first week it came out in stores, fans of the MTV series "Making the Band 3" got a disk full of disappointment with girl group Danity Kane's first album.

Danity Kane, a name originating from one member's cartoon drawing, managed to dethrone Christina Aguilera on Billboard's Top 200.

The record, which was spearheaded by Bad Boy Records CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs, has several good beats but lacks the vocals and catchy melodies that make an album great.

060830_danitykane

The quintet itself - all former amateurs - should sign themselves up for more vocal lessons with their newly acquired allowances, as the record sounds like something any unprofessional singer could throw together in a matter of months.

The vocals are practiced, manipulated and in key for the most part, but they're very weak and lack any real substance.

The record also houses the names of Bryan-Michael Cox, Jim Jonsin, Rodney Jerkins, Rami and Timberland - all veterans of the R&B circuit - but you wouldn't be able to tell that from most of the songs on the CD as they lack chart-topper potential.

"Showstopper", one of the few songs on the CD that is actually tolerable and somewhat catchy, is quickly moving up the charts, with its snap balladry and breathy moans.

"Stay With Me", a much slower song than their first single, is a sexy, whispery track that's good, but again, is not mega-hit material.

The group, however, isn't sure as to what musical genre they want to be classified in. Danity Kane has a very pop-ish sound but rather, is finding a home in the R&B section of the music store.

Danity Kane is ultimately nothing more than a consumer product Diddy has decided to manufacture for the masses.

Behind the glamorous exteriors, Danity Kane lacks the vocals and competitive edge this group needs to become an unstoppable force like previous girl groups.

Review published in this week's online edition of Talon Marks Newspaper.