2/28/11

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San Jacinto Times Vol. 21, No. 13

The Student Publication of the San Jacinto College District

Feb. 28, 2011

www.sanjacintotimes.com

PACKING HEAT?

Texas considers allowing guns on campus

Graphics by Chris Shelton

By ASHLEY ALLYN San Jacinto Times

Texas wants to give college students and professors the right to carry guns on campus, creating a national campaign to advocate firearms. But should people be allowed to carry concealed weapons on college campuses? Gun advocates believe so and argue that this will help end the threats like the ones posed by the most recent shooting by a University of Texas student. The Texas House of Representatives have signed as co-authors in helping to direct universities to allow concealed handguns. A similar bill was passed by the Senate in 2009 and expected to do so once again. Current law states that college buildings in Texas are gun-free zones. However, Texas has become a center point for this issue due to its gun culture and its size, with 38 public universities and more than 500,000 students. If this bill is passed, college students and faculty are allowed to carry a concealed handgun with them on the college campus, license permitting. Supporters of this bill, such as Derek Titus a senior at Texas A&M, who has a state license to carry a concealed handgun, says allowing

this law would improve everyone’s chance of survival. Titus believes, “Gun-free zones are shooting galleries for the mass murderers… we do not feel that we must rely on the police or security forces to defend our lives.” Senator Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio says “it’s strictly a matter of self-defense… I don’t ever want to see repeated on a Texas college campus what happened at Virginia Tech, where some deranged, suicidal madman goes into a building and is able to pick off totally defenseless kids like sitting ducks.” The measure’s proponents say it could help prevent campus gun violence, such as the shootings at Virginia Tech in 2007, Northern Illinois in 2008 and University of Texas-Austin, just last year. When a San Jacinto Central student, Daniel Slade was asked his view point on passing this law he said “I am for it! There are some crazy people on our campus. And campus police can’t be everywhere at one time.” When the same question was asked to another San Jacinto Central student, Gaby Arredondo, she said “I believe that they should allow them if you have the proper training and permits. See GUNS on Page 7

Photo by Michael Deats

Tired of narcolepsy Narcolepsy is no joke for students.

Sleep disorder a real issue By KELLY JUNEAU San Jacinto Times

“Wake up!” My friend smacks my desk and I wake with a start. Laughter ensues from the other side of the room as I jerk upright, rubbing my blurry eyes, trying to remember when exactly I fell asleep this time. I know I should feel embarrassed, nodding off in the middle of the classroom during lecture- but after years of falling asleep in class, I’m pretty immune to it. It’s just a fact of my life- I fall asleep, all the time, everyday, no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I just

can’t help it; I’m a narcoleptic. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disease that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and frequent sleep attacks. It is believed to occur in individuals who produce a low amount of the protein hypocretin and who have abnormalities in the area controlling REM sleep in the brain. There currently is no cure, but once identified it can be treated with various stimulating medications and certain antidepressants. Typically, the onset of narcolepsy happens during adolescence, but often See SLEEP on PAGE 7

San Jac is District 8 champion It’s all Weller and good for prof By VICTOR ARAIZA San Jacinto Times

Interviews, Chapter Business Procedure, Opening and Closing ceremony, and Prepared Speech, among others. This portion is open to all contestSan Jacinto College-Central recently hosted the ants and for that reason draws a higher number of 2011 SkillsUSA Texas District Eight competitors and difficulty. Championships on February 5-6. The annual The “Skills” portion pits contestants against other regional event that pits high school student com- schools within their own division of vocational petitors in a multitude of vocational skills contests study (i.e. students in a school with a cosmetology called San Jacinto College home for the fifth con- program compete in only cosmetology competisecutive year. tions). Some of the areas exhibIf you take weekend courses ited include Auto Technician at SJC Central, you may have Repair, Carpentry, and noticed all the young men and Computer Maintenance. women walking around cam“The atmosphere at this compus in their signature red blazpetition is very unique to that of ers that is part of their profesother student organizations,” sional attire. Every year, stusaid Mr. James Martinez, a dents travel from high schools computer maintenance instructhat belong to a school district tor at the Rudy C. Vara Center Photo by Victor Araiza for Technology and a serving in the greater Houston area to compete at the district level in San Jac students lead the way in a board member of District Eight. hopes of attaining a qualifying creative competion “I’ve entered my students to spot at the state championships. compete for almost 10 years now Districts with schools involved in the competitions and the competition gets more intense, students are include Houston, Klein, Aldine, Galena Park, and better prepared in all areas, and the projects become Pasadena ISD. more innovative, and it’s great to see that continued Competitions are divided into two sub categories: growth.” “Leadership” and “Skills”. The “Leadership” portion features contests that are common to the proSee CHAMPS on PAGE 7 fessional business environment such as Job

Opinion

Opposing viewpoints over the upcoming gun legislation. Page 2.

Numbers

A look at one of Houston’s most influential clubs. Page 4.

By ASHLEY CRUZ San Jacinto Times

Dr. Eddie Weller is the chairman and a teacher for San Jacinto’s History department. After receiving his undergraduate at TCU, he attended Southwestern Seminary while working at an innercity church. A year later he returned to TCU to obtain his masters and PHD. It was while working on his dissertation, that he applied for a job here at San Jacinto College and has continued to teach history here since he was hired in 1989. One can clearly see Dr. Weller’s passion for history expressed through his achievements. Not only has he aided in writing historical books, but his dissertation was published by the University of Arkansas Press. He also serves as a board member for the Texas State Historical Association and the president-elect of the Southwestern Social Sciences Association. Within the last ten years he has had about twenty students get their work published by Touchstone. Watching his students accomplish this has made him very proud. Currently Dr. Weller teaches Texas History and both halves of US History. He also teaches the honors sections of US History. When asked which course was his favorite to teach he enthusiastically replied, “Oh man! That’s hard…the next one that is coming up!” He is very passionate about teaching and admits that the downside to becoming the

Bad girls club

A review of the current season of the bad girls club. Page 5.

department chair is that he cannot teach as many courses. He loves working with students and believes that “if the student can learn to think analytically, think critically, and solve problems, they can do anything.” He considers history is great for helping students develop these life skills. Dr. Weller says he faces two challenges in teaching history courses. The first is that many students come into the course hating history and expect it to be all about memorizing dates. This however is a challenge he confidently rises up to. See WELLER on Page 7

Photo courtesy of sanjac.edu

From left to right Dr. Eddie Weller, students, Erin Quinones, Amelia Giles of El Lago, President Dr. Maureen Murphy; and Dr. Toni Pendergrass, SJC South vice president of instruction.


Opinion/Commentary

Guns on campus: an open debate

February 28, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 2

The case for: People kill people

The case against: More crime

MCT Campus

Govenor Rick Perry certainly has no problems with handguns or proper safety By CRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ San Jacinto Times

By ASHLEY CRUZ San Jacinto Times

Texas is considering a bill to allow concealed handguns on college campuses. More then half of the members of the Texas House have already signed on. Texas has always been for guns and the freedom of owning guns. Many people fear that this will bring more violence and fear on to school campuses. They bring up examples of situations like the shooting at Virginia Tech. Opponents’ main concern is that any little thing could trigger bigger more shootings and more deaths. Which is why this is a valid idea. Those students that day at Virginia Tech had no form of protection. Some people may argue that even having a gun wont help in that situation, but surely it would give students and professors a fighting chance. Others opposed to the bill say that they will live in fear that someone they know will someday pull a gun on them. I don’t fear the person I know; it is the person I don’t know. If a person has real issues and wants to harm others, they simply will. Under this proposal, guns would only be allowed with a license. The dangerous people are those who did not take a class for a license to carry legally. People with bad intentions to kill will carry a gun to school whether it’s allowed or not. The only difference I see with having this law passed is that if one day someone does come into one of my classes on a rampage, I have a chance at stopping the assailant. People can fear guns all they want, but fear will not help the situation. If people who are planning attacks knew that many people on campus have guns, they might think twice. I like that idea rather then just being stuck like sitting ducks. You can live your life every day in fear, because schools are not the only place that guns are to be found. You can get shot or mugged any place. Or you could decide to be proactive by helping this bill pass so that there will be more good people with guns than bad.

MCT Campus

Homework. Notebook. Books. Pencil. Gun. Does this seem like a list of the average items found in a college student’s checklist? According to a bill supported by more than half of the Texas House members, it just might become the new norm. Many argue for or against this decision, however, allowing student’s to carry a concealed weapon is not merely a way of preventing devastations such as the shooting at Virginia Tech. This decision will only fuel the possibilities of violence. Although the potential for big shootings may decrease, crimes on a more subtle scale will increase. Enabling a student to bring a gun to school will only encourage students to carry out their plans to do harm if they desire so. Although most people might expect students in college to be responsible with how they handle their weapon, it is not true for everyone. While some may only carry and use it for self-defense others will abuse this privilege. There will be those who feel more comfortable to threaten others because of easy access to their weapon. Even if their intention is not to physically harm someone, they may accidentally fire for a number of reasons. If students are allowed to carry a weapon with them, then the security influence on college campuses will need to be a lot stronger than it is. There are other ways of preventing bad conditions from getting worse. Placing the gun into the hands of a violent individual is not the solution.

This week’s rant: enough about Obama’s birth certificate It’s played out. It really has. It doesn’t make any sense. Those three phrases could apply to a great many things in this day and age, but today, I use them for the densest of politicos. The Birthers, or as they used to be called, The Klan. Really? Is that the best you can do? The President is black, so therefore he’s from Kenya or Zaire? By the by, if you’re going to keep saying the President isn’t from the United States, try and keep which Country he’s from limited to one. So, your main gripe is “he has no long form Birth Certificate!” Okay, well, very few people do. Long form is what the super-rich gets to frame later on. It’s a really fancy way of saying that even from birth there’s a pleasantly awkward class difference. I have one and nobody has ever asked to see it. Though, that’s probably because I’m white. Honestly, my problem isn’t with your nearly scary level of stubbornness, it’s the fact that this is the best you can do. I’m not saying this is motivated by racial undertones, I’m just saying it’s probably motivated by racial undertones. We’d all have more respect for you if you just admitted that. You have no evidence that supports your “theory”, and most of the documents you’ve tried to pass off have been publicly shown to be done on Photoshop. Not even two different birth announcements in two different papers was enough. Come on, guys. You can do better! Isn’t it time you started producing statements from non-existent people like you tried to do with President Clinton? I’m sure there exist plenty of believable looking out of work actors who would do it. You guys have a whole “news” network that will devote hours and hours to something that is clearly fake and driven by a 1950’s zeal to avoid acknowledging the contributions of certain types of people. Alas, I don’t blame you entirely. Odds are you grew up being told everyone whom you disagreed with was a communist or socialist. I’m sure that’s a great debate strategy when everyone agrees with each other, it just makes you look delightfully backwards whenever one of your “experts” makes it on the news. I don’t blame you; I just blame you for being really unoriginal. - HARRISON LEE EDITOR

Maria Chavez

MANAGING EDITOR Michael Deats

DESIGN/WEB EDITOR

San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications

Chris Shelton

ASSISTANT EDITORS Amanda Rae Sowa, Joseph Eng CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Harrison Lee

CIRCULATION Cristal Calvillo

ADVERTISING Sara Quintana

ADVISER Fred Faour

The San Jacinto Times is published weekly 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.

The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning. Letters can be e-mailed to fred.faour@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification. The online edition of the Times is available at www.sanjacintotimes.com. 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 281-4782752.


Around campus Espanol Norte

Martes, Marzo 1

• Junta del club Phi Theta Kappa, 1:00 p.m., NLIB 208 • Junta del club de Rotaract, 1:00 p.m., NSTC S215 • Junta del club de psicología, 1:30 p.m., NBCB C1038

Viernes, Marzo 4 • Concierto de las bellas artes de viernes gratis 11:30 a.m., NFAB 103

Sábado, Marzo 5 • Cook off de la primavera organizado por el club de culinario, 10:00 a.m., North Campus

Central

Lunes, Febrero 28

• La oficina de la vida estudiantil presentaEvolution (mira come te miraras en siete diferente tiempos de tu vida), 9:30 a.m., Student Center • Junta de prepara el Camino, 11:30 a.m., CSTC 320A/B

Martes, Marzo 1 • Estudio bíblico del ministerio del estudiante bautista, 1 p.m., BSM building • Juta del club de VYNE, 1:30 p.m., CSTC 210A/B • Junta del club de GSA, 2:30 p.m., CADM 204 • estudio lógico del grupo del club de filosofía, 2:30 p.m., CADM W106 • Gimnasio Abierto- Basquetbol, voleibol, Nintendo Wii (traer tu identificación de estudiante), 5:00 p.m., Auxiliary Gym • Junta de los oficiales del club de filosofía, 4:00 p.m., CADM W106

Miércoles, Marzo 2 • Lonche gratis de parte de BSM, 11:30 a.m., BSM building • Estudio de la biblia de parte del ministerio del estudiante bautista, 1:00 p.m., BSM Building • Junta del club de VYNE, 1:30 p.m., CSTC 210A/B -junta de la sociedad de Anime, 2:00 p.m., CADM W112 • Junta del club de filosofía, 2:30 p.m., CADM W106 * Gimnasio Abierto- Basquetbol, voleibol, Nintendo Wii (traer tu identificación de estudiante), 5:00 p.m., Auxiliary Gym

Campus rules have reason

BY PRISCILA ZARAZUA San Jacinto Times

In the beginning, my first objective for this article was to talk about speeding on San Jacinto Campuses. And as I had my interview with Dr. Jeffrey Van Slyke, Chief of Police, I realized the importance of police at our college. The role of police officers at college is not to intimidate but to help in any way possible. Officers at San Jacinto College are not just here to issue out warnings or tickets to students and staff. They are also here to assists us when we have trouble with our cars. They help us get our car open when we lock our keys in, escort us to our car when it is late at night, help sick and injured students and staff, and even help us with directions when we are lost.

We might have a negative impression of cops. We complain that cops treat us badly and maybe they have, but we sometimes omit that we had a defensive attitude toward an officer. Attitude is very important when dealing with a cop, Dr. Van Slyke encourages us to cooperate and graduate and to not say sorry but be truly apologetic. “I also encourage officers [to] not be cynical,” said Dr. Van Slyke.

All three campuses have speed limits; the maximum speed limit on the North campus is 15 mph on streets and parking lots. The South campus maximum speed limit is 15 mph on streets and 10 mph on parking lots, while the Central campus maximum speed limits are 25 mph on streets and 15 mph on parking lots. We might not see police officers on campuses all the time, that’s because there is a shortage of officers at the moment.Dr. Van Slyke says that the cops are doing a good job and encourages officers to be consistently inconsistent when patrolling the streets. Once a cop pulls you over for speeding he is authorized to give you a warning ticket, a San Jacinto ticket, which fines vary from $20.00 to $80.00, or a State ticket, which can go up well into the hundreds and stay on your record.

San Jacinto Community College District Police Department has a shared partnership with Pasadena Police Department and Houston Police Department. If there is crime, a person can be arrested and taken to jail.

According to the San Jacinto Community College District Police Department annual activity report September 01, 2009 through August 31, 2010: Number of SJCD warning tickets: 1603 (central 66, north 360, south 1177) Number of SJCD tickets: 7396 (central 2523, north 2638, south 2235) Number of States tickets: 52 (central 7, north 39, south 6) Number of vehicle accidents: 124 (central 40, north 35, south 49) Number of motorist assisted: 1968 (central 669, north 557, south 742) Number of doors locked: 3181 (central 1323, north 768, south 1090) Number of doors unlocked: 1705 (central 548, north 456, south 701) Number of alarm calls: 312 (central 148, north 99, south 65) Number of students escort details: 6049 (central 5855, north 77, south 117) Number of employee escort details: 870 (central 219, north 18, south 633) Number of sick/injured person calls: 122 (central 53, north 41, south 28) Important advice Dr. Van Slyke can give any one is to be honest, respect traffic laws, other drivers, and pedestrians. And the most important advice he gives is to not use your cellphone while driving.

Viernes, Marzo 4 • Junta del club de sociología/antropología, 12:30 p.m., CADM W124

Sábado, Marzo 5 • Junta de la sociedad de juegos, 12:00 p.m., CSTC 210 A/B

Lunes, Marzo 7 • Junta de Prepara el Camino, 11:30 a.m., CSTC 210 A/B

Sur

Lunes, Febrero 28 • Exposición de arte Hush por Ann Wood (L-V), 8:30 a.m., Black Box Theater, Fine Arts Building • Junta de Psi Beta, 1:00 p.m., Cuarto 1101 • Junta de SGA, 3:00 p.m., Cuarto 4202 • Junta del club de tenis, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Junta del club de artes marciales mixtos, 8:30 p.m., GYM

Martes, Marzo 1 • Junta de la sociedad de juegos, 3:30 p.m., Cuarto 2141 • Junta del grupo de bloque del escritor, 6:00 p.m., Cuarto 3200

Miercoles, Marzo 2 • Reunión de la biblia estudiantil, 11:30 a.m., Game Room • Junta de la sociedad de WEBB, 2:30 p.m., Cuarto 1131

Jueves, Marzo 3 • Junta de Phi Beta Lambda, 2:30 p.m., Cuarto 2208 • Junta de la asociación de los estudiantes veteranos, 3:30 p.m., Superior de las escaleras, Student Center • Junta de la sociedad de juegos, 3:30 p.m., Cuarto 2141

Lunes, Marzo 7 • Junta de Psi Beta, 1:00 p.m., Cuarto 1101 • Junta de SGA, 3:00 p.m., Cuarto 4202 • Junta del club de tenis, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts •Junta del club de artes marciales mixtos, 8:30 p.m., GYM

8 DAYS A WEEK North

Monday, February 28 • No Scheduled Activities

Tuesday, March 1 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 1 p.m., NLIB 208A • Rotaract Club Meeting, 1 p.m., NSTC S215 • Psychology Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., NBCB C1038

Wednesday, March 2 • No Scheduled Activities

Thursday, March 3 • No Scheduled Activities

Friday, March 4 • Fine Arts Friday Free Concert, 11:30 a.m., NFAB 103 • Science Club Meeting, 11:30 a.m., NADM B2101

Saturday, March 5 • Spring Cook-Off Hosted by the Culinary Club, 10 a.m., North Campus

Sunday, March 6 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, March 7

Central

• No Scheduled Activities

Monday, February 28 • The Office of Student Life Presents- Evolution (See What You Will Look Like at 7 Different Times in Your Life), 9:30 a.m., Student Center • Prepare the Way Meeting, 11:30 a.m., CSTC 210A/B

Tuesday, March 1 • Baptist Student Ministry Bible Study, 1 p.m., BSM Building • VYNE Meeting, 1:30 p.m., CSTC 210A/B • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., CADM 204 • Philosophy Club Logic Study Group, 2:30 p.m., CADM W106 • Open Gym- Basketball, Volleyball, Nintendo Wii (w/Student ID), 5 p.m., Auxiliary Gym • Philosophy Club Officer’s Meeting, 4 p.m., CADM W106

Wednesday, March 2 • BSM Free Lunch, 11:30 a.m., BSM Building • Baptist Student Ministry Bible Study, 1 p.m., BSM Building • VYNE Meeting, 1:30 p.m., CSTC 210A/B • Anime Society Meeting, 2 p.m., CADM W112 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., CADM W106 • Open Gym- Basketball, Volleyball, Nintendo Wii (w/Student ID), 5 p.m., Auxiliary Gym

Jueves, Marzo 3 * Café del alma de parte de BSM, 11:00 a.m., BSM Building * Junta de ASID, 11:30 a.m., CAND R215 * Junta del club de Filosofía, 2:30 p.m., CADM W106 * Junta del club de SIFE, 3:00 p.m., CSTC 202C

February 28, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 3

Thursday, March 3

Pet scam hits home hard

Photo by Harrison Lee/San Jacinto Times

Parking related offenses lead all campuses.

BY JANNETTE MARIN San Jacinto Times

Have you ever had your hopes up and as a result your feelings are completely destroyed? Well I was a victim of a scam and was left heartbroken over this false situation. I wanted to buy a puppy more than anything in the world; therefore, I called different shelters and searched online for any adoptions. A few days later I came across an email from a seller that moved to Cameroon, Nigeria from California and tells me that the puppy needs a new home because the weather in Africa is not adaptable for the dog. The price was affordable and the puppy was beautiful, I was excited to receive a new member of the family. Through out the whole time we communicated by emails; I sent the money order and I received a phone call from the Nigeria airport confirming the shipping of the dog. I was thrilled and could not wait to tell my family! The next day I received a phone call from the same location telling me that the dog could not be shipped because I needed to pay an X amount of money for an insurance document the puppy needed in order to be able to be transferred into the United States. As soon as I was notified, I became so angry and cried. I soon realized it was fraud. I told all my family and friends I was soon going to get my puppy and I even purchased food, toys, and its very own bed.

With happiness I waited for the puppy to arrive, and after the devastating news, I felt as if I lost a baby that never came. I was completely blind from the start and at the end I realized signs of a scam situation. It is said that scammers have made animal lovers their target through email campaigns and try to earn money by selling kittens and puppies. The strategy of Nigerian and Cameroon scammers is stealing the images and names of pets from genuine Australian pet homes to put them for sale on websites. I knew this was too good to be true, even though their emails seemed truthful and legitimate. I was

told that the transportation was going to be taken care of and once it arrives at my nearest airport, the staff was going to deliver the puppy straight to my home. Now I ask myself, was I going to sit down, relax and wait for the dog at my doorstep? I feel unintelligent believing that. This person I was communicating with asked me to send monthly pictures of the puppy and that he was going to send the puppy’s accessories, toys, registration documents, pedigree records, and had health guarantee for a year. To good to be true, right? I should of known from the start! Now I look back to the emails and phone numbers and see hundreds of red flags. The emails look unprofessional and have the lettering in different fonts and colors.

The phone numbers are ridiculous, instead of four numbers at the end there are five and the number I was called from started with an area code then was numbered from one through seven. As we were communicating, I noticed a strange attitude desperate for the money, but I ignored it and sent the money order. All frauds require the money to be sent through Western Union, which is another clear sign that it is a scam. They are very good at what they do. They paint the picture with beautiful colors but right behind it is full of false statements. I was one of many to be fooled, and they did not only take my money but also left me with a broken heart. Anyone out there that is interested in buying anything from online, make sure there is a phone number to call and do not get involved with a long distant deal. This is a lesson I learned; not to trust sellers until I directly speak to them in person from now on. 5 warning Signs of a Scam: •Limited contact information •The statement that it will take no work on your part •Rushing you to make a decision •Payment through Western Union •Emails are unprofessional (Letters in different fonts and color)

CLASSIFIED

ROOM FOR RENT - Female only. Breakfast and laundry services provided. Home environment. Off Fairmont Parkway. Contact: Saleem @ (832) 788-4687

• BSM Soul Cafe, 11 a.m., BSM Building • ASID Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m., CAND R215 • Philosophy Meeting, 2:30 p.m., CADM W106 • SIFE Meeting, 3 p.m., CSTC 202C

Friday, March 4 • Sociology/Anthropology Club Meeting, 12:30 p.m., CADM W124

Saturday, March 5 • Gaming Society Meeting, 12 p.m., CSTC 210A/B

Sunday, March 6 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, March 7

South

• Prepare the Way Meeting, 11:30 a.m., CSTC 210A/B

Monday, February 28

• Hush Art Exhibit by Ann Wood (M-F), 8:30 a.m., Black Box Theater, Fine Arts Building • Psi Beta Meeting, 1 p.m., Room 1101 • SGA Meeting, 3 p.m., Room 4202 • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Mixed Martial Arts Club Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym

Tuesday, March 1 • Gaming Guild Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Room 2141 • Writer’s Block Meeting, 6 p.m., Room 3200

Wednesday, March 2 • Student Bible Fellowship, 11:30 a.m., Game Room • WEBB Society Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Room 1131

Thursday, March 3 • Phi Beta Lambda Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Room 2208 • Student Veterans Association Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Top of Stairs, Student Center • Gaming Guild Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Room 2141

Friday, March 4 • No Scheduled Activities

Saturday, March 5 • No Scheduled Activities

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Sunday, March 6 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, March 7 • Psi Beta Meeting, 1 p.m., Room 1101 • SGA Meeting, 3 p.m., Room 4202 • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Mixed Martial Arts Club Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Gym


Music/entertainment

Numbers still adds up

Local club still making it count with new talent coming around BY MATT ADAMIAK San Jacinto Times

The live music scene in Houston is a fickle creature indeed. Over the years we have seen surges of fantastic live shows as well as our fair share of music dry spells. We have seen new venues sprout up out of nowhere, and some tragically crumble to the pavement. However, amidst all the chaos, the little grey building at 300 Westheimer is still chugging along. Numbers has been a part of Houston’s music scene for over 30 years and, just like the rest of the industry, has seen its share of ups and downs. However, it would appear that things are once again on the rise for one of Houston’s oldest venues. Despite the plain grey exterior of the building itself, Numbers has a very colorful concert history. Famed artists ranging from Nine Inch Nails to Grandmaster Flash have graced the infamous Numbers stage with their musical talent throughout the 80s and 90s. This momentum carried out through the early years of the new millennium, but up until recently the venue began to focus more on its club scene, rather than live music. Things did eventually change for Numbers, thanks in part to local promoter, Michael Kelley. After many years of promoting and co-owning venues such as Javajazz, The Junction, and the recently shut-down Meridian, Mike has made Numbers his new regular venue. His company Onstage Events have an agreement with the venue giving him control of all of Numbers’ live music events. “The main reason for being involved with Numbers is the integrity of all the parties involved,” explains Mike, “The people at Numbers are first rate. The management is superb and the venue has given me the absolute freedom to do as I wish and it has made for a great working relationship.” For those of us who have kept up with the music scene over the past year, Mike was responsible for shows such as Cannibal Corpse, Wu-Tang Clan, and even comedian Bo Burnham appearing at Numbers.

Mike however insists that the success of the venue lies more with its reputation: “I’m just the middle man. The bands, the DJs; they are the contributors. I’m sort of the scary dude behind the curtain that just facilitates the magic.” While many national acts occupy the stage at Numbers, there are many local artists getting their time in the spotlight as well, for they are the life-force that keeps the industry running. When asked about the criteria required for locals to perform at the venue, Mike replied: “We put on a lot of locals only shows at Numbers, mainly with the purpose of ‘separating the wheat from the chaff’ if you will. The bands that promote themselves heavily, put on a good show, and act professionally; those are the bands that get added to touring shows later on down the line. [Keep in mind], just adding the show to your MySpace or Facebook profile and expecting people to show up is not promoting your show.” It pretty much goes without saying that Numbers has established itself as a Houston landmark for live music. In previous interviews, Mike described it as “Houston’s own CBGB,” which is probably the most accurate way to describe the venue’s success in a nutshell. So whether you live in Houston or you are just visiting, make sure you check out Numbers Nightclub for a potentially unforgettable experience. “At the end of the day, if the crowds walk out having felt that they had a great time that they will be talking about for days, then my job is done,” explains Mike, “Nothing makes me happier than to see a room full of people just really enjoying themselves.” Some of Numbers’ biggest upcoming shows this year include Three 6 Mafia, EPMD, Peter Murphy, Forever the Sickest Kids, David Allen Coe, and Dokken. For a full list of Numbers’ shows go to www.myonstageevents.com, www.numbersnightclub.com, or simply refer to the San Jacinto Times’ weekly concert calendar.

MUSIC REVIEWS

Mines by Menomena BY GREG STARKS San Jacinto Times

The Portland Oregon trio Menomena has released their third studio album Mines, to the delight of many fans, including myself. I have only recently discovered this band, and I'm a better person because of it. Well maybe not, but they are still really good. Menomena has only been on the music scene since 2004 with their previous work being self-released and not receiving much attention. The trio was nominated for a grammy for best production package(I have no idea what that is) in 2007. They are touring more and more and made their television debut on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon in August of last year. So the spot-

light is getting brighter and it is much deserved in my opinion. Mines is a vocalcentered album and is features all three of the members singing both lead and backup vocals. The members also alternate instruments while recording as well, and they used a lot. The record was mixed excellently, it is seamless from track to track and it should ideally be listened to in one sitting to fully appreciate it. The tracks that caught my interest the most are Tithe and Five Little Rooms both are big parts of the multi-instrumental grooves, but definitely stand out to my ears the most. All of the tracks are at least B+'s. I recommend that you acquire this album along with their other two, one of them even comes with a photo flip-book!

The King Of Limbs BY GREG STARKS San Jacinto Times

Like Godzilla rising from the sea to once again destroy everything, tenured heavyweights Radiohead are back with another self-released masterpiece. The King Of Limbs is their eighth album in twenty-six years, if that doesn't make you want to listen to them I don't know what else will. The English quintet has proven over and over again that they are pushing the limits of alternative electronic music. This album is no exception, they blend the band and intricate electronic production faultlessly. Front-man Tom Yorke is front-and-center on this record, much to my delight, while not over-shadowing the rest of the band. It seems that all of them are showcased

equally throughout the album; hard to do I'd imagine with five people. The album is pretty consistent across the board. Some songs are more sparse and some much higher in production, but no lulls through and through. This is their shortest recording to date, but don't underestimate what twenty-six years of playing together can do for a band in eight tracks and just under thirty-seven and-a-half minutes. My favorite tracks from the record are the opener Bloom and three from the middle: Feral, Lotus Flower and Codex which are a sonically beautiful trio of awesomeness. I would recommend this album to a horse, so obviously that goes for all living people who have functioning auditory systems. So go, go now and put it in your ears and brain.

February 28, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 4

Local concert calendar

By GREG STARKS/MATT ADAMIAK San Jacinto Times

FEB 28 The Big Easy – The Mighty Orq! Fitzgerald’s – Diamond Rings + PS I Love You w/ TBA Scout Bar – 10 years MAR 1 The Big Easy – Howard and Art Reliant Stadium – Clay Walker (Houston Rodeo) Verizon Wireless Theater – Diana Ross MAR 2 Dan Electro’s – Eric Demmer & The Saz Dawgs Fitzgerald’s - Robert Ellis & The Boys House of Blues – Ice Cube Reliant Stadium – Trace Adkins (Houston Rodeo) MAR 3 Fitzgerald’s – Thrashcan Sinatras; The Walkmen w/ The Head & The Heart House of Blues – Sister Hazel + Edward McCain Reliant Stadium – Sugarland (Houston Rodeo) Toyota Center – Linkin Park Warehouse Live – The Tontons, Roky Moon, Come See My Dead Person, Southern Backtones, Finnegan, Lee Alexander, Young Girls, Poor Pilate, Erin Rodgers; Fair To Midland w/Periphery, Scale the Summit, Thelastplaceyoulook, Hindsight MAR 4 Fitzgerald’s – Indian Jewelry, Cave, Balaclavas, Sic Alps House of Blues – Paul Wall Jones Hall – Houston Symphony: Rachmaninoff’s Symphony Reliant Stadium - Janet Jackson (Houston Rodeo) Warehouse Live – PinHed MAR 5 Arena Theater – Bobby Womack Fitzgerald’s – By the End of Tonight; Young the Giant w/ Kitten House of Blues – Old 97’s Jones Hall – Houston Symphony: Rachmaninoff’s Symphony Numbers – Digable Planets Reliant Stadium – Billy Currington (Houston Rodeo) Scout Bar – Toology (Tool tribute) MAR 6 Fitzgerald’s - The Slackers w/ TBA House of Blues - Yes Jones Hall – Houston Symphony: Rachmaninoff’s Symphony Numbers – Anthony David Reliant Stadium – Selena Gomez (Houston Rodeo) Warehouse Live – Down w/ Cavalcade + Warbeast; The Slackers w/ The Trench Town Texas

MUSIC REVIEWS

The People’s Key BY GREG STARKS San Jacinto Times

Indie singer-songwriter God Connor Oberst graces us with, The People’s Key, under the Bright Eyes moniker. There are millions of indie kids going nuts right now. This is the band to end all bands in the emo world. While I am no little scene-ster, I do “love me some” Bright Eyes. I have been listening to this band, which consists of Conner Oberst, Mike Mogis(who also produces the records) and Nate Walcott, for the better part of a decade now and I have read that this is going to be the last release for them. Now I am not pleased to hear that, but it's good to see Connor Oberst moving on to other (better?) things. This album starts off with some guy, who is obviously suffering from some mental disorder, explaining the universe and talking

about all kinds of random things in psychbabble. His ramblings continue a couple more times on the record, perhaps a bit of comic relief in-between the typical mix of lamenting emo carols and intensely poppy anthems. The songs are all great. Not to sound too biased, but I love this band and I knew before I even hit “play” that I would like it. It is the logical progression of what Bright Eyes should have become; an archetype of folk and rock, and of beauty and misery. My recommendations are definitely Firewall and Ladder Song. They are on the slower side of things, but if you have never heard anything recorded by Connor Oberst, you'll be a fan after those have played. So whether you're an emo newbie or a seasoned Bright Eyes fan, this is definitely a must-have for any music library. Oh yeah, and its not “emo”, its “singersongwriter” haha.

DevilDriver unleashed BY MATT ADAMIAK San Jacinto Times

Metalheads of the mid-90s should remember the groovy sounding nu-metal band known as Coal Chamber which featured the powerful belly growls from lead singer Dez Fafara. Those of us who kept up with Dez’s career now know him as the lead singer for the-one-and-only DevilDriver. Earlier this month DevilDriver released their fifth studio album for Roadrunner Records, entitled Beast, and being a huge fan, I jumped at the chance to pick up my copy to review. First of all, the album has two versions (standard and special edition), and to pass up paying just a couple extra bucks for the special edition will deny yourself 3 fantastic bonus tracks, including a live version of a classic DevilDriver song (the name of

which cannot be printed in this paper, but let’s just say it rhymes with “grintrucked”). The special edition also includes a DVD with behind-the-scenes content and live concert footage, adding even more bang for your buck. Beast is a fantastic metal album although it differs from its predecessors in that it’s less about groove this time around and more about shear power and speed. Dez’s voice sounds as thunderous and powerful as ever and remains the most important part of the band’s success. The entire album is a blast to listen to from start to finish; constantly staying fresh with each song. Two that stood for me, Dead to Rights and The Blame Game, make Beast a must-buy for metalheads everywhere. Why are you still reading this? Go buy it!


Entertainment

February 28, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 5

Anime Society quite a show BY ADRIAN REQUENA San Jacinto TImes

Google Images

Jersey Shore Cast. Top, left to right: Vinny Guadagnino, Paul DelVecchio, Mike Sorrentino, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro. Bottom, left to right: Jenni Farley, Nicole Polizzi, Deena Cortese, Sammi Giancola

Shore awash with fans BY ADRIAN REQUENA San Jacinto TImes

You love them or you hate them; No matter how you take them you do know about them. It’s MTV’s current most successful show Jersey Shore! This show can have its bad points and its good points, but that only depends on how you interpret it. Jersey Shore is over all one of the better reality TV shows you could ever hope find out there. Who knew there were people out there like the cast of Jersey Shore? They all more or less have the same mentality of having nice bodies, getting tanned and always being as fresh as they possibly can on nights out. It’s amazing how putting people like this together under one roof formed into a rather good show, because in such a short time this show grew in popularity and is already up to season 3 in the series. It has been dubbed a cultural phenomenon; the series has racked up record ratings for MTV; making it the network's most viewed series telecast ever. Noticing when Jersey Shore is ever mentioned in a public space people scoff at it’s name like it’s some kind of super offensive, most notoriously mortifying thing they’ve ever heard of in their entire lives. What is up with that? Do they not like cutting loose vacation time and partying with friends? Is there something wrong with tan or Italian people? One can say the bad points of the show is the drugs, hard drinking, and sex, but we can’t really be certain they are even doing any of that since it never directly show them doing these activities on camera. Even if they are doing these activities they are all over the age of 21 and are entitled to any of their actions that they may choose to do with them selves. As for the sex,

it is still entirely up to any women’s decision whether or not they are going to let the guys swoon them over. The program isn’t promoting to teens or to go out and do what’s seen on the show, so it’s seems perfectly okay for MTV to air it. Guess complainers got to complain; eh? Are they really all that bad though? These people are just a couple of young adults having a good time while away from work or school during vacation. Yes, in their real lives they do work or go to school, so they aren’t as sloppy as you may think. On the show when they have a problem with one another they try to communicate and talk things out in what they call a family meeting, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. At least they try to understand and form good friendly relationships. They also have dinner together like a family sometimes with even their actual families when they come visit them. Most of the time they are after each other about keeping the house clean showing, they cannot tolerate trashiness; surprisingly it’s the guys who keep the place clean, but the girls are now learning to pick up after themselves and help out. They are all ultimately trying to enjoy themselves without any conflicts to bring them down, and are fortunate enough to be getting paid just to be themselves, clown around, act silly, show off their moves and add more pop culture phrases into the world. It’s been said that season 4 is in the works, and it going to take place in Italy; mamma mia what’s going to happen to them there?! If you have never seen Jersey Shore and want to no worries you can watch it all on MTV.com and catch the current season on MTV channel Thursdays at 9:00pm. Not sure about you, but fun is fun no matter how you look at it. Join the fist pumpin’ action!

Join the Anime Society today! Uh? What is anime you say? Anime is a word short for animation, and commonly defines animation originating from Japan. Basically it is Japanese produced cartoons. What this school club mostly does is explore the Otaku life style. You got to be kidding; what is an Otaku you say? An Otaku is a term used to describe people with obsessive interests, particularly in anime, manga, video games, or Japanese culture. Is this what sparks your interests? Then maybe the Anime Society is right for you. My experience of day two in the Anime Society was enjoyable. Upon meeting the clubs’ president, Brandon Ybanez, who was kind and courteous enough to take his hat off for me to interview him; I asked how can I join? He replies; just walk in everyone is welcome to join including non-students, so bring anyone along with you. How can I support the club? Just show up, and bring whatever ideas you have that might help advertise the club. The planning for each meet is non-existent, but the club is simple and easy going enough to not worry about the details and focus on the fun. As for the number of members this semester there is not that many as of now at this time mostly due to lack of adverting of the club itself; which is a shame cause a total of 60 to 70 members were joined up last semester. If you dislike charity work you’re in luck this club does not do it unless there is someone who would really wants to. The club activities that occurred this day consisted of club members acting silly, conversation of interests, playing trading card battle games such as Pokemon and Yu-gi-oh, playing a new video game that was of Marvel versus Capcom 3, and watching anime. Now the main plan of the club is to only watch the chosen anime of the day, but as you can see other activities can go on as well, and you can bring anything you want that is fun to do; as long as the president allows it. We watched two different anime; the first was D.Gray-Man that was about

an organization of Exorcists who makes use of an ancient substance called Innocence to combat the Millennium Earl and his demonic army of akuma. The second was Fruits Basket a comical anime about an orphan girl who learns of another families’ curse of them being possessed by animals of the Chinese zodiac, and are doomed to change into their animal forms if they are embraced by anyone of the opposite sex. While watching the anime there was a brief power outage, but club members didn’t have any difficulty to get things back up and running again; which shows they are a dexterous group of people. If you are interested in joining the Anime Society please come on in and say hello, or if you wish not to converse with anyone they’ll respect and not bother you; they are of kind people. Take a load off your studies relax and enjoy some nice anime watched over a projector with the lights turned down. You can find the club here at San Jacinto Central every Wednesdays each week during 2:00PM to 6:00PM at building CDAM; room number W112. Join the Anime Society today kawaii peoples!

New iPhone breaks barriers BY CRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ San Jacinto TImes

In a world of constantly changing technology how can you keep up? Last year was a big year for people with Iphone4’s. That’s not the case any more, because the Iphone5 is expected to drop this summer. So here’s some Tech specs on it that may help you stay ahead of the game. The New Iphone5 is going to come equipped with new technologies and upgrades to some of the old ones. New Features: -1080p video recording -Bigger screen 4 inch display -Voice texting -4g speeds -Dual core processor

Photo by Adrian Requena

Upgrades to existing features: -New antenna no more dead grip -Thinner -Longer Battery -Anywhere face time. No more wifi limitations

These few features are some of the more confirmed rumors. There are bigger innovated features that will put them on top in the phone market. Those have yet to leak. Being a Mac guy myself I can’t wait to see what they release. The release date is speculated to be around June or July. Typically Apple release’s their new products in July so we will see. Also the price is still unknown. I do not see it being more then $500 dollars for non-ATT, or Verizon consumers, and around $300 for ATT and Verizon customers.

Hispanic Forum providing spark for local students BY PAULETTE VARGAS San Jacinto TImes

“Learn..., Explore…, Succeed” is what the non-profit organization, The Houston Hispanic Forum, encourages. This organization has been serving Houston since 1984. The Houston Hispanic Forum is initially formed to address the high drop out rate among the Hispanic population in the Houston Independent School District said current President Ramiro Fonseca. The Houston Hispanic Forum promotes awareness of educational issues affecting Hispanics in the great Houston area. Their annual Career & Education day is the biggest event of the year. Since 1986 it is an opportunity to learn about careers and colleges for both students and parents. This year’s 25th Career & Education on Saturday, February 19th was a success with about 2,500 attendees said President Ramiro Fonseca. Art Rascon, KTRK Anchor and President of the Houston Association Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP) volunteered his time as the master of ceremonies for the event. Mayor Annise Parker, Congressman Gene Green, Congressman Pete Olson and Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee all address attendees. 130 exhibitors participated from colleges and universities nation wide like: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia College Chicago to University of Houston and University of Texas. Representation of corporate businesses and even non-profit organizations were present like: the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, British Petroleum (BP) and the U.S. Department of Education to provide information and assistance. The U.S. Department of Education assists students and parents with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. The 2011 BP Young Leader Scholarships Recipients include: Justine Johnson of C.E. King H.S., Carlos A. Lopez of MacArthur H.S., Jonathan Martinez of Milby H.S., Luis D. Miranda of Barbara Jordan H.S. and Christina R. Ramsey of Humble H.S. Students and parents attend workshops or information sessions. This is an opportunity for students to meet with professionals in the career

Left: Art Rascon, Right: Ramiro Fonseca, Board members of the HAHP

of their focus. They listen to the professionals’ experience and education. For example the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals hosts a workshop to give students a hands on journalism experience in print and in broadcast journalism. They allow student attendees to interview local celebrity guests. “I learned you can go wherever you want as long as you study and people, always, are there to help you” said. Jose Moctezuma, sophomore at Cy-Lake H.S. This is the impact that the Houston Hispanic Forum strives to achieve with this event. Moctezuma said after speaking with professionals and representatives from business, marketing and finance, he has an idea of what career he would like to explore. After researching more about careers and colleges in business he will come back next year and bring his younger sister too, who is a currently an 8th grader. Fonseca said the information sessions were well attended and one of

Coutesy of Sabrina Chavez

the growing information sessions is the one for immigrant students. Though the Houston Hispanic Forum hosts the event is diverse in attendance. Also, Career & Education day’s programs focus on 6th12th grade levels programs. College students and professionals are all encouraged to attend. It never is too early to start, there were a few more middle students this year than previously, said Fonseca. For information about the Houston Hispanic Forum and about the Career & Education day visit or contact: http://hispanic-forum.org Donna B. Lyttleton, Executive Director 713-552-8077. For more information visit or contact: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov Federal Student Aid Information Center 1800-433-3243 or 319-337-5665 http://www.hahmp.org Sandra Fernandez, Web Chair 713-568-5604 www.collegefortexans.com for information on TASFA

For these TV ladies, it quite clearly pays to be bad BY CHRIS SHELTON San Jacinto TImes

Sometimes it pays to be bad. Even a manly man like myself can call himself a fan of the Bad Girls Club and not be ashamed to say so. I am an almost religious follower of the Bad Girls Club. It is my guilty pleasure. This season lives up to the threshold of entertainment expected by the show’s fans. Season six includes sleazy hook ups, girls kissing girls, and a plethora of entertaining fights, so basically a normal season of the Bad Girls Club.

The major storyline of season six is the conflict between Char and Nikki. The seeds were set during episode two after Nikki’s childish antics sent a Girl to the hospital needing stitches on her hand. Char organized the entire cast for a house meeting to discuss their feelings on the situation. Most of the girls agreed that Nikki’s reaction to the situation was immature. It drew a bright line in the sand and officially left Nikki ostracized from the other girls. Not since Natalie Nunn, who thanks to the constant annoying commercials we know “runs Los Angeles,” has a single entity dominated the Bad Girls Club the way Char has this season. By the end

of episode two it was clear who was the dominant figure in the house. She left her position as an advertising director to pursue her dream of being a reality television star. She had the intellectual advantage initially since, let’s face it, most of these girls would have a hard time putting together three syllables. I am trying to call Char old when I say she uses her cougar like instincts to dominate the younger weaker cubs. Char has always stood on the moral high ground of situations citing her age difference for elevated maturity, that is until she is faced with a conflict. Nikki has assumed the roll of season six’s villain.

A role she is clearly good at. She is a former Women’s professional football player and her tomboy spirit is shown in every conflict to which she is involved. Nikki and Lauren are the lone opposition to Char in the house. The remaining girls, besides Ashley who posed in Playboy recently, will remain nameless because of their continued obedience and lack of personality. They are a rag tag bunch of flunkies and drunks who do not deserve to be on the Bad Girls Club. All in all, Char and Nikki keep the show interesting enough to watch and worth your time, even if you are not a BGC enthusiast like myself.


Just For Fun

February 28, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 6

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1 One with a degree 5 Double reed instrument 9 Bit of campaign nastiness 14 Assistant 15 Course of action 16 Croatian-born physicist Nikola 17 *1968 sci-fi classic remade in 2001 20 Jewish 21 Rotten 22 Conference including Duke and UNC 23 *Chili competitions 28 Liver secretion 30 “What’s up, __?” 31 Clean the floor 32 Was victorious 33 Dissertations 36 It can be airtight or waterproof 37 Fishing pole 38 Rank that goes with the first parts of the answers to starred clues 40 Support garment 41 Slightly 43 Jump (on) suddenly 44 Tennis call 45 Keg party attire 47 Band-Aid and Barbie, e.g.: Abbr. 48 Like much wine and cheese 50 *Reason for rhinoplasty 52 Rover’s warning 53 Corn unit 54 Inexpensive brand 58 *1980 Disney comedy about an all-night puzzlesolving race 63 Overindulge, as kids 64 Wrinkle remover 65 Fight for air 66 Wedding dresses 67 Fey of “30 Rock” 68 School attended by many princes and prime ministers

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

By Jeffrey Lease

DOWN 1 Spaces 2 Annoy 3 TV Batman West 4 “I did not!” is one 5 __ nerve 6 Voting group 7 Palooka 8 Tolkien’s Treebeard, for one 9 Texas Roadhouse fare 10 Grassy fields 11 Sixth sense, briefly 12 Pub pick 13 Dorm supervisors: Abbr. 18 “And so on and so forth,” for short 19 “True Blood” airer 23 Party disguise 24 Indian and Arctic 25 Lacking strength 26 Dreaded 27 Bug-hittingwindshield sound 28 Owie 29 Spectrum color between blue and violet 30 Train stations

Level: 1

2

2/28/11

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

32 Ire 34 Occurrence 35 Start of a guard dog command 39 Approached 42 Deceived 46 Slow mollusks 49 Farm 51 Nonprofit’s URL ending 52 The Gold Coast, since 1957

54 “Let’s roll!” 55 __ moss 56 “This __ silly!” 57 “Monday Night Football” channel 58 Chinese food additive 59 Wall St. debut 60 Wall Street index, with “the” 61 Smack 62 Prefix with athlete

3 4

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

2/27/11

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit

www.sudoku.org.uk

© 2011 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

2/28/11


Jumps

CHAMPS continued from Page 1

GUNS continued from Page 1

I am pro bearing arms, however, there are some people not mentally stable and should not have a gun.” Governor Rick Perry says: "There are already guns on campus. All too often they are illegal. I want there to be legal guns on campus. I think it makes sense — and all of the data supports — that if law abiding, welltrained, backgrounded individuals have a weapon, then there will be less crime." He himself carries a loaded pistol while he jogs. He feels that this law will help the innocent protect themselves. Opponents of campus gun rights believe students and administration would live in a constant fear of their classmates and colleague’s, the fear of not knowing who might pull a gun over a disagreement, a poor grade, a break up, or even a drunken frat argument. Colin Goddard was a student at Virginia Tech when he was shot four times while he was in his French class by a fellow student who killed 32 people, before shooting himself. Goddard dismisses the idea that another student with a gun could have stopped the killer. “People tell me that if they would have been there, they would have shot that guy. That offends me," Goddard said. "People want to be the hero, I understand that. They play video games and they think they understand the reality. It's nothing like that." Teri Fowlé, a spokeswoman for San Jacinto College, says San Jacinto College leaders would not be in favor of letting concealed handguns on campus. "If you have students who are constantly wary of who is carrying a gun and who is not, how does that facilitate education?" she asks. This leads to one of the several concerns that the opposition can see occurring such as; leading to lower enrollment in Texas colleges. What parent wants to send their child to class, much less Texas in general, if every single person has a gun? Don’t assume because you are “responsible” that everyone is. Plus, allowing this law would create a daily fear, wondering and hoping no idiot comes on campus today and starts shooting. San Jacinto College released a statement saying, “In response to questions regarding HB1167, this bill is really about moving the decision away from the locally elected Board of Trustees and making such decisions at the State level. These Boards are elected because they know and represent their local communities. Moving decisions away from local

February 28, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 7

Transforming the Spotlight

Aside from their individual contests, Mr. Martinez’s students set their focus on one particular ribbon every year. The Best of Show ribbon is given to the most outstanding project, no matter the category of the trade, as decided by the judges. The students of SkillsUSA Chapter 3636 won Best of Show for designing and building a computer from scratch, as is their goal every year. The theme of this year’s project: Optimus Prime. The computer took about three months to build and included a variety of materials ranging from wood filler and sheets to paint and cardboard and electrical tools like saws and drills. “We dedicated several hours, days, and even volunteered weekends to assure the success of this exhibit,” said project manager William Acevedo, a senior at Austin High School and a student at the Rudy Vara Center. The Transformers computer was only one of the highlights of this year’s event. It is an evidence of the creativity and effort students from the greater Houston area put into these competitions to ensure their ticket to the state championships. “I’ve seen this competition transform itself from being hosted at other junior colleges to now being hosted here at San Jacinto,” added Martinez. “I can honestly tell you San Jac has been the most supportive host we’ve had in terms of the use of their facilities and their ease of access for communication. I’d definitely like to see the college continue to host this great competition.” MCT Campus

Texas has long been a state where guns are part of the culture. The latest potential law would make them part of a college campus. boards creates mandates that may not meet the needs of the specific community being served. The Texas Association of Community Colleges, which represents the 50 community colleges in Texas, has taken a position that such decisions should remain with the locally elected boards. San Jacinto College is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment to our students, staff, and community. John Woods, a graduate student at UTAustin who attended Virginia Teach in 2007, when a student gunman killed 32 people including some of his friends, believes that the shooting could not have been improved by additional guns. If a gunman is firing and students or teachers try and shoot back, yet miss. This can pose danger to the bystanders. Woods also added “who are the good guys and who are the bad guys”. The number of guns now firing can make it difficult for the police to know who the innocent are and who are the guilty. San Jacinto Central Science Professor, Patricia Steinke says: “I disagree with concealed handguns on campus. I believe that

our campus police have and will provide all the security that we need. I also believe more harm will come to innocent people with concealed handguns on our campus. Accidents happen. Right now, I am not afraid to stand up in front of my class and teach, discuss, and evaluate. However, if this bill passes, I will be afraid of who in the class is carrying a gun that I don't know about.” San Jacinto North student, Vu Lam, says he also disagrees with allowing this bill. “Because that gives the person a higher sense of power over everyone else and most people will take advantage of it”. Texas would become the second state to allow concealed weapons on campus, following Utah. Similar firearm proposals have been proposed in about a dozen other states, but have all been strongly opposed of this law. Texas enacted its concealed handgun law in 1995 which allowed people that are 21 years of age or older to carry weapons if they pass a training course and a background check. According to the state Department of Public Safety, Texas had 461, 724 license holders as of December 31, 2010.

WELLER continued from Page 1

It excites him to watch students change their perspective on the subject and enjoy it as they go through his class. He went on to say, “I think the biggest challenge anybody faces though are the students who don’t show up. I can’t help anybody if they don’t show up.” Dr. Weller wants to help his students enjoy their history experience. By not showing up to class he is unable to do so and says “That is probably the single greatest challenge to a student’s success.” Outside of history, Dr. Weller finds pleasure in reading, gardening, and serving in his church. His greatest hobby is his family, and gives his wife the credit for his most proud achievement, his seventeenyear-old son.

SLEEP continued from Page 1

goes misdiagnosed for years with doctors instead blaming the patients sleep problems on many more common diseases like depression or chronic fatigue. A major indication that a person does, in fact, have narcolepsy and not any other fatigue-causing disease is the presence of cataplexy. Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone that is triggered by a heighted emotion causing a person to lose control of their muscles for a short while and hit the floor. I, like 70% of people with narcolepsy, have it and I can tell you it does in fact feel just as


February 28, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 8


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