Richland Chronicle December 10th, 2019

Richland

Vol. XLVI Issue 15 December 10, 2019

A weekly student publication

Percussion ensemble keeps the beat Pg. 4

• DCCCD tuition increase for fall: Pg. 2 • Please, don’t feed the animals:

Pg. 5

• Best picks for holiday flicks:

Pg. 11

• Goalkeeper plays through pain: Pg. 15 RichlandStudentMedia.com

Richland Student Media

@RLCStudentMedia

Richland Student Media

2 OPINION

December 10, 2019

Fall tuition increase may hinder students Staff Cartoon Jerry Weiss

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Adrienne Aguilar Editor-In-Chief

Tuition at all of the Dallas Community College District (DCCCD) campuses is going up. An increase of $20 per semester hour will take affect beginning in the fall of 2020.

The increase is intended to cover student expenses for supplies and textbooks, which will be digitized. There’s a problem though: The $20-per-semester-hour increase for a full class load may be the equivalent of a paycheck for some students.

Dr. Joe May, DCCCD’s chancellor, addressed questions from student journalists at a luncheon Nov. 25. That came several days after he spoke to faculty and staff about the “One College” transition. May said the increase will be a benefit to as many students as possible.

DCCCD’s “One College” transition aims to simplify higher education, make it easier to get a degree and provide students with required resources. It comes, however, with a few bumps in the road.

A $20 per hour tuition increase doesn’t sound drastic on the face of it. If a student takes a full schedule, four classes and, therefore, at least 12 semester hours, tuition will go up $240. If labs are included, that could add an additional $20 to $80. It’s not a bad price, unless it’s their grocery money.

Considering that many students who attend college have siblings, the increase can be a sudden hit to the family income. While many undergraduates work, others take care of children and parents. Tuition is one of many expenses they have to consider along with rent, food, utilities and transportation.

Students who do not know about the tuition increase may have a rude awakening later in the semester. They might find out they can’t pay for all of their classes, whether they pay in installments or in full. Dropout rates for those facing financial burdens could increase.

The additional cost may cause some students to take fewer classes and spread out their schedules just to keep college classes affordable. This could contradict DCCCD’s ambition to help students reach the finish line in two years.

Student debt may also increase among students who take out loans to pay for the school year. Two semesters of a full-time school schedule will near $500, not to mention interest. Students may decide to work instead of finishing school, reducing the opportunity

to improve their economic situation through education.

Working to cover the cost of books and supplies for students is virtuous. I agree that our district should find a way to increase student success while reducing expenses. The tuition increase, however, will directly impact a community that DCCCD seeks to serve through an education system that wants to lift up those in need. By technicality, textbook and supplies are cheaper except for the students who have already choosen not to buy them.

Food insecurity shouldn’t have to be part of the education conversation, but it is. At Richland, the food pantry offers food staples for students through the Office of Student Life (OSL). A food truck brings free fresh fruits and vegetables to campus twice a month on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the east breezeway.

These are positive moves for the district that directly benefit undergraduates who struggle to make ends meet. The hope is that the administration, through people on campus, will alert students to the upcoming tuition increase so they are not surprised. There is time to inform the DCCCD student body as well as newcomers prior to the fall semester, yet that window is quickly closing.

If students prepare by saving money for school, they will face less pressure when the fall semester arrives. Advance warning is key.

The dilemma, however, is that, students’ fiscal ability to save is not guaranteed.

There are, however, some solutions that can help. The Financial Aid Office and Honors lounge, located in El Paso Hall and Crockett Hall, respectively, can assist with grants and scholarships to pay for tuition. Students can schedule an appointment or walk-in.

High school students can apply for the Dallas County Promise and the Rising Star Program. Other options are available on the Richland College website at https://www.richlandcollege.edu/pc/scholother/scholarships/pages/ default.aspx. The Career Center can help students find jobs and Veteran’s Affairs can assist veterans on campus.

While these options may help, not everyone is eligible for scholarships and grants are only awarded to a few.

There will be more questions about the “One College” transition and how it will affect students who may be left behind due to the tuition increase. Although May has done a good job reaching out to the DCCCD community, more input, especially from students, should be taken into account.

CAMPUS 3

December 10, 2019

World AIDS Day brings awareness to campus Richland held a talk-show style forum to discuss sexual health for World AIDS Day, Dec. 3. The event was sponsored by Project Impact and the Office of Student Life (OSL) to discuss sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevention.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was the topic of most importance. The audience learned that HIV is contracted through bodily fluids. The virus attacks white blood cells and makes copies of itself and multiplies. That is the point at which the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) status comes in. The HIV virus is not curable, but it is manageable and the risk of infection can be reduced.

Project Impact endorses the pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEp, which is a pre-exposure vaccination that is taken in pill form on a daily basis. The medication decreases the chances of contracting the virus by 90%. A post-exposure pill, known as PEP, is also available and it must be taken within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV. The Center for Health Empowerment (CHE), in association with Project Impact, provides PrEp and PEP medications.

“There is no health insurance required,” said Michael Carrillo with CHE. “They are

available to assist anyone who doesn’t have insurance.”

Carrillo added that everyday relationships can be challenged with these risks.

During the panel discussion, Brandon Harris, a youth intervention specialist with Project Impact, stressed that communication with a partner is key. He emphasized that individuals come from different backgrounds and that being able to find common ground is essential to having a healthy sexual relationship.

A display table with contraceptives and educational materials were available in the El Paso lounge. A representative demonstrated how to use the materials and discussed how they can significantly reduce the risk of contracting STIs. Project Impact, based in the medical district in Dallas, provides free HIV testing for those 13 and up without parental consent. They go into high-risk zip codes to offer testing and collaborate with organizations to bring awareness to sexual health.

Project Impact conducts HIV testing at Richland on a monthly basis. Testing will resume on campus during the spring semester.

Harris also discussed HIV prevention and how it effects people in the community.

“Dallas County has the highest rates of HIV than any other county in Texas,” he said.

“We try and come to events like this to spread the information across. A lot of the

time people feel like it doesn’t apply to them.

We encourage people to start trying to make an effort to attend things like this and ask questions to partners and get tested together before they engage in sexual activity so that we can stop the spread.”

Harris said that young people specifically need to be made more aware.

“A lot of schools aren’t providing appropriate sex education. They are coming into college completely blindsided,” he said. Harris

Staff Photo Jonathan Lin

added that the information being shared in most schools is now dated, such as abstinenceonly education.

Project Impact is located at 8150 Brookriver, Suite 400 in Dallas. Appointments are available and walk-ins are accepted in emergency situations. There is no need to see a primary care physician before going.

For more information about PrEp and PEP, visit www.checlinic.org.

Students get ‘LinkedIn’

“Game of Loans” explores student credit and debt

Bernard Cheatham Staff Writer

Jack Ramirez Bernal Managing Editor

A role-playing game dealing with finances taught participants the importance of managing debt and credit. Phi Theta Kappa hosted the “Game of Loans” on Dec. 4.

Participants were given the opportunity to test their abilities in covering life-changing expenses with a challenging and dialogueengaging game.

“This was a brand-new activity that we did,” said Isra Qureshi, chapter president of Alpha Alpha Xi. “The topic that we chose was regarding financial literacy and debt amongst college students, specifically because we are the most prone to getting into early debt where we cannot get out of it.”

The activity took inspiration from the Asian-American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions’ (ANNAPISI) game, “The Island,” in which students portrayed individuals who were attempting to leave an island to gain a better understanding of the causes of immigration.

For “Game of Loans,” the event organizers presented a scenario that depicted the everyday challenges of financial management for the average college student.

“We were having fun because some of the scenarios were really funny,” said Usra

Holly Winge educates students in El Paso Hall about practicing safe sex.

Qureshi, vice president of fellowship for the chapter. “I feel people did learn. They were trying to make sure they had money for next round. They were aware that they had the recurring payments they had to take care of.”

The event included a discussion panel that included Kelly Sonnanstine, Student Government Association (SGA) adviser, Gabe Randle, Male Achievement Program (MAP) adviser and Kevin Wortley, an economics professor. They shared their personal experiences of dealing with credit cards and offered insight as to how banks and credit cards work.

Students were able to ask questions and get advice from the speakers.

“We will buy [a surplus] because we think ‘I got a credit card. I can spend 300 more dollars,’ but we are not knowing how it’s affecting us,” said Sam Mathew, vice president of leadership for Phi Theta Kappa. “It’s mainly giving awareness to the community – what to do not to do – or, if you have a bad credit, how to tackle it.”

Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society for college students that offers resources and counsel for scholarship applications, academic development and success readiness.

Hospitality Exhibition Event Management (HEEM) hosted a workshop on Nov. 19 to help students learn how to market themselves, using the online platform LinkedIn.com for employment and client contacts.

The guest speaker was Terry Sullivan, CEO of BuzzPro. Sullivan started his business just like other entrepreneurs who are looking for work. He founded a business to help hardworking people build and market their brand using social media platforms such as LinkedIn to search for internships and potential employment.

Sullivan started his business after getting laid off in 2010. He went into the business after friends asked him to teach a class on how to use LinkedIn.com to find jobs.

Sullivan was introduced by HEEM member and Richland student Lucina Lankford. She told the attendees about Sullivan’s credentials in brand development and his experience using LinkedIn.com to promote individuals and companies, and how the program helped him personally.

Sullivan helped students log in to LinkedIn and create an account. The workshop attendees were supposed to add a photo for their profile, find a banner on Google images or use a picture on their phone that signifies who they are and what they are trying to do.

After a 15-minute break with snacks and coffee, Sullivan made his presentation.

He had everyone in the room introduce themselves by their name, their career and major, and then he asked why they want to get started with LinkedIn. He touched on the individual responses before moving on to his PowerPoint presentation about getting started on LinkedIn. “You’re getting into the habit of meeting people, to establish contact for business,” Sullivan said.

LinkedIn is a site where you have to put yourself out there, make contact and connect with other profiles for help with your business and to inquire about work. Sullivan also discussed building a brand.

“The first thing to think about when building your brand is think about your audience and cluing in your audience to everything you are about and what you are doing,” he said.

Sullivan offered inclusive tips and advice to help the community of business individuals and jobseekers create online profiles that reflect the people they are in real life and reach out to employers in their chosen career fields.

Getting hired for the job of your dreams begins with looking good online and being willing to sell yourself to get hired or get internships, he said.

“Get a brand now. Don’t be overwhelmed [about] what your brand is now. [That] is not what your brand on LinkedIn will be in the next couple years. It’s just a starter. As you grow and gain experience, it will change,” he said.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Chase Wilson Staff Writer

4 CAMPUS

December 10, 2019

Professor seeks adventure beyond Richland campus Jack Ramirez Bernal Managing Editor

Anthropology professor Tim Sullivan will retire from the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) when the fall semester comes to a close. He has been part of the Richland community for eight years.

“You never know who you’re going to touch and who you’re going to influence and I guess that’s one of the things that, you know, has always been a delight to me,” Sullivan said.

With retirement on the horizon, Sullivan will soon be able to pursue opportunities that include traveling to archaeological destinations with his wife, pursuing writing projects, delving into the field of sacred ecology and escaping into the world of literary crime fiction.

Although he will no longer being directly involved, Sullivan hopes the anthropology program will continue to grow and attract new students.

“I would like to see a greater level of awareness about anthropology and what it has to offer,” Sullivan said. “I think a lot of people are still basically ignorant about it, and I don’t mean that in a pejorative way. They aren’t aware of what anthropology really is.”

2

The Island House

Sullivan’s involvement with DCCCD began in 1977 when he began teaching at Cedar Valley. He transferred to Richland in 2011.

Since then, Sullivan has spearheaded the anthropology program and shared an awareness of related career opportunities with interested students.

“I think moving to Richland, even through I loved the people and my colleagues at Cedar Valley, I think moving here to Richland has been very exciting,” Sullivan said.

One of the highlights of Sullivan’s career involves the reconstruction of the Little Egypt community in Lake Highlands. He embarked upon the project with history professor, Dr. Clive Siegle in 2018.

By using the methodologies of anthropology and oral history, the project revealed the history of a community important to the people of Dallas and the region. Little Egypt may go down as Sullivan’s magnum opus, but that would not include the creation of the anthropology program at Richland.

In addition to teaching classes, Sullivan served as adviser to Richland’s anthropology club, which introduced new students to the field of study.

“He was really helpful teaching me about an-

Staff Photo Thinh Pham

Selam Hailemariam, left, and Linda Pelon talk to Dr. Tim Sullivan at his retirement party Dec. 4.

thropology, because I had no idea what it was beforehand. It was really great. He’s super supportive,” said Esther Land, president of the Richland anthropology club. “Before joining, I had a strong fascination with languages.

Since joining I want to pursue that part of anthropology and learn about different languages around the world.”

Sullivan has earned the respect of both his students and his colleagues.

“He’s a seasoned veteran. The way he interacts with the students and the fact he’s on the

verge of retirement but is still so passionate about his discipline, it’s admirable. I’ve said this to him before [in] person and personal emails, ‘I hope to be the kind of professor you are,’” said Geoffrey Manzi, philosophy professor at Richland.

ESOL professor Mary Peacock will lead the anthropology club moving forward. Listen to the full interview with Sullivan as part of Dara Jones’ “Richland Treasures” series, a podcast available on KDUX Web Radio at RichlandStudentMedia.com/podcast/timsullivan

Drums ‘steel’ the night away at Richland

Seeking steel drum players, performers, instrument makers and those with a passion for island music and culture.

The Caribbean Connection Island House is a cultural facility specializing in the preservation and promotion of Caribbean culture through music, dance and the visual arts.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Open the first and third Saturdays of each month from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2203 Foreman St., Dallas, TX 75210 Phone: 214-863-9131 Email:

glenpierre1955@gmail.com

Above: Daniel Reimer performs on trap set.

Top left: The Richland Percussion Ensemble performs in concert.

Bottom left: Treyvon Reed plays miramba.

Chronicle online: richlandstudentmedia.com

Staff Photos by Glen Pierre

CAMPUS 5

December 10, 2019

For the love of nature, don’t feed the animals Lloyd Roberts & Angela Ly Staff Writers

Richland is rich in wildlife, but it’s also teeming with people who may be tempted to feed the ducks, squirrels and turtles on campus. Wildlife experts say that’s not a good idea.

“Human food is not healthy for our wildlife,” said Rachel Richter, a biologist for DFW Urban Wildlife. “Wild animals are meant to have a diverse diet.”

The main problem with feeding animals bread and chips is that they’re typically high in carbohydrates, which can break down the immune systems of wild animals.

It can also cause birds and geese to develop debilitating conditions.

“Everyone wants to interact with ducks, geese, turtles. It’s not something you really think about when you’re doing it [or] the repercussions of it, but most important is thinking about the future generations instead of right now,” said Jacob Coleman, president of the Student Green Team.

Ducks fed human food are in danger of developing angel wings, a condition that can cause irreversible effects, including an inability to fly. Ducks with angel wings suffer irreversible effects, according to Richter.

“Their feathers are stuck [in place]. The joint that is attached to the last set of the primary flight feathers is twisted out. This is something that happens to ducks when they

don’t receive adequate nutrition,” said Richter.

Satiable snacks for humans can attract scavengers, such as raccoons and coyotes. This invitation, particularly to coyotes, can put wildlife in danger and lead to a decrease of Richland’s native population.

Canada geese have been known to attack students on campus during mating season.

Aggression could increase if they become dependent on humans for food. Losing the ability to hunt can lead to starvation.

More animals, on the other hand, can lead to more waste on paths and around campus, Richter said. Excessive waste will eventually run off into the lake, effecting the aquatic wildlife and creating lake algae. That, in turn, could put the lives of the turtles at risk.

The more beneficial ways the Richland community can enjoy the wildlife is to sightsee and take pictures. Students can also help plant native plants to preserve campus’ natural greenspaces and contribute to citizen science projects by downloading phone apps and learning about local flora and fauna. Several apps were discussed during Richter’s presentation including iNaturalist, eBird and Trees Count.

“We have a lot of diverse wildlife within our cities and it’s important to be good stewards [of] the wildlife within our cities,” said Richter.

She continued to say we should do what we can to reduce wildlife conflict and the spread of disease by promoting healthy ecosystems.

Wildlife experts say feeding ducks and other wild creatures could harm them.

Staff Photo Lloyd Roberts

Nature apps

iNaturalist - Upload pictures of animals, trees and insects. Learn where to find these creatures using the app’s geographical function. eBird – This online database of bird records is compiled by users. Data is also used for scientific research, education and

conservation. Available in the Apple App Store.

Trees Count - A tree inventory tool used to map individual trees and learn about different species. The app can also be used to record the condition of trees and recommend maintenance.

Student Green Team members and volunteers plant a tree.

Staff Photo Mubeena Wahaj

Mubeena Wahaj swings around a tree enjoying State Arbor Day.

Photo Courtesy Mubeena Wahaj

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Richland embraces the green at the Texas State Arbor Day

6 WEATHER

December 10, 2019

Extended summer: The winter edition Alex Ortuno

Staff Writer December is known for festive celebrations, gift shopping and wintry weather. Many places around the U.S. are already experiencing winter weather, including the East and West coasts and the Rocky Mountain states which, at press time, were experiencing snowstorms and blizzards.

According to the Climate Prediction Center’s Winter Outlook for 2019-20, much of the country may feel something different this winter, a potentially warm and dry winter season.

North Central Texas is projected to have warmer-than-usual temperatures while other parts of the country will see less-than-average precipitation. While that may signal a warm winter ahead, Jennifer Dunn, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Fort Worth, said there is no guarantee that will be the case.

“The outlook is basically how the model is trending in probability sense. So what it means is that [there are] fairly decent chances of being above normal in temperature and then there seems to be a tip towards some slightly better chances that we are below normal precipitation. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that is exactly how we are going to finish out the winter,” Dunn said.

The Climate Prediction Center is favoring an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) with neutral conditions. Yet, ENSO neutral winters

can still bring weather events, said Dunn.

“We tend to typically have more freezes than the other two scenarios, than El Niño or La Niña years. It does not necessarily mean that there will be winter precipitation with those

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freezes but we tend to have more freezes during neutral conditions. Otherwise, precipitation wise, they usually end up kind of in the middle between the two and the only other statistic that we see a little bit of difference of

Staff Graphic Alex Ortuno

is in snowfall,” Dunn said.

The National Weather Service records wintry precipitation as both sleet and snow that averages one to two inches during ENSO neutral winters, Dunn said. Severe weather is always a possibility, she added, even during the winter months.

“So here in North Texas, we are no strangers to severe weather at any time of the year, so we always have to be prepared. Yes, while the spring season is typically our most significant time for having severe weather, as a couple of years have shown, we can have severe weather as late as late December and even during the winter months as well,” Dunn said.

“Winter can not only bring cold but snow.

Records dating from 1898 have shown North Central Texas gets snow at least once every winter season.” Thus, the winter outlook is not a guaranteed forecast.

Harsh winter conditions can happen during the season. Dunn stresses the importance for residents of North Central Texas to prepare a winter weather safety kit. That kit can include things like blankets, gloves, extra socks, hats, an ice scraper, a flashlight and batteries, a multi-tool and road flares.

“You have to be prepared at all times, so maybe now is a good time to consider what your winter supply kit looks like, in your car and at home, and be prepared for when those first couple of events start happening,” she said.

December 10, 2019

SPECIAL SECTION 7

RichlandStudentMedia.com

POLITICAL ISSUE

Staff Cartoon Jerry Weiss

8 SPECIAL SECTION

December 10, 2019

Impeachment: The next steps House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Dec. 5 that Democrats will draft articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, a crucial step toward a vote of the full House.

The articles are likely to encompass Democrats’ findings on Trump’s dealings with Ukraine.

Although the Democrats are still writing the articles at press time, they could charge Trump with abuse of office, bribery and obstruction.

Lawmakers and staff are expected to finish drafting the articles in the coming days, a process that is being led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House Judiciary Committee. If the panel approves the articles by the week of Dec. 9, a vote of the full House could take place before Christmas.

WHAT ARE ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT? Articles of impeachment are charges against the president. If the House approves them, they are then sent to the Senate for a trial and eventual vote. There can be as few or as many articles as the House decides.

In a Senate trial, senators are jurors and select House members act as prosecutors, or impeachment managers. The chief justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, presides. If the Senate approves an article of impeachment with a two-thirds vote of “guilty,” the president is convicted and removed from office. If all the articles are rejected, the president is acquitted. While the process has the trappings

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responds to a reporter after announcing the House is moving to draw up articles of impeachment against Trump.

of a criminal trial, the decision is purely political.

This is the fourth time in history Congress has moved to impeach a president. If convicted by the Senate, Trump would be the first president to be removed from office. But that is unlikely in the GOP-controlled Senate.

WHAT ARTICLES WILL COVER The articles of impeachment are likely to encompass two major themes — abuse of office and obstruction. But they could be divvied up into multiple articles.

An impeachment article accusing Trump of abuse of office, or abuse of power, would focus on the findings of the Ukraine investigation and his efforts to persuade the Ukrainian government to investigate Democrats as the U.S. withheld military aid.

That conduct is the focus of a House Intelligence Committee report that will be presented to the Judiciary panel for consideration

in a Dec. 9 hearing.

Some lawmakers have suggested that Democrats could break out “bribery” as a separate article. It would likely center on Trump threatening to withhold the aid, and also threatening to a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in exchange for the political investigations.

Obstruction articles could be broken up into obstruction of Congress and obstruction of justice, or the two could be combined. The administration’s repeated refusals to provide documents and testimony would serve as the basis for an article charging Trump with obstruction of Congress. If Democrats decide to draft an article on obstruction of justice, it could mention the findings of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.

DIFFERING DEMOCRATIC VIEWS There has been an internal debate in the House Democratic caucus about how many

Millennials call for Dara Jones Layout Editor

RichlandStudentMedia.com

articles to write and how much to include — and whether to include matters beyond Ukraine at all.

Some moderate Democrats have argued that the articles should focus solely on Ukraine, as they believe it’s a clearer case. Others say they can’t ignore Mueller’s report, which said that Trump couldn’t be exonerated of obstructing the special counsel’s investigation. He essentially left the matter up to Congress.

Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly says it would be a “terrible mistake” to ignore obstruction of justice as laid out by Mueller. But he said Democrats “certainly don’t want everything in the kitchen sink” in the articles, either.

“I think we should keep it as simple as possible,” said California Rep. Eric Swalwell, a member of the Judiciary and Intelligence panels. “I think it’s important that this is digestible for everyday Americans who are understandably busy, but understand what a shakedown is, too.”

–The Associated Press

Richland reacts

more voter awareness This is part three of a three-part series Edward Sesay, president of the Richland Student Government Association (SGA), said he is looking forward to voting in the presidential election. The newly-naturalized citizen cast his first ballot in the mayoral election in May. In addition to his own passion for voting, Sesay wants to motivate Richland students to get out to vote too.

“We [SGA] make sure students are informed about what’s going on in your communities, in the nation, in the states,” said Sesay.

According to Sesay, voter turnout makes a difference in an election. He said longtime elected officials may have reason to be concerned about millennial voters.

“They’ll be scared of you [millennials] because they’re scared of us right now because they’re like, ‘Oh my God. [The] election is coming up. I might lose my seat in the next year’ so, I’m trying all my best,” Sesay said.

By making their voices heard, younger voters can make a difference in the issues that candidates pay attention to, such as tuition and education. For Sesay, immigration was equally

Photo The Associated Press

Staff Photo Glen Pierre

Edward Sesay, left and Social Media Editor André Duncan discuss the importance of voting.

important. He had to navigate the current political climate along his path to citizenship.

“The whole policy changed so it was, like, hard to get my citizenship,” he said. “I can’t believe that it happened. You know what I am saying? I am now a citizen of the United States and you know it’s been a dream come true.”

The presidential election attracts the most attention, but voters can have a bigger impact on the smaller races, Sesay said.

Students may not be aware that city council, school board, county commissioners court and bond elections can indirectly affect their bottom line via higher property taxes passed on through higher rent and more expensive local government services.

“I just want to say, ‘Go vote, guys.’ It’s important,” Sesay said.

Watch the entire interview at RichlandStudentMedia.com.

Richland professors and students have been watching the impeachment hearings and speculating on the outcome.

“The process itself has been politically and legally complicated. No matter what happens, it seems this particular period of political history will be studied in the future because of its historical significance,” said professor Calen Scoggins. “In order for the Republicanmajority Senate to have a two-thirds vote to convict the president on articles of impeachment, something would have to happen so that at least 22 to 23 Republicans in the Senate would feel they are more likely to lose their next elections if they don’t choose to convict.”

“I honestly don’t believe the Republicans will let it get through the senate,” said Dorian Snider, a second-year Richland student. “Snider believes the impeachment inquiry will bring more support to the Democrats.

Regardless of the outcome, Scoggins remains hopeful. He said his students have become more engaged in the light of the impeachment then they have in the past. He says it is at least “one good thing” that has come of the impeachment.

- Staff writer; Orlando Silva

SPECIAL SECTION 9

December 10, 2019

2020 Census is vital for services throughout U.S. Joyce Jackson Copy Editor The U.S. Census is a population survey mandated by the U.S. Constitution that is conducted every 10 years. The results will influence how billions of federal tax dollars will be spent and determine the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives for each state.

The census has been taken once a decade since 1790. It’s based on actual counts of persons living in residences throughout the country. In 2020, census takers will go door to door to gather information from individual households regarding the number of inhabitants, their relationship to each other, age, birthdate, race and sex.

According to www.census.gov, “The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on census data.”

That money will be spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.

One of the changes in the 2020 census is that, for the first time, people can respond online and in one of a dozen languages other than English. The census will also give people more detailed options when answering questions of race.

According to the Pew Research Center,

the 2020 census will begin in remote parts of Alaska in January, but most U.S. households will receive mailings in March urging them to participate.

A recent Pew survey finds that, “Americans overwhelmingly are aware of it [the census] and more than 8-in-10 (84%) say they definitely or probably will participate. Still, 16% express at least some uncertainty about responding, with higher shares saying this among some demographic groups.”

The census is not without controversy.

President Donald J. Trump proposed adding a question about citizenship in March, 2018.

The Supreme Court overruled the attempt saying it would discourage legal and illegal immigrants from responding to the survey and undermine the accuracy of the population count.

According to The Associated Press (AP), the House Oversight Committee sued two top Trump officials in November for refusing to produce documents related to the Supreme Court decision.

Lawmakers reportedly need the documents, which are being withheld by the Justice and Commerce departments, to determine if Congress should take emergency action to guard the census from partisan meddling.

False and inaccurate information about the census, intended to confuse voters, has begun to show up on social media posts, according to AP. One post reportedly claimed

U.S census workers will be canvassing neighborhoods next year.

that “robbers were scamming their way into people’s homes by asking to check residents’ identification for the upcoming census.” Census Bureau officials now work directly with Facebook, Twitter and Google to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for the 2020 count. Those interested in applying for

Staff Illustration by Barbara Gandica Martinez

full-time or part-time positions can apply online. Applications are being accepted for those with all levels of experience.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. Citizen and, if bilingual, must pass an oral equivalence exam in English. For more information, go to www.2020census.gov/jobs or call 1-855-562-2020.

Crossword: Impeachment trivia 1

Down

2 5

2

1.

When facing impeachment, president Richard _______ resigned from office.

1

2.

What country was mentioned in the whistleblower complain?

3

3.

The last president to be successfully impeached was Bill ______.

3

5

4

4.

What is the name of the president of Ukraine?

5.

Who is the U.S ambassador to the European Union who testified in the hearings?

Across 1. The impeachment proceedings are initiated the _____ of Representatives.

2.

Who was the first president to be successively impeached?

3.

President Trump asked the president of Ukraine to investigate Hunter ______.

4. George Washington University Law professor, Jonathan Turley, said during the impeachment hearing on Dec. 4, “I get it. You’re mad. The president’s mad, My Republican friends are mad. My Democratic friends are mad. My wife is mad.

My kids are mad. Even my ____ is mad.”

5.

If the House of Representatives votes to impeach the president, the case goes to the ______ for trial.

Answers can be found on back cover (page 16).

RichlandStudentMedia.com

4

10 COMMENTARY

December 10, 2019

Ricky’s 2019 movie picks Ricky Miller Entertainment Editor I see more than 50 feature films in theaters in a single year. This list does not contain upcoming entries like “Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Bombshell,” Clint Eastwood’s “Richard Jewell” or the ninth entry into the “Star Wars” pantheon “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” Here is my list as of Dec. 6, 2019.

5. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019) Grade: A

6. “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” (2019) Grade: A 1. “Toy Story 4” (2019) Grade: A+

Photow The Associated Press

Actress Lori Loughlin, right, and daughter Olivia Jade Giannulli at a gala in California.

Fame often affords celebrities softer sentences for their crimes David Acosta Staff Writer

7. “Doctor Sleep” (2019) Grade: A

2. “1917” (2019) Grade: A

RichlandStudentMedia.com

8. “Yesterday” (2019) Grade: A-

3. “The Farewell” (2019) Grade: A 9. “Once Upon A Time... in Hollywood” (2019) Grade: A

4. “The Irishman” (2019) Grade: A

10. “Us” (2019) Grade: A-

When a crime is committed, any individual who is apprehended and charged will encounter the justice system, no matter the individual’s social status.

For those who are convicted, however, the punishment phase often becomes drastically different for those with celebrity status as opposed to those with out.

A celebrity is defined as a famous or wellknown person. In terms of pop culture, this might be a talented individual who may have become wealthy through sports and/or the entertainment industry.

Those who achieve celebrity status often become public property, of sorts, and can’t escape the spotlight. Fans and paparazzi follow them seeking autographs and photographs.

In contrast, most ordinary individuals live their lives out of the public eye. Their lives are measured by daily routines instead of headlines and hoopla.

Does one’s fame and social status play a role in possible punishment for breaking the law?

Sadly, I believe it does.

The punishment for committing violent acts, such as assault and even murder can be affected by fame and fortune. Bill Cosby and O.J. Simpson are two celebrities whose legal status and the media attention they attained had an impact on their trials.

Crimes such as driving under the influence and theft can attract media attention and raise eyebrows when celebrities face the justice system as opposed to the general public.

The significance of punishment may vary regardless of the crime, circumstances and economic status.

Ordinary individuals may face stiffer punishment and harsher jail time depending on their ability to pay fines and negotiate incarceration in cushy private prisons. Leniency

may be especially difficult for repeat offenders to receive.

Celebrities go through the processing system like ordinary individuals, but the courts may be willing to consider preferential treatment based on their celebrity status even if they repeat the offense. That in itself is significant.

Celebrities who have had run-ins with the law include Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Robert Downey Jr., Johnny Depp, Tiger Woods and Mel Gibson.

Entertainment television shows feed on the failings of celebrities by attempting to draw unwanted attention to their antics, sometimes smearing their names and compromising their sponsorships.

The justice system reinforces a perception that bizarre behavior is excusable for celebrities and not to be taken seriously.

The recent college bribery scandal involved a scheme in which parents paid administrators to accept false records involving their children’s admission into prestigious colleges and universities.

Celebrity parents were among those who were implicated.

Felicity Huffman, who pleaded guilty to a scheme to boost her daughter’s SAT scores, was sentenced to just two weeks in prison. She served her sentence at the Federal Correctional Institute, also known as “Club Fed.” What about the parents who aren’t in the we wlimelight?vWhatfaboutythehcollege administrators who facilitated their crimes? Their coverage in the media has been mostly overlooked Non-celebrities may serve harsher sentences than those with celebrity status. Celebrities, however, may also be tried in the media, which can affect their marketability. Bias plays a role in the sentencing phase, in spite of their crimes.

Justice, it seems, is not entirely blind.

ENTERTAINMENT 11

December 10, 2019

Big screen or small, lots to watch this holiday season

“Mozart in the Jungle” (2014) - In the Amazon original, “Mozart in the Jungle,” Gael Garcia Bernal plays Rodrigo De Souza, a young up-and-comer on the New York classical music scene. As Thomas Pembridge (Malcom McDowell) steps down as conductor for the New York Symphony Orchestra, the young De Souza takes up the mantle. While comedic in tone, the show does an excellent job of portraying the stresses and woes of a modern-day working musician trying to make it in a competitive field. One does not need to be a musician to enjoy the chaos and hilarity that ensues. The series, unfortunately, was canceled after four seasons. While the ending leaves more to be desired, “Mozart in the Jungle” is well worth the watch.

Grade: A-

“Peaky Blinders” (2013) - Set in Birmingham, England, “Peaky Blinders” is a Netflix Original series based on the reallife gang of the same name. The storyline follows the tale of gangster Thomas Gilbert in post-World War I England. Cillian Murphy portrays Thomas Shelby, the fictional character, in the series. While the show provides a mix of gritty action, political intrigue and crime-related drama, it is certainly not without humor. The writing is phenomenal and the performances are well executed by an all-star cast, featuring Murphy, Paul Anderson, Tom Hardy, and Helen McCrory. The series is binge-worthy, although not for the faint of heart.

Grade: A

“Klaus” (2019) – Everyone has their own take on the origins of Santa Claus.

Sergio Pablos, co-creator of “Despicable Me” (2010) and Carlos Martinez López, gives audiences their version in this hilarious animated comedy. Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) and Klaus (J.K. Simmons) set out to bring joy to the children of Smeerensburg, a town that needs a lot of joy. Available on Netflix.

Grade: A

“Tru Confessions” (2002) – Before Shia LaBeouf was Sam Witwicky in “Transformers” (2007), he was Eddie in “Tru Confessions”. This movie has great messages for all audiences regarding people with learning differences, but it falls a little short with outdated material. There is some “Tru” heart here and it should not be skipped over. Available on Disney+.

Grade: B-

“Schitt’s Creek” (2015) - Created by the father-son duo of Eugene and Daniel Levy, “Schitt’s Creek” is a comedy series about a rich family that loses everything except one asset: A small town in the middle of nowhere, named Schitt’s Creek. While the focus of the series in on their struggle to adapt to the drastic lifestyle change, the comedic tone is present throughout. The memorable cast of characters include Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose and Catherine O’Hara as his wife Moria. Dan Levy as David Rose truly makes the show. The 6th and final season is scheduled for release in early 2020.

For those who haven’t seen it, now is the perfect time to catch up.

Grade: A-

“Hajime no Ippo” (2000-2014) – This boxing anime series based on the 1989 manga (a Japanese graphic novel) of the same name, created by Mangaka George Morikawa. The storyline centers around young Makunouchi Ippo, a timid high school student who encounters a local middleweight boxer and enters the world of boxing after a run-in with some local roughnecks. “Hajime no Ippo” features a cast of memorable characters, real-life boxing techniques, principles and facts about some of the sport’s bestknown legends. “Hajime no Ippo” is an enjoyable, binge-worthy series available on www.CrunchyRoll.com.

Grade: A+ —Damon Craig

“Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” (2010) – This flick falls right in the

“Krampus” (2015) – Another one that is just pure silly fun wherein an extended family spends time around a creature that takes away rather than receives.

Emjay Anthony, Adam Scott and Toni Collette costar in this comic-fantasy.

B-

C

middle of the Pure Guilty Pleasure category. This Finnish tale with a $2 million budget contains high production values even when watched on television. It treats Santa Claus as more of a commodity than anything else.

“The Ref ” (1994) –

Denis Leary is a cat burglar who inadvertently picks up bickering spouses Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey.

The funniest bit comes from Leary’s character who tells6over-reactive2mom Christina Baranski that they can open up presents whenever6they4want4 because they are adults.

B

“Next Gen” (2018) – Charlyne Yi, “This is 40” (2012), voices Mai, a teenager looking for a friend and stubbles upon a prototype robot, Project 77, voiced

by John Krasinski, “The Office” (20052013). This sci-fi comedy adventure is fun at “human” heart, although the robotic messages don’t fully deliver. Available on Netflix.

Grade: C+ —Lloyd Roberts

“A Christmas Story” (1983) – This engaging family comedy finds Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) wanting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. From director Bob Clark, who had a big hit in 1982 with the sex4comedy4“Porky’s.”

B+

“Anna and the Apocalypse” (2017) – This

tongue-in cheek tale does a zombie/comedy musical. Ella Hunt is Anna Sheperd who awakens in her small British town to see the majority of the townsfolk turned into the walking undead. (re:zombies).

—Ricky Miller

C-

RichlandStudentMedia.com

“Noelle” (2019) – Not even St. Nick lives forever. As the first Christmas without him. One of his children, Chris Kringle or Noelle, must continue the Christmas spirit as Santa Claus. The flick comes up short with cheap graphics and visuals.

It has some half-baked Christmas-cookie plot holes and the story feels rushed.

Overall, it didn’t jingle all the way for me.

Available on Disney +.

Grade: D

12 THE ARTS

December 10, 2019

‘Lady and the Tramp’ fetches new audience Lloyd Roberts Stafff Writer

Lady and the Tramp enjoy Tony’s spaghetti in 1955 (top) and 2019 (bottom).

Photos Courtesy IMDb

It’s been nearly 65 years since the original animated movie “Lady and the Tramp” was released by Walt Disney. A lot has changed in just over six decades. Cultural depictions and gender equality challenges, not to mention technological advances, are constant reminders of how much times have changed. The newly released live action version is now available on the Disney+ streaming service.

While the 1955 and the 2019 versions tell the same general story, it’s told in a different way to match today’s younger generation.

Both versions have their strengths and weaknesses.

For instance, audiences may be familiar with the pencil-drawn sketches in the introduction of the animated film. The introduction of the animated version features the characters and foreshadows what will soon take place. The live action version opens with just an exterior backdrop of the town.

The updated film cuts the time in half to get to the point where Lady receives her license and collar. From that point on, audiences will recognize more differences in the way the story is told.

Lady is excited to show off her license and collar to Trusty and Jock in the backyard.

Trusty is a male bloodhound in both versions.

Jock, however, is a female Scottish terrier in the 2019 version.

In the animated film, Jock is a male Scottish terrier. Jock being female addresses gender diversity throughout the story. Audiences will pick up the reason for the change during the slightly altered ending of the film.

Another noticeable difference is the racial equality between humans Jim Dear and Darling.

In the new version, Darling’s family has changed. Jim Dear is played by a Caucasian (Thomas Mann) while Darling is played by Kiersey Clemons, an African-American. Aunt Sarah (Darling’s sister and Jim Dear’s sisterin-law) is played by Yvette Nicole Brown, also African-American.

It was deemed important by Disney to make this change to send a cultural message to younger audiences and remind older audiences that times have changed.

In the contemporary version, Disney removed the Siamese cats and replaced them with tabby cats.

The Siamese cats in the animated version were over-dramatized stereotypes of Asian culture and often criticized by Disney fans.

The removal of the Siamese cats made the story more socially acceptable for today’s audiences.

Times have changed and so has the take of “Lady and the Tramp.” Whether it’s the first time for viewers to experience the tale, or for those who experienced the original version, the story is one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

One version of the film doesn’t replace the other. The doggone times have changed. It’s important for audiences of all ages to experience these films, although neither version worked for me.

I would rate the original a D and give a D+ to the remake. I would give Disney credit for adjusting the story to the times. The live-action film didn’t change my bark about the story.

Grade: D+ (2019)

Brazos Gallery features exhibition of faculty artworks Barbara Gandica Martinez

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Design Editor

“Express your creativity, however it comes, express it,” said Charles Coldewey, the Brazos Gallery coordinator at Richland.

The annual faculty show is on exhibit in the Brazos Gallery through the end of the fall semester.

The show features artwork by the Richland’s full time and adjunct fine arts faculty.

Each piece is labeled with the artist’s name and the course they teach.

“If a student really responds or has a strong feeling towards the artwork and they want to study with that professor, they can find them,” said Coldewey.

The exhibition features works made using a variety of techniques, including lithographic prints from David Villegas and ceramic pieces

by Linda Gosset.

Some of the artwork in the show was created by Coldewey, who teaches 3-D design. His pieces, “Flow’d lit Klein” and “Configuration of Clarification,” are inspired by both contemporary and ancient artists.

“Flow’d lit Klein,” a black dancing figure

with spots of color, represents the essence of French artist Yves Klein.

“He embraced the color blue,” says Coldewey. “He was just doing stuff nobody was doing and whatever he imagined he did. And I like the freedom his creativity had.”

Coldwey’s other piece, “Configuration of Clarification,” takes inspiration from how ancient artworks look today.

“That’s why it may kind of look a little bit broken and chipped, like it was buried underground for a long time and dug back up,” he said.

The art piece is based on the idea that “we, as people, are all under construction,” he said.

Emily LaCour exhibited artwork made with oil on canvas.

Her artwork focuses on the art of gesture, “so there are no facial expressions and no particular person associated to that, but rather it’s just about action,” she said.

The faculty art exhibition shows students the art of their professors beyond the classroom.

For those who are planning to take a fine arts class, the exhibition is an opportunity to see faculty portfolio pieces prior to signing up for classes.

LaCour suggests “make stuff and then put it out there and not be shy of doing so.”

Similarly,5Coldewey5said,6“What6I4tell

students about art is to follow the idea and not the materials, because it’s your idea that you want to explore.”

The faculty art exhibition is on view through Dec. 12.

Staff Photo Glen Pierre

ENTERTAINMENT 13

December 10, 2019

New ‘Cleese’on life Ricky Miller Staff Writer

Ron Devillier, left, and John Cleese share a laugh during Cleese’s appearance in Dallas.

Staff Photo Jonathan Lin

I am not a fan boy. I’ve spent my career as a film critic meeting top-notch actors, including Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Jackie Chan, directors Gary Marshall, Tony Goldwyn, Jon Turteltaub and others.

Meeting John Cleese was a special experience for me. He has always put a smile on my face and made me laugh. I knew him from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975) “Time Bandits” (1981) and the sophomoric Jerry Zucker film “Rat Race” (2001).

Cleese does not do many interviews. My friend and publicist Kelly Wickersham of Kelly Kitchens PR worked to bring Cleese to Dallas to receive the Ernie Kovacs Award from the Dallas Video Association.

Kovacs was a major influence in the 1950s.

He was essentially the precursor to the latenight comics that continued with Steve Allen,

Johnny Carson and David Letterman. The award coincided with Kovacs’ 100th birthday.

Cleese received the award due to the fact that “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” had its American debut on KERA-TV in Dallas. This was a big deal since KERA-TV/Channel 13 played episodes of the series at a time when the network landscape was very barren. TV shows like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” which featured sketch comedy and animated shorts, was considered by many to be just too far out for conventional 1970s America.

I don’t mean to brag, but I do have a certain finesse in meeting people. I knew Cleese recently celebrated his 80th birthday so I brought him a gift. It was a brand new, unopened copy of John Frankenheimer’s “Seconds,” a 1966 thriller starring Rock Hudson. He looked bewildered, but I told him it was the least I could do for all the years of laughter I have received watching him in action. Before I left I told him thanks again and wished him luck.

Muppets celebrate 50 years on “Sesame Street” “Sesame Street” is still entertaining children and families, 50 years after its first broadcast in 1969 on the National Education Television (NET). The iconic characters like Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, The Count and Elmo have been around for decades and aren’t going away anytime soon.

The late Jim Henson, creator of the classic children’s TV show, established a legacy that continues to grow. The Muppets and all of the characters that inhabit “Sesame Street” continue to entertain the public.

Joshua Gillespie, who operates the Twitter account “Muppets History,” was directly affected by the lessons he learned from the “Sesame Street” Muppets.

“It was introduced to me at a very young age during a series of heart surgeries I had as a child due to a rare heart defect,” Gillespie said.

He suffered from hypo-plastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Gillespie said the left side of his heart was not fully formed when he was born. He underwent several surgeries and now the right side of his heart works as a fully functioning organ.

“They [The Muppets] helped keep me entertained and calm,” said Gillespie. “I never fell out of my love of the Muppets but, during school years, I hid it from the other students to avoid being bullied.”

Henson’s creations, though beloved by a vast audience, are tailored to young children.

The lessons taught on “Sesame Street” 50 years ago are still helpful to new generations today. New characters and lessons have been added to the series to keep the content up to date and relevant to new audiences.

“As I’ve done ‘Muppet History’ throughout

this past year, I’ve been able to see just how the lessons and messages, such as that, resonate whether they knew it or realize it upon viewing it again,” said Gillespie, who is now posting archival footage of the Muppets and “Sesame Street” sketches online.

The thing that resonates with audiences, however, is how the Muppets have handled difficult topics such as homelessness, divorce, incarceration and even death.

One iconic moment remembered by fans was when Big Bird learned about Mr. Hooper’s (Will Lee’s) death.

“Instead of making an excuse, such as he moved away, they [“Sesame Street”] addressed it head on and explained death in a serious but also an easily understandable manner,” Gillespie said.

Big Bird brings presents to his friends who live outside Hooper’s store only to find he isn’t there. The slow but affectionate way in which the cast explains that he won’t ever come back helps audiences – kids and adults alike –navigate their feelings.

“We’ll make sure you’re OK,” is the lesson.

Viewers learn that there are people who care about others who are hurting from the loss of a friend or family member.

In a modern sense, “Sesame Street in Communities” provides resources for caregivers and children designed to address topics ranging from autism to self-care and grief.

In one set of resources, Elmo sits next to his father, Louie Monster. The two come across a photo of Elmo’s uncle, Jack. When Elmo says he misses his Uncle Jack, it’s an opportunity for Louie to explain how to deal with sorrow.

“Sad feelings can come and go and it’s OK to talk about it,” said Louie. The monster family proceed to find ways to remember Uncle Jack by talking about him and looking at

pictures in photo albums.

“I think ‘Sesame Street’ is incredibly important to the educational development of children, not only for things like letters and numbers but also cooperation and kindness,” said Gillespie.

He also said one reason “Sesame Street” is so important is that it was originally intended to educate those with limited resources. Children who face poverty and violence in their communities are part of the target audience.

“The Muppets deep down are a bunch of outcasts – people who don’t fit into society.

And for those who have suffered the same treatment, it feels like finding a family who accepts you for who you are,” Gillespie said.

Treating children as intelligent and understanding without speaking down to them is unique to “Sesame Street.” It’s something Gillespie said other television programs have failed to accomplish.

“I think for many people, we see a bit of ourselves in the Muppets and we can identify with them,” he said.

“Sesame Street” also helps children prepare for possible traumatic social situations and school readiness.

“Personally, I would just like for the Muppet material to be readily accessible for people,” Gillespie said. “Whether it be available on Disney+ or something else, there is so much content that hasn’t been released since the days of VHS and it’s truly sad.”

“Sesame Street” continues to teach and entertain children and adults via HBO on cable, KERA on broadcast TV and streamed on Hulu, for those who want to watch the shows.

“I think we could all use a little kindness these days,” Gillespie said. “There’s so much negativity and division in the world today and I believe the Muppets are the kind of thing that can bring us all together for a good laugh.”

Will Lee, who plays Mr. Hooper, appears with Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street.

Photo courtesy IMDb

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Adrienne Aguilar Editor-In-Chief

14 SPORTS/CARTOON

December 10, 2019

Thunderducks dominate the court CHRONICLE Richland

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Layout Editor Photo Editor Sports Photo Editor Online/Special Projects Online/Special Projects Social Media Editor

Adrienne Aguilar Jack Ramirez Bernal Barbara Gandica Martinez Joyce Jackson Ricky Miller Dara Jones Jonathan Lin M. Daniel Mbega Ndoumou Damon Craig Ryan Bingham Duff André Duncan

ON THE COVER

The Richland Precussion Ensemble performs in Fannin Hall.

Staff Photo Glen Pierre

COVER AND FONTS

Certain cover fonts are provided by the following www.nymfont.com – www.bvfonts.com

ON THE BACK COVER Staff Illustration by Alex Ortuno

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF

Rashad Perkins drives against CYM prep during the second game of the season, Nov. 4.

André Duncan

Social Media Editor

RichlandStudentMedia.com

The Richland men’s basketball season got off to a good start – and they hope to finish the same way.

“I feel like we have a good little group coming back. We have a couple returners coming back,” said Javon Modester, starting point guard for the Richland Thunderducks.

Modester was a guest on the Richland Student Media podcast “Let’s Talk It Out” on Sept. 30 to discuss his expectations for the men’s basketball team.

“Last year, with us going all the way to the national tournament and finishing third in the

nation, the returners, we know what it takes.

We saw what it takes to get there. We just want to instill to the freshman, the drive it takes to get there,” Modester said.

Getting back to status quo can be more difficult than expected. Players transfer to universities, new players come in who need to learn the system and the competition changes and gets better.

At press time, 11 games into the season, the men’s basketball team is sitting at 10 wins and one loss, while averaging 88 points per game.

There are nine freshmen on the roster, reflecting a big turnover from last year’s team, but the T-Ducks have not missed a beat.

Whether the competition committee has

“I don’t get it. I’ve got 8000 friends online but I’m too shy to say hello to her” Staff Cartoon Jerry Weiss

Staff Photo M. Daniel Mbega Ndoumou

residual expectations from last year’s team, or has taken notice as to what this year’s team has done, the T-Ducks have been rewarded for their play this season.

The team is currently ranked third in the NJCAA (Division III), with a couple votes for first place. No. 2 Eastfield (TX) has one vote for 1st place and Sandhills (NC) has three. The top three teams are easily interchangeable this early in the season.

Richland’s men’s basketball team has received other recognitions including a Player of the Week award for Rashad Perkins.

The sophomore guard from Houston was bestowed the honor after Richland defeated a then fifth-ranked team, Prince George, the week of Nov. 19.

Perkins had 38 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and a block as Richland went on to win 76-53. Perkins had averages of 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists with 84% from the FT line, resulting in a 3-0 record on the week for Richland.

“The reason we were so special is because everyone bought in. Nobody cared who was playing the most, who was scoring the most, we all just wanted to do our role,” Modester said. “As long as we were winning, we were all in it together. We are one big brotherhood,” At press time, the T-Ducks have four more games for the remainder of the fall semester.

Spring semester basketball begins Jan. 7. Conference play begins Jan. 11, which begins the nitty-gritty stretch of the season.

Richland will open conference play at Mountain View, a game Modester wished that he “could have back.”

That will be followed by a game against No. 2 Eastfield. Knowing what it takes to be successful in this league, returners Modester, Perkins and Francis Doe will look to relay their experiences to the newer T-Ducks as they continue throughout the season.

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CONTACT INFORMATION El Paso Hall, Room E020, 12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas 75243 Newsroom: 972-238-6079; richlandchronicle@gmail.com Advertising: 972-238-6068 Email: Advertise@dcccd.edu Staff meetings: Monday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. in E020 Letter Policy Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements.

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SPORTS

December 10, 2019

Pablo Cubas never stops going Obase-Wotta Kammonke

UPCOMING EVENTS All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

December 10-12 i

Final exams

December 24 i

College and DCCCD offices closed for holidays at 5 p.m.

Dec. 25-Jan. 1 i

College and DCCCD offices closed for winter holidays

January 2, 2020 i

College and DCCCD offices open

January 13, 2020 i

Faculty returns (Spring 16-week semester and first spring 8-week session)

December 9

10:30 – 11:35 a.m.

Staff Photo Mirco Daniel Mbega Ndoumou

Pablo Cubas celebrates Richland’s victory over Mountain View on Sep. 20.

and how much he meant to the team.” *** Cubas was scouted in his hometown on the Gran Canaria Islands, northwest of Africa.

Herrera was one of three coaches at a soccer showcase and Cubas caught his eye.

“We played two games. I did good. And after that, the boss told me ‘Hey, don’t leave because one of the coaches wants to do a goalkeeper training’ and I was like okay. So, I stayed with another goalkeeper. We made different exercise. So, at the end Raul told me go take a shower, but don’t leave. I want to talk to you,” Cubas said.

After speaking to Herrera, Cubas was convinced, but there was the little issue of financing this move across the continent to join Richland. Cubas spoke with his family and they supported his decision to move to Dallas.

Cubas sold his Volkswagen truck for $6000 and enrolled in Richland for the fall of 2018.

In his first semester, the transition was tough for Cubas off the pitch. A native Spanish speaker, communication was difficult for Cubas. He had to enroll in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes and he had to rely on support from his family in Spain to pay bills, since he couldn’t work.

On the pitch, Cubas was animated and a popular figure among his teammates. In his first season at Richland, Cubas was not an automatic starter. Sean Worley Richland former head coach was alternating between Cubas and Gianmarco Cordoba between the sticks for the Thunderducks. Soon it was apparent Cubas’ solid performances in the heart of de-

fense were too good to ignore and he became one of the first names on the team sheet.

“Quality wise, he’s probably definitely up there with one of the best goalkeepers I’ve ever played with. His style is different because he’s very good with his feet. But at the same time, he’s very good with his hands. He’s a very good goalkeeper in a sense that he reads the game very well,” Sach said.

A player renowned for his abilities, Cubas was vital to the style of play Richland wanted, which was to retain possession and transition quickly. With Cubas able to play with his feet comfortably, he was regarded almost as an extra outfield player who could pass accurately and kickstart the attack.

Cubas led the defense for the Thunderducks, keeping 11 clean sheets in 15 games in the 2018 and nine clean sheets in the 2019 season.

“Right now, I’m so motivated because, if I look [from] how I came here, to how I am right now, I can do whatever I want. I’m so motivated. I want to keep studying here,” Cubas said. “Right now, what I want is [to] spend as much time as I can in the United States here. I don’t care where or how. I mean, I’m learning stuff. Yeah, I’m traveling. I’m meeting new people.”

Cubas is excited about the future. He is eyeing opportunities to further his collegiate career at four-year colleges and, if his record is any indication, there is no hurdle dire enough to stop him and his presence will be felt wherever he lands next.

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Musical – “Miss Nelson has a Field Day.” Fannin Performance Hall, F102

December 13

12:30 – 1:35 p.m. i

2nd performance of musical – “Miss Nelson has a Field Day.” Fannin Performance Hall, F102

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January 15, 2020 Last day to register for spring credit classes

January 20, 2020 i

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Campus closed

January 21, 2020 i

Classes begin (Spring 16-week semester and first spring 8-week session)

Inclement Weather Hotline: 972-238-6196 For employees: 972-238-6912 Information available after 6 a.m.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Staff Writer Wounded knees were not nearly enough to stop Pablo Cubas. The eccentric goalkeeper played through a seemingly game-ending injury, leading valiantly from the back as Richland men’s soccer team won a second consecutive National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) title on Nov. 17. Cubas was named to the NJCAA Div. III All-American First Team, making him the best goalkeeper in the nation for the second year running.

Richland head coach Raul Herrera said Cubas “deserves” the plaudits he has received.

“He has been a great keeper [and] good leader on and off the field,” Herrera said.

Twenty-eight minutes into the national championship final, Cubas was forced to make a save. Herkimer’s Shemar Blair was through on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat. Cubas, sensing the imminent danger, rushed out of his goal and opened his body up to block the shot by the attacker. Inadvertently, Cubas and the Herkimer attacker collided. Cubas came out worse from the contact. Cubas was limping. His right leg didn’t touch the ground.

Seconds later, Cubas lay on the ground clutching his right knee. He was in excruciating pain.

Cubas was carted off the field. He could barely stand up. When he tried, he exerted all his strength to his left leg. Richland substituted him for another player and it seemed Cubas had made his final contribution for the day.

Five minutes later, Cubas was reintroduced back into the game, much to the surprise of spectators and commentators alike. “Oh my.

Wow. I did not see that coming at all. He looked done,” exclaimed the game commentator.

A pivotal figure in the heart of Richland’s defense, Cubas did not want to be a spectator in his final official game for the Thunderducks. Cubas played through the pain because he “wanted to win.” And win, he did. The Thunderducks beat the Herkimer Generals to retain the national championship.

Fast forward to Dec 5, Cubas just came out of an examination at an orthopedic clinic. The doctor removed seven stitches from the right knee that he injured in the final. His right knee was better, but his left knee wasn’t. He had torn his left meniscus a month before the nationals, but Cubas didn’t want to miss a crucial part of the season and decided to play with the injury. He is scheduled to undergo an operation after the spring semester to heal the meniscus tear.

Henry Sach enrolled at Richland at the same time Cubas did. Sach played as a defensive anchor for the Thunderducks and has been Cubas’ roommate since this semester begun. He said Cubas’ personality is a defining feature of the Spaniard and is what sets him apart.

“He has a lot of personality. It isn’t easy for somebody to have the degree of an injury that he did have in the final,” Sach said. “Being able to go off and then come back on five, 10 minutes later, with an injury that later required seven stitches, showed a lot about him as a person and how much it actually meant to him

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December 10, 2019

Happy Happy Holidays!

Holidays!

Jingle bell, Jingle bell, Jingle bell DUCK!

RichlandStudentMedia.com

mythology, spooky stories and folk lore

Enjoy the winter break!

From Richland Student Media RichlandStudentMedia.com

eclectically themed events

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Crossword answers: (Across) 1. House, 2. Andrew Johnson, 3. Biden, 4. Dog, 5. Senate (Down) 1. Nixon, 2. Ukraine, 3. Clinton, 4. Volodymir Zelensky, 5. Gordon Sondland.

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