2/27/12

THE

San Jacinto Times

Dr. Maureen Murphy is leaving South. Page 3.

The voice of San Jacinto College since 1991

Risqué play opens at SJC February 27, 2012

The Student Publication of the San Jacinto College District

Vol. 22, No. 14

Gingrich, A&M, and more.

Page 2.

Check out our staff blog at www.sanjactimesstaff.wordpress.com

HIV/AIDs walk comes to houston again.

Page 5.

A novel comes alive on stage

By LORI BROWN San Jacinto Times

A Clockwork Orange opens this week at San Jacinto Central campus.

Rob Vanya/San Jacinto College publicity

The vivid tones of muted lighting coat the scene like syrup as brilliantly garbed players weave in and out of the intermittent darkness. Three video screens hang high above the stage, constantly confirming the multimedia aspect of the event. The stage is set.

The actors are polishing their final performances and the lighting cues are being perfected. Soon, the San Jacinto College Central Theatre Department will begin their run of “A Clockwork Orange,” a play adaptation by Brad Baker.

Based on the novel by Anthony Burgess, Baker’s “A Clockwork Orange” is the jolting tale of teenager Alex who leads his merry gang of troublemakers through a series of criminal activities and the course his life follows as a result.

Of the story, Ivins explains, “Alex changes not as a result of chemicals or choice or anything that modified his behavior, but because of his life experience. Burgess had a beautiful story of redemption, life going full circle and he brought up a strong case for Christian beliefs and choice.”

Though Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film is inarguably the most famous version of Burgess’ story, Ivins points out that Kubrick did not necessarily stay true to the powerful themes found in the novel.

The play, however, does. “We love the fact that we get to go back and do the original ending of the novel as opposed to the film,” says Ivins. “It is a very powerful message.”

According to Ivins, another especially exciting aspect of working with this piece is the students’ enthusiasm for unearthing the powerful message in a work that is over 40 years old.

“It is exciting to see them come to that type of discovery,” Ivins said, adding that the script has a timeless quality due to the issues modern society still faces with “gang violence…prison reform…and methods of SEE ORANGE ON PAGE 4

Galveston to add Pleasure Pier

Student traveled far for San Jac

The demolition of 75 acres filled with memories brought tears to the eyes of many. There were many who crossed the magical bridge over the 610 freeway, in order to reach those 75 acres of enchanting land. Nowadays, we only drive under that once magical bridge and look to the way where the beloved Six Flags Astroworld once stood and many memories still remain.

It has been six years, three months, and about 20 days (but who’s counting?) Since Astroworld was torn down and since the city of Houston and its surroundings have experienced the rattling of a rollercoaster.

This summer a brand new magical land, or pier to be exact, will be sure to mend the broken hearts of those who are still upset about Astroworld’s closing.

Galveston Island’s Historic Pleasure Pier is scheduled to open this summer. The pier will be located on Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard and 25th Street where the first Pleasure Pier once stood from 1943 until Hurricane Carla ruined it in 1961. Most recently, the Flagship Hotel stood where the pier will make its comeback. Hurricane Ike destroyed the Flagship Hotel, the only hotel in North America standing completely over water, in 2008.

The Pleasure Pier will feature 16 different amusement rides, Midway Games and for the Forrest Gump enthusiasts out there, the pier will be home

Each year, thousands of college students face a decision of becoming a foreign exchange student.

That means traveling to a distant land, learning about another culture, meeting new people in a new school. Out of those thousands of students, only a few hundred decide to actually travel abroad.

Ever wonder why some students avoid going?

Some avoid going because they are scared to travel alone beyond the comfort of their homes, others are worried about not making a great impression, while other students cannot deal with saying goodbye to their loved ones. The majority of students, however, decide to give up the dream of traveling abroad because they are concerned about money.

Whether it’s moving to a whole new city, state or even country, some students dream of traveling during their years of education. Sometimes those dreams do not become a reality until a later part of their lives, but the fact is that they still have a memorable experience at one point.

But what about the students who have traveled across their countries? How is their college life experience? Do they feel at home, or is it the opposite of home? With further investigation around San Jacinto Central campus, the answers to these questions are no longer a mystery.

Meet Keri Cooper, a foreign exchange student attending San Jacinto College Central. In June 2011, Cooper moved from Utila Bay Island, Honduras, to Houston. When asked what she thinks about Texas, Cooper responded “When I first came to Houston, I expected it to be more cowboyish and see horses walking around”. Usually, the vast majority of people who visit Houston for the first time believe it to be that way.

By JANETH CERVANTES San Jacinto Times

INSIDE

Commentary................2 Around Campus.........3 Front page jumps........4 Fashion/art..................6

to the first ever Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant in Texas.

Of course, the pier will be compared to The Kemah Boardwalk, but they are both very different.

Mark A. Kane, the Regional Director of The Kemah Boardwalk and The Galveston Island Pleasure Pier, explained the differences between the two. “Both have great, family fun oriented, amusement games selections, inclusive of “Winner Every Time Concepts”, for smaller children,” said Kane, “Both have great theme park style food and beverage selections, prepared and served with Landry’s quality in mind. Funnel cakes, cotton candy, ice cream, turkey legs, sausage on a stick , and of course cheeseburgers, fries, chicken fingers, pizza and unlimited types of beverages and novelty refreshments.”

“The Kemah Boardwalk is really a microcosm of the overall Galveston Island,” added Kane, “In other words The Kemah Boardwalk is a compact version of Galveston.” In the subject of ride selection, “Both have a diversity of rides, with rides that will appeal to all age groups and all levels of desired thrills,” stated Kane.

Rides and thrills which will include the Iron Shark, a 100 foot vertical lift with a vertical first drop. With four full 360 degree inversions, speeds of up to 52 miles per hour, and a back stretch that tilts over the edge of the pier, which means over the water, the Iron Shark will be quite the trill and is first on Mr. Kane’s must-ride list.

SEE PIER ON PAGE 4

By EDITH MANZANARES San Jacinto Times

Edith Manxanares/San Jacinto Times

Keri Cooper has come a long way to SJC.

Although Houston is known to be the cowboy capital of the world, it is also a large, fast-paced city that continues to grow with each day.

Cooper graduated from Utila Adventist Institute back in her country, her high school had about approximately 100 students and seven of them were the graduating class. “There are no colleges on the island, there is only high school” Cooper stated. “The island is small, we are kind of limited, and you can practically walk the island in 20 minutes.”

SEE STUDENT ON PAGE 4

Opinion/Commentary

A&M tradition sexist?

By KRISTINA TAYLOR San Jacinto Times

On my way driving to school I hear an interesting topic on whether Texas A&M University should allow their dance team to dance on the sidelines of the football games. I do not plan to transfer to A&M but I am sure there are many San Jac students who may want to transfer to A&M and this definitely would affect you.

A&M is very big on tradition and according to Brent Zwerneman on The Houston Chronicle, Women were not first admitted until 1963. It was an all-male university for years and all Yell Leaders have been male. Although, A&M junior Samantha Ketcham is trying to become the first female Yell Leader but she has to be elected by the students.

The elections will be on February 27-28.

“We haven’t been an all-male school for nearly half a century, yet in all of that time not a single woman has been elected as a Yell Leader,” Ketcham wrote on her website according to The Houston Chronicle.

She has said that she does not want to be voted on basis on her gender, to not discriminate. She wants to be a part of tradition. Speaking of tradition, the dance team has not been able to be a part of the football games. They have Yell Leaders instead. I am all for tradition, keep the Yell Leaders but I do not see why the dance team can not dance on the sidelines to be a part of school spirit A&M

has.

The dance team does not have to dance during half time on the field, just simply on the sidelines.

If they do allow for the dance team to dance, it is not going to take away from the Yell Leaders. They will still be important and respected. Many current students and students who have once attended A&M think that they should not mess with tradition and not allow them to dance. Although, if they never messed with tradition, then A&M would still be an all-male University. Tradition is nice but change can be a good thing.

“We’re not trying to take away for the traditions, but a female presence for us would be good at Kyle Field,” says Morgan Holcomb, a senior and the dance team’s captain, according to The Houston Chronicle.

Even if the dance team does not get as much enthusiasm from the crowd as the Yell Leaders do, who cares. They are doing what they love and just want to be a part of the excitement at the football games, just like everyone else. John David Crow, A&M’s former athletic director, also thinks that this is a good idea.

The decision will come from the athletic department and input from the administration. That being said, I really think they should allow their dance team to be a part of the football games and I admire what Ketcham is trying to be a Yell leader. As long as she would be dedicated, I would vote for her.

There is nothing wrong with being open minded, make it a new tradition. We are now in the 21st century, so join it.

Stowe’s ‘Cabin’ still relevant

By GREG FETTERS San Jacinto Times

“Daddy,” cries my three year old Gabriella, “Can Pugsley stay inside?” Her thoughts express a motherly tenderness without appreciation for the fact that our dog, Pugsley, has never learned where his territory ends and ours begins. So by virtue of his dominant nature he is forbidden to stay in the house. I realize that most of her questions are based on limited experience, which translates into a need for Daddy.

Most of the time I am needed to keep watch. Like the time she got into her grandmother’s make-up.

Most every night I am needed as her concierge, turning down her bed, tossing the little ringlets in her hair, comforting her with an explanation of the next day’s activities and praying for her gentle night’s rest. The latter being mostly for my benefit and comfort knowing she is guarded by spirit even when Daddy closes his eyes or heads off to work. I could not imagine a world without her or even worse a world that would rip her from my arms.

For many early Americans Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin captures a world that embraces kidnapping, human bondage, human brutality, and the many sufferings of the early American slave.

Harriet’s portrait provokes an understanding that to some early American slaveholders would be considered treason to their aristocratic ideals. To others, her pen illuminates a path of civil discourse that led to the Civil War. Her brilliant depiction of characters, settings and ideals generated pluralistic style support that even had President Abraham Lincoln referring to her work as “the book that made this great war.”

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center’s website, http://www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org/utc/, reveals a writer that was forced into a world by birth and resolved to make a difference. Harriet Beecher Stowe resided on the edge of politics, Christianity, and human frailty. The Compromise of 1850 and The Fugitive Slave Act infuriated Stowe by criminalizing her efforts to be a good Christian and assist those that God had placed in her path.

With the stroke of a pen, the government divided Harriet into two parts, morally incorruptible and devilishly criminal. It seems these two pieces of legislation troubled Harriet so deeply she became empowered through her suffering. She disobeyed the law by harboring runaway slaves and catapulting them to freedom. Her sufferings can be felt through the voice of the young St. Clare child Eva “’Mamma’ she said suddenly to her mother, one day, ‘why don’t we teach our servants to read?’”

(Stowe, p 67) The simplest of ideas seem so grand with such perception, the feelings of a delicate

San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications

CIRCULATION Cristal Calvillo

ADVERTISING Sara Quintana

ADVISER Fred Faour

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Harriet Beecher Stowe still impacts Gabriella. flower exploring the cruelness in the world around her. This is Harriet’s cry for justice; wrapped in a complex question from the humblest of tones in need of the simplest of answers. Harriet’s answer to this question fueled the abolitionist movement to the crossroad known as the Civil War. Harriet Beecher Stowe impacted the entire world, past and present, with her illustration “Life Among the Lowly” aka Uncle Tom’s Cabin. As I read the entire story, my thoughts drifted, as they often do, to my daughter. I consider my daughter, Gabriella, a precious gift. I want her life to be full of as Hendrix said in Little Wing: “butterflies and zebras, moon beams and fairy tales.”

I know she will be successful, beautiful and kind.

Her world is one of wonder, amazement and intrigue. One day soon her questions will be as innocent as they are revealing in truth. I expect that my simple answers will not suffice for her intuitive nature. I do not pretend to believe that her world is much different from Harriet Beecher Stowe’s.

At present, the political and academic sentiment is to push for pluralistic ideas that are window dressing. Hell bent on a road that leads to self destruction. Ideas like “social justice” that attempt to segregate our great country. “ Politicats” with their uppity speech ostracizing “Hardworking Americans.”

A devious shell game intent on corrupting the “morally incorruptible.” None of their schemes have merit. And the “Academiacats” are overwhelmingly complicit in their attempts to rule those that lack their misunderstandings. All of their efforts are lost in a dream of make believe.

If only this world was that of life without death, a place where Harriet Beecher Stowe’s voice could resonate through the actions of our leaders. Imagine a heavenly society that has no need for “An indepth look at human trafficking,” as we saw on the front page of last week’s Times. How many history lessons will it take to learn “to love one another as Christ loves us,” as we read in Ashley Collins’ piece on page 3 of last week’s Times?

The brutal truth exists in a question, “ Daddy,” she will ask in her adolescence as she recites the daily newspaper headline in the form of a question, “Why are twelve year old girls being sodomized in Juarez for drugs and money?”

I will answer “because nobody gives a damn.”

EDITORS

Michael Deats, Maria Chavez

PAGE ONE EDITOR Nicholas Page

OPINIONS EDITOR Caty Christy

SOUTH CAMPUS EDITORS Vanessa Pina, Lori Brown NORTH CAMPUS EDITORS Edith Manzanales, Steven Tallas

SPORTS EDITORS

Brandon Hurley, Stephen Valdez

FASHION/LIFESTYLE EDITOR Angelica Rodriguez

MUSIC EDITOR Lindsay Floyd

February 27, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 2

Lunar colony is pie in the sky

By DENNIS TAGUE San Jacinto Times

“That’s one small step for man, and one giant leap for mankind.”

These words are one of the most memorable words in the history of America. The lunar landing signified a huge step in technological advancement that set the United States far ahead in the space race.

Now, a little more than 40 years after that iconic event, one man has stepped forward to take us one giant leap farther than before.

Newt Gingrich, Republican candidate for President of the United States, has proposed that if he is elected, that by the end of his second term, America will not only land on the moon once again, but by the year 2020, there will be a lunar colony.

As preposterous as this sounds, Gingrich has “stuck to his guns” on the issue and is planning to start progress his first year in office.

Is this just a joke that Newt Gingrich is using to lose the race, instead of dropping out? Apparently not, but at the same time is it possible that America, under the leadership of former Speaker Gingrich, can pull this off. More importantly can he do it without bankrupting the country?

“I think grandiose thoughts” Gingrich said, “this is a grandiose country of big people doing big things and we need leadership to take on big projects.” This, coming from the man who, in 2002 in a PBS interview, proposed that space lasers are essential to stop Chinese and Russian ballistic missiles.

Gingrich is proposing that after 13,000 Americans have arrived and are living in this lunar colony that it could apply for statehood and become the 51st state in the United States of America.

There are several problems that would be encountered in order to build a lunar colony. The first one is obviously oxygen supply. It would take a lot of oxygen to provide a sufficient breathing environment for the “Lunarians” as they might be called.

The second problem is that at this time, America does not have a spacecraft that can make a lunar landing. Although, besides the check to the taxpayers, this isn’t a far stretch considering the technology was made in the 1960’s.

The Third problem with the lunar colony is that it is supposed to be American. If NASA were to foot the bill, it would cost them approximately four billion dollars per year (one-fourth of their annual budget) until the project was completed in 2020. Then after completion, NASA would have to fund all maintenance for the lunar colony as long as it was in existence.

If it were to happen, I think that the same nations that sponsored the International Space Station should sponsor the colony. Splitting the cost between these nations would bring the cost per year to 800,000,000 a year for NASA (that’s only 5% of the annual budget), and the other space stations.

Newt may be a good candidate for president, but he is no JFK. It’s fine if you want to go to the moon again, but don’t make outlandish claims of something that is not probable and very expensive. I though the whole idea was to get out of debt, not escape it by living on the moon.

Singer’s tragic death; the downfall of addiction

By LORI BROWN San Jacinto Times

As the final sunset falls on another music legend, endless questions and controversy swell beneath the tributes and tearful memorials. Like so many who have gone before her, the death of Whitney Houston has brought forth the subject of drug use and the criticisms that go along with it.

Was she drunk, many have asked? Was she high, or both? How could she have been involved in drugs when she was so successful, and a mother, and a Christian? Why did she continue falling into these behaviors that were clearly wrong? Why did she ignore her problems that were so easy for the rest of us to see?

Then, inevitably the character assassinations begin and too many people start to pass judgments on the recently deceased. To add insult to injury, embarrassing footage featuring the singer in her weakest moments has been playing continuously since her death.

We’ve seen it. We’ve heard it. We’ve told our friends about it.

We’ve laughed and pointed and shook our heads and pretended we were perfect while we listed the reasons she was not.

The truth of the matter, however, is that addiction is a cruel and ruthless adversary who takes its victims hostage and almost never lets them go.

For those who have never experienced addiction, it is easy to brush it aside as an excuse for misbehavior. For those who have experienced it, a deeper level of understanding is often gained that brings reality to a fatal problem. For those who want to learn more, here are five facts about addiction: 1. Addiction is a chronic disease, not a character flaw. In fact, the American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a “primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and 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.

related circuitry.” Once exposed to addictive substances, a person suffering from this chronic disorder will have a difficult time not becoming addicted. The best way to avoid addiction is to abstain from addictive substances in the first place.

2. Addiction is not rare. According to the Coaching International website, one of every eight Americans suffers from a substantial problem with alcohol or drug addiction. This means there is a good chance that anyone who does not suffer from addiction themselves knows someone who does.

Surprisingly, many who suffer from addiction are able to maintain employment and effectively hide their condition from public view.

3. Addiction does not discriminate. Addiction affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Because of this, it is ill advised to make sweeping judgments based on someone suffering from the disease.

4. You cannot “fix” someone suffering from addiction. One of the most frustrating aspects of addiction occurs when loved ones attempt to “save” the afflicted person in their lives. Through anger, desperation, bargaining and threatening, friends and family members often attempt to alter the addict’s behavior. However, the best way to help someone suffering from addiction is to learn about the disease itself and receive support from others in the same situation. Al-Anon is one of the most active support networks for loved ones of addicts. To find out more about Al-Anon, or locate a meeting near you, call 1-888-4AL-ANON. 5. There is hope. Addiction is a terrible disease, but there is help for those who are willing to work toward a healthier lifestyle. Now more than ever, emotional and medical support is available and easily accessible. Perhaps the best known (and most effective) form of support is Alcoholics Anonymous, which was founded in the mid-1930’s.

Not just for alcoholics, the group was formed by addicts for addicts and has always viewed addiction as a medical condition. It is also free. To find out more about Alcoholics Anonymous, or find a meeting near you, visit www.aa.org.

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, Febrero 27

• Reclutador de Texas Southern University para transferir, 10 a.m., Lobby de ILC

Martes, Febrero 28 • Reclutador de Texas Southern University para transferir, 10 a.m., lobby de Wheeler Occupational building • Reclutador de UHCL, 10 a.m. lobby de centro estudiantil

Miercoles, Febrero 29 • No hay actividades

Jueves, Marzo 1 • Junta del club de sociologia, 7 a.m. N2.219 • Junta del club de Rotaract, 1 p.m., N12.215 • Junta del club de Anime, 2:30 p.m., N9.133

Viernes, Marzo 2 • Junta del club Robotico, 1 p.m., N2.108

Sabado, Marzo 3

Central

• No hay actividades

Lunes, Febrero 27 • Junta del club de Mathematicas & Ingenieria, 12:20 p.m., C1.142 • Junta del club de Psicologia, 12:50 p.m., C3.204

Martes, Febrero 28 • Junta de TSEA, 1 p.m. c20.263 • Junta de Alancia Gay Straight, 2:30 p.m., C3.204

Miercoles, Febrero 29 • Junta del club de Anime, 1 p.m., C20.253-255 • San Jac Tiene Talento, 11 a.m, Raven Cafe

Jueves, Marzo 1 • No hay actividades

Viernes, Marzo 2 • Junta de Phi Theta Kappa, 10 a.m., C1.230 • Junta de Asociacion del Gobierno Estudiantil, 11:30 a.m., C1.T155

Sabado, Marzo 3 • No hay actividades

Sur

Lunes, Febrero 27 • Junta del club de Tenis, 3:30 p.m., en la pista de Tenis • Junta del club de Artes Marciales Mixtos, 8:30 p.m., S21.120

Martes, Febrero 28 • Companerismo Biblico de Estudiante, 11:30 a.m., S11.109 • Gremio de juegos, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Junta del club de Tenis para 17 y menor, 3:30 p.m., Pista de Tenis • Junta del club de pre-medicina, 5 p.m., S7,128 • Junta de escritores, 6 p.m., S9.200

Miercoles, Febrero 29 • Junta del club de Ajedrez, 11:20 a.m., en el Atrio • Junta de Phi Beta Lamba, 2:30 p.m., S8.2014 • Junta de Sociedad Webb, 2:30 p.m., S7.156 • Junta de club de Filosofia, 2:45 p.m., S7.100

Jueves, Marzo 1 • Gremio de juegos, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Junta del Asociacion de Veterinarios, 3:30 p.m., en el lounge del centro estudiantil (segundo piso) • Junta del club de Desayuno, 4 p.m., Cafeteria • Ceremonia de Introduccion Phi Theta Kappa, 6:30 p.m. cuarto de banquete

Viernes, Marzo 2 • Junta del club Atres Marciales Mixtos, 9 a.m., S21.105 • Junta del club de Phi Theta Kappa, 1 p.m. S8.2014 • Junta del club de Ajedrez, 1 p.m., S9.234

Sabado, Marzo 3 • No hay actividades

Domingo, Marzo 4 • No hay actividades

South Pres. moving on

By MICHAEL DEATS San Jacinto Times

Dr. Maureen Murphy, who has dedicated almost five years to being President of San Jacinto College South Campus, is moving on. Dr. Murphy has accepted a position as president of Brookdale Community College in Monmouth County, New Jersey according to the notice sent out by Dr. Brenda Hellyer.

Dr. Murphy has spent a lot of time dedicating herself to San Jac, after hurricane Ike she worked with the instructional recovery of the district.

Another accolade of her career came in 2010 when the South Belt Chamber of Commerce selected South Campus as business of the year.

With her time at South Campus, Dr. Murphy saw a nearly 28 percent enrollment increase. She also worked on partnerships with Clear Creek, Pearland and Pasadena Independent School Districts according to Dr. Hellyer.

In a press release by the school, Dr. Murphy said “This was a bittersweet decision,” and went on to say “I am thankful to have worked with truly outstanding faculty and staff. San Jacinto College has achieved much in its efforts to promote student success, and I am grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Dr. Murphy will still be filling her position as president of South Campus until June 22, 2012.

One thing is for sure, Dr. Murphy’s presence will be missed, and Brookdale Community College is very lucky to have her on board.

Every day millions of people drive throughout the roads, whether it is for school or work.

Freeways are jammed packed in the mornings, bumper to bumper with the loud noises of horns honking. The car may be the main priority for a U.S. citizen; however, the main priority is what the car runs off of: fuel. Unless the car is energy powered, a person relies on the purchase of gas on a regular-basis. All of society recognized the increase in cost of the gas prices as increasingly more money is invested on it. Although this priority downsizes the wallets of many American citizens, many do not know how or why it is being done.

The population of America increases and so do the purchases of cars, thus, consumption of gasoline goes up. The demand for gas increases and the supply decreases and then you have more need for gas. At this time, the price fluctuations are not very much demand driven, but are influenced by externalities.

WGMD 92.7 News Radio reporter Andrew Koch explains about many people seeking refuge from rising prices because they are very unstable and can jump up in a hurry. Domestically, several oil refineries in the U.S. and the Virgin Islands have closed down and total available gas supply has lowered. CNN Travel reporter Matt Smith also informs citizens about the sudden increase in the price of North Sea oil jumped U.S. gas prices around 12 cents at the end of Jan. 2012. Europe’s

North

• Texas Southern University Transfer Recruiter, 10 a.m., ILC Lobby

Tuesday, February 28 • Texas Southern University Transfer Recruiter, 10 a.m., Wheeler Occupational Building Lobby • UHCL Recruiter, 10 a.m., Student Center Lobby

Wednesday, February 29 • No Scheduled Activities

Thursday, March 1 • Sociology Club Meeting, 7 a.m., N2.219 • Rotaract Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N12.215 • Anime Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., N9.133

Friday, March 2 • Robotics Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N2.108

Saturday, March 3 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, March 4 • No Scheduled Activities San Jacinto College

Dr. Maureen Murphy is leaving South.

Brent crude is often used in American gas. That Brent crude jumped up in price due to underproduction in the North Sea, Sudan disputes, and the escalating and volatile situation emerging from Iran.

Often times, the most cost effective means to avoid that “punch” from the gas prices is to get a more gas efficient car. “Well, coming from a commuting college student’s point of view, the price of gas is very crucial. I just recently purchased a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo that gets around 33 mpg,” stated Ashley Ghent of Fort Worth, TX, “and while it still does aid in saving me gas money, it's still ridiculous when I fill up 30 dollars at the end of the week.” This is the kind of thing that makes people look for alternative means of transportation or substitute fuels.

Electric cars, Smart Cars, monorails, and hydrogen fuel come to the rescue, but these great ideas also come with a cost as well.

Many European countries have decided to decrease imports of crude oil from Iran because of tension pertaining to concern over Iran’s nuclear research. What might make things even worse, on Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, Iran ceased to sell its crude to the UK and Italy. This could have some serious implications on the already ridiculous European fuel prices. What’s even more frightening, is that our historical seasonal demand increase for the summer is on the cusp of adding to this fire. This could mean that our gas prices now are only the beginning of a large jump, one that may mean the highest prices for gas that we have seen in recent years.

Warren dominates Ping-Pong tourney

By LAUREN MOTLEY San Jacinto Times

What do you do when you have a three-hour break in between classes? Some study, eat, talk to friends, surf the web, but a select few practice their Ping-Pong skills.

On February 7,2012 Student life held a Ping-Pong tournament in the game room of central campus.

There were several students that participated, and all fought very hard but could not stand to the undefeated champion, Zach Warren. With every serve and hit, Zach knocked down his opponents one by one with ease until he met Mike Cepiel. They were both tired worn out but willing to do what it takes to win . The battle was tough. Serve after serve the final score came out in Zach’s favor 21 to 19. Champion Zach says that, “I play ping pong because I enjoy it, and I like the results after I play a thorough match like I did with Mike” It’s not over though, later in March they will hold another tournament but this time with surrounding colleges, this is still to be determined. The top four from the central tournament will participate. Let’s all wish them luck in this tournament and hope they bring pride back to San Jacinto College.

Blood drive: Every drop counts

By MICHAEL DEATS San Jacinto Times

The time came to give again, to help those in need, and to save someone’s life.

The Blood Drive came through Central Campus not once in February, but twice, one week after the other. It may sound a bit excessive, but every drop counts. Blood donations save many lives. Anything from serious wounds to birthing a child may require multiple pints of blood.

As always there is a shortage of the blood types B and O. These shortages may not sound like a big deal, but it is. B and O types are rare and people with these blood types need all the support their community can give them, just like type A patients. Sometimes waiting till the last minute is waiting one second too long; so don’t hesitate to give a little and help a lot.

For more information on donating blood visit www.giveblood.org or attend any of the Blood Drives that come to the San Jacinto College District.

Group celebrates 1st birthday

By MARIA CHAVEZ San Jacinto Times

8 DAYS A WEEK Monday, February 27

Students get squeezed at pump

By JENNY RAMOS San Jacinto Times

February 27, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 3

The Never To Late or N2L Outreach and Support Center for the Adult Learner will be celebrating its 1st birthday on March 2nd. The center will be celebrating all day with an Open House. Friends, graduates and “N2lers” will be sharing their testimonials. The N2L staff and students are very happy to celebrate the center’s first birthday. If you were ever wondering if the N2L center was for you, or what they are about, join them as they celebrate; take the chance to talk to the staff and students who will be joining in the celebration. The N2L staff is heart warming and always there to help- whether it’s with a school problem, or if you just need someone to hear you out. Join the N2Lers in their center’s first birthday.

Monday, March 5 • Graduation Information Table, 10 a.m., Student Center Lobby

Central

Monday, February 27 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 12:20 p.m., C1.142 • Psychology Club Meeting, 12:50 p.m., C3.211

Tuesday, February 28 • TSEA Meeting, 1 p.m., c20.263 • Gay Straight Alliance Meeting, 2:30 p.m., C3.204

Wednesday, February 29 • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.253-255 • San Jac’s Got Talent, 11 a.m., Raven Café

Thursday, March 1 • No Scheduled Activities

Friday, March 2 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 10:30 a.m., C1.230 • Student Government Association Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.T155

Saturday, March 3 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, March 4 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, March 5 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 12:20 p.m., C1.142 • Psychology Club Meeting, 12:50 p.m., C3.211

South

Monday, February 27 • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120

Tuesday, February 28 • Student Bible Fellowship, 11:30 a.m., S11.109 • Game Enterprises Guild Meeting, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Pre Med Club Meeting, 5 p.m., S7.128 • Writer’s Block Meeting, 6 p.m., S9.200

Wednesday, February 29 • Chess Club Meeting, 11:20 a.m., Atrium • Phi Beta Lambda Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2014 • Webb Society Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.156 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 2:45 p.m., S7.100

Thursday, March 1 • Game Enterprises Guild Meeting, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Student Veteran’s Association Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Student Center Lounge (Upstairs) • The Breakfast Club Meeting, 4 p.m., Cafeteria • Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., Banquet Room

Friday, March 2 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.105 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 1 p.m., S8.2014 • Chess Club Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.234

Saturday, March 3 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, March 4 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, March 5 • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120

Jumps, etc.

February 27, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 4

Classic begins this week

Orange

Continued from Page 1 reform and choice.”

When asked what he would tell prospective audience members who are already fans of “A Clockwork Orange”, Ivins said, “First of all, I always say don’t expect to see the movie. Every group of artists that do a work do it differently. Otherwise you are trying to pay homage to the original work and there is no real way to compete with the genius of the original artist.”

Instead, he invites the audience to sit back and join Alex in his journey of mayhem and discovery. The multimedia aspect featuring real, fictional and cartoon violence and the intimate setting of the arena theater generously add to the realistic quality of the piece.

However, while the realism injected into the performance will certainly enliven the experience for many audience members, Ivins warns it is not for everyone. “If you want to shield yourself from violence,” he says, “you don’t need to come to this show. Ultra violence is what this show is about and it isn’t for the faint of heart.”

However, Ivins also warns against passing judgment too soon. “If you say you don’t like this because you heard it was controversial, you may find out its something different than what you thought.”

This production of “A Clockwork Orange” is under the direction of Mark Adams, a guest artist from the College of the Mainland, and features many San Jac students including Alec Trevino as Alex, Lauren Ayala as Minister of Interior, Jason Broussard as Dim, Sean Carter as the Chaplain, Pierce Castro as George, and Gino Sandoval as Pete.

For those interested in seeing what promises to be an amazing production, performances will be held on February 24 and 25 and March 1, 2, and 3 in the Jerry Powell Arena Theatre in the Richard S. Slocomb building on San Jac’s Central campus. The curtain time will be 7:30 p.m. for each performance.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $10 per person and $8 for persons who purchase and pick up their tickets at least two days before the show. To find out more about this production of “A Clockwork Orange” or to buy tickets, please call 281-476-1828. This show is not recommended for children.

By VICTOR ARAIZA San Jacinto Times

With springtime just around the corner, Minute Maid Park is ready for baseball season to begin but before the Astros return from spring training it’ll be the hometown Houston Cougars and Rice Owls who will play at the downtown ballpark.

Indeed, Division I college baseball is in full swing this weekend and the regular season begins to heat up with the 12th annual Houston Baseball Classic.

Traveling fans will surely invade downtown in a three-day vacation to support the Texas Longhorns and Texas Tech Red Raiders, but so will the invited Arkansas Razorbacks and Tennessee Volunteers who are all business on a road-trip that holds crucial wins in the balance.

The 2012 version of the tournament will feature top 25 nationally ranked programs Arkansas, Texas, and Rice. Conference USA (Rice, UH), the Big XII Conference (Texas, TTU), and the Southeastern Conference (Arkansas, Tenn.)will each have equal representation with a pair of teams each out of the six participants.

San Jacinto students looking to experience Division I baseball would be wise to take their student I.D. with them to the Minute Maid Park box office for a discounted ticket price of $6. A Student Value Package is also available on astros.com for $10, which includes the single-day general admission ticket along with a hot dog and a 16oz Coca-Cola fountain drink.

The single-day admission ticket gets you in to three back-to-back-to-back games making a great day at the ballpark for baseball fans. Fans that aren’t able to attend the games in person can follow the action online on ESPN3.com (check with your internet provider for access), with the exception of the three games featuring Texas which will be carried exclusively by the university’s Longhorn Network.

The highly anticipated tournament will garner national coverage so don’t miss out on a great opportunity to watch some of the best in college baseball right in our own backyard.

Below is a schedule for the 12th annual Houston Baseball Classic.

Friday, March 2 12 p.m.

Texas Tech at Arkansas 3:30 p.m.

Tennessee at Houston 7 p.m.

Texas at Rice Saturday, March 3 Arkansas at Houston 12 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Texas at Tennessee 7 p.m.

Texas Tech at Rice Sunday, March 4 11 a.m.

Arkansas at Texas Houston at Texas Tech 2:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

Rice at Tennessee

Good weekend for baseball

By BRANDON HURLEY San Jacinto Times

Pier

Continued from Page 1 The Pier will also feature the Texas Star Flyer, which will hold the record for the tallest swing ride in Texas. The Texas Star Flyer will elevate riders to 230 feet over the Gulf. It is so tall that it can be visible all the way from cruise ships on the other side of Galveston Island. On hot days, the Pirates Plunge Log Flume will be sure to cool off those who ride it.

Also, The Pier will not be open 365 days a year like The Boardwalk is. “Current schedules have The Pier in operation about 270 days per year,” said Kane, “The pier will be open 12 months per year, just not every day, focusing on weekends in the Fall & Winter months. However, The Bubba Gump’s will be open 364 days.”

The Pleasure Pier will also include two party zone areas. “There is a family room available for birthdays, and small family gatherings, up to 30-40 folks.

This is adjacent to our Pizza Restaurant, and will be a great place to enjoy and celebrate with groups of family members and friends,” said Kane, “However, at the back of the pier, in front of the Galaxy Wheel, 100’ tall Ferris Wheel, there is a zone for celebrations that is designed for special events, as well company and larger group outings.” The larger party zone will also have enough space for 250 people and will feature a large screen television and stage with live music.

Although prices are subject to change, Mr. Kane gave an estimate for different situations people might face. “The current plan is that a children’s all-day ride wristband is $19.99 and an all-day wristband for adults is $25.99,” said Kane. Also, a family 4-Pak,

which includes 2 adult and 2 child tickets, will cost about $84.99. For those wanting to only enter the pier and not ride there is a $10 entrance fee, which can be upgraded to a wristband by paying the difference.

Individual ride tickets will be available and will range from $3.50-$5.00. Special group rates will also be available depending on group sizes and guests staying at Landry’s hotels can even purchase wristbands at the hotel registration desk.

Since parking is usually a challenge in Galveston, a premium parking lot will be available next to Fish Tales, a Landry’s restaurant. The parking lot will accommodate 400-500 cars, but since it is not limited to just visitors of the Pier, it will work on a first come first serve basis. Landry’s is also working with the City of Galveston to create a shuttle and bus transportation plan for those staying at hotels and those not able to find parking close to the pier.

“I believe there were several key dynamics that inspired Mr. Fertitta to create a theme park on the Pleasure Pier,” said Kane, “Mr. Fertitta is the owner of the Landry’s organization, he and his family are from Galveston. He has always demonstrated a personal loyalty and business commitment to his home town.”

Our new magical land will now be a pier standing 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico. It will surely bring a lot of smiles to those thrill seekers in southeast Texas and will be a place to create wonderful memories for the years to come. “Other than the Kemah Boardwalk, there are no true Amusement Park opportunities in the Houston and South East Texas region,” added Kane, “Astroworld has been absent since 2005, and there is a definitive need in the area. The Pier is a natural site.”

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The Flagship Hotel built 60 years ago was washed away by Hurricane Ike; now a new venture is on the horizon.

There’s no denying it. There seems to be a zombie craze going on.

It’s only a matter of time before someone writes a book about a teenage girl who falls in love with a sparkly zombie but they can’t be together because he can’t help but want to eat her flesh. Then there’s hit shows like The Walking Dead, it’s comic book counter part having huge success, Hollywood movie after movie about zombies, and so much zombie merchandise being sold, it’s obvious we’re hoping for the zombie apocalypse to finally go down. Quick! Someone check if the Mayans said anything about the dead coming back to feast on our tasty flesh!

But with any zombie apocalypse on screen or in literature I always

When you come into work on Monday and ask your co-workers, “how was your weekend?” Most of the time, you’ll get a casual, “it was good.” Or an, “eh, it was ok.” If you work with anyone involved with the San Jacinto College Gators baseball team, this past Monday, you probably wouldn’t have been able to shut them up.

The former is justified. The Gators had just about as good of a weekend as you could possibly have. The guys went out and beat Blinn College twice. Which not only evened their overall record at 8-8, it put their conference record at 5-3 and the Gators are right back on track at the top of the division with Galveston College and Alvin Community College.

The first game was supposed to be played on

Student

Continued from Page 1

It is hard to imagine what life is like without further education, since the United States has schools and colleges in almost every city. Cooper, however, demonstrated determination in her eyes and excitement in her voice when she decided to make a choice that would change her life and benefit her future. She really wanted college, and when she first arrived to Houston she registered with Houston Community College South. Eventually her plans changed, and Cooper decided to enroll into San Jacinto College Central. “I just love helping others” Cooper stated, with a sweet smile on her face. Her major is nursing and passionately speaks of her experience at San Jacinto College.

“San Jac is a friendly place, the staff is helpful, especially with International students, and they help you and make you feel comfortable” Cooper stated. She is a junior and looks forward to her graduation December 2013. When she graduates, she plans to head back to her hometown and work as a nurse helping her neighbors and community.

Currently residing in Sugar Land, TX with her grandmother, Cooper drives to school each day, taking her approximately an hour to get to school and an hour to get home. “I wanted to be close to my grandma” she stated, choosing to opt out of a scholarship opportunity that she had last year.

This scholarship offered her a choice of schooling in Japan, China, or Australia. She turned it down because it was so far from her home and she wanted to stay with her grandmother in Sugar Land.

“I’m so far away from my family and it’s not the same as home” Cooper stated with a sad tone.

When asked when she will visit Utila again, her eyes sparkled and the excitement in her voice said it all. “I’m counting down the days to go home for the whole summer”, Cooper responded.

Cooper’s activities on her spare time on the

BLOG POST OF THE WEEK

wonder. How is there more zombies coming in when the current zombies are eating everything that’s alive?

I guess what I’m trying to say is, if zombies eat humans, and they devour everything, then how do more zombies come into play during apocalypse. It’s been made very clear that a zombie bite isn’t like a werewolf bite, in which, you get bit and turn. No, because a zombie bites you and keeps eating you! So does your skeleton reanimate and start killing, or does the zombie only nibble a bit and then gets bored which is how you end up with a half eaten zombie. But what if there 5 zombies eating 1 human. 6 zombies aren’t gonna come out.

This tends to be the case in heavily populated areas, such as cities.

credit

Saturday, but was cancelled and postponed to Sunday, which set the stage for an exciting double header. The Gators won the game 8-4. Kyle Chaskin hit his second home run of the year.

The Gators second win in the series comes off an impressive no-hitter performance by sophomore left-hander AJ Glasshof. Glasshof pitched nine innings giving up no hits and no runs with 12 strikeouts. The game featured close plays and diving catches, but in the end Glasshof left the field scot-free.

According to the San Jac Baseball facebook page, Glasshof was named one of three “Louisville Slugger’s National Players of the Week.” He was the only non-NCAA div 1 player to receive this distinction.

If that’s not enough, the win is also head coach Tom Arrington’s 500th as Head Coach of the Gators. So…how was your weekend?

island consisted of fishing, hunting, diving, sleeping, playing soccer, and dancing. However, when duty called, she readied herself for work at a Resort hotel on the island, working as a manager for about half a year. “Everyone on the island speaks English”, Cooper stated, nodding her head.

She mentioned that the only difference about living on Utila island and living in Texas is that, in Utila it is somewhat limited, and in Texas she loves “the feeling of being free, going wherever I want”. Although she would like to see more of Texas, she feels her chance will come soon, because she is adventurous and quite a thrill seeker.

Although a year in Texas quickly approaches, she is very enthusiastic about her stay in Texas and the friends that she has made. There are other exchange students on campus, and her advice is “It’s hard at first but don’t give up, education is very important”. Cooper is another friendly face on campus, striving to do her best for a better and brighter tomorrow. Following her dreams of furthering her education, she has gained a wonderful experience from it all, and if anyone has met her, they are witnesses as to how sweet Keri is and how dedicated she is to her studies.

San Jacinto College represents the best of the best. Each student that walks in through the campus doors each day is what makes San Jacinto College campus a home in the first place. And Cooper happens to be at the right place, at the right time. Coming from a different country, and holding a different background, she is also one of the many students that help make a difference on campus. After all, it only takes one person to make a difference in the world. Welcome to your second home Keri Cooper.

So how do you wind up with cities full of zombies. You’d think that since the group of zombies were having a buffet they wouldn’t leave anyone. Maybe you’d get the occasional people who escape with a bite and turn but that just adds to the group that already eating everything.

I don’t know. I’m not sure if I’m making my point clear or if it just sounds like I’m rambling but I always wondered this when watching/reading zombie things.

Jose A. Check out our staff blog at sanjactimesstaff@wordpress.com

Around campus

Dead Heads a‘live’ in Clear Lake

February 27, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 5

By LINDSAY FLOYD San Jacinto Times

the meaning of the lyrics with the punk sound of the song.

Mama Tried continued to play their own original bluegrass songs until about halfway through the show they broke down into a 15 minute long instrumental jam. This You know you’re in for good times when Union is when they have the most fun. For 15 minutes it is pure Tavern in Clear Lake is packed on a normally empty spontaneous music they have never played before.

Saturday night. With a name like Mama Tried, you Anyone can learn a few chords and play a song but, it instantly assume you’re going to hear Merle Haggard takes true musicians to jam together seamlessly in the tunes all night. Well think again. Despite their name, middle of a concert.

Mama Tried, is not a Merle Haggard cover band. They “This one is for all you hippies,” lead singer Ryan said write all their own songs, and when they do throw in the before starting the last song of the night, occasional cover, it’s not Merle I Know You Rider. He was probably Haggard. Mama Tried is a referring to anyone old enough to know county/bluegrass/jam band with that I Know You Rider was made popular some punk influences. by the band Grateful Dead, who are assoEmerging out of Clear Lake ciated with the hippies in the 1960’s and Mama Tried has a small follow70’s. I Know You Rider was the song of ing of Seabrook and Kemah the night in my opinion because it’s diffifans and play music not to be cult to live up to the musical talent in the famous but, to have fun and be Grateful Dead, but Mama Tried brought with friends. the heat and pulled off an excellent blueMama Tried started the night grass rendition of the Grateful Dead tune. off with their original song Long Mama Tried plays the kind of music Day. Long Day is a song everycountry radio stations forgot about. They one can relate to. It’s about PHOTO BY GOOGLE IMAGES may not be the next big thing in the music working an underpaid, boring, nine-to-five job, and being stuck in a vicious cycle. Even industry and certainly aren’t aiming to be but, they are a if you don’t work and just go to school you can hear your great band to see when you are in the mood to go dance own voice to this song because going to school some- around and just be silly with friends.

And with shows almost every week around the Clear times seems like more than a nine-to-five job. With a banjo, dobro guitar, mandolin, acoustic guitar and stand Lake / Seabrook / Houston area, there is no excuse for up bass it may seem far-fetched that Mama tried could you and your friends to miss out on Mama Tried. Catch sound punk at all but the way lead singer Ryan Beard Mama Tried at Cabo in Clear Lake this Monday, February yells instead of sings the lyrics to Long Day they match 27.

Houston’s annual walks to benefit cause awareness

By COURTNEY MOUTON San Jacinto Times

Excitement stirs as the Houston area prepares to walk for a cause. As the new year continues to roll in the search for a little spice in that workout routine is about to be answered.

Aids Walk Houston presents an exciting non-competitive event that increases community awareness and educates Houstonians about HIV/AIDS. The event is to be held at 1100 Bagby St. in the scenic Sam Houston Park on March, 11.

Celebrating 30 years of AIDS Foundation Houston this year’s theme will be “Bringing back the 80’s” as participants are encouraged to sports their sweat bands and rock their side pony tails as they trek the through the 5K (3.1 miles) route to a cure.

Check in for participants will begin at 8 a.m. Those who plan on participating are asked to start or be a part of a fundraising team in efforts to raise money for the event. For participants who are not a-part of a fundraising team the AIDS Foundation Houston Team welcomes all who would like to be a-part of their efforts.

Millions are affected worldwide by HIV/AIDS, with over 25 years under its belt this disease continues to be contracted not just by adults but by children that are given HIV by their mothers.

Proceeds from AIDS Walk Houston benefits AIDS Foundation Houston as well as several other Houston HIV/AIDS service based facilities. To donate to the aids foundation Houston or to sign up to walk for a cure visit www.aidshelp.org.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer also will be making its way to Houston on April 21-22. This national

series of 39-mile weekend fundraisers will take participants through the downtown area as they walk to end Breast Cancer. Walkers are asked to arrive at 1031 Stude Street (Stude Park) in the heart of Houston from 5:30-6:00 a.m. to check in the walk.

Participants must register and meet fundraising requirements prior to the event. Walker must also be 16 years of age or older and are encouraged to have their health insurance on hand on the day they’re participating in the Avon Walk.

Both women and men are encouraged to participate as breast cancer can affect both genders. Cancer, as a sad truth affects nearly everyone in some way shape or form. As pink nationally symbolizes Breast Cancer Awareness participants are encouraged to sport the color during the duration of the weekends festivities.

According to avonwalk.org, since 2003 the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer has raised more than 740 million as they support the most up to date research as well as many programs around the world that enable all patients to have access to quality care. An average of 80 percent “Breast Cancer is not pretty, Breast Cancer is not simple, Breast Cancer is going to take everyone’s efforts but we have to be strategic, we have to make sure the funding goes toward the right kind of research, we have to get more educated: there are no easy answers. I know it’s difficult and women can understand that,” said Annette Bar-Cohen, MA MPH, Executive Director for the NBCC Advocacy Training National Breast Cancer Coalition.

Donations are accepted along with volunteers who would like to help work the event. For more information on the 10th annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer or to sign up to participate in the event visit www.avonwalk.org.

Around campus

February 27, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 6

South exhibit paints a picture of past students

By VANESSA PINA San Jacinto Times

Alumni display their artwork in the exhibition at the South campus.

Photo by Vanessa Pina/San Jacinto Times

The art alumni collaboration exhibition opened on Feb 10 at the South Campus. The students hosted a forum on Feb 9 for SJC students where they discussed and went over their future artistic education and workforces. This was followed by an opening reception of the exhibition.

The exhibition holds the artistic works of six of our previous and recognized San Jacinto College South students: Zubair Parkar, won first place at the first biennial Art Student exhibition at San Jac South in 2010 he is now studying at U of H. Aaron M. Gutierrez studied graphic design and earned his AAS degree in graphic design he is now continuing his education at San Jac Central. Donald Carver also earned his AAS degree at South Campus; he is now working towards his BFA in studio art at UT at Austin. Brittani Broussard was named most outstanding fine arts student at South campus, she is also now at UT at Austin.

Jade Abner is also pursuing his artistic career at UT at Austin. Zain Bin Awais is studying towards BFA in animation at Savannah Collge of Art and Design.

The exhibition is being held in the Marie Spence Flickinger Center at the San Jacinto College South campus and will run until March 7.

Get tapped in or get tapped out in Undisputed 3

By STEPHEN VALDEZ San Jacinto Times

THQ is once again allowing gamers to step into the octagon with the release of UFC Undisputed 3.

This time players can step into the shoes of over 150 fighters, including the fighters from recent

acquisition of World Extreme Cagefighting by UFC. Players can also create their own fighter, customize his appearance and fighting style, and take him online, or start a career with him.

From the get go, this game captures your eye and doesn’t let go like a UFC fighter trying to lock in a submission hold. The presentation in this game is unreal, and blows away any other sports game by far. THQ does an awesome job of replicating every aspect of a UFC fight, from the commentators to announcer Bruce Buffer. They even included just about every referee in UFC with his own signature

move when announced. Yeah, referees apparently have signature moves.

The gameplay is fairly smooth and fun. However, if you are new to the series like I am, there is a steep learning curve. I found that the striking aspect was pretty easy to get in to, but the ground game absolutely tore me up. There’s a complex set

of moves for every situation and counters and transitions to go along with each move. Even on beginner mode it was hard for me to figure out the right move while the CPU was raining down fists and elbows on me. There is an easier control scheme to help new players, but I did not feel as if it really gave me the control necessary to execute whatever move or transition I had in mind.

The offline gameplay is solid with tons of different things to do besides just beat people up. Career mode allows you to take any fighter on the UFC roster or your created fighter up the ladder on his way to the title. There’s also the Ultimate Fights

mode. This mode takes gamers back in history to relive some the best fights, submissions, and knockouts. Each fight will ask that gamers step into the role of a fighter and fulfill certain challenges. Gamers also have the opportunity in this mode to change history and the outcome of the fight by playing as the losing fighter. Completing

challenges by both fighters gives players access to real footage of whatever fight you just completed.

Speaking of history, THQ brings back the now defunct Pride fighting organization from Japan.

Gamers will have the opportunity either in career mode, or by just selecting the Pride fighting mode to step in the Pride ring. Just like in the UFC modes, THQ outfitted PRIDE with its real commentators, Bas “El Guapo” Rutten and Stephen Quadros. They even have the Japanese announcer and translators. You can now relive epic PRIDE fights or create “what if” dream fights between former and current fighting legends.

As good a game as it is, UFC Undisputed 3 does have its flaws. THQ did not give any love to the Muay Thai fighting style, leaving out its many different types of attacks with elbows and knees. The online servers are crazy unstable right now, kicking gamers from matches, or not even finding matches at all. The title defense mode can be kind

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of long, and there is no save feature in there, so you have to play it through to the end. If you’re not into watching the presentation it can take a while to click through each intro and finally get into a match. The tutorial, while helpful, was extremely long and drawn out. The training games in career mode are seriously difficult as well. By no means are these game killers, just minor annoyances.

Whether you’re a hardcore fan of UFC or new to MMA in general, UFC Undisputed 3 is definitely worth checking out. THQ came to fight and with UFC Undisputed 3, it is definitely the champ of the MMA game.

Spring into color: Great fashion tips for new season

By ANGELICA RODRIGUEZ San Jacinto Times

It’s almost spring and now everything is changing colors. The days are dazzling, the trees are green and you feel the warmness in the midday breeze.

Soon enough more vivid colors will be showing, which only means, so should the shade of your outfits. The new season will be here before you know it, and you don’t want to be left behind.

So what colors, you may wonder, will be in for spring 2012? Here’s a small list to assure you won’t get mixed in the colors the wrong way.

One of the cutest colors to wear this season is the tangerine orange. It’s bright yet sophisticated when worn appropriately. Combine an orange blouse with beige shorts and some playful print flats and your outfit is ready for the day.

Other new colors for spring are mainly pastels, such as purple, blue yellow and pink. Notice spring colors are a smooth shade. But mixing

it with something bright can also work at times. Another great outfit to try is a solid pastel colored sweater, a flattering floral blouse and a pair of jean shorts.

Don’t be discouraged, just because spring is here doesn’t mean you have to buy a whole new wardrobe. Pick out some of the fall and winter colors you have from the past season, as well as summer colors from last year. Mixing and matching is a great way to stay in style, just be aware that not everything can be worn. Some colors that can still be used in the spring to tone down the bright or pastel colors of this new season would be beige, light brown, gray, and of course nude colors.

Accessorizing is a great way to show your outfit off with more fun.

Try a green or blue necklace for spring. Colored bracelets, rings even earring’s can give your outfit an extra sparkle.

Hey San Jac students! Ever wanted to see your name or picture on

the newspaper? Well, now is your chance. Each week we will pick one out of many photos to be on the “San Jacinto Times”. The pictures will be taken of our current students each week who are wearing the latest trends or season styles. We will also describe a little about your outfit and why it was chosen. How to participate you ask? It’s easy, just being yourself, if you stand out you’ll see me and my camera at any San Jac campus looking for you. All you have to do is answer a couple of questions about your apparel so your picture and description can be printed here for the “Pic of the Week”. So San Jac, whether you dress up or dress down, be on the lookout, the next person might be you.

Don’t see me around campus and want to participate? Take a picture at any SJC of your seasons’ outfit and send it in to: rodriguez.a2412@student.sanjac.edu only from your San Jac e-mail.

Tell me what you consider your style to be and why you chose that outfit. Don’t forget to mention your first and last name, age, hobbies, major, and also include the campus you attend.