SAN JACINTO TIMES Vol. 23, No. 3
e student publication of the San Jacinto College District
October 15, 2012
SJC North Alumnus Murdered by Ex Edith Manzanares News Editor
The body of missing San Jacinto College North campus alumnus Michelle Leigh Warner, 31, was found in a Texas oilfield between Midland and Odessa after her estranged ex-boyfriend confessed to hiding her dead body in a ditch. Warner was last seen around midnight on Sept. 21 at the Regency Square apartment complex in the Sharpstown area of Houston, where she lived with her ex-boyfriend Mark Augustin Castellano and their 3-year-old son Cayden. Two days before confessing to the murder, Castellano, 37, appeared on the Dr. Phil show where he claimed to have no knowledge of her whereabouts. Castellano finally confessed to the killing after an intense twohour interrogation where he admitted snapping her neck and placing her body in a container before burying it in the remote field. According to Castellano’s original statement, the night of the disappearance, the couple got into a heated argument about finances. He told investigators Warner marched out of the apartment after the fight leaving him and the 3-year-old behind while she went to visit friends.
Murder victim Michelle Leigh Warner, 31, graduated from North campus in 2003.
2012 presidential election offers more than just two major parties
Leif Hayman Staff Writer
Ahead of a highly contentious and expensive political election, the four most popular political parties in America have all presented their plans for the future. With over $1 billion already spent to attack opponents and promote positions, the airwaves have become saturated. The public relations frenzy often overshadows the most important issues. A condensed comparison of candidates’ goals helps avoid any bias. Dr. Jill Stein is the Green Party presidential candidate. Offering many radical changes for America, Stein's official plan entitled the Green New Deal, focuses on environmental and social sustainability. The program will eliminate unemployment by creating a federally funded jobs
project. Stein hopes to build a renewable energy infrastructure and drastically raise taxes on the wealthiest individuals to create federal revenue. Stein will offer free public college, forgiveness of existing student loan debt, Medicare for every citizen, and removal of corporate money from the political system. The plan would massively scale back military spending and end fossil fuel subsidies. Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party presidential candidate, has bold stances on many issues. Johnson shares many of his core values with republicans. Similarities include his plans to remove publicly funded programs like the Affordable Healthcare Act and government regulations on industry. Johnson differs from republicans with plans for ending the war in Afghanistan and legal-
izing cannabis. Ending the federal income tax, creating a national sales tax, and putting the monetary system under the oversight of congress are Johnson’s official goals for boosting the economy according to his website. The basis for libertarian philosophy is that the individual and the states should have ultimate control, while the federal government’s power should be limited. President Barack Obama is up for re-election as the Democratic Party candidate. As the current president, his record is more accessible. Obama's health care policy will start offering Medicare for low-income individuals and prevent discrimination based on preexisting conditions in 2014. That same year, the US is scheduled to begin removing troops from Afghanistan.
See President on Page 6
Adrenaline junkies may benefit from “fight-or-flight”
Brandon Hurley Sports Editor
Being scared or suddenly frightened can have both long term and short-term effects on the human body. It is possible to be scared to death and people can actually become addicted to being scared. When a person is suddenly shocked or scared, it puts the body into a “fight or flight” situation. Professor of Biology at San Jacinto College Paul Barron elaborates on this. He says that the body shuts down all non-essential processes. A person’s pupils and arteries will di-
late as blood flow increases. This allows more visual information to be processed and oxygen to travel through the body, which is important if someone were trying to escape or fight off whatever is scaring them. This is commonly known an adrenaline rush, during which, the heart is pumping at a high rate. Internet rumors say that being scared can be a good cardio workout for the heart. The explanation is similar to how it’s good to take an old car out for a drive every now and then, but this is simply not the truth. “The benefits of [a cardio
workout] are beyond the momentary effects of [adrenaline],” Barron said “The benefit of exercise is about your normal physiology, not that transient “get through the next two or three minutes” physiology. Is being scared beneficial to the human body? Not really, but, it doesn’t hurt either. Though, if a person has a prior medical condition, in particular, one that affects the heart or kidneys, the sudden shock and increased blood flow could cause those organs to fail. Thus, it is possible be scared to death. ”
See Fright on Page 6
In his confession, Castellano admitted leaving Warner’s body in the apartment and driving to his parents’ home in Odessa with the 3-year-old while he contemplated how to dispose of the body. Afterwards, he drove back to Houston, placed Warner’s corpse in a container, put the container in her car and drove back to his parents’ home. Her body was in the car for a day and a half. An HPD Detective told the Huffington Post that Castellano said, “I didn’t really try to hide her, I’m surprised you all haven’t found her already.” Leading up to the body’s discovery, Warner’s family had grown suspicious that she left for such a long period without her purse or car, and reported her as missing to police. Warner graduated at the top of her college class in 2003 in Paralegal studies. Ernest Davila, Paralegal Program Director at North campus, was her instructor a few years ago and found out about her disappearance through the Paralegal Alumni page on Facebook. “It was bothering me ever since she went missing, then once I found out about what happened it made me quite teary,” Davila said.
See Warner on Page 6
Postcards from Mars: a look at news from Curiosity Rover
Jose Alejandro
Commentary Editor
On Nov. 26, 2011 NASA sent the Mars Science Laboratory, otherwise known as the Curiosity rover, on an eight-month journey to the Red Planet. Curiosity landed successfully on the surface of Mars on Aug. 5, 2012. Once on the planet, the rover is set to go on a two year mission to investigate whether conditions have ever been favorable for microbial life and for preserving clues in the rocks about possible past life. In the time that the rover has been on the planet it has managed to test out many of its equipment so that it can begin its mission. After, Curiosity began to travel from its landing site in Gale crater toward a site called Glenelg before heading to its main destination at the Mount Sharp foothills. Aside from playing music from artist Will.i.am, Curiosity also made its first major discovery when it found evidence that fast moving water was once present on the, now dry, planet.
Courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science System
Curiosity Rover’s robotic arm performs testing on the surface of the Red Planet.
When Curiosity arrived on the Red Planet, it began a monthlong test of its 10 science instruments. The rover spent some time testing its 7-footlong robotic arm which carries several tools, including a rockboring drill and a camera called the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI). Also on the arm, is the rover's Alpha Particle XRay Spectrometer instrument (APXS), which measures the abundance of chemical ele-
ments in rock and soil by exposing the material to X-rays. Later on, Curiosity fired its Chemical and Camera instrument (ChemCam) which are high powered laser pulses that last just five one-billionths of a second, but deliver more than a million watts of power. This is used to vaporize rock and allows the rover to measure the
See Mars on Page 6
Courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science System
The lower front and underbelly areas of NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity combines nine images taken by the Mars Hand Lens Imager.
San Jacinto Times
October 15, 2012
Opinion/Commentary
Page 2
Minx Thinks: tensions between US and Iran taking toll on Iranian-American students
Asher Minx Staff Writer
As a result of growing mistrust since the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report on Iran's nuclear program, The U.S. has
steadily increased efforts to stifle the country's development of nuclear weapons. Along with elevated focus on the threat of espionage, several sanctions against the nation have expanded--most importantly, those on trade and export. The results have mostly spoken for themselves. Iran's nuclear energy development continues to slow as expenses increase. In light of the IAEA's damning report, President Ahmadinejad's hostility toward Israel, various allegations of human rights abuses and friction in much of the Middle East, a simple case could be made that our actions are not only vindicated but necessary. For most Americans, the story ends here.
The costs of these adjustments have been more subtle, their impact on individuals abrupt and inflexible. Many Iranian students who take temporary leave are finding themselves unable to return to the United States. Their visas are denied. They are told their decision to study in an energy-related field has put them under suspicion. To let them in would undermine sanctions against Iran. In short, "You were in the wrong place at the wrong time… and you picked a crumby major." Iranians only in the U.S. for study have a lesser chance of obtaining visas. One unprepared student was Majid Abbasi. According to Bloomberg.com, Abbasi had earned a doctorate at Brigham Young Univer-
sity and was trying to patent a new technique for cleaning contact lenses. After visiting his parents in Iran, the U.S. Department of State informed him he was barred from returning for fear of possible espionage or sabotage. Due to current sanctions, Abbasi cannot receive pay for his licensed contact lens concept. Foreign policy is a dangerous game, so on one level I understand the pragmatism. Iran is unpredictable at best and the prevention of realistic nuclear threats is a high priority. This essay is not a call to repeal sanctions or even make explicit demands for reform. There are too many unknown variables there for me to realistically come up with a better system than what is now in place.
Having said all that, people are unknowingly exiling themselves, losing connection with old friends and family, seeing years of work go down the drain. If that's the cost of international safety, the minimum we can do is hold those responsible up to task for their decisions. Whenever someone is denied a visa for "reasonable suspicions," we have a right to ask what those suspicions are. We must ask, if we are strong in our opposition to profiling and resolute in our desire to protect this country from those who truly pose a threat. America's promise was to provide freedom and opportunity for all. It’s a beautiful goal we're still fighting for centuries later.
Farewell Milo Hamilton: There is a ballpark right here Brooks Kubina Staff Writer
As children we learn many new things as we gain experience in the world. In those crucial years, the core of our character and our understanding is a result of what we take in from our surroundings.
“That’s been my story. I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed it no matter what the ballclub did year after year.”
As the years pass, those things remain with us- but our memory fails us. Those moments in time when we soaked in the fluids of life that now flow through our veins, cannot be recalled detail by detail or word by word. Many times these moments are summed up in a phrase, in an object, or in an emotion. For me, such a moment is recalled by a voice. As an American boy, I am deeply influenced by the game of baseball. It’s a game intertwined with the fabric of this nation from its earliest age. Similarly, caps, balls, and gloves became part of my possessions at the same time as bottles and bibs. Baseball became a part of my life just as lessons of honesty did. It surrounded me in my youth and mixed into the cornerstone that would become my life’s core. With all the exposure I had to baseball, any number of things could bring me back to that cornerstone. But they don’t. It could be the cleats that are crammed in the bin in the garage. But it isn’t. It could be the Little League team photos in scrapbooks. But they aren’t. I can only imagine the sights, smells, and feelings I felt during my first experience at a ballpark. I imagine because I no longer remember. What I do remember is the sound that filled me as I sat in the study as a young boy listening to the voice of Milo Hamilton. That voice brings it all together. That velvet tone sends me back every time I hear it no matter where I am, because when there was baseball - it was always there. I could be shelling peanuts with my brother in the driveway or smelling the backyard smoke of my dad’s barbecue. If baseball was on, Milo was bringing it to me. Through the good seasons and the bad, he would always be there pulling me in, fueling my hope, urging me to be-
lieve - just believe in the team. I cried out of hurt as he delivered the final loss in the NLCS of 2004, and out of joy as he said the Astros had won the pennant the following year. Even at the stadium, he was on the hallway monitors, leading me to my seat in enthusiasm or to the car in finality. All that time, he spoke and I was listening. Over the past few years, as I have grown more and more into the man I will become, many things have played in to the medley that are the things that influence my life. So, I forget from time to time that some of them exist. In Feb. 2012, Milo Hamilton announced he would retire after the Astros’ final home game of this baseball season. Broadcasting for almost seven decades, the announcement came as no surprise. It did remind me of the effect he’s had on me, an influence I would soon lose. Wednesday Sept. 26 was the Astros’ last home game. I knew I had to tune in regardless of the emotions that may surface. Sitting by the radio that night, Baseball’s latent spark reignited with a fiery fury. It all came flooding back. I remembered the joy, the sadness, the hope, and the sorrow. I could remember the first bubble I blew with chewing gum at then-Enron Field. I recalled my frantic Google search for what the heck a “Toledo” was, my overwhelming happiness in Jeff Kent’s helmet-flip walk off, and pinning quotes from players who had inspired me. Most importantly, I remembered the voice that guided me through it all. The Astros would give Milo a win that night. It was a 2-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals adding some happiness to a bittersweet moment. I sat in complete silence as I heard him say his farewell. “How can you describe when you’ve done your whole adult life something you enjoyed?” Milo said. “That’s been my story. I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed it no matter what the ballclub did year after year, and when you do it this long there’s peaks and valleys, there’s bumps in the road.” “So it wasn’t a shock that sometimes when we got to the big leagues, we didn’t always win the pennant, didn’t always go to the World Series, but there was one thing that was common thread: when I got to the park, there was a ballgame. And there used to be a ballpark right here,” Milo said. There exited the voice of baseball. He left me to contemplate what he said. I only hope that there will come a time when I can look back and say I’ve done something my entire adult life that I enjoyed. I will remember that in years to come. I reached over and switched off the radio, and looked into my folded hands. “Thank you.” I whispered, pressing my finger to my heart. “There will always be a ballpark right here.”
MCT Campus
After many years of service, Hamilton will be missed at Minute Maid Park. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
San Jacinto Times
Caty Christy
STAFF WRITERS
Angelica Rodriguez, Vanessa Piña
Amy Chandler
Student Publications
Jose Alejandro
San Jacinto College
ADVERTISING Sara Quintana
ADVISER
Hellen Papadacos
PAGE DESIGNER Michael Deats
ASSISTANT PAGE DESIGNER Christopher Shelton
NEWS EDITORS
COMMENTARY EDITOR LIFESTYLE EDITORS
Courtney Mouton, Edith Manzanares
SPORTS EDITOR Brandon Hurley
STUDENT LIFE EDITOR Janeth Cervantes
COMMUNITY EDITOR Jaclyn M. Bates
Araceli R. Bautista Monica Davila
Anally De Leon
Liliana I. Delarosa Leif Hayman
Brooks Kubena Asher C. Minx
Adrian X. Salas
Christopher T. Villegas
Social media means more opportunity for business Art by Chris Gaviria
Courtney Mouton Lifestyle Editor
What was once a means of basic social interaction has now blossomed into an array of business opportunities. Sites like Facebook and Twitter not only provide a resource for stalking our peers, but also a means for networking with future employers. Statistics show that 50 percent of college graduates are struggling to find a job. With the current state of the economy, students are looking for a professional competitive edge to bring to the workplace. They may have found their answer. According to a recent study done by Harris Interactive for CareerBuilder.com, 45 percent of employers are using social networks to screen job candidates. Similar surveys suggested that last year only 22 percent of recruiters were viewing potential employees on social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. What could cost you the job? Employers look to hire someone who will represent their company appropriately. A drunken picture at a party or a racial slur is not considered ‘desirable.’ Employers will look for a number of things. Having good manners, not using profanity, and screening posts for signs of stable emotions reign relevant on recruiters’ lists when checking an applicant. Employers will also notice inappropriate pictures. Students and new graduates are encouraged to present themselves as they would like employers to see them. As social networks continue to
The San Jacinto Times is published biweekly by the journalism students at San Jacinto College Central, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505. Opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the staff, its adviser, the administration or the Board of Regents. The Times encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be in good taste, accurate, free from libel, malice or personal controversy. Letters must be limited to 200 words in length. Letters submitted without the author’s signature will not be accepted.
grow as an essential personal and business resource for a majority of the Web, students are encouraged to use updated privacy settings offered by Facebook to keep everything but the most basic of information from the public eye. According to nbcchicago.com, E. Chandlee Bryan, career coach and co-author of the book The Twitter Job Search Guide, said that it is OK to be personal, but with your best foot forward. You should be approachable, friendly, and presentable. Social networks can be a great place for students to show off the benefits of their technology-driven generation. When employers see that an applicant can promote themself in a positive and efficient way, it inclines recruiters to believe that the candidate would be able to do the same for their company. “Supporting the company you’re interested in via social media could also increase the chances of hire if noticed by an employer.” Bryan said. “For an applicant to ‘follow’ or ‘like’ the companies they’ve applied at, not only shows a spark of interest, but a commitment to the potential employer.” Commenting on popular posts or retweeting matters that are relevant to the company, like products or services the employer may provide, shows a recruiter you are engaged with their online presence. Through this avenue, businesses are able to reach and interact actively with an audience providing plenty of opportunities to connect with potential job resources before an interview.
The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning. Letters can be e-mailed to Hellen.Papadacos@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification.
The online edition of the Times is available at http://issuu.com/sanjacintotimes Advertising space is available for $5.00 per column inch. Special rates are available. For news tips and information on advertising, contact the Times at 281-478-2752.
San Jacinto Times
October 15, 2012
8 DAYS A WEEK
Page 3
Pogue Goes Rogue:
• Robotics Club Meeting, 3 p.m., N7.261
North prof runs for legislature
Tuesday, October 16
Staff Writer
North
Monday, October 15
• Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N6.108
Wednesday, October 17 • UHD Recruiter, 9 a.m., N12 Lobby • Robotics Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N7.220 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133 • Honors Club Meeting, 3 p.m., N7.261
Thursday, October 18 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133
Friday, October 19 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 10 a.m., N8.251 • Fine Arts Friday Concert, 12 p.m., N1.103 • Science Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N8.201
Central
Monday, October 15
• Thinkfast Trivia Game Show, 11:45 a.m., C14 Raven Café • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117 • College Democrats Meeting, 2:30 p.m., C2.224
Tuesday, October 16 • Milk & Cookies-Alcohol Awareness Event, 10:30 a.m., C14 1st Floor • NSCS Meeting, 1 p.m., C1.233 • Sociology/Anthropology Club Presents Read a Book, 1 p.m., Library Lobby
Wednesday, October 17 • Put It Where You Want It T-Shirt Art, 9:30 a.m., C14 Lounge A • National Day on Writing, 11 a.m., C14 1st Floor • VYNE Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117 • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C15.115 • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117
Brooks Kubena
In response to last year’s legislative cuts to education funding, San Jacinto North campus government professor Cody Pogue decided to take matters into his own hands and run for State Representative of District 127 this November. The Texas Legislature cut $5.4 billion in public education funding to balance the two-year budget in 2011. Schools then employed about 25,000 fewer employees to fit payroll, and financial aid was cut by 23 percent leaving students to struggle with skyrocketing tuition. “As a history and government professor, I understand politics and keep up with it, but I never planned to run for office.” Pogue said. “But unfortunately, last year the Texas Legislature voted to cut funding to education. I love teaching, but enough is enough. I teach my students to do their civic duty. After those massive cuts, I decided to do my civic duty and run for public office… I really want to make sure education gets adequately funded.” In addition to aiding education, Pogue aims to allow working class people to earn sufficient wages to support themselves, keep Texas beaches from going under private ownership, and increase funding for both state parks and scientific research. Pogue said when he was growing up he developed an
appreciation for nature through the camping, fishing, and hiking trips he would take with his father. With Texas state parks being stricken by a $176 million funding diminishment, Pogue is worried children of the coming generations will not have the same opportunities he had as a child. Along with the cuts to funding, Texas Supreme Court has made decisions that will put
beaches open to the public like they have always been. As for increasing the minimum wage, Pogue wants to raise the wage to the levels the U.S. had in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In those years the average minimum wage was $1.27 more than it is now, adjusted to inflation. With Texas holding the highest percentage of minimum wage employees, Pogue believes that they de-
Around Campus
8 DAYS A WEEK North
Monday, October 22
• DeVry Recruiter, 8 a.m., N12 Lobby • UHCL Recruiter, 9 a.m., N12 Lobby • Robotics Club Meeting, 3 p.m., N7.261
Tuesday, October 23 • Rotaract Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N12.215
Wednesday, October 24 • FYE Workshop, 11 a.m., N13.208 • Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N6.108 • Robotics Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N7.220 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133 • Honors Club Meeting, 3 p.m., N7.261
Thursday, October 25 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133 • Culinary Club Meeting, 3 p.m., N12.215 • PTK Meeting, 5 p.m., N12.215 • Art Gallery Opening, 6 p.m., N1.106
Friday, October 26 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 10 a.m., N8.251 • Science Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N8.201
Courtesy of Cody Pogue
Cody Pogue campaigns for representation of district 127.
Texas beaches under private ownership. In April, the court decided that when beaches erode, causing property that was behind the dunes to shift forward inside the dunes, the beach goes under ownership of the private landowner. Once it becomes private property, public access to the beach can be restricted. Pogue wants to fight for an amendment to keep Texas
serve better. All of these funding issues have come up due to the financial crisis that has surrounded the country and state for several years. “I am not doing this for me.” Pogue said. “I am doing this because I believe in this state, I believe in the young people of this state, and I want to see Texas lead the world into a greater future.”
Central
Monday, October 22
• √Brandon Styles, 12 p.m., C14 Raven Café • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117 • College Democrats Meeting, 2:30 p.m., C2.224
Tuesday, October 23 • TSEA Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.263 • NSCS Meeting, 1 p.m., C1.233 • Sociology/Anthropology Club Presents Read a Book, 1 p.m., Library Lobby
Wednesday, October 24 • VYNE Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117 • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C15.115 • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117
Thursday, October 25 Thursday, October 18
• PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., C1.230 • GSA Meeting, 3 p.m., C14 Raven Café • Drive-In Movie, 7 p.m., North Courtyard
• √Root Beer Pong, 10:30 a.m., C14 1st Floor • PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., C1.230 • √Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., C20.261-263
Friday, October 26 • TACHE Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.210
Friday, October 19 • TACHE Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.210
Saturday, October 27
Saturday, October 20
• Gaming Society Meeting, 12 p.m, C14 1st Floor
South
• Gaming Society Meeting, 12 p.m., C14 1st Floor
South
Monday, October 22
• MMA Meeting, 8:30 a.m., S21.120 • Cosmetology Club Workshop, 11:45 a.m., ILC Kaleidoscope Room • Science Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S12.109 • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:15 p.m., Tennis Courts • Pre-Med Club Meeting, 5 p.m., S7.102
Monday, October 15
• MMA Meeting, 8:30 a.m., S21.120 • Drama/GSA Skit, 10 a.m., TBA • Tennis Club, 3:15 p.m., Tennis Courts • Pre-Med Club Meeting, 5 p.m., S7.102
Tuesday, October 16 • Drunk Driving & Distracted Driving Simulator, 10 a.m., Student Center Lawn • SBF Meeting, 11:30 a.m., S11.111 • SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S11.228 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
Wednesday, October 17 • Alcohol Screening, 11 a.m., Atrium • HSF Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.208 • A3 Meeting, 1 p.m., S11.111 • WEBB Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.156 • GSA Discussion Panel, 2:30 p.m., ILC Kaleidoscope Room • PBL Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2018 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.102 • NTHS Induction Ceremony, 4 p.m., S11.250
Thursday, October 18 • Alcohol Screening, 11 a.m., Atrium • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S9.250 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
Tuesday, October 23 • SBF Meeting, 11:30 a.m., S11.111 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062
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• MMA Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.120 • PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., S6.152
• HSF Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.208 • WEBB Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.156 • PBL Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2018 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.102 • Coyote Future Teachers Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.100
Thursday, October 25 • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S9.250 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • 17 & Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Science Club & Chemistry Faculty - Mole Day Presentation, 7 p.m., S7.152
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Friday, October 19
Wednesday, October 24
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• MMA Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.120 • PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., S6.152 • FALL FEST, 6 p.m., Student Center & Student Center Parking Lots
October 15, 2012
From the Cover Mars
Continued from Page 1
abundance of chemical elements in rock and soil by exposing the material to X-rays. Later on, Curiosity fired its Chemical and Camera instrument (ChemCam) which are high powered laser pulses that last just five one-billionths of a second, but deliver more than a million watts of power. This is used to vaporize rock and allows the rover to measure the composition of different rocks. The ChemCam is one of the 10 instruments pudding pops that run on the available plutonium power onboard the rover. At first, Curiosity was testing the laser on multiple occasions but after successful testing, it’s ready for some real action. “The spectroscopy system onboard is lightweight but powerful. This is very good work by NASA to get such precise equipment onboard a rover,” said Nathanial Wiggins, professor of mathematics and engineering at San Jacinto College North campus. In addition to testing its equipment, on Aug. 28, 2012 the rover played the first song to be broadcast from Mars. The song, “Reach for the Stars” by the artist Will.i.am, was loaded onto the rover before it took off from Earth and received through radio signal back from Curiosity’s landing spot at Gale crater. The song was received during an educational event held for students in the Los Angeles neighborhoods. On Sep. 27, 2012 Curiosity made its first scientifically significant discovery. The rover found evidence that fast moving and relatively deep water was once present on the now dry planet. Curiosity inspected some rounded conglomerate gravel similar to the kind found on earth from sediment carried by water. “On Earth, gravel becomes rounded as water moves the gravel around and they collide with other gravel or other solid particles in the water. By this process of abrasion the gravel becomes rounded over time as it is transported by the water. What makes the discovery of conglomerate by the rover exciting is that unlike sand, gravel is too big to be picked by the wind and moved around in this way. Therefore wind could not have made the gravel rounded through abrasion. Only running water is strong enough to have picked up the gravel and caused it to be rounded over time. This is especially true when we realize that the Martian wind is not very
San Jacinto Times
powerful because its atmosphere is much thinner than Earth’s,” said Kevin Davis, professor of Geology at San Jacinto College North campus. This is the reason the Gale crater was chosen as the landing site for Curiosity. Gale crater contained what looked like an alluvial fan. “An alluvial fan is essentially a fanshaped deposit of gravel or sand that was deposited by a large amount of water running downhill. Eventually, as the water slows down, the sand and gravel settle out into a fan-shape deposit at the base of a slope such as a mountain, or in this case, a crater wall,” Davis said. Scientists had theorized that the canyon and river like bed photographed by satellites orbiting the planet had been created by running water but they never had any confirmation of this, until now. This is a significant finding because where there is water there is the possibility of life. If water was present at one point in Mars’ past then so was the possibility for microbial life. The water evidence is only the first of many incoming discoveries from the rover. Its destination is the Mount Sharp foothills, which lie about 6 miles away from its landing site, but Curiosity will first be heading to a site called Glenelg. These two sites will help determine if the Gale area could ever have supported microbial life. On Oct. 7, 2012 Curiosity was scooping up its first samples of the Martian soil, when scientist noticed a small bright object in one of the pictures sent back from the rover. The scooping operation was halted until NASA was able to figure out what the object was. On Oct. 9, 2012 NASA determined that upon closer inspections with the Remote Micro-Imager on the ChemCam that the object appears to be a shred of plastic from Curiosity, but has not been definitely identified. Curiosity will continue to sample the scoop of soil it had before it stopping its task. NASA also announced on Aug. 20, 2012 that its next low-budget exploration effort will launch a lander called the Interior exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, to Mars in 2016 to investigate the Red Planet's interior. The mission will put a lander on Mars sometime in September 2016 to determine its rotation axis precisely and measure the seismic waves. The main goal is to help scientists understand why the planet went down such a different evolutionary path than Earth did.
President
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Obama supports the Buffet Rule, a higher tax rate on everyone making over $1 million a year. On his campaign website, Obama has presented plans to remove tax breaks for outsourcing jobs and limit the federal student loan rate to 10 percent of income. While he supports using more renewable energy sources, Obama’s energy plan includes all forms of energy production. The major opposition to the president will be Mitt Romney. As the Republican candidate, Romney has a strikingly dif-
ferent vision for America's future. He plans to repeal the regulations on the banking industry that Obama enacted, repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act, and end the tax on inheritance. Romney has said he will work to lessen environmental regulation, lower the corporate tax rate to 25 percent, reduce all income taxes, enact foreign free trade agreements, and deregulate the insurance industry. On his website he wrote that he believes the retirement age should be slowly increased over time to correlate with recent increases in average life expectancy. Conventional wisdom sug-
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Fright
There are “adrenaline junkies” who look for situations that put them into that “fight or flight” situation. Could this be considered a dangerous addiction? According to an article written by Constance Pittman Linder of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, being scared can feel good. In the article, there is mention of endorphins that are released in the body when people watch scary movies. This “endorphin high” keeps thrill enthusiasts coming back for more. “When you say addiction, you typically have these negative connotations.” Barron said, “if you like to do something, and you gear your down time to seeing horror movies, does that make you an addict? Or does that just make you [someone who likes] one particular thing? I don’t think addiction is the right word for it.”
Warner
gests that the two minority parties in America are destined to lose the presidential race this year. Their true strategy is to win local elections; however, the structure of the political system makes this difficult. Third parties struggle to match the funding of the major parties and are often overlooked. Regardless of the choices made on Election Day, voters should go into the voting booth with a clear concept of the pool that they are choosing from. Many candidates feign sincerity on certain issues to gain votes. The ability to decipher the doublespeak of the election is one of the keys to making an informed decision.
“Everybody loved her, she got along great with everyone, she was in Phi Theta Kappa and was a very bright student.” He last spoke to Warner a few weeks before the murder when they discussed a reference letter she needed for a new job opportunity. She spent two weeks at Donato, Minx, Brown & Pool, P.C. before she was killed. Marleyn Treviño, a Paralegal, met Warner in 2002 while taking an introductory course for paralegal studies. Treviño and Warner would talk about personal things, go to lunch, and work on assignments together. She found out about Warner’s death while watching the news. “She always had a smile on her face, she always had something to talk about, there was never a dull moment with her,” Treviño said. “It’s for real, you just don’t believe it. You just think it’s never gonna happen to someone you know,” Treviño said. “She was one of the smartest students, very persistent and she would not quit until she had everything perfect.” Former student Jennifer Carpenter also knew Warner. They took a Criminal Law class and both had to work a case of a mock trial in which Warner was the attorney and Carpenter was the defendant. The last time Carpenter spoke to her was a month before her death. “She was charismatic, bubbly, she had a high energy personality, very positive,” Carpenter said. “The whole situation is just so sad” As of press time, Mark Castellano was charged with murder and has been booked into the Harris County Jail. His bond is set at $150, 000. His first court appearance was on Oct. 1. Warner’s funeral service was held at Felders Chapel Assembly of God on Oct. 6 and followed with the burial at Guiceland Cemetery.
San Jacinto Times
October 15, 2012
Page 7
Student Life
Dixie Farm Road construction nearing completion
Adrian Salas Staff Writer
Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) construction of the Dixie Farm Road overpass is approaching completion. Williams Brothers Construction began to disassemble the overpass at the intersection of Dixie Farm Road and Interstate Highway-45 (IH-45) in July. Construction of the overpass is scheduled for completion by the end of October. This project is one of many that will be included in the construction that will rebuild IH-45 southbound past Beltway 8. Anticipation is building for this intersection’s completion because of the traffic students experience traveling along IH-45 to get to San Jacinto College’s South campus. The Dixie Farm Road area is already a congested route during morning and evening rush hours. The addition of construc-
tion is not only causing students to adjust their daily travel routines, but construction is also causing nearby residents to adjust to this major project. TxDOT has set up some detours that will help both re-direct and disperse traffic since direct access to Dixie Farm Road has been cut off. According to TxDOT’s website, “If you are driving east on Dixie Farm Road to IH-45 you will need to take the southbound feeder road to FM 2351,and go under IH-45 to the northbound feeder road. TxDOT also said, “Driving west detour to the northbound feeder road to Scarsdale Ave/FM 2353 and cross over IH-45 to the southbound feeder road.” Jeff A. Volk, TxDOT Area Engineer for the Southeast Harris Area Office in the Houston District, mentions Williams Brothers Construction as the contractor assigned the reconstruction
project of the Dixie Farm Road overpass. The contractor claims “Williams Brothers has completed over 350 projects with a total value of over 2 billion dollars making it one of the largest highway contractors in the United States as well as the largest in Texas.” The timeline Williams Brothers Construction has to complete the project is 108 working days. Volk also noted the $16,000 completion incentive the contractor would receive each day that they finished ahead of schedule. However, Volk did mention, “there is a lot of work to be done.” Upon completion, the project is meant to improve traffic flow and to contribute to IH-45’s reconstruction. The actual details of the work to be done first require the demolition of the existing overpass. Second, workers will build a new ground-level intersection. Finally, IH-45 main lanes will be built to go over the Dixie
Texas City outlet mall prepares for “pink style” grand opening
Amy Chandler Staff Writer
Tanger Outlets has been in business for over 30 years. Known for having over 175 million shoppers and the greatest merchandise with the best prices, there are 37 outlet centers in 25 states coast to coast. On Friday Oct. 19, the Grand Opening of the 38th Tanger Outlet Center will take place off I45 South in Texas City, Texas. Tanger Outlets is hosting a “Pink Style” grand opening in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Stores will open at 9 a.m. followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. According to Tanger’s website, American Idol winner Kris Allen will perform a free concert for all Tanger Outlet shoppers and employees. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and end with a spectacular fireworks show. The grand opening is expected to be a weekend-long event full of coupons and merchandise give-aways. The outlet mall will include approximately 90
stores on a 55-acre spread; all offering Tanger’s Best Price Guarantee. The program promises Tanger shoppers an instant cash refund of the price difference on a purchased item if the item is advertised somewhere else for less. Following a long day of shopping, customers can find tasty treats in the food court that include grilled subs, Italian food and Starbucks. The new mall opening not only offers better places to shop and eat, but job opportunities also. Students looking for a job may find work in apparel, shoes, appliances, accessories or at the food court. At the construction site, workers are working feverishly to ensure Tanger Outlets is built to perfection. The mall is expected to be a great attraction to local shoppers and to tourists as well. A Tanger Outlet employee, who prefers to remain anonymous, said, “The area finally has a purpose again. I believe everyone will be satisfied with the mall and the opportunities that it is K Vertis 285460 creating as far as jobs and giving some life back to Texas City.”
Farm Road intersection. TxDOT says, and that's a positive.” “This will improve mobility and enCurrently this stretch of highway hance safety for motorists traveling under construction is listed on Texas’s the area.” list of 100 most congested roadways. As stated above, the Dixie Farm However, this is not for long because Road overpass is one of many proj- construction is planned to be comects to the construction rebuilding IH- plete by 2015. 45 from Beltway 8 to El Dorado Boulevard. Entirely, the project’s value is an estimated $77.5 million and stretches approximately five miles along IH-45. Pam Summers (Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau president) claims "Any expansion of Interstate 45 is going to be a blessAdrian Salas San Jacinto Times ing for us because it's going to increase the Reconstruction of the busy intersection for ease of getting here, South campus students coming to a close.
Pinterest changes the face of social media addiction
Janeth Cervantes Student Life Editor
Everybody experiences a time when they mindlessly waste hours on a social media website. Regardless of whether there is a thousand word essay to write or a kitchen to clean, people will make time to participate in their choice of social media. Social media enthusiasts, especially those with a creative side, have a new website to enjoy. Those in need of inspiration, whether planning an outfit or planning a party, can benefit from a new website named Pinterest. Pinterest is a website used to bookmark (or “pin”) different items users find online. Users’ “pins” are ideas, be it crafts or recipes, found on other websites. Pins are structured into boards that are organized into different categories, and are later viewed by users at their leisure. Similar to other social media websites, users can follow other users, comment on their pictures, and borrow “pins” from other users. Pinterest can be particularly helpful to those in need of ideas. “I like Pinterest because it is a way to get inspired.” said a Pinterest user and San Jacinto College student who preferred to remain anonymous. “I started a photography business with my dad, so I am constantly looking for creative ideas to make a photo shoot better.” Pinterest contains enormous amounts of information, but much of it may not be useful. “I have tried recipes, remedies and crafts but they don’t always turn out great.” the San Jac student said. “Once in a while, things do turn
out well, but that is only once in a while.” Speculation indicates that Pinterest may be addictive, much like other social media websites. Online addictions have grown in numbers in recent years, and according to www.helpguide.org, social media addicts may be diagnosed with “Internet Addiction Disorder” (IAD). Neglecting family and friends, difficulty completing tasks at work or home, and avoiding sleep to stay online are considered signs of an Internet addiction. “I waste so much time without realizing.” The student said. “Sometimes I get on Pinterest to look for a recipe and find myself pinning everything I see, and the recipe is forgotten about.”
Helpguide.com suggests the course of action to address an Internet addiction: 1. Website users have to first realize they have a problem. 2. They must seek help from a family member or a professional and/or participate in a support group. 3. Most importantly, the addict must stay connected to the outside world rather than the Internet. Social websites like Pinterest may be helpful, but excessive usage can prove an unhealthy addition to many people’s lives.
“I enjoy Pinterest because it’s a fun way to organize things like a wedding… even though I do not have a boyfriend.” the student said. “Maybe it’s because I’m always on Pinterest.”
Healthier food hard to find at SJC Monica Davila
Staff Writer
7/26/02 9:16 PM
Following a healthy diet on the three San Jacinto College campuses is difficult for most students considering the scent of Starbucks, A&W, or Pizza Hut are constantly assaulting their senses. Starbucks' website indicates that a Grande 16 ounce serving of most beverages contains around 300 calories. That is if it’s made with 2 percent milk. Frappuccino drinks come with whole milk unless a customer requests reduced fat milk. Adding caramel, mocha, or whip cream only further inflates the calorie count. According to The Huffington Post, one cup of coffee a day is actually good for the body. With this thought in mind, and a little calorie calculation, it is easier to spot better options. For example, a Grande 16 ounce cappuccino or an iced skinny flavored latte, both made from nonfat milk, each run only 80 calories. South campus recently announced that it will soon be serving up Chick-Fil-A again. Chicken dishes sound like a better option, but the majority of Chick-Fil-A’s menu features fried food loaded with carbohydrates. The health and fitness industry recommends avoiding both carbs and fried foods whether the goal is to drop pounds, or maintain a
healthy weight. Healthy Roads, a company that helps large corporations promote fitness and wellness among their employees, recommends every person consume a minimum of 1200 calories a day to be in tip-top shape. If someone does not reach the 1200-calorie threshold, the organization says that person will have worse health problems in the long run. Whether the goal is to lose weight or maintain weight, there are many options available to students while they are on campus that will not sabotage their diet objectives. Here are a few tips to help busy students follow a healthier lifestyle: • Get smart with the smartphone: There are free downloadable Apps like livestrong.com that can help students see how many calories they should consume according their weight, height, and exercise level.
food fare. Microwaveable Healthy Choice meals, any of the Bumblebee Sensations meals, and Campbell’s Classic Chicken Noodle soup are all viable options.
• Not all snacks are created equal: Bear in mind, snacking in between classes are fine but beware of those wielding a heavy caloric punch. A few of the healthy treats available are Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, Go lightly, and Go naturally organic hard candies. • Water, water everywhere: In the way of drinks there are quite a few options aside from water. Juices to consider are Gold peak tea, Odwalla, Naked, Core Power, and Fuze.
• Remember the No No’s: Stay away from fried foods, pasta, pastries, and sugary soda. • Check nutrition facts on food packages: There are many low calorie food and drink options available in the campus bookstores that offer healthier alternatives to fast
Monica Davila San Jacinto Times
Healthy Choice meals offer healthier alternative to fast food at San Jac.
San Jacinto Times
October 15, 2012
Fantasy Football adds excitement to sports
Chris Villegas Staff Writer
There are many well-known football players in the National Football League, but knowing how each player performs during each game is the name of the game in Fantasy Football. Each season is different because no one knows what to expect from the players they draft. Some players rise to be elite stars of the league while others fall leaving people to regret their draft picks. Since Fantasy Football was created by CBS in 1997, it remains a top national hobby. Fans that have a passion for football can compete with others who also think they know football. Online Fantasy Football allows participants to become owners of their own teams just as NFL owners do. Each football player that Fantasy league owners insert into their starting lineup accumulates points during live game play. The total points earned determine if they have defeated their opponents or not. Owners research players extensively in an effort to gain the upper hand on the competition. San Jacinto College student Jason Durbin said, “When I am supposed to be studying at school, I ďŹ nd myself studying up on players for Fantasy Football.â€? There is nothing more deating to a Fantasy owner than losing a player to an injury. When a player goes down with an injury, Fantasy owners become buzzards searching for the player’s replacement. On the other hand, adding a good player that was over-
looked can make an owner look like a true genius. Greg Cruse, a former San Jacinto College student, said “A couple of years ago when I drafted Arian Foster no one knew he was going to be that good, including myself.� However, watching a player’s stock rise is not necessarily always a good thing. The more options an owner has, the harder it is to decide whom to start each week. On the positive side, a player’s worth can also be seen as trade bait. For Fantasy Football owners, their overall team record can be vulnerable to simple bad luck. Some owners become desperate when they see their team racking up losses. In that case, Fantasy owners follow the lead of professional General Managers and try to package deals that are appealing. Ty Holder, a Fantasy Football owner, said he found himself doing anything to get a deal done - from trading draft picks to cutting a friend’s lawn for a month. Competitiveness is never in question when it comes to playing Fantasy Football. Some fantasy owners had friends that eventually became foes. At the end of the day, owners’ have to remember it is just a game. It is called Fantasy Football for a reason. Winning a Fantasy League can mean a lot to an owner. Some play for money, but the real motivation for winning a Fantasy League is similar to professional owners trying to win the Super Bowl. Not only does an owner win the championship, but he or she also claims bragging rights until next season.
Page 8
Sports
Linsanity makes its way to Clutch City
MCT Campus
Popular point guard Jeremy Lin is expected to boost the Rockets’ potential.
Brandon Hurley Sports Editor
Jeremy Lin became one of the biggest stories in sports when “Linsanity� swept the globe. After a strong showing in New York, there are high expectations for the point guard who is now a member of the Houston Rockets. Fans must wait and see if Lin can bring “Linsanity� to “Clutch City.� The Rockets were indeed busy this offseason. In the weeks before this year’s draft, Houston traded away Chase Budinger, Samuel Dalembert, and Marcus Camby. They released Luis Scola and they let Goran Dragic get away from them as well. Most of these moves were aimed at stockpiling draft picks and freeing up cap space for the push to land Dwight Howard
from Orlando. Obviously, Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey’s plans have changed as Dwight Howard is now a Los Angeles Laker, but fans can still be happy that the Rockets managed to pick up some great talent in the draft. In free agency, they picked up Omer Asik from the Bulls and, the new face of the franchise, Jeremy Lin from New York. Last season, in the absence of Carmelo Anthony, Lin started for an 8-15 Knicks team and won six games in a row in spectacular fashion. He continued to play well over 26 games, though his inexperience was revealed by his frequent mental mistakes and turnovers. According to NBA.com, Lin ranked seventh in the league with the Nicks last season, averaging 3.6 turnovers per game. Regardless, Jeremy Lin is going to sell
jerseys in Houston, which is one reason why he’s here. That is not the question, however. What this student-journalist and many other sports fans want to know is whether or not Lin is going to be a consistent point guard for the Rockets and, even more so, will he be an improvement over his successor, Goran Dragic? In 35 games, Lin averaged 14 points per game with three rebounds and six assists in New York. Dragic was averaging 11 points a game with two rebounds and ďŹ ve assists. So, theoretically, Lin should be an improvement at the position, but one must also factor in his tendency to turn the ball over. Rockets fan and SJC Student, Jesse Scott says, “I think [Jeremy Lin] is going to do decent because he has a good skill set, but it’s going to take the whole team for [the Rockets] to succeed. It’s important that they do succeed. Morey’s seat has gotten hotter with every move he’s made this offseason. There are quite a few young players on this Rockets team and if they don’t succeed early, this “new ageâ€? campaign is going to get old real fast. Fans are tired of the mediocrity that Morey keeps delivering. This isn’t Lin’s ďŹ rst time to be a Houston Rocket. Morey was the last general manager to release Lin who spent most of his career in the NBA’s developmental league before his breakout season with the Knicks. This fact alone is enough to fuel Lin’s critics this season. Make no mistake; Lin is not a talentless player. Lin is known as a smart and hard worker. He was a key player during four years at Harvard and, in his senior season, he averaged 16 points a game. Lin was unanimously selected for the All-Ivy League ďŹ rst team in 2010. There is a reason he is on an NBA roster, and whether people believe it was a uke or not, Jeremy Lin played what many experts considered to be inspiring basketball for the Knicks last season. Rockets fans will just have to hope that “Linsanityâ€? can be duplicated in Houston and we’re not talking about Morey’s insanity for trying the same thing twice and seeking different results.
Join us for Preview Friday! Designed with you in mind, Preview Friday allows you to mingle with other transfer students and learn about: NJ +RZ WKH WUDQVIHU SURFHVV ZRUNV NJ )LQDQFLDO DLG DQG VFKRODUVKLS RSSRUWXQLWLHV NJ 7KH &RPHW &RQQHFWLRQ WXLWLRQ JXDUDQWHH NJ &DPSXV OLIH You’ll also have the chance to talk one-on-one with an advisor in your major. Choose the date you’d like to attend:
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