From rock the vote to f**k the vote Students don’t plan to cast ballots By JONATHAN GIBSON Ranger Reporter
Something new brewing at AC
a commonality with AC.” Ranger Reporter “Palace Coffee is Voted America’s Best proud to help create Coffeehouse 2013-14, a space within AC’s Palace Coffee will soon walls that will enrich campus and partner with Amarillo the further their vision for College to provide an the success of their on-campus coffee shop students,” Burns said. for students. Palace won the At the Oct. 25 bid out of a group of meeting, AC’s Board of Regents voted for multiple vendors. With the locally owned and student success being operated coffee shop just as important to to establish its presence them as sales, they set on campus. After some themselves apart from renovations, the Vice the rest. “Palace makes President of business affairs Steve Smith great coffee, but more expects the coffee shop importantly they share to be fully operational our mission to help succeed,” no later than the start of students the 2017 fall semester Smith said. “They want to be a part of that in the Badger Den. “We had some success at Amarillo great proposals from College.” Burns said he looks local coffee vendors,” forward to providing Smith said. “When we considered the an additional gathering economics of the space for the AC proposals and read the community. Logan Nelson, visions to create a space for our students and president of the AC staff to meet, study and Student Government collaborate, we knew Association, is just as that Palace Coffee excited for the space was the right choice on campus, even as and would be a great a noncoffee drinker herself. partner.” “This will be great Patrick Burns, because so many of our owner and founder of Palace Coffee, looks students go off campus forward to providing a to meet for coffee,” gathering place for the she said. “This will AC community, stating give them an excellent that after renovations, reason to stay on the on-campus shop campus, to gather right will look and feel like here to study, meet with their other locations in faculty or just hang Canyon, Downtown, out.” Palace offers many and in the Summit options aside from Shopping Center. “It has always been a coffee, as well as focus of ours to create Nelson’s choice of hot spaces for community,” cocoa. “I know people are Burns said. “Our new tired of hot drinks from location at Amarillo vending machines and College will be no different. As we look at will enjoy Palace being our partnership, we feel here,” Nelson said. By LIZ MOORE
Disengaged, disillusioned, disinterested and sometimes even disgusted, many millennials say the 2016 presidential election is prompting them to avoid the polls. A large percentage of voters, ages 18-24 report they are choosing not to vote. B e c a u s e m a n y perceive they have no stake in fiscal or political matters, s t u dents say they are alienated by the political process. “I don’t really care enough to vote,” Ryan Cotten, a mass media major, said. Brian Farmer, a government professor, said he is not surprised that millennials are disinterested in the election. “Younger people don’t have much of a say in what goes on in government and politics, as far as not owning businesses, not being married with children,” said Farmer. “There’s a lot of issues that come up as you get older that make you feel like it’s more important to deal with those things.” Along with platforms that are of no interest to young people, come a myriad of excuses not to vote. Life simply can get in the way of not making it to the polls. “They’re working and studying, so there’s the time factor. They’re busy,” said Farmer. Celeste Stork, a business major, said she might vote if she finds the time. “If I get around to it I’ll vote. I’m really not sure,” she said. Engineering major Jonathan Becerra said he never got around to
registering to vote, even though he thinks voting is important. “I don’t have time.” Another reason
students avoid the polls is their negative attitudes about politics. Although voting isn’t a high priority for many students, Farmer believes they can and should make change happen. “Costs of college have gone up, up, up, and part of it is that the states don’t want to spend the money. So, if you’re a college student I think you should be voting for the party that favors more money in education. I’m amazed at people’s inability to vote their own interest,” Farmer said.
they feel uncomfortable voting for what they call the “lesser of two evils.” “I don’t plan on voting because I only see a lose-lose scenario between both candidates,” said Stetson Smith, mass a media major. “Sadly, I do not see any positive outcome and find this election a chaotic popularity contest between what some are trying to justify as one side being less evil and ignorant than the other.” Unlike his peers, Colton Nomelli, an education major, said he plans on voting. “I definitely think it’s important. I think it’s ignorant when people say it’s not important to vote - how do you expect things to change to the way you want it if you’re not going to do anything about it?” Barbra Walker, a mass media major, called students who don’t vote “lazy.”
“For a lot of us, it’s our first presidential election to vote and we have a chance to make a difference,” Walker said. “We’re going to
have to be dealing with this person for the next four years, so a lot is going to happen in our lives,” said Megan Ferguson, a biology major. “It’s going to affect us more and more as time goes on.” Larry Adams, a government professor, agreed, stressing the need for young people to head to the polls. “I think it would be critical for them to vote.Today that demographic is such a large proportion of the voting population, and they could actually have a large effect on the outcome of the election.” “Students are disillusioned and don’t believe that the process is going to do anything good for either the country as a whole or for them in particular, but you do have a voice, and your voice counts,” Adams said. Adams also said that many young people do not realize they have significant political power. “If enough students voted, it could change the outcome of the election, and I don’t think students believe that. “What they need to do is look at the overall picture and get out and vote,” Adams said.
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Clarissa Clifford, a biology major, said, “You’re choosing between a crook and a bigot.” Some students said
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2 Opinion The Ranger
November 3, 2016
Palace or perish: support the coffee shop EDITORIAL
How do you feel about the candidates running for president?
Salvador Casanova
“Hillary Clinton is a better person and it looks like she cares about the people. Donald Trump just looks like a hypocritical selfish person.”
graphic design major
“I feel like Hillary Clinton supports us latinos and Donald Trump doesn’t even respect others or himself.” Irania Vargas
massage therapist major
“I honestly wish it was two different candidates, but this is pretty much all we have.” Aaron Tessema
psychology major
Coffee is a close second to oxygen for most college students, resulting in frequent complaints that leaving campus to obtain the beloved stimulant can lead to losing parking places and other inconveniences. Fret no more, Palace Coffee Company will be opening a coffee shop located in the cub of Amarillo College’s Washington campus in fall of 2017. On Oct. 25, AC’s board of regents voted for Palace Coffee Co. to take residence on campus to sell their brew to the coffee-crazed masses. This is the first time AC will ever house a coffee shop. The college has only previously had a coffee cart for a short amount of time that closed due to lack of support. If it is not already evident, the news of a campus coffee shop brewing is substantial. It is vital
that AC students and employees make a point of supporting this local coffee shop or it too will close. AC’s board of regents agreeing to have a campus coffee shop represents them listening to students’ wishes and taking them into consideration. This speaks volumes. Not only are students and employees getting their caffeine fix, but huge strides are being made that reveal the power of voicing one’s opinion. The regents are prov-
truck is lacking substantial business. We, The Ranger staff implore you to show Palace Coffee Co. your love and support by regularly satisfying your caffeine cravings by purchasing lattes, black coffee, cold brews, and anything your caffeine-addicted body desires. It is crucial that students and employees support Palace, because without regular support ing through this addi- it too will be forced to tion that they are inter- close. So, go ahead, give in ested in meeting students’ to your coffee obsession needs, but it is vital that students take action and and support Palace Cofvoice their desires—the fee Co. Show the regents regents although power- your gratitude by utilizing the coffee shop you ful are not telepathic. As students, it is our asked for. It is critical that studuty to show our appredents and employees ciation of the regents for listening to and enacting show Palace Coffee Co. our demands by support- support or it too will ing the coffee shop. If the meet the same fate as the shop is unable to make cafeteria. Do not let your voice ends meet, it will not last. be diminished, show The cafeteria closed your support and appredue to lack of support, and now the Chic-fil-a ciation.
Illustration by Destiny Kranthoven
Please just end this year’s election already I’m sure I’m not the only one sick and tired of seeing articles and Facebook posts about the election. Everywhere I turn, there’s something screaming at me off a page or screen telling me that someone did something evil, and to vote for the other person. I feel like it’s worse with Facebook, friends and family sharing videos and defending one candidate, while inciting a war in the comment section from people who support
the other candidate. There are a lot of people out there deleting friends and family from their Facebook friends list just because of who they’re supporting. With Texas just being declared a swing state, I decided to really look into these candidates, and not just go off of what the news is saying about them. I went to each of their websites and looked at their stance on the different issues. However,
I know I’m not the only one that thinks this, but how they present themselves to the public is a huge deciding factor. A candidate’s website can reflect my stances to a perfect T, but if I find their personality atrocious, I’m going to second-guess that vote. While all the candidates have good stances on many of the main major issues, if their public behavior is atrocious, I cannot hand them my vote.
- Serving Amarillo College since 1930 For a complete staff listing, please visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com.
By LIZ MOORE
Ranger Reporter
If the way they talk is completely against my morals, I cannot hand them my vote. If they talk down to people because of their race, gender, or sexual identity, I will not
hand them my vote. I have my morals, and to be honest, almost all of these candidates go against them in some way. People have been referring to this election as being forced to choose between one evil and another, and I completely agree. This election is deciding between who goes against your moral stances the least. While I don’t necessarily like the Clinton e-mail scandal, I don’t re-
Student Media exists to serve you--the students. The Ranger serves as an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved. Submit ideas, photos, writings and videos. Tell us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting session is open to the campus community at 10:30 a.m. Fridays in PH 214. Student Media outlets include The Ranger, The Ranger Online, AC Current, FM90 and our various web shows and podcasts including Badger B.S. and Screen Louder, along with a new web series that will debut this fall. You can reach us at acranger@actx.edu. We look forward to hearing from you--The Student Media Staff The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Advisers, Panhandle Press Association, Texas
ally like the Trump Tapes scandal either. It’s not right to disclose classified information, it’s also not okay to talk to or interact with women without consent. With that, please research your choices before casting your votes. Go to their websites, get actual facts about the candidates, not just opposing views attacking them, and don’t listen to every rumor spread about them. Be an informed voter.
Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association. In 1993, The Ranger was inducted into the national ACP Hall of Fame. The journalism program is nationally accredited by the Community College Journalism Association.
News November 3, 2016
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The Ranger
Physical therapy grads set record on national exams By RAZ RASMUSSEN Ranger Reporter
Amarillo College physical therapy assistant students are setting records. For the first time in the program’s history, 100 percent of the students who graduated passed their national exams on the first attempt. “When our graduates finish in our program they have to actually go on and take the national exam,” Sue Grady, director of the physical therapist assistant program said. “We had fourteen graduates in May and they’ve all taken the exam and passed. That’s the first time that’s been done in the last five years. It’s a very difficult examination.” The national exam provides three attempts to pass. Before this year, the program came its closest to a 100 percent
pass rate three years ago when only one student failed, Grady said. According to Grady, this is a big accomplishment, not only beacuse of the challenging program, but also because both of the instructors are new. Having two new instructors has not been a problem according to physical therapy assistant major Takara Riedinger. “Shawn and Sue just came in January and took over the program,” Riedinger said. “It’s been really neat to see them take it by the reigns and hit it with full force. They want to see everybody succeed and they want to have a good reputation that they’re educating the students at AC and represent this program well. They also want to show that they and their students can provide good patient care in the city of Amarillo.” Both instructors said
Courtesy Photo
AC physical therapy students demonstrate how to move a patient in bed.
that they take thier teacing roles seriously. “We want the students to be really good PTAs around Amarillo because we may work with them someday,” Shawn palmer, academic clinical coordinator, said. “We want them to be responsible; when you want your students to excel, then as the instructors, we have to
excel.” Grady agreed noting, “I’ve been a physical therapist for my whole career, but now I’m a physical therapy educator and that’s very different for me and I have to get up to speed on all of the educational processes.” The physical therapy assistant program is also in the process of undergoing a reaccreditation
evaluation. “Graduation rate, rate of passing and the employment rate are the three things they really look at to see if we are very successful,” said Palmer. “It’s a big thing that our accrediting body looks at; whether our graduates are passing the national exam or not.” Grady said that the 100 percent pass rate
should help with the reaccreditation. “It shows essentially that our graduates are at a standard where they can go in and be effective therapy assistants and work safely and productively in the clinic,” Grady said. Riedinger said she is pleased with the quality of education she has received so far. “It’s been a really good fit for me and I’m learning a lot and it’s good to know that you get a good amount of education within a couple of years and then you’re well prepared to enter the workforce,” she said. Palmer said that the ultimate test for the quality of the physical therapy assistant’s program is how the graduates perform in the workplace. “They’re getting employed and they’re staying employed, which is more important,” she said.
Savvy students seeking semester survival strategies: Coffee, sugar, music are key By FRANCISCO CANCHOLA Ranger Reporter
Courtesy Photo
Participants at last spring’s leadership retreat.
Campus leaders to participate in educational retreat By CODY McGEHEE Ranger Reporter
It’s time again for Amarillo College’s fall student leadership conference. The conference is this Friday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Talon Point Conference Center in Channing, Texas. AC Student Government Association provides leadership conferences each semester for students to gain knowledge and grow in personal development. “I have attended two of these retreats and
they are mind blowing,” Mugisha Aime, a mechanical engineering major said. “It’s an experience I will never forget.” The facilitator of the conference, Ryan Penneau, will be returning for his fourth time to AC, to share his love for leadership and personal development. “Ryan Penneau, travels all over the country providing these workshops,” Amber Brookshire, director of Student Life said. “He does these workshops from his heart and you leave
with a sense of a new purpose and reenergized and some clarity about some things that you may not have had when you went into it.” Students who have attended the retreats in the past used the words “energized,” “clarity,” “new purpose,” “accomplished” and “fulfilled” to describe the experience. Many said they left with a new understanding of themselves. “Expect to be challenged, to participate at all times and to be energetic,” Aime said. Biology major Taylor
Badger B.S.
Rangel will be attending the retreat for the second time this year. “I hope to conquer some of the roadblocks I’m heading for right now and to find a way to work around it,” Rangel said. “It helped me figure lot of things out last semester, I applied for E-Board and got it and even vice president for the Art Collective and it inspired me to be a leader and reach out to people.” Student Life officials plan to offer a second retreat during the spring semester.
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By now, it is safe to say majority of the student body survived midterms. There’s no way to make this time in your life easy or fun, but there are definitely things you can do to make midterms more bareable. Pulling all nighters becomes normal in col-
the coffee kicks in there is no stopping me.” says Gonzales. While coffee is one of many keys to surviving an all-nighter, Stephanie Sanchez, mass media major, included headphones and snacks to her list. “Playing my favorite playlist while my headphones are set to loud keeps me awake, every now and then, I have dance sessions to shake
Peppermints, hot Cheetos, Starbursts and Blue Bell ice cream should be the official starter pack for an all-nighter. - Stephanie Sanchez, mass media major lege; everyone does it, but some prepare better than others. Those who truly plan for all nighters know a pen and paper is the bare minimum to surviving. Over the last few semesters nursing student, Amelia Gonzales, said she has become a pro in staying up all night, giving most of her praise to coffee. Gonzales knows the importance of sleep, saying a nap is step one to a “successful all nighter.” Once the nap is out of the way, Gonzales begins her sleepless night by consuming coffee. “Black coffee and water keep me alive, I consume three to five cups when I pull an all nighter. Once
off the sleep demons.” Sanchez has learned that coffee alone just isn’t enough, which is why she stocks up on sugar. “Peppermints, hot Cheetos, Starbursts and Blue Bell ice cream should be the official starter pack for an allnighter.” Zach Pham, criminal justice major, said “I’m used to staying up late,” making it easy for him to push through a night of studying. Pham struggles with staying awake during the afternoon hours after a long night, saying he has learned life hacks to overcome the crash by drinking fruit water and taking a few naps.
4 News The Ranger
November 3, 2016
Hispanics poised to make impact By JENNA GIBSON Ranger Reporter
Latino and Hispanic voters could play the largest role they have ever played in a presidential election this year. Analysts say that the Hispanic voting population has grown significantly and could have a substantial influence on which candidate ends up in the White House. At Amarillo College, there are currently 3,400 Hispanic students enrolled, which is 43.47 percent of enrollment, according to AC institutional research. Hispanic students and staff say that they are eager to join the Hispanic and Latino population in becoming a key part of the presidential decision.
Ruth De Anda, an academic adviser, said she feels this election is crucial for Hispanic voters. “This election, although all should be important, is probably the most important election,” said De Anda. “The voice of the Latino community is extremely important. We have become a majority minority, and we matter. This time, I believe, our voice will be bigger and stronger than before.” There are many issues that are important to Latino and Hispanic voters at AC, but immigration tops the list for many AC students. America Adame, a speech communication major, said Hispanic voters are paying close attention to the candidates’ ap-
proaches to immigration policies. “It is likely that the delegate that presents a good case toward immigration will have the loyal vote of the Latino/ Hispanic throughout the election,” she said. Adame said that she comes from a family of immigrants so she understands the importance of immigration policies. “I know how this issue being positively addressed can affect the Latino/Hispanic household,” Adame said. Bridget Hudson, a nursing major agreed that immigration is a top issue for Hispanic voters. “If you work hard and you go through the process legally, immigrants should be allowed in the United States from any-
where,” Hudson said. Alexis Tarango, a secondary education major, said she thinks Donald Trump has alienated Latino voters, which could greatly impact the election. “With all of the derogatory remarks Donald Trump has made about minorities, Latinos especially, I feel as though he has created a divide in minorities for the election,” Tarango said. Although Tarrango said she recognizes the importance of the Hispanic vote, she does not identify herself as a Hispanic voter. This is the first “Th tion I am election ible to eligible in votee and I will be
voting. I define myself as a voter, I am no different from any voter, minority or not, I am a free citizen.” De Anda, on the other hand, said, “I do define myself as Latino/Hispanic voter. I also define myself as a female voter. When they speak of the ‘women vote’ or the ‘Latino vote,’ I always proudly think ‘That’s me!’” De Anda said she is grateful that her voice as a Latina, and especially as a woman, can and will be heard. “People fought for me to have that right, in
particular women who fought hard for me to stand at that ballot today. I don’t take the 19th Amendment lightly. But no matter how difficult the issues in our country can become, I’m a proud citizen. And I vote for those that can’t, and I vote for my future children.” De Anda said she hopes all eligible Hispanic/Latino voters will take advantage of their right to cast ballots and impact the outcome of this election. “We are a strong people, we contribute to this y countryy immensely. We are ready to be heard now m more than ever,” ssaid De Anda.
Students say Trump’s sexism no surprise By LIBBY GIBSON Ranger Reporter
Donald Trump, Republican presidential candidate and previous reality TV star, has recently been publicly scrutinized for his sexist remarks and “locker room talk” videos that have surfaced, revealing that he has made derogatory and sexist remarks toward women. While Trump’s remarks about women are coming to light in these videos, they do not come as a surprise to most voters. Despite the media’s focus on the issue, the majority of voters are indifferent or complacent. “It is extremely inappropriate,” Jo Moore a nursing major said. “But I mean it doesn’t come as a surprise-because it is something that wasn’t unexpected. He’s known for not being able to bite his tongue.” Although many news outlets primarily highlight women’s perspectives, it is not just women who find Trump’s remarks
disturbing, but revealing of his character. “Sure guys like to check out girls and talk to their buddies about them,” Merrick Tipps a business major said. “But as a presidential candidate you have to be extra careful what you say. He says what’s on his mind, even if it is political suicide. That’s the thing with Trump, some like him some don’t. He speaks his mind no matter what,” Tipps said. These statements from students reveal that the media’s recent focus on Trump’s indiscrepancies do not alter voters’ previous views of him. According to professor and biology department chair, Claudie Biggers, Trump’s behavior is a symptom of a larger societal problem. “This issue is not new or isolated to Donald Trump,” said Biggers.” “The majority of women fall victim to this type of lewd verbiage on a regular basis. The incidence of such treatment is lessening because the number of women becoming educated and promoting into leadership
VOTING LOCATIONS
roles in the work place outnumber men.” The issue of Trump’s behavior and language does not change how AC students and employees feel about him as an individual and a candidate. The female vote and allegations against Trump do not affect the outcome, because Trump’s behavior is in line with his past. Students said that Trump’s r e m a r k s , a l t h o u g h repulsive, are consistent with his character and do not come as a surprise. Biggers added that “Educated females dominating the workforce understand that comments like Mr. Trump’s can no longer be triggers to distract us from the true issues like economy, healthcare and education.”
Photo Illustration by CLAIRE EKAS
Photo Illustration by LIZ MOORE
News November 3, 2016
5
The Ranger
Third party candidates gaining national attention By DUSTIN CLARK Ranger Reporter
With so many people disappointed in this election season’s presidential candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties, some people have been showing interest in third party candidates. “Third parties are usually in response to dissatisfaction of the two big ones,” Reginald Jones, a government instructor, said. That dissatisfaction can be heard from students on campus.
“I’m just interested in one not getting the presidency,” said Jeremy Taylor, a general studies major. Giving people more choices is one of the biggest selling points for third party candidates. “A lot of people disagree with the candidates that we do have, and this might be the secondary option for everybody,” said Abel Perez, a general studies major. “I think more parties is beneficial to everyone because not everybody has the same ideas that fall in line with Democrats or
pointed at the media’s role in this election cycle to blame for that. “There’s nothing alerting me to their
Republicans,” Perez said. The huge backlash against the Republican and Democratic nominees hasn’t been
Perez also believes that the lack of third party coverage in the news has been detrimental to their campaigning abilities. “I think, the majority of the time, they are not going to be able to make a big enough impact in the elections due to the way the media covers elections,” he said. The chances for a third party victory do not look too promising to some. “On a national scale, I don’t think a third party candidate will win. In the future, though, there’s no way of telling,” Jones said. The third party candidates have some
If I’m going to vote, I may be looking at a third party candidate versus the Republican and Democrat candidates. - Abel Perez, general studies major
as effective in spreading the word about the third party candidates as some might think, though, and there are some fingers
ideology and what they’re about or anything like that,” Taylor said. “The media’s only interested in two runners right now.”
hard campaigning ahead of them if they plan on taking an election anytime soon. “Be more in the media, have more of a voice, you’ve got to be more out there in the public,” Taylor said. Regardless of their lack of media attention, some students still seem to be rooting for third party candidates. “If I’m going to vote, I may be looking at a third party candidate versus the Republican and Democrat candidates,” said Perez. “I do hope they make a dent in this election.”
Things that go Trump in the night By RAZ RASMUSSEN
Ranger Reporter
Millions of Americans have spotted Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton walking through their neighborhoods ringing doorbells lately. It’s not a lastditch campaign effort—it’s just Halloween. Once every four years, political characters rise up as costumes for Halloween and this year is no different. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were already
celebrities before this year’s election. Both made excellent subjects for Halloween attire. “They’re both pretty recognizable so you’ll probably see some people getting pretty creative,” said Ryan Chapman, a business major, said. “They’re easier to make fun of.” Trump, Clinton and even a few Bill Clintons will be roaming our streets the night of Oct. 31. The candidates seem to be coming in all shapes and sizes. “I see a lot of political costumes already because of my job,” Chapman said. “I set up bounce houses for festivals and parties. I’ve seen kids dressed up. I had a kid the other day that had a gigantic Trump mask. It was hilarious and creepy
looking.” Candidate costumes have been a popular item at local stores this Halloween season. “We had one couple where she was the beauty contestant and he was Trump as the escort, so that was funny,” Patricia Rhyne, co-owner of Costume Castle, said. “You don’t get Halloween by an election year a lot especially an election like this one, and they’re such jokers anyways,” Rhyne said. The political products have sold quicker than expected, according to store owners. “They sold the day that we got them,” said Silvia Valenzuela, a manager at Card and Party Factory. “I literally opened up the box, priced them, put them out here. I came back
because a lady was asking about them and they were gone.” Valenzuela said the first items to sell out were the candidate heads. “They really really loved them because they were oversized.” “We actually sold out of Trump first, then Hillary,” Valenzuela said. “Then we got the little masks in and as you can see we don’t have any more and it’s the same way.” Both Valenzuela and Rhynes said love Halloween and hope to keep the holiday fun and happy—unlike the current election. “Let’s not make it into something ugly,” Valenzuela said. “Let’s continue to enjoy and share. It’s a time to share with your neighborhood.”
What’s on your ballot?
The president isn’t the only election on your ballot. National Level Donald Trump (Rep.)
U.S president Gary Johnson (Lib.)
U.S representative (13th Dist.) Calvin DeWeese (Lib.)
Hillary Clinton (Dem.)
Jill Stein (Green)
Mac Thornberry (Rep.) H.F. “Rusty” Tomlinson (Green)
State Level Supreme Court Justice (Place 3)
Supreme Court Justice (Place 5)
Debra Lehrmann (Rep.)
Paul Green (Rep.)
Supreme Court Justice (Place 9) Eva Guzman (Rep.)
Mike Westergren (Dem.)
Dori Contreas Garza (Dem.)
Savannah Robinson (Dem.)
Kathie Glass (Lib.)
Tom Oxford (Lib.)
Don Fulton (Lib.)
Rodolfo Rivera Munoz (Green)
Charles E. Waterbury (Green)
Jim Chisholm (Green)
State Representative (86th Dist.) John Smithee (Rep.)
Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian (Rep.) Mark Miller (Lib.) Grady Yarbrough (Dem.)
Matina Salinas (Green)
Court of Criminal Appeals Judge (Place 2) Mary Lou Keel (Rep.)
Court of Criminal Appeals Judge (Place 5) Scott Walker (Rep.)
Court of Criminal Appeals Judge (Place 6) Micheal E. Keasler (Rep.)
Lawrence “Larry” Meyers (Dem.)
Betsy Johnson (Dem.)
Robert Burns (Dem.)
Mark Ash (Lib.)
William Bryan Strange III (Lib.)
Mark W. Bennett (Lib.)
Adam King Blackwell Reposa (Green)
Judith Sanders-Castro (Green)
Local Level Randall County Sheriff Joel W. Richardson (Rep.)
Photo Illustration by LIZ MOORE
Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector Christina McMurray (Rep.)
Infographic by LIZ MOORE
6 NEWS The Ranger
November 3, 2016
The Great Coffee App $2.99
The GCA is helpful for those who have just started their coffee journey. It was designed with the help of a professional barista. It provides an introduction to the most popular espressobased drinks.
Art Of Coffee $2.99
By SAL GUTIERREZ and CLAIRE EKAS Ranger Reporters
Because the only form of organization in your life during college is this daily schedule: 1.Wake up 2. Put on clothes 3. Get or make coffee We bring you the best apps to make coffee, get coffee and be the number one coffee-lover.
This app allows you to perfect your latte art at home. You can learn over 30 designs by following step-by-step photo and video tutorials.
Editor’s pick Instant Barista FREE
The Starbucks app UP Coffee
This app offers more than 50 recipes of coffee-shop style drinks. It gives coffee-lovers a way to learn about their favorite coffees and teas. The Starbucks app is an easy way to browse the Starbucks menu, store your gift cards and place your order. The app has a detailed list of all of its drinks and treats. You can customize your drinks, and choose which store to pick your order up at.
This app focuses on how coffee affects the body, specifically on how you sleep. You tell it what you’ve had to drink and the amount. The app then estimates about what time you will be ready to sleep and how edgy you currently feel.
Student Media wins national award By JENNA GIBSON Ranger Reporter
Amarillo College Student Media has won a prestigious national award. On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) awarded AC with the Pacemaker for overall excellence in student media in the magazine category. The fall 2015 issue of “AC Current,” a bi-yearly studentcreated magazine that began in the fall of 1971, received the recognition. Former adviser and instructor, Mike Haynes, said he has known about this award since he was a student publications adviser at Texas Tech in the 1980s. “It wouldn’t be going too far to say that for student media, it’s similar to the Pulitzer for professional journalists,” Haynes said. The staff for the
winning magazine included recent AC alumni Jp Bernal, Denisha Kranthoven and Bethany Zalman. “Being recognized on a national level feels great. We were very particular about the look and feel of
National Bank, UPS and Mission Amarillo. “I am so proud to represent Amarillo and to have the opportunity to show how amazing the programs and staff are at Amarillo College. We showed that AC is able to compete
in any field amongst universities across the nation.” Haynes said he is proud of the students’ achievement. “Denisha, Bethany and Jp are really talented students who knew what would looked good and what content would be compelling in a magazine. I just feel great for them and the other students who contributed,” Haynes said. Coordinator of the Matney Mass Media Program and associate - Mike Haynes, former AC Student dean of the school of Media adviser Creative Arts Jill Gibson, called the award “a the magazine and I’m competitively with other validation that we are glad that our hard work colleges and universities,” providing students with paid off. Working with Zalman said. the proper training and Jp and Bethany was Bernal, who is now opportunities.” definitely a highlight working as a graphic Haynes and Gibson of my time at Amarillo artist for a marketing also acknowledged that College,” Kranthoven agency, said, “I’m thankful the magazine would said. She has recently to have been a part of not be possible without moved to California and that team. Denisha and the support of Tony is working as a designer/ Bethany were great to Freeman at Trafton copy editor for the Bay work with. I’m glad that Cenveo Printng where Area News Group. this happened while the magazine was Since graduating, Mike Haynes was there. printed. The fall 2016 Zalman has served as a He deserves it. I hope “AC Current” will be on freelance graphic designer that AC continues to stands at the end of this at places such as Amarillo prove itself as a contender semester.
It wouldn’t be going too far to say that for student media, it’s similar to the Pulitzer for professional journalists.
Culture November 3, 2016
7
The Ranger
Dragons Halloween Ball wraps up 17th year Ziggy’s Virtual Viewpoint
By CODY McGEHEE Ranger Reporter
Last week I experienced an event like no other. Most of my readers and followers on YouTube know that I attend many different conventions all over the country--mostly pop-culture, comic book and anime con-
ventions. With that said, I got a call a few weeks ago from my friend and colleague KevinTheDirector out of Houston. (For those who don’t know, Kevin is co-owner with me of Nothing Better to Do Media, one of the companies that makes ZV2 possible.) Anyhow, Kevin told me he was headed to the Halloween Ball for the Hallowee Dragons Ball Society. He aasked me to come help do some video work with him.
The day of the event, we headed over to the Bomb Factory in downtown Dallas where the event was going to be held. We pulled out our equipment and started doing some behind-thescenes shooting and I found out that there were body painters coming in and a performance I was promised would be outstanding later that night. From that moment on I knew that this event was going to be like no other I have ever attended. Later that afternoon
we went to lunch and met up with some of our friends including That Nerdy Girl Julia and MeanMug. We spent some time unloading our SD cards and just relaxing in a wonderful hotel provided by the event. Then it was time to head back to the Bomb Factory to get the last of the behind-the-scenes footage. The art work that the body painters did was phenomenal. The artists managed to take beautiful people and turn them butterflies. The perform-
ers were all wonderful people and, after spending hours with them, I found friends I can can honestly say are unique and worthwhile people. The event began and hundreds of people came together to support the Dragons Ball Society. The stage performances were amazing, the DJ’s were on point and the company...well, let’s just say we all had a blast. Founder of Dragons Ball Society Dan Luna is a man with a dream to support the arts and his community. The proceeds from this event go to support children’s programs like the Boy’s and
Girl’s Clubs and workshop opportunities for aspiring artists. Much of the stage that was at the Halloween ball was hand built by partners, volunteers and supporters of the society. Luna has said that his whole goal is to touch lives. He said he hopes that even after he is gone that this society continues to support local artists, performers and children. It’s important to him that his legacy continues to grow with no end in sight. For the full story check out The Ranger Online at www.acranger. com and follow Ziggy on Facebook @ZiggysV2.
COURTESY GRAPHIC
Hip-hop musical captures fans; teaches history By LIZ MOORE Ranger Reporter
Two years ago, if you had asked who Alexander Hamilton was, hardly anybody could have told you. Today, thousands of people know who he was, and they can usually answer with a verse from one of the songs from the Broadway musical “Hamilton” about “the ten-dollar founding father without a father.” In 2008, Lin-Manuel Miranda took a vacation from his Tony award winning musical “In the Heights” and picked up the 2004 biography, “Al-
exander Hamilton,” written by Ron Chernow-a nearly 800-page book- as ‘beach reading.’ It instantly inspired in him the idea for a hiphop musical about this man’s life. The musical didn’t debut off-Broadway for another six years, and it got two off-Broadway extensions before being moved to the Richard Rodgers Theatre for its official Broadway run in July 2015. As someone who has always had a soft spot for Broadway, has always enjoyed a good rap/hip-hop song and has always loved history, the moment my
friend introduced me to the music from “Hamilton,” I was in love. I fell for Alexander with Eliza, gave him up with Angelica, gasped during his sex scandal and cried multiple times. If I had ever learned about Alexander Hamilton in school, I had forgotten. Lafayette’s raps in “Guns and Ships” became one of my biggest challenges, and yes, I can rap it flawlessly now, and I force myself not to cry during “It’s Quiet Uptown.” With different styles of rapping for various
ships and how they’ve grown. More than anything, I cannot wait to see where the story continues because I’ve been watching reruns for years now,” Macey Gibaszek, a history major, said. The show’s creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, and the stars of the show have been preparing for the sequel for months now. Everything from hundreds of Luke’s Diner pop-ups across America in celebration of the show’s 16th anniversary to the creation of the Stars Hollow website, https://townofstarshollow.org/ where they have
a visitor’s guide and a ‘Dear Kirk’ section. There is a plethora of questions to be answered in this long overdue reboot. Will Lorelai and Luke end up together? How will they address the death of Richard Gilmore (played by Edward Herrmann)? Who does Rory end up with? Will Rory end up with anyone? Why is Kirk at Friday Night Dinner? Will Luke cure the girls of their bad eating habits? Will Rory find her place? All will be revealed Nov. 25, so settle in and be careful, they talk fast.
Careful, they talk fast By CLAIRE EKAS Ranger Reporter
Grab some Pop-Tarts and a cup of coffee because everyone’s favorite mother-daughter duo is back this Thanksgiving. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life premiers Nov. 25 on Netflix. This beloved show first aired on Oct. 5, 2000, and ran for eight years. The revival was revealed earlier this year with Lauren Graham, who plays Lorelai Gilmore, announcing in a video the release of seasons one through seven on Netflix and the release date of the continuation. The original show was filled with touching moments and rapid-fire dialogue ranging from Lorelai hosting a cat funeral to the entire town of Stars Hollow throwing a surprise bon voyage party for Rory in the rain. Fans of the show will get to see what their favorite Stars Hollow residents are up to nine years later in this four-part event. Many have speculated and meticulously theorized the premise of the new show and are anxiously waiting for their questions to be answered. “I’m excited to see how they’re going to modernize the show. I can’t wait to see everyone’s relation-
COURTESY PHOTO
characters based on their personalities, Miranda has proved yet again that he is a genius. In fact, Miranda is quite literally a genius. He won a MacArthur Genius Grant for “Hamilton.” The show has gone on to receive a record-setting number of 16 Tony Award nominations, winning 11, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Grammy award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Grammy awards in some categories are not announced on live TV and, in years past, the Grammy for Best Musi-
cal Theater Album was one of those not televised, but the popularity of “Hamilton” led the category to be televised. This musical inspired me to learn more about our history and now the proof is on my bookshelf in the form of at least six books and four magazines dedicated to the founding of our country or the musical, and it’s not only me. High school teachers are incorporating the musical into their curriculum, and more and more young people can tell you who Alexander Hamilton than they ever
could before. Recently Panhandle PBS aired a documentary that gives a behind-thescenes look at the musical. You can stream the program online at http:// w w w. p b s . o r g / w n e t / gperf/episodes/hamiltons-america/ through Nov. 18. The most fascinating fact I have learned from the musical is that the man who shot Hamilton, Aaron Burr, (don’t worry it’s not a spoiler, he actually states it in the opening number), spent the rest of his life referring to Hamilton as “my friend, whom I shot.”
Dying on the Vine By NATALIE VILLARREAL Ranger Reporter
Many millennials around the nation are devastated that Vine is now being taken away from all app stores. Vine was founded in June 2012 and acquired through Twitter in June 2013 for a reported $30 million. The app then went to launch Jan. 24, 2013, as a free app in the Apple App Store and later launching in the Android App Store that June. Vine is an app that allows you to take a six second-long looping video clip to share with other users. Although Vine was booming in social media, other apps started to spark more interest and many people stopped using Vine in favor of Snapchat, Instagram and Flickr. On Oct. 27, 2016, Twitter announced that it would be taking Vine down due to the lack of followers and users on the app. This hit what was left of the Vine community hard and many old Vine users began to upload videos
saying their goodbyes. Twitter did confirm that even with the discontinuation of Vine, the app and website will still be available for users to view and download, but they will no longer be able to post on the app. Luckily for me, I was one of the users that still participated in the app. Vine was the app I checked before I went to bed because of the hilarious videos I found. Some of my favorite Viners were Riley Hunt, Zack Hall, David Bass, Mark Mathias, Cody Persinger and Trevor Holmes. I loved the variety of Vines, and especially that they had a “popular now” tab. They also offered a number of other categories to keep people interested. Vine was one of the rather short-lived social media apps in my life, but it was by far one of my favorites. Although I did stop using Vine as much as I did other apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, I would check it occasionally. Personally, I felt that Vine was lacking in some advancement issues. Some of the
features were old while other apps had newer things going on. When Instagram introduced the video feature on their app, I personally forgot about Vine because of the distraction. Then Snapchat had the filters and Vine had yet to get any new features. To keep the momentum going, Vine developers decided to extend the videos with the option to go over a minute but I didn’t feel this was useful. Eventually the only time I would get on Vine was if one of my favorites posted a video and it notified me-which was not very often since even the uploading users stopped using the social media app resulting in the fans ending their usage of Vine as well. I must admit it was a great app, but unfortunately the app lacked in some features which contributed to its demise. Rest in peace Vine, you will be missed. Maybe not but it was worth a shot. Who knows maybe all this attention will spark a comeback?
8 Feature The Ranger
November 3, 2016
Coffee anyone?
Dangers of caffeine may outweigh benefits By EMILY PRISK Ranger Reporter
Many college students rely heavily on caffeine to get them through the day, or oftentimes to help them study through the night. While caffeine can be a lifesaver at times, its potential dangers may outweigh its benefits. Caffeine increases the body’s heartbeat, respiration,
metabolism and production of stomach acid and urine. It also relaxes certain muscles. All effects vary for each individual, depending on their sensitivity to the drug, their metabolism and whether or not they habitually use caffeine. Overall, caffeine tends to make users feel less drowsy and less fatigued. Caffeine can also cause unwanted side effects, however, when taken in large doses.
According to American Fitness Professionals and Associates, 250 to 750 mg of caffeine (about 2 to 7 cups of coffee) “can produce restlessness, nausea, headaches, tense muscles, sleep disturbances and irregular heartbeats.” Higher doses can even cause reactions similar to anxiety attacks. “I’ve never personally experienced the effects of too much caffeine, but I know it can be super addicting” said Madi-
son Goodman, a general studies major. “Most people don’t even know they’re addicted.” Caffeine is in fact known to cause physical dependence. American Fitness Professionals and Associates says that even with moderate doses, people can build a tolerance to caffeine and will need higher doses to feel the same effects. Ethan Griffith, a secondary education major, said he has experienced the side effects of caf-
feine withdrawal. “Caffeine can be addicting. I work at a coffee shop, so I drink a good amount of coffee. I get headaches when I go too long without any coffee or caffeine,” he said. It is important to note once again that every individual reacts differently to various amounts of caffeine. If problems with caffeine are noticed, lowering caffeine intake or switching to decaffeinated beverages should be considered.