CHRONICLE Richland
Vol. XL Issue 14 November 18, 2014
Vets reflect: Pg. 6 Richlandchronicle.wordpress.com
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More sense for fewer dollars. You’re closer than you think.
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CAMPUS/SPORTS
JOYCE JACKSON Copy Editor
We are definitely living in the Information Age, which some people may think is great. But in Stephen Karam’s contemporary comedy, “Speech & Debate,” online chatting causes some real complications among three high school teens. Director Gregory Lush said, “I was looking for a modern contemporary play that spoke like our students speak. This play talks about a lot of subjects that we tend to be really uncomfortable with and that we don’t like to talk about.” “Speech” dwells on several controversial issues related to teen life: abortion, pregnancy, religion, homosexuality, sexual misconduct and political scandals. The plot concerns three teenage misfits, Howie, Diwata and Solomon, coming together at North Salem High School in Salem, Ore. They try to form a speech and debate club so that they have a voice in discussing contemporary issues that are important to them, because all of the adults in their lives are shutting them down. Carter Brown takes on the role of Howie, 18, a new transfer student and a gay teen who trolls online chat rooms for prospective partners and unexpectedly stumbles upon a sex scandal. His main goal is to establish a gay/straight alliance club at school, but he’s not having much luck. Janette Sanchez plays Diwata, 17, head of the Speech & Debate Club who maintains an online video blog and imagines herself as a Broadway musical star, in spite of continuously being rejected for specific roles. Solomon, 16, played by Johnny Blanford,
is a nosy student newspaper reporter for Salem’s high school paper longing for that big story. He struggles with his homosexuality, which doesn’t become apparent until the end of the play. Also, he readily investigates some political aspects to the play which involve the mayor, the high school drama teacher and a sex scandal because of the hypocritical lifestyle those in power lead. Bridget Condra plays two roles, as a teacher and reporter Jan Clark for The Oregonian newspaper, who is interested in doing a story on how the threesome came together. All four actors are Richland drama students. Condra was last seen in Richland’s production of “Frog and Toad” and Blanford in “The Nerd,” last semester. Both have been in other RLC productions as well. Lush said he defines “Speech” as a serious comedy in that it brings up very serious issues, but it’s funny in the way that it treats them. There’s music, there’s all kinds of singing, there’s actually a full dance number in it. “I love that it doesn’t try to solve any of them,” Lush said. “It really doesn’t take a side. It just kind of presents them. But, the Image courtesy Jennifer Curtiss play is absolutely for mature audiences.” Lush said the play is about the three teens finding their voices. “Ultimately, the show is a journey of discovery as these young people kind of make that transition from a teenager to being a young adult,” he said. “It’s about their growing pains on that journey.” “Speech & Debate” will run at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday in the Arena Theater in Fannin Hall, Room 108. For more information call 972-238-3733.
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T-Ducks kick it up a notch at nationals DORIS BROGAN Editor-in-Chief
Richland’s women’s and men’s soccer teams both advanced in their national tournaments Thursday. The Lady Thunderducks were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. They took the win during penalty kicks, eliminating host team Ocean County College from the tournament.
The men’s team won its first round match, beating Bunker Hill Community College 5-2. At press time, both teams were playing in the semi-finals against the best remaining teams in the nation. For the latest updates, check Official Chronicle Outlets at Facebook.com, @ChronicleDCCCD on Twitter and richlandchronicle.wordpress.com.
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‘Speech & Debate’: A touching tale of teen misfits
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ENTERTAINMENT
‘Constantine’:
Something old, nothing new CHARLIE VANN
‘
Richlandchronicle.wordpress.com November 18, 2014
Staff Writer
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NBC has another supernatural show that viewers can tune into on Friday nights. “Constantine,” starring Matt Ryan, is about John Constantine, a man haunted by his past and forced to defend our world from dark forces. You might remember the 2005 “Constantine” movie starring Keanu Reeves. Constantine is a comic book character from the DC Comics universe. The character first appeared in a 1984 issue of “The Swamp Thing.” After watching the first three episodes of “Constantine,” I do like Ryan as Constantine. He is very believable, and I might even say he is a better fit for the character than Reeves. I do have mixed feelings about this show, though. Although I am excited to see more comic bookbased TV series on network television, “Constantine” doesn’t stand out like newer DC comic shows such as “The Flash” and “Gotham.” I don’t really see anything different with this supernatural show that I haven’t seen before. I know the Constantine comic is intense and maybe I am just waiting for more intense creatures of the darkness to appear. In Episode 3, we saw a dark force trapped inside an old vinyl record. I think that was an interesting concept, but it just didn’t put me on edge. I feel the show could do better with the struggle of the evil beings that he has to face. I feel like the fight between him and the dark forces is not much of a challenge. If you watched the movie version, which goes in its own direction from the comic, you see more of a struggle. When I watch a supernatural show like CW Network’s “Supernatural,” I feel there is more of a battle with the lead characters and the dark forces they are fighting. I do think this show has good substance. I just want to see more excitement in it. Some shows like this, however, don’t pick up until mid-season. I wonder; will we see something big happen that will draw you in more? “Constantine” could be a great show if it delivers more shocking or edgy beings from the otherworld. Of course, they might not be able to make it too edgy on NBC. For now, this show is average.
Through a wormhole darkly RICKY MILLER Entertainment Editor
“Interstellar” must be seen on the big screen or IMAX, because as much as you want to move and get comfortable, you will be transfixed by director Christopher Nolan’s all-encompassing light show (about 12 minutes) he gives viewers in the first reel of the movie. I was actually mesmerized and surprised by how much the sound can affect the way one watches the movie. I have a feeling this was what filmmakers were trying to do back in the 1970s with the George Segal-led “Rollercoaster” and John Frankenheimer’s Super Bowl-set drama “Black Sunday.” Matthew McConaughey is Cooper, a farmer, father and jack-of-all trades do-gooder. He’s is asked to put together a skeleton crew of former NASA employees for a mission to find a substitute for dying Planet Earth. To get there, they must venture through deep space and travel through a wormhole on the outskirts of Saturn. On his team are Brand (Anne Hathaway,
Image courtesy hashtagstudios.com
Ricky’s Take
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’: “Les Misérables,” “The Dark Knight Rises”), Doyle (Wes Bentley, “American Beauty,” “The Hunger Games”) and Romilly (David Gyasi, “Cloud Atlas”). Of course, it wouldn’t be a movie without some dry spells. Nolan makes sure they are few and far between, resulting in a lengthy flick that never really feels like such an extensive pill to swallow. It runs a shade under three hours (169 minutes), but the time results in a worthwhile journey. “Interstellar” viewers are also treated to the hero’s use of Morse Code as a way of dealing with certain dilemmas. I think that Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” which some people are comparing to “Interstellar,” is slightly overrated. That may be because I never watched it while using illicit substances. As much as I admire and respect it, I have to Kubrick’s space adventure a so-so grade of a B-. Nolan’s journey here is one of sheer amazement. Like his amazing flick “The Prestige,” this one will receive a repeat viewing from this critic. Grade: A-
Staff illustration Isai Diaz
“Dumb and Dumber To” — The dimwits of the overrated comedy re- NEW TO VIDEO here, a former assassin-for-hire who gets pulled back into turn in this unnecessary follow up that has knuckleheads Lloyd Christ- “Maleficent” — The evil queen of “Sleeping Beauty” gets a starring seething underworld he title thought he leftthe behind. with Angelina Jolie as the character, evil queen (Elle mas (Jim Carrey, (“Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,”) and Harry Dunne vehiclethe “Birdmanfacing or (“The Unexpected Virtue ofa long-lost Ignorance”) - This is anB-intriguing tale Fanning,“Stonehearst (“We Bought aAsylum” Zoo”) theC+ naïve princess. (Jeff Daniels, “Speed,”) predicaments involving B - Michael Keaton is a washed-up actor staging a oneabout various of a mental institution thatin in“Million Dollar Arm”denizens — A surprisingly enjoyable sports flick which daughter. Grade: CshowNov. on 21) Broadway who deals with a drama varietyfrom of precludes is Michael Kate Beckinsale Jon Hamm’s a sportsCaine, agent Jim whoSturgess, has an unorthodox way of and finding “Foxcatcher”man (Opens — Compelling wrestling new players from across the pond. B and problems preceding of his play. “Moneyball” dicaments director Bennett Miller centered on the the opening Schultz brothers Ben Kingsley. “Re-Animator” (1985) — yet so much Director Stuart (Channing Tatum“Fury” and Mark deal with millionaire du of B+Ruffalo), - Brad who Pitt is commander of a John platoon “St. Vincent” B Dumb - Bill Murray is afun. curmudgeon of anGordon films the exploits. Jeffrey Combs is Dr. neighbor Herbert West, a scientist Pont, an unrecognizable Stevepredicaments Carrell, who wants to make them United soldiers facing aplenty in Germany at the old man who befriends a next door kid (Jaeden kookyLieberher) enough to bring undead backfor to life. C+ in the everyday States champions. Carrell will probably end of World War II. get an Oscar nomination. Bwho the learns to fend himself
“John Wick” B - Keanu Reeves is the title character
CAMPUS
ASHLING HAN Staff Writer
Sunshine, green grass, and a lot of art work drew crowds as part of an art exhibition outside the Woodbridge neighborhood Oct. 25.The exhibition was part of Richland’s art festival titled Moonstruck. Around 55 students works involved ceramics, including a variety of ceramic armor that could be worn. The event was a collaboration between Richland’s dance and ceramics departments. Gina Sawyer, adjunct dance professor, and Jennifer Rose, ceramics professor, worked together to make the event happen. Design classes created art based on the different phases of the moon. Sculpture classes made deconstructed chair sculptures.
Some students sold their works. Dance students integrated the Moonstruck theme by dipping their feet in iron oxide to create an improvisational dance on paper at the amphitheater. The dance was recorded on video and the paper, which held their footprints, was installed on the window. The dance video was played on the paper. Vicki Mayhan, chairman of the Richland Art Department, said there was a reason for this particular location. The Board of Directors of the Woodbridge Homeowners Association came to Richland in April to ask if the college would like to collaborate with them for the event. The board decided to support Richland students by setting up a scholarship program with the Dallas County Community College District Foundation. This year the scholarship will be used for students studying art.
Dancers perform an interpretive dance in Fannin Hall.
Staff photo Isai Diaz
Staff photo Isai Diaz
Staff photo Ashling Han
Students observe image of dance projected on paper that was used to dance upon onstage.
Some of the art on display in Fannin Hall from the production of Moonstruck.
Richlandchronicle.wordpress.com November 18, 2014
Dancers at the Richland Art Fest perform one of many different styles for their auidence in Fannin Hall.
Staff photo Ashling Han
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OPINION
Thoughts from vets about Veterans Day
Richland
CHRONICLE STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Layout Editor Photography Editor Entertainment Editor Copy Editor
Melanie Brandow Doris Brogan Kisten S. Chetty Blanca Reyes Ricky Miller Joyce Jackson
ON THE COVER Veterans Day
COVER AND FONTS
Illustration: Isai Diaz and Quan Tran Certain cover fonts are provided by the following: http://www.nymfont.com - http://www.bvfonts.com
STUDENT MEDIA STAFF
Air Force veteran Corey Loverson is a Veterans Affairs liaison at the Richland Veterans Affairs Department.
MELANIE BRANDOW
Richlandchronicle.wordpress.com November 18, 2014
Editor-in-Chief
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As an Army veteran of six years, I am thankful for the veterans in my family. I’m grateful for my cheii (grandpa in the Navajo language), the late John Brown, Jr., one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers (USMC); uncles Preston, Everett, Virgil Brown and Teariki Brandow (USMC), my husband David Hernandez (Army), brother Jon Brandow (USMC), and many others even still. I’m so very proud! Ahe’he (“Thank you very much” in Navajo) and Mahalo nui loa (in Hawaiian). Active duty military service members and veterans have been honored both past and present since 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Previously, the day of recognition for veterans was Armistice Day, which honored the soldiers of WWI. The name was changed so that veterans of all branches would be honored for serving in all wars. Many civilians misconstrue Veterans Day as being a day this country sets aside to honor all soldiers who died in battle. In reality, that day is Memorial Day. Veterans Day is a day to thank all America’s veterans for the dedication and loyal service to this country. “Thank you for your service,” is what we veterans hear all of the time when recognized. We all do appreciate the gratitude. Civilians should not be afraid to get to know us. We all have our unique story of our experiences, which helped shape who we are today. In fact, reaching out to veteran families is encouraged by veterans. Statistics show that in recent years, an average of 22 veterans committed suicide each day. Many military families have suffered from their loved ones attempting suicide. The war’s trauma has affected many families, especially those who have had to deal with back-to-back deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan lasting more
than just a few years. Don’t be afraid to talk to them and show your care and concern by asking how they have had to overcome these tragedies. Corey Loverson, a VA liaison between students and Veteran Affairs, said “Veterans Day is important to me because I come from a very long line of veterans. My mother did 26 years in the Army. My stepfather did 24 years in the Army.” Loverson also mentioned that his grandfather was in many wars. “Without veterans, who knows what the country will be like,” Loverson added. He was in the Air Force, active duty, and then joined the reserves. Loverson deployed to Kuwait for six months in 2001. As a VA liaison for Richland, Loverson said, “I try my best to help students with their educational goals. Keep them moving forward.” Asked what he thought civilians would say when asked why they think Veterans Day is important to us, Loverson said, “I think one of the main things is to let them know that for some of the freedoms that we have right now. Veterans had a hand in that. It is an honor.” Soldiers risk their lives for the people of this country they don’t even know. Their dreams are not to win metals or gain a higher rank. Their dream is to fight for their country, even if that means they don’t make it home. Soldiers have left their families to protect the lives of American citizens. Citizens should try to remember that freedom is not always free. Richard E. Johnson, a student veteran at Richland who served four years active in the Army and 22 years in reserves, trained soldiers prior to going overseas. He said Veterans Day is important to him because, “It gives me a time to reflect on the soldiers and the people that came before me and their sacrifice. It makes it more emotional for me to celebrate that day.”
Staff photos Melanie Brandow
Jonathan Johnson Isai Diaz Mohamad Firas Shaban Charlie Vann Audrey Morton Pete Shannon
Ashling Han Gabriel Flores Yolmar Gonzalez Kim Sanders Quan Tran Jaime Zapata III
STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Terry Blend Erica Edwards Jack Fletcher David Goodloe
Tim Jones Steve Noviello Larry Ratliff Marshall Siegel
ISSUE DATES
Army veteran Richard E. Johnson studies Microsoft Certified Systems Aministrator.
Mark Elliot, another student veteran, (Navy, 6½ years active) was a hospital corpsman cross-attached to the Marines. Elliot deployed to Guantanamo Bay in 2002 and to Iraq in the Anbar Province. “Some just see it as a holiday. There are some that are appreciative of us, but aside because they haven’t served. They don’t understand.” Elliot said.
November 18 November 25
December 09
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 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 Over 170 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: richanchronicle@gmail.com Advertising: 972-238-6068 E-mail: advertise@dcccd.edu Fax: 972-238-6037
Navy veteran Mark Elliot information technology.
is
studying
I am honored and very appreciative for the selfless acts of valor, bravery, dedication, commitment, and for the utmost sacrifices my battle buddies have made. They have really shown their love for this great nation we have been blessed with. Freedom was bought by the bloodshed and tears of our ancestors who fought for this country. Let us give thanks every day to those past and present. Happy belated Veterans Day.
Staff meetings: Monday and Wednesday 2 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 2014
NEWS/CAMPUS
Arctic blast chills Metroplex DORIS BROGAN
Thursday
Noon to 1 p.m. Richland Jazz Combo Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall Spring registration begins for returning students
Nov. 25
Chronicle Issue 15 on newsstands
Nov. 26
Rawan Al-Hosani, an arts and technology major from the Persian Gulf island of Bahrain, is experiencing frigid weather for the first time.
television and radio stations also run information concerning school delays and closings. The Richland College website at www.rlc.dcccd. edu will also have the necessary information. In order for homeowners to avoid winter weather problems, they should properly care for pipes. Make sure outside pipes are wrapped to prevent cracking or bursting.
Apartment dwellers should open cabinets to help keep pipes on outside walls warm when temperatures are below freezing. So bundle up Dallas. Like an unwelcome guest, Old Man Winter is sure to outstay his welcome. The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Last day of John Sprigins “Paper Dolls” Exhibition on display Brazos Gallery
Nov. 27-30
Thanksgiving holiday Campus closed
Briefs
Thanksgiving invitation For those alone this Thanksgiving who don’t have anywhere to go, physical education instructor Bill Neal and his wife Donna would like to invite the Richland community to their ranch for a free holiday feast. Neal said Richland has many international students who cannot make it home for the holiday, so this is a chance for them to enjoy a good meal and meet some new friends.
Neal’s ranch is about a 75-minute drive east from Dallas, near Canton. After a meal at 1 p.m., people can enjoy a variety of animals that roam around on the ranch, among them, horses, donkeys, chickens, dogs and cats. Neal is requesting that anyone who would like to be part of this special holiday and have Thanksgiving dinner call his office at 972-238-6267 on or before Nov. 24.
Focus is on ‘Radiostars’ this week The Alliance Francaise de Dallas, a local French learning and cultural center, has partnered with Richland to launch monthly movie screenings every third Thursday of the month. They are free and open to the public. Thursday’s movie is “Radiostars,” to be shown from 7 to 8:40 p.m. in Sabine Hall, Room SH-117. For more information call 972-238-6299. The movie, written and directed by Romain Levy, concerns Ben, played by Douglas Attal, as a failed stand-up comic who returns to Paris Staff photo illustration Melanie Brandow
from New York City. He becomes a sketch writer for a team of radio talk-show hosts. The show hosts, Arnold (Clovis Cornillac) and Alex (real-life radio star Manu Payet), along with Ben, embark on a coach tour through the provinces in an attempt bolster the show’s failing ratings. The relentless banter comes fast and furiously in this high energy move, according to the Hollywood Reporter. — Joyce Jackson
Richlandchronicle.wordpress.com November 18, 2014
Staff photo Isai Diaz
Angel Tree: Season’s meaning Anyone who would like to adopt an angel for Christmas can stop by the Office of Student Life (OSL) in El Paso Hall, Room E-040. The Angel Tree Program provides new clothing or toys for children of needy families through the support of donors. Found in local companies and corporations, Angel Trees are decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age and gender of a child in need of presents. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags. Carter Bedford, director of the OSL, said the drop off date with the Salvation Army is Dec. 3. All gifts must be returned by Monday, Dec. 1. For more information all the OSL at 972-238-6130. It is also possible to make a one-time donation to The Salvation Army through their online service at donate. salvationarmyusa.org, which will support the store in your billing ZIP code. Online donations may also be made through PayPal. Make a donation by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769). — Joyce Jackson
Today
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Richland Guitar Ensemble Fannin Performance Hall, Room 102
Editor-in-Chief
Dallasites woke up to freezing temperatures Thursday morning as the result of a cold front that blew in from as far away as Russia. At press time, the cold blast was expected to keep us in its grip for about a week. The unseasonably cold weather that’s dumped up to three feet of snow in the North and Midwest, as well as plunging Dallas into the deep-freeze, has been caused by a phenomenon known as an omega block. According to the Weather Channel, an omega block is formed when an area of high pressure is held in place between two low pressure areas. Typhoon Nuri hit Alaska’s Aleutian Islands as high winds and bitter cold swept east from Russia. Cold air from Canada has been pulled down as far as Texas, while warmer air heads north. A strange consequence of the omega block will warm Alaska while it freezes those in typically warmer climes. Temperatures fell from 70 degrees to the high teens in a matter of a few hours in the Texas panhandle Wednesday, while a massive snowstorm blanketed the country’s midsection from Minnesota to Colorado wreaking havoc with hazardous travel conditions and school closings. If inclement weather should cause Richland to close or delay opening, information is available on the student hotline at 972-238-6196. The employee hotline is 972-238-6912. Major
Upcoming Events
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