Chronicle Richland
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Vol. XXXVIII, Issue 15 December 3, 2013 A College of the Dallas County Community College District
Congratulations to Richland’s soccer team
Also inside: Final exam schedule Pg. 9 Pg. 11 Facing facial hair
Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013
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Ambitious Minds want to grow:
Looking for solutions to the community’s problems Joyce Jackson Copy Editor
Staff photo Khaled Al-Wajih
Rosa Siguenza concentrates on the president at the first-ever meeting of the Young Ambitious Minds group at Richland. The president explained to members step-by-step about how to club is going to be formed.
Dauphin, an economics major, will graduate in June 2014.
Upcoming events
Each week, the Division of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts at Richland College presents its Recital Series. All performances are on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. and are free to the general public. For more information about the series, contact Derrick Logozzo, coordinator of music, at 972-238-6254.
Today: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. There will be a vocal honors recital. Tonight: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Student composers’ concert Everyone is invited to listen to the works composed by students of Richland music professor Jordan Kuspa. Tonight: 7:30 to 9 p.m. World Beat Concert The Richland Percussion Group (RPG) and steel bands will perform. Dec. 4, Wednesday: Noon to 1 p.m. Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Singers Cafeteria stage Enjoy a relaxing lunch while listening to some good music and beautiful songs.
Thursday, Dec. 5: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dance Jam Outdoor breezeway between Lavaca and Fannin Halls Richland dance students invite you to celebrate the joy of movement as they perform. Monday – Thursday: Dec. 9-12 Finals Week
Meetings are held every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in Kiowa Hall, Room K-105. The club
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Richland Collegiate High School students Becky Rogers and Nick Dauphin, both 18, hope to make a difference in the community. It’s their third semester here. Rogers is putting together a new club called Young Ambitious Minds. They already have 13 members, but the club isn’t official yet. “We’re developing our mission,” Rogers said. In every meeting, potential club members have an open forum where they discuss world and local issues. Their first meeting was Nov. 13, but even though the semester is ending soon, the two plan on continuing meetings next semester. “We find a problem and then find a solution,” Rogers said. Now that the holiday season is here, Rogers and Dauphin are organizing a canned food drive to target Richland students. They’re working on getting tables and booths set up for it. “We appreciate intelligence,” Rogers said. “We don’t shut people down for their ideas. No one member has more power than the other. We’re all equal. That’s the diversity of it. It’s a unique group.” Both Rogers, an accounting major, and
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news/CamPUS
Thou shalt not tolerate,
courtesy of the Westboro Baptist Church Dealey Plaza played host to members of the Westboro Baptist church, who were protesting the presidency of John F. Kennedy. On Nov. 20 members of the church, which has a long history of staging controversial protests, directed their criticism and placards toward JFK. Their issue with the late president centered around his lifestyle and his policies. Below: A counterprotester makes fun of the church’s stances. Center: A Westboro Baptist Church supporter displays her sentiments on placards. Right: More church supporters display their controversial anti-gay message.
Richlandchronicle.com Decemver 3, 2013
Chronicle photos by Justin Guerra-Yanger
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Guitars played with gusto at Richland recital PETE SHANNON Staff Writer
One-hundred and twenty strings were stirringly strummed and pleasingly plucked by 200 fretful fingers at Richland’s noontime Guitar Ensemble Concert in Fannin Hall on Nov. 19. You can do the math to determine that 20 players were on stage, but you had to actually be there to fully enjoy their performance. The group of 19 guys plus one gal was ably directed by classical guitar instructor, Jan Ryberg. Together they played a brief sampling from the classical and contemporary guitar repertoire, plus five featured works composed or arranged by Richland students David Espinosa, Peter Choe, Richard Verde, Michael Brock and Damon Craig. While such a large gathering of guitars stroked in unison can occasionally waver in tempo, this class was marvelously on target
as it romped through its menu of music. Especially impressive were the two solos in Vivaldi’s “Andante” shared by Choe and Steve Fyrdman, the second-place winner in the recent Collin County guitar competition. “Pedro’s Rumba,” a piece both composed and performed by Choe was a real toe-tapper, as was “Japanese Cowboy” by Espinosa. And Ryberg, a well-known local classical guitarist, was outstanding in his rendition of “Gerudo Valley” by Koji Kondo, arranged by Craig. It’s always interesting to observe the seriousness and intensity with which people play the guitar in public performances. That’s because it’s not an easy instrument to control, and there’s so much going on between the two hands as one set of digits wanders up and down the fingerboard while the thumb and fingers of the other hand must choose and pluck just the proper corresponding string and no other. When beautiful, expressive music escapes from this complex situ-
ation, the player must sense a certain silent awe, so it seems appropriate that so few overt facial expressions appear. But if the skillful musicians in Fannin Hall
had been any less focused on their task, they might have noticed the attentive appreciation by which their performance was followed by their avidly applauding audience.
SPORTS
Thunderducks end the season with a trophy Sports Editor
After a long season for Richland’s men’s soccer team to sharpen its skills, the Thunderducks are back home with a well-deserved trophy for third-place in the nation. During the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship tourney held Nov. 14-17 in Herkimer, N.Y., the Thunderducks played against some of the best teams in the nation including host team Herkimer County Community College. Head coach Sean Worley said that the tournament was good and Richland’s players were excellent, with a great attitude throughout. “We won the first game against Bunker Hill … probably one of the most dangerous teams there,” Worley said. That victory gave the Richland team not only a chance to advance to the next level but to do so with more confidence in its skills, according to Worley. Although Richland dominated the first game by a wide margin, the second game, against the host, resulted in a frustrating loss. This loss was crucial because it eliminated Richland from championship contention.
“It was a very difficult game because the referee and the crowd took us out of the game.
“Clearly, those yellow cards were not deserved.” — Sean Worley It was very difficult to stay focused because it is difficult to go to Herkimer and play Herkimer,” Worley said. Worley explained that even though the Thunderducks are responsible for the game’s result, the referees played an important role in the rhythm of the game. The Thunderducks received four yellow cards in the first half, something unusual for the team which, until that game, had gotten just five yellow cards during the entire season. Also, Worley said that there were a couple thousand Herkimer fans which did not help the Thunderducks, who were already hurt by the penalties. “We are the only league in the world that has had to substitute on the yellow card. The
referee stopped the clock. We had a substitute going in and out,” Worley said. “Clearly, those yellow cards were not deserved.” Worley also said that one of their top players, Kierre Woods, who had never gotten a yellow card before, had one during the first minutes of the game, and had to wait until the second half to continue playing. Worley said that while the loss was not the referee’s fault, the officiating affected Richland’s performance. “We should be No. 1,” midfielder Neil Skidmore said. Skidmore explained that, during the first minutes, the Thunderducks received yellow cards and it was frustrating for the team. However, in the game for third place, the Thunderducks beat Montgomery, 4-1. Overall, the players and the coaches are happy with their performance during the tournament. Some coaches were amazed at Richland’s skills, especially in the last game. “I had many coaches who were very positive in how the boys played the third game. The coaches there were very impressed,” Worley said. For more information on the men’s soccer team or other Richland teams, visit www.rlc.dcccd.edu, stop by Guadalupe hall, G-116 or call 972-238-6243.
Photo courtesy www.njcaa.org
Thunderducks’ head coach Sean Worley holds the third-place trophy next to tournament directors Donald Dotcher, left, Richard Dawkins, (Worley) and Mick McDaniel.
Photo courtesy Neil Kidmore
Midfielder Neil Skidmore holds Richland’s third-place trophy, although he says the Thunderducks deserve better.
Photo courtesy www.njcaa.org
Thunderducks’ defender Jack Miller, front, heads the ball against Montomery College during the NJCAA tournament.
Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013
blanca reyes
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Movies
‘Catching Fire,’ setting box-office sales aflame RICKY MILLER
Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013
Entertainment Editor
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There is a line from “The Godfather: Part III” when Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone states, “Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in!” He is referring to his desire to leave the mob lifestyle and go completely legitimate in everything Corleone related. That is essentially what occurs in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” wherein the victors have to go back to the games because an anniversary occurs with the 75th occurrence with the quarter quell (marking another 25-year extension of The Hunger Games). All of the cast return for round two, especially Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdine, The Girl On Fire. At her side is Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellaerk, the breadmaker who has been pining from afar. Also in love with her is Liam Hemsworth’s Gale Hawthorne, Katniss’ best friend and hunter/partner. Donald Sutherland of “M*A*S*H” and the Oscar-winning “Ordinary People” returns as Snow, the dictator of the fictional Panem, who essentially wants Katniss gone from the planet. New to the proceedings is Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, the gamemaker who aids Snow in his quest to get rid of Katniss. Also returning are Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz and Stanley Tucci. Harrelson’s Haymitch Abernathy is one
Image courtesy deviantart.com, wallzonehd.com
of the few survivors of The Hunger Games competition to still be alive. Banks is Effiee Trinkett, a coach of sorts who is always big on manners and the like. Kravitz is Cenna, the stylist who always makes Katniss shine to the nines. Tucci returns as emcee Caesar Flickerman, the one person whose job never seems to be in jeopardy. Also returning is Willow Shields as Primm, Katniss’ fragile younger sister who has done a great job of becoming stronger while Katniss was away. Like his slick work on “Constantine” and “I Am Legend,” director Francis Lawrence is helming another tale of hope and desire. With “Catching Fire,” Lawrence uses the right degree of suspense coupled with intensity and drama. The studio behind the flick, Lionsgate, has the rest of the trilogy planned. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” will be released in two parts. The first part will hit screens in 2014. The other half in 2015. Also of note in “Catching Fire” is that a pair of the actors have played Truman Capote. Toby Jones starred in 2006’s “Infamous,” which also featured Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee. Hoffman won an Oscar for his role one year prior in “Capote.” A movie that makes no bones about its intentions, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” does what it’s supposed to do: leave the viewers longing for more. Grade: B
Campus
The gym in Guadalupe Hall was filled with dancers young and old during the 15th annual Native American Powwow held on Nov. 16. Powwow participants join in the opening ceremony parade at the beginning of the event (upper left). There were also tiny dancers, above right, grass dancers, center left, chicken dancers, center, fancy dancers, bottom right, and many others. All of the tribes gather after the beginning ceremony and dance around the drum circle, bottom left, which sounds a traditional beat and encourages the crowd to join in the ceremony.
Staff photos by Melanie Brandow
Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013
15th Annual Native American PowWow
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Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013
Campus
Fall 2013 Final Exam Schedule
If your class time does not fit into one of the time frames on the exam schedule, please contact the instructor.
Exam Time
Exam Date
MWF MWF MWF MWF MWF MW MW MW
7 a.m. - 7:55 a.m. 8 a.m. - 8:55 a.m. 9:05 a.m. - 10 a.m. 10:10 a.m. - 11:05 a.m. 11:15 a.m. - noon. 12:20 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. 1:50 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. 3:20 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.
7 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. 8 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. 9:05 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. 10:10 a.m. - noon. 11:15 a.m. - 1:05 a.m. 12:20 a.m. - 2:10 p.m. 1:50 p.m. - 3:40 p.m. 3:20 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.
M W M W M W M W
Dec 9 Dec 11 Dec 9 Dec 11 Dec 9 Dec 11 Dec 9 Dec 11
TR TR TR TR TR TR F F Sa Sa Su
8 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. 11 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. 12:30 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. 2 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. 3:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. 1:20 p.m. - 4:20 p.m. 2:20 p.m. - 5:10 p.m. 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 1 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. 1 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
8 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. 9:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. 11 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. 12:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m. 2 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. 3:30 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. 1:20 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. 2:20 p.m. - 4:10 p.m. Last Class Meeting Last Class Meeting Last Class Meeting
T R T R T R F F Sa Sa Su
Dec 10 Dec 12 Dec 10 Dec 12 Dec 10 Dec 12 Dec 6 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 7 Dec 8
Class Time
Exam Time
Exam Date
MW
5:40 p.m. - 7 p.m.
5:40 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
M
Dec 9
MW MW MW M M M W
7:05 p.m. - 8:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 9:50 p.m. 9:55 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 8:25 p.m. 7:05 p.m. - 9:50 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 8:25 p.m.
7:05 p.m. - 8:55 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 10:20 p.m. 9:55 p.m. - 11:45 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 7:35 p.m. - 9:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 10:20 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
W M W M M M W
Dec 11 Dec 9 Dec 11 Dec 9 Dec 9 Dec 9 Dec 11
W W TR TR TR TR T T T R R R F F
7:05 p.m. - 9:50 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. 7:05 p.m. - 8:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 9:50 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 9:50 p.m. 9:55 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 8:25 p.m. 7:05 p.m. - 9:50 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 8:25 p.m. 7:05 p.m. - 9:50 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. 6 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
7:05 p.m. - 8:55 p.m. 9 p.m. - 10:50 p.m. 7:05 p.m. - 8:55 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 10:20 p. m. 8:30 p.m. - 10:20 p.m. 9:55 p.m. - 11:45 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 7:35 p.m. - 9:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. - 10:20 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 7:05 p.m. - 8:55 p.m. 9 p.m. - 10:50 p.m. 6 p.m. - 7:50 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.
W W R T T R T T T R R R F F
Dec 11 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 12 Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 12 Dec 12 Dec 12 Dec 6 Dec 6
Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013
Evening Classes
Class Time
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CamPUS
Finals are here, but there is help for students DAKOTA CORTEZ Staff Writer
Studying and mentally preparing for finals can get stressful and be a bit scary. As tempting as simply studying the night before the big day can be, it’s never the best choice. Acing finals requires studying ahead of time and getting the necessary help before the infamous Dead Week. Richland provides a great deal of free resources to aid students in surviving their finals without crying, pulling all their hair out, or in the worst-case scenario, failing a test. The prime resources are the Learning Center located in Medina Hall, Room M-216, and the Science Corner located upstairs in Sabine Hall just above the book store. The Learning Center offers tutoring in all major subjects including economics, history and government, accounting, math, psychology and reading and writing by appointment. There are tutors readily available to help each student. Jaime Hurtado, who is the head of developmental math (DMAT) tutoring, feels that the stress of finals week mainly stems from students “not being able to find a balance between things like work, family and so on with studying and school.”
He welcomes students who are struggling with open arms – tutoring is on a walk-in basis for DMAT and tutors are there to go over tests, homework and to share online, on-campus and off-campus resources that can help. Khoi Ly, who is also with DMAT tutoring said that “the tutors don’t consider the students stupid.” He encourages students to use the tutoring that is available at the Learning Center and to not feel intimidated. English and reading tu-
ules to see what time tutors are going to be available for the subject they need. Instructors are usually not available during finals week, but other tutors are definitely going to be available to help out. Welcoming and helpful, the Learning Center and Science Corner are great resources for anyone struggling with their studies. Oneon-one review sessions are an option, as well as group review sessions. Give this opportunity a try because it just might be the thing that will make you ace that
Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013
Kisten S. Chetty Christian Tanner Lora Advincula Blanca Reyes Isai Diaz Ricky Miller Carla Davis Bubba Washington Jr. Joyce Jackson
ON THE COVER After winning third place at nationals, the Richland’s Men’s soccer team pose for a group photo, showing off their new trophy.
COVER AND FONTS Image credit www.njcaa.com Certain fonts are provided by the following: http://www.nymfont.com - http://www.bvfonts.com
Pete Shannon Melanie Brandow Gabriel Flores Peter Alexander Hearns Dakota Cortez Shikha Veronica Jacob Alana King Jonathan Lee
toring is by appointment only, but the tutors are often handy to go through old essays and identify errors, help out with planning, etc. The Science Corner is also an extremely helpful resource. Xiang-Ning Song, a physics professor, strongly encourages students to come to the Science Corner. During finals week, he suggests that students check sched-
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exam! Studying one to two weeks in advance, especially for the harder subjects like science and math, is the best way to ensure a good grade on your finals. Never psych yourself out before a big exam, and always remember that you’ve made it this far and you can and will make it through a couple more tests.
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CONTACT INFORMATION El Paso Hall, Room E-020, 12800 Abrams Rd. Dallas, 75243 Newsroom: 972-238-6079 E-mail: chronicle@dcccd.edu Advertising: 972-238-6068 E-mail: advertise@dcccd.edu Fax: 972-238-6037
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opinion
Remember, remember the beards of November Staff Writer
Throughout November you may have noticed scraggly beards and overgrown goatees. I assure you this was no accident. No Shave November is the cause of the “Duck Dynasty” lookalike and ZZ Top-inspired facial accessories (beards). No Shave November’s roots stem back to Melbourne, Australia. In 2003 a movement dubbed Movember (Mo for mustache) was founded by 30 “Mo Bros” and “Mo Sistas” in an effort to raise men’s health awareness. Movember is a 30-day challenge where participants shave their faces completely and then grow out their facial hair for the entire month. All the while sparking conversations on why their beards are unkempt and the meaning behind it. To date Movember has raised over $446 million and funded 477 projects across 21 countries. During November I’ve had some interesting run-ins with other bearded fellows. I’ve met people who had their beards for longer than I’ve been able to walk. I’ve been asked countless times why I don’t shave it off or trim it. Most of the opposition came from my mother and grandmother who preferred my baby face over my own rendition of the Brawny paper towel man. I, on
Image courtesy jimperkins.ca
The No Shave November (also known as Movember) challenge has raised millions of dollars for charities and projects around the world.
ed to finally stick with it. For me, although I was unable to participate in raising funds for the cause, growing out my beard gave me satisfaction in knowing I was doing it as commemoration, not only to my grandfather but others around the world
who’ve dealt with the same. I’m excited to say that my beard is here to stay! Although November is over, the beard must grow on. I’m looking forward to seeing what next November has in store for the bearded ones.
Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013
gabriel Flores
the other hand, think that I am giving the Brawny man a run for his money. Much to my surprise, I get compliments on my beard more than I expected. Things like, “Nice beard, bro!” or questions like, “How long did it take to grow it out?” When I hear things like that it makes those itchy nights and undiscovered crumbs woven into my face worthwhile. My sisters, on the other hand, have taken a less practical way in complimenting my beard, calling me a “well-dressed hobo” or, my favorite, a “well-off homeless man.” It’s been a struggle at times to fight the urge to rid myself of this thing I call a beard. But, oddly enough, I’ve grown attached to it. I feel like I’ve put so much effort into it. This has been my third year doing No Shave November. Personally, I had always been a willing participant simply because I thought it would be fun to see how long I could grow my beard. Now that I know about No Shave November, my view on it has changed dramatically. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I found out where the phenomena came from. The men in my family have a history of prostate cancer and my grandfather lost his battle with the disease when I was a young child. With that knowledge, I was motivat-
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Richlandchronicle.com December 3, 2013