4/11/11

San Jacinto Times The voice of San Jacinto College since 1991

The Student Publication of the San Jacinto College District

April 11, 2011

Vol. 21, No. 17

www.sanjacintotimes.com DRUG USE ON CAMPUS AND IN LIFE: A SPECIAL REPORT

Legal and illegal drugs have lasting impact on students, society

BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ San Jacinto Times

These eyes never see the destruction that follows their actions.

These eyes don’t see why people say they have a problem. All they see is the bottle in front of them; all they begin to see is that it’s almost time for another round. These are the eyes of an alcoholic.

In so many ways the choices we make determine the outcome for so many others. A domino effect of destruction or creation happens in those split seconds before they say yes or no to a drink. When just one more becomes you ninth, your tenth, and so on and so on; it becomes addicting. “I used to have it all, good job, great wife, and two amazing kids.” It’s not a matter of choosing anymore when addiction reaches this point. The love of family and friends is over ruled by the craving of the alcohol. The lines that normally would never be crossed become non-existent.

These eyes will never see the sleepless nights of those who care about them, staying up into all hours of the night. As they pace back and forth clutching their phones as if maybe if they squeeze it hard enough, they might just get you to call back. They will never see the scenarios that begin to play out in those people’s heads. What if they got pulled over? What if they hit someone, or ran off the road?

Or worse, what if they are dead? These eyes only see the neon lit signs of corner bars, or how much alcohol is in certain drinks. An alcoholic puts their desperate need in front of anything or anyone.

A former Alcoholic described this need by saying,” The best way to describe it is the reverse feeling of drowning. Imagine instead of panicking because of too much water getting in your lungs, you begin to get angry because you can’t get enough. It’s like a gaping hole inside you, that no matter how much you drink, it never seems to get filled.” Sometimes anger leads to abuse, anything from verbal to physical abuse to those you love. This was described by saying,” It transforms you, even as it’s happening as much as you want to stop the madness you can’t. You begin to become [obstinate] towards your wife, a monster to your kids, and a shameful mark against the way you were raised. At times, sobering up was my biggest fear, not because of the hangover; those were non-existent after awhile. It was the fear of battling the emptiness again, knowing I had no control of my own life anymore.” After the excuses begin to fade and all the things they love begin to fade out of their lives, these eyes look for the bottle to battle this feeling of abandonment.

Sometimes drinking is way for them to escape reality.

SEE BLINDERS page 6

The almighty dollar is tied to drug use, as always is the case

MCT Campus/Chris Shelton

Drug culture affects community

Alcohols’ grip tough to break

Bang, bang, bang, bang, the shots rang as if it were new years. I can still recall that day as if it was yesterday. October 10, 2001 around 7 p.m. bullets were fired out of a gun that struck an innocent bystander named, John Silguero only 16 at the time. John had his life taken from him. The violence only got worse and the culprit drugs.

Although John Silguero was not involved with drugs, people on his street were. The attack was unprovoked; it served only to settle a debt with some gangbanger.

A man and his family went out to enjoy a nice family dinner at a local restaurant. Which is located right off of 45 South, quite literally in our backyard. At the same time drug violence that had slipped across the Mexican boarder was brewing and plans were being made to assassinate a rival drug runner at the same establishment that the family was enjoying their meals. The plan was to kill the drug runner as he left the restaurant. As the assassin waited outside, the family walked out to their car when they were fired upon. The father of the family was hit and killed in a case of mistaken identity. The assassin believed that it was the drug runner he was looking for.

The reason I bring this up is because people are unaware of the lives that are changed because of

Alcohol addiction is complex. There is no specific cause of alcoholism that can be pinpointed but there are many factors both biologically and environmentally that lead to the development of alcohol abuse and dependence in many people.

Alcohol is a drug that acts as a depressant. A substance that decreases the nervous system’s ability to function normally and it affects all who consume it, but alcohol is a drug more unique than any other. Most people get intoxicated before they

BY CRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ San Jacinto Times

Next Week

Highlighting interesting students and faculty around all three campuses.

drugs not only are lives being lost but the people that are left behind also suffer.

Illegal narcotics contribute a large percentage of crimes committed every day. What most people do not realize is that every cent that is spent on drugs, from the simplest form to the more harmful ones.

The more a drug trader’s hunger grows to sale the product the more the violence escalates.

SEE CULTURE page 6

BY PRISCILA ZARAZUA San Jacinto Times

reach the addiction level, because their bodies have a protection against alcohol.

The biological factor of alcoholism is genetics.

According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, family members with a history of alcohol abuse and dependence face a higher likelihood to be addicted to alcohol. Children of alcoholics are four times more likely than other children to become alcoholics, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, but environmental factors could be a factor in many of those cases.

SEE ALCHOLISM page 6

Communications Day April 14

BY CRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ San Jacinto Times

MCT Campus

Drugs violence can cause harm to innocent victims

Opinion

Students view on legalizing marijuana: an open debate.

Page 2.

Don’t miss out on San Jacinto Colleges’ annual Communications Day, Thursday, april 14 at 9 a.m., presented by the Communications Club of San Jacinto College.

Communications Day features high school students from all over Houston, but it is also open to all San Jacinto students. The event will be held in the Slocumb Auditorium. It should end before 11 a.m.

This year’s keynote speaker is award-winning journalist Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.

Blog Post

The most interesting student blog posts of the week Page 4.

Justice has appeared on many national TV and radio shows and is one of the most respected columnists in America. He has worked at such places as the Washington Post in addition to the Chronicle.

Two more guests are scheduled to appear, pending conflicts: Local2 Houston’s Adam Clanton and 104 KRBE’s morning show sensation Special K. This is an opportunity to see what real professionals in the industry have to say about their careers and possible ways to follow in their footsteps.

In addition to the speakers, winners of the San Jacinto Times High School journalism contest will be announced.

Opinion/commentary

Legalizing marijuana: An open debate

April 11, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 2

The case for: Weed is harmless

Against: Many dangers do exist

“She was living in a single room with three other individuals. One of them was male and the other two, well hell the other two were females. And further more Susan, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to learn that all four of them habitually smoke marijuana cigarettes.”

-Reefer Madness, 1936

Legalizing marijuana is one of the most highly debated subjects today. However, advocates of legalization seem to use two major arguments in their effort to legalize marijuana. First, one of the biggest arguments is that marijuana has a significant medicinal use. Second, that marijuana does not cause harm to those that smoke it. These two arguments can be easily discounted due to the various studies that have been done on both medicinal and recreational effects of marijuana. Here are six of many top arguments against legalizing marijuana according to various anti-supporters online.

1. Stoned driving and other dangers would be increased.

Drunk driving is still a major problem in our society despite all the education and stiff penalties; imagine having to worry about "driving high." Unless the user has been smoking in the car, there isn't as distinctive of a smell as there is with alcohol.

Also, there's always the possibility that the lapse in judgment caused by drug use will lead to harder crimes like rape or robbery. Leading to show that marijuana use isn't truly a victimless crime when you consider all the crimes that may be committed due to the influence of the drug.

2. Increase the chances of the drug falling into the hands of kids. Children’s bodies aren't as equipped to handle the intake of these substances. When in the process of developing brains and bodies this can interfere with use of marijuana. Any time you make something legal, you increase the accessibility to children. All too often kids and teenagers get their hands on alcohol or cigarettes-why let the same occur with this drug.

3. Physical damage would be done to regular users that take the drug. Although some disagree; marijuana abuse has been tied to brain damage, cancer, lung damage, depression, amotivational syndrome, and even death. The brain damage has

By MICHAEL DEATS San Jacinto Times

The quote from the major motion picture, and what is considered to be one the biggest jokes in stoner history, sensationalized and attempted to ostracize the smoking community in what could be considered the most flawed argument of American history. The movie goes on to state that marijuana is a more dangerous than cocaine and heroin, which has since been repeatedly refuted. Considering cocaine and heroin have the capacity to kill their users where as marijuana can not.

The war on marijuana is a ridiculous concept at best, and often times a petty means for any sovereignty to regulate and punish citizens for preposterous and unethical reasons.

In todays culture it is possible to find a haven from unethical restrictions of marijuana, California and Colorado amongst them. These refuges from federal scorn are a lie however, more of a trap really where the federal government uses the State’s own legality of the substance to abuse American citizens who have legitimate needs for the plant.

This is due to federal laws overriding State laws regarding the medicinal values of marijuana. Yes, that’s right, it’s still illegal even though your elected officials (the people whom, you the people, chose to represent your concerns) chose to grant the right to use the substance medicinally.

The fallout? People with cancer and other ailments that require the use of this plant are being put in jail as an effort to stifle an antiquated belief that a naturally grown plant is evil. The surface appearance would make it seem that the government is allowing this kind of action as a means to grow a supply of “criminals” to prosecute. Some people may not see much sense in this but we must keep in mind that people are prosecuted and fined a certain amount of money for every violation; this in turn can become a source of revenue. Much like California’s failed Prop 19 where they wanted to tax it on a state level while making it legal (which creates the same catch 22 that medicinal users are facing), but in this manner the Feds get the dollar.

Norml.org has constantly stated that marijuana

laws are nothing more than prohibition, and their belief that if it didn’t work in the 20’s why should it now, has become the backbone of a very logical argument. Alcohol prohibition grew the spine of organized crime, leading to notorious gangs causing mayhem across state lines and damaging America’s ability to regulate its own laws.

People can be so focused on other issues that they don’t realize that marijuana’s only real harmful side effect is obesity. While California State Senators sit back and talk about how they love smoking cigarettes, with 435,000 deaths occurring annually (including deaths from secondhand smoke) according to drugwarfacts.org, and drinking alcohol, which causes 85,000 deaths a year. He fails to mention that annually marijuana has caused zero deaths, or that drugs like aspirin have caused 7,600 deaths annually. It has, on the other hand, caused numerous life sentences and ruined several students’ academic careers due to the repercussions that lawmakers have made mandatory.

How is it justified to require a student to repay an entire pell grant based on the possession of a single joint? When does it become realistic, to not only murder their attempts at higher education but also squeeze every penny possible from them while they struggle through minimum wage jobs trying to regain some semblance of financial solvency?

The point is not to legalize marijuana; it is more along the lines of “why care?” when things are causing people harm day after day, ruining lives, killing people, and making cruel people rich, all at that same time. Where do we find the time to care about such a pointless subject? The only solution I can find is that it is more American hypocrisy and propaganda. Why focus on the bad when we can focus on the pointless? Not only is marijuana’s legality a null point, but also it has wasted time and Billions of dollars that could be better devoted towards education or tax cuts.

The most ridiculous irony is that the people who smoke marijuana are paying taxes that go towards their prosecution. The irony is enhanced further by marijuana smokers’ willingness to legalize and tax the product; just to be left alone and help all the people who are complaining about the deficit.

When Bob Marley was alive he often advocated these beliefs, and often stated that alcohol was a poison where as marijuana was a harmless herb.

When you consider that, perhaps, people are more than the sum of their actions, maybe everyone can understand that some things are not worth worrying about.

Is there really a debate going on?

By HARRISON LEE San Jacinto Times It’s arguable that we’re only prone to listen to one extreme or the other.

Case in point, I relaxed this weekend and, against my better judgment, watched some History Channel special on the competing aspects of making marijuana legal. Oddly enough, only alcohol made the program bearable.

Maybe it’s my overwhelming sense of suburban snark, or maybe just the fact that I don’t want to listen to angry, borderline elderly people, debate a drug that is now more common than quiet a few prescription drugs.

We all know the set-up.

Arguing for legalization will be B-List actors, actresses and comedians, normally the kind who’s humor takes a less than sober mind to properly enjoy. On the other end, we have buttondown, bordering on obsessivecompulsive law enforcement types. I’m all for complacency [it’s comfortable], but this is ridiculous. Why should I have to listen to Joe Rogan talk about anything, much less an actually

pressing cross-cultural issue?

I’m all for a good socio-political debate every now and then, but when it’s the same cast of characters. I struggle to even care. Color me a dreamer, but maybe this isn’t an issue that should be left to debate by people whose only regular appearances are either on A&E or Comedy Central. I find it troubling enough that the only place I have to turn for this subject to actually be broached is on TV, and even then it has a feel of such nearly crushing idiocy.

Why is it we’re able to easily pluck an issue off of SportsCenter and debate it endlessly, but when it comes to something involving the phrase “legalization”, the quickly, perhaps instantly ensuing, silence is physically awkward?

For the record, I’ve never done a currently illegal substance, so I suppose that makes me quite the loser, or whatever the current parlance is. I’m just a little perplexed that the only places we’re “seriously” debating this issue is on basic cable. What is it that’s keeping the serious among us from taking on this issue? I have

no intent to weigh in on this issue; I’m just slightly perturbed by the fact that this is a “serious issue”; so serious, in fact, that no one will actually talk about it.

I’m by no means perfect. My reliance upon prescription medication and expensive liquor doesn’t exactly make me a sober figure and it also puts me in no place to pass judgment on stoners, crackheads and tweakers.

However, I do feel that we could a little better than simply standing pat and mum and letting people some twenty to thirty years older than us decide what we think and want.

At the root, it could be the idea that every young generation never wants to really stand up for something that will draw criticism. It’s only natural to want to avoid conflict, especially over something that could pit similar age versus similar age. Does this speak to importance of the issue or the overriding fact that our generation’s greatest skill is social media tempered with an inability to address basic issues?

Is the lesson here to have the conversation, or to be a little more subtle when we don’t?

EDITOR

Maria Chavez

MANAGING EDITOR

San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications

By ASHLEY ALLYN San Jacinto Times

Michael Deats

DESIGN/WEB EDITOR Chris Shelton

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

CIRCULATION Cristal Calvillo

ADVERTISING Sara Quintana

ADVISER Fred Faour

been shown to cause memory loss and difficulty in problem solving.

4. Due to drug-related arrests, people who have committed or are likely to commit more serious crimes can be taken off the streets. Anyone who commits drug-related felonies isn't likely to be constrained in committing other felonies, such as robbery, rape, murder, etc. If such people are in prison because of drug charges, they aren't able to go out and commit other crimes.

5.Marijuana is often used as a stepping-stone drug, leading to heroin, cocaine, or other harder drugs. Studies show that marijuana use often progresses to the use of harder drugs. In other words, people experiment with what is often thought of as a "harmless" drug.

This is particularly a problem since most people will MCT Campus not directly start abusing the harder drugs that are generally understood to be harmful.

6. More widespread use would increase the dangers of secondhand smoke damage to bystanders.

The dangers of secondhand cigarette smoke are well publicized. It’s obvious that more widespread usage of marijuana increases the chance that other people would suffer the damage of inhaling other people's smoke. Public places like bars would expose innocent patrons. In the home, siblings, roommates, kids and spouses would all face increased exposure. Thus, the health damage to society becomes exponential.

Supporters are looking more into the ways they “think” marijuana will benefit them yet they haven’t looked at the entire picture. These few reasons for not legalizing marijuana should make the supporters understand and realize the lifetime addiction and effect this could cause. Studies behind proving and showing why legalizing would be harmful is only for the good and to help people to understand and realize the damage this could cause; not only to yourself but to others as well.

MCT Campus

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

Lunes, Abril 11

• No hay actividades

Martes, Abril 12 • Junta del club Rotaract, 1 p.m., S215

Miércoles, Abril 13 • Junta del club de Herencia Hispana, 12 p.m., S215

Jueves, Abril 14 • No hay actividades

Viernes, Abril 15 • No hay actividades

Sabado, Abril 16 • No hay actividades

Central Salon and Spa hosts Bridal extravaganza

BY MARIA CHAVEZ San Jacinto Times

San Jacinto Central Salon and Spa presented its annual Bridal Fashion Show that welcomed all employees, faculty, and students. The show emphasized the various details that go into a wedding, like picking the perfect bridal dress and making sure the flower arrangements match the bridesmaid’s gowns. It went into detail that there isn’t just one kind of flower arrangement, but many to choose from. From corsages to mini dresses, the show covered it all.

David’s Bridal was among one of the sponsors and provided the gowns that students from the Cosmetology program modeled for us. The Cosmetology Department was also in charge of designing and arranging the hair and make-up on the models, while the Culinary Arts Department presented the show with two gorgeous cakes for the attendees to enjoy. Flowers and Company provided the beautiful floral arrangements.

After the fashion show, awards were given to three Cosmetology students who participated in a hair design contest on their mannequins. Afterwards, we were welcomed to talk to the vendors there about any special occasion and look around at the displays of table arrangements, decorations, and we even got to try the cake.

All around, the Bridal Fashion Show had a good outcome; great job to the Cosmetology and Culinary Arts departments.

Lunes, Abril 18 • No hay actividades

Central

• No hay actividades

Sabado, Abril 16 • No hay actividades

Friday, April 15 • No Scheduled Activities

Saturday, April 16 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, April 18

Central

• Psychology Speaker Jan Hargrave, TBA

Saturday, April 16 • Prepare the Way Meeting, 9:30 a.m., CILC T233 • Gaming Society Meeting, 12 p.m., CSTC 210A/B

Monday, April 18 • Stand Up Comic/DJ (Matt Corey), 11 a.m., CSTC Raven Cafe • Prepare the Way Meeting, 11:30 a.m., CSTC 210A/B • SIFE Meeting, 1:30 p.m., CSTC Raven Cafe

Lunes, Abril 18

Viernes, Abril 15

• No Scheduled Activities

• ASID Meeting, 12:30 p.m., Interior Design Building, Room 215 • Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., Student Center Ballroom

Sabado, Abril 16 • Junta de prepara el camino, 9:30 a.m., CILC T233

•Junta de Phi Beta Lambda, 2:30 p.m., cuarto 2208 • Junta de la associacion de estudiantes veteranos, 3 p.m., superior de las escaleras en el centro estudiantil

Thursday, April 14

Friday, April 15

• Junta de ASID, 12:30 p.m., edificio de diseño de interiores, cuarto 215 • Ceremonia de induccion de Phi Beta Kappa, 6:30 p.m., Salon de baile en el centro estudiantil

Jueves, Abril 14

• Hispanic Heritage Club Meeting, 12 p.m., S215

• BSM Soul Cafe, 11 a.m., BSM Building • Creative Writers Meeting, 2:30 p.m., CADM 257 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., CADM W106 • Co-Ed Softball (w/Student ID), 2:30 p.m., Field • BSM Worship Service, 8 p.m., BSM Building

Viernes, Abril 15

• Junta de WEBB, 2:30 p.m., cuarto 1131 • Tercero bi-annual torneo de ping pong, 2 p.m., Student Center Atrium presentado por el club de almuerzo

Wednesday, April 13

Thursday, April 14

• Junta de escritores creativos, 2:30 p.m., CADM 257 • Junta del club de Filosofia, 2:30 p.m., CADM W106 • Servicio de adoracion BSM, 8 p.m., edificio BSM

Miércoles, Abril 13

• Rotaract Club Meeting, 1 p.m., S215

• VYNE H2O Day, 10 a.m., North Courtyard • BSM Free Lunch, 11:30 a.m., BSM Building • BSM Bible Study, 1 p.m., BSM Building • VYNE Meeting, 1:30 p.m., CSTC 210A/B • Anime Society Meeting, 2 p.m., CADM W112 • WEBB Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Professor Turner’s Classroom • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., CADM W106 • Open Gym (w/Student ID), 5 p.m., Gym • Indoor Soccer (w/Student ID), 6 p.m., Gym

Jueves, Abril 14

• Junta del club de arte, 5:30 p.m., cuarto 12113 • Junta de la sociedad pre-medicina, 6 p.m., cuarto 11124

Tuesday, April 12

Wednesday, April 13

• Dia H2O de VYNE, 10 a.m., North Courtyard • Junta de VYNE, 1:30 p.m., CSTC 210 A/B • Junta de la Sociedad de Anime, 2 p.m., Gym • Junta de WEBB, 2:30 p.m., Clase del profesor Turner.

• Junta del club de Filosofia, 3:30 p.m., CADM W106 •Gymnasio abierto (con identificacion estudiantil), 5 p.m., Gym

Martes, Abril 12

• No Scheduled Activities

• BSM 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 • Co-Ed Softball (w/Student ID), 2:30 p.m., Field • Philosophy Club Officer’s Meeting, 4 p.m., CADM W106 • Open Gym (w/Student ID), 5 p.m., Gym • Indoor Soccer (w/Student ID), 6 p.m., Gym

Miércoles, Abril 13

• Junta del club de psicología, 1 p.m., Cuarto 1101 • Junta de SGA, 3 p.m., Cuarto 4202 • Junta del club Tenis, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Junta del club de artes marciales mixtas, 8:30 p.m., Gym

Monday, April 11

Tuesday, April 12

Martes, Abril 12 • Estudio de biblia BSM, 1 p.m., edificio de BSM • Junta de VYNE, 1:30 p.m, CSTC 210 A/B • Junta de GSA, 2:30 p.m., CADM 204 • Grupo de estudio logico del club de Filosofia, 2:30 p.m., CADM W106 • Junta de los oficiales del club de Filosofia, 4 p.m., CADM W106 •Gymnasio abierto (con identificacion estudiantil), 5 p.m.,Gym

Lunes, Abril 11

North

• SGA Collecting Cell Phones and Accessories to be Recycled (M-F), 8 a.m., CSTC 100 • BSM Info. Booth, 10:30 a.m., CADM Rotunda • Prepare the Way Meeting, 11:30 a.m., CSTC 210A/B • SIFE Meeting, 1:30 p.m., CSTC Raven Cafe

• Collecion de telefonos cellulares y accesorios para ser reciclados patrocinado por SGA (L-V), 8 a.m., CSTC 100 • Puesto de informacion de BSM, 10:30 a.m., CADM Rotunda • Junta de Prepara el Camino, 11:30 a.m., CSTC 210 A/B • Junta de SIFE, 1:30 p.m., CSTC Raven Cafe

Sur

8 DAYS A WEEK

Monday, April 11

Lunes, Abril 11

• Junta de SIFE, 1:30 p.m., CSTC Raven Cafe

April 11, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 3

San Jac announces budget cuts

All photos by Maria Chavez/San Jacinto Times

By CRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ San Jacinto Times

The San Jacinto Community College District has already started planning for the uncertain future.

The college has started to reconstruct many areas of operations to streamline services and create efficiencies while accommodating the high enrollment.

San Jacinto College is not waiting for next year, it has developed a current year reduction of 4 million to help cope with expected cuts for the following year. Additionally, the college has outlined a plan to meet the 20 million in losses it will experience due to State cuts in the next biennium.

The District is trying its best so that the cuts have as minimal an impact on students and its employees as possible. SJC Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer stated, “As we have diligently worked through our budget plans for the last several months, my focus, and that of our Strategic Leadership Team, has been to sustain achievement of the college’s four strategic goals, minimize the impact on students, pre-

serve jobs, and maintain employee productivity.”

The District is working hard to meet the looming shortfall of the next fiscal year, which starts September 1, 2011. San Jacinto is implementing several voluntary programs for full time employees who have worked at SJC for at least three years.

Through these measures, SJC is hoping to achieve a 10 million per year total reduction in operating costs, which would help the college meet it target of 20 million budget reduction over the biennium.

San Jacinto has a proven track record of budgeting and financial reporting. “It is important to maintain that trust as we face this unprecedented challenge.”

Said Chancellor Hellyer. With San Jacinto College having a student population over 29,000 in over 140 degree plans. San Jacinto has been a staple in Eastern Harris County for nearly 50 years. They plan to remain the staple for another 50. Although the cuts will be in affect soon the college is planning head for every ones future the students, the employees, and the community.

Bard’s Bash all set for April 20 Hear ye, Hear ye! On April 20, the SJC Central English Department will be holding its Second Annual Bard’s Bash to celebrate William Shakespeare’s birthday. The festivities will be held on the lawn outside the W.M. Newton Student Center at the Central Campus of San Jacinto

College. There will be games, food and Shakespearean trivia. Also featured will be Maypole Dancing, a costume contest, various prizes and the Shakespeare Portrait Contest. Great fun is sure to be had by all.

--HARRISON LEE

South

Monday, April 11

• Psychology Club 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, April 12 • Engineering Design Graphics Club, 3 p.m., Room 9231 • Gaming Guild Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Room 2141 • Art Club Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Room 12113 • Pre-Med Society Meeting, 6 p.m., Room 11124

Wednesday, April 13 • Student Bible Fellowship, 11:30 a.m., Room 4108 • WEBB Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Room 1131 • The Breakfast Club 3rd Bi-Annual Ping Pong Tournament, 2 p.m., Student Center Atrium

Thursday, April 14 • Impressionist Brandon Styles, 11:30 a.m., Student Center Atrium • Phi Beta Lambda Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Room 2208 • Gaming Guild Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Room 2141 • Student Veterans Association Meeting, 3 p.m., Top of Stairs in Student Center • Breakfast Club Meeting, 4:30 p.m., Cafe

Friday, April 15 • No Scheduled Activities

Saturday, April 16 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, April 18 • No Scheduled Activities

Music/Entertainment

April 11, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 4

Local concert calendar

Music reviews

The Sauce: PANTyRAID

By MATT ADAMIACK San Jacinto Times

none of which sound anything like these guys.

By GREG STARKS There isn’t a lot about PANTyRAID on the “interSan Jacinto Times webs”, but from what I can gather, it is one guy; This album is not new, nor is the “band”, but I Ooah, which is the production moniker of Josh stumbled upon it through an Internet radio station Mayer, notably of Glitch Mob(glitch-pop trio from that I’ll refrain from L.A.) fame. This album was naming based on possireleased on Marine Parade ble legalities and I felt which is a small independcompelled to pass it on ent label with a handful of to the masses. I was artists I’ve never heard of. completely awe-struck The Sauce is head-bobbin’ by this band when I goodness all the way heard it for the first through. It has samples time, and the track that I galore, most audio clips of heard was Enter The famous people, like Will Machine off of this Ferrel, Brittany Spears(she album, The Sauce. It is has two), and Jim this super atmospheric Jones(the rapper, not the audio-scape with an cult leader. BEWARE THE awesome bubbling bass Album art by google images KOOL-AID!). line and tons of dirty synth-lines and an audio sample of Will Ferrel as Harry Carey from SNL(in the funny years) simply I really like Dreaming and To Fine To Do Time, saying “OK!”, comedic, I know. The timings on they could play on repeat for the rest on 2011 and all of these tracks are so complex and still and toe- I probably wouldn’t get tired of them. I think I tapable. The songs build up and break down frewould recommend this record to a deaf person, if I quently in the actual track but still come-off very knew any, so that definitely goes for anyone with progressive and not repetitive at all. All of the a functioning auditory system. Do yourself and tracks are very strong, and completely unique your media player a favor and find anything you sounding, and I listen to a lot of electronic music, can by this guy, you will not be disappointed.

APR 11

The Big Easy – James Reese

Fitzgerald’s – The Love Language w/ Fox and Cats APR 12

The Big Easy – Howard and Art

Fitzgerald’s – Johnny Falstaff; Marina and the Diamonds House of Blues – Gogol Bordello

Mango’s – B.M.C. of Swisha House

Warehouse Live – Coheed and Cambria APR 13

The Big Easy – Big & Easy Blues Jam

Fitzgerald’s - Robert Ellis & The Boys w/ Hunx and His Punks, Shannon & the Clams; The Ravonettes w/Tamaryn The Concert Pub (North) – Flicker System Mango’s – Muhamadali

Warehouse Live – A Day to Remember w/ We Came as Romans, Bring Me the Horizon + Pierce the Veil APR 14

The Big Easy – Luther and the Healers

House of Blues – Pete Yorn with Ben Kweller

Mango’s – Capillary Action, Daniel Francis Doyle, Finnegan, Hiss & Humm, Two Star Symphony Numbers – Dokken

Rudyard’s – Irene, Devil Killing Moth

Scout Bar – Volbeat w/ The Damned Things + Hourcast Verizon Wireless Theater – The Avett Brothers Warehouse Live – Rebirth Brass Band

D.R.U.G.S. self-titled

APR 15

Arena Theater – Mago De Oz

The Big Easy – Sandy Hickey + Brother2Brother

The Concert Pub (Galleria) – Sabbath Judas Sabbath (Black Sabbath and Judas Priest tribute) The Concert Pub (North) – Wattzit2ya

By GREG STARKS San Jacinto Times

Strange name I know, but it is actually an anagram for Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows. They are a “super-group” from Pontiac Michigan, yes like the car produced by GM and that was named after the city in which GM’s primary truck plant was located.

The previous and/or current members of the band are Craig Owens the singer, formerly of Chiodos(great band), Aaron Stern who is currently also in Matchbook Romance(ehh),as the drummer, Nick Martin, the guitarist and singer from Underminded(who is pretty brutal), another guitarist and singer thats in From First To Last(one of the greatest guitar solos of all time is on their 2006 album Heroine) Matt Good, and from Story Of The Year(fart-noise) the bass player, Adam Russell. Together, they have made the best album I’ve had the pleasure of hearing this year, by far. It is a self-titled mosaic of brutal, driving metal, synthesizers and keyboards, some hip-hop and drumand-bass fills, and almost radio-friendly pop-punk.

Its almost like two bands playing a single song together, a So. Cal pop-punk band and a sweet post-hardcore band that some how mysteriously works. This is another album I knew I would like

Dan Electro’s – American Swindle, Funky Mustard, Locke Brady

Fitzgerald’s – Fake Problems w/ Pomegranates, Laura Stevenson & The Cans, Now Now House of Blues – Kathleen Madigan; Sarah Jaffe

Rudyard’s – The Love Demons, Wide Open Throttle Scout Bar – Skyrocket

Warehouse Live – Toadies w/ Descender + The Couch APR 16

The Big Easy – Tony Vega

The Concert Pub (Galleria) – La Raza Connection (performing Santana tribute)

The Concert Pub (North) – Kat James & Troublemaker; Black Dog (Led Zeppelin tribute) Dan Electro’s – Carolyn Wonderland

Fitzgerald’s – Eagle Claw, Cavernous, Texxxas; Trey Brown and Mission Dorado + The Small Sounds Mango’s – A Dream Asleep, BFI, Skeleton D*ck, The Ballistics, The Nothing

Numbers – Brokencyde w/ Do Not Curve, Vampires Everywhere + It Boys; Cevin Key of Skinny Puppy Rudyard’s – Super Pancho Combo, The Journey Agents

Album art by google images

before I even pressed play. I’ve probably listen to D.R.U.G.S eight times since I “acquired” it.

I can’t really pick out why I like this record so much, maybe its the key its in, or the way it was produced and mastered, but whatever it is, it was done very well.

It probably doesn’t hurt them that I also own the majority of the bands other projects. I definitely recommend giving The Only Thing You Talk About, and Stop Reading And Start Doing Push-ups your undivided attention while listening to this record, they are amazing.

Scout Bar – Rhymin n Stealin Toyota Center – Lil’ Wayne

Verizon Wireless Theater – Saliva, Rev Theory

Warehouse Live – The Air I Breathe w/ Ten After Two, Scarlett O’Hara, The Plot in You + Lions! Tigers! Bears; El G, Chancha Via

Circuito + Bombón DJs APR 17

The Big Easy – Lil’ Porter\

Dan Electro’s – Carnegie Vanguard LaTin Club Fundraiser Numbers – De/Vision w/ Mesh + Iris

Scout Bar – 38 Caliber Hero, Alibi Nation, Fain

Whitesnake still rocks with Forevermore

By MATT ADAMIAK San Jacinto Times

David Coverdale’s love child, Whitesnake, is back yet again with their 11th studio album titled Forevermore. Despite the world of hair metal being pretty much desolate (with the exception of bands that begin with an “I” and end in “Maiden”), Whitesnake still manages to put out an album worth listening to. It is quite a shame these days that media puppets like Lil’ Wayne and Justin Bieber get more public attention than the true musicians who graced the airwaves 20 years ago with actual talent, but I digress. Anyway, while this album might not have hits as good as Still of the Night or any of the

Warehouse Live – AftonLive Showcase: Electric Heights, Second Lovers, etc.

other songs that made Whitesnake the legendary band it is today, Forevermore still has its share of fantastic tracks. The first three songs on the album are easily my favorites with Love Will Set You Free at the top of the heap. Love Will Set You Free is considered by many critics to be the best Whitesnake song to be released since their glory days in the 70s and 80s, and it’s hard to disagree with that statement when I consider the number of times I’ve had that song on repeat in my Jeep.

Forevermore’s production gives Whitesnake the sound quality they have deserved for years. The album sounds crisp and clear even at the highest volumes my speakers could blast out. Every guitar riff comes out powerful and exciting and Coverdale’s

Blog posts of the week Detained by the cops

high pitched vocals haven’t changed much even since his early years in Deep Purple. That’s saying a lot for a musician who’s still rocking out in his 60s.

One of the key factors that make Forevermore a great album is timing. The fact that this album was released in 2011 makes it stand out so much more than had it been released 20 years ago when this genre was king. It is refreshing yet familiar and deserves to be praised and purchased by anyone seeking a true work of art. Rating: AOther album ratings for this week: Obscura – Omnivium: A Havok – Time is Up: BIlldisposed - There Is Light (But It's Not For Me): C+

Album art by google images

The Wasteland

The Times now has a staff blog. You can check it out at sanjactimes.wordpress.com. Each week we will publish the best postings. Drop by the site and feel free to comment on our posts or share story ideas.

My mom and I were trying to decide where to eat on the Seawall in Galveston. We happened to be close to Salsas; so we ate here. Unfortunately, we wish we hadn’t…not due to the food…but rather what we witnessed.

My mom overheard one boy say “I’m leaving; and I’m not paying.” I didn’t hear that but we were hoping this wasn’t true. Then all of a sudden we look over and 6 out of 7 are gone, we did happen to see that one of the 6 for sure turned towards where the bathroom is. We didn’t want to jump to any conclusions because the boy that was left at the table had a tab and cash on the table…so we figured he was waiting for the waiter.

Then we get up to leave and the one boy at the table is gone and my mom said “Yay, they must have actually paid.” However, as I looked over and the waiter picked up the tab…it was $2.00 out of a $140.00 tab.

The boy that went to the bathroom comes out as we are leaving…and his so called “friends” hadn’t even informed him of their plan. So, now this young-in was held captive until he blew his “friends” out of the water. BUT he chose to not reveal one of their names.

After hours pass he finally chooses to call his parents…who have no idea their son from Spring is in Galveston. The parents end up paying the entire tab. And the cops arrest this boy that is left and make his parents drive from Spring to pick him up. After several hours pass…the friends still never showed up.

On one hand I’m glad I witnessed this to help out…but it’s sad…where are parents these days?!

Ashley A.

Strobe lights, guns, zombies, fight scenes, and intense videos. Sound like a typical church production? The Anthem Drama Team from Grace Community Church presented an exciting illustrated sermon. The production jumped back and forth between live acting on stage and videos. As director of the drama team, I have a blast helping students develop and use their talents.

Next on our agenda is a family oriented mystery dinner theatre! This will be on June 24th at 6:30pm. This will be a fundraiser for students to pay their way to youth camp in July. Unlike our serious last play, this drama is going to be goofy and fun! I am super excited to start working on this production!

Ashley C.

Tiny Mystery Death

It’s a bit unnerving to find out a death has occurred in your house without knowing it happened. A few days ago our canary passed away with no explanation how. It all seemed strange to me cause he was fine that same day. We found him lying face up; I noticed he had died eyes opened with his wing slid under the bottom cage bars, since I know he liked jumping from his perch to the bottom I assumed he made an error this time and got stuck struggling to death. He must have died very recently from when we found him dead; the stages of Rigor Mortis hadn’t taken place yet, since he was a tiny creature he would have stiffened up quickly. It might have been that he simply got spooked and his tiny heart couldn’t take it though. I view this as kind of fun. It’s like a murder mystery discovering how someone died or got killed; one truth will prevail.

Adrian R.

Around campus

April 11, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 5

World of ‘Warcrack’

When video games breed trouble

By MICHAEL DEATS San Jacinto Times

An estimated 12 million people worldwide have been caught up in a phenomenon known as World of Warcraft or WoW for several years. Some people have played since Nov. 23, 2004, when the game was released.

For the people who play, they already know they must pay, and for some who barely play, they still pay, usually at the monthly rate of $14.99.

Since its inception into popular game culture, WoW has skyrocketed to stardom, surpassing every MMORPG (massive multiplayer online roleplaying game) before its time and cumulating all of the popular aspects of its predecessors into a giant melting pot of fun and what some could be called addiction.

Addiction means the amount of devoted time and lapse in personal responsibility that comes from playing this game too much.

What is too much? Players are achieving the maximum level for multiple characters and endless exploration of constantly evolving end-game content.

End-game content is the goal of this game, it requires countless hours of “grinding” as gamers call it to achieve end-game PvE (player versus enemy) and PvP (player versus player) viability. For some people they

have multiple characters with 30 plus days. That’s 24 hours of logged in game time per day that they sometimes live through.

In the constant grind of WoW players ensconce themselves in fantasy where they can be better at what they do as opposed to their real-life scenarios. For some people this can distract from spouses, children, work, and school. For other people this could mean finding new friends that accept them in ways the real life friends can’t even begin to understand.

The end result with every expansion is always the same now, with the core concepts of MMO-RPG’s being random number generation, the game begins to lose viability. When it loses viability, Blizzard Entertainment releases an expansion to re-attract old players and possibly new ones (especially with cataclysms’ revamped 1-60 leveling system), but to what end? Perhaps to keep people paying to play instead of living real lives. I can recall a time when someone told me that it was sad that a friend and I were playing WoW in the same room at the same house, and suggested we go play football or something, to which my friend responded “OK, lets go play Madden”.

Perhaps video games are dominating American culture in ways that can barely be seen by some, and by others it is a very noticeable thing. Video games may possibly be the Roman Gladiator Arena of American society, distracting people from a failing system.

A good trip, a bad trip, so why trip?

Cartoon courtesy of Ryan McKnight

A look into hallucinogenics

By AMANDA SOWA San Jacinto Times

Docs prescribe, Feds deny Medical use of marijuana remains a controversial subject.

By JANETTE MARIN San Jacinto Times

Do you think marijuana is safe to use when someone is ill? Can it actually heal a person? Or what are the after effects? There are so many questions people ask themselves regarding this drug being prescribed by doctors. Many think it is just a stress reliever and others think it can actually cure someone that is sick.

Medical marijuana has strong support from voters and health organizations and now 13 out of 50 states in the U. S. has made it legal. According to medicalmarijuana.org, in 1978, the federal government was forced to allow some patients access to medical marijuana after a “medical necessity” defense was recognized in court, creating the Investigational New Drug (IND) program.

This allowed some patients to receive medical marijuana from the government. Medical marijuana is one of the most supported issues in policy reform. Many published studies suggest that marijuana has medical value in treating patients with serious health issues such as AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic pain. According to medicallegalmarijuana.com, in 1999 the Institute of Medicine made a study of marijuana and conclude that, “Nausea, appetite loss, pain, and anxiety all can be diminished by marijuana.

Numerous of organizations, including the AIDS Action Council and American Public Health Association have discussed allowing patients legal access to medical marijuana. Now as we understand that it is legal to certain people, but what does medical marijuana really do to a person with health conditions?

At this present time medical marijuana is documented to treat a variety of conditions. Some include nausea, loss of appetite, glaucoma, and extreme pain relief.

Marijuana comes from the main chemical plant that produces THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and 60 other

MCT Campus

cannabinoids that are also produced from the plants.

According to medicallegamarijuana.com, recent studies found THC to greatly reduced the growth of tumor in lung cancers by up to 50%. They are also testing it to see if it also can treat lung cancer in the near future.

Patients with HIV/AIDS can also benefit from medical marijuana use. Studies have shown to increase appetite, relieve pain, and improve the overall quality of their lives. It is obvious that marijuana will still make someone high, but it is only temporary depending on the use. While consuming this prescribed drug, it is recommended to stay at home and not drive.

Overall medical marijuana has proven to be effective at treating so many conditions. In some states legal medical marijuana patients need to attend their medical marijuana doctor to follow up if it is benefiting their current condition. In the future, would all 50 states legalize the use of medical marijuana? Would that affect the country? If so, would it be in a positive or negative way? All those questions asked would depend on how many lives can survive from the consumption of this drug.

States that have laws that legalize medical marijuana: •Alaska- Approved Nov.3, 1998 by 58% of voters •California-Approved Nov.5, 1996 by 56% of voters •Colorado-Approved Nov. 7, 2000 by 54% of voters •Hawaii-Approved Dec.28, 2000 by House •Maine- Approved Nov.2, 1999 by 61% of voters •Michigan- Approved Nov.4, 2008 by 63% of voters •Montana-Approved Nov.2, 2004 by 62% of voters •Nevada- Approved Nov.7, 2000 by 65% of voters •New Mexico- Approve Mar.13, 2007 by House •Oregon- Approved Nov.3, 1998 by 55% of voters •Rhode Island- Approved Jan.3, 2006 by Senate Bill •Vermont-Approved Jul.1, 2004 by House Bill 645 •Washington- Approved Nov.3, 1998 by 59% of voters

Some places to go if you need help

Want help to break a drug, alcohol, or video game addiction? You are not alone. The city of Houston offers a number of places you can call or go to where they will help you on the journey to recovery.

ALCOHOL ADDICTION. If you are looking for an alcohol rehabilitation center, Alcoholics Anonymous in Houston has at least five locations in the Pasadena area and many more around the city. If you want to find a location near you, visit www.aahouston.org or call 713-686-6300.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION. Sometimes breaking an addictive behavior requires setting yourself apart with a support group more than one day a week. With five different locations in Houston, Bay Area Recovery Center provides a home where you can take the time to really focus, build discipline, and find freedom with people who will help you. For more information call them at 713-705-4490

or visit them at www.bayarearecovery.com. Herman Memorial also offers facilities and programs. They can be reached at 713-939-7272 or www.mhparc.org.

VIDEO GAME ADDICTION. If you or someone you know spends most of their day playing games www.video-game-addiction.org is a great website to look at. They address how to tell if someone is addicted, the social and psychological impact of obsessive game play, and how to get help.

INFORMATION. If you are not looking for help but rather would like more information about the effects of these addictions and ways to get help visit www.helpguide.org . Another resource available is Alcohol-Recovery Info. They can be contacted at 888565-2282 or you can visit them at www.alcohol-recovery-info.com.

-- ASHLEY CRUZ

Groovy, far out, psychedelic man!

These terms make us think of words that hippies use. Hallucinogens played a key role in the 60’s and 70’s counter-culture hippie movement, as many young people turned to the drug to alter their state of consciousness.

The “major” hallucinogens are mushrooms, salvia and LSD. Hallucinogenic drugs have been used throughout history for multiple reasons from being used as medical agents, for treating post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as religious purposes; some take peyote to induce some sort of spiritual journey, to recreational use for mind exploration.

The 2003 National Survey on Drug Use & Health estimated that 34,363,000 Americans had used a hallucinogen (excluding Cannabis) at least once in their life.

Hallucinogenic drugs can have effects such as physical as well as psychological. According to serendip.edu, physical effects include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sleepiness, tremors, nausea, trembling and itching.

Experimenting with these drugs causes psychological alterations to the brain that leads to illusions, while alters thinking and self-awareness.

Magic mushrooms, better known as shrooms or liberty caps, are raw fungus, eaten raw, cooked or made in to a drink such as tea.

The effects of mushrooms are those similar to acid. A small dosage can bring excitement and a large dosage will bring shape and color distortions with vivid hallucinations sometimes lasting up to nine hours, depending on the amount taken.

Psychological effects for hallucinogens are referred to as “tripping.” Each users “trip” can be different depending on mood, body size and amount consumed.

Much like other hallucinogens, the users environment and mood is to determine how great the nature of the trip will be. If not taken in a happy, controlled environment, it is possible to have a “bad trip” causing anxiety, suspicion, confusion and panic.

Although not proven addictive, the greatest chance you take while consuming mushrooms is eating one of the poisonous varieties by mistake, or having an accident or personal injury while being under the influence.

Salvia divinorum, or salvia is the world’s most

potent hallucinogenic herb.

Legally sold online, and in head shops across America, salvia has never been easier for thrillseeking youth to get their hands on, states Kevin Sack from The New York Times.

Taking salvia can produce “out of body” experiences that can last for 5 to 10 minutes, which is the least amount of time than other psychoactive substances.

Mainly because there has never been any reports of a bad side effect, this substance is legal is most states. And has actually been used for medical purposes like preventing anemia, providing treatments for headaches, addiction and depression.

The most recognized hallucinogen drug would be Lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD for short.

Colorless, odorless, bitter, and very potent, this drug is typically eaten by way of a sugar cube, gelatin or absorbent blotter paper.

Physical side effects of LSD can be as small as pupil dilation and decreased appetite; other symptoms reported are numbness, nausea, goose bumps, jaw clenching and increased heart rate.

Some trips on LSD may include the illusion of MCT Campus objects and surfaces appearing to ripple or “breath”, radiant colors, colored patterns behind the closed eyelids.

Maybe people who have used, claim to have “seen sounds” or “heard colors”. Others reported objects morphing, while having an altered sense of time, lasting 6 to 14 hours, depending on factors such as dosage and tolerance.

While in a relaxed, balanced mindset, hallucinogens can be adventuress, but cases of impaired thinking; unexpected outbursts, mood swings, or even flashbacks have been reported.

Flashbacks are effects of LSD long after the drug has worn off, and are typically triggered by alcohol, stress, caffeine or sleepiness.

With the growing interest of hallucinogens, many years of research has been conducted in order to try and determine exactly how the brain is affected by these drugs, though scientists still are unable to answer all the questions asked about hallucinogen drugs, it is still a great fascination in today’s drug world.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an addiction, call Recovery Connection at 1-800993-3869 to speak to a counselor anytime.

Jumps/Etc.

Texas-sized miracles are realistic

BY CHRISTOPHER SHELTON San Jacinto Times

Terry Alexander has weathered the vice of addiction.

Drugs have permeated his life since the tender age of 14.

Crack cocaine triggered a downward spiral contradictory to his upbringing. So the fact that Alexander has evolved from an addicted junkie who weighed 95 pounds to a stable husband and father is nothing short of extraordinary.

Alexander was fifteen during his first rehab stint, though he has been to rehab at least thirty times in his life. His first experience with drugs began with marijuana at fourteen.

Alexander was teased in elementary and middle school for taking Special Education classes in Louisiana. That is until he began bringing marijuana to school. “They all wanted to be my friend after that,” stated Alexander. Marijuana was his gateway to cocaine and after cocaine he graduated to crackcocaine.

Alexander wanted to make one thing clear, “A person on crack cocaine does not like his habit because it pimps him. It takes his money and the women soon leave.” He explained that it gives you a feeling that you cannot ignore, feelings that you are soon dependent upon. These feelings were so strong that Alexander was pulled into a life of homelessness for fifteen years. According to Alexander this was the lowest point of his life.

Can you imagine sleeping on concrete sidewalks and under bridges night after night for more than a decade?

Can you imagine piercing wind and cold rain as your only pillow?

This was Alexander’s reality and the reality of many drug addicted individuals. He credits the support and prayers of family and friends for keeping him afloat while he was amongst the dregs of society.

In April Terry Alexander will have two years of sobriety.

Alexander has held a job for the longest period in his life. He has worked at Wendy’s for nine months. In fact he has filed his income taxes for the first time in his life.

What he is most proud is that his parents can now hold their head high when thinking about him. “Today I can truly say that my mom and dad are not scared that I can end up dead or in jail, they do not have to worry about my wellbeing every night, and that is a good feeling.”

It took divine intervention for Alexander to get clean. Crack cocaine made him so paranoid that he believed that his best friend was attempting to kill him. He checked into a rehab hospital seriously ready to put in the work and effort to stay clean for the first time. He got on his knees and asked God to take away all of his desires and feelings by helping him abstain from crack cocaine. He has since devoted his life to God and been clean ever since.

He moved from Louisiana to Houston in order to complete his book entitled “This is why I am hot on Christ Jesus.”

Houston enabled him to meet his wife Cassandra Alexander.

Terry Alexander stated, “She keeps me out of so much trouble.” I think we can all say that about our wife or significant

April 11, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 6

BLINDERS

Continued from page 1 Whether it’s the bills stacking up, loss of a loved one, or even just the depression of their home life and life style, Alcoholics will find any excuse to pick up the bottle. It’s almost as if they are drawn to it by instinct, it becomes like breathing to them.

These eyes will never see the tears of those who have been negatively impacted by their actions. They will never see the remnants of those lives that trail their destructive wake. Perhaps, they will never see this article, but yours have. So just keep in mind the battles alcoholics face, and how some never win that battle. But more than anything remember that the domino effect of your actions effects more people than just you.

CULTURE

Continued from page 1 Even if people who think if they just buy marijuana they don’t affect anything, they are sadly mistaken.

Drugs account for a majority of violence that happens in the United States every day. The drug trade is a big business, and when people in that industry cross one another you never know which innocent person might be in their way.

They will go to any means to take out the competition literally.

People who purchase and use illegal drugs are contributing to the ever-growing violence and backlash of the narcotics industry. Although you may have not seen the violence face to face it is present. If you or anyone you know have suffered from any form of drug related violence there are organizations that can help. Lets help stop the unnecessary violence and do what the old saying says.

“Say no to Drugs!” It may one day save a life.

ALCOHOLISM Continued from page 1

Photo by Terry Alexander

Terry Alexander smiling after his transformation is brought to light.

other. Terry and Cassandra will be celebrating their first anniversary this June. Terry stated, “Life is so much better now that I am clean. I have my friends, family, and a relationship with mom and dad back; but most of all I can take a shower in my own home.”

According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, “an estimated 12.8 million Americans, population aged twelve and older, use illegal drugs on a current basis.

More than a third of all Americans twelve and older have tried an illicit drug.” The proliferation of illegal drugs use in America has unquestionably become part of our culture, but we see that through hard work, faith and family support anyone can rise from the depths of addiction.

Genetics play a role by predisposing people to be susceptible to alcoholism but it does not necessarily mean dependency.

There are many other factors that can influence alcohol dependence and can either intensify or moderate the development of alcoholism. Such factors as environment and social setting can positively influence a person who is predisposed, to avoid alcoholism from developing.

Home and environmental factors such as parent use and/or parent acceptance of alcohol/drug use, family bonding, family conflict, obtaining alcohol easily, peer use, and peer attitudes towards alcohol/drug use, rebellion against parents, peer acceptance, stress reduction, and self-treatment. All of the above factors are influences of surroundings, not just in the home, but also in the school.

Once alcoholism has been identified as a risk, steps can be taken to avoid development into full-blown alcoholism. Preventing underage drinking helps avoid the development of alcoholism in a person with alcoholism in his or her genetics. By postponing alcohol use from younger people, the chance of developing alcoholism later in life is significantly decreased.

Genetic research is helpful in understanding the risk factors of alcoholism and determining why some people are more susceptible than others.

People who can identify his or her hereditary alcohol abuse risk are better prepared to work preventatively in avoiding alcohol-related dependencies.

Furthermore, understanding the presence of genetically supported alcoholism in an individual can help professionals determine the best treatment methods for patients suffering from alcoholism.

Caffeine causes behavior that is as habit-forming as illegal drugs

BY VICTOR ARAIZA San Jacinto Times

Cocaine, marijuana, crystal meth, heroin, ecstasy, acid, alcohol, and...caffeine? When you hear a list like this one you think about these substances and the harm that comes with many of them. Even alcohol, which is arguably the easiest drug to have access to, comes with its share of warnings like the many “drink responsibly” commercials and “Don’t drink and drive” laws. Therefore it becomes natural to be more careful when consuming alcohol because of the implications involved. It’s not personal nature, however, to be cautious with caffeine. Should there be?

Caffeine is not a drug, and therefore there are no legal restrictions which make it easily accessible to acquire.

Caffeine is virtually everywhere in our daily food and drinks, it’s literally hard to avoid. There is caffeine content in coffee, sodas, energy drinks, over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medications, and flavored syrup, just to name a few. You don’t find caffeine, caffeine finds you.

“I’m your typical spoiled girl that you would say goes to Starbucks every morning before school,” shared San Jacinto College-North student Karen Navarro. “It all start-

ed with one cup a day, and then it became more. Now I’m spending over $10 a day on just coffee.”

So how do you kick a caffeine addiction?

First of all, it depends on your meaning of addiction.

According to WebMD, “Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system, and regular use of caffeine does cause mild physical dependence. But caffeine doesn't threaten your physical, social, or economic health the way addictive drugs do.”

“I used to replace meals with sodas and that’s how I gained most of my weight,” said San Jacinto CollegeSouth student Dorian Valenzuela. “I have lost close to 80 lbs. just off letting go of sodas with the proper exercise.”

Quitting caffeine intake isn’t difficult like kicking a drug addiction, though the higher your intake the harder it is to quit. Symptoms of withdrawal from caffeine usually last just over a day and include: headache, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, depressed mood, and difficulty concentrating.

WebMD further states, “Caffeine withdrawal can make for a few bad days. However, caffeine does not cause the severity of withdrawal or harmful drug-seeking behaviors as street drugs or alcohol. For this reason, most experts There are many negative implications don't consider caffeine dependence an addiction.” which is a common problem.

MCT Campus

to overdependence on caffeine,

Cartel violence engulfs nation

BY MARIA CHAVEZ San Jacinto Times

Drugs have been around since who knows when, but they have brought on more bad than good.

Even with all the Political issues in the world, there is a bigger, more hurtful problem- that being when trafficking these drugs gets involved.

Mexico has seen this issue evolve into a huge mess. Some have compared Mexico to the drug war stricken Colombia, about 20-30 years back. Mexico is the passageway for many kinds of trafficking; drugs, weapons, and immigrants. All which are individual dilemmas, but share a common road to North America- Mexico.

Mexico’s Drug war is getting way out of hand and I believe there is no way of stopping it now.

A fierce rebellion from the most known cartels could trigger a civil war, but will a revolution be the answer to Mexico’s problems? I don’t think so. What happens if, by that time, the cartels take over? They already say that the government is corrupt- how long will it take for the cartels to take over the government and run the whole country?

The cartels have lost all conscience when it comes to distributing their products. They’ve killed by the handfuls. Government officials, reporters, men, woman, young adults, even children- it doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, if you happen to be in their way as they’re crossing, that’s it.

I can’t imagine the terror one must feel when walking to the grocery store or being scared of leaving your children at school and have to wait till the time they come out in that panic of ‘what if.’

Thousands of people getting killed all in the name of the profit made by drug trafficking is horrifying. If there’s anyway to stop this, to let Mexico live again, action should take place. Sadly, I don’t believe there’s an immediate answer to all this, but maybe in the long run, Mexico will fix itself.

Google Images

Just For Fun/Sports

April 11, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 7

The Sports Report

(All records as of April 7)

BASEBALL Record: 25-12, 12-6 in Region IV play Update: Regular season ends May 4.

National tournament ends June 4.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Record: 29-4 Update: Season over; Lost to Lamar State-Port Arthur 72-67 in the Region XIV Tournament.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Record: 9-22 Update: Season ended on March 4.

SOCCER Record: 16-4 last season.

Update: Season begins in Fall.

San Jacinto College

Tori Cummings was named Region XIV softball player of the week recently. She is hitting .313 for the season.

SOFTBALL Record: 31-14 Update: Regular season ends April 27; national tournament ends May 21.

VOLLEYBALL Record: Finished last season 29-10, second nationally.

Update: New season begins in the Fall.

April 11, 2011 San Jacinto Times • Page 8