SAN JACINTO TIMES
All-Star glitz descends on Houston World e student publication of the San Jacinto College District
Vol. 23, No. 7
Chris Villegas Staff Writer
Fashion, fun, and famous people are what come to a city that hosts the All-Star game. The city of Houston was chosen to host the event this year. Since Houston is known for having the NASA Space Center program, the fashion theme of the weekend was Area 72, created by Nike. Nike made exclusive pairs of shoes for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. Following the Area 72 theme, each of the player’s shoes were meant to imitate extra-terrestrials. Along with the bright shoes that most players were wearing, Adidas All-star jerseys complimented the attire nicely. Though the players looked fashionable on and off the court, it does not necessarily mean that gave them a boost in their game. Don’t believe it? Just ask Chris Bosh who had a rough night shooting. Before the actual AllStar game that would bring the event to a close, many were worried how it would play out. The rookie-sophomore game, ThreePoint Contest, Skills Challenge, and Dunk Contest were measured as mediocre at best. When the All-Star game day arrived it was a whole different
story. There were many celebrities roaming the Toyota center, spectators didn’t need a NASA Hubble telescope to spot a star. San Jac alumnus, Ronald Perez, who attended the game said, “Everyone in the building was hyped up. It is not everyday you get to see athletes, actors, and singers at once. The atmosphere was just insane.” The game was indeed insane, considering the dunks, shooting, and nifty ball handling was better in the game than in the events and contests meant to showcase those skills. For what it is worth, both the East and West were actually competing till the final minute of play. Even future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, known as the Black Mamba, struck LeBron James with his hard lock-down defense to seal the win for the West. All things come to an end, and Houston can look back at the weekend as being a meaningful moment for the city. After all, the city held Michael Jordan’s 50th birthday, maxed out the capacity of the galleria, and hosted many celebrity parties. Until the next time Houston hosts another All-Star weekend, Houstonians can spectate their own All-Star, James Harden, as he helps the Rockets make a push for the playoffs.
News Briefs
Pope Benedict Resigns Pope Benedict XVI announced in a Vatican city hall Feb. 11, he could not lead his Roman Catholic believers any longer. The Pope greeted catholic masses for the last time in St. Peter’s Square Wednesday Feb. 27 before officially resigning. US Supports Syrian Rebels With the rise of the Arab Spring protests in March 2011, civil war in Syria still continues. The U.N. has placed the death toll at 70,000 and urged the U.N. Security Council to take action. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced Feb. 25 the U.S. would support the Syrian rebels and a speedy departure of President Bashar Al-Assad.
Photo Courtesy of Ronald Perez
Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Dwight Howard discuss strategy at the Toyota Center during the All Star Game.
Former student, professor face off at God debate Rebeca Valdez Staff Writer
Passion is what drove Professor Steven Pena and Pastor Eric Hernandez to engage in a public debate. The crowd flooded in on Feb.15 at Christian Temple (CT) Church to hear them go head-tohead about the never-ending question, “Is there a God?”
March 4, 2013
Professor Pena defended his beliefs about Atheism while Pastor Hernandez supported his beliefs regarding Christianity. Interestingly enough, not only is Pastor Hernandez a former student of Professor Pena’s, but this was not the first time the two have gone against each other. They’ve debated several times. A member of CT Church heard them at a previous debate and invited them to speak at
the church. The debate, moderated by Pastor Darold DeHart, started with a brief introduction of the two speakers. Professor Pena is a Philosophy teacher at San Jacinto College and author of Homo Logicus: Introduction, Inquiry, and Reflection in the Art of Right Reasoning. Pastor Hernandez is the Young Adults Pastor at Fe y Poder South Houston Church.
DeHart gave them questions centered around whether there is a God or not. Each debater was given a few minutes to answer each of the questions by laying out facts, evidence, and reasoning. There was a short intermission allowing the speakers some time to gather their thoughts. During that time, audience members could text questions they would like Pena and Hernandez to answer.
See God on Page 4.
SJC closes Black History Month with celebrated readings
Nuclear Talks Fizzle Six world powers - France, Germany, the United States, China, Russia and Britain – gathered Feb. 26 and 27 in Almaty, Kazakhstan in an attempt to resolve concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. They said sanctions would be lifted if Iran cut back on nuclear research. Although no final agreement was reached, Iran and the six powers agreed to meet in Istanbul, Turkey next month and resume negotiations in Kazakhstan April 5. Israel has hinted that they would attack Iran’s nuclear sites if diplomacy and sanctions do not stop their continued enrichment of uranium.
Chavez Returns to Venezuela President Chavez announced Feb. 11 his return to Venezuela from Cuba, where he was being treated for cancer for more than 2 months. A new Venezuelan president may be inevitable if Chavez’s health declines. In his absence, Venezuelan currency has depreciated, affecting the global market. The Venezuelan government said Chavez was to undergo unspecified medical treatments at the military hospital in Caracas. Since his return, he has not made any public appearances, reinforcing speculation that he may step down and make way for a new president.
Meteor Strikes Earth An unexpected fireball hit the Russian city of Chelyabinsk Feb. 15. Reports say about 1500 people were injured and damages are estimated at $33 million. Scientists say that fragments from the meteor could be worth thousands of dollars.
Annette Moore San Jacinto Times
Crossroads to Equality was the culmination of a month-long series of events at San Jacinto College paying tribute to Black History month. The program and luncheon, hosted on Central campus Feb. 27, highlighted the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington by featuring readings of the work of African-American writers. In addition to recitations of Maya Angelou, Eloise Greenfield, and President Barack Obama, author and lecturer Dr. Annette Williams served as keynote speaker.
Protesters storm DC An estimated 40,000 demonstrators gathered on Feb. 17 in Washington D.C. to protest the Keystone XL pipeline. It was described as the largest climate rally in US history. — Briefs compiled from multiple media sources
San Jacinto Times
March 4, 2013
Opinion/Commentary
Page 2
Minx Thinks: New York Police Department implicated in racist crime...again
Asher Minx
Department Editor
Aggregate reporting suggests a deep-seeded fear of Muslims in the New York Police Department, and a history of illegal actions taken as a result. Like all police departments, New York’s lawmen have certain rules they must abide by during investigations. It's a common sense, by-thenumbers sort of checklist – must be based on reasonable suspicion, end after a certain period of time, be subject to oversight, etcetera. It is difficult to imagine any scenario where a reasonable department would throw law and procedure to the wind, and if they did, one would at least hope it was to meet some unprecedented challenge. Then they would read the actual story, sigh, and say "Man, **** the NYPD." Ever skirting public trust on the heels of stop-and-frisk policies and violence against protesters, the NYPD are now facing a lawsuit put forth by Civil Rights lawyers for illegally spying on Muslims. Across the Northeast of the United States, young followers of Islam were themselves
followed to restaurants, pubs, and even whitewater rafting trips by a department within the NYPD’s framework called the Zone Assessment Unit (formerly named the “Demographics Unit”). According to an investigation published by the Associated Press, the NYPD have secretly monitored student groups and mosques over a period of years, along with sending undercover officers to surveil neighborhoods based on their ethnicity and create a "human mapping program." Complainants say the spying has created a climate of fear among local Muslims, who now worry about an increase in scrutiny and mistrust from their peers as a result of the department’s practices. “The fear is that, if at any point, you come into contact, whether intentional or not, with someone who later becomes a criminal, or later becomes a suspect or terrorist, that taint can never be scrubbed off,” Elizabeth Dann, a law student at New York University said. The lawsuit began life one year ago. Though rarely acknowledged, the spying program has occasionally reentered the public consciousness to familiar outrage. The NYPD and Mayor Michael Bloomberg have defended the Zone Assessment Unit as a necessity to public safety, citing past bombings in Britain by Muslim students. They also feel any harm allegedly caused by the initiative was in actuality the result of the Associated Press disclosing their actions. In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, the city said: “This Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction because plaintiffs allegations of injury are based upon fears
and speculation neither of which satisfy the injury required for standing (point III). In addition all of plaintiffs’ alleged injuries arose only after the Associated Press released confidential NYPD documents and it is that disclosure that has resulted in plaintiffs’ alleged stigmatization.” The latter part of this argument is essentially that questionable actions by the NYPD, including targeted surveillance without suspicion and invasion of privacy, should remain
If the shoe fits: college tuition hike sparks “sweet” deals
people can call it whatever they want. The idea of having a “Sugar Daddy” isn’t really so bad. SeekingArrangement.com is very blunt on the subject. The people involved in these relationships are well aware of each other’s expectations and boundaries going in. They encourage brutal honesty and argue that such honesty can, in some cases, lead to true love. The stigma of such a lifestyle comes from Caty Christy the obvious assumption that sex is the only facDepartment Editor tor in the relationship. From what we see on TV and in movies it just looks like a dead relaCollege is starting to get a lot more expen- tionship where sex is exchanged for money or sive. As a result, students apply for Financial gifts or pampering. I won't tell you that kind of Aid to help cover some thing doesn't happen, beof the tuition costs, and cause I don't know. But when that’s not enough according to some of the you’re stuck up to your site's users, the relationeyeballs in student loan ships formed are strong debt. and beneficial. Some Some ambitious colusers have said that their lege coeds have taken to partner has become the “Sugar Baby somewhat of a mentor. Lifestyle” to pay their All mushy feelings tuition. The popularity aside, the bottom line is of this lifestyle is growsimple: the "Sugar Baby ing rapidly, with schools Lifestyle" is a good idea. such as University of For many students finanTexas Austin, Texas cial aid is not enough. If State University, and becoming a sugar baby University of Texas Aris an option then take it. lington making the list Love doesn't always of the Top 20 Fastest have to be an intimate Growing Sugar Baby feeling. Being in a "muSchools already in 2013. tually beneficial relaSeekingArrangetionship" just means that Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT ment.com, the world’s each person gives as largest Sugar Daddy website, calls it “mutually much as they receive. It's equality at its finest. beneficial dating,” describing the relationship And if your education just happens to be comas one where gifts or pampering is exchanged pletely paid for as a result then you're not doing for friendship or companionship. Honestly, so bad.
classified for the general welfare of the minorities whose rights they are violating. Accepting this logic for argument’s sake, the department is still defending its long-observed pattern of guilt by association along socioeconomic lines. If you’re brown, poor, Muslim, it is supposedly your responsibility to convince officers you’re not the same as someone else who committed a felony 3 years ago, a thousand miles away. Among those critical of the program
is New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who in 2012 made a public complaint regarding both their secrecy and the expansiveness of their operations. “I know they think their jurisdiction is the world. Their jurisdiction is New York City.” If justice is blind, we will find that practicing a common religion does not in fact qualify you as reasonably suspicious, and that the law cannot be discarded by the same people who enforce it.
Artwork by Chris Gaviria
8-10 percenters cause discomfort for dedicated gym goers
Monica Davila
Department Editor
They start going to the gym as part of either a New Year’s resolution; they’re trying to shape up for a beach ready body. They show up from Jan. 1 to around spring break, they’re known as
the 8-10 percenters. 8-10 percenters are those who choose to work out 8-10 percent of the year. The problem is there are so many people at once that the gyms get crowded. It is good for business and good they are attempting to be healthy, but in reality it’s a stressful burden. Imagine a bunch of people packed into a workout class like a bag of marshmallows. They slow down the class and take up room that the people who workout year-round use to get a more intense workout. At weight machines the newbies just sit there texting or talking on their phone. The cardio machines break down more be-
cause of constant use. Most newbies like going to the gym after work, so avoid going between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Try working out at home, outside, or at a more obscure gym. The San Jacinto College gyms are less popular than places such as 24-Hour Fitness; although, they also have their high capacity times and it is unpredictable when they are going to be packed. It is free if you are a student or faculty member at San Jacinto. It's much less distracting when trying to study and workout. Working out in general is not a bad option, but attempt to do it throughout the year and not just for a few weeks.
CORRECTION:
An article from the last issue about forthcoming changes to the Core Curriculum included a statement that was printed in error. The statement appeared, “Attempts to get in contact with members of the Athletic Department went unanswered.” It should have appeared, “A member of the Physical Education department was contacted for this story but declined to comment on the new course requirements.”
San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications
ADVISER
Hellen Papadacos
PRODUCTION MANAGER Sara Quintana
ADVERTISING Sara Quintana
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leif Hayman
DEPARTMENT EDITORS Caty Christy
Monica Davila Asher Minx
Chris Villegas
PAGE DESIGNERS Sara Quintana Christopher Shelton
CIRCULATION MANAGER Christian O’Connor
STAFF WRITERS
Flor Barrero Amanda Beard Jonathan Chapa Naama Gouti Keili Harrison Jeannette Jimenez Jason McNeely Alex Moore Annette Moore Joseph Payne Vanessa Piña Aaron Preston Angelica Rodriguez Christopher Rodriguez Rebeca Valdez Elton Wilson
Overcrowded gyms make for unpleasant work-out experience.
The San Jacinto Times is published five times a semester 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
Mark Boster Los Angeles Times/MCT
without the author’s signature will not be accepted. 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 digital 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 281478-2752.
San Jacinto Times
March 4, 2013
Page 3
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Viral sensation shakes San Jacinto College
Naama Gouti San Jacinto Times
“¡Con los terroristas!” A scene of anarchy, innuendo, and interpretive dance erupted in the gym at San Jac Central Feb. 27 as cosmetology students, firefighter trainees, and even Scooby Doo took part in San Jac’s version of Baauer’s new sensation, The Harlem Shake. The video was shot on each campus. It gave Scylla Lopez, social media coordinator, and Hollie Fulsom, event planner, the opportunity to capture the diversity of the San Jacinto College students on all three campuses.
Musical inspiration abounds at South campus
Jonathan Chapa Staff Writer
Music influences the lives of both students and faculty at San Jacinto College South. Examining the way music influences people’s lives is a way to see how it inspires them. “I am a true Romantic Period person. I love the songs of Schubert and Schumann, the Choral Works of Mendelssohn and the awesome symphonies of Brahms and Mahler,” Professor Jana Rader, a Music professor at San Jac South, said. “On the other hand I love Christian
music and I like some Country Western and Blues music.” Both her parents and the schools she attended nurtured Professor Rader’s interest in music. She ended up making it her life’s vocation. Music student Michael Kyle Hoskins said music has influenced his life ever since he was a child and wanted to perform in front of people. He feels the most appealing part of music is the emotion people feel when a piece of music is finished. “What are you playing and how are you playing it; but ‘the why’ which comes after the music
stops, is the most important part in my opinion.” Hoskins said. “And whatever people experience because of your music is what’s the most important” According to Professor Rader, the music of Brahms sooths her, while Mahler inspires her. “The Beetles make me nostalgic and Whitney makes me sad. Music appeals to each person in a different way”, Professor Rader said. Similarly to Hoskins, Professor Rader reflected on the effect of music after it stops playing. “I have been thinking about that for days. I believe you carry
it with you forever, the good and the bad,” Professor Rader said. “I think it lives on in the memory like an old friend. I can recall time about 10 years ago when I was filling up my car at a gas station. The car next to me had Eminem playing ‘I Can’t Be Your Superman’. It was one of the most vulgar songs I have ever heard, but I cannot forget it.” Professor Rader’s fondness for various musical genres doesn’t extend to modern pop. “I am not terribly impressed with most of the music today. If you hear a new song on the radio and you
Jonathan Chapa San Jacinto Times
San Jac students passionately practice performance music.
like it, you can bet you are going to hear it a hundred times before
the day is over, when, at last, you will hate it,” she said.
San Jac’s Fashion Icon Contest: Cycle Two Winners
Christa Mayfield Major: Music South Campus
“I find comfort in my style. I feel awkward in boring clothes.”
Lincoln Hilton Major: Business South Campus
“For me, style has been wearing what makes me feel good, and the clothes I wear are first and foremost, comfortable.
Photo Credit: Naama Gouti San Jacinto Times
March 4, 2013
More News & From the Cover
San Jacinto Times
Page 4
Adderall: 6.4% of college students abusing
Amanda Beard Staff Writer
MCT Campus
North offers free HIV testing to students, highlights importance of early detection
HIV screenings similar to this were administered as part of a larger informational campaign.
Aaron Preston Staff Writer
HIV screenings were a part of a larger initiative to educate students Feb. 12 at North Campus, about the risks they face living in the Houston area. The goal of the event was to let students know their status, and offer additional information regarding the issue of Houston ranking eighth nationally in the number of HIV cases reported annually. “We wanted to show students the importance of getting tested and knowing their status,” Joshua Henderson, Administrative Assistant to
the Director of Student Life at North Campus, said. Students receiving the test see the opportunity to be tested as a way for students to stay healthy. “I think it's a good way to get people that are sexually active tested,” sophomore Orlando Pettieway said. “It’s just a way to be sure. My professor made his pharmacy classes take the test.” Though students are given the resource for free, a quarter of all people living with the disease remain unaware. “It’s really sad that in such a robust area we have such a looming statistic,” former student Jennifer Woods said.
“These tests are really helpful for a lot of sexually active students, and them being free really helps the epidemic; especially with students who live in Houston, because they seem to have a larger risk factor.” The ability to be tested on campus is seen as a great idea by some students, but for others, the thought of being tested at school is overwhelming. “It’s a great idea, but it would be awkward to be tested here at school in a public place where other students can see you,” freshman Halie Harrelson said. “It’s a little much for a
school to offer screenings on campus.” Though nearly 8,000 students attend North Campus, less than 30 students participated in the event. “Even though such a small number of students came, it was an excellent turn out,” Henderson said. “We had 20 students come to the doors immediately, which is a large number for HIV screening.” According to the flyer advertising the event, 1 in 90 Houstonians live with HIV. A quarter of Houstonians who have the disease do not know they are infected. There are 61 clinics in the Houston area listed as HIV testing sites.
The pressure to get good grades and succeed leads some students toward prescription medications in order to keep focus. Students tempted by a capsule providing crystal clear, tunnel-like vision, unobstructed by wandering thoughts and daydreams, surrender to relying on a pill for concentration. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactive disorder, is characterized by the inability to pay attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive actions. According to Kristin Jenkins, from the Brynmar College student blog, “this disorder has become a popular diagnosis for students who claim that they are unable to concentrate or focus on their studies.” American dream in mind that working hard will reap success, students strive to do well in a new age of international competition. High hopes to graduate from top universities, to impress future bosses with a stellar resume, while working and maintaining a social life, accumulates enough stress for 6.4 percent of college students to become unprescribed users of Adderall according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health taken in April 2009. “So many distractions and so many pleasures” says an unprescribed San Jac student user, who wished to remain anonymous, coming from the outside world that takes away the attention needed to focus
on schoolwork. “Sometimes I feel like I’m reading a sentence and when I get to the end I don’t even know what I just read, so yeah, I’ll probably get tested soon (for ADHD).” Adderall’s presence on college campuses has made it socially acceptable and when faced with the opportunity to take a pill specifically made for enhancing studies, 6.4 percent of students comply. The availability of Adderall on campuses is much like the free floating nature of pollen in the spring, swapping from hand to hand until it takes root and begins to flourish. After taking root, the pill allows a student to stay awake for hours with increased concentration. Even though Adderall’s benefits are alluring to an overwhelmed student that is pressed for time, the side effects are not worth the health risks. Agreeing, prescribed user since the age of 7, Clayton Brown, says he “wouldn’t recommend it to a friend because you can get addicted and lose weight.” Regardless of the side effects, students continue to use Adderall unprescribed. After continuous unprescribed use for studies, another San Jac student who wished to remain anonymous recognizes both positive and negative attributes. “Adderall is a doubleedged sword, because it’s all downhill after the initial high. And after a certain number of times taking it, you start to feel an emotional numbness,” the source said.
Pirates face new sharing penalties Leif Hayman Editor-in-chief
In an attempt to rein in Internet piracy, opponents of illegal file sharing and American Internet service providers formed the Center for Copyright Information (CCI). The new Copyright Alert System (CAS) allows content owners who identify unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing to send the evidence to service providers. Once an Internet service provider receives a complaint from a content owner they will send a maximum of six warnings to the accounts owner. If file sharing continues on the account, the Internet provider will begin manually slowing the user’s Internet speeds or redirecting their homepage. The user must then contact their service provider or enroll in a “copyright education program” before their service is fully restored. The program went into effect on Feb. 25. Since the rise of Napster, the Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America tried many different tactics to stop piracy permanently. Changes to legislation and legal actions have not been effective. Pirates always
God
Continued from Page 1
Pena argued that fear was a reason he doesn’t believe there is a God. “At the bottom of it all, at the bottom of supernaturalism, at the bottom of religion, at the bottom of karma, at the bottom of rubbing rabbit’s feet, believing in leprechauns, and
seem to circumvent any new impediments. Until the CAS, copyright owners’ only option was to file a lawsuit against violators. In 2007, the Recording Industry Association of America filed a lawsuit against a woman who allegedly downloaded 24 songs. If bought on a service like iTunes, the 24 songs would have cost about $24. The lawsuit is seeking $222,000 in damages and is awaiting Supreme Court review. “Our goal is to alleviate confusion and help Internet users find legal ways to enjoy the digital content they love,” the CCI said. A recent study from the American Assembly, a group affiliated with Columbia University, found that peer-to-peer users purchase about 30% more digital music than their non-peer-to-peer counterparts. The monetary loss to the music industry has increased in the last few years. According to data collected by the Guardian, this can be described by a shift in consumer demand. While music profits have dropped, video game profits have nearly quadrupled. Between 1999 and 2008, spending on games, music, DVDs, and rentals com-
bined almost doubled. Veteran Internet pirates are prepared for the new program. BitTorrent users
simply need to route their traffic through one of the many proxy services to stay hidden.
elves, and tooth fairies, and Jesuses and Allahs and all of it, is fear. Fear is the oxygen of religion,” Pena said. As a counterpoint, Hernandez argued, “I would say perfect love casts out all fear. He is trying to imply that the reason I believe in God is because I’m afraid, but I can say the same thing about him. He is an Atheist because he fears of a God that will judge him one day and that will hold him
accountable of everything he does.” Hernandez used morality as one of the reasons he believes there is a God. “I would definitely say morality is grounded only in God. I’m not saying an Atheist cannot be moral. I’m saying without God, there is no basis for morality,” Hernandez said. In his closing statement, Pena said, “There was a very intelligent man a long time
ago who said this, and I guess this is a summary of what I believe, he said, ‘a single kind act that touches somebody’s heart is worth a thousand heads bowed in prayer all day.’ I believe that.” Members of Hernandez’s church and Pena’s students both attended the debate. Over 400 people showed up to the event and more than 70 people watched it on Livestream.
MCT Campus
March 4, 2013
8 DAYS A WEEK North
Monday, March 4
• Green Team Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N2.103 • Robotics Club Meeting, 3 p.m., N7.261
San Jacinto Times
SJC Tech wizards offer free computer repairs
Page 5
Around Campus
8 DAYS A WEEK North
Monday, March 18
• DeVry Transfer Recruiter, 2 p.m., N12 Lobby • Robotics Club Meeting, 3 p.m., N7.261
Tuesday, March 5
Tuesday, March 19
• Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N6.108 • Webb Society Meeting, 1:15 p.m., N7.108
• UH Transfer Recruiter, 9:30 a.m., N12 Lobby • Rotaract Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N12.215
Wednesday, March 6
Wednesday, March 20
• Houston Fire Department Employment Recruiter, 10 a.m., N12 Lobby
• Army National Guard Recruiter, 8 a.m., N12 Lobby • Lectures with LatinKnows, 10 a.m., N1.103 • Financial Aid Workshop, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m., N6.108 • Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N6.108
Thursday, March 7 • Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N6.108 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133 • PTK Meeting, 4:30 p.m., N13.208 • New Student Orientation, 5 p.m., N1.103 • Art Gallery Opening, 6 p.m., N1.106
Friday, March 8 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 10 a.m., N8.251 • Robotics Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N2.219
Saturday, March 9 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, March 10 • No Scheduled Activities
Monday, March 11-Sunday, March 17
Central
• Spring Break - No Classes
Monday, March 4 • Logos Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C14.212 A/B
Tuesday, March 5 • Bongo Ball Mania, 9:30 a.m., North Courtyard • TSEA Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.261 • English Club Meeting, 2 p.m., C14.212 A/B • NSCS Meeting, 3 p.m., C1.233
Wednesday, March 6 • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C15.215
Thursday, March 7 • WEBB Society Meeting, 7:30 a.m., C2.224 • PTK Meeting, 11 a.m., C1.230 • College Republicans Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C14.212 A/B • N2L Meeting, 1 p.m., C14.212 A/B
Friday, March 8 • SGA Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155
Saturday, March 9 • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 10 a.m., C18.117
Sunday, March 10 • No Scheduled Activities
Monday, March 11-Sunday, March 17
South
• Spring Break - No Classes
Monday, March 4 • SOS Brigade Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S10.112 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120
Tuesday, March 5 • Student Bible Fellowship, 12 p.m., S6.196 • SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S11.228 • Game Enterprises Guild, 3 p.m., S8.1062
Wednesday, March 6 • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S9.250 • EDG Meeting, 3 p.m., S13.274 • SOS Brigade Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S10.112 • Writer’s Block Meeting, 3 p.m., S9.214 • ESOL Meeting, 4 p.m., S8.1014 • Geo Jac’s Meeting, 5:30 p.m., S7.148
Thursday, March 7 • SVA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2066 • Game Enterprises Guild, 3 p.m., S8.1062 • Class Act Players, 6 p.m., S15 Green Room
Friday, March 8 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.105 • NTHS Soccer Fundraiser, 10 a.m., Soccer Field
Saturday, March 9 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, March 10 • No Scheduled Activities
Monday, March 11-Sunday, March 17 • Spring Break - No Classes
Thursday, March 21 Jorge Medina repairs the heat sink assemblies on a laptop.
Christopher Rodriguez Staff Writer
Once they quit working, headaches occur. The machine that handles important papers, files, and pictures of cats, has died. Fixing a computer, whether it's a virus or a hardware problem, can be expensive. San Jacinto Central students majoring in network and desktop support look at the computer and fix the problems it’s having for free. The magic happens in room C3.162, under the supervision of Mike Kent, professor of Computer Information Technology for six years. The assistants in the lab are majoring in Networking and Desktop Support under the direction of Kent. The lab repairs computers of students, faculty, and staff. All the labor is free. If the computer has a virus they will get rid of it at no cost. If the computer requires a part, the client is responsible for providing the part. The lab assistants will tell them were to find the part on the internet and, once they order it, the lab assistants will put it in for free. The lab currently does not repair Macintosh Computers. "We'll usually recommend a couple of links off the internet, we'll find a place that has it and look at the user reviews to make sure you're not getting ripped off," said Professor Kent. "We've
Christopher Rodriguez San Jacinto Times
done cracked screens, hard drives, added memory to computers, replaced laptop keyboards and heat sink assemblies." Viruses appear on most computers the lab repairs. They will run several anti-virus programs to clean the viruses. The lab also gets rid of any unnecessary programs that bog the computer down so it can run more efficiently. "My advice is if you download ‘free movies’ or ‘free software’ you're going to get some bonus software,” said Professor Kent. “The bonus software is known as viruses. I can't tell you how many computers I've seen come in with torrent software and there just riddled with viruses. You get what you pay for; the people that run those torrent sites are just dangling the movies and games as bait to get the viruses on your computer. We do a lot of cleaning of viruses, sometimes it’s so bad we have to wipe the hard drive out. It's pretty rare, most of the time we can clean it off without having to reinstall the operating system.” The lab assistants took multiple semesters of PC Hardware, a required class for the degree. Inside the room, Kurt Porter, head lab assistant said he was glad to see one computer leave. "There was a virus that made a partition to hide itself on the hard drive, so unless you did a com-
plete format it was always there no matter what you did and it took me a while to figure that out. It was just a little 4 MB partition on the hard drive, which is nothing considering a CD can hold 700 MB. I've had it on two or three computers," Porter said. "The assistants are well experienced and show good judgment," said Kent. The computer being repaired does not need to be a certain age to be fixed. The lab will sometimes get six or seven year old computers that experience a major hardware failure. If a major hardware failure occurs, that part can cost around $300, whereas, you can buy a decent laptop for around $400. The lab will help you transfer your data from the old computer to the new one. "My students are getting valuable experience and they can put it on their resume that they've done six months of computer repair, 20 hours a week - desktop support, common issues - and the students that bring their computers in are getting their computers fixed so they can succeed in college, so they can work on their classes. It's a win-win," said Professor Kent. The lab opens at noon, Monday through Friday. The client can just explain to the assistant what's wrong and they will take it from there.
Robotics Club builds smart fun
Jason McNeely Staff Writer
The Robotics Club is the place to be for those looking to learn how to build and program robots. The club is still fairly small, as the school just registered them this past fall semester. Many of these students share an interest in calculus and physics, but also have an aptitude for design. According to club secretary Stephanie Zendejo, members like to play games with the robots computed through Java. “We have challenges that include controlling your robot through a maze,” she said.
“We have two types of programs. The NXT lego kits that include motors and TETRIX that is a lot of metal but also made out of legos.” said club member Carlos Martinez. “NXT has been used to solve Sudoku problems,” added Zendejo. Meanwhile club President John Nemac indicated there is a competition in his club’s future plans called the First Tech Challenge. Although the competition is only limited to students of grades 712, club officials and advisers sponsor it. The event is on schedule to be held at San Jac Central campus on Friday, March 8. It is called “Ring It
Up” and is open to the general public. The participants are asked to, “take the rings off stands, then put them on other stands,” said Nemac. He also stated that the club hopes to have their own intramural version of the challenge. “We’re not quite to the level of that so we’re going to stay with just us,” he said. In order to communicate with the robots, the students must use a programming language called C++. This language is the most common language found in computers today. The club meets every Wednesday at 3 pm in room C20-320, in the Frels building.
Save a pretty penny at campus salons
Annette Moore Staff Writer
San Jacinto College Cosmetology Departments’ have salons and spas on all three campuses. They are open to the public and to students, and prices are reasonable. On Central campus, the costs for salon services start at: Haircuts, $8; Hair color, $15; Highlights/lowlights, $20. Spa prices start at: Pedicures, $12; Manicures, $8; Facials, $15. The students don’t play with curling irons all day; they learn the importance of chemistry and electricity when becoming a cosmetologist. Students gain knowledge about the length of time a chemical should be applied, what tools create a certain look, and
what can help prevent damage. The income generated from the salons and spas go towards purchasing tools and products for the cosmetology department. Additionally, the students are able to accept tips from their clients. Antienne Wilson is a cosmetology student at San Jac South. This is her third semester in the cosmetology program. She is graduating in May at the age of 20 with a certificate in cosmetology. As a teen, she dreamed of being a teacher until her mother bought her younger sister a mannequin head. She fell in love with it, cut its hair off, and started thinking of all the different ways she could make this doll look even better. Following her parent’s advice that cosmetology should be a
hobby, she signed up for core classes during her first semester at San Jac. She knew that doing hair was her passion. The following semester, her sister encouraged her to sign up for the cosmetology program. There was only one spot open. “I can’t see my life without doing hair. I wake up and go to sleep thinking about hair,” Wilson said. All of her energy and attention is focused on her becoming a professional in cosmetology. During her last semester, Wilson is learning how to get a job, how to get ready for an interview, and how to strengthen social interaction with clients. For more information and scheduling appointments call 281-476-1818 Ext. 1818.
• Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133 • PTK Meeting, 4:30 p.m., N13.208 • New Student Orientation, 9 a.m., N1.103 • Art Gallery Opening, 6 p.m., N1.106
Friday, March 22 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 10 a.m., N8.251 • Science Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N8.201 • Robotics Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N2.219
Saturday, March 23 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, March 24
Central
• No Scheduled Activities
Monday, March 18 • Logos Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C14.212 A/B
Tuesday, March 19 • TSEA Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.261 • English Club Meeting, 2 p.m., C14.212 A/B • NSCS Meeting, 3 p.m., C1.233
Wednesday, March 20 • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C15.215
Thursday, March 21 • WEBB Society Meeting, 7:30 a.m., C2.224 • PTK Meeting, 11 a.m., C1.230 • College Republicans Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C14.212 A/B • N2L Meeting, 1 p.m., C14.212 A/B
Friday, March 22 • SGA Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155
Saturday, March 23 • WEBB Society Meeting, 7:30 a.m., C2.224 • PTK Meeting, 11 a.m., C1.230 • College Republicans Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C14.212 A/B • N2L Meeting, 1 p.m., C14.212 A/B • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 10 a.m. C18.117
Sunday, March 24
South
• No Scheduled Activities
Monday, March 18 • SOS Brigade Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S10.112 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120
Tuesday, March 19 • CoMeTrY Presentation-’How to Land a Dream Job Before Graduation,’ 11:30 a.m., Student Center Atrium • Student Bible Fellowship, 12 p.m., S6.196 • SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S11.228 • Game Enterprises Guild, 3 p.m., S8.1062
Wednesday, March 20 • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S9.250 • EDG Meeting, 3 p.m., S13.274 • SOS Brigade Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S10.112 • Writer’s Block Meeting, 3 p.m., S9.214 • ESOL Meeting, 4 p.m., S8.1014 • Geo Jac’s Meeting, 5:30 p.m., S7.148
Thursday, March 21 • SVA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2066 • Game Enterprises Guild, 3 p.m., S8.1062 • Class Act Players, 6 p.m., S15 Green Room
Friday, March 22 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.105 • PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., S8.2028
Saturday, March 23 • No Scheduled Activities
Sunday, March 24 • No Scheduled Activities
March 4, 2013
San Jacinto Times
Page 6
Sports & Fitness
Former San Jac coach makes Raven Mascot: Rich in Texas history College Baseball Hall of Fame
Alex Moore Staff Writer
Former San Jacinto College and current Rice University head baseball coach Wayne Graham was immortalized on June 30, 2012, as he was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Graham started coaching at San Jac in 1981 where he led the San Jacinto College Gator baseball team to an unprecedented run. In 1984, Coach Graham put San Jac in the national spotlight with seven consecutive Photo Courtesy of San Jacinto College Marketing Department 50-win seasons. Wayne Graham led San Jacinto College to five National Junior College World Series championships during his This began a junior tenure at the helm of the baseball program. college dynasty under Graham. Rick Greenspan said of Hall of Fame in Lub- Rice Owls athletic web- be where I am today had Though San Jac lost the Graham, "His accom- bock, Texas. site, "It's a unique event it not been for some of championship game in plishments at San JacThis isn't Graham's and I appreciate the the things I learned 1984, the team went on into were legendary on first trip to a Hall of honor very much, at a while playing at San to perform a "three- their own merits." Fame; in fact, he is al- time like this you think Jacinto College." peat" during the 1985He took over the base- ready a member of three about who helped get The 18th ranked Rice 1987 seasons. Aiming ball program at Rice others: the Junior Col- you there,” Graham Owls started their basefor four in a row, they University in 1991 and lege Hall of Fame in said. ball season on Feb. 15. lost in the championship led them to a College Colorado Springs, ColCoach Graham is in his They began a three game again in 1988 but World Series Champi- orado, the Texas Base- 31st season as a head game series with the that made San Jac base- onship in 2003. ball Hall of Fame in coach with an overall seventh ranked team in ball come back even Coach Graham has a Fort Worth and the record of 1,496-474 at the nation, the Stanford stronger with back-to- tremendous impact on Texas Sports Hall of the collegiate level. He Cardinals. They went 2back championships in the game of baseball at Fame in Waco. played a big part in 1 during the weekend, 1989 and 1990. the community college When Coach Graham building the San Jac and with their only loss According to the Rice and division one levels was informed that he Rice programs. Major coming in a one run Owls athletic website, which earned him a trip was voted into the Hall League pitcher Andy game, a solid start to the Director of Athletics to the College Baseball of Fame, he told the Pettitte said “I may not season.
Keili Harrison Staff Writer
Rallying against a Raven might not seem threatening; but this band of birds has the help of a mighty history on its side. Upon choosing San Jacinto College, a student becomes a part of the epic adventures surrounding the institution. Engaging in its intriguing past creates a chance for students to take pride in the school. San Jacinto College offers just that kind of opportunity. Rich with 50 years of community college history, San Jacinto College also alludes an episode of famous Texas history. The Raven mascot’s significance goes beyond a blue tailed bird. According to the Texas State Historical Association, San Jacinto College was given its name because of its close vicinity to the San Jacinto battlegrounds. The Battle of San Jacinto, fought April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle in the Texan Revolution when Texans fought for freedom against Santa Anna and the Mexican army. Made famous by his brave leadership and a roaring battle cry, “Remember the Alamo,” General Sam Houston led the Texan army through an 18 minute long battle, ending in Texan victory. Houston led an astounding and accomplished life. After joining the army at the age of 20, where he thrived, Houston assisted the government in Native American affairs. Additionally, he studied law and later entered public office. From there, his ambition led him to earn the titles Nashville
District Attorney General, Governor of Tennessee, and U.S. House Representative. After retreating from Tennessee politics, Houston moved to Texas where he began to ease back into military life. In 1835, Houston was appointed Major General of the Texas Army, where he led his group of men through battles of major defeats and major victories. By creating a friendly alliance with the Native American people, Houston gained support during his lead, aiding the Texan triumph. According to Frank Krystyniak, director of Sam Houston State University’s Office of Public Relations, Houston’s strategic compassion began when he was just a boy, as his adopted Cherokee father gave him the nickname, “Colonneh,” meaning, “The Raven.” According to the San Jacinto College website’s “Through the Years” timeline, on October 15, 1961, the San Jacinto College board members agreed upon the Raven mascot to honor Sam Houston, his brave efforts, and his outstanding leadership that helped grant freedom to the Texas people. Set in the official San Jacinto Seal, the Raven not only represents the Central Campus and its athletic program, but the entire institution in its originality. Representing the Raven mascot herself, volleyball player, Jacie Pullig, said, “I am very proud to call myself a San Jac Raven, not only because of the great athletic success it represents, but also for the pride worthy, historical significance within the name.”