October 29, 2013

Chronicle Richland

Richlandchronicle.com Official Chronicle Outlets #Chronicle DCCCD

Vol. XXXVIII, Issue 11 October 29, 2013 A College of the Dallas County Community College District

Also Inside:

Vampire musical, Pg. 2 Sports, women’s and men’s soccer and volleyball teams, Pg. 5 ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ review, Pg. 6

theater/Opinon

Vampires meet Katrina, an original Richland play

Zach Jones plays Stoker in “Fire + Blood: A Vampire Musical.”

Joyce Jackson Copy Editor

There’s nothing more exciting than two guys fighting over a pretty woman, especially if one is a blood-sucking vampire.

That’s the premise of a war that raged on Oct. 19 in Richland’s production of “Fire + Blood: A Vampire Musical.”

The musical lit up the stage for nine thrilling performances. It involved the city of New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina, political corruption, Washington, D. C., and, most exciting, a bizarre love story.

A bewitching voodoo princess nicknamed Mama, who acts as narrator to explore the poli-

Images courtesy Cory Garrett

tics and struggles of reconstruction in postKatrina New Orleans, set off the contrast between the devastation and its revival through music, dance and romance.

The book and lyrics to the songs were written by Drama Chair Andy Long, with music by composer Adam C. Wright. As director, Long could not have chosen anyone more outstanding for the role of narrator than Renonda Taylor, whose attire was set off by layers of gorgeous beaded necklaces. It was a joy to hear her sing, “The City Beneath the Sea.” The story resembled a modern adaptation of Bram Stoker’s masterpiece, “Dracula.” It concerns a ruthless vampire named Stoker, played convincingly by Zack Jones, who waged war on the city and overpowered two insecure vam-

Ryan Nelson plays Randall.

pires, Silk (Cody Samples) and Randall (Ryan Nelson), who gleamed in bright red jackets and dark slacks when we first meet them. Jones’ entrance was fantastic as he crept up slowly out of the underground in a large puff of white smoke, dressed in black, to join Silk and Randall.

The love story took precedence over the city’s devastation. Bridget Condra spiced up the musical as Angel, a pretty young blonde who has a boyfriend named Harper, portrayed by Kevin Dang. But their romance falters when the arrogant Stoker pursues Angel and wants her for himself to enjoy a life of immortality together. The battle over Angel between Stoker

and Harper raged on from that point – much to the delight of the audience.

Even though Angel and Harper are both human, there didn’t seem to be much chemistry between them in the romance department.

But the stage lit up when she was wooed by the conniving Stoker in Act 2 after he sang to her and they kissed. Just as Stoker was about to bite her neck, Randall came charging in to disrupt the passionate moment. Stoker became enraged, fought with Randall, then Silk – as bodies flew around the stage and the audience held its breath to see which one would win out.

Johnny Blanford played Renfield, a human who longs to be a vampire; Joshua Usry, playing a professor who hunts Stoker, and Marla Acevedo a gyrating DJ, Molly, who leads some rave dancers in a wild nightclub scene as lights, lasers and raver chaos consumed the stage.

Acevedo, Darien Handy and Isabell Moon played Stoker’s three daughters, who live, and then die, in their coffins.

In the finale, Renfield and the professor, along with Harper, ganged up on Stoker, shot him and shoved him out into the bright sunlight – the worst possible fate for a vampire!

The musical ended on a happy note in that Angel and Harper were reunited. As a whole, “Fire + Blood” was not only entertaining, but an extremely creative work, both in plot and in action. The cast’s enthusiasm was superb and it clearly showed through in the action scenes, as well as the vivacious dancing.

Long and Wright both own the script and plan to have it copyrighted, in hopes of getting a professional theater interested in it.

National bullying awareness month raises questions on campus Peter Alexander hearns

Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

Staff Writer

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I have often wondered what it would be like to be bullied. Is it as sensationalized as it would be in a movie, or even in a television show?

You turn on your television, channel surfing, and come across a news channel reporting, that yet another kid had committed suicide, with the parents in front of the camera crying.

October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Last week, Texas Gov. Rick Perry proclaimed Oct 20-26 Safe Schools Week. But what does all of that mean? The office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has a website titled, JUVJUST. It has a couple of interesting facts. Nearly 30 percent of adolescents in the United States report some experience with bullying, whether as the victim, the bully or both.

Now the office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of the Office of Justice Programs in the U.S. Department of Justice. Going back to JUVJUST, it states, “Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention have launched activities and initiatives for the month-long observance to help individuals, families, schools, and communities raise awareness about bullying prevention.”

Friday will begin a new month. Will people forget about the past 31 days, and move on

their pain before committing suicide any less?

Have you sat down and ever thought to yourself, I know someone who is being bullied? Or are you aware of anyone who has been, or now is a bully?

What are you going to do about it?

The State Of Texas Office of Governor Image courtesy wetip.com the Bullying often goes unreported due to retaliation fears. created the Safe to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s? Schools Week proclamation on Oct. 4. The How important is bullying to the average document states the following: “As our next generation of leaders, young person?

Do you know the following names: Rebecca Texans are our most precious resource and Sedwick, Rehtaeh Parson, Amanda Todd, brightest rays of hope for the future. It should Audrie Pott, Jamey Rodemeyer, and, or Tyler be our top priority as parents, teachers, Clementi? No? They are all young people who community leaders and concerned citizens to took their lives due to some sort of bullying guarantee their safety and well-being, especially while they are attending school.” over the period of the last three years.

A rigorous, well-rounded education places If you know any of the people listed above, did you see them on the news, or in a news- students firmly on the path to a lifetime of paper? If you haven’t ever head of these excellence, and our schools play a critical five young men and women, does that make role in promoting academic achievement and

personal enrichment. But reaching their potential and achieving success requires a safe, stable environment so that character can be shaped and young minds developed.”

Schools today face many challenges. Crime, substance abuse, violence, absenteeism, vandalism, bullying, poor discipline and other misdeeds detract from the educational setting and distracting young students in the learning process. All children deserve to learn in an environment where they feel safe and free from harm.”

“A week in October has been designed to increase awareness of the importance of safe schools. It is critical for schools and communities to work together to assume that out children are secure from harm and able to thrive it their academic environment.

“At this time, I encourage all Texans to participate in efforts that make a positive difference for our children. Remember always that we have the responsibility to give them every opportunity to achieve and succeed.

“Therefore, I, Rick Perry, governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim Oct. 20-26, 2013, to be Safe Schools Week in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.”

The last sentence of this official document was, “In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this fourth day of October, 2013.” The document was then signed by Perry.

Halloween history Halloween is a holiday where participants spend their night doing all sorts of fun stuff.

Some people enjoy telling scary stories around bonfires with a flashlight tucked under their chin, lighting their face.

Folks with children like to parade around neighborhoods, going door-to-door asking for candy.

Some people have fun inside haunted houses. Whatever people may do, let’s look into the history of Halloween.

Halloween is a combination of religious beliefs that have been altered through history. It began more than 2,000 years ago in land now known as Ireland, where Celts celebrated Samhain on Nov. 1, the day of harvest. On Oct. 31, it was believed that spirits roamed the earth searching for bodies to possess. At night, everyone would dress in costumes and parade in the streets to confuse and scare away the spirits.

Later when Catholics became more prominent in the area, they took over the Samhain tradition, and it became a day where all saints of the Catholic Church were honored.

On Nov. 2, Catholics went from door-todoor asking for small desserts like cakes in exchange for prayers for their dead relatives.

Whatever you do this Halloween, at least give kids the “good” candy. Happy Hallow— Christian Tanner een!

LIFESTYLE/OPINION

Is connection causing disconnection?

Gabriel FLOREs Staff Writer

Social media has become a staple in the lives of people all around the world and has become essential part in their day-to-day lives. Facebook has 1.15 billion users alone, followed by Twitter’s 500 million. I can’t help but raise the question, are we too connected to social media?

Walking down the halls I’ve noticed rows of heads face down buried in their phones unaware of their surroundings and the sea of people passing them by.

According to Statista, an online statistics portal, 84 percent of smartphone users use apps during their morning routine. Social media takes up 40 percent of the apps being used.

I’m not blind to the fact that as much as social media can get in the way of responsibilities, friends and family in the same regard it is used to connect people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

Igor Do Naschimento, a 20-year-old freshman engineering major, admits to using Facebook for five to six hours a day, mostly to keep in touch with people he doesn’t see often. Do Naschimento does, however, feel like some of his time could be better spent.

“I could be exercising or studying and getting ahead in class.”

Nick Ramirez, a 19-year-old business major and musician, credits social media for helping kickstart his career.

to have real-life meaningful interactions with people and express our thoughts through spoken word rather than emoticons and smiley faces.

“I think it’s a distraction when it comes

to the face-to-face. Instead of meeting the person next to you, you’re face down in your phone,” said Tennille Massingale, an adjunct professor with a master’s in advertising and public relations from Texas Christian University.

Too often I’ve seen one person to a table with backpacks on the seats, plugged in, uninviting. Or two people sitting arm’s length away completely immersed in what’s in the palm of their hands creating a wall between them and the outside world.

“It [social media] can create a disconnect,” added Massingale.

A disconnect that has created a fragmented reality filled with socially inept cyber zombies.

I encourage everyone to take a step back from “Man Crush Monday” or “Woman Crush Wednesday” and go out and get him or her. Take a chance. Make yourself known.

If you’re that person who hides behind your computer screen and puts on a façade because you feel like your friends won’t accept the real you, I challenge you to break through and be yourself and not your virtual self.

Finally, if you’re like me and hope that social networking will help you reach your goals and dreams, I dare you to go out and shake some hands and kiss some babies. Go and meet that individual who inspired you to design clothes or make music. Let’s get back to real face time.

velously rich tones and dynamic nuances.

And bass Owen Zamora and soprano Erin Campbell both filled the house to the ceiling with their soaring, enthusiastic deliveries.

Stellar performances were also given by sopranos Martha Schessler and Fabiola Alvarado, baritone Zack Jones and tenor Garrett Dunaway.

The program was arranged to provide an interesting variety of numbers at a vigorous pace, beginning with Shadaira Scott’s captivating presentation on the vibraphone.

Later in the program, Trey Givens also

showed remarkable skill on the marimba.

How on earth do those guys do that?

Chloe Trevino and Song Yi Kim, pianists, were both perfect in their poise and pulchritude as they played pieces by MacDowell and Chopin, respectively.

The wonderful wind soloists were Vladimir Herrera, flute; Daniel Wise, trumpet; Desiree Gonzales, clarinet; Osvaldo Martinez, clarinet and Kerri Shomette, flute. And the superb strings were David Wells, guitar; David Rau, cello; Michael Palomo, violin; and Courtney Reynolds, viola.

“It’s helped grow my career from nothing,” Ramirez said. “I use social media strictly to connect with fans and other musicians”.

Nevertheless, social media can take away from other aspects of life because our attention is away from reality.

“I’m probably on social media too much of the time, I’m on it right now,” said Ramirez. “It’s distracting sometimes from school-related stuff,” he added.

Eliminating social media is not the answer. I do, however, feel that we need to find a happy medium between being connected and sharing random thoughts in 140 characters or less. We need

Peter Shannon

Contributing Writer

Twenty-one fabulous student musicians displayed their talents at the Oct. 22 Fall 2013 Dr. Jerry Wallace Music Scholarship Recital.

The format was a jack-in-the-box style potpourri of offerings ranging from percussion and piano to voice to winds to strings.

Each performer popped through the centerstage curtain, took a short bow and then proceeded to put on a brief display of noteworthy rhythm and tones.

While all were formally clad, some were a bit shorter on fashion but longer on melodic refinement. Overall, it was an awesome array of artistry met with adoring audience applause. Indeed, “America’s Got Talent” has nothing on Richland’s Music Department.

In general, eight singers stole the show.

For example, exhibiting unusual control and considerable poise was soprano Kali Stewart, who rendered a spirited version of a section of Shubert’s “Trout Quintet.” Jeongeun Lee, also a soprano, nailed her performance of Handel’s “Piangero la sorte mia” with mar-

Staff Photo Melanie Brandow

Lisa Irwin, left accompanies soprano Kali Stewart during a recital last week at Fannin Hall.

Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

Nothing but the best at Richland music recital

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entertainment

Spooks and scares of the silver screen RICKY MILLER

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Last year, for my Halloween titles, I touched on both Stephen King as well as horror-comedies. This year, I’m doing straightforward spooks and scares. Truth be told, I cannot stake claim to this because I cheated a little bit and included some King titles with “The Shining” and “Silver Bullet.” So, without further ado, here are some bona-fide scares for your Halloween viewing pleasure: 1. “Alien” (1979) -- The tagline said it all: “In space, no one can hear you scream.”

The thrill factor is intense with an uppercase I. Grade: A 2. John Carpenter’s “Halloween” (1978) -- Director John Carpenter said he didn’t want to be pigeonholed to a certain type of genre.

But when he made such a great flick right out of the starting gate it’s hard to complain.

Here, his villain is a character named Michael Myers, who spends time chasing around damsel in distress Jamie Lee Curtis (“Trading Places,” “True Lies”). A 3. “Poltergeist” (1982) -- Tobe Hooper did it right with this one, with one of the most infamous taglines of the 1980s with “They’re here.” The story focuses on your average American family whose house was built on a graveyard, thus allowing supernatural forces to run amok in their lives. I think part of the reason for its success was that the movie was actually produced and co-written by filmmaking wunderkind Steven Spielberg. A 4. “The Exorcist” (1973) -- Believe it or not, after all these years, this one still holds up.

The interspliced demon images are really eerie when seen on the big screen. A 5. “The Shining” (1980) -- Writer Stephen King has said he is not a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s rendition. I, however, think this one is creepy as all get out. Jack Nicholson amazes as writer and former alcoholic Jack Torrance, who spends time babysitting the Overlook Hotel with wife (Shelly Duvall, “Popeye”) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd). A 6. John Carpenter’s “The Thing” (1982) -- Talk about an amazing film. Kurt Russell is the self-proclaimed leader to a group of men stuck in the Antarctic outpost. The trouble is, however, there is an impostor in the bunch.

A7. “Brotherhood of the Wolf” -- (Le Pacte Des Loups) (2002) -- Very intense werewolf action-drama with American actioner Marc Daccasos (“Cradle 2 the Grave”) leading the way to rid the so-called animal from the French countryside. When either renting or buying, I suggest getting the director’s cut that runs 2 hours, 31 minutes. A8. “Dawn of the Dead” (2004) -- I like the new version so much more than George A. Romero’s 1979 flick, which gets a C+ in my book. First-time director Zack Snyder pulled no punches in this retelling that even had the undead running. A9. “Silver Bullet” (1985) -- Based on the King novella “Cycle of the Werewolf,”

Image courtesy zekefilm.org

Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

Entertainment Editor

“The Exorcist”

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Layout Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Entertainment Editor Radio News Director Radio Station Manager Copy Editor

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“Alien”

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“Halloween”

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“Poltergeist”

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“Dawn of the Dead” director Daniel Attas actually got a more subdued and down-to-earth performance from Gary Busey (“The Buddy Holly Story,” “Lethal Weapon”). Corey Haim (“The Lost Boys,” “Lucas”) did OK as the teen stranded to a wheelchair while Everett McGill (“Dune,” “The People Under the Stairs”) creeped it out as Reverend Lowe. B10. “Lord of Illusions” (1995) -- As an actor, following a stint on TV’s “Quantum Leap,” I thought Scott Bakula would have had a more impressive career. This was a chance for him to shine once again as private investigator Harry D’Amour, who delves into cases of the paranormal sort. He spends time with an illusionist named Phillip Swan (Kevin J. O’Connor, “Deep Rising,” “There Will Be Blood”) and his wife Dorothea (Famke Janssen, “Taken,” “Goldeneye”). B-

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“Brotherhood of the Wolf”

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

Sports

Thunderducks set their sights on the postseason Sports Editor

For the majority of Richland students, this is the middle of the semester. However, for the players on the different sports teams, it is the crucial time of the playoffs; the time to prove how good they are in the national tournament.

The men’s soccer team was scheduled to have an encounter with Mountain View College Friday at Richland’s Field. This game

was very important because only the winner would advance to the playoffs.

Although that Mountain View tried its best to get its pass to the playoffs, the Thunderducks were victorious with a wide range of 4-3.

Furthermore, the volleyball team is doing as well as the other teams. They were scheduled to take on Brookhaven College at Brookhaven’s gym.

Friday was the first day of the playoffs for Richland’s volleyball team. The winner would advance to the second round Saturday.

Staff photos Blanca Reyes

The Lady Thunderducks practice for their upcoming national tournament appearance.

“We are playing against, basically, the best team in the district,” libero/defensive specialist Miranda Arredondo said.

Arredondo said it would be the third time the Thunderducks confronted the Bears during the season but lost both games.

The Thunderducks are aware that they have worked hard to get ready for this moment.

“Lately, we have been playing well and yesterday we had a really good practice so we are keeping our fingers crossed,” Arredondo said about the Friday game.

The four teams scheduled to be in the volleyball playoffs were Brookhaven. Only the winner of these top teams would advance to the next level: the national tournament, which will be held in Rochester, Minn., Nov. 15-16.

In addition, Richland’s women’s soccer team is enjoying the results of its efforts during the season.

They are part of the best eight soccer teams in the country which will be facing each other in order to try to advance the soccer national championship.

The playoffs were held Oct. 17-19. Richland had two games. The Thunderducks were able to demonstrate their skills winning the first game with a wide range of 6-0. They repeated the story in the second game with a final score of 4-3 in penalty kicks.

The championship will be held Nov. 6-10 at Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden, N.Y. Even though the team has worked hard to maintain a high competitive game level which brought them to this final step of the season,

Jocelyn Cortez, left, Desiree Hill, center, and Jessicha Tyler take the advantage during the game against Mountain View College.

the coaches and the players are aware that there is more work to do.

“We’ll spend a week in a lot of fitness to make sure they work in good, good condition. And then, next week we’ll go over in more soccer related things,” head coach Scott Toups said about how they are getting ready these two weeks that they have left before the national tournament. “We don’t need to change anything.”

For more information of the different teams and the schedules visit each team’s website at www.rlc.dcccd.edu or stop by Guadalupe Hall where the different coaches’ offices are located.

Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

BLANCA REYES

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CamPUS

Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

Image courtesy emotionswallpapers,com

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Avery Rains Staff Writer

Despite the “Grand Theft Auto” series having been rather popular for several years now, it was not until recently that I managed to pick up a copy of one of the games for myself. That being said, I have to say that I can understand why the game has had such a wide appeal.

For starters, the characters are a rather colorful bunch, and I do mean that in a good way.

Despite most characters seeming crazy and off-putting up front, almost all of them were given traits at some point or another that made them feel relatable to the player.

This in itself speaks wonders about the writing behind the game considering the fact I could relate to characters in situations I had never been in. I found myself thinking the same thing as the character when presented with the many things Los Santos (the city the game is based in) had to throw at us.

I was rather impressed with the overall story

as well.

The whole time I was playing, the overall plot kept driving me more and more to keep on fighting. Every mission completed just gave me more reason to want to know what was going to happen next in the story.

There was also never really a point in the game where I was skeptical about how the events played out. Even if something happened that I didn’t expect, I never felt that the event shouldn’t have happened at all. Most of the time I was simply surprised or ecstatic.

As for the actual gameplay, things start out a bit bumpy at first as you get used to the game mechanics. Driving took me a bit to master because the game physics were not very similar to those of other driving games.

However, eventually you do get the hang of it, seeing as practice makes perfect and almost every mission involves driving in one way or another.

Of course you can’t mention driving without mentioning the game’s artificial intelligence (A.I.) as well, and I feel that the A.I. is certainly worth mentioning. Don’t get me

wrong, though, I am not saying it is worth the mention because it is good, but because it is bad.

I can’t begin to count the number of times I saw things like cars randomly stopped in the road or turning when they weren’t supposed to. However, I feel that this didn’t actually take anything away from the experience and, in fact, added to its reality factor a bit by simulating bad drivers in the real world.

Then again I can’t say shoddy A.I. was entirely good for adding to the gameplay experience.

Often, when I found myself hiding from the cops, there would be moments when a random person off the street would pull out an assault rifle and start shooting at them for no particular reason. I found this rather strange, especially considering it happened repeatedly.

I have to say that the experience was certainly enjoyable overall. Despite its rough start and occasional strange hiccups, it is easy to understand why this game has received such great reviews.

With its solid story, compelling characters and hilarious A.I. it has most certainly earned a 9.5 out of 10.

sports

Brooklyn could dominate the N BA season West

East MIA in 4

LAC in 5

CHI in 6

LAC in 6

CHI in 6

MEM in 7

BKN in 7

LAC in 7 BKN in 7

IND in 6

DAL in 7

HOU in 6

BKN in 7

HOU in 6

Staff Writer

As a self-proclaimed analyst of basketball, I have decided to keep my Mavericks fandom at bay as I write this NBA preview.

A sports writer must not ignore the team his location and position dictates he cover, but in this instance, I have decided to look at the league as a whole and give you Thunderducks my best guesstimate of who will take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June.

That being said, I will not conform to the national media’s bias that seems to go by the new rule “the Heat always win.” So now that you know what to expect, I give you my team-by-team break down for the 2013-2014 NBA season.

Western Conference 1. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers’ biggest move was definitely signing Doc Rivers, which in turn kept Chris Paul from signing elsewhere. To make things even easier for CP3, the Clippers also signed sharpshooter J.J. Reddick and Darren Collison.

2. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors’ offense added a new weapon to its arsenal by the name of Andre Iguodola. His attacking mindset will open up the shooting games of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson even more.

3. Houston Rockets Houston added the biggest star of the offseason in Dwight Howard. Time will tell if his post game will affect the attack – first mindset of James Harden or it will be literally the center of an inside-outside game plan.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

This will be the first full season with midseason acquisition Tayshaun Prince. They still have much to prove after being swept in the conference finals by the Spurs.

5. San Antonio Spurs

Speaking of the Spurs, coach Greg Popavich will give us all another lesson on how to get a team with an ancient big three and a youthful supporting cast back in the playoffs and into title contention.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder

Some may scoff at the loss of Kevin Martin, but the Thunder will soon find out that Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant can’t outscore teams by themselves. Someone will have to step up offensively in order for the Thunder to compete in the West.

7. Dallas Mavericks

In an offseason full of hope, the Mavs came back home with no big fish (see Houston Rockets preview). Soon after striking out in the Howard sweepstakes, the Mavs signed some veteran guards in Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis to help make Dirk Nowitzki’s life a little easier.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves 5. New York Knicks If Kevin Love stays healthy, this Timberwolves team could do more than sneak into the playoffs. Rising star Ricky Rubio could paint an offensive masterpiece now that Kevin Martin is on the squad.

Eastern Conference 1. Miami Heat

Carmelo Anthony started off last season strong, leading the Knicks to one of the best records at the midway point. The additions of Metta World Peace and Andrea Bargnani will give them the experience and physicality they need to stay competitive in the latter parts of the season.

6. Detroit Pistons

In the offseason the Pistons signed highGoing for a three-peat is no easy task, but flying Josh Smith and rising point guard Branthis team was built for just that and in the don Jennings to add veteran star power, which Eastern Conference, it’s hard to imagine any should propel them back into the playoffs. other team knocking off Lebron and the de7.

Cleveland Cavaliers fending champs.

Kyrie Irving should lead this young team to 2. Brooklyn Nets the playoffs for the first time since Lebron left.

If any team is going to have a chance at If Andrew Bynum’s knees hold up, they could knocking out the Heat, the Nets believe it’s be a very interesting team to watch. finally time to take them seriously. Hard to argue with Deron Williams running point and additions of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

3. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are on a mission to prove that last year’s run was no fluke. With a healthy Danny Granger, expect this team to contend with the best of them.

4. Chicago Bulls

Chicago proved that its squad is deep enough to stay competitive, even in the playoffs. Now the Bulls reintegrate their franchise player in Derrick Rose back into the lineup af ter sitting out last season.

8. Charlotte Bobcats

After acquiring Al Jefferson from Utah, the Bobcats suddenly have a competitive low post threat to make a run for the last playoff spot in the eastern conference. With young talent surrounding him in Kemba Walker and recently drafted Cody Zeller, this team could contend in the years to come.

In the end, the defense that Doc Rivers brings to the table gets the Clippers to the finals, only to lose in an epic grudge match with a Brooklyn team full of playoff-experienced vets.

Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

BEN SIEBEL

BKN in 5

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CamPUS

JFK assassination fosters conspiracy theories a.m. stofko Staff Writer

Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

It’s an event that has fascinated American culture for half a century. The government spent countless hours investigating it. Movies and books over the years dissected it from every imaginable angle. A museum in downtown Dallas commemorates it.

And yet, conspiracy theorists persist in asking: Who really assassinated President John F. Kennedy?

Patrick Moore, government professor, looks at three common conspiracy theories.

Moore has taught courses at Richland about conspiracy theories. Keep in mind, this list is by no means comprehensive or exhaustive to capture all the theories that have evolved in the 50 years since that fateful day in Dallas.

CONSPIRACY THEORY No. 1 Single-bullet theory (“Magic” bullet) CLAIMS: One bullet couldn’t have followed the path it did: entering through Kennedy’s shoulder and exiting through his neck before continuing to pass through Texas Gov. John Connally’s chest and wrist before lodging itself in Connally’s thigh, Moore said. Conspiracy theorists claim, given Kennedy’s and Connally’s positions in the car, the bullet would have had to somehow divert to fracture Connally’s wrist before lodging itself in his thigh.

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Image courtesy davidvonpein.com

President Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline, ride by the Texas School Book Depository.

Other arguments claim Lee Harvey Oswald didn’t have the amount of time estimated (somewhere between 4.6 – 8.25 seconds) to fire off three shots, Moore said. There wasn’t enough time to focus, aim, fire and cycle.

The results haven’t been reproduced. Also, the bullet recovered was “pristine” – meaning there were no marks showing it had been fired.

CONSPIRACY THEORY No. 2 Multiple shooters CLAIMS: There are several variations of this. One of the more well-known instances involves a character (variously known as “Badge Man,” “Umbrella Man,” etc.) positioned on the grassy knoll of Dealey Plaza and seemed compatible with stories told by “ear” witnesses who

claimed to have heard shots on the knoll and seen smoke, Moore said.

Other arguments in favor of this are a photo claiming to capture the flash of the gun as “Badge Man” shot and the fact that people ran toward the knoll after the shooting.

Moore said other theories claim occupants in the vehicle with Kennedy (the driver or a secret service agent) shot. One conspiracy theorist named Jack Brazil goes as far as to claim a shooter was positioned in a storm sewer in front of Kennedy’s motorcade.

CONSPIRACY THEORY No. 3 Cuban government CLAIMS: Kennedy’s relationship with Cuba could be described as strained. According to information from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, “Before his inauguration, John F. Kennedy was briefed on a plan by the Central Intelligence Agency developed during the Eisenhower administration to train Cuban exiles for an invasion of their homeland.”

Kennedy consented, but the resulting incident, known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion, did not go as planned and the failed attempt resulted in more than 100 exiles dying.

Combined with documented assassination attempts on Fidel Castro, conspiracy theorists claim Castro sought retaliation.

Be sure to follow up next week when we take on the conspiracies to face the cold, hard facts.

JONATHAN LEE Staff Writer

Even if you’re not one to receive an invitation to a state dinner, it’s important to know how to be on your best behavior in any situation.

“Court Queen” Wanda Sykes-Moore from the Royal Court School of Etiquette hosted a dining etiquette seminar in the conference room in Sabine Hall Wednesday. In case you were busy networking at the job fair, here’s what you missed.

The lesson on table manners starts with setting the table. The entrée plate goes on top of the charger plate in the center of the place setting. Put the napkin on the plate, not under the silverware because you will lay it on your lap as soon as you take your seat. The salad fork and entrée fork go on the left side, and the knife (blade facing inward) and soup spoon go on the right. The water goblet goes above the knives, and the wine glass goes to the right of that. The dessert fork and dessert spoon go parallel, parked horizontally above the plate. The bread plate belongs on the far left side of the place setting.

Ladies, your handbags never go on the table. No matter how lavish they may be, keep them out of sight on the floor. Gentlemen, hats should never make it to the table, either. You may hang your coats on the back of your chairs.

The meal begins with the soup course.

To eat soup properly, ladle it away from you. Sip it from the side of the spoon.

Do not spread butter all over your bread as if preparing to make a sandwich, and do not pick up the whole roll and bite off a piece of it. Tear off one bite-sized piece of bread at a time, and then, if you wish, dab a little butter on it with your butter knife.

Whatever you do, please resist the urge to lick butter off your fingers.

Pass the salt and pepper counterclockwise around the table on the first round.

Even if someone asks for only one, always keep the pair of shakers together to make it easy to keep track of them. Do not make interceptions.

Do not spit olive pits or anything else into your napkin. Discreetly remove inedible substances from your mouth, and place them in an inconspicuous spot on your plate. If you simply dislike the taste of food that you’ve put in your mouth, you’re obligated to swallow it.

In between bites, rest your knife at the top of your plate at an angle and your fork at a 5 o’clock position. Sykes-Moore calls this your “rescue position.” When you’ve finished your meal, place your silverware at a 5 o’clock position on your plate.

“Remember,” said Sykes-Moore,“all etiquette is is making others feel comfortable around you. You don’t want to correct anyone else in public because that would not be etiquette at all.”

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.

Students network at job fair

If you’ve considered getting a job lately, now the AZAR Foundation, a nonprofit organizalooks like an opportune time. tion that helps disadvantaged youth in various Last Wednesday, the Career Center hosted ways, such as providing education. its biannual job fair, which was open to both “I’m looking for a job related to education, students and the public. Job seekers had the like a school teacher, math tutor or student advaluable chance to network, pass out their ré- viser,” said Liu. “My major is higher education, sumés and set up interviews. and my background is mathematics.”

Stan Katz, senior career services specialist, If you missed the job fair, don’t fret. The said, “We’ve been doing it [the job fair] almost Career Center is there to help you on your path since the Career Center [began]. The Career to success Monday through Thursday from 8 Center has been here for probably 30 years.” a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About 50 to 60 job recruiters from local in El Paso Hall, Room E-090. Their phone is — Jonathan Lee businesses set up tables in El Paso Hall eagerly 972-238-6921. seeking qualified applicants for full- and part-time employment. These employers offered a variety of jobs, including the food industry, retail, banking, insurance and education, to name a few.

There were even government employment opportunities with the United States Post Office, the Dallas Police Department, the City of Denton Fire Department and the Texas Staff Photo Fred Allen Army National Guard.

Richland students speak to job recruiters and learn more about local Peter Liu, 27, took businesses during RLC’s biannual job fair. a particular interest in

Courtesy Patrol 24 hours a day at our entrance • No application fee 5 mins. from Richland College • Close to Transportation

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

Arena Theater, in Fannin Hall.

The Richland Percussion Group and Steel Bands will perform in the Thursday, Oct. 31: Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Cafeteria stage Students are invited to join in the fun by wearing their favorite Halloween costumes. You might win one of three prizes. The event is sponsored by the Office of Student Life. Be sure to sign up in advance in El Paso Hall, Room E-040. For more information, call 972-238-6130.

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1 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $500 2 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $675 3 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $900 Prices subject to change

Monday, Nov. 4: 1 p.m.

Sabine Hall, Room S-117 Kevin Ruben Jacobs: Thanks for the A. D. D. Exhibit Artist talk and reception The exhibit runs through Nov. 29.

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

El Paso Hall, Room E-081 Free Relaxation Group – open to all students and staff The Richland Counseling Center invites students to relax with a group. It will consist of simple yoga postures suitable for all abilities. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or towel. For more information contact Julie Hanson at 214-890-3825 or by email at jhanson@dcccd.edu.

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Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

Learn to dine like royalty

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Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013 CamPUS

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Opinion

Obamacare: Trick, treat or tax?

RAYMOND THOMAS PRONK Staff Writer

If you think Halloween is scary, you should see the healthcare.gov website. It is frightening.

When Barack Obama was running for president in 2008, he made a firm pledge to the American people.

“If you who make less than a quarter of a million dollars per year, which includes 98 percent of small business owners, you will not see your taxes increase one single dime under my plan -- not your payroll taxes, not your income taxes, not your capital gains taxes, nothing. It is time to give the middle class a break. That is what I will do as president of the United States,” Obama said.

Once he was elected, Obama made another promise to the American people.

Obama said, “No matter how we reform health care, we will make this promise to the American people; if you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan, period. No one will take it away, no matter what. My view is that healthcare reform should be guided by a simple principle, fix what is broken and build on what works.”

On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the looked it up Merriam’s dictionary, that a definiPatient Protection and Affordable Care Act, tion of tax increase, indicates to me that you commonly referred to as Obamacare. Before are stretching it right now.”

Obamacare was enacted into law, Obama was When Obamacare was enacted, 26 states, interviewed by ABC News’ George Stepha- along with several individuals and others chalnopoulos. lenged the constituHe asked the tionality of Obampresident, acare in the courts.

“You were They argued that against the the law was a violaindividual tion of the Constimandate durtution’s Commerce ing the camClause, which gives paign. Under the federal governthis mandate ment the power to the governregulate commerce ment is forcbetween the states. ing people to The Supreme spend money Court ruled that Image courtesy turtletechie.com the law could not and fining you if you be upheld under don’t. How is that not a tax?” the Commerce Clause. This was the primary Obama said, “For us to say that you have argument of the government in arguing for to take responsibility to get health insurance is the constitutionality of the law. Chief Justice absolutely not a tax increase. What it is saying John Roberts, writing for the majority said, is that we are not going to have other people “The federal government does not have the carrying your burdens for you.” power to order people to buy health insurStephanopoulos responded, “I do not think ance.”

I am making it up. Merriam-Webster’s dictionHowever, the Supreme Court did accept the ary, tax, a charge usually of money imposed government’s tax argument that the individual on persons or property for public purposes.” mandate represented a tax on individuals who Obama replied, “George, the fact you choose not to buy health insurance. The Court

said that “going without insurance” is “just another thing the government taxes, like buying gasoline or earning income.”

Americans are not required to buy health insurance under the individual mandate, according to the Supreme Court in its ruling. However, if you elect not to buy one of Obamacare’s individual metal (bronze, silver, gold or platinum) plans through a state or federal health insurance exchange, healthcare.gov, you may be subject to a tax penalty or fine by the Internal Revenue Service.

For 2014, the fine is the greater of 1 percent of income or $95 per adult and $47.50 per child up to $285 per family. For 2015 the fine is the greater of 2 percent of income or $325 per adult and $162.50 per child up to $975 per family. For 2016 the fine is the greater of 2.5 percent of income or $695 per adult and $347.50 per child up to $2,085.

Millions of Americans are now finding out from their insurance companies that as a direct result of the passage of Obamacare, they can no longer keep their existing individual plans or doctors. Instead, they have the choice of either purchasing one of the Obamacare metal health insurance plans with much higher premiums and deductibles or pay the IRS fine.

Thanks to Obama, the American people believed their taxes would not rise and they could keep their existing health insurance plans and doctors. Obamacare is not a treat, but a trick.

CHRISTIAN TANNER Managing Editor

E-cigarettes have been banned on campus.

The last thing a person who is quitting smoking wants to hear is that their means of doing so is being treated like an actual cigarette, forcing them to go to one of the four smoking sections on campus.

This is not the first means of quitting smoking but it is the first where it is being treated like a regular cigarette, and at first glance, understandably so. People are afraid to see someone hold a personal vaporizer up to their mouth and mimic smoking.

When they dig a little deeper and pull themselves to an actual thought, they’ll see the difference in cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Through this blessing from the man upstairs, smokers are able to get their nicotine fix while avoiding thousands of harmful chemicals.

Think about it this way, it’s like a recovering alcoholic working in a bar. If you’re around it all the time, you’ll never quit. It’s like a person who is addicted to prescription drugs working in a pharmacy, it’s impossible to get away. When you put a person who is trying to quit smoking around tons of cigarettes,

you begin to feel hopeless, or on the other hand, you do something about it. I am one of those doing something about it.

Last week I was gathering my thoughts on how I could go about getting the guideline rewritten so e-cigarettes are not treated like regular cigarettes. The only thing I could think of at the time was to go to Sgt. Barry Orton, who could assist me in getting access of the guideline which read, “Richland College is a smoke free/tobacco free/Ecigarette free campus.”

First of all, judging by the fact that they wrote “E-cigarette free” in the guideline tells me that they did little to no research. “E-cigarette” is a slang term for personal vapor. If you are a person who really wants to anger the administration, then smoke your “e-hookah” (that’s right, if you didn’t know, those exist), but I don’t advise you to do so.

After speaking with Orton and reading the guideline, my next question was, “Who wrote this?” The answer is the ThunderTeam, Richland’s senior leadership team.

I went to speak with Janet James, executive assistant to the president, who assisted me with information on how they went about researching and coming to the conclusion

Image courtesy worldwidevape.com

that personal vaporizers should be treated like cigarettes.

When she gave me the one single piece of paper that they used to make a judgment that affects hundreds of students, it was a little more than upsetting.

After a bit of hesitation from James, she was very understanding about helping me to the next step in getting the guideline re-written to assist e-cigarette users in staying away from the smoking sections.

I don’t think students should be allowed to smoke their e-cigarette in classrooms.

Hallways? Maybe. But anywhere outside, for sure.

James told me to take it up with the student government association.

If you have any information for me and want to assist me in the journey to get the guideline rewritten, or you have an issue with e-cigarette use on campus, please come by El Paso Hall room E-020.

Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013

New alternative to cigarettes brings new guidelines

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Richlandchronicle.com October 29, 2013