February 12, 2013

Chronicle Richland

Vol. XXXVII, Issue 5, February 12, 2013 A College of the Dallas County Community College District

e e v h o t L e l m ic o fr ron Ch

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CAMPUS

T-ducks lose a nail-biter to Cedar Valley

BLANCA REYES Staff Writer

“We have to work on the offense. The offense was inconstant,” assistant coach Josip Maric said after the Thunderducks lost to Cedar Valley, 78-71.

The T-ducks played at Cedar Valley College Wednesday night. Although the score was close much of the time in the first half, Cedar Valley finished strong.

Throughout the second half, the Thunderducks had many chances to score, but the opponents had a good offense, which eventually took over.

The Suns began to score and block Tducks’ attempts. However, Richland never

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor in Chief Managing Editor Radio News Director Copy Editor Gaming Editor

stopped fighting to try to take the lead until the final buzzer.

“I feel bad. We could do a better job,” forward Chris Runnels said just after the game.

Even though they need to improve their defense, they have a few more conference games left before the playoffs and they will try to get into the national tournament, he said.

“This game was tough. We have to work on the defense and reduce the turnovers,” guard/forward Reggie Sonnier said.

The Thunderducks train strenuously six days per week for two hours.

Rebecca Banks Kisten S. Chetty Carla Davis Joyce Jackson Mary Channell

ON THE COVER A Valentine’s Day illustratoin of a cupid cat.

COVER AND FONTS Illustration

Noah Parker

Certain fonts are provided by the following: http://www.nymfont.com - http://www.bvfonts.com

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF

Fred Allen Terry Blend Hanna Foster Kyler Kent Bridget Chibouke Alice Robinson Blanca Reyes Audrey Okou Quy Le

Peter A. Hearns Ricky Miller Paulina Pytlak Noah Percival Isai Diaz Carolynn Grimes Christian Tanner Raymond Thomas Pronk Sayako Metoki

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS

Staff photos Blanca Reyes

Flex-term classes still available

HANNA FOSTER

Richlandchronicle.com February 12, 2013

Staff Writer

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Still looking to register for classes for spring 2013?

Flex term classes are still available for registration.

Richland Community College offers a variety of courses that last as long as the usual 16-week semester to classes as short as four weeks. These courses are meant to offer students an opportunity to get some of their credits and required courses done in a shorter time period.

Many different courses can be taken with a flex-term schedule. For example, the most popular classes are developmental courses, EDUC 1300, math and computer sciences.

Because they are prerequisites for future courses and majors with the potential requirement for certain developmental courses, these are often the first classes to be filled.

Flex-term classes are scheduled on a firstcome-first-served basis. As academic adviser Ryan Nelson said, registering for flexterm classes is similar to shopping on Black Friday. The popular classes are always the first to be taken. It’s best to register as early as possible.

Just a reminder – Summer 2013 registration will begin April 23 and Fall 2013 registration will begin June 11.

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. in the Fannin Performance Hall and are free to the general public. For more information about this series, contact Dr. Michael Crawford, associate dean of performing arts.

Today: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Fannin Performance Hall, Room F-102 Jan Ryberg will entertain on guitar.

Tuesday, Feb. 12: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mardi Gras Celebration Student Lounge - Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and festivities, music and free Cajucuisine. The celebration will certainly laissez les bons rouler (Let the good times roll). The event is sponsored by the Office of Student Life.

Tuesday, Feb. 12: Noon to 1 p.m.

Cafeteria stage area The Fusion Band will entertain the lunch crowd.

Thursday, Feb. 14: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Valentine’s Day Student Club Fair El Paso Hall - This is the best time to learn about the huge number of clubs available to students. Sign up in the Office of Student Life in El Paso Hall, Room E-040, if you want to reserve a table. Or, call 972-238-6130 for more information.

Thursday, Feb. 14: 11 a.m. to noon.

Cafeteria stage area The Jazz Combo will entertain today.

Erica Edwards Jack Fletcher David Goodloe Tim Jones

Steve Noviello Larry Ratliff Marshall Siegel

Spring 2013 ISSUES January 15 January 22 January 29 February 5 February 12 February 19 February 26 March 5

March 12 April 2 April 16 April 23 April 30 May 7 May 14

AWARDS ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker Finalist, 2007, 2008 1st Place - TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place - TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 Over 150 Texas college journalism awards since 2000

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

MEETINGS & POLICIES Staff meetings: Monday and Wednesday 3:15 p.m. in E-020 ------Letter Policy Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published.

Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2013

FEATURE

Take advantage of Cupid’s crafty, simple gifts

seven little compartments that can each have a special note inside to open. Small candies like Life Savers, Sweet Tarts or even the heart candy can also be used to make the gift a little sweeter.

A delicious meal and dessert is a romantic way to spend time with your sweetheart and end the day on a perfect note. Whip up their favorite dish, or you can be a romantic and make what was on the menu on your first date.

For more Valentine’s Day gifts, go to www.pintrest.com and look for gifts in the search box. Craft stores such as Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Joann’s will have more arts and craft ideas on their websites.

REBEcCA Banks Editor in Chief

We want to hear from you!

the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. After the mug is completely cooled the design will be permanent and can only be hand washed.

We all need to store something whether it is jewelry, make-up, a wallet or even tools.

Hobby Lobby has different shapes of boxes and sizes that are wood and hard cardboard Michaels has some as well, but Hobby Lobby is not as expensive.

The boxes are wonderful to decorate with paint, but getting all the colors can add up. So if you are on a tighter budget use Mod Podge to make a collage with colorful paper, tissue paper or even spell out a message or name with magazine and newspaper letters.

Sweet little notes throughout the day are a sure way to make your Valentine feel special.

You can buy a daily pill separator. They have

Post the best Valentine’s Day gift that you recieved or gave on our Facebook page.

Official Chronicle Outlets

FUTURE SOONER? CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR UPCOMING GRADUATION!

We hope you continue your education at the University of Oklahoma.

WHY OU? Quality academics • Vibrant student life • Supportive, friendly community

The Princeton Review ranks OU at top in the nation in terms of academic excellence and cost for students.

IMPORTANT DATES: Scholarship Deadline - March 1 • Summer/Fall Application Deadline - April 1 CHECK US OUT: Schedule a tour and apply online at transfer.ou.edu MORE INFORMATION: Contact your OU representative, Michael Hoggatt today to learn more about OU. Email: mhoggatt@ou.edu • Phone: 405-325-2151 • Web: transfer.ou.edu The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

Richlandchronicle.com February 12, 2013

Trying to find the perfect gift for your significant other can be difficult enough. But as college students, it may not always fit into the budget.

There’s no need to stress and wonder if your gift relays the perfect message to him or her. There are plenty of crafty and lowcost gifts.

Sure, women would love to receive that beautiful diamond jewelry. However, that is not the only thing that can sweep her off her feet. Just like women, men want to feel special on Valentine’s Day, so a thoughtful gift is a sure way to do just that.

Framing lyrics to a special song is a creative and low-cost gift. Many locations like Hobby Lobby and Michaels have discounts and coupons that will take at least 40 percent off an individual item. All you need to do is print the lyrics on paper. I recommend cardstock, and find the frame. Then, voilà, you have a thoughtful gift.

It is also perfect to frame a memorable picture, a specially written note or poem and even a picture you drew.

Coffee is a college student’s best friend.

So why not personalize a mug. You can find plain white mugs at Dollar Tree, Walmart and Target. Once you have the mug, use Sharpie markers to create your design. Then put it in

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MOVIES

Gretel, get your (bow) gun RICKY MILLER Staff Writer

Like much of the trash released in January and February, “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” comes out courtesy of MTV films and Paramount Pictures.

I think the only decent MTV flick is Richard Linklater’s “School of Rock,” mainly due to the lead performance of Jack Black.

This is a movie trying to put a spin on itself. Lo and behold, this is a total and complete (wink wink) movie. The viewer does not take the proceedings too seriously.

As in years past, this time of year is the dumping ground for leftovers from the last calendar year.

The gorgeous Gemma Arterton, who supported with brief turns in “Quantum of Solace” (as Strawberry Fields) and the horrid update of “Clash of the Titans,” just picks

up a paycheck.

Jeremy Renner, who kicked major butt in “The Bourne Legacy” and “The Avengers” just goes through the paces in this one.

One thing I didn’t care for was Hansel’s vernacular when referring to the house he used to live in. He says, “Remind me not to eat the (expletive deleted) candy.”

Also amusing is character actor Peter Stormare, who just played the heavy in “The Last Stand.” In “Witch Hunters,” he’s a small town sheriff who gets head-butted by Arterton’s Gretel.

The same goes for Famke Janssen (“Taken,” “X-Men”) who supports as one of the evil witches the siblings must face.

Like “Bullet to the Head,” “Hansel and “Gretel” was sitting on the back shelf since the middle of last year.

Grade: CImage credit Hdwallpapers.in

Gretel (Gemma Arterton) and Hansel (Jeremy Renner) couldn’t save this bad movie.

Sweet movies to see with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day RICKY MILLER

Richlandchronicle.com February 12, 2013

Staff Writer

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I’m a sucker for two things: romantic comedies and buddy-buddy movies.

“Say Anything...” falls into the former category with the underrated John Cusack starring as Lloyd Dobler, a student who thinks kickboxing is the “sport of the future.”

In this tale of mismatched love, she’s the school valedictorian, Diane Court (Ione Skye). She’s set to go overseas next year on a full-ride scholarship.

The romantic stylings of first love come courtesy of writer-director Cameron Crowe, Oscar-nominated for directing the Tom Cruise led “Jerry Maguire.”

With “Say Anything…” Lloyd Dobler gives his mantra: “I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don’t want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know as a career, I don’t want to do that.”

The personal relationships are tightly woven, especially the bond between lead Skye as Court and her father (John Mahoney).

The same strong bond also goes in the sibling duo of Cusack and his sister Constance (Joan Cusack). She gives Lloyd a hard time and says, “Why can’t you be his uncle and not

just another playmate?”

The relationships are all key to the storyline, with Lloyd hanging out with his friends Corey (Lili Taylor), D.C. (Amy Brooks) and Rebecca (Pamela Seagall).

This was Crowe’s first solo gig after writing 1983’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” He must have had a good relationship with Eric Stoltz, because here he makes an uncredited turn as Vahlere, the host of the end-of-theyear party.

Grade: A“Amélie” This little gem from the brilliant mind of Jean-Pierre Jeunet has quirky written all over it.

Audrey Tatou (“Dirty Pretty Things,” “The Da Vinci Code”) stars as a matchmaker of sorts who helps other people sort out all bits and predicaments, while forsaking her own life in the process.

The French filmmaker sets the right tones throughout, while still imploring a whimsical tale filled with surprises and twists.

Like either Woody Allen or more recently Wes Anderson, Jeunet has a distinct style all his own.

Tatou’s title character pines over a gentleman named Nino (Mathieu Kassovitz) who plays his own games in seducing her.

People who enjoy foreign flicks will have a nice romantic jaunt through the streets of Paris.

Grade: B+

Also check out More Valentine’s Day titles I enjoy: Truman Capote and Blake Edwards’ “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) “Mystic Pizza” (1988) “Housesitter” (1991) “Serendipity” (1991) “Jerry Maguire” (1997) “Love Actually” (2003) “Walk the Line” (2005)

GAME PREVIEW

‘Crysis’

management MARY CHANNELL Gaming Editor

There is another sci-fi first-person shooter sequel that is quickly approaching your game devices. Yes, it’s “Crysis 3.”

Players resume the character, Prophet, a ‘roided-out supreme soldier who can destroy armies alone and, of course, with the help of the top-notch technology of his Nanosuit.

Let’s just say the suit fits him real well. Yeah, real well my friend.

Ahem, anyway, “Crysis 3” still takes place in New York but has changed eminently since “Crysis 2.” Once the land of steel and concrete, it is now overwhelmed with Mother Nature and is encased in a biodome.

Players will be able to roam the visually

breathtaking world of New York’s jungle filled with innovative combat and revolutionary hi-tech alien and human weaponry.

Crytek Studios gave us gamers a nice little gesture by including space to brutally take down enemies while in combat and to make sure that you are in the right spot for their set explosions and cut scenes.

A first-person shooter isn’t a shooter without its guns. Prophet will be able to use an advanced cutting-edge compound bow which will be by your side throughout the game. Players will also be able to use new alien and Nanosuit technology to exterminate enemies of the Cell Corporations.

“Crysis 3” will be released Feb. 19 and will be available on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC platforms.

Image credit Onlysp.com

GREATNESS is...

Through UNT’s merchandising program, I’ve had experiences I wouldn’t have anywhere else. Interaction with fashion industry leaders and opportunities to experience the business firsthand have given me new insights to support my dream of opening a couture boutique.

— junior Whitney Green-Jones, majoring in merchandising

you’re invited to take a transfer tour

unt.edu/begreat | 940-565-4104

AA/EOE/ADA

© 2013 UNT

Richlandchronicle.com February 12, 2013

helpinG others find their personal style.

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The difficult decision

Opinion

Is there no middle ground?

REBECCA BANKS Editor in Chief

Richlandchronicle.com February 12, 2013

Abortion is a hot topic that packs a punch in every discussion or, should I say, argument. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the controversial case of Roe v. Wade.

Now, more than ever, politicians and individuals are taking their stands as the society continues to try to hammer out a solution on the matter.

The case sparked an outcry from individuals who believe it is murder to terminate a pregnancy because the life of the fetus is created during contraception; a dominant reason and permanent stand for the pro-life movement.

It is by far one of the most difficult decisions that a woman can make. Other possible options should be considered, such as adoption. According to the website, www. texasrighttolife.com, 30 to 40 couples are waiting to adopt for every infant put up for adoption.

I also believe that it is the woman’s responsibility to take careful precautions such as birth control if she is not ready to be pregnant or even abstinence until she reaches a mature age and completely understands that sex has consequences.

Let’s face it. We live in a society where young adults and even teens are having sex at an earlier age, so it is important to show them preventive methods to avoid a possible devastating situation.

The website, www.guttmacher.org, reports that 99 percent of women between the ages

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of 15-44 who have had sexual intercourse have used a form of birth control.

It is also important for women to understand abortion procedures and costs.

According to the Texas Department of

“We live in a society where young adults and even teens are having sex at an earlier age, so it is important to show them preventive methods to avoid a possible devastating situation.”

State Health Services, the state requires that the doctor inform the woman of the procedure, complications and cost. Twentyfour hours before the procedure, a sonogram is required.

Many factors attribute to the cost, such as the procedure and most importantly the term

of the pregnancy.

The National Abortion Federation website, www.prochoice.org, states that the cost of an abortion is $350 at a clinic and $500 at a physician’s office for the first six to 10 weeks of the pregnancy. The cost continues to rise to the thousands as the pregnancy progresses.

Some individuals believe that the government should fund abortion procedures. I disagree. With the nation divided on the subject, I can only see that by having government funding will cause more uproar and anger.

The Hyde Amendment, passed in 1977, prohibits government funding of an abortion unless it involves rape or incest or if the life of the woman is threatened.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures website, www.ncsl.org, the Affordable Care Act that will take affect next year will also carry the same requirements.

Under the circumstances of a woman being raped, I believe that the women should have the option. Is it right for society and government to persecute a woman who was forced into a horrendous situation and decides to make an intractable decision?

A situation that already caused emotional and physical turmoil and then led to an unwanted pregnancy should not be forced upon anyone.

Abortion is certainly not a light-hearted choice and often takes an emotional toll. It is important for women to take the responsibility to be informed and take the necessary precautions because it is forever a life-changing decision.

Idris Chandler, 32, philosophy: “It’s a woman’s choice. Men don’t get a vote.”

Which statement best represents your opinion about abortion?

I am pro-life and believe that there are other options women should choose.

I am pro-choice and I believe that it is the right of women. Society should not decide for them.

I believe that it should be allowed only in cases of rape, incest and to save the life of the woman.

We want to hear from you!

Post your answer at www.richlandchronicle.com

Steven Glover, 25, music: “I don’t think we should tell people what they can or can’t do.”

between life and liberty

Opinion

CHRISTIAN TANNER Staff Writer

America is a country that promotes freedom and choices, not rules. In 1973, Roe v.

Wade was a class action lawsuit of choices versus rules.

We must remind ourselves that aborting a developing human being is a health issue, not a criminal justice issue.

A woman should never be put in jail because she made the choice to abort her child.

We must remember that if someone is so desperate to get an abortion, fear could grow on a woman with no mercy, causing her to go about the issue in dangerous ways.

In the 1960s, it was believed that by sticking a wire through the cervix, and moving the wire around a bit, it would cause an infection and terminate the pregnancy. It worked.

It has been commonly misconstrued that pro-choice advocates are “pro-abortion.”

Hillary Clinton once said, “I have met thousands and thousands of pro-choice men and women. I have never met anyone who is proabortion.”

I think it’s safe to say when someone considers aborting, or a friend or family member comes to us for advice, we propose such options as adoption.

However, if a woman makes the choice to abort a pregnancy, we should show her our support along the way. It’s her personal choice. It’s my job as an American to promote freedom for everyone. I’m not going to pick and choose which freedoms one should or shouldn’t have.

It’s a woman’s body. Women have the

Mona Dirbashi , 22 , speech pathology: “It’s a free country. I don’t think anyone has a right to tell a woman what to do with her body until the heart starts beating and it’s a new life.”

right to determine when they are ready to have a baby. There shouldn’t be a bunch of men sitting in an office creating laws determining what women can and cannot do with their bodies.

Does life begin at conception or birth?

This has been a an ongoing debate for many years, and Americans have remained split. A child’s age begins when they’re born, not when they’re conceived.

A baby doesn’t come out of the womb at 9 months old. Life begins at birth.

However, with that said, I would only sup port one’s decision of aborting a developing human being in the first trimester. Some studies suggest that a fetus may feel pain as early as 24 weeks.

Is the total number of abortions affected whether legal or illegal?

The answer is no. However, the rate of maternal mortality or morbidity has declined since legalization. If made illegal, a woman would resort to illegal clinics and/or untrained professionals who resort to the 1960s method discussed above. That would put women’s lives in danger.

Nearly 42 million women worldwide choose to have an abortion, while half of them do so illegally.

Approximately 25 percent of the world’s population lives in countries with strict abortion laws.

Pro-life advocates have a great mindset, however, criminalizing abortion would go against their main testimonies; that is, aborting only if the pregnancy poses a threat to the mother’s life. If made illegal, it would pose a threat to each and every woman who decides to get an abortion. The fact is, if they want it, they’ll get it. It’s plain and simple and they should have the choice to undergo a safe procedure.

Also, if your argument against abortion is from a religious standpoint, that’s fine. This is America,. We have freedom of religion.

No religion should force someone who -Hillary Clinton doesn’t believe. It’s that simple.

After searching through a number of blogs in my attempts to touch on each argument held within pro-life advocates, I’ve noticed a lot of commenters stating, “keep your legs closed!” How hypocritical.

Some may argue if you make the personal choice to have sex, then you’re taking on the responsibility of possibly becoming pregnant. That’s easy for one to say. However, once put in the general situation, you could find yourself considering your options.

The main issue concerning abortion, one that I barely touched on earlier is, is abortion murder?

A woman who is having a baby has an unconditional affection toward her future child.

These feelings are natural in our society, and if one is to have a miscarriage, it’s devastating

to the family.

The Chinese have a one-child law. I remember seeing a story on CNN in early 2012 where a woman spoke about her forced abortion. She was going to have her second child.

She heard a bang on the door. Her husband answered to law enforcement barging into their apartment, beating her husband.

Then they dragged her down fights of stairs and took her to the local hospital to have an abortion.

After the abortion, her demeanor was nothing that I expected. She remained calm throughout the interview, answering each question without hesitation.

“I felt empty inside,” she said with little expression.

If this happened in America, in today’s society, there would be an outrage. There would be a revolt.

I’m not saying that our demeanor should be such as the woman who underwent a forced abortion. I’m using it as an example.

If someone gets an abortion, she most likely does not possess the same affection toward a fetus as a woman with a planned pregnancy.

Neither is wrong, so it is impossible to determine whether or not it is murder.

If you dig deep into the meaning of such terms as murder, person and individual, you’ll find that it is, in fact, not murder. However, that completely disregards all factors of value and affection, which is why abortion remains one of the biggest controversies.

The United States is a country by the people, for the people and of the people. The people have spoken for the last 40 years.

Abortion must remain legal.

Ahmed Rashed, 48, math professor: “I’m pro-choice. It’s the woman’s body; she should have the choice.”

Hunter Jackson, 25, biology pre-med: “I personally don’t like it. I was adopted. People should adopt more. Ultimately, it’s up to her. I can see how in the case of rape, it’s probably a good thing.”

Howard Clapper, 64, staff: “Everyone has a right to their own opinion.

As a female, you should have a right to choice for your life, your body, and your values … and I’m a Catholic.”

“I have met thousands and thousands of pro-choice men and women. I have never met anyone proabortion.”

Richlandchronicle.com February 12, 2013

Abortion – it must remain legal

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C

Richlandchronicle.com February 12, 2013

Class of 2013

MeeT Chris

hris, a music major and graduate of Celina High School, chose to attend A&M-Commerce after being admitted to the Honors College and hearing the wind ensemble play at the Evening at the Eisemann.

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“I was blown away by the quality of music I heard, and by the scholarship I was offered,” Chris said.

Two of Chris’ favorite classes, The 1960s: A Nation Divided and Cinema, Philosophy and the Political, complemented his music studies by delving into the human experience, something that Chris feels is at the root of music appreciation.

“Most everything that is a part of American culture today finds its roots (or at least influences) in the turbulence of the 1960s, and many of the issues aroused during that time are still issues today, issues which demand not only solutions, but a better knowledge of their origins to find those solutions.”

It’s Steinway Artist, Dr. Luis Sanchez, an internationally acclaimed pianist and Chris’ piano professor, however, that inspires him to excel in music.

“I have had (and hopefully will continue to have) the privilege of studying piano with Dr. Luis Sanchez over the past few years,” Chris said. “Dr. Sanchez is genuinely concerned for the educational, physical, and emotional welfare of his students. He is everpatient in teaching us what it means to be a musician.

SCAN thiS QR CODE to learn more about Chris, see his video profile and learn how Texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future.

WWW.TAMUC.EDU • 903.886.5000 or 888.868.2682 A Member of The Texas A&M University System