Chronicle Richland
Vol. XXXVII, Issue 1, January 15, 2013
The Gun Issue
Richland College of the Dallas County Community College District
Richlandchronicle.com Official Chronicle Outlets #Chronicle DCCCD
Pg. 6-7
MeeT Ashley
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Richlandchronicle.com January 15, 2013
Class of 2013
or Ashley, a senior biology student from Kempner, Texas and Honors College student, attending A&M-Commerce has inspired her to dream bigger and pursue greater career aspirations than she once thought possible.
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“When I came to A&M-Commerce, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life other than get a degree in biology,� Ashley said. “Working in a research lab here made me realize that I really want to do something that has meaning and gives back. Being here has helped shape my decision to go to grad school and become a cancer biologist.� When Ashley’s not studying for her GRE, finishing her honors thesis and preparing for graduate school, she’s enjoying the myriad of activities available on campus like concerts by the Eli Young Band concert and her favorite event, Relay for Life.
SCAN thiS QR CODE To learn more about Ashley, see her video profile and learn how Texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future.
888 5".6$ &%6 t PS A Member of The Texas A&M University System
CAMPUS/NEWS
Armstrong’s admission coming? CHRISTIAN TANNER
Attention students REBEcCA Banks Editor in Chief
Are you a student who has not registered for spring semester classes? Time is quickly ticking away because tomorrow (Jan. 16) is the last day to register for 16-week courses during spring semester. Once classes begin, Jan. 22, students will only be able to register for flex-term courses that will begin at a later date. Any student registered before Wednesday will be able to drop or add any courses on campus Thursday and Friday. Students are able to add or drop any online courses registered before Wednesday any time until Monday (Jan. 21). The list of courses available during this semester can be found at www.richlandcollege. edu/schedules/spring.php. More information about flex term, continuing education and Emeritus courses are available at www.richlandcollege.edu/schedules/. On Jan. 21 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the campus will be closed. Classes start Jan. 22
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bring criminal charges. He has granted Oprah Winfrey his first interview since the USADA snatched his seven Tour de France titles scheduled for Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. on the “Oprah Winfrey Network” or live on oprah.com. Winfrey’s website details the interview as a “no-holds-barred” interview located at his home in Austin. With the latest on Armstrong, Foy also discussed penalties and if our Richland basketball players undergo any drug tests to ensure that the players are not using performanceenhancing drugs. “We don’t drug test here at Richland College,” Foy said. He said that he is an “advocate for drug testing” within the Dallas County Community College District basketball teams.
image courtesy frontsteps.com
Would you forgive Lance Armstrong? Yes No Who’s Lance Armstrong?
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concordia.edu/transfer 800-865-4282 DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Richlandchronicle.com January 15, 2013
friends that he may be preparing his admission of doping and wishes the USADA and WADA would lift his lifetime ban so Staff Writer he may race once again. Armstrong’s battle with testicular canWith Lance Armstrong’s massive allegacer that spread to his lungs and brain tions from the U.S. led to the beginning of Anti-Doping Agency his Livestrong campaign (USADA), Richland in 1997, then known as men’s basketball the Lance Armstrong head coach Bill Foy Foundation, to support discussed doping research and the fight and the appropriate against cancer. After the steps taken if players allegations of doping, are caught using perArmstrong stepped down formance-enhancing as chairman. drugs. In return, it angered In October, Armpeople worldwide who strong’s career and wore the Livestrong Livestrong campaign wristband, which was incrumbled due to the advertently turned into a 200-page allegations fashion statement, many from the USADA began removing their and the World Antibracelets and some went image courtesy gawkerassets.com Doping Agency as far as returning the (WADA) discussing Armstrong’s investigation shocked the bracelet to the Livestrong Armstrong’s involve- cycling world. Campaign. ment with perforWith Armstrong admitmance-enhancing drugs. ting guilt, he’s hoping for the opportunity Armstrong, born in Plano, has said to to race again, but in doing so, it could
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ENTERTAINMENT
Angels, demons and a younger Dante MARY CHANNELL Gaming Editor
“DmC” is the reboot of the infamous franchise of the “Devil May Cry” series bringing players a new environment and story line to feed gamers’ souls. Sticking with what they know, you have your traditional painfully sarcastic remarks, unique style of action and rewarding combat. “DmC adds a twist and blend of darkness and ferocious gameplay in the hopes of shining a new light on this new installment. Players take on the role of Dante, the typical juvenile young man who doesn’t like
to take orders nor does he like society and has no respect for authority. Dante knowingly is not a human but isn’t like the other demons whom have tortured him most of his life. Feeling like an outcast and stuck between worlds, Dante goes through a sort of revelation of what it means to be a child of a demon and an angel. Dante has the advantages of calling upon angel and demon powers. That gives a real impact into the gameplay by transforming weapons, combat and movement. “DmC: Devil May Cry” will be released today and will be available on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC platforms.
Richlandchronicle.com January 15, 2013
Image credit Launchgram.com
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Classic ‘Aliens’ sans Sigourney Weaver MARY CHANNELL Gaming Editor
The long-awaited action-packed first-person shooter, “Aliens: Colonial Marines,” puts players into the roles of being part of the United States Colonial Marines squad and must come up against an alien battle that is more brutal and terrifying then ever before. Players will get to use the classic alien weaponry such as flamethrowers, pulse rifles,
scoped rifles and such. You know, the norm. Players will also get their hands on some new equipment, too, like an updated version of the M41A MK2 Pulse rifle and an M56 Smartgun, which is a squad support weapon that relies on direct fire. “Aliens: Colonial Marines” gives players a single-player mode and a four player co-op mode that will compel gamers to a storydriven and horrific experience. “Aliens: Colonial Marines” will be released Feb. 12 and will be available on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC Platforms. Image credit Freewalls.org
ENTERTAINMENT
2013 — a great gaming year? Managing Editor
We thought we were safe. The madness of the holiday season is over, but the games of 2013 are already eyeing our wallets. Here are some of the most anticipated games scheduled to hit in 2013.
‘GTA V’ One of Rockstar’s most successful franchises, “Grand Theft Auto” (GTA) is inescapable. “GTA” is notorious for pushing boundaries in open world game design and the multitude of options allowed to the player. ”GTA V” returns to Los Santos, a world fans fell in love with during GTA-San Andreas. It boasts multiple main characters, allowing a wider scope for stories from different perspectives. It is safe to say, expect the usual “GTA” hilarity and borderline stereotypical offensive material that has made this series successful.
‘Watch Dogs’ It’s refreshing to see a new game created, as opposed to sequels of already well-established series “Watch Dogs” comes from Ubisoft, the same people who brought us “Assassins Creed.” It is set in an alternate Chicago where everything is monitored and controlled electronically by a central mainframe. A game play trailer shows beautiful graphics and stunning aesthetics design. The anti-hero, which the player controls, is Aiden Pearce. The trailer shows him utilizing a device that allows him to hack cellphones, jam communication and even control traffic lights. The game seems to focus heavily on the ability to manipulate electronic devices. Hopefully, the game will not force gamers into linear type missions, instead giving players the freedom to experiment with the technology. Little light has been shone on the story, but judging on game play alone it looks promising.
‘Zero Dark Thirty’ offers audiences unrelenting action RICKY MILLER Staff Writer
Director Kathryn Bigelow was snubbed from the Oscars this year. She made history a couple of years back for becoming the only female director to win an Oscar with “The Hurt Locker,” the story of a soldier (Jeremy Renner) and his affinity for dismantling weapons of mass destruction. “Zero Dark Thirty” is yet another warset story, with the dynamics focusing on the hunt for Osama bin Laden to remove him from planet Earth. The performances are all stellar here, with Jessica Chastain leading the charge as a CIA analyst named Maya. Jason Clarke provides strong support as Dan, who claims to “not be a friend, or going to help you, (rather) just break you.” Clarke, along with soldier Joel Edgerton (“Warrior,” “The Odd Life of Timothy Green”) and fellow CIA suit Kyle Chandler (TV’s “Friday Night Lights,” “Super 8”) provide further credibility to the proceedings. Maya is kind of the lone wolf in the group. She does not have any real friends or compatriates. She does her own thing, marching to the beat of a different drummer.
The story also tosses in the “friendships” of various individuals in the sand world, especially one gentleman who shows his devotion to a shiek by buying him a Lamborghini Countache. Also worthy of mention is the appearance of James Gandolfini as a CIA director who has the final say on eliminating the target. “Zero Dark Thirty” works well, because it never slows down or lags, with the hunt for the man with a name and no set location taking center stage for the duration of the movie. Grade: (A)
image courtesy collider.com
Jessica Chastian is great as Maya a CIA analyst.
‘Bioshock Infinite’ “Bioshock Infinite,” also known as infinitely delayed, is finally scheduled to be released this year. It was officially announced back in 2010, but its release date has been pushed back a few times. For many games a pushed-back release date would mean death, let alone the backlash from fans, especially one as long as “Bioshock” has had. The fact that there is still such a following (myself included) speaks volumes for the caliber that “Bioshock” delivers and the reputation it has created through its games. This time around we leave the underwater city of Rapture and take to the flying city of Columbia with a new protagonist. Many elements from the original “Bioshock” can be seen in game play trailers and the team has remained true to its recognizable art-style. “Bioshock Infinite” is one of my must haves for this year. It has been for the last year and, if it’s pushed again, it will be on my list for next year.
Honorable mention Honorable mention goes to the upcoming complete reboot of the “Tomb Raider” series. The first installment is set to show Lara growing from a vulnerable woman into the strong character we have seen. The game picks up after her ship runs aground on an island filled with dangerous animals and “murderous mercenaries” as the official site states. “South Park,” the famous animated series, is also releasing a game called the “Stick of Truth.” It will feature the two-dimensional style of the cartoon. Fans will be pleased to note that the writers of “South Park” also wrote for the game. The player will create his own avatar and join the famous cast on a quest to become cool. Accomplish this quest or forever be known as ‘The Loser.’ All in all, this simply scratches the surface of what is in store for gamers in 2013.
images courtesy gameinformer.com, art.ngfiles.com, gadgethelpline. com and turnlol.com
Unimpressive offerings RICKY MILLER Staff Writer
As I’ve said in the past, I’m not really a fan of the horror genre. One does not want to get interested in the characters because your empathy factor gets tossed out the window. This unnecessary update “Texas Chainsaw3D” does not improve on Tobe Hooper’s overrated 1974 version or Marcus Nispel’s 2004 update with Jessica Biel. I’d probably give that one a (B-). This version actually strays from the original formula by having a different take on the cannibal family. We have Alexandra Daddario (“Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief ”) as Leatherface’s cousin, Heather Miller. Also ridiculous to the proceedings is the constant use of the 3-D element. Director John Lussenhop used every opportunity to showcase Leatherface’s buzzing chainsaw. Although this one did not disappoint, it still dabbled in the epitome of mediocrity. Grade: (C+) “Gangster Squad” For all intents and purposes, “The Gangster Squad” should have been a good movie. When it comes down to it, however, it is just another typical gangster story. The setting here is Los Angeles during the late 1940s.
image courtesy deviantart.com
The villain here is up-and-coming gangster Mickey Cohen, (Sean Penn), a man so bent on making the City of Angels a fullon crime hub of the country. The problem with this flick is the characters. One does not really feel vested in the interest of Sgt. Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling), and his love interest Grace Faraday (Emma Stone). Further storyline comes with Josh Brolin’s Sgt. Josh O’Mara, whose wife is expecting their first child. Also throw in Anthony Mackie (“The Hurt Locker”) and Robert Patrick (“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”) as a couple of other cops who compose the unorthodox police force working off of the books for Chief Parker (Nick Nolte). The empathy element is what drives the final call for this uneventful police flick. Grade: (C-)
Richlandchronicle.com January 15, 2013
KISTEN S. Chetty
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Opinion
D. Daniels, 25, psychology “Mainly, I agree to some extent. The government is giving them a chance to earn their citizenship the right way instead of being like, ‘Hey, you need to get up out of here’.”
Immigration reform,
Trinh Duong, 25, computer science “I think we should open our hearts to other countries. USA is God’s country.”
Madeline Battle, 19, addictive studies/ philosophy “I agree with it because I have a good friend who loves America and works way too hard to support herself. Our kind of freedom shouldn’t be such a pain.”
David Coley, 20, visual communications/Advertising “We are and always have been a nation of immigrants. The president, myself, my friends, my family- we are all mosaics of races and countries. It’s about time we had a little reform.”
America’s dilemma: citizenship or deportation?
Raymond Thomas Pronk
Richlandchronicle.com February 5, 2013
Staff Writer
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“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein President Barack Obama flew to Las Vegas last week to give a speech at a local school outlining his views and principles for comprehensive immigration reform. “Right now, we have 11 million undocumented immigrants in America; 11 million men and women from all over the world who live their lives in the shadows. Yes, they broke the rules. They crossed the border illegally. Maybe they overstayed their visas. Those are facts. Nobody disputes them. But these 11 million men and women are now here,” Obama said. Why are there more than 11 million illegal aliens in the United States? Simply put, the federal government under both Democratic and Republican progressive presidents has refused to vigorously enforce existing immigration law as set forth in federal statutes and regulations and failed to control and secure U.S. borders against a massive invasion of illegal aliens. These presidents betrayed their oath of office to defend and protect the Constitution. In a debate with Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale in 1984, President Ronald Reagan said, “I believe in the idea of amnesty for those who have put down roots and lived here, even though some time back they may have entered illegally.”
On Nov. 6, 1986, Congress enacted the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), also known as the Simpson-Mazzoli Act, to reform immigration law and control the number of illegal immigrants entering the country. Reagan signed the bill. Under this law approximately 3 million illegal aliens who had continuously resided in the U.S. before Jan.1, 1982, were granted legal status and eventually citizenship — amnesty for illegal aliens. Since then, the federal government has failed to control and secure the borders and by so doing, the 1986 law, by granting amnesty, created a strong magnet or incentive for future illegal aliens. Both Reagan and the American people were double-crossed by progressive Democrats and Republicans in Congress who really wanted open borders and unlimited illegal immigration. The American people are asking for immigration law enforcement and secure borders and not Obama’s comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. Americans favor limited controlled legal immigration but oppose open borders with unlimited illegal immigration. So-called “undocumented workers” or more accurately illegal aliens should, as required by federal law, be removed from their place of work and deported to their country of origin. Why? First, aliens broke into the country illegally when they entered the U.S. without a valid visa, or overstayed their visas and did not return to the country of origin. Second, aliens broke the law when they either stole
identities of U.S. citizens or purchased fraudulent documents such as driver’s licenses and Social Security cards in order to obtain employment in the U.S. Third, aliens broke the law when they worked in the U.S. without having the legal status to do so. Fourth, many employers broke the law when they knowingly hired illegal aliens. You do not reward criminal behavior by granting a pathway to citizenship. The rule of law requires federal government enforcement of immigration law by deporting illegal aliens. When you multiply these crimes by millions, you are dealing with a crime wave and mass invasion that has been sanctioned by the progressive ruling elites in Washington from both the Democratic and Republican parties who favor open borders and token enforcement of existing federal immigration law. Why has the ruling elite ignored the will of the American people? The Democratic Party favors open borders and a pathway to citizenship or amnesty for illegal aliens because it believes the overwhelming majority of these illegal aliens will, when they become citizens, vote for Democratic candidates. Progressive Republicans likewise favors open borders and amnesty for illegal aliens because many of the businesses that employ illegal aliens also contribute to the campaigns of Republican candidates. Both political parties could care less that millions of American citizens are unemployed as a direct result of policies that encouraged massive illegal immigration. Staying
in power, not the welfare of the American people, was and is the top priority of these politicians. The 11 million illegal aliens and their dependents should be given the choice to either voluntarily return to their country of origin by a certain date or face deportation under existing federal immigration law. With more than 25 million American citizens seeking permanent full time jobs, this would immediately reduce the number of unemployed citizens by millions. Most Americans would agree with two of Obama’s principles of comprehensive immigration reform, namely “to stay focused on enforcement” and “to bring our legal immigration system into the 21st century.” However, most Americans would not agree with Obama to first give the 11 millionplus illegal aliens a pathway to citizenship or amnesty for illegal aliens before first controlling and securing the borders and enforcing existing immigration law. There is an old saying in Texas, “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” —Abraham Lincoln Raymond Thomas Pronk is host of the Pronk Pops Show on KDUX web radio from 3-5 p.m. Fridays and author of the companion blog http://www. pronkpops.wordpress.com/
where do you stand?
Opinion
Staff photos Isai Diaz
What is your stance on immigration reform? I support immigration reform. I believe this is bad for the U. S. A. What would Christopher Columbus do? Jackie Farina, 21, engineering “If they’re willing to work, let them stay. If they’re criminals, keep them out.”
The New Colossus By Emma Lazarus, 1883 The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” An excerpt from the famous poem that is inscribed on a plaque on the base of the Statue of Liberty. The poet believed that the Statue of Liberty welcomes all castaways, misfits and homeless types dreaming of freedom.
We want to hear from you! Post your answer at www.richlandchronicle.com
A dream come true
BLANCA REYES Staff Writer
“We are not going to ship back 11 million people, we’re not going to do it as a practical matter … that’s not what America is about,” President Barack Obama said recently about immigration reform. Obama has targeted this national concern with the support of other political figures and organizations such as Sen. John McCain, Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) and the National Immigration Forum. Being one of Obama’s campaign promises, I think it is time to work seriously on comprehensive immigration reform because it is not a secret that there are around 11 million human beings living in the shadows and being treated as second-class citizens. Although some Republicans say that any serious amnesty would be like rewarding “criminals,” it is well known that all immigrants, legal and illegal, are important to the United States economy. Some people point to undocumented people as part of the problem of the weak economy and Social Security problems that the nation is experiencing. However, it is well known that these people do not have access to almost any welfare programs that require proof of citizenship or legal residence. In addition, the majority of undocumented persons is afraid to come out of the shadows and speak out about these issues. Also, it is a fact that most of them come here trying to
find a better life, and, in the United States, a place to call their new home. Another important factor, I think, is that there are millions of undocumented young people who have been raised here who are trying to get a higher education, are law-abiding and are just ready to get the opportunity to work in their adopted country. It could mean a significant influx of money through taxes that these people would pay for having the opportunity to get a good job legally. Additionally, I believe that with immigration reform, Obama will be delivering a blow to organized crime, which takes advantage of these people’s dreams and poverty to obtain money for their illegal activities. For example, human trafficking is one of the most terrible crimes because undocumented people sometimes try to reunite their families, including little children, and are forced, due to their status, to bring them into the most dangerous and inhumane situations. In addition, it is a fact that there are certain types of jobs that have been traditionally done by immigrants. Most of them are illegal workers, in agriculture and construction. Even that has been affected since a few years ago when a strong anti-immigrant feeling started. Finally, President Obama said the United States is bound by a spirit of freedom, justice, compassion, opportunities and immigrants, who help every day for this country to be as great and cosmopolitan as it is.
Richlandchronicle.com February 5, 2013
Chinedu Odiachi, 20, undeclared “He’s (Obama) trying to speed up the legal way. I think it’s pretty good. He’s doing the right thing.”
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Richlandchronicle.com January 15, 2013