Richland Chronicle February 21st, 2017

Vol. XLIII Issue 21 February 21, 2017

Think you got it?

Think again Pg. 7

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2 STATE/CAMPUS

February 21, 2017

Nowhere but Texas, y’all

AUSTIN, Texas — More than four-fifths of school districts offer no sex education or only teach abstinence in Texas, which has one of the country’s highest teen birth rates, according to a study released last Tuesday.

The study commissioned by Texas Freedom Network, a left-leaning education watchdog group, found that 25 percent of roughly 1,000 school districts statewide didn’t offer any sex education during the 2015-2016 school year and about 58 percent only taught students to abstain from sex.

The remaining 17 percent, including eight of the 10 largest school districts in America’s second most-populous state, stress abstinence, which they are required to do under a 1995 Texas law. But they also teach students about other sexual topics, including birth control.

The 17-percent figure is actually a marked increase from a 2009 study, which found that 96 percent of Texas school districts taught abstinence only.

The number of districts that offer no sex education rose even more dramatically, from 2 percent in the study eight years ago to a quarter of them today. A major factor in districts dropping their sex education curriculums was a 2009 decision by the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature to scrap passing a health course as a high school graduation requirement.

Of the districts that still teach sex education, 31 percent of the ones in urban areas offer instruction on more than just abstinence, while about 5 percent of rural districts do.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services in 2014 ranked Texas tied with New Mexico for fourth nationwide in birth rates for mothers ages 15 to 19. Some studies have found that comprehensive sex education that includes birth control information is more effective than abstinence-only programs at reducing teen pregnancy rates.

But 25 other states in addition to Texas require stressing abstinence, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion rights research organization. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia require students to be taught about contraception.

More ‘Bathroom Bill’ Backlash Musicians Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys along with Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence are among more than 140 artists and celebrities condemning a Texas “bathroom bill” targeting transgender people.

Britney Spears and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel also signed a letter Tuesday criticizing the Republican-backed efforts as a “denial of basic human dignity.” The bill would require people to use bathrooms that correspond to the sex on their birth certificate.

It’s similar to a North Carolina law that prompted rockers Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen to cancel concerts in that state last year.

The Texas bill has yet to receive even a preliminary vote but public pressure is ratcheting up. Last week, the NFL suggested that Texas could be passed over for future Super Bowl sites if the proposal became law.

Visit http://www.RichlandStudentMedia.com for the remainder of this article.

— Associated Press

Photo courtesy Keenan Cobb

Richland students posing in front of the Texas Capitol.Front row (left to right): Bel Khuu, Zahara Wadud, Domenica Barboza, Michelle Callahan, Seth Sotelo. Second row: Greg Weasah, Daniel Vargas, Edward Sesay, Riyan Edris, Juan Molina, Yoselyn Diaz, Alejandra Rivera. Third row: Essence Provost, Clifton McVea.

Student Government takes on Texas government

HARRIS SADIQ Managing Editor

Richland Student Government Association (SGA) members went to Austin for Community College Day at the Texas State Capitol on Feb. 7. They were joined by students from other DCCCD colleges to lobby lawmakers about on issues of importantance to their respective student bodies.

Richland’s SGA was split up into groups for panel discussions and meetings with

legislators. One student was political science major, Edward Sesou whose group had five minutes each with two representatives from both parties. They hammered through questions about campus carry, tuition and adjunct professor pay.

“I have a single parent, I couldn’t afford to pay for my classes,” said Sesou. “I was lucky to have a scholarship when I graduated so, I was wondering if they working on lowering cost.”

Sesou’s group also met with Representative Victoria Neave who encouraged young people to run for office.

Hope for ‘sole’ goes a long way; embrace the cause TOMMY THOMPSON

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Staff Writer

An old pair of jeans can help a poor “sole.” Richland College and other DCCCD campuses, in conjunction with Richland Collegiate High School (RCHS) and student clubs are partnering in a unique service learning project in support of the endeavors of Sole Hope International.

The goal is to make shoes from recycled jeans and tire tread for children in Uganda to help fight a parasitic infection called “jiggers.”

Students and volunteers can assist by donating clean recycled jeans at the library, bookstore, Office of Student Life, Honors College or division offices.

“When we heard about this organization (Sole Hope) we thought this is a real opportunity for us as a community to come together in support,” said Santiago Torres, president of Achieving Latino Academic Success (ALAS). The student club is donating $500 to ship materials to Uganda.

Countries in Africa, Central and South America are host to an endemic, debilitating infestation known as “jiggers.” Left untreated, the parasitic infestation can cause secondary infections such as bacteremia, tetanus and gangrene. As a remedy, SoleHope.org

is “offering hope, healthier lives and freedom from foot-related diseases through education, jobs and medical relief,” according to their website.

“The jean upper part of the shoes will be cut

by RLC students, staff and faculty volunteers here at Richland and shipped to Uganda,” said Torres. Upon arrival, the shoes will then be assembled by Ugandans who benefit from a

“This is a real opportunity for us as a community to come together in support.”

— Santiago Torres sustainable income to provide for their families. Sole Hope then distributes the shoes free of charge to children as part of the program.

Volunteers can participate at one of the upcoming Jean Cutting Parties on the Richland campus, this Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Richland Cafeteria and again Friday, March 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The March 3 location will be announced. For more information about the organization, visit SoleHope.org.

Staff photo Tommy Thompson

Achieving Latino Academic Success (ALAS) president, Santiago Torres talks with students about the Sole Hope fundraising project.

February 21, 2017

OPINION 3

Climate change – the good, the bad and the ugly Staff Writer

Within the past week, there have been a number of strange weather occurrences across the country. The weekend before Valentine’s Day, a dam in Oroville, Calif., was damaged when water levels rose 50 feet within a few days. The dam itself was damaged, and around 200,000 people in the area were evacuated as a precaution.

Richland earth sciences professor Stephen Kallenberg explained that this was odd because California has been in drought over the last couple of years.

“The water levels were record-breaking for this. It could, however, be attributed to El Niño, the current and climatic changes that occur in the ocean.”

In Antarctica, a massive iceberg at the Larsen C Ice Shelf is preparing to break off.

“When broken off the ice chunk will be approximately 2,000 square miles,” said Kallenberg. “The crack has been growing for seven years, and there are now only 12 miles left of the 110-mile iceberg.”

With an iceberg so large floating around the ocean, consequences are to be expected.

“I believe whatever change we see as the ice breaks off, it will be short term,” he said.

“Whether it is a change in the currents, which could affect the weather up north, or just in boating traffic.”

Here in Texas, there has been an increase in average temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service, it was a toasty 88 degrees Feb. 11, here in Dallas, tying an all-time record for that day set in 1922. In San Antonio, that same day, a new record was set at 85 degrees.

At times a record high must be set, and at times it will be warm in the winter. Kallenberg added that it’s troublesome that record highs are being broken more and more closely together with shorter intervals.

Kallenberg hypothesized that climate change is not a direct cause for any of these issues because there is no hard evidence to prove that it is. He did, however, propose that perhaps it is why we are seeing such extreme weather events so close together rather than spread apart over several years.

“In San Antonio, that record-breaking heat will be a data point among many other data points which can then be used to make that connection between climate change and these phenomena,” Tallenberg said.

As the frequencies have increased in extreme and occasionally catastrophic events, communities look at their options. When it comes to the maintenance of infrastructure, it may be overlooked until repairs become pertinent.

Whether it be the dam in Oroville, or the dam at Lake Lewisville, Kallenberg said, “Downtown Dallas is within the floodway, if water levels were to go above the levee in Lake Lewisville.” This is just another example of how issues tend to get put on the “backburner,” as Kallenberg called it, when they are not directly affecting the community.

Photo Associated Press

A record 244 tornadoes hit in Texas in 2015, the most since records began being kept in 1950, according to the Insurance Council of Texas. The carnage included a rare December tornado that killed 13 in the Dallas area and leveled parts of Rowlett, forcing the removal of the city’s water tower.

An iceberg bigger than the state of Rhode Island with the potential to change weather patterns has barely made headlines. Why? Likely because no one is being directly affected yet. This is the time for world powers to increase their efforts in combating climate change.

During President Barack Obama’s administration, the United States and several other world powers signed the Paris Climate

Agreement, a policy to begin brainstorming resolutions to the dilemma. The new administration however, has voiced disfavor toward the agreement.

An international consensus on anything is rare. For the United States, a country with power and a plethora of resources, the repercussions of abandoning this policy could be negative not only for the other countries, but for the environment itself.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

ZÖE GILBERT

4 ENTERTAINMENT

February 21, 2017

Oscar preview part 3 of 3 RICKY MILLER Entertainment Editor

The 89th annual Academy Awards take place this Sunday at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

The titles nominated for Best Visual Effects are a varied bunch. They include “Deepwater Horizon,” “The Jungle Book,” “Kubo and the Two Strings,” “Doctor Strange” and “Rogue One: A “Star Wars” story.

It is unusual in that three of the five titles come from Walt Disney Studios, so no matter what, they are likely to come out on top. As much as I liked it, the color palette with “Doctor Strange” will find itself in the winner’s seat.

The favorite, “La La Land,” does not have an entry in the Makeup and Hairstyling category. Those in competition include “A Man Called Ove,” “Star Trek Beyond” and “Suicide Squad.” I think director David Ayer’s antihero criminal “Squad” will take home the trophy for this one.

Best director should go to Damien Chazelle for “La La Land.” Also nominated are Mel Gibson for “Hacksaw Ridge,” Kenneth Lonergran for “Manchester By the

Staff photos Marisol Orozco

Professor Natalya Pitts, left, and Dr. Enric Madriguera perform instumental music on Valentine's Day on stage in Fannin Hall.

Sweet notes for Valentine's Day PETE SHANNON Staff Writer

Images Courtesy IMDB.com

Felicity Jones, Diego Luna in "Rogue One."

Sea,” Barry Jenkins for “Moonlight” and Denis Villanueve for “Arrival.”

As much as I hate to say it, this is the year for “La La Land,” a very enjoyable musical that makes for a solid two hours of sheer entertainment. Also nominated for Best Picture are “Arrival,” “Fences,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Hell or High Water,” “Hidden Figures,” “Lion,” “Manchester by the Sea” and “Moonlight.”

The big show begins at 6 p.m. on ABC.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Andrew Garfield stars in "Hacksaw Ridge."

“A Cure For Wellness” -This odd concoction from director Gore Verbinski looks at how a white collar higher up goes missing in Switzerland. With Dane DeHaan, Jason Isaacs and Mia Goth. Trust me when I say this flick was just plain weird.

C-

When it comes to soothing the senses or battling the blahs on a cold and rainy Valentine's Day, there's nothing quite like the sweet strumming of a classical guitar. That and a lot more treated last Tuesday's noontime recital class and other Richland friends from the stage of Fannin Hall as Dr. Enric Madriguera from UTD on guitar and professor Natalya Pitts from Collin College on piano performed both as soloists and as a duo.

Madriguera opened the calming concert with Four Dances of the Italian Renaissance transcribed for solo guitar from the lute by Oscar Chillesoti. Then he smoothly switched from Italy to Spain by deftly playing spirited flamenco like pieces by Manuel de Falla.

He was followed at this point by Pitts who awed the audience with a thundering rendition on the piano of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Elegy Op. 3 No. 1 in E Flat Minor. At times her hands were almost a blur as she seamlessly crossed them under and then over each other to carry forward the flow of the theme.

For the final portion of the recital Madriguera and Pitts teamed together to deliver two works for piano and guitar by the 20th century composers Manuel Ponce of Mexico and Mario Castelnuevo Tedesco, an Italian-American. Both of these pieces called for careful coordination and attention to timing as well as making sure that the piano

“The Great Wall” -- Matt Damon is a mercenary who encounters some unsavory beasts near The Great Wall in ancient China. This $150 million production is a must for the big screen.

Directed by Yimou Zhang, who directed the amazing “House of Flying Daggers” in 2004. Also with Willem Dafoe.

B-

“Underworld: Blood Wars” -- Kate Beckinsale returns in the latest “Underworld” entry that finds the various participants, both in vampires and lycans (werewolves) waging battles galore.

C

did not drown out the guitar. One charming section came when the two perfectly balanced instruments echoed each other back and forth on the melodic line.

During the informal Q and A that followed the performance, Madriguera and Pitts were asked by a Richand voice student about who leads the tempo when they play duets? "No one, really, when we play together," responded a smiling Madriguera. "But it actually depends on the level of the other person when I am accompanying a student," added Pitts in a delightful Russian accent. She is the staff accompanist at her school.

Madriguera laughingly admitted to the last questioner that it was an early love of The Beatles as a teen that inspired him to take up the guitar. All the members of the audience then agreed with a hearty round of applause that they were mighty glad he had.

Dr. Enric Madriguera plays classical guitar.

“Hidden Figures” – This interesting piece of American history involves four black women aiding the NASA program that put the first men into space.

Features Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe and an Oscar nominated Octavia Spencer.

With Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons and Kirsten Dunst.

B+

“The Red Turtle” -- This Japanese import nominated for Best Animated Feature features minimal dialogue and for all intents and purposes serves as an allegory of a man who spends his days on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean.

– Ricky Miller

B+

February 21, 2017

OPINION 5

The warrior returns to space: Richard Hatch (1945-2017) Another beloved sci-fi icon, one of so many others I grew up watching, is gone.

Actor Richard Hatch, best known as colonial warrior Captain Apollo from “Battlestar Galactica” (1978-79) died Feb. 7 at 71 following a battle with cancer.

As a kid, I made sure every Sunday night from the show's debut in September 1978 to its untimely cancellation in April 1979 was reserved to watching “Battlestar Galactica.”

Everything about the show seemed to have aspects of director/writer George Lucas' vision of "a galaxy far, far away" written all over it.

The villains called the Cylons, an army of slow-moving mechanical robots, could well be compared to the Empire's stormtroopers in the “Star Wars” trilogy (1977-1983).

Shades of Harrison Ford's Han Solo could be seen in Dirk Benedict's Starbuck; the cynical colonial warrior for the Galactica who was good with a blaster, always had his mind more on gambling, enjoying a good cigar, wooing the ladies and figuring out a way out of the Colonial military service.

Add Lorne Greene to the cast as the ship's commander who along with his son, Captain Apollo (Hatch) is in charge of protecting and leading the last remnants of the human race (220 ships in all) to safety after having

all their home planets destroyed by the Cylon Empire and one might think this is an outerspace rendition of “Bonanza” (1959-1973).

All this didn't matter to a third-grader like me who the year before “Galactica” debuted was still flying on that "Star Wars" high from the summer of 1977.

Plot and character development meant nothing to me at the time. What I wanted to see was the weekly outer-space dogfights between the Colonial Vipers and the Cylon Raiders and the countless explosions that went with them courtesy of special effects coordinator John Dykstra who also worked on Lucas' “Star Wars” team.

“In my case, “Battlestar Galactica” was a milestone,” Hatch once said according to the Hollywood Reporter. “It afforded me the opportunity to live out my childhood dreams and fantasies. Hurtling through space with reckless abandon, playing the dashing hero, battling Cylons, monsters and super-villains – what more could a man want?”

To Hatch, however, who scored a Golden Globe nomination for his role in 1979, and guest starred in numerous episodes playing radical political figure, Tom Zarek, in the 2004-2009 Syfy Channel’s reboot of the series that starred Edward James Olmos, playing Capt. Apollo, it seemed, meant something more.

“I happen to be one of those rare actors that actually loves very intelligent and well-acted science fiction,” Hatch once said according to brainyquote.com. “I am looking for a character

Image courtesy: imdb.com

Richard Hatch played colonial warrior Captain Apollo in "Battlestar Galactica" in 1978-79.

that connects to me on some level. It has to have depth to it and it has to be about something. The story of the character and their relationship with the people and places around them appeal to me and are what I look for.”

The news of Hatch’s death on social media was no different as fans expressed the same shock and sadness they’ve done so many times before after hearing of the losses of other music icons, actors and actresses.

And now he is gone.

I am reminded of the words Greene’s

Commander Adama spoke during a memorial service for a fallen warrior in one episode that seems appropriate now for Hatch especially given the original series only lasted one season except changing a few words.

“And for only a short while we gathered to honor Capt. Apollo (Hatch) in duty, so we must honor him in death. Let us remember him not only as a warrior but as a man who lived in pursuit of excellence. Now we return this warrior to the cradle of space.”

- Joe Stumpo

RichlandStudentMedia.com

A guy named Joe

6 CAMPUS

February 21, 2017

Sankofa art exhibit in Brazos Gallery CHRONICLE Richland

ESTHER REESE

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Page-Layout Editor Photo Editor

Staff Writer

Observance of Black History Month at Richland officially began on Feb. 8 with a well-attended reception for “Sankofa: Selected Works from the African American Museum of Dallas” at the Brazos Gallery.

This is the fourth year the Richland Black History Month Committee has an exhibit at the Brazos Gallery. Dr. LaQueta Wright welcomed the guests to the opening reception.

“It is important to bring history, literature, art and culture into our Black History Month programs every year,” she said.

“The African-American community has gone through many struggles, yet still we rise, which is the theme of our 2017 Black History Month,” Wright said. Echoed by her audience, she quoted Maya Angelou’s poem, “And Still I Rise,” as inspiration for the theme.

“We should all remember the words of Maya Angelou and Michelle Obama when faced with trials,” Wright said.

In keeping with their decision to also honor Barack and Michelle Obama in this year’s programming, the committee provided keepsake bookmarks for attendees printed with the famous quote from the former first lady, “when they go low, we go high.”

She encouraged guests to keep the theme in mind when engaging with the works in the exhibit, before introducing the speaker, John Spriggins, director of the Brazos Gallery.

Spriggins has collaborated with the Black

ON THE COVER Staff Illustration by Quan Tran

COVER AND FONTS

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STUDENT MEDIA STAFF

Staff photo Marisol Orozco

Art work from the African American Musem in Dallas on view in Brazos Gallery.

History Month Committee on the opening exhibit since he joined Richland in 2014.

The 25 works in the exhibit were chosen

by Spriggins. They are some of his personal favorites from the permanent collection of the African American Museum of Dallas (AAMD), where he is the interim curator.

The art ranges in style from abstract to highly realistic. The media include lithographic prints, oil paintings, mixed-media, and pen and ink drawing featuring work by Clementine Hunter, Roy Ferdinand, Willard “The Texas Kid” Watson, and Horace Foxall. A particular favorite of Spriggins is “All Things Are Possi-

ble” by Ron Adams, one of the many brilliant portraits in the exhibit.

Spriggins spoke about the history of the African American Museum of Dallas, and its partnership with the Richland Black History Month art exhibit in 2016 and 2017. The AAMD is located in Fair Park, and can be reached by DART. Admission to the museum is free.

“Sankofa: Selected Works from the African American Museum of Dallas” is on view in the Brazos Gallery, in Room 140. It runs through Feb. 24.

Painting the town: Student art competitions KATHERINE SPURGER

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Staff Writer Art doesn’t just belong on magnificent canvases in old museums or on pedestals to be gawked at by admiring crowds. Art can be found everywhere, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is taking art to the streets with the 2017 Student Art contest.

“So, I know what a bus or train looks like, but it’s always wonderful to see DART through their [the students artists’] eyes. ”

— Mark Ball DART is accepting submissions of artwork from students in grade K through 12 that incorporates the DART logo and the theme “the adventure starts here.” According to DART media relations representative, Mark Ball, “The Best of Show winner will have his or her artwork featured on DART buses and will receive a $1,000 cash prize. The winning entry will also be posted on DART's website at DART.org.”

Alessandra Rodrigues Harris Sadiq Quan Tran Joyce Jackson Ricky Miller Ahlam Maryam Al Mahrooq Ibrahim Al Taha

Winners in other contest categories will like but it’s always wonderful to see DART receive cash and other possible prizes. Early through their eyes,” said Ball.

Thunderducks will also have the opportusubmissions will receive a special prize and the nity to submit their art will be displayed original artwork and at the Dallas show their thanks Museum of Art. during Appreciation Students must Week at Richland. The submit an original Council of Teaching art piece completed and Learning is sponindividually on 11” x soring an art contest 17” paper provided for students. In prepby DART (while aration for Appreciasupplies last) in landtion Week at Richland scape orientation College, April 17 - 21, and must include a competition is being the artist’s name, held for artwork to be grade level, school used for the covers name and address, of thank you cards. teacher’s name and Winners will receive phone number and gift certificates from email on the back.

Asel Art Supply.

Artists must submit Submissions can be their work by Feb. any media the artist 28. Winners will be Illusitration courtsey John Drezek chooses but must be notified by March suitable for Thank-You 20. DART has hosted the contest cards. Artists must submit their original work since 1998.

“It’s amazing to see how [the students] view to John Drezek at jdrezek@dcccd.edu by our system. I’ve worked at DART for many March 2 at noon. Designs should be 5.5” wide years, so I know what a bus or train looks x 4.4” tall, and at least 300 dpi in jpeg format.

Tru Armstrong John Berry Andrew Castillo Maria Etetere Gloria Gergen Zöe Gilbert Jorge Gomez Abraham Igene Chassedy Johnson Ashley Martin

Thu Nguyen Marisol Orozco Jorge Perez Henry Pham Esther Reese Fernando Rodriguez Pete Shannon Kathleen Spurger Joe Stumpo Tommy Thompson

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Erica Edwards Jack Fletcher Meg Fullwood

David Goodloe Tim Jones Larry Ratliff

ISSUE DATES February 28

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March 07

April 25

March 28

May 02

April 11

May 09

AWARDS

ACP Newspaper Pacemaker Winner, 2016 CMA Two-Year Radio Station of the Year 2015 ACP Best of Show Award 2015 ACP Photo Excellence Award 2015 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 2nd Place – Pinnacle College Media Award, 2014 1st Place – TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place – TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker finalist, 2007, 2008 Over 270 Texas college journalism awards since 2000

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 Fax: 972-238-6037 Staff meetings Fall semester: 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.

Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published.

Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2017

SPORTS/CAMPUS 7

February 21, 2017

T-ducks are taking it to the next lev el

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

Tru Grit

Today Noon to 3 p.m. i

Cafeteria, El Paso Hall 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Photo Paul Knudsen/Richland Marketing

Staff Writer

The Richland College Philosophy Club challenges students’ views on different topics, ranging from death to animal rights, among others. Philosophy Professor Geoff Manzi sponsors the club.

Manzi said when he first came to Richland, he noticed there was not a philosophy club.

UCLA Bruins men’s teams of the ’70s that won seven in a row and 10 in 12 years under coach John Wooden. Both programs have 11 national basketball titles.

In the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs clinched an NBA record of 20 consecutive winning seasons. That puts them up there with another historic Texas franchise: The Dallas Cowboys.

Indeed it’s a huge accomplishment for a franchise that actually started here in Dallas in 1967 (Chapparals, ABA). Even with Tim Duncan retiring, the Spurs are still dominating the state and the NBA. Baseball season is right around the corner with spring training in all levels. There have been some big transactions in the Major

philosophers and what they have to say on a variety of topics.

“What I found is that students are already thinking, but they don’t really know how to think about these kinds of things. Thinking philosophically, which I contend that we all do

“What I found is that students are already thinking, but they don’t really know how to think about these kinds of things.”

-Professor Geoff Manzi “I thought it was such a shame because after my first few weeks teaching here at Richland and being able to interact with the students I could tell there would be a response to it and people would like it,” said Manzi.

“We worked with Student Life and we were able to get it going.”

The club provides a platform for students to express different ideas, learn about famous

i

Richland’s Mike Basaldu pins his opponent during a match at Texas A&M.

Leagues including Mike Napoli returning to the Texas Rangers, but I’m not sure if that’s going to make any difference this season.

We’ll see.

In the meantime, I’m keeping my eyes on wrestling and basketball. By the way, NBA AllStar weekend will be in New Orleans and not in Charlotte. Unless there’s some excitement in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest and All-Star Game, the weekend in the Big Easy will easily get boring. Since last year’s champion Zach LaVine is out for the rest of the season, it’s time for Aaron Gordon to do some spectacular dunks. How ’bout jumping over two cars?

-Tru Armstrong

I think, therefore I am on the radio FERNANDO RODRIGUEZ

Bandon Koro: African Drums and Dance Ensemble Sponsored by the Office of Student Life.

Staff photo Harris Sadiq

Professor Geoff Manzi discusses beauty during the philosophy club radio show.

it as human beings who wonder about these things naturally,” said Manzi. “I would say, we none the less, struggle with what to do with these ideas and these questions and sometimes it can be an isolating experience.

So what the Philosophy Club does is provide a forum, a venue for these thoughts and these questions to be shared with other people and learn how to think on topics such as death or the soul or animal rights.”

Manzi said by discussing these ideas out loud students can develop the ability to articulate thoughts about abstract and heavy subjects and to do so in an informal setting while remaining respectful. It creates an opportunity for great conversation.

During club meetings, members discuss one topic that is driven and suggested by the members. Manzi begins the discussion and provides a thought-provoking quote from a famous thinker to get the ball rolling. Students follow up with ideas and comments about it.

The topics that were not picked are used in future club meetings.

“We save all the topics and eventually the topic will have its day to be discussed and I think that’s important because it’s a student club and the members are the backbone, I just facilitate.” The Philosophy Club is open to students, faculty and staff who would like to discuss and express their ideas.

The Philosophy Club airs live on KDUX Web Radio Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m., or listen to the podcast at RichlandStudentMedia. com.

Richland’s woodwind ensemble.

Fannin Performance Hall, Room F102 2 to 3 p.m.

i

The Male Achievement Program presents twotime career survior Kevin Garner speaking on “Maximize Your Potential El Paso Hall, Room E076

Wednesday

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

Open mic at the amphitheater Outdoor amphitheater behind the police station

Thursday

Noon to 1 p.m. i

Richland jazz combos Cafeteria stage, El Paso Hall

Thursday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

i

Sole Hope: Donate Denim for Shoes Cafeteria, El Paso Hall

Feb. 28 Noon to 1 p.m. i

Mardi Gras El Paso Hall lounge

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Richland’s wrestling team continues to fight for spots in the Nationals. The T-ducks went down to College Station for the Texas State Duals held at Texas A&M on Feb. 11. The host Aggies defeated Richland 33-20. Richland finished second with wins over UNT, Texas, and University of Houston-Downtown.

Basaldu avenged an earlier season loss to UNT’s Taylor Swanson by pinning him during their match. This puts Basaldu into a better seed position as the T-ducks get ready for the national qualifier. The Southwest Conference Championships will be hosted by UNT on Saturday, with the top two wrestlers in each weight class qualifying for the National Tournament to be held at the Allen Events Center on March 9, 10 and 11.

The men’s basketball team is red hot, winning seven and ties North Lake for first place in the MAC as of press time. Richland took care of business against Cedar Valley and Brookhaven. The T-ducks are powerful on their home court in Guadalupe Hall, look to finish the regular season strong and as a possible top seed in the conference tournament.

In national sports, the Connecticut women’s basketball team recently set an NCAA record of 100 straight wins. The Lady Huskies have not lost a game since Nov. 17, 2014 at Stanford, their only loss in 47 games over the past five years.

They are by far the best women’s basketball program ever, challenged only by the

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February 21, 2017

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