The Accent

March 27, 2012 theAccent.org

First Copy Free

Volume 14, Issue 10

SXSW

NEWS Dog walk vies for new world records | Page 4

CAMPUS Fine dining graces Eastview Campus| Page 6

CAMPUS Texas Independence Day celebrates unity | Page 7

News → Community

CAMPUS Social Buzz event celebrates safe friendship | Page 7

Community colleges take central role in putting Americans back to work

CAMPUS Tax preparation information for students | Page 7 LIFE & ARTS Pushmo provides family friendly, 3-D fun | Page 8 LIFE & ARTS Local writer to publish first graphic novel - ‘Rock Paper Scissors’ | Page 8

SXSW Snap this QR code to visit our blog for extras from the festival

Janice Veteran • Staff Photographer

VIP MEETING — U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (second from left) answers questions that were asked by students in the audience on the Eastview campus March 8. Secretary Duncan answered questions for 20 minutes before leaving for his next appointment.

U.S. Secretary of Education discusses role of community colleges in current economy Joan Brook Meredith Colias Staff Writers

Era Sundar

Assistant Editor U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan focused on reducing unemployment as he addressed nearly 500 attendees at a town hall meeting March 8 at Austin Community College’s Eastview Campus.

According to Duncan, two million high-growth, highpaying jobs remain vacant throughout the United States despite the nation’s high unemployment rate, and community colleges can bridge that gap.

“As families get back on their feet, the country is going to get back on its feet, and community colleges have this extraordinarily important role to play in that process,” Duncan said.

He outlined the advantages of community colleges in preparing students for the workforce and said their comparatively low tuition combined with the federal government’s recent $40 billion increase to Pell Grant funding, could make an associate degree

News → People

or technical certificate virtually free for some students.

Other efforts to increase affordability include the White-House-proposed Income Based Repayment (IBR) plan, which would have student loan repayments start out low and then rise as wages increase.

An additional perk of this program would be that students who work in public service industries, such as teaching, legal aid and medical clinics, would receive student loan forgiveness after working in the field for 10 years.

“Our goal,” Duncan said, “is to stop funding the banks and give the money to the students.”

Adaptability was also hailed as a community college strength.

“I am especially pleased with the curriculum turnaround time of three weeks,” Assistant Secretary of Vocational and Adult Education Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier said. Also a panelist at the town hall meeting, she was referring to the fact that ACC had demonstrated the ability to quickly redesign areas of its curriculum to match the needs of local businesses.

ACC President and CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes, also a panelist,

said the college’s goal is to be agile in meeting workforce needs.

ACC board of trustees member Victor Villarreal said in an email, “We try to connect our campuses with the reality of our region’s many workforce demands and balance that with the interests of our students.”

Rosa Alvarez of ACC’s Guidance Department called the guidance office the first line of defense for students from all walks of life with varying needs.

These students include older adults making life transitions, veterans and first-generation college students.

“Our focus [at the guidance office] is to help our students find [what they need] right away,” Alvarez said. “And to build continuing relationships to retain them.”

Duncan said he was pleased with ACC’s collaboration with the business community for the benefit of students.

“The example you are setting has implications not just for the local community but is an example for the country,” he said.

Messier also stressed the importance of schools’ responsiveness to the business community. She said students in technical programs need to have the necessary skills to go to work as soon as they complete their education.

“We need to make sure that the limited federal resources we have targeted to high-growth,

high-wage, high-demand industries serve the student,” Messier said.

While much was said about ACC’s success in meeting student and community needs, town hall participants also asked the panelists questions about challenges to education, such as low graduation rates, declining teacher and school counselor retention rates, and cuts to higher education including fine arts funding.

Doug Smith, department chair of the Architectural and Engineering Computer Aided Design program, spoke of another challenge to community colleges in a round table discussion held before the town hall meeting with Messier.

Smith said that hiring top industry leaders to teach college courses was sometimes difficult.

“A lot of the practitioners in the Austin community that we could hire may have stellar professional careers but would not meet a requirement [of] the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS),” he said.

SACS, ACC’s accrediting agency, requires professors to have a college degree in the field in which they teach. This poses more of a challenge in younger industries such as video gaming, Smith said, where formal degree programs may not have existed when current industry leaders attended college.

“It’s what you know about industry that you bring to the

classroom,” Smith said. “That’s the important thing.”

According to Smith, this issue affects multiple industries.

He said a policy change with SACS was most likely needed to resolve the matter and that the assistance of the Department of Education would also be a plus.

In light of the multiple topics covered, ACC student Trevor Revis said, “I hope he [Duncan] takes everything back that we talked about to the President.”

Despite a brief interruption

by Occupy Austin protesters, Duncan was received warmly.

At the conclusion of meeting, ACC president and CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes presented him with a number 73 “i am acc” basketball jersey. Rhodes said that 73 represented the year ACC was founded and asked that Duncan wear it in his next one-on-one basketball game with President Barack Obama.

“Please take a picture with the President and send it to us,” Rhodes said.

Texas Tribune Editor Evan Smith moderated the town hall meeting which was co-sponsored by the Austin Chamber of Commerce and TechNet. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Assistant Secretary of Vocational and Adult Education Dr. Brenda DannMessier, ACC President and CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes and President and CEO of Austin’s University Credit Union Tony Budet formed the panel.

Student helps save local radio personality’s life Good timing, quick thinking, forgotten computer charger aid KUT radio host John Aielli during emergency Danielle Wellborn

Staff Writer

Forgetfulness is usually inconvenient, but on Jan. 30 it helped Austin Community College student Danny Guerra save a life.

Guerra, an intern at radio station KUT 90.5 FM, had been using his computer at the station all day. But when he left around 5 p.m., he forgot to take his computer charger. When he went back later that night to retrieve it,“The door was locked and the building was empty…

I didn’t even see a janitor,” he said.

Eventually, “Eklektikos” host John Aielli arrived.

“Jon came in and I introduced myself,” Guerra said.

Although he had listened to Aielli’s show, Guerra had never met him. “As we were entering, he basically leaned over against the wall and collapsed onto the floor. He was breathing heavily, like he was drowning.”

Guerra called the ambulance and waited with Aielli until the emergency medical technicians

Jon Shapley • Photo Editor

SERENDIPITOUS — Danny Guerra pauses for recollection during a candid conversation

about his role in saving radio host John Aielli’s life. Guerra was quite humble about the whole experience. “I was in the right place at the right time,” he said.

arrived.

“It was around 10:30 [p.m.]

But usually there is never anyone there that late,” Aielli said. “Danny is part of the whole procedure that saved my life.”

Guerra is a part-time ACC student and a full-time graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin (UT), where he is working on a master’s degree in public affairs.

In addition to his academic success, Guerra is well regarded by his peers.

“Danny is highly trustworthy and sincere,” Guerra’s roommate Alexander Domingo said. “It’s no wonder he’s become one of my best friends.

Helping someone in need — whoever it may be — is an expression of his true character.”

Forum

page 2 March 27, 2012 Opinion → Columns

Forum → Editorials

notes

Natalie Casanova

Editor-in-Chief

We’ve come so far in the fight for women’s rights that it seems absurd to regress to a society whose future is controlled predominantly by men. Lately, there have been strong campaigns against the legality and financial coverage of contraception, which if successful could be detrimental to the health of women all over America.

This is a non-partisan issue, and directly affects the health of half of the population. So many misconceptions and myths surround the “controversial” topic of birth control, and they are only strewn from ignorance, ill-directed fear and superstitions.

The most extreme adversaries of birth control say it should be illegal or that insurance and medicaid should not cover it because of their own personal (usually religious) preference.

For the last 40-some-odd years, the Catholic Church has strongly opposed condoms because of belief that they are ‘morally wrong.’ However, a Guttmacher Institute study done in April 2011 shows that 98 percent of American women who identify as Catholic, have had sex and are of child-bearing age claim they do use contraceptives. Why would so many people ignore their church leaders, whose strict stance on condoms have contributed to the spread of AIDS in Africa, and listen to doctors instead? It is because when it comes to our physical

wellness, health care providers are the only ones dedicated to looking out for it.

My mother has been a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for most of my life. She is specialized in many fields, including high-risk obstetrics, prenatal and postpartum care.

I remember seeing her on the evening news when I was very young, advocating the use of condoms and contraceptives while talking about health risks associated with unprotected sex and — surprise, surprise!

— she’s a devout Catholic.

Traditional thinking should never allow women’s bodies to be more susceptible to illness.

Contraceptives do not produce more children out of wedlock, as some may have you believe. They are a useful tool for better family planning and treatment of other medical conditions; condoms even protect from the spread of diseases.

According to Youngwomenshealth.org, oral contraceptives are frequently prescribed for medical reasons other than just preventing pregnancy, such as irregular or absent menstrual periods, menstrual cramps, acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

My mother started my sister and I on birth control as young adolescents because we both suffered from extreme menstrual irregularity. This helped balance our hormones and did not promote having sex whatsoever. The idea that birth control encourages sexual activity is a baseless myth.

Insurance companies need to continue covering these medications because they are vital to women’s health. I have no doubt that if women were better represented in government, this would be a non-issue. Women’s rights would never be challenged. But sadly women make up around a mere 17 percent of Congress, so we continue to let men run the show.

Maybe it’s time we focus on motivating more women to become politicians so we can finally put an end to the attacks on women’s rights to proper health care.

SXSW: Productive or disruptive?

With its temporary increases in population, traffic overall congestion, South by Southwest festival continues to grow each year

Megan McKay • Staff Artist

Staff Editorial Thousands flocked to Austin from March 9-18 to experience the spectacle of music, film, business and technology showcased by the 26th annual South

By Southwest (SXSW) Festival.

With an estimated 200,000 participants, the festival — which features mainstream and upcoming musicians, comedians, films, interactive seminars and more — brings major benefits as well as irritating inconveniences to the Austin metropolitan area. However the net effect is positive.

Perhaps the most noteworthy benefit of SXSW is the publicity it provides. According to the SXSW website, festival organizers felt that musicians in Texas were isolated and created the event to give Austin musicians an opportunity to be noticed. Through years of expansion, the festival now encompases film, comedy, fashion and

internet companies, allowing them an opportunity to be noticed as well.

The festival’s publicity also extends directly to the city of Austin. According to a report prepared for the SXSW team by Greyhill Advisers, Austin received $38 million worth of free publicity from the 2011 festival. The report also credited the festival with infusing $167 million into the Austin economy.

Tourism is a major portion of this economic boom. SXSW attendees hail from all over the world, and businesses such as Car2Go often benefit from increased tourism. Car2Go allows patrons to rent cars by the minute and offers convenient drop off and pick up locations throughout the city. This is a great option for visitors who don’t want to deal with the hassle of a traditional car rental. Pedicab operators around town also notice a hike in business due to the increased population density and lack of parking in the downtown area during the festival.

Despite these benefits, many Austinites think of

only one thing when they think of SXSW: the traffic.

The most common complaint heard about SXSW is that the Austinites not involved with the festival are burdened by the increased traffic and congestion for the two weeks the festival roars on.

Much of this traffic is due to inconvenient road closures.

Although most of the road closures are contained to the Sixth Street entertainment district, Rainey Street and parts of Red River Street and Trinity street, the impact can be felt in other areas of town as well.

Prospects for immediate traffic resolution don’t look very good as SXSW continues to expand. As the festival increases in popularity, more and more people would come to Austin for the newest in music, film, entertainment and internet innovations.

While expansion is usually thought of as beneficial, some claim that SXSW is becoming too big. Many people felt this year that while it would be cool to attend, it was not worth battling the masses of people.

While overcrowding and hundreds of unwanted visitors are a strong and understandable argument against SXSW, the fact remains that the festival is an overall benefit to the community — especially for Austin Community College students.

SXSW offers students many experiences that they might not otherwise receive. Music students have opportunities to participate in the festival, whether performing or volunteering. Journalism students can gain experience covering shows and film releases, and photography students can add to their portfolios by documenting the festival.

SXSW also gives students an opportunity to network with those already working in the industry.

While it is understandable that some may be a little annoyed

by SXSW, it is incredibly valuable to the Austin community as a whole and to the ACC community in particular.

Speak up, be heard The Accent loves to hear comments and feedback from its readers: “Christine Leche is a courageous saint. How many everyday citizens would volunteer to help our soldiers in this way, even those armchair patriots who are so eager for us to ‘bring town square democracy’ to god-forsaken places of the world?

Writing and being heard in an understanding environment is so crucial to the mental health and the psychological and emotional well-being of our soldiers.

A true saint. Someone who should be honored at ACC and in Austin generally.”

-Teiresiant, on the article “From Afghanistan to Austin, teaching soldiers to write,” Published Nov. 5, 2010.

“Amazing, informative-filled article. Cleared up so many things I myself had been wrong about. I hope more people will read this and be aware.”

-Anonymous, on the article “PTK organizes marrow donation drives,” Published Feb. 27, 2012.

Want your comments and opinions published? Leave a comment on our website theaccent.org, like us on Facebook.com/ AccentNewspaper and follow us on Twitter @theaccent or better yet, e-mail us a letter at editor@austincc.edu or accent@austincc. edu, and we’ll be more than happy to publish your thoughts.

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RRC, 4400 College Park Drive, Room 2107 Round Rock, TX 78665 Editor-in-Chief....................................................................................... Natalie Casanova Assistant Editor..................................................................................... Era Sundar Layout Editor.......................................................................................... Kristen Sauls Web Editor............................................................................................... Dana Manickavasagam Multimedia Editor................................................................................ Joey Gidseg Photo Editor........................................................................................... Jon Shapley Accent Adviser....................................................................................... Jamie Lay Student Life Director.......................................................................... Cheryl Richard Staff Designers Allison Bastien Staff Writers Joan Brook, Meredith Colias, Danielle Wellborn, Nathan Bustillos, Abra Gist, Serena Kelley, DC Mclean, Valerie Kilgore, Joey Galvan, Caitlin McDermott, Raymond Weyandt, Layla Elayyadi, Valerie Kilgore Photographers Kristie Bocanegra, Janice Veteran, Aimee Acosta Staff Artists Megan McKay ACC President Dr. Richard Rhodes Board of Trustees Dr. Barbara P. Mink—Chair, Jeffrey Richard—Vice Chair, John Michael V. Cortez—Secretary, Tim Mahoney, Nan McRaven, Dr. Victor H. P. Villarreal, Guadalupe Q. Sosa, Dr. James W. McGufee, Allen H. Kaplan

All rights reserved. All content is the property of Accent and may not be reproduced, published or retransmitted in any form without written permission from the Office of Student Life. Accent is the student newspaper of Austin Community College and is printed by the Austin American-Statesman. Accent is published biweekly. ACC students may submit articles for publication in Accent to RRC’s Student Publication Office, Room 2107; e-mail articles to accent@austincc.edu or fax submissions to 223-0904. ACC does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation or disability. Accent offers ACC’s faculty, staff, students and surrounding community a complete source of information about student life. Accent welcomes your input, as well as information about errors. If you notice any information that warrants a correction please e-mail accent@austincc.edu. Individual views, columns, letters to the editor and other opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the views of Accent.

March 27, 2012

www.theAccent.org

Opinion → Columns

Get set for success while juggling families, jobs and other commitments.

Now, it’s time to discuss academic performance.

While learning should always be the first priority, grades do matter. Here are six of my favorite academic strategies.

Come out swinging

Era Sundar

Assistant Editor

With a law degree and 15 years as a stay-at-home mom under my belt, I’m not the traditional college student, and I’m not alone. Many students are attending college under unique circumstances at various stages of their lives.

Based on my experiences as a nontraditional student, I will share tips in each issue of The Accent, on how to make the most of your time at Austin Community College whether you are fresh out of high school or starting over like me.

Get set for success Let’s recap. So far in this column, I’ve discussed the importance of internships, extracurricular activities and volunteer work. I have also considered the benefits of creating unique academic plans

Literary

Corner

You know those first easy days at the beginning of the semester? Well, don’t take it easy. Before classes begin, try to locate the syllabus online and get to work. If you can get ahead by one week in at least one class, it will make things so much easier later in the semester.

If you start falling behind, talk with your professor before it becomes a problem. When you display sincere effort and interest, professors are often willing to work with you through difficult situations.

Take Charge If your professor shows up to announce and administer exams, but seems otherwise disengaged, you may be in a do-it-yourself class (not to be confused with Distance Learning). Never let a professor’s apparent indifference stop you from learning. Read the text and when questions arise, don’t be shy. Ask the professor for help.

Plan intensity levels Discuss the requirements of prospective classes with professors and students who

Opinion → Columns

Memoirs of a Veteran

have already taken the classes.

Use the information to set up a schedule that suits your circumstances. For me, that means taking a course load that allows time to attend my children’s marching band competitions and recitals in the fall. In the spring, I can handle a more rigorous curriculum.

Distance learning classes are great for schedule flexibility.

Just make sure you have enough time for study and the discipline and motivation to master the material on your own.

Double up Extracurricular activities can sometimes provide research topics for class assignments.

Likewise, a project completed at an internship may fulfill a class requirement. Plan as many of these cross overs as possible.

Maximize grades Embrace extra credit projects even if you already have an ‘A’ average. It’s like insurance in case you miss an assignment or bomb on a test.

What? It can happen to the best of us.

Schedule free time Resist the urge to schedule activities for every moment of your day. Include travel time, stuck-in-traffic time and leisure time in schedules.

By considering your strengths, obligations and limitations, you can set up a schedule that allows you to excel.

Forum | Page 3

Kristen Sauls Layout Editor

I was stationed in Germany during the 2008 presidential election. It was the second one I voted in... or at least, thought I voted in. I found out later they don’t even count absentee ballots, which I can’t understand. The people whose lives are most impacted by political policies, who are stationed overseas in the name of our country, aren’t even included in the vote? Seriously?

I wasn’t fond of any of the candidates on the ballot and had to mentally prepare myself for both outcomes. The day the results were announced, I refused to listen to the radio and drove the 30 minutes to work in complete silence.

I had planned to find out by reading the news while checking my email that morning.

Everyone in the office knew my feelings toward the election, as we had discussed and debated the candidates numerous times; they were very respectful of how

I wanted to discover who the next president would be.

My computer was whirring and beeping to life when the one woman who hated me — the woman with eight stripes on her sleeve (the highest enlisted rank) who loved to verbally abuse me because both my parents also had eight stripes on their sleeves — came into the room. She started to talk about the election results, but everyone quickly hushed her and informed her I didn’t know yet.

A big, wicked smile quickly rose across her face as she sauntered over to my desk.

“Barack Obama is our new Commander-in-Chief. You have to put away all personal feelings and respect the results — he’s your boss now,” she said. Actually, I can’t remember exactly what she said, but it felt far more evil than that.

All six of us stared at her with identical faces of disbelief.

I’m fairly certain my face betrayed my emotions; it always does. I don’t know if she could tell I wanted to punch her in the face or if she just thought I was upset, but she seemed satisfied with my reaction and left.

I sometimes wonder exactly what she was trying to accomplish.

Surely she wasn’t really evil — she seemed nice to most everyone else. It was a mystery we pondered in the office at least once a week, after she inevitably singled me out for a verbal beating. One co-worker, Alex, suspected she was trying to whip me into conformity when she referred to an oft-heard military phrase ‘shut up and color.’

“Oh, you color,” Alex said, “but in neon colors and outside the lines.”

This memory came to mind after a political discussion over drinks recently. Social media has obviously become a very vocal platform for everyone, military members included. The question was raised if active duty members should voice their political opinions on these sites because — my civilian friend argued — it was their job and surely it would spread dissent throughout the troops.

The four veterans at our table looked at each other, unsure of where to start. After all, we were in two wars with plenty more looming on the horizon; there’s already dissent from not being heard, not being considered and being spread too thin. Sure, we knew what we signed up for... kinda.

As a military brat of two 24-year veterans, I thought I knew what I was getting into.

But in reality, I had no idea how much of myself I would have to sacrifice while wearing the uniform. I did the best I could to conform without sacrificing my own identity and ethics — which are very individualistcentric.

In my opinion, of course the very people who are most impacted by political policies should have a voice in those policies. Sure, it’s their job and their duty to comply with established policies, but don’t civilians have opinions and ideas of how to make their jobs better? Why should activeduty members have to sacrifice voicing their opinions along with everything else they have to give up? Or does America want its defenders to blindly follow orders?

Creative writing by Austin Community College Students

Boulevard Busters Boulevard Busters Block bleeding, never retreating Boulevard Busters Tangle with ill-tempered soldiers Testing their territories Trade-winds blow in from the East Side Money comes and goes from friends as well as foes Everything and everyone has a price Life ain’t nice, better think twice Before you cross these Boulevard Busters They take what they can get while the getting is good Man, hold up this is the ‘hood Some things are expected to be understood But to understand is to have the upper hand It’s the difference between a hundred dollars and a hundred grand It’s the difference between driving ‘Benzos and driving broke-down vans ‘Cause see, Boulevard Busters be believin’ Big dreams and Big schemes So they join Big teams of rascals They take control of Big blocks selling Big rocks Stackin’ Big knots Busters be bangin’ Big heat under Big seats of Big ‘lacs Because they pushin’ Big weight And you know what kind of hate that attracts

Opinion → Columns

Study Buddies, Study Breaks

Nathan Bustillos Staff Writer

While today’s technology has brought many innovations and advancements, there are still other forms of technology that have been around for years and have simply been updated for the current day and age. Books

in audio form are one of those technologies that have been updated.

Audio technology in general has developed immensely and for the most part has become primarily a digital form of downloadable music tracks.

Books have also come a long way as a result of this technology.

With the power of devices like the iPad, iPod, Kindle and Nook (just to name a few), we can now download digital versions of favorite books quickly and easily. The website audible.com has done a great job at melding these technologies (digital audio downloads and digital books) into one convenient package.

Study Buddies Audible.com is a service by Amazon that provides members with high quality, downloadable audio books at a small membership fee. The website is

extremely useful for those who find it difficult to stay focused when reading a real book or its digital counterpart.

Audible.com provides users with a single file with the audio version of the book, and their website is easily a great source of informative non-fiction books that you could use in your next book report or project.

Everything from history to art to technology is represented on this website, similarly to its sister site Amazon.com, which provides digital books on the same subjects.

The membership fees vary depending on the level and frequency of payment. They provide both annual membership plans and monthly plans. The two monthly membership plans are priced at $14.95 per month and $22.95 per month, however, for the first three months, the $14.95 membership plan is reduced to $7.49. The annual membership

plans are priced at $149.50 per year and $229.50 per year. All membership plans continue to bill your chosen payment option until you cancel.

Study Breaks After you’ve gotten through the loads of book reports and research papers, you can sit back and listen to an audio version of your favorite fiction title.

Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi, horror, drama, romance or any other genre of books, you can be sure to find what you’re looking for. Just like their non-fiction selection, the selection of fiction is very large.

In addition to the usual genre listing, audible.com provides listings of their top 100 fiction and non-fiction books to select from as well as new releases and a listing of the New York Times Best Sellers.

So they start smokin’ Big lime, sippin’ Big lean But wait a minute hold up Was this the Big dream?

It’s like Materialistic, Imperialistic Project propaganda Boulevard Busters Big ballin, shot callin’ Boulevard Busters

By Skylar T. Bonilla

The Love That is Within Me You and me will come to see, the love that is within me, But will I comprehend You will understand The love that is within me.

My love has no bounds It doesn’t make a sound It creeps in the night Ready for a fight My love that is within me Will you understand what grows within?

Will you stay and help bind The love that is within me?

By Jessica Blair

Correction In the Feb. 28 issue of The Accent in the article “Candlelight vigil honors Esme Barrera, victims of violence,” lead homicide detective for Barrera’s case Brett Bailey was said to have attended the vigil. This is incorrect, as in fact no Austin Police Department staff attended the vigil which was entirely a community-initiated event, a theme that was reiterated throughout the event.

Natalie Casanova • Editor-in-Chief

news

Page 4 March 27, 2012 News → Community

Benefit promotes canine fun

Mighty Texas Dog Walk seeks to fetch new Guinness World records while supporting Texas Hearing and Service Dogs Abra Gist Staff Writer

Dog owners will have a chance to socialize and set a Guinness World Record at the 14th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk on April 7 at Auditorium Shores. The three-mile stroll will begin under Austin’s Stevie Ray Vaughn statue at 9 a.m. and continue alongside Lady Bird Lake until 2 p.m. while attempting to break the record for “most dogs walked at a time.”

The walkathon was organized to benefit Texas Hearing and Service Dogs

(THSD), which trains dogs to assist disabled individuals free of charge, as well as dogs rescued from animal shelters.

The event will host other Guinness World Record attempts including “most dogs sitting at once,” “most dogs wearing the same bandana” and “biggest furball” contests.

Founder and president of THSD Sheri Soltes said they are really excited and hopeful about the “biggest furball” category.

“We want bags and bags of dog hair,” Soltes said. “We are asking groomers to save their dog fur too!”

She encourages dog owners

Layla Elayyadi • Staff Writer

JUST THE TWO OF US - A boxer looks up at her owner

during a day of frolicking at the park. The dog enjoyed some much needed outdoors activity after several days of rain.

to save their dogs’ fur when they brush them and bring it to deposit in a giant clear hemisphere that will be on display in the “Mud Puppies” ring.

“We will be weighing the giant fur ball at noon, which we anticipate will give us world dominance in this important area,” Soltes said.

Other dog-friendly activities will include a doggie cake walk catered by Groovy Dog Bakery, an agility ring hosted by the Center for Canine Behavior that owners can test their dogs in, and many other canine-related sponsors will hand out samples and coupons.

Purina is also sponsoring the Austin debut of its famous Incredible Dog Challenge team.

Dog aerialists will perform feats of athleticism as their human partners toss discs for them to catch in mid-air.

This year will also spotlight Austin’s own Nakia, singing sensation from The Voice, as the celebrity guest marshall leading the pack with his partner Robert and family dog Tyson.

Former Austin Community College student and avid dog lover Melinda Land said she walks her two chihuahuas around Lady Bird Lake frequently and is very eager about the upcoming event.

“It’s really cool that just by walking your doggies you could be a part of history,” Land said.

“I mean it’s something I do everyday, so why not?”

At the finish line each dog will receive an engraved gold medal and their human partners will get the newest Mauro Garza collectible t-shirt.

Austin has won the “most

dogs walked” record twice and hopes to bring the title back to the capital city as well as fetch some titles for other Guinness World Book records.

For more information about the walkathon visit www. servicedogs.org.

A MOMENT’S PAUSE —

Lucy is camera shy, but enjoys playing on the path. During the walk, she also enjoyed spending some quality time with the other dogs in the park.

Layla Elayyadi • Staff Writer

Layla Elayyadi • Staff Writer

THAT SMILE — A dog appears content to be outdoors on a cloudy, humid day. The owner had

taken the dog out to play with other dogs in the damp grass, and the dog enjoyed the social time after several days spent indoors.

March 27, 2012

News Briefs

www.theAccent.org

News | Page 5

News → Community

Pharmacy program expands The Austin Community College Health Sciences Division is expanding its pharmacy technician training program through a national program from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

ACPE has approved ACC to offer new specialty certifications for pharmacy technician students as well as continuing education for current pharmacy professionals.

Through the approval, known as a providership, the pharmacy technician department will work in concert with the Continuing Education Division to offer highly valued specialty certifications, including sterile compounding, chemotherapy preparation and pediatric preparation.

After pharmacy technicians are certified, they must obtain 20 continuing education (CE) credits every two years. The new pharmacy technician class will offer continuing education credit courses which every pharmacy technician needs. There are also specialized positions in the pharmacy technician field, where there is little formal training available.

These new classes will make ACC one of the few schools in the country to provide ACPE approved training in these areas. Enrollment is currently underway with the first class beginning March 24.

The Pharmacy Technician program is an ACC career training program in high-demand.

“This represents the culmination of two years of hard work and dedication, and ACC is proud to be among only a few applicants from across the nation approved to offer these courses,” health sciences dean Dr. Eileen Klein said.

According to Lisa McCartney, chair of the Pharmacy Technician department, these specialty certificate programs are providing ACC with visibility on the national scene.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this benefit to students, pharmacy professionals and local employers.”

McCartney said. “Area employers seek out our graduates because of the knowledge and skills they develop in ACC’s program as well as the outstanding training they receive through our clinical partners.”

For more information on the pharmacy technician program, visit austincc.edu/health/phra/index.php. To learn more about the new specialty certificates and how to enroll, contact McCartney at lmccartn@austincc.edu.

Award nominations open Austin Community College is now accepting nominations for its annual Teaching Excellence Award given to one full-time and one adjunct professor in any field.

Students can express their appreciation for professors that have had an impact on them based on teaching methods and knowledge of the subject taught by nominating them for the award.

ACC’s Teaching Excellence Award is given to knowledgeable professors who come up with innovative and engaging ways to share that knowledge with students. In the past, professors from biology, foreign language, geography and several other fields have received this award. A $1,000 cash award and a plaque are given to the selected professors at commencement.

The Teaching Excellence Award is one of several awards dedicated to professors. The statewide Minnie L. Stevens Piper award and the National Institute for Organizational Development awards are also given to the best instructors in a college or university setting. Like the Teaching Excellence award, they are given annually to instructors in all fields.

Students who wish to nominate a professor can do so at http:// www5.austincc.edu/ProfAwards/bestprof.php. The winners of previous Teaching Excellence awards can be viewed at austincc. edu/hr/profdev/awards/te-pastwinners.php. Nominations are due by April 1 and are not limited to students; faculty and staff members at ACC may submit nominations as well.

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Aimee Acosta • Staff Photographer

THE AWAKENING – Inspired by the fairytale, actors from Ya Helewa Dance Company bring “The Sleeping Prince” to life. The skit was performed March 4 at AIDS Services of Austin’s Viva: Once Upon a Time event.

Benefit reduces AIDS stigma Serena Kelley Staff Writer

Attendees were welcomed into a world of mystery and wonderment by fairytale characters at AIDS Services of Austin’s (ASA) Viva: Once Upon a Time event held at the Austin Music Hall on Saturday, March 4.

This year, event coordinators decided to add a fairytale twist to the popular Viva Las Vegas theme and transformed it into Viva: Once Upon a Time.

The event boasted gambling, auctions, live performances and non-stop entertainment throughout the evening.

The 19th annual Viva benefit was one of ASA’s biggest fundraisers. Each year has seen a steady increase in volunteers and attendees.

This year also marks another milestone for organization, Viva communications coordinator Marcus Sanchez said.

“The first case of AIDS was reported 30 years ago, and ASA has been around for 25 of those,” he said. “We are proud to be providing services to those affected by AIDS, whether it is a partner, friend or family member.”

Sanchez said the Viva benefit helps tremendously with ASA’s mission of addressing the stigma that surrounds AIDS. Students from Austin Community College were out in full force throughout the evening as volunteers and participants to make sure the event ran smoothly.

“ASA is such a huge part of the community,” ACC student and first-time volunteer Anthony Zuvich said. “They provide free HIV testing every Thursday in the evenings, and the [Gay Straight Alliance] from ACC holds their meetings there as well. It is because of this benefit that ASA can continue to provide free HIV testing for those in the Austin community.”

Viva’s fantasy theme coupled with the Las Vegas vibe did not lack in entertainment.

Many attendees were dressed in full costume, gambled at tables named after fairytale

characters and participated in silent auctions. Food was provided by 13 local restaurants and entertainment included a belly dancer, a hula-hooper and others performing a creative rendition of the “Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming” fairytale.

Viva entertainment organizer Scott Darby said this was his first benefit with ASA and he is a client of the organization as well.

“They do so much for me,” Darby said. “I wanted to give them my time and do something for them.”

Event coordinator Aryel Pena described the night’s festivities as “outlandish but cool.”

“Entertainment like this is fun and something we are able to be creative with, adding a fairytale fantasy style so it wouldn’t be too serious,” Pena said. “The GLB (Gay/Lesbian/ Bisexual) community is very broad here, so events like this are an opportunity for us to bring it together, and include local business like restaurants to participate.”

Pena said the event was a huge success and that they

surpassed their goal of raising $55,000 throughout the night.

“Money raised is also filtered down into several other nonprofit organizations such as the Q Center, which caters to the younger generation of the GLB community,” Pena said. “ It’s wonderful to be able to put on an event like this and see people of all ages coming together to support what’s going [on].”

To find out more information about AIDS Services of Austin, visit asaustin.org, and ror information about the Q Center of Austin, visit qboyz.org.

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Campus life

Page 6 Campus → Community

March 27, 2012

Literary coffee house provides creative outlet Students, faculty, share personal passions, poetic insights, creative thoughts at open mic event Abra Gist Staff Writer

The Austin Community College Creative Writing department held its Literary Coffee House meeting with a moderately sized crowd March 5 at Austin Java.

Despite the smaller-thanaverage sized crowd, the group was still lively and plenty of attendees had the opportunity to share the open mic and their creative spirit.

John Herdon, associate director of the Balcones Center for Creative Writing, was the emcee for the evening. He introduced himself and read a recent poem he had written about his new orchid passion or “obsession” as he called it.

His meditative poem “I Attain the Level of Consciousness of a Houseplant — Briefly” garnered many chuckles and smirks among the audience.

After reciting a few more poems, he introduced the featured poet for the evening,

David Thornberry, who is an art teacher and writer. He has many chapbooks published by Running Dog Press. He shared many excerpts from “Something Beautiful” and his upcoming book, “Climb Down.”

Many of the poems he shared during his reading had themes of domestication, nesting and relationships. His perspective is observant and revealing. Hearing his poems is like being given permission to walk around inside his mind and peek at his poignant revelations and his writing is clever yet humorous.

In one poem, he read about him and his wife saving a group of orphaned kittens that showed up on their doorstep instead of going on a much anticipated family vacation. He told of how they stayed to help find homes for the kittens, yet years later the kittens are outside his bathroom door (they kept all of them) mewing like “little cat zombies” because they are unusually dependent and hate

Kristie Bocanegra • Staff Photographer

CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES — Richard Nguyen reads one of his poems aloud during Austin Community College’s Literary Coffee House event March 5. “Stereotypes exist for a reason, they exist for me to break them down,” he said. to be left alone.

After Thornberry’s reading was over, there was an open mic session and almost everyone who attended shared something.

ACC creative writing student Nori Hubert shared poems about her self induced

insomnia, the strange nonsensical thoughts that follow and meeting a night lady who eventually leads her to writing about the event. She said she loves attending ACC’s Literary Coffeehouse and always tries to share something.

“This is the quietest it’s

ever been. Usually the place is packed and there’s only standing room,” Hubert said.

“Tonight was tame.”

George Lee, a faithful attendee, read a gallant poem about the “37 night shades” of his love. His style was reminiscent of medieval

limericks. His voice was boisterous and commanding.

One open mic poet that really stood out was ACC student Richard Nguyen.

“Since there are too many love poems in the world, I decided to write a poem about hate,” Nguyen said.

“I hate hate,” was the first line of the poem and he spoke about the damage hate does in this world.

He also shared a poem about his Asian identity and all the positive and negative stereotypes he said society thrusts upon him. He gave examples and did mocking voices of obvious ignorant statements, yet ended the poem with a mission to be the one to break down those stereotypes.

The event was very entertaining and the next Literary Coffeehouse will be held April 9 at Austin Java at 1206 Parkway (near 12th Street and Lamar Boulevard).

“I’m worried that people might think we’ve disappeared since we didn’t hold a meeting back in February,” Herdon said. “We are still here and we’ll have updates online about the next one.”

For more information on the Creative Writing department, visit austincc.edu/crw.

Campus → Culture

Campus restaurants hone culinary student skills Le Bistrette, Bistro 3158 bring fine-dining expertise to Eastview Campus Janice Veteran

Staff Photographer

There are some advantages to being a student or staff at the Eastview Campus. The Austin Community College Culinary Arts program opened “Le Bistrette,” a weekly lunchtime cafe serving American regional cuisine, Feb. 22.

This restaurant serves as the capstone class for students in the American regional and dining

room classes of the Culinary Arts department. It teaches students about all aspects of the restaurant business with instructors available to answer any questions that may arise. It also allows students, faculty, staff, their families and anyone interested an opportunity to experience the cooking skills being taught. The cafe is open Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Building 3000 of the Eastview Campus.

Each week, one student chef

takes the lead as manager for the day. Students rotate through all of the kitchen or dining area positions during the semester based on the class they are enrolled in. The chef of the day is given an area of the United States upon which to base the day’s specials. He or she then selects the specials which will be added to the main menu items.

For opening day, student chef Rolando Gonzalez was given the New England area. Gonzalez said

Janice Veteran • Staff Photographer

BRONZED DELIGHT — The Bronzed Salmon Salad was on the standard menu served at the Bistrette Cafe grand opening on Feb. 22. Additionally, each lunch will feature regional cuisine from different areas of the United States.

he wanted to offer something different than the standard clam chowder you might get elsewhere, and went with more earthy natural flavors of the area.

Student chefs are given a budget to maintain while operating their restaurant for the day. The manager of the day is the lead in the kitchen and helps solve problems as they arise. “[On Feb. 22] there were times when things got a little crazy in the kitchen,” Gonzalez said, “especially when the order printer stopped working.”

However, a solution was devised, he said, and they used hand tickets instead, so the restaurant carried on.

ACC student Crystal McIntyre said she was in the American Cuisine class last semester and came for lunch to see how the next round of students was doing.

“I couldn’t imagine ACC being everything it has turned out to be,” she said. “I came from Dallas and ACC is the only accredited Culinary School in Austin, plus at ACC I pay less than the other schools and I graduate with an Associates of Arts degree rather than just a certificate. With [that]I can go on to get my Bachelors degree.”

Diners agreed that the food was excellent and a great value for the money.

Hospitality management professor Liander Taylor said, “It is nice to have someplace on campus to have a nice healthy lunch, where you don’t have to go anywhere or lose your parking spot. The different specials make a nice variety”.

Janice Veteran • Staff Photographer

AMBROSIAL — The salmon was cooked to perfection, including proper temperature, for the lunch at the Bistrette Cafe on the Eastview campus at the grand opening on Feb 22.

Health sciences dean Dr. Eileen Klein and nursing professor Pat Recek said they came for lunch after getting an email and seeing the fliers around campus.

“The food is very good, and delicious. It’s a great value and you can’t go wrong on any of the the dishes,” Klein said.

Recek said “It’s not fast food which is great. We like to give back to the students who are learning.”

Starting March 1, the international class opened a fine dinning restaurant in the same location at the Eastview Campus called “Bistro 3158.”

The class has picked the theme “A Modern Take on the

Roman Empire.” All of the fine dining will be based on this theme. Each week the manager of the day from the international class will have a country to base their menu on to create the daily specials, in addition to the regular menu items. The cuisine of eight countries will be on display. The dinner is a six-course meal on Thursdays with seating from 6-7p.m. at a price of $29 per person.

The international class is the last cooking class before graduation. Afterward, many of the chefs will move on to internships in the community.

Visit austincc.edu/cularts/ bistro for more information and reservations for Bistro 3158.

Apply for Graduation!

Application Deadline is April 2 for the Graduation Ceremony on May 11.

Finishing your degree or certificate this semester? See an advisor to make sure you meet your program’s requirements and complete a Graduation Application.

Find more information at: austincc.edu/support/admissions/graduation

March 27, 2012

www.theAccent.org

Historic events affirm minority contributions Texas Independence Day embraces multiculturalism Abra Gist Staff Writer

The line extended out of the door as the Center for Student Political Studies (CSPS) and the Center for Public Policy and Political Studies (CPPPS) kicked off Texas Independence Day: A Multicultural Celebration! March 1 at Austin Community College’s Eastview Campus auditorium.

The event focused on the many ethnic groups that worked with, fought and died side by side with Texians (the Anglo population) during the Texas Revolution as they defended the Alamo from Santa Anna’s army.

ACC history professor Larry Willoughby invited the crowd to ponder the connection between Texas Independence Day and multiculturalism.

According to Willoughby, right before the revolution in the 1830s, there were about 8,000 Tejanos; 30,000 Texians; 2,000 enslaved blacks; hundreds of free blacks and approximately 20 different Native American tribal communities living in Texas under the rule of Mexico.

Jason Haydon, former ACC student and CSPS secretary, said there’s a lot to be learned about Texas Independence Day that old John Wayne movies do not teach.

“Texas Independence Day has become rather maligned in

contemporary culture,” Haydon said. He currently studies history at the University of Texas at Austin (UT).

“A lot of people view it as a battle that involved Mexicans killing Anglos; people say it should have never happened,” Hayden said. “I’m a history student and a tenth-generation Texan, I do not agree. I see a group of people, Tejanos, Anglos, Freedmen and Natives working towards a common goal against what they felt was an oppressive government.”

The speech given by Senator Gonzalo Barrientos was a highlight of the evening. He challenged the crowd to think about current political issues regarding immigration, quoted Texas Revolutionary War participant Juan Seguin’s speech regarding the valiant struggle at the Alamo, and told an anecdotal story regarding race relations which evoked laughter from the audience.

Barrientos said advocacy regarding issues of race, economics, women’s rights and health is important.

“It has been said that because we do not teach children or adults how to [advocate] constructively, much less how to resolve differences, we continue to become more polarized and more dysfunctional,” he said.

CIVIL DUTY — Sarita

Iruegas encourages Michelle Miller to register to vote on March 1 at Eastview Campus.

Walter Challapa • Senior Staff Photographer

The event ended with an intriguing mock constitutional exercise facilitated by advocates, professors, writers, community leaders and students who divided into groups. Each group represented a branch of the government and was given an opportunity to determine its contribution to creating a democracy.

CSPS sponsor and former ACC student Samantha Davis said the energy for the evening was great and she couldn’t be more pleased with the way it went.

“I love coming back for the CSPS events and you’ll notice that a ton of alumni frequent these events,” she said. “This group really knows how to engage the community as well as ACC students.”

Davis said the take away message for the multicultural celebration — “Engage, Enable, and Empower” yourself and your community — could not be stressed enough.

The entire event was sponsored by CPPPS, according to its director Peck Young, who said the nonprofit works with the CSPS to conduct student initiated events.

“Basically they come to us with an idea, we provide the funding through sponsorship and we help them get what they need to hold the event,” Young said.

“For example, having all the flags of Texas decorating the walls of the assembly hall, that was the students’ idea, and we made it happen for them.”

The program also included Tejano and country music, and food was provided by The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que and Casa Chapala. Movie clips from “The Alamo” (2004) were also shown and Hermanos East set up voter registration booths.

CSPS and CPPPS will host the Earth Fair April 19 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Eastview Campus.

For more information visit austincc.edu/cppps/news.php

Campus Life | Page 7

Campus → Community

Joan Brook • Staff Writer

LUNCHTIME ADVOCACY — Shalinda Kendricks left, warns Marsha Innis of some things that can escalate into uncomfortable situations, during the Social Buzz safe sex awareness event.

Social Buzz points out pitfalls of over sharing Social and Human Services Club promotes safety, responsibility in interpersonal communications during educational event DC Mclean Staff Writer

Social interaction is a big part of any person’s life. Every day, people are offered a chance to get to know other people, discover new places and forge new relationships. It’s a fundamental part of growing up, and many would argue it is one of the many secrets to success.

According to Austin Community College’s Social and Human Services Club (SHSC), even though the practice of forging new relationships is important, it should be practiced cautiously — just in case.

How can someone make new friends and not potentially endanger themselves in the process?

ACC students learned how to do just that at the Social Buzz event held by SHSC Feb. 20 at the Rio Grande Campus.

SHSC president Angela Jones said, “We are promoting students to be aware of their social environment and who is trying to befriend them, and if it’s good or bad. Is it a manipulative friendship or with friendly benefits from the heart?”

The event format resembled speed dating. A group of students, who preferably didn’t know each other, sat down across from each other and had a conversation concerning

just about anything. There was a small poster board in front of each student that only that student could see that provided facts about subjects such as stalking, identity theft, and the importance of knowing one’s social status. This activity made the participating student aware of just how much information he or she was giving away in conversation.

Afterward, people were directed to a table where they could learn more about HIV testing and safe sex, topics Social Buzz touched on in several of their promotional poster boards.

Many of those who participated mentioned that they enjoyed the event and felt it was a success.

“Actually it went pretty well,”

ACC student Andrew Hamilton said. “There are people making new friends, laughing and having fun, meeting new people, basically having a good time.”

Hamilton said it seemed everyone had a similar experience to him and made valuable new relationships in the process.

“I think it was a really interesting and new idea,” ACC student Quaranto Lenoir said.

“I met someone who was really cool and it just so happens we have the same major, but we’re taking different routes, so we were able to share that information with each other and inform the other about different programs available.”

Joan Brooke • Staff Writer

Campus → Community

CONTEST runs March 20 – April 6

Enter our online contest and submit names you feel explain and promote ACC’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Hint: It’s about math.)

Visit the QEP Contest webpage for details.

All students, faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to participate.

IRS filing deadline nears Tax credits, free tax preparation services for simple returns available to students Valerie Kilgore

Staff Writer

As the tax deadline of April 17, 2012 approaches, many may wonder what their options are for filing.

TurboTax offers free online services for simple tax returns and Foundation Communities is operating nine tax centers in Central Texas. The community tax centers offer tax preparation services by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certified tax preparers free of charge to persons or families earning less than $50,000 a year. This amount was raised from last year’s minimum of $25,000.

The documents needed for filing include a photo ID, income documentation for all jobs worked in the past year, a list of expenses paid - such as tuition - and social security cards for the filer, spouse and any dependants. A copy of last year’s return will be helpful as well.

Austin Community College student Jenna Bruington said she needed to file soon and was looking into using TurboTax. “It‘s just the easiest way, I used it last year and I got a lot back,” she said.

Tax preparation services may help filers receive more on their returns than if they were to file themselves because tax advisers can work to determine if students are eligible for education credits and other exemptions. TurboTax walks filers through each step and searches for eligibility for all exemptions, deductions and

Photo illustration by Kristie Bocanegra • Staff Photographer

TAX TIME — Staff photographer Kristie Bocanegra begins

work on her 2011 Federal Income Tax Return. Each year, tens of millions of americans file income taxes, and online filing has become increasingly popular in recent years.

credits.

H&R Block office coordinator Laura Stevens said tax credits for higher education such as the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit may help students receive much more on their returns this year.

Tax adviser Ami Vaidya said the American Opportunity Credit is a fully “refundable credit” which allows undergraduates to receive up to $2,000 and the Lifetime Learning credit is available for students who attend classes more than half the time; it lowers taxable income.

Vaidya said if a student has not received this credit in the past few years and has paid tuition, they may still file for it.

Students may contact the IRS to receive copies of previous 1098-T forms.

Students receiving grants however, are not eligible for these credits unless they pay some tuition, as the credits are based on what was actually paid.

“The [American Opportunity Credit] only depends on income and tax liability,” Stevens said. It is not available for students receiving financial aid.

H&R block runs specials for free tax preparations as well, Stevens said, but they ended as of Feb. 29.

For more information about tax centers run by Foundation Communities, visit communitytaxcenters.org or call 211. Help is available by walk-in or appointment. Turbo Tax is available online at Turbotax. com.

life & arts

page 8 Life & Arts → Games and Tech

Pushmo proves less can be more in 3-D gaming Joey Galvan Staff Writer

Quality puzzle-based games provide hours of family-friendly fun through brain-teasing scenarios and vivid graphics, and Nintendo 3DS’ new exclusive game “Pushmo” meets these expectations.

The purpose of this game seems relatively simple upon first glance, but after some time spent in the virtual world of “Pushmo,” it quickly becomes apparent the game is anything but simplistic.

You enter the puzzle-based world as a tiny character that must save other small characters which have become stuck inside blocks. Each level is comprised of large blocks that can be pulled out and used to climb to reach the highest vantage point. Typically that is where each missing character is hiding. The blocks can be pulled out anywhere from one to four spaces forward and this is where things begin to get tricky.

Based upon how far you pull out the blocks, you can use this to your advantage by interacting with other blocks to climb further up the screen. The order in which you pull out the blocks also determines if and how you are able to climb up the screen.

There are a few different solutions to each puzzle and of course the game intensifies as you advance.

The most alluring feature of the game is the environment.

Embedded in the 240 levels are blocks that become intricate pictures as you progress through each stage. Everything from extremely colorful animals to people and objects are represented as large pictures in the blocks as the player tries to find the correct pattern to get to the top of the puzzle and release the hidden character.

Life & Arts → Visual Arts

‘Rock Paper Scissors’ pits violence against morality in gritty graphic novel Joey Galvan Staff Writer

Image courtesy of Nintendo Co., Ltd.

The 3-D in this game is simply stunning. When pulling out blocks they actually appear outwardly through your screen granting you truly a nail-biting, hair-pulling experience as you try to solve each level. While blocks popping out of your screen doesn’t sound like a huge selling point, it is a wonderful compliment to an already solid release. The fact the 3-D is presented to you without the use of any type of glasses also makes it easier on the eyes. The game is beautifully rendered and adds a truly immersive experience to an already challenging title.

This puzzle-based game is attained through the expansive Nintendo Virtual Marketplace and not released in any physical format.The controls are nothing special. There are only two buttons that function other than the directional pad. You can

jump or hold onto blocks to pull them toward or push them away from you. While this may seem like an overly simplistic control scheme, it’s all you need to enjoy hours of fun in this title.

Adding anything to the controls beyond that would simply be unnecessary. Sometimes less is more and “Pushmo” is an accurate representation of this rule.

This is a wonderful game that is fun for the whole family and pretty much all types of gamers.

The game itself is wonderfully immersive because of the depth of craft put into each puzzle, complimented by an insanely visceral experience through its 3-D scenery.

Anyone looking to kill some spare time or challenge your brain should look for this game in the Nintendo Online Marketplace.

March 27, 2012

“Rock Paper Scissors” is a well-written depiction of the intense moral struggles experienced by violent characters. It was created by Austin locals Eugene Selassie, Marco Lopez and Bryan Ginn, close friends and co-owners of independent comic label Atomic Rex. The comic is set against a colorful backdrop and is appealing to avid comic book readers and comic world newcomers alike. The first of several releases in the series, this story flows quickly in one direction, but takes short pauses as rich character development transpires. The dialogue is witty and the characters are likable, even though they are heavily involved with the city’s dark underworld.

Inspiration is important to the creative process, and writer

and creator Selassie said he credits his affinity for the genre to the comics his mother gave him at an early age when he lived in New York. “Iron Man” became his favorite character after receiving “Iron Man #225 Armor Wars Part One,” his first comic book, and he’s been hooked ever since.

“I love every form of literature and comics. There’s so many tools and narrative pieces utilized no other medium has,” Selassie said. “[The comics] can do things that films can’t. They can do things that novels can’t.

The artists that are involved and collaborate bring a product that no other medium can really pull off.”

The inception of “Rock Paper Scissors” was a threemonth-long process of outlining followed by a written script that took less than two weeks to complete.

“The penciler Jun Joe Monares, had some health

issues at the halfway point, but was able to bounce back and recover,” Selassie said. “Our colorist knocked [their job] out in a few weeks and just made a really strong comic [that] I think can stand up with anything from the major publishers.”

“Rock Paper Scissors” is currently being pitched as a 12-issue maxi series under Atomic Rex. Currently the comic label is in talks with several publishers, but if not picked up the team is looking into distributing the material itself.

Selassie said their upcoming projects include a horror series titled “Crimson Mask,” a political thriller titled “Uprising” and “Massively Effective” which is a super hero buddy comedy that is a sort of homage to classic comic books.

For more information on Atomic Rex’s comic releases visit atomicrexentertainment.com

A WRITER’S LIFE —

Comic and screen writer Eugene Selassie shares his finished work along with up and coming projects.

Selassie and two of his friends created the graphic novel “Rock Paper Scissors.”

Aimee Acosta • Staff Photographer

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