October 22, 2013 by Richland Student Media

Chronicle Richland

Richlandchronicle.com Official Chronicle Outlets #Chronicle DCCCD

Vol. XXXVIII, Issue 10 October 22, 2013 A College of the Dallas County Community College District

s t a r B d n a d o o Bl also inside: JFK history pg. 5 Pokemon pg. 7

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Ducktoberfest brings food and fun to RLC The afternoon air smelled sweet at Ducktoberfest last Thursday. The scent of cotton candy filled the breezeway where the event had moved due to muddy weather conditions. Approximately 600 people joined in the festivities, according to Kim Deng from the Office of Student Life. Some students confessed to skipping class so they wouldn’t miss out. Scott Hagarbome, president of Smokin’ Joe’s, served up food for the crowd. On the menu were bratwurst, hot dogs, hot links, cotton candy and snow cones for a seemingly endless line of hungry students and staff. Students Raymond Tin and Linda Guyant waited 15 minutes for hot dogs. After he finally took a bite, he pondered for a moment, and said, “It needs ketchup,”. Michael Keeler, 19, stood in line for five minutes to score some cotton candy. Was it worth it? “It’s awesome.” Keeler said.

Nyangicha Nyakundi, had more patience and reminded us that we shouldn’t complain since they were getting free food. Metha Moul and Feba Sajan, Richland Collegiate High School students, said they enjoyed taking a break to get some of the cotton candy and shaved ice. Activities included an obstacle course, pedestal jousting, a bungee run and a mechanical bull ride. The mechanical bull seemed by far the most popular judging by the crowd. Michael Lorenzo, a 17-year-old senior at Richland Collegiate High School, rode the bull three times. He said the trick was to “try to hold on as hard as possible, try to move with the bull and get the rhythm.” Kezia George and Hanna William, both 19, squealed gleefully as they surmounted the obstacle course. George turned to her friend and enthusiastically cried, “Let’s do it again!” — Jonathan Lee

Smokin’ Joes’s president Scott Hagarbome serves up his specialty.

Michael Keeler left, Nyangicha Nyakundi, Metha Moul and Feba Sajan attend the festval.

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

Kezia George left, and Hanna William, both 19, on the obstacle course.

Michael Lorenzo, a 17-year-old senior at Richland Collegiate High School, rides the mechanical bull.

Richland students Raymond Tin and Linda Guyant enjoy the hot dogs.

Staff Photos by Melanie Brandow

Campus

Get help with counseling Staff Writer

As students, most of us are eligible to use a number of helpful resources. But quite often, initially accessing and taking advantage of those resources can be daunting. The Counseling Center is an office that can help students access resources, taking the first step in solving their problems, as long as they’re not math related. Located in El Paso Hall, Room E-082, the Counseling Center claims to offer “shortterm, solution-focused personal counseling,” helping students with problems like drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, family issues, death and anger management. These are issues that can affect a student’s education, as well as the safety and well-being of those around them. And in today’s society, where school shootings and suicides are a common occurrence, students’ mental health is a major topic of concern. However, after visiting with Karen Cuttill, counseling service coordinator and DCCCD alumna, one might get the feeling that their scope of services reach beyond that brief list. “It doesn’t matter what it is. There’s nothing too big or too small,” Cuttill said, regarding issues that might bring a student into the Counseling Center. Some typical problems might include

Upcoming events

Each week, the Division of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts at Richland College presents its Recital Series. All performances are on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. and are free to the general public. For more information about the series, contact Derrick Logozzo, coordinator of music, at 972-238-6254.

Today: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the Dr. Jerry Wallace Music Scholarship Recital. Wednesday, Oct. 23: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Job Fair El Paso Hall The Career Center and Richland will host the job fair, where students will be able to meet with more than 55 area employers seeking qualified applicants for both full- and part-time employment. Students can get a free guidance assessment if they are uncertain about their career. Dining Etiquette and Dress for Success are two free seminars also offered, but students need to sign up for them. For more information, go by the Career Center in El Paso Hall, Room E-090 or call 972-2386921. Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 24-26: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Also, one Saturday matinee, Oct. 26: 2:30 p.m. “Fire + Blood: A Vampire Musical,” an original work by Andy Long and Adam C. Wright, Fannin Performance Hall This world premiere vampire musical explores the politics and struggles of reconstruction in post-Katrina New Orleans and the war between humans and vampires. The cast includes: Zack Jones, Joshua BrackenMidla, Bridget Condra, Johnny Blanford, Joshua Usry, Rose Taylor, Cody Samples, Kevin Dang, Marla Acevedo, Isabell Moon, Darien Handy, among others. For more information, call 972-238-6256.

Students in Sabine Hall study in the spacious west-campus building.

Staff Photo Melanie Brandow

Sabine Hall — Never on Sunday? A.M. Stofko Staff Writer

In a break from the raucous weekday, Sabine Hall transforms into a quiet study hall on Sunday. The 30 or so students occupying the tables along the windows work on assignments, emails or YouTube comments. The past few weeks, however, the building was closed on weekends and other days when classes were not in session. Ron Clark, vice president of Business Services, said Sabine Hall and other buildings are open on an as-needed basis to accommodate special requests and events. Dr. Ray Canham said previously Sabine Hall had been open on Sundays to allow teachers to conduct review sessions for students. Canham is executive dean for the School

of Mathematics, Science, & Health Professions. He said recent, repeated incidents of theft of classroom equipment have resulted in the hall being closed on weekends. Clark said he is working to have the hours of operation posted outside the buildings, and announcements are made prior to the building closing. He said that if people find themselves locked inside a building and unable to get out, they can contact Facilities at 972.238.6170. Clark said students can also report issues or more specific concerns to Terry Lefler in A-249. Campus hours are also posted outside entrances and trespassers can be cited by the Richland Police if found on the grounds after hours, Clark said. Richland students can also review hours of operation under “Access to Facilities” at http://www.richlandcollege.edu/police/safety.php.

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

Ben Roach

anxiety about public speaking, problems with instructors or trouble paying rent. “Anything that they might need an answer to that’s not strictly advising, or math, we can help them with,” Cuttill said. And if Cuttill or her crew can’t help directly, they can help find someone who can. “We connect to over 500 different community agencies to help with everything from rental assistance to car repairs, to accessing food,” Cuttill added. Despite the bleak issues that usually drive a person to visit a counselor, the feeling in the office is comfortable and welcoming. “We want students to feel comfortable in getting advice or talking about a problem, and you don’t have to have a gun to your head to come in here,” Cuttill said. Cuttill describes herself as an “options generator,” helping to illuminate paths, and offer options to students that they might not have identified on their own, or even thought was impossible. Cuttill has experienced much of what current students may go through and shares a story many can relate to. “I made some unfortunate decisions as a teenager,” she said. Before getting her GED and beginning her college education at Brookhaven as a 20-something single mother, she didn’t have much hope for success. But now, having received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SMU, she proves that “there is life after bad decisions.”

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OSL director looks forward to working with students Joyce Jackson Copy Editor

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

The Richland College Office of Student Life (OSL) has a new director. Carter S. Bedford 33, worked at the University of Texas in Arlington for the last 10 years, most recently as the coordinator of special programs in the Center for African-Amerian Studies for a year. Before that, he was director of Student Governance and Organizations, which was similar to student life, “I missed the interaction with [students] at the Center for African-American Studies,” Bedford said. “A great adviser can really impact a student’s experience, being one of those campus role models who hopefully makes a difference in the lives of students.” Bedford said he’s heard great things about Richland within the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD), felt it was a great opportunity to be director of the OSL and to get back into student services. Each of the seven DCCCD campuses are independently accredited, Bedford said. He likes the competitive nature of Richland, too, and the continuous push to improve programs and services. Bedford’s new position as director became official Oct. 7, but in his short time at Richland, he said the college truly “wants to be the best -- through programs, services and offerings.”

Bedford said what he likes about the Richland campus is the lake and the closeness of the buildings. “You’re able to walk through the buildings without going outside too much,” he said. “Buildings are named after bodies of water. It’s well maintained with a very diverse student body.” Bedford’s main duties will be to work with student services, particularly student life. “Our area is very collaborative. Not only are we doing student programs, we’re working with student organizations and we’re also facilitating partnerships with university departments on a variety of programs and services,” Bedford said. Bedford said he would like to incorporate some programming based on the wellness wheel, which takes into account whole student-holistic programming. “I really want to focus on the students, helping them improve in all areas,” Bedford said. “First and foremost, we want them to be good students in the classroom. We want them to be good people, good neighbors and good community citizens.” When students leave Richland, Bedford said, he wants them to be well equipped for the next challenge, whether it’s transferring to a university or getting promoted at their job, and to be better people. “We [the OSL] want to be recognized as a premier department at Richland and a premier student services department at a community

Staff photo Melanie Brandow

Carter S. Bedford is happy for the chance to work with students again as he succeeds the retired Bobbie Harrison as the director of the Office of Student Life.

college,” Bedford said. “That’s not DCCCD, that’s just period.” Bedford attended the University of New Orleans and has a master’s degree in human relations and business from Amberton University through the Garland campus. He knew former OSL director Bobbie Harrison through their interaction in a professional association, so he was somewhat familiar with Richland before applying for the OSL job. Harrison retired in August.

Besides work, Bedford said he likes to read and is a football official in varsity and peewee leagues. He also serves on a board, as vice president for the Arlington Life Shelter, a homeless shelter that serves Dallas and Fort Worth As vice president for board development, Bedford said, he trains new board members in order to help the homeless live a life of self sufficiency. Bedford, his wife and two children live in Arlington.

Campus

Students contribute to JFK oral history project A.M. STOFKO Staff Writer

“History is the ultimate reality show,” Dr. Clive Siegle said and students in history classes this semester have an opportunity in helping create it. During the semester, students chose to either interview someone who lived during the John F. Kennedy era or a war veteran (of any conflict, period or nationality). These interviews are being collected into a larger oral history and since all history classes at Richland are participating, this makes it the the largest oral history project in the nation said Siegle. Siegle, history faculty, said what makes the Kennedy project special is that the college partnered with the Sixth Floor Museum and provided the top 15 interviews of a 1,200 interview collection. Siegle said the language lab in Witchita Hall is the only place besides the Sixth Floor Museum itself where students can view the interviews. However, access is limited to history students as part of their coursework. They conduct “virtual” interviews with key witnesses of Kennedy’s assassination. Siegle said this is an important part of the course because it duplicates the skills used and gives experience with conducting historical interviews. “Students have come to expect [history] to be delivered,” he said and cited the History Channel as an example. “It’s much harder to

go find and interview people.” Siegle said students were given questionnaires to help guide their own interviews he described it as talking points. For the Kennedy project, Siegle said one of the questions for interviewees was inspired by the 1.5 million letters, over a two-year period, to Jackie Kennedy-Onassis after the assassination. “We wanted to know, ‘Were you one of those?’ and ‘If you didn’t write a letter, would you today?’” Siegle said the Kennedy era was chosen to commemorate the 50th anniversary -- which includes events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the creation of the Peace Corps, not just the assassination. Siegle said an important component students are contributing to are the experiences of foreign citizens who lived during the era. Immigrant students who are collecting stories within their communities have “keys to places [most Americans] don’t,” Siegle said. Since Kennedy held international appeal, Siegle said there’s also an interest in gathering stories of how Kennedy is/has been memorialized abroad. Michael Aulov, sophomore finance major, interviewed his father, who was a solider in the former U.S.S.R. during Kennedy’s presidency. Aulov said his father had spoken of his experiences before as a student at a medical institute before “voluntarily” joining the military -- the alternative to joining was being kicked out of school. Aulov said he learned about his

father’s perspective on Kennedy’s assassina- history for them. tion, which seems somewhat indifferent only “[Students] learn how historians work and because Aulov’s father said it just seemed like where history comes from.” another death taking place at a time when so many were occurring on a daily basis. Siegle said it’s something of a race against time, as many people who were teenagers or can recall the events during Kennedy’s presidency are getting older. The same is for the stories of World War II and Korean War veterans. Siegle said it’s important to get these stories before it’s too late and they go untold forever. For some [veterans], it’s the first time they’ve talked about their experiences,” Siegle said. He gave an example of one student who interviewed a neighbor, a Vietnam War veteran. Hearing the conversation, the veteran’s family came to listen. They didn›t know about his experiences because he hadn’t spoken of them before but then talked about them. Siegle said the project is in its second semester, and the stories so far have been amazing. “Interviewees are full of unasked questions ... they open up their lives to students and invite them in,” Siegle said. He added that the idea started as part of an online class he was teaching several years before he came to Richland. Siegle said he encourages students to approach the interview as “a discussion and a conversation.” He said students initially dread Staff Photo by Photo Edtior Isai Diaz the assignment, but they never regret it at the Dr. Siegle in the language lab in Wichita Hall. end because the interviews add meaning to

Navigator comes to Richland, spreads word about Obamacare Terri Grant, a navigator from Local 100 United Labor Union, came to Richland Friday to spread the word about the Affordable Healthcare Act. “There’s a plan for everyone.” Grant said

“It’s very important to have health insurance. Just because they’re young does not mean there is no need for it. Now we don’t have to worry about it being too expensive because of the Affordable Healthcare Act.” — Christian Tanner

Staff photos by Photo Editor Isai Diaz

Marion Hall: “It’s good that people are able to have affordable health care.” Staff photo Blanca Reyes

Navigator Terri Grant, left, gives information about Obamacare to Lessett Lopez.

Taylor Hunt: “I think we should be allowed to go to whatever doctor we want to and choose whatever insurance we want.”

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

... and students react

MOvies

Shootin’ the ship with ‘Captain Phillips’ RICKY MILLER Entertainment Editor

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

Image courtesy wordpress.com

SUCCEED Here, I feel at home and am surrounded by other passionate students who want to succeed.

— Raychel Taylor

Transfer student, music performance

YOU’RE INVITED TO TAKE A TRANSFER TOUR

Tom Hanks plays a great everyman. Even going back to his days in the sophomoric “Bachelor Party,” then to the fun Ron Howard romantic-comedy “Splash,” Hanks has seen a lightweight shift with fun roles in “The ‘Burbs,” “Turner and Hooch,” Penny Marshall’s “A League of Their Own,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and one of my mom’s favorites, “You’ve Got Mail.” Hanks’ latest, “Captain Phillips,” is the based-on-true-events story of the U.S. cargo ship MV (merchant vessel) Maersk Alabama, a ship taken by Somali pirates 280 nautical miles southeast of the Somali port Eyl. This was the first time in over 200 years that pirates successfully seized a U.S. ship. The pirates did not realize the ship carried money, rather than just freight for consumers abroad and in the United States. In this well told suspenseful drama from Paul Greengrass (“The Bourne Sup r e m a c y,” “United 93,” “The Bourne

Ultimatum”), the tension never subsides. Greengrass knows when to shoot for closeups and when to just let the camera remain fixed. He learned how to do this with the third “Bourne” flick, “The Bourne Ultimatum.” “Captain Phillips” starts simply enough; Hanks’ title character deals with the predicaments at sea. That, of course, includes some unsavory Somali pirates. Hanks has a firm grasp on the captain’s role, a la his stellar serious work in “Cast Away” and “The Terminal.” Here, he’s a stern and authoritative captain who looks out for his crew when he asks to be taken rather than other members of his crew. The main nemesis of the story, Muse (first-time actor Barkard Abdi), does not really illicit any empathy from the viewer. I hate to say it, but it reminded me of JeanClaude Van Damme’s villain Vilain from last year’s horrid “The Expendables 2,” wherein he just wanted one thing pure and simple: money. The screenplay works when it comes to unfolding events. It comes courtesy of screenwriter Billy Ray, along with Captain Phillips and Stephen Talty, based on their book, “A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS and Dangerous Days at Sea.” Hanks has another successful and admirable film under his belt with “Captain Phillips,” a solid intense drama from start to finish. Grade: B

GAMES

Pokemon revisited: Something for everyone

Contributing Writer “Pokémon X” and “Y” are the sixth generation of Game Freak and Nintendo’s gargantuan franchise of turn based RPG, monster rancher collecting, and cultural influence of the late ‘90s. After 17 years the mainstay series has finally breached into 3-D territory. And it is beautiful. “X” and “Y” follow the standard procedures that Pokémon fans have come to know over the past decade and a half. Go on a journey with a starter Pokémon, have a rival, create your own personal team of six Pokémon, take on eight gyms, fight a crazy gang that does morally questionable things, try to catch every mon, etc. The two versions are essentially the same game, with some minor differences and exclusive Pokémon between them to encourage trading. “X” and “Y” do, however, add some new things to the mix. “Pokémon-Amie” is a brand new feature that takes advantage of the touch screen to let you actually interact with your Pokémon in physical ways. It even gives added bonuses of letting your Pokémon do cool things during combat, such as shrug off poison or live through a fatal hit. The other big thing is Mega Evolution, which takes older Pokémon and gives them a brand new evolution through an item that can only be used during battle. After a fight, the Pokémon reverts back to its normal self. Mega evolutions are a big bonus for nostalgia factor (Charizard, Venusaur and Blastoise, for example) and to make some weaker Pokémon a lot more relevant. “X” and “Y”’s story is a bit on the weaker side, though Pokémon games aren’t usually super in depth in the story department to begin with. It is notable that it touches more mature themes this time around, such as death and the consequences of overpopulation. The bad guys feel like dumbed-down versions of team Rocket or Galactic, though the side quests are pretty entertaining and rewarding. This is the easiest in a series of easy games. The way experience is handled makes it one of the simplest JRPGs to level up in and not

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

KYLE COHEN

a single opponent managed to wipe out my team at any point of the game. This is great for newcomers, but veterans aren’t going to enjoy this much. I recommend turning off the EXP share right after you get it early in the game if you want a challenge. The game is beautifully rendered, absolutely fantastic graphics for the 3DS. It feels like it could have been a GameCube game. The entire feel is very comparative to Pokémon Colosseum/XD. Soundwise it’s pretty solid, with plenty of nostalgia cues (and even some thrown into the soundtrack for those with sharp ears), though the music isn’t quite up to par with what I’ve expected of a series with generally fantastic scores. Most of it is very club techno or dubstep in flavor. When all is said and played (and done, as I actually managed to finish the game over the release weekend) “X”and “Y” come out as extraordinary video games. Possibly the best 3DS games so far released. And very highly rated among its own beloved franchise. There’s something for every Pokémon in this. If you’ve been keeping up with the series then you have 70 new Pokes, mega evolutions, Pokémon-Amie, and tons of new online interactions to look forward to. If you haven’t played since generation 4, you can look forward to Pokémon in full motion and new types of battles. For those of you who stopped at gen 3, now there’s online trading and battling. If you haven’t played since Gold/Silver/ Crystal then you’ll find Abilities, Natures and Double battles as new content. Those of you who haven’t touched the franchise since the original incarnations of Red/Blue/Yellow, there’s now day/night, super rare alternately colored Pokémon and breeding. And for those of you who have never touched a Pokémon game before, there’s never been a better time. “X” & “Y” don’t reinvent the franchise, they just perfect it by upgrading into a phenomenal 3-D world that’s perfect for anyone who even remotely enjoys video games. “X” and “Y” get a solid 9.9/10 from me. While not personally my favorite Pokémon game, due to the lack of end-game content and average musical score, they are objectively the best in the series. Image courtesy hqwide.com, deviantart.com

SPORTS/CamPUS

Men’s soccer team: closer to the playoffs BLANCA REYES Sports Editor

The soccer season is close to the end, and the men’s soccer team has been working hard to make the playoffs, hoping for the opportunity to fight for the national championship. The Thunderducks took on the Hill College Rebels on Richland’s soccer fields Friday night and came away with the victory. It was not the first time the T-ducks had confronted the Rebels. The Thunderducks dropped a close one to Hill 1-0 early in the season. Sean Worley, Richland’s head coach, said that at that time they were beaten by the Rebels because the team was not fully engaged. However, now it is different. The Thunderducks are ready to get the victory, he added before the match. In addition to the Friday game, the T-ducks have two remaining games scheduled. One was set for Saturday against Western Texas. The second, against Mountain View, is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. Both encounters will be held on Richland’s fields. These games are very important because the outcomes will determine which teams get a chance to get to the playoffs and which teams face elimination. Chris Avila, one of the Richland defenders, said the team has a very good defense and if the Thunderducks take care of their business, there is no doubt that they will be playing in

Richland’s forward, Jorge Deleon, defends the ball against Hill College Friday night.

the national tournament, which will be held in Herkimer, N.Y. Avila is playing his first season for Richland. He was out of the school for a while, but now he is back and ready to give his best on the field and in the classrooms. “There is no time for parties, but it is worth it,” Avila said.

Although the Richland team has a lot of freshmen, every player on the team has given his best to become a member of the team family. Worley said that since they have achieved that level of trust, they can get better results on the field. One of the new players is Pablo Casanova, a midfielder, who is from Spain.

Staff photo by Blanca Reyes

“Here (USA) soccer is more about physical contact. However, I am getting used to it and am trying to give my best to the Richland team,” Casanova said. For more information about the schedule, results and more, visit www.rlc.dcccd.edu/ menssoccer or stop by Worley’s office at Guadalupe Hall, G-116.

Create a costume on a budget JONATHAN LEE

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

Staff Writer

For a broke college student, the scariest thing about Halloween is shopping for a costume. Besides prices, another disadvantage to retail costumes is the chance that you might run into somebody else wearing the exact same outfit as you. How embarrassing, right? With a bit of creativity, you can assemble a fabulous, one-of-a-kind costume at little to no cost. See if you can repurpose anything that you already own. Your closet is full of potential. Another option is to scour the racks at local thrift stores. Craft stores carry a variety of materials needed to make your costume. An all-black outfit has several possibilities. Just add plastic fangs and stain your mouth with a drop or two of red food coloring to stalk the night as a blood-sucking vampire. To make yourself look undead, apply a bit of talcum powder to your face and smudge black eyeliner around your eyes. An old blanket becomes a cape for the finishing touch. As an alternative look for your black ensemble, fashion a pointy hat out of cardboard. Stick a stuffed familiar item, such as a cat or toad on the end of your kitchen broom. Then let out a wicked cackle as you ride off to the Witches’ Sabbath. Not feeling wicked this year? Recycle an old

bridesmaid or prom dress into a good witch gown. A wand and a pair of glittery shoes complete your magical look or accessorize with a toy tiara fit for a princess instead. Vintage threads come in handy on Halloween more than any other occasion. Time warp back to the ‘60s in ripped jeans and a tie-dye shirt. Braid your hair and top it off with a wreath of real or plastic flowers to complete your flower child look. Travel back in time even further in a 1920sinspired dress without a waist. A long-beaded necklace, a stretchy headband and spit curls complete your flapper outfit. They’ll call you a gypsy, tramp and thief if you tie a scarf around your head and wear a peasant blouse and a long, flowing skirt. Accessorize with hoop earrings and stacks of bangles and charm bracelets. Surely every Texan has a cowboy hat and a matching pair of boots. Tie a handkerchief around your neck for a gunfight. Put on a pair of aviator sunglasses, sling a Guitar Hero guitar over your shoulder and suddenly you change into a rock star. An old uniform makes a great last-minute costume. Simply don a sports jersey and cover your head with a helmet or baseball cap to become a football or baseball player. Now you’ll be ready to enter the Richland Costume Contest on Oct. 31. Don’t forget to sign up in advance in El Paso Hall at the Office of Student Life, Room E-040.

Staff illustration Leigh Wilson

RAYMOND THOMAS PRONK Staff Writer

Presidents like to make deals with the American people that supposedly will fix things. Theodore Roosevelt had his Square Deal, Franklin D. Roosevelt had his New Deal, Harry Truman had his Fair Deal, and President Barack Obama has his SAD (Spending Addiction Disorder) deal. The most recent developments in Obama’s SAD deal are the federal government will be completely open for business and funded through Jan. 15, 2014, under yet another continuing resolution passed on Wednesday by Congress and signed by the president. The gross national debt ceiling was suspended until Feb. 7, 2014. By then the national debt will be approaching $17.5 trillion and will exceed the entire gross domestic product for 2013 estimated to be about $16 trillion. On Thursday the federal government borrowed, in a single day, a record $328 billion. According to the Department of Treasury, the gross national debt now equals $17.075 trillion. In other words the SAD deal means more government spending and taxes, more massive budgetary deficits, more government debt and more money and credit creation

by the Federal Reserve System to finance the SAD habit. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (DNev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced on Wednesday that they had reached an agreement to open the government until Jan. 15, 2014, and extend the debt ceiling through Feb. 7. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said, “The deal that has been cut provides no relief to the millions of Americans who are hurting because of Obamacare. The deal that has been cut provides no relief to all the young people coming out of school who can’t find a job because of Obamacare. It provides no relief to all the single parents who have been forced into part-time work, struggling to feed their kids on 29 hours a week.” Unfortunately, the SAD deal will continue the annual massive budgetary deficits that over the last five years have averaged more than $1.2 trillion per year and will increase the burden of debt on existing and future generations of the American people. Under Obama’s SAD deal the gross national debt has been increased over $6 trillion to fund the fiscal year deficits from 2009 through 2013. The White House has optimistically estimated that the fiscal year

deficit for 2014 will be only $750 billion! The SAD deal has resulted in the worst post-World War II economic recovery with unemployment rates exceeding 7 percent for the 56 months of the Obama’s presidency. Tens of millions of Americans are searching for a permanent full-time job. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (RVa.) at the Republican conference meeting on Oct. 16 said, “We all agree Obamacare is an abomination. We all agree taxes are too high. We all agree spending is too high. We all agree Washington is getting in the way of job growth. We all agree we have a real debt crisis that will cripple future generations. We all agree on these fundamental conservative principles.” The American people agree that the Washington ruling elite of both the Democrat and Republican parties are simply incapable of controlling their SAD habit. Cruz is right. The ruling elite are not listening to the American people. The American people want federal spending and taxes to be cut, a balanced budget, the national debt paid off and Obamacare repealed. The American people can no longer afford to pay for Obama’s SAD deal.

Blood flows, but in a good way

Do you know how many lives a person can save with just one blood donation? That question was answered when Carter BloodCare visited Richland College last week. One donor can save as many as three lives every time he or she decides to do it. Many students rolled up their sleeves in the Brazos Gallery on Wednesday. On Thursday, donations were taken at East Circle Drive. Although people are sometimes afraid to donate blood, not only did many students donate, but also Richland faculty members. Emily White, one of the students who donated blood, said that the fact that you can save up to three lives makes it worth it. “You regenerate the blood anyway, so you are not losing anything,” White said. “If it [blood drive] wasn’t here, probably I would not do it.” “It is kind of like you get an oil change,” fluid phlebotomist Evelyn Garcia explained about the donation’s benefits. “We take out your older blood. Your body will regenerate it, so you are getting more and it is new blood.” Garcia said that as long as those donating have a nutritious meal and plenty of fluids before and after, donating will be not result in any reaction. “Someone needs help somewhere, someone may use my blood. Nothing wrong with that,” P.J. Hill, a donor and Richland student, said. For more information about this event or others, visit www.richlandcollege.edu/calendar. — Blanca Reyes

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

Obama’s SAD deal

OPIniON/Campus

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Spreading smiles and making a difference NINI STERLING Staff Writer

Have you ever had a vision about healing the world and/or bringing forth positive change? Many survive through dark catastrophes, yet still emerge on the bright side. Lauren Hollingsworth, visionary highlight, exemplifies just that spirit. What many people may not know is that she has struggled through three brain surgeries and radiation therapy. “I had a brain tumor on my brain stem that drove me nauseous and threw me off balance. I had to learn how to walk and talk again, so I understand how those other people feel when they can’t walk.” Even after all that, at 18, she is attending her second year at Richland. Hollingsworth hopes to pursue psychology and physical therapy at a nearby university, where she can be close to her mom, dogs and grandparents. Reflecting on her passion, Hollingsworth beams, “I like seeing people get from a low place to a high place, seeing people able to walk and talk, seeing them doing things they couldn’t do otherwise.” Hollingsworth reflects, “I could move my toes but not my legs, and I couldn’t even move my chest to eat.” She proceeded to attend a rehab center, exercising to regain walking and strength.

Hollingsworth said it was a difficult experience, but she learned from it. Missing out on the freedom of her teenage years was hard, and she hasn’t completely recovered. However, she now enjoys her newfound fun and uses her spirit to try and help others. Hollingsworth has helped others since middle school. She volunteered at the local assisted living center. There she met Sarah Bond, an Alzheimer’s patient, “... I fell in love with her and she was amazing.” She biked nearly every day, eating lunch and dinner with Bond, while creating a memorable friendship.

“I could move my toes but not my legs, and I couldn’t even move my chest to eat.” This experience led Hollingsworth to ponder, “If I can bring joy to Sarah Bond’s face, why not bring joy to all the rest of them?” Bond passed away from cancer, and it took a while for Hollingsworthto heal from that. She recently started volunteering again at the nursing home. “I love playing Bingo with them. My voice isn’t very loud and since they can’t hear well I have to yell loudly ‘B7!’ and they ask ‘what did you say?!’ So my throat hurts at the end of the day, but it’s so fun.” Hollingsworth loves working with people

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hands on and wants to practice physical therapy. To follow her dream, she wants to help everyone, whether they’re seniors or autistic children. Having empathy for animals and people, she feels awful if they’re hurting, and it pains her when they can’t walk. Hollingsworth said she wants to lead the broken towards enjoying a happy, full life. Part of the secret is letting go of little stressors, like stereotyping. “People have stereotypes for those who can’t do much. But you know what? Maybe they’ve been through something traumatic and can’t get past it without some help. Her policy is honesty. “I don’t like telling lies. I think if you’re honest you’ll get through things much easier.“ She urges people to get out and volunteer at a hospital or nursing home, and remember to smile whenever they can. Helping others is more than just a nice thing for Hollingsworth. She finds meaning and deep fulfillment through it. “No matter what you’ve been through, you can always find a way to help other people. I found that if you help other people, you’re basically helping yourself.” As Hollingsworth sums up, “It’s a win-win situation.” If you envision making this world a better place and are a Richland student, drop by the Chronicle offices in El Paso Hall, Room E-020, or check us out on Facebook. No matter how big or small your path, it can touch many people.

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Campus

Fanged fiends find rhythm on breezeway

Staff photos Laura Jimenez

Drama department students had a flash mob in the breezeway Wednesday to promote “Fire + Blood,” a musical about vampires and humans.

Representatives from universities including Texas A&M, the University of North Texas, Texas Tech, Texas State and many others gathered in El Paso last Wednesday for the transfer fair, which is designed to educate students about the schools they were representing. UNT had two tables set up, one for its Dallas campus and one for the Denton campus. Both of UNT’s tables were jam-packed with students fighting their way to the front to get information and hopefully receive the “Mean Green” acceptance letter. “I wanted to go to SMU, but now I’m considering UNT,” said Richland student Jessica Blessing. “When I saw that tuition for UNT

DCCCD College Brookhaven College Cedar Valley College Eastfield College El Centro College Mountain View College North Lake College Richland College

was only $7,000 a year, I thought I would reconsider.” Mike Wright, program service coordinator of the Transfer Center, said he was “very pleased with the tremendous turnout.” Wright said the event normally started at 8:30 a.m. but moved to noon, saying, “This time may have worked better. Some representatives even ran out of material.” Richland’s graduation rate is 10 percent, while the transfer rate is roughly 38 percent. Although 10 percent may seem low for a graduation rate, consider the other rates in the DCCCD. — Christian Tanner

Completion/Graduation Rate 8% 12% 8% 6% 10% 8% 10%

Staff Photo Blanca Reyes

Transfer Rate* 40% 35% 37% 28% 27% 41% 38%

*Transfer Rate - includes students who transferred to another college within the Dallas County Community College District as well as to other community colleges and universities.

Top: Kimberly Tran, left, takes advantage of the transfer fair. Bottom: Students get answers from university recruiters.

Staff Photo Laura Jimenez

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013

Tremendous turnout at the fall transfer fair

Richlandchronicle.com October 22, 2013