10/29/12

SAN JACINTO TIMES Vol. 23, No. 4

e student publication of the San Jacinto College District

Out with the old, in with new

Synthetic drugs may have serious side-effects; legality still in question

Anally De Leon Staff Writer

Michael Deats San Jacinto Times

Central Campus is demolishing the old Vincent C. Henrich Science building. The long-term expense of maintaining the old building and bringing it up to code would not be cost-effective, according to SJC officials. In 2008, the taxpayers approved a 295 million dollar bond to build new science buildings for all three campuses by a margin of 71 percent. The new buildings are more energy efficient and designed to facilitate a modern academic environment.

-Michael Deats

Vice president’s role more than just second-in-command Jose Alejandro

Commentary Editor

The newly chosen Republican vice presidential running mate Paul Ryan went up against the veteran, Democrat Vice President Joe Biden at the vice presidential debate which took place on Oct. 11, 2012 at Centre College in Danville, KY. One of these running mates is sure to play an important role when either Mitt Romney or Barack Obama wins the presidency because they will take on the role of vice president.

The duties of the vice president are not some that many

are familiar with.

The most notable role is being the first person in the presidential line of succession, and would ascend to the presidency if the current president is unable to serve, but there are other roles that the vice president has to fill while he is in office.

When the presidential nominee selects someone to be their running mate, both names are put on the ballot. Up until the 1940s the nominating party nominated who the vice presidential nominee was going to be. The vice presidential nominee also has to have the same

requirements as the president: has to be a natural born citizen, at least 35 years of age, and a resident of the country for 14 years.

Once the president and the vice president are elected, the vice president takes on the job of acting as presiding officer of the United States Senate. His main duty for this is that he holds the tie breaking vote if Senate is at a 50-50 deadlock.

In the first half of 2001, senators were divided 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats and Vice President Dick Cheney’s vote gave the Republicans the majority in the

Senate.

Although, the vice president does not actually need to be there for every vote or meeting that takes place within the Senate.

In a case where the vice president is not there to be able to cast the tie breaking vote, the longest serving senator is to serve as the president pro tempore and cast the deciding vote.

It is also the duty of the presiding officer of the U.S. Senate to count the electoral votes and then announce the election of the new president.

See VP on Page 6

October 29, 2012

Products such as Kush, K2, Spice, Blaze, and Red X Dawn are being marketed as herbal incense, but in reality are composed of unknown chemicals.

The ingredients in these new substances mimic the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main psychoactive constituent of marijuana. Labels read that the product gives the consumer the same state of euphoria, sedation and relaxation as regular marijuana would.

These products are glorified by the makers for adding flavors and aromas to the product. The glossy and holographic packaging of the products is very attractive to the eye. The labels on these products read that there is nothing illegal within its contents. The statements could be true, only because the chemicals used keep getting altered.

On July 9, 2012, President Barrack Obama signed a ban for the use of synthetic drugs that contain controlled substances such as JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH200, CP-47, 497 and cannabicyclohexanol. The synthetic narcotic is modified using a variety of these and more unknown chemicals. Makers of these products are constantly changing the chemicals used in the products to keep it legal. The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 gives the buyers a Class B Mis-

demeanor, a possible conviction of 180 days in jail, and fines up to $2,000 if found in possession.

Distributors receive a Class A misdemeanor and a possible sentence up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.

Not only will these products face you fines and jail time, but may also cause health complications.

A former student of SJC says, “It gave me a huge headache, it is not worth trying, especially since it is chemically made and who knows what it can be doing to your insides.”

Many reports of other users have been published with the same effect.

The potpourri is capable in creating chest pain, drowsiness, hallucinations, vomiting, confusion, and disorientation, unlike the use of natural cannabis that causes the heart rate to increase yet does not link to heart problems. The use of these products has led to three teenage heart attacks in Texas. All three teens were treated at The University of Texas Medical Center in Dallas. They arrived in the emergency room with complaints of ongoing chest pains. Tests and electrocardiogram’s (EKG’s) were preformed but the chemicals within the bloodstream could not be detected. This is likely due to the wide variety of chemical compounds used in these products.

Anally De Leon San Jacinto Times

Kush is one of the products that is now considered legal.

Meningitis outbreak rages across nation

Janeth Cervantes Student Life Editor

Vanessa Piña San Jacinto Times

San Jacinto College, along with the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol (BACODA), raised awareness to the fatal consequences of drinking and driving through an event called the Healing Field. American flags were flown on the lawn outside of the student center at San Jacinto College South Campus Oct. 15-19. Two hundred and ten U.S. Flags represented each life lost under the age of 21 to an alcohol related accident on Texas roadways in 2010.

-Vanessa Piña

A rare form of fungal meningitis has spread to 17 States resulting in 308 reported cases and claiming 23 lives, as of press time.

The deaths are blamed on a Massachusetts based company who sent contaminated pain injections to clinics around the United States.

The steroid injections were used as treatments for those with back pain.

The injections were sent to 23 states and 76 medical facilities. According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are 14,000 patients at risk for contracting the virus.

The CDC announced the first outbreak Sept. 18 in the state

of Tennessee.

Tennessee is the state hardest hit by the outbreak with 70 infection cases and nine deaths.

The state of Michigan follows with 68 cases and five deaths.

The company immediately shut down production and recalled all its products Oct. 6.

A pharmacy known as the New England Compounding Center (NECC) is linked to the outbreak and is currently under investigation.

The pharmacy mixes medication for specific patient’s needs.

When a dosage is too high, or to turn liquefy pills for children, compounding centers like the NECC manufacture medications from scratch.

Massachusetts State Officials have pointed out that the NECC has stepped out of its

legal boundaries by distributing drugs nationwide.

"The New England Compounding Center was masquerading as a compounding pharmacy so it could escape federal regulation when it was actually operating as a drug manufacturer," Rep. Edward Markey, DMass said. NECC is only licensed to fill individual patients’ prescriptions. An unnamed plaintiff in Boston is now suing the company.

According to the CDC, patients who contract the infection experience similar symptoms to bacterial meningitis such as fevers and nausea.

See Outbreak on Page 6

San Jacinto Times

October 29, 2012

Opinion/Commentary

Page 2

Minx Thinks: “Pray the gay away” camps have got to go

Asher Minx Staff Writer

Religious fundamentalists are clashing with decades of professional research, filing a lawsuit to block California's new ban against gay reparative therapy camps.

Since the early twentieth century many organizations have purported to "cure" homosexuality. Accepted by the public near the start of their inception, these groups are coming under increasing criticism as experts learn new information about the human psyche and society becomes more tolerant of deviations from the majority.

Now, a new milestone in the fight for equality has been reached by the state of California, whose governor has signed into law a bill that will

prevent mental health professionals from using therapeutic methods aimed at altering minors’ sexual orientations. This news is tempered by two lawsuits filed by Christian legal groups Pacific Justice Institute and Liberty Counsel, who hope to block the law.

"This legislation is an outrageous violation of the civil rights of youth, of parents and of licensed counselors, including clergy who are licensed counselors.” PJI president Brad Dacus told the Chicago Tribune. Liberty Counsel, who are based in Florida, say the Californian law compromises teens’ religious rights by denying them the chance to be cured of their sexuality. Both lawsuits claim the new senate bill violates therapists’ first amendment rights.

They are full of it, of course, and here are a few reasons why.

Every major American health and mental health organization says homosexuality is not a disorder, and that there is no scientific evidence orientation can be changed. Many organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the American Counseling Association call reparative therapy ineffective and

potentially dangerous to the wellbeing of gay youth sent in for treatment. Dr. Ken Zucker, whose 2001 study claimed highly motivated homosexuals may succeed in converting to heterosexuality, this year wrote an apology letter to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community for what he describes as fatally flawed research.

Conversion therapists have employed tactics including electric shock, exorcism, and prayer to achieve desired responses from subjects. The shock treatment may be the most… well, shocking, but all share an insidious underlying message: your feelings aren’t your own; you’re choosing to let evil control you. Oh sure, they could focus that message toward killers, pedophiles, Bill Maher, but that would mean bringing constructive change out of a person.

Isn’t it better and easier to just bully vulnerable kids?

By treating homosexuality as an evil, external force, teenagers are put under extreme pressure to repress an integral part of themselves, which sets them up to experience selfloathing and depression when attempts to change fail. “What’s that, Stan? You had a thought about a guy?

Pipeline protestors descend on Texas woods

Leif Hayman Staff Writer

Crashing through the thick brush and thorns, we ran as fast as we could. It didn't seem like the cop wanted to chase us so early in his morning, but our wandering discussions and speculations had put us on edge so we kept going.

Suddenly we noticed we were in the middle of the spot we camped the night before. We stopped, looked around, found a large wall of plant life, ducked behind it, and waited. All-clear.

About 100 activists from allaround the country traveled to Tar Sands Blockade's camp to learn about civil disobedience and how to take direct action against the Keystone XL pipeline. A smaller group of about six of us decided the camp would merely be the backdrop for action. Our mission was to provide ground support and

supplies to a protester who had been living in a tree.

It was one of those rare moments in life when you encounter an entire group of people that you don't know, yet you feel like childhood friends. We are bound by our common determination, in solidarity.

We are driven by our compulsive compassion.

I, like many of you reading this, grew up with some of the world’s largest oil refineries in my backyard. Instead of seeing any future when I look out over my fence to the monolith that is Shell, I see the blood of the future and our children. Land is being stolen, ecosystems destroyed, our water poisoned, and air ruined.

Companies like Shell, Exxon, Valero, and TransCanada pay tiny fractions of their enormous profits in fines for their documented violations of environmental regulations and human rights. Shell settled a case for $15 million

Photo Courtesy of Laura Borealis

Activists lived in 50 foot high treehouses like this one for over a month in Winnsboro, Texas.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

where it was accused of paying mercenaries to attack and kill pipeline protesters in Nigeria.

The wound we are carving into the earth to extract tar sands will be so deep that it will never heal and become infected. We will only be able to measure the devastation by the amount of creatures it murders.

From the moment we stepped foot in the forest we were immersed in wildlife. We moved aimlessly through the darkness until we came upon a large tree with bushes around it that we could hide in. We put our sleeping bags down on ground, hoped no scorpions or poisonous snakes disturbed us, and lay down for the night.

Looking up I saw all the stars that I never get to see on a Pasadena night, in front of them were the silhouettes of thousands of branches, limbs, leaves, and vines. My thoughts of spiders and police were silenced by the symphony of the wild Texas night. Washed in the tranquility of the woods around me, my aches began to fade and I felt a familiar warmth roll over me.

In that moment I realized why I had come to the forest: it was calling out for someone to protect it.

Our peaceful surroundings lasted until the sun rose. With the morning songs of birds came a new sound, the hum of diesel machinery idling close by. After running from the cop wandering through the woods, we got a closer look of the work site. On either side of the preserve there was a 50 foot wide trench dug into the ground, like a scar, with no trees on either side.

We got word that TransCanada had decided to drill underneath the section of forest we were in, an option they have always had, but never used. The clear cut wouldn't happen here. We scouted out the area to make sure we were alone.

The tree-sitter came down, and we went back to camp to prepare for our next action.

San Jacinto Times

Caty Christy

STAFF WRITERS

Angelica Rodriguez, Vanessa Piña

Amy Chandler

Student Publications

Jose Alejandro

San Jacinto College

ADVERTISING Sara Quintana

ADVISER

Hellen Papadacos

PAGE DESIGNER Michael Deats

ASSISTANT PAGE DESIGNER Christopher Shelton

NEWS EDITORS

COMMENTARY EDITOR LIFESTYLE EDITORS

Courtney Mouton, Edith Manzanares

SPORTS EDITOR Brandon Hurley

STUDENT LIFE EDITOR Janeth Cervantes

COMMUNITY EDITOR Jaclyn M. Bates

Araceli R. Bautista Monica Davila

Anally De Leon

Liliana I. Delarosa Leif Hayman

Brooks Kubena Asher C. Minx

Adrian X. Salas

Christopher T. Villegas

But don’t you… don’t you want to please God? Don’t you love your parents? You’re not even trying, are you?”

Your average gay teenager deals with enough without this bunk. For some wider context, about 64 percent of LGBT students feel unsafe at their school, leading to a whopping 28 percent dropout rate. Young gay men and lesbians who do not receive acceptance and support from their families after coming out are 8 times more likely to commit suicide.

One of the more disgusting criticisms of the bill raised by opposition is the assertion that it will inhibit parents’ ability to provide care for sexually confused children. “Care” in this case means framing someone’s sexual identity as a choice, then reinforcing the dichotomy of a right choice and a wrong choice. Conversion camps care for the needs of gay and questioning young people like earthquakes care for the needs of drunk people.

While the fundamentalist “think of the children” rallying cry is almost comical in its sheer nerve, it does hit on another point. This law exclusively prevents professionals from using conversion therapy on minors,

Bullying prevalence still growing concern

Vanessa Piña News Editor

AKA that demographic who are still dependent on their parents. If you’re old enough to smoke and for whatever reason want to live a frustrated life of repression, feel free to contact your local anti-gay clergy psychologist! Otherwise, what this law really means is guardians will no longer have the option to pressure or force their kids into attending a pseudoscientific shame facility.

Finally, going back to the “freedom of speech” argument… okay, how to put this succinctly? The first amendment doesn’t cover malpractice.

Reparative therapy is not a form of personal expression; it is a junk science that does little but threaten the health of clients.

I am full-heartedly in favor of this long-overdue act and applaud California and Governor Jerry Brown. I would hope Texas might follow suit, but I’m not holding my breath anytime soon. It’s frankly astonishing more states aren’t trying to get in on the ground floor as pioneers of not being terrible. There is no justification for the systemic oppression of gay Americans, and when public favor turns, many of those who perpetuated it will be breaking their hips trying to backpedal.

Oct. 8, 2012 was supposed to be a part of a perfect senior year for a Dobie High School student, but it quickly turned into a nightmare when the senior became the victim of a bullying attack.

Excited to begin her senior year, Brittany Peralez came back from summer vacation ready to try out for the varsity cheerleading squad one last time. She was part of the varsity team during her sophomore and junior year, and as a senior she was ready for the final chapter. When she didn’t make squad, Peralez couldn’t help but to feel hurt and confused.

She chose to take it in stride and joined the Texas Army National Guard.

Like most teens, Peralez was excited to attend Dobie’s homecoming on Oct. 6. As she enjoyed the last memories with her friends, Peralez received a threat from a classmate. She refused to pay attention it and continued enjoying the evening.

Later that night, Peralez arrived at her best friend’s house only to find the same classmates who threatened her waiting outside. “It was unreal,” Peralez said.

Afraid to ask them to leave, Peralez and her friends called a neighbor who escorted the uninvited classmates off the property.

“I got so lucky he was there” she added.

“I didn’t want to tell my mom because I didn’t want to worry her, but now I wish I did.”

On Monday, Oct. 8, Peralez arrived at her fifth period class. A substitute teacher stood outside the classroom greeting everyone as they came in. Peralez was already nervous about fifth period since the adversarial classmate was in that same class.

“I was talking to my friend and all of a sudden my desk moved,” Peralez said.

Her classmate then began to tease and threaten her. “’Just so you know, I’m going to beat you up by the end of the year’… She kind of nudged my face. It wasn’t a hard hit, yet,” Peralez said as she described the way her classmate threatened her.

At that point, Peralez slapped the classmate’s hand and began walking away when she noticed the classmate’s sister at the door eating chips. “I was like – what is she doing here, she isn’t even in this class,” Peralez said. “Clearly they knew

The San Jacinto Times is published biweekly by the journalism students at San Jacinto College Central, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the staff, its adviser, the administration or the Board of Regents.

The Times encourages letters to the editor.

Letters must be in good taste, accurate, free from libel, malice or personal controversy.

Letters must be limited to 200 words in length. Letters submitted without the author’s signature will not be accepted.

what they were doing.”

“I told her to calm down, she grabbed my head and told me ‘don’t tell me to calm down.’ She tried banging my head on the desk, and I think that’s when my nail bent backward. She came from behind me and started hitting me, and her sister dropped her chips and started hitting me from in front of me, when they both started hitting me. That’s when the bell rung.”

“I remember when she tried banging my head, I was like - Where is the sub? Why isn’t he doing anything. Why aren’t the classmates doing anything?”

Peralez’s bullies were given a three-day suspension and a ticket. An assault charge was not issued due to the lack of evidence.

Peralez was left with a red eye, a broken nail that possibly won’t grow back, and a fear that continues to haunt her. “I’m afraid to go back to school, I’m scared they’re going to try and do something,” she added.

Students just like Peralez suffer from different types of bullying each day. According to Stop the Bullying, bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.

Verbal bullying consists of name calling, teasing, taunting and threatening to cause harm. Social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. It means leaving someone out on purpose, spreading rumors about someone or embarrassing someone on purpose. Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body.

This includes kicking, hitting, pinching, tripping, pushing and taking someone’s things. Cyber bullying, takes place using electronic technology. This includes devices and equipment such as cell phones and computers. Spreading rumors and pictures through other communication tools include social media, text messages and websites.

As the month of October comes to an end, bullying prevention should be kept every month. It is done with the intention of purposely hurting someone and linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. Bullying should not be ignored.

Taking a stand and raising our voice can raise awareness on this crucial matter. The time is now.

The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning.

Letters can be e-mailed to Hellen.Papadacos@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification.

The online edition of the Times is available at http://issuu.com/sanjacintotimes Advertising space is available for $5.00 per column inch. Special rates are available. For news tips and information on advertising, contact the Times at 281-478-2752.

San Jacinto Times

October 29, 2012

8 DAYS A WEEK North

Monday, October 29

• Criminal Justice Bake Sale, 9 a.m., Courtyard

Tuesday, October 30 • Medical Assisting Bake Sale, 10 a.m., Courtyard

Wednesday, October 31 • Psychology Expo, 8:30 a.m., N12.200 • Disabilities Awareness Event, 9 a.m., Student Center Lobby • Art Department Film Viewing, 6 p.m., Fine Arts Theatre • Sex in the Middle Ages, 11:30 a.m., N10.128 • Robotics Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N7.220

Thursday, November 1 • Psychology Expo, 8:30 a.m., N12.200 • Culinary Club Meeting, 3 a.m., N12.215 • DeVry Transfer Recruiter, 10 a.m., Student Center Lobby

Friday, November 2 • Science Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N8.201 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 12 p.m.,

Central

Monday, October 29

• Martial Arts Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117 • College Democrats Meeting, 2:30 p.m., C2.224

Tuesday, October 30 • Creative Writers Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C3.257 • Kirk Thurmond Performance, 11:30 a.m., Raven Café • NSCS Meeting, 1 p.m., C1.233 • Psychology Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C2.204 • Sociology/Anthropology Club Presents Read a Book, 1 p.m., Library Lobby

Wednesday, October 31 • Raven Rally, 10:30 a.m., North Courtyard • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C15.115 • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117 • VYNE Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117

Page 3

Spotlight on Faculty Ag program not just about farming

Chris Villegas Staff Writer

Every year the world’s population grows substantially. As the population grows, so does the demand for food. In order to provide for the society of the future there has to be students who know how to make that happen. Agriculture plays an enormous part in economics. San Jacinto College now offers an agriculture program for students who are interested in making a difference Agriculturally.

San Jac started the program in the Fall 2011. Since then the program has seen a major interest from students. The courses that are under the program teach students about the agriculture industry, how to work in nurseries, and being a vet tech.

After a student’s credentials are met to acquire an associate’s degree in agriculture, San Jac offers a 2+2 agreement with selective major universities to further student’s education.

As agriculture jobs start to grow this leaves an opportunity for students to take advantage of the program offered at San Jac. “ The population is expected to increase to 10 billion by 2050. We will have to increase food production by 70 percent to feed everyone adequately,” professor Kate Jordan said. So many can see why jobs are expanding in this field of study.

Professor Kate Jordan also encourages all students to keep all fields of agriculture open. Food demand plays a detrimental roll in economies, so students of the future need to consume knowledge of how to deal with land and food shortages.

Around Campus

8 DAYS A WEEK North

Monday, November 5 • No Scheduled Activities

Tuesday, November 6 • Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N6.108 • Psychology Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N7.132

Wednesday, November 7 • Psychology Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., N7.132

Thursday, November 8 • PTK Meeting, 5 p.m., N12.215

Friday, November 9 • No Scheduled Activities

Saturday, November 10 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, November 11 • No Scheduled Activities

Courtesy of Kate Jordan

Students share a moment with professor Kate Jordan (3rd from left) at the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo parade.

Students can pursue careers, such as marketing and advertising that contribute to the agriculture industry. “Agriculture is not just about farming, but it is about feeding the hungry world,” professor Kate Jordan said.

Many courses are offered in the agriculture program such as animal science, plant science, and agriculture economics. Furthermore, the program has also created a club called the Agriculture, Wildlife, and Fisheries Club. The club is open to all students who have a general interest in Agriculture.

“There is a definite push to fur-

ther the agriculture program,” Professor, Kate Jordan said. The program is planning to create a show team. In addition, they are also putting forth the effort to acquire a barn to shelter the animals that are to be cared for by the students.

San Jac creating this new program creates an opportunity for students to be part of new research development. Developing a detailed plan for the future is an important aspect of living.

In context, the agriculture program is a definite calling to those who want to make a difference for the sake of humanity.

Central Monday, November 5 • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117 • College Democrats Meeting, 2:30 p.m., C2.224

Tuesday, November 6 • NSCS Meeting, 1 p.m., C1.233 • Psychology Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C2.204 • Sociology/Anthropology Club Presents Read a Book, 1 p.m., Library Lobby • TSEA Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.263

Wednesday, November 7 • X-Treme Zip, 9:30 a.m., North Courtyard • Methodist Blood Drive, 10 a.m., C14 Ballroom • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C15.115 • Martial Arts Club Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117 • VYNE Meeting, 1 p.m., C18.117

Thursday, November 8 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 1 p.m., C1.230 • GSA Meeting, 3 p.m., Raven Café

Thursday, November 1 • Student Nurses Association Bake Sale, 7 a.m., C14 by the Mural • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 1 p.m., C1.230 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., C20.261-263 • GSA Meeting, 3 p.m., Raven Café • Creative Writing Club Poetry Jam, 6 p.m., Raven Café

Friday, November 9 • TACHE Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.210

Saturday, November 10 • Gaming Society Meeting, 12 p.m., Student Center 1st Floor

Friday, November 2

Sunday, November 11

• TACHE Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.210

• No Scheduled Activities

South

Saturday, November 3 • Gaming Society Meeting, 12 p.m., Student Center 1st Floor

Monday, November 5

South

• MMA Meeting, 8:30 a.m., S21.120 • Coyote Future Teachers Club Meeting, 3 p.m., Volunteering Off Campus • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:15 p.m., Tennis Courts • Pre-Med Club Meeting, 5 p.m., S.102

Monday, October 29

• MMA Meeting, 8:30 a.m., S21.120 • Coyote Future Teachers Club Meeting, 3 p.m., Volunteering Off Campus • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:15 p.m., Tennis Courts • Pre-Med Club Meeting, 5 p.m., S.102

Tuesday, November 6

Tuesday, October 30 • SBF Meeting, 12 p.m., S11.111 • SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S11.228 • Coyote Future Teachers Club Meeting, 3 p.m., Volunteering Off Campus • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062

Wednesday, October 31 • HSF Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.208 • PBL Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2018 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.102 • WEBB Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.156

Thursday, November 1 • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S9.250 • HSF Scholarship Workshop, 2:30 p.m., S6.150 • SVA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2066 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062

Friday, November 2

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• HSF Scholarship Workshop, 9 a.m., S6.150 • MMA Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.120 • PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., S6.152

• 16th Annual Student Leadership Conference, 8 a.m., UHCL

Wednesday, November 7 • HSF Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.208 • PBL Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2018 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.102 • WEBB Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.156

Thursday, November 8 • The B.E.S.T. Club, 12 p.m., S22.109 • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S9.250 • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • 17 & Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Science Club Meeting, 4 p.m., S12.109

Friday, November 9 Talk to a recruiter today to learn more.

Saturday, November 3

• X-Treme Zip, 10 a.m., Student Center Lawn • SBF Meeting, 12 p.m., S11.111 • PTK & PBL Career Fair Workshop, 2:30 p.m., S12.101 • SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S11.228 • Coyote Future Teachers Club Meeting, 3 p.m., Volunteering Off Campus • Game Enterprise Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • 17 & Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts

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• MMA Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.120

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Saturday, November 10 • PBL Computer Camp, 8 a.m., ILC Atrium

October 29, 2012

From the Cover

San Jacinto Times

Outbreak

Continued from Page 1

“Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord,” said the CDC website, “The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.” Unlike bacterial meningitis, fungal meningitis

Page 6

is not contagious. The fungus that affected these injections is commonly linked to grass and dirt. In this case, fungus found itself into the steroid injections that began to make people sick.

The CDC is suggesting that clinicians contact patients who have received the injections associated with the infection.

“Patients and clinicians need to remain vigilant for onset of symptoms because fungal infections can be slow to develop,” the CDC said.

CDC scientists are currently

working on a way to end the meningitis outbreak. 90 percent of those affected have been contacted and informed of the outbreak.

According to The Associated Press, this is not the first time the company has been involved with contaminated injections.

In 2004, an 83-year-old man died after receiving a shot produced by the same compounding center. The NECC reached a final settlement in 2007 with his widow before the lawsuit went to trial.

HIV testing kit now available for home use

Anally De Leon Staff Writer

VP

Continued from Page 1

The vice president also handles dignitary functions for the president and is sometimes selected as a representative for other countries’ ceremonies when the president is unable to attend. Along with this, he also speaks on behalf of the president when visiting places across the United States.

Another interesting role for the vice president is their affiliation with space and ocean ex-

ploration. The vice president serves as chairman of the board for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This means that he plays a role in whether or not we go to Mars again. In fact, his official residence is at the United States Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. Another interesting role for the vice president is that he also serves as board member at the Smithsonian Institution.

The vice president is also considered the primary adviser to the president, but it wasn’t until after 1949 that the role as military adviser was cleared. This is because before this the pres-

Art by Chris Gaviria

ident technically did not have to tell the vice president what his military decisions were going to be. Eventually the Senate saw flaw in this and created a law that established the vice president as a member of the National Security Council.

When voting for a president, don’t just think of the running mate as the number two guy.

Overall 14 vice presidents have gone on to become president, including Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Calvin Coolidge and many more. So it is easy to consider that the running mate could one day hold the office of the president.

In 2009, the number of people aged 13 or older living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the US was an estimated 1,148,200, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Since then the numbers have risen.

There are two types of the virus; HIV-1 affects the antibodies much faster than HIV2, which is most common in West Africa. They both lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) that causes severe damage to the immune system and ultimately fatality.

It attacks by weakening the immune system and cause the body to be vulnerable to anything such as a simple cold.

The virus takes about two months to be fully active within the body.

HIV can be spread in a series of ways but is not limited to direct blood contact. This includes oral, vaginal and anal

sex. Oral sex being considered a low risk practice but cannot be ruled out completely. Medical cases have shown there is an undetermined way HIV can be contacted through the practice. Sharing needles for blood transfusions and illegal activities remain a high-risk activity for transmitting efficiently through the blood stream.

Laboratories in the US test all the blood that is donated before it reaches the blood bank to confirm it is not contaminated.

If you believe you have come to contact with the virus there is now a testing kit that is available over the counter at all major pharmacies. The testing kit can be preformed within the privacy of the consumers home. It contains all that is necessary to receive accurate results. The kit includes a retractable lancet and a blood specimen card. Once the blood is drawn and inserted into the card it is mailed off to an accredited laboratory for testing.

Depending on the product

purchase, availability to the results varies. Options are a standard or express testing kits. The standard test, which costs approximately $45, will have the results sent through mail within 7 business days.

On the other hand the express kit, which costs $60, delivers the results over the phone within a day.

Precautions to take from testing kits that claim they have results within 15 minutes through a sample of saliva or urine are deceitful. These testing kits give inaccurate results. They are labeled claiming the US Food and Drug Administration has approved them. The FDA is not affiliated with these products and is warning consumers of the fraudulent products.

There is no actual cure for the disease but medication is available to significantly slow the progressing of vital organs shutting down. If tested positive, immediately visit a medical facility to determine the progression state and begin taking the medications.

San Jacinto Times

October 29, 2012

Page 7

Student Life & Community

LGBT Stigma set aside for Coming Out Day Araceli Bautista Staff Writer

The social stigma of homosexuality can often leave someone afraid of publicly identifying themself as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Many feel ashamed and scared that their family and friends will not accept them.

National Coming Out Day (NCOD) was created to help ease the coming out process and is celebrated annually on Oct. 11. An international observance day, NCOD encourages those who identify as LGBT to come out to friends and family.

Not only reserved for the LGBT community, NCOD includes straight allies who help spread awareness and support of the gay community as well.

A San Jacinto College student, who preferred to remain anonymous, came out to

her family and said they were happy with the news. “It surprised me! I thought they’d hate me. Had I known they would have a positive reaction I would have come out a lot sooner,� the student said.

Another San Jac student, who also preferred to remain anonymous, came out via a social network. “Last year I posted a status on Facebook letting everyone know I’m gay. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it took a lot of stress out of the situation,� the student said.

The same student indicated that the status post received mostly positive feedback expressing support and love, but there were a few comments from friends and family who were not happy about the student’s revelation. “Some people didn’t take it well. I’m fine with that though. I think of myself as a very strong person

and the comments didn’t faze me,� the student added.

However, the student expressed concern for those who are not capable of dealing with hateful attitudes toward their sexuality.

When asked what advice they have for those who are apprehensive about coming out, the student said, “Be brave. There are so many people out there who will love and accept you as you are. Don’t let closed-minded people stop you from being yourself.�

Fellow San Jac student Rita Sauceda said, “I was terrified to come out. During the time I told my family I was gay, I didn’t have PSA’s telling me that it was OK for girls to like girls and TV shows with openly gay characters.�

Sauceda, who came out to her family in 2004, believes that the influence of

celebrities and pop culture plays a major role in the increasing tolerance and acceptance of the gay community. “I think it’s great. You see all these popular singers and actors openly supporting gay rights and I think it really helps people, especially the younger ones, feel a lot more accepted,� Sauceda said.

Singer-songwriter Frank Ocean released an open letter to the public in July discussing his love for another man when he was a teenager.

Ocean, who is affiliated with hip-hop group Odd Future and has worked with rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West, received praise and support from many musicians, critics and fans. “My hope is that babies born these days will inherit less of the bulls**t than we did,� wrote Ocean just before publishing the open letter on his blog.

Ocean’s wish is becoming more of a reality each day. With the recent announcement of the Democratic Party’s official pro-gay rights stance, individuals of the LBGT community are beginning to feel the support they have been yearning for.

An organization at San Jac is also doing its part. According to the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), the group’s chapters at San Jac South and Central aim to “promote equality help to educate and inform the general public about LGBT issues.�

The groups hold a variety of LGBT-positive events including “Break with Homophobia,â€? where students can show their support of gay rights by breaking a “homophobic piĂąata.â€?

South campus’ GSA meets each Thursday in the kaleidoscope room at the ILC at 2:30 p.m. and Central’s meets Thursdays at 3 p.m. in the student center.

baseball. We think that Venezuela needs to be better. So I told my brother, ‘We can do something to help our country. We know we have to learn from the bigger countries of this world.’ So he told me, ‘Alright brother, I will go.’ When he ďŹ rst came here, he didn’t like it very much.

But since then, he has changed a lot, because we are seeing a lot of good things here, so he realized he had to learn English if he wanted to learn more.�

But learning one of the most difďŹ cult languages in the world at an adult age is a hard task to complete.

Soon after Miguel Angels’ arrival, the Mendoza brothers moved to the Houston area, and after enrolling in the ESOL program at San Jacinto College, found a place for them to learn English in the at an even quicker pace.

At the beginning of the Fall 2011 semester, San Jacinto College-Central professors under the English for Students of Other Languages department (ESOL) created an organization designed to help foreign students enrolled in the college learn and come to understand the language and culture of America outside of

the classroom called Conversation CafĂŠ.

Conversation CafĂŠ was held in the lobby of the San Jac Library in the evenings, where non-English speaking students and native English speaking students came together in a group and held conversations in English. Those conversations varied from personal experience and the differences in cultures, but ultimately were driven by the students to create a learning environment for the ESOL students to learn how to speak English in everyday life.

The organization was a huge hit, bringing in dozens of volunteers and ESOL students of different cultures and ages and continued into this semester. The Mendoza brothers joined Conversation CafĂŠ in September and have since enjoyed it. “I think this class makes a point of something that I want to do all the time.â€?

Miguel Simon said. “This is helping me to know other countries, other cultures, and other people.�

The friendly environment has made its effect on the foreign students within the organization, including Chika Kato who

moved to America with her husband from Hiroshima, Japan ďŹ ve months ago. “My husband was transferred to Houston with his company, so I followed him.â€?

Chika said. “Maybe I will live here for three years, so I wanted to improve my English skills. It’s very good practice for me because when I talk with my husband, we only talk in Japanese. I don’t have a chance to talk to American people. So I joined Conversation CafĂŠ. Now I have courage to speak English.â€?

Leaders of the organization, Rayna ShawnďŹ eld and Karen Boyce are very satisďŹ ed with where the program has headed. “Ms. Boyce and I wanted our students to not only learn English in our classes, but to have the opportunity to practice English in real life situations.â€? ShawnďŹ eld said. “We also wanted them to become a part of the college community. I really think that it’s been beneďŹ cial, not just to our students, but to the volunteer American students.â€?

These volunteer native English-speaking students are made up of students enrolled in the speech classes at the central

campus. “I see students that seem to really enjoy it, and get to know our students, especially the ones that keep returning.�

ShawnďŹ eld said. “The students that come every week seem to really form a bond with our students.â€?

Conversation CafĂŠ is now held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the library and is open to whoever wants to join. The organization is not opposed to any students joining that are not in speech or ESOL. The only prerequisites are vocal chords and a mind to use them.

From the very beginning, America was ďŹ lled with immigrants. All were from different backgrounds, different races, and different languages. As time passed, there were times of difďŹ culty. Acceptance would eventually come and would bring along an understanding amongst the people that helped grow the nation into what it is today. And it’s still growing. Differences in languages, cultures, and customs create a barrier that can be difďŹ cult to cross. But Conversation CafĂŠ has done its best to build a bridge. It’s amazing what a little conversation can do.

ESOL students indulge in friendly conversation at cafe

Brooks Kubena Staff Writer

America has been the land of opportunity for many years. Thousands of people from different countries around the world immigrate to this land and bring with them their cultures, customs, and languages. But as with any movement to a foreign area, those same people learn to adapt into the American culture. That can be very difďŹ cult when you have been brought up in a different area with different culture and especially different languages, making it hard to communicate with citizens native to this country.

Such was the case of Venezuelan brothers, Miguel Simon Mendoza and Miguel Angel Mendoza. Miguel Simon had been living in America for a year and 11 months after moving from Venezuela, to play baseball in North Carolina. While playing baseball there, his coach also recruited his brother, and Miguel Simon asked his brother to come to America. “I decided to bring him for a special reason.� Miguel Simon said. “We are very political. This is our passion, aside from

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October 29, 2012

San Jacinto Times

Page 8

Sports & Fitness

From the Houston Texans: Super Bowl or Bust

Jaclyn Bates

Community Editor

Tailgates, a plethora of food and beer, team jerseys, and bad referee calls, these can only mean one thing: football season. The Houston Texans are proving that they deserve a chance at the Super Bowl. Their season looks hopeful so far.

The Texans played the Miami Dolphins in game one. Arian Foster had two touchdown runs. Matt Schaub, the Texans quarterback, threw a touchdown pass to Andre Johnson. Defensive end J.J. Watt deflected two passes that resulted in interceptions. Schaub contract was set to expire after the 2012 season, but it was renewed through 2016. He was given a $62 million extension.

Although the end result of the game was a solid “W” for the Texans, they started the game out fairly sluggish. The team received the extra oomph it needed from its defense, which was responsible for last year’s playoff drive. According to CBSSports.com, Gary Kubiak, the Texans coach, said, “I like the way we were able to work through our uneasiness early in the game and be a darn good football team there in the second quarter.” The Texans finished strong with a 30-10 win.

In game two, the Texans faced the Jacksonville Jaguars. Foster ran for 110 yards and a touchdown while Ben Tate added 74 yards and two scores. The Texans ultimately overwhelmed the Jaguars. In the first half, the Texans gained 242 yards and built a 17-point lead.

The Jaguars completed the game with a franchise-low of 117 yards. The Jaguars were named “least productive offense” in the NFL’s 2011 season; their performance in this game was even worse than anything they did last season.

The Texans dominated the Jaguars in every way. Houston finished with 411 yards, ran 83 plays, managed 28 first downs, and converted eight of 17 times on third down. Jacksonville ran only 38 plays and had the ball for a total of 16 minutes and 43 seconds, another franchise low. The Texans won 27-7. According to nbcsports.com, Watt said, “We were mad that we started slow last game so we came out here with

a mission, a goal, to start fast. Two 20 point wins the first two weeks? That’s what you’re supposed to do.”

In their third game, the Texans overcame the Broncos 31 to 25. This is the notorious game when Schaub lost a chunk of his ear as a result of a brutal hit. With this win, the Texans season record is 3-0, which added up to be a first for the franchise’s 11-season history. The Texans have played Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning, 19 times. This was only the Texans’ third

The Texans crushed the Tennessee Titans 3814 on September 30. This win left the Texans with a spotless 4-0 season record up to that point. Danieal Manning and Kareem Jackson returned interceptions for touchdowns and Schaub threw two touchdown passes. Foster had a touchdown run as well. The Titans quarterback left in the first quarter after injuring his left shoulder during a hit by Glover Quin.

Decorated in pink shoes, socks, sweatbands, and mouthpieces, the Texans beat the New York

Photo Courtery of Zach Leleux

The Houtson Texans and the Baltimore Ravens huddle before their showdown at Reliant Statium Sunday Oct. 21.

win against Manning.

Watt finished the game strong with two and a half sacks and forced a holding call in the third quarter that nullified a 36-yard gain. Foster finished with 105 yards on 25 carries for Houston.

The Texans converted on four third downs and went 97 yards to take a 14-5 lead. Schaub hit Foster, who was covered by Broncos defensive lineman Kevin Vickerson, for a three yard score that Foster celebrated by blowing kisses to the crowd. According to espn.com, Manning said, “We have to learn from this game, address it, be honest, everybody needs to be accountable and try to improve forward. Everybody would love to be 3-0 right now.”

Jets for the first time in team history, ending with a 23-17 victory. Foster ran for 152 yards and a touchdown, earning him the title of “player of the game.” Although the Jets were heavy underdogs after last week’s tough loss of 34-0 to the San Francisco 49ers, they challenged the Texans.

According to CBSSports.com, Schaub said, “We’re very excited to be 5-0 and get a win on the road.” The enthusiasm was flattened when star linebacker and top tackler Brian Cushing suffered a knee injury and left the game. It has been confirmed that Cushing has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.

According to huffingtonpost.com, Kubiak said,

“(The injury) is a big blow for our team. We have to have guys to pick it up around him and we’ve got to find a way to move forward. We’re all just disappointed for him. It’s a tough day for him.”

The Texans played a disappointing game, Sunday Oct. 14. The Green Bay Packers conquered with an upsetting final score of 42-24. Aaron Rodgers, the Packers quarterback, proved to be an important part of the game, completing 24 of 37 passes for 338 yards.

The Texans were full of penalties during the game. Manning was called for a personal foul.

Linebacker Connor Barwin accidentally stepped on a players’ back, resulting in unsportsmanlike conduct. Sam Shields intercepted one of Schaub’s passes. The Texans fans began filing out of Reliant Stadium soon after the interception even though there was still 14 minutes remaining. Cushing’s absence was greatly noticed. This tough loss left the Texans with a 5-1 record.

However, the Texans bounced back with a fantastic victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday Oct. 21. Schaub threw two touchdown passes and Foster ran for two scores. Schaub completed 23 of 37 passes for 256 yards. The Texans set a franchise record for points in a game and finished with 420 yards. The final score was a brilliant 43-13. The Texans season is now 6-1.

According to CBSsports.com, Ravens linebacker, Terrell Suggs, said, “It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not something we’re going to take lightly, either.” If the Ravens clean up their act, there could be a possible rematch down the road in the playoffs where the Ravens can prove themselves.

The Texans are predicted to finish the season with a number one ranking out of thirty-two teams. Lance Zierlien, a sports blogger and Chron.com reporter, predicts that the Texans will come out first in the American Football Conference South division with an 11-5 season finish and will play the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game. Houston is anxious for the outcome of the season. Could the Texans be Super Bowl bound? All that the fans can do is believe and repeat the Texans’ new mantra: Super Bowl or bust!

Aqua Detox offers alternative for wellness Monica Davila Staff Writer

Taking all the toxins out of your body through your feet may sound painful but think of your feet being massaged while this is happening.

Toxins come in different forms. If they are helpful positive and negative ions, the body puts them to work. If they are destructive ions, the body has to figure out a way to release them.

Many toxins produce free radicals, “robbers,” because they rob the body of its balance. Over time these free radicals can degenerate and mutate the body.

A detox foot massage is a controversial type of hydration therapy that draws the toxins and metals that build up from food, drinks, and the air out of the feet. Using reflexology, it is said to re-balance, re-energize, and detox the body.

The detoxing device has a small cylindrical ap-

paratus that sends positive and negative ions that go through the body and stimulates the cells.

One of many testimonials on the Aqua Detox site is that of a disabled Desert Storm veteran had symptoms of the Desert Storm Syndrome.

Having a distressed liver for years, and lower back pain he was skeptical about the treatment.

By the fourth session he was pain free and on his way to better health.

Although Aqua Detox International is no longer affiliated with Aqua Detox USA, both companies agree that the claims that Stephan Barrett M.D. is a former psychiatrist who criticizes alternative care, made about the aqua detox system being a scam were made before the publication of their research. Also, before they had obtained the Class II-A Medical Approval in Europe. Europe approves devices on safety, not effectiveness. Aqua Detox has many articles on their website that criticize their work

and replies to each one.

Aqua Detox USA claims the body will continue to release toxins for up to 48 hours after the initial treatment and its best to wait a full 48 hours before the next treatment. 6 treatments are recommended in a 4-6 week period for maximum benefits.

During the treatment, the system will not differentiate between good and bad ions. Professionals at Aqua Detox recommend taking any medication several hours before or immediately after the treatment.

When the toxins are released the distilled water will change colors starting from yellow to black when the 30-minute treatment is complete. There is a chance that impurities will float in the water. This is no a cause for alarm, it is normal. If you are pregnant, have electrical implants, epileptic seizures, or organ transplants you cannot have this treatment. Organizations affiliated with the National Council Against

Health Fraud have performed experiments and noticed that even without anything in the device the water changes colors.

Some problems of this treatment are, water must be replenished into your body or fainting will occur.

Having the treatment done over a period of time is expensive but you can do it at home.

Systems can be purchased and although full systems are over $1000.00 according to studies it is not an ordinary foot spa.

Another testimonial from the Aqua Detox site, Sarah Dougherty began taking medication after being diagnosed with Terminal Interstitial Lung Disease. The medication was causing her liver levels to spike.

To help, she began the foot detoxing treatment and nine months later her liver returned to normal levels and she could go back to taking her medication. Her disease remains stable, neither progressing nor regressing.

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