The Accent

April 17, 2012

First Copy Free

theAccent.org

Volume 14, Issue 11

NEWS First annual vegitarian festival huge success | Page 6

CAMPUS ACC student & activist organizes Syrian rally | Page 7

LIFE & ARTS Carnival ah! combines culture, fun | Page 10

News → Community

News → Community

Locals rally for Trayvon Recent teen shooting raises old concerns

RECYCLE ME! Don’t forget to recycle this paper when you’re done reading.

LIFE & ARTS ‘ACC’s Got Talent’ spotlights students’ flair, forte, skills | Page 8

LIFE & ARTS ‘Kid Icarus Uprising’ 3DS game enthralls | Page 9

LIFE & ARTS Eeyore Birthday party more than just fun | Page 10

Raymond Weyandt

Staff Writer

Jon Shapley • Photo Editor

RADIOACTIVE WASTE — Austin Community College Student Ana Diaz talks candidly about a plan to bring radioactive waste to Texas. “I think it’s more important to think about environmental safety and employee safety,” she said.

Waste Control Specialists mess with Texas State officials have given the green light to a plan allowing radioactive waste from across the country to be brought to Texas for storage Abra Gist Staff Writer

The Texas Low Level Radioactive Disposal Compact Commission was given approval by Texas lawmakers in 2011 to use a rural Andrews County site along the Texas and New Mexico border. The Texas Low Level Radioactive Disposal Compact Commission primarily consists of appointed members handpicked by Gov. Rick Perry.

According to an Associated Press article by Jim Vertuno, “Texas officials gave final approval March 23 to rules allowing the shipments.”

Texas and Vermont had a legal compact established to take only Vermont’s waste, but now dozens of states’ radioactive waste could soon be buried on the Texas site due to the changes made to the compact.

Opponents are concerned about the safe transport of this material across state highways

and environmentalists fear the possibility of water contamination at the sight.

“More radioactive waste would mean increased financial, health and environmental risks,” said SEED Coalition Director Karen Hadden. “The decision has been politically and financially motivated. The waste is still going to involve nuclear reactor waste, resins and sludges.

Most of Andrews County is underlain by the High Plains aquifer, this, as well as additional bodies of water in the area are susceptible to contamination.”

Waste Control Specialists (WCS), headquartered in Dallas, TX and owned by Harold Simmons, chief donor to Rick Perry’s unsuccessful bid for the GOP presidential candidacy, was licensed for disposal of the “low level” radioactive waste.

At WCS’ grand opening back in Nov. 2011, WCS President Rod Baltzer said,

“The low level radioactive dry waste will be stored in large black 10 foot tall cylindrical tubs with 1 foot thick concrete reinforced steel. That, then goes in the bottom of a landfill 100 feet deep with a seven-footthick liner system on it.”

Most of the low-level waste would include material from nuclear power plants (though not specified) or syringes, protective clothing, glassware and rags from hospitals or academic labs. According to WCS the sealed low-level radioactive waste would lose its radioactivity within a century.

Linda Beach, Vice President and General Manager of WCS said they have worked hard to “safely and compliantly handle hazardous and radioactive material day in and day out” at their facility.

Proponents also assert the facility will give a boost to the west Texas and New Mexico border communities.

Nevertheless, Texas residents are concerned about

the potential risks involved.

ACC Nursing student Ana Diaz said, “I guess it’s good there’s a potential for it to create jobs. However, I think it’s more important to think about environmental safety and employee safety. Are these really jobs we want in Texas?”

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration data shows that from 2003 through 2011, there were 72 incidents involving trucks with radioactive material traveling on highways. One person died and the accidents caused $2.4 million in damages.

“My biggest concern is the way it’s transferred to Texas. Not only do I think they should not send all that waste here, but the idea of radioactive waste leaked along the highways could cause problems for our environment now and in the future. This just sounds like a bad idea,” ACC freshman Sean Malone said.

Despite the environmental concerns and trepidation in this matter, after the ruling on March 23, Waste Control Specialists will have the go ahead to mess with Texas.

Campus → People

ACC photography featured in magazine Texas Professional Photographer Association Magazine features ACC student achievement, photography department Janice Veteran

Staff Photographer

An award-winning portrait taken by Austin Community College photography student May Lau made the AprilMay 2012 cover of Texas Professional Photographer Association (TPPA) magazine.

Lau’s picture won ‘Best Overall Image by a Student’ at the 2011 TPPA Summer Round Up. “It is an honor to get an award from TPPA,” she said.

Lau took the picture for her ‘Portrait II’ class last semester and said she incorporated her children’s musical background into the project.

“Both my son and my daughter play string instruments,” Lau said, “and one of the string teachers had a flexible schedule where he could come into the studio and work with me on the portrait photo we shot.”

MAGAZINE COVER— Austin Community College student May Lau shows off her awardwinning image with the help of professors Kathryn WattsMartinez and Lynn Jones.

Lau’s image was also selected for the cover of a photography magazine.

Janice Veteran • Staff Photographer

Lau said she sees herself as a portrait photographer, but may make a change as she studies other types of photography.

While Lau’s picture graced the cover, ACC photography professors Lynn Jones and Kathryn Watts-Martinez were featured on page six of the magazine. The article described ACC’s longstanding connection with TPPA. To be eligible for graduation, ACC photography students are required to join TPPA, attend its summer seminar in Kerrville, Texas and enter the print competition.

In this competition students’ work is not distinguished from the work of professional photographers.

Students are identified as such only at the awards ceremony. This arrangement allows both groups to compete in the same categories and

encourages students toward the highest level of performance.

At the TPPA Summer Round-up, students must submit 4 photographs in categories such as portrait, advertising, illustrative, photojournalism or fine art. Their work is judged by master, national-level print judges. The students must shoot, process, print and mount their photos for the competition. Professional photographers might have assistants or outside labs that can do the non-shooting work for them.

In the competitions, a photograph is considered a good professional photograph if it scores in the high 70s. ACC student photographs have scored in the high 80s and up to 90 in recent years.

ACC student entries can be seen at austincc.edu/photo/ program_info.htm.

Hundreds of protesters rallied March 27 at the Capitol in solidarity with similar nationwide protests to support the family of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager who was shot dead Feb. 26 in Sanford, Florida.

The story of Martin’s death became national news and reignited discussions of racial inequality in America as Florida officials delayed charging his shooter and neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman until April 11. Officials defended their decision by citing controversial “Stand Your Ground” laws, but supporters of the Martin family urge that those laws do not apply to this case and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Zimmerman.

Special prosecutor Angela B. Corey charged Zimmerman with second-degree murder April 11 after the previous prosecutor, Norman Wolfinger, recused himself from the case March 23 as to “[tone] down the rhetoric and [preserve] the integrity of the investigation.”

In a news conference, Corey said Zimmerman was in the custody of law enforcement officers in Florida, and that the prosecution did not come to the decision lightly.

Several hundred students and members of the Austin community gathered at the Capitol gates, holding signs, singing songs and chanting “Justice for Trayvon,” which has become the one rallying cries of the movement.

A Texas Department of Public Safety officer at the event, who asked to remain anonymous, estimated that there were over 300 people in attendance near the beginning of the rally.

Despite warm weather, protesters wore hooded sweatshirts with the hood pulled over their heads as a tribute to Martin who wore one the night he died — an act that may have contributed to Zimmerman describing Martin as ‘suspicious’ to a 911 dispatcher.

Austin Community College student Ernesto Wallace said he has followed the story since it first made headlines in early March, and decided to join the rally when members of ACC’s Men of Distinction began discussing the event online.

“We saw it as an opportunity to support a young African American male,” Wallace said. “That’s what Men of Distinction stands for.”

He said the shooting was a horrible thing, not just because of the racial differences between Martin and Zimmerman.

“It’s because this is another brother that’s been killed, taken off of our streets and out of our schools, and it happens so much,” he said. “It’s a terrible, devastating thing.”

After singing “We Shall Overcome,” the crowd spilled into the street and began to march toward City Hall.

Several protesters ran ahead of the march to direct traffic and maintain order. Police arrived shortly afterward to provide assistance.

Chanting “No justice, no peace,” the protesters marched

See TRAYVON, pg. 4

Forum

page 2 April 17, 2012 Opinion → Columns

Opinion → Editorials

Landfill unearths shady deals

notes

Natalie Casanova

Editor-in-Chief

It’s nearing the end of the semester and many students are growing restless, drifting through these final weeks in apathy. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the reason we’re all here — to learn. This is not only something we do in college, but something we should do every day for the rest of our lives and the biggest and most expansive avenue we have to do so is science.

A Research!America poll from March shows that only 42 percent of Americans think the country will be the number one leader in science and technology in 2020. This is depressing, and we must counter the widespread scientific ignorance fueling this downfall.

Some parents encourage children to explore the wonders of science, which is not something all American families promote. There is a large number of people who rally against specific scientific teachings in public schools, offering conflicting nonscientific-based viewpoints that only serve to confuse children and slow down the learning process.

More specifically, these groups push to “Teach the Controversy” against evolution because it contradicts their philosophy-based conceptions of the origin of life. Evolution is strictly a scientific theory, which is not the same as a ‘guess,’ but is a set of principles that explain and predict a phenomena, and is tested for accuracy through experiment and observation.

Evolution is widely accepted as fact by a majority of scientists and no such “evidence” exists that actually disproves it, only pseudo-scientific and philosophical claims.

Some of the most astounding evidence supporting evolution, published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, is research on human chromosome number 2, which shows the fusion of two ancestral chromosomes that every other organism in the Hominidae family has. Studying evolution helps decipher and explain diseases, mutations, dietary problems and more, and even

why certain conditions are more common in different parts of the world.

Teaching unfounded pseudoscience hinders this research presently and will continue to do so in the future by manipulating our youth, offering opinions instead of facts.

Famous astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson once said, “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.”

Scientific ignorance harms more than just the classroom, but it can hurt our health as well. Pediatrician Dr. Seth Asser investigated 172 deaths of infants and children treated with faith healing instead of proper health care from 19751998 and found that 140 of them would’ve had a 90 percent chance of survival had they been treated medically. Luckily, state legislations all over the U.S. are opting to end the legal protection of parents who use these methods and let their child’s health suffer.

A more common form of scientific ignorance in the medical sense is the antivaccination stance many people have. When Texas Governor Rick Perry mandated that all 11- and 12-year-old girls get the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2007, the public was outraged with the implications associated with the sexually transmitted disease. The facts are HPV can also be transferred without sexual intercourse, is very common in sexually active adults who can pass it to their children and often doesn’t present any symptoms at all. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 90 percent of HPV cases the body’s immune system naturally clears it out after a couple years, but sometimes it can manifest as cancer or other diseases.

Some argue that the influenza vaccine kills more people annually than the actual virus, which also simply isn’t true.

According to the CDC, flurelated deaths per year range anywhere from 3,000-49,000 while according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services only 46 claims have been filed for flu-vaccinerelated deaths since 1988.

Scientists do not develop these medical advancements to harm us, but to improve our health and extend our lives.

For those who understand the potential and beauty of science along with the knowledge it provides, keep learning and support scientific foundations local and nationally.

To those who don’t fully appreciate or grasp science, open your mind and see that science is all around us — from antibiotics to computers and everything in between. It is the best tool we have to enhance life, and we need to stop rejecting it.

The future of society’s longer, healthier lives can only benefit from scientific discovery.

Low-level radioactive waste facility raises questions of undue influence and financial benefits for few with negative environmental consequences for many

Megan McKay • Staff artist

Staff editorial The questionable behavior and potential for public harm surrounding the hazardous waste facility in Andrews County, Texas is astounding.

Waste Control Specialists (WCS), the Dallas based company that owns and operates the low-level radioactive waste landfill, is at the heart of the controversy.

Its owner is Dallas billionaire Harold Simmons – a major financial supporter of Governor Rick Perry’s campaign. On the surface this relationship bears the appearance of impropriety, and upon closer inspection – it gets worse.

The Save the Ogallala Aquifer (SOA) organization, and members of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which oversaw the landfill’s licensing process, started asking questions. As they became more outspoken, WCS sued.

In a sworn statement submitted to the Andrews County District Court, former TCEQ member Glenn Lewis said the organization’s license review team declared the Andrews site unsuitable because groundwater from nearby aquifers, including the Ogallala, was likely to intrude into the site and cause radioactive contamination.

The Ogallala aquifer is part of the Highland Plains Aquifer system and is connected to the water tables of eight states, according to the U.S. Geological Survey website. Any negative environmental impact would affect not only Texas, but several other states as well.

WCS said that in a worst case scenario the Pecos Valley aquifer might be affected rather than the Ogallala. It was argued that the Pecos aquifer fed water sources that were only used for livestock.

Perhaps WCS did not consider that

contaminats could travel up the food chain and affect humans.

In spite of Lewis’ recommendations against granting the license, TCEQ officials said, “WCS executives were impatient to receive a draft license for its review and that it required a public comment period during the upcoming Christmas holiday so that public attention might be diverted away from examination and comment about the proposed WCS license.”

In its lawsuit, WCS said statements made by Lewis were false.

WCS received the license and not long afterward, TCEQ Executive Director Glenn Shankle went on to become a lobbyist for WCS. If that’s not a suspicious relationship, then what is?

Also questionable, is the fact that 1994 water table maps drawn by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) show the Ogallala aquifer near or under the landfill, but they were then revised during WCS’s licensing process. Now the aquifer is not pictured in that area of Andrews County. Coincidence? Not likely.

TWDB officials contend that the revision was not based on WCS data, but was drawn to more accurately reflect the aquifer’s position.

WCS President Rod Baltzer said that the landfill would be maintained and operated in a safe manner so as to protect the environment and that no unauthorized shipments would be accepted. A full-time TECQ agent would also be on site to inspect shipments.

Nonetheless, given all the cronyism that’s been reported so far, Texans can’t afford to be so trusting.

Although the disposal site was approved to take in low-level radioactive

waste, the term can be misleading. This class of waste is neither harmless nor benign.

Karen Hadden, executive director of the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, said the term low-level is used because the site is not authorized to take in spent nuclear reactor rods. But it is authorized, she said, to take in just about every other kind of radioactive waste ranging from hospital instruments to material from nuclear reactors. This includes materials that could remain radioactive for thousands of years.

There have already been documented instances of spent fuel rods being disposed of illegally by the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. in low-level radioactive waste facilities. This is the main company that the Andrews landfill will accept waste from.

Officials of WCS said in order for the landfill to be profitable, it must accept waste from other states in addition to Vermont. At this point 36 states can send their radioactive waste to Texas. The revenue from the fees charged to those states goes solely to WCS. However, if there is some sort of nuclear mishap, state taxpayers would get stuck with the bill.

Although approval for the site has already been given, the public can still make a difference. Demand that legislators closely oversee site operations through independent, random inspections of waste shipments.

Find out which routes are being used to transport the radioactive waste through Texas and demand that rural rather than city routes be used so that potential exposure and damage due to accidents be minimized. For more information visit seedcoalition.org.

Opinion → Columns

Study buddies, study breaks next item on most everyone’s checklist is returning or selling unneeded textbooks. For some people this is a big problem for several reasons, including not being able to find a place to sell them.

This edition of “Study Buddies, Study Breaks” should help take away some of the guesswork and searching involved in selling your books at the right price.

Study Buddies

Nathan Bustillos Staff Writer

Yet another semester is nearing its end at ACC and for a majority of people, the end probably couldn’t come sooner. After checking on grades to make sure we’ve all passed our courses, the

Cash4books.net is one of many places you can sell your textbooks at and get a good amount of money back for them.

With cash4books, you simply enter the title or the ISBN number of your textbooks, press the ‘price my books’ button and you’ll get an estimate of the amount you’ll get per book.

One of the only downsides

to this website is the fact that the money offered may not always be the best offer you can find elsewhere. However, in many cases the prices can’t be beaten and you’ll be able to walk away with more money than you’d get at other book stores.

While cash4books.net may not be the be-all-end-all of book buyback locations, it should definitely rank among the top 10 in anybody’s list for places to get a good deal selling your books.

One of the high points of cash4books.net is that they cover shipping costs so it doesn’t cost you anything to send your books when you get your quote.

Study Breaks Although the semester isn’t quite over just yet, you can still take a break now and then when you’re studying for the

last test of the semester, and the website digg.com can help you. Digg.com is similar to a previous website mentioned in this column reddit.com.

With Digg, users can sift through thousands of articles spanning several different topics including politics, music, gaming and many others.

All the articles have a counter on the left side showing how many “diggs” they’ve received, meaning how many times users have liked an article.

Not only is Digg an excellent source for news and information on several different topics, but it can provide great entertainment, particularly if you’re a gamer or a sports enthusiast.

If you need a break from the last hoorah of the semester or if you just want to catch up on current events, Digg can help you do so.

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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, Ruby Pinon Staff Writers Nathan Bustillos, Josh House, Hannah Hargis, DC McClean, Abra Gist, Raymond Weyandt, Caitlin McDermott, Serena Kelly, Layla Elayyadi, Joey Galvan, Joan Brook, Kenneth Mulvey Photographers Janice Veteran, Aimee Acosta, Melissa Skorpil, Elise Laird 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.

April 17, 2012

www.theAccent.org

Opinion → Columns

Forum | Page 3

Opinion → Columns

Nontraditional Memoirs of a veteran students Make time for fun When my son asked me to play a game of cards the other day, I was tempted to tell him about the mountain of work that was waiting for me. But the 30 minutes of play proved to be the perfect break for me and great quality time for both of us. On other occasions, a solitary activity may be just as fulfilling. Value recreational time and include it in your schedule.

Consider health

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 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.

Hang in there Preparing for a career can be an intense process which is sometimes physically and emotionally draining. As demands for their time and attention multiply, students often place themselves last on their priority lists.

During my second semester I started feeling the strain.

Exhausted from long days of work and classes, sometimes I’d go home and go directly to bed. It often felt like there was no time for the important people in my life. My exercise routine was reduced to carrying textbooks to and from class and before I knew it, vending machine snacks started replacing regular meals.

Although school is important, taking care of ourselves is important too, especially in the final stretch of the semester. It’s time to refocus, find balance and settle in for the duration.

It’s easy to fall into patterns of insufficient sleep, poor eating habits, and physical inactivity. But the extra effort to take care of ourselves can go a long way toward boosting brain power. For those who enjoy participating in sports and other group activities, ACC’s Intramural Sports and Recreation programs provide opportunities to exercise and let off steam. The Northridge Campus even has a gym. If all else fails, park in the furthest parking space and enjoy a brisk walk to class – it’s a start.

Be kind to yourself As the semester draws to a close, the feeling of being overwhelmed can sneak up on students. Exams, planning the next semester’s schedule and a host of other responsibilities vie for attention. If a few grades were lower than anticipated, that can make things seem even worse.

If panic sets in, step back for a minute and clear your head.

Put down the textbook for a few minutes – or for an hour or two. Reassess. Regroup. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Find a de-stressing activity that works for you. Watching television works for me.

Sometimes a good cry can help melt away the stress.

There’s nothing wrong with that. But don’t spend too much time wallowing and don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone needs a break or even a helping hand now and then.

For a list of services available to ACC students visit austincc.edu/cataloghtml/ services.php

Opinion → Columns

NFL shake-up surprises fans

Josh House

Staff Writer

Peyton Manning is a Denver Bronco and Tim Tebow is a New York Jet. If you had told me those two things at the beginning of last season, I would have called you crazy.

But the craziest and most gamechanging, free-agency period in recent memory has just come to pass. And that’s how the NFL stands right now.

The lead up to these events has been quite a ride in itself.

It all began when Manning got hurt. After missing the whole season, speculation began to grow that the Colts might cut quarterback Manning and use their number one draft pick to get Andrew Luck.

Eventually, Manning was cut and after a heartfelt news conference, he began his search for a new team. In my opinion, the Colts will regret their

decision to cut Manning in the long run, but that’s neither here nor there.

What happened next was when things got surprising.

Expected teams, such as the Tennessee Titans, came knocking on Manning’s door, but one team stood out as a surprise contender — the Denver Broncos.

Bronco fans were still madly in love with phenom Tebow, but the prospect of having one of the greatest quarterbacks ever on the team left a lot of fans conflicted. They wanted Manning but didn’t want to see Tebow leave. What wasn’t surprising is how hard the Broncos went after Manning.

Neither Denver General Manager John Elway nor Head Coach John Fox had drafted Tebow and neither of them wanted him for the simple fact that he went against the grain.

Elway was uncomfortable having a quarterback doing things differently.

Manning signed with the Broncos, and that leads us to the next chapter of an already interesting offseason. What to do with Tim Tebow? The Broncos started shopping him around even though good arguments were made for him to stay.

Most people thought it was a foregone conclusion that he would end up with his hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags, however, had already signed quarterback Chad Henne earlier

Kristen Sauls Layout Editor

Sometimes it’s still hard to believe I enlisted in the Air Force. I was one of the last people that anyone, including myself, expected to join.

While wearing the uniform, I bonded most with those who resisted conforming to military standards and often had a hard time respecting those who did.

When I think back to my Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) experience, I’m even more amazed I made it in.

Every state has its own MEPS for new recruits. Mine was at an Army National Guard base in Richmond, Va.

I’ve often joked that while I’m surprised I lasted four years in the Air Force, there’s no way I would have survived three days in the Army. This experience shows why.

“Pens up. Mark this box.

Pens down. I said pens down.

Everyone’s pen should be down!” the heavy-set civilian nurse said.

She was in charge of making us fill out paperwork, and I’ve never been more shocked at how such a rude person could be in charge of anything. I openly gaped at her meanspiritedness, and in doing so, put a huge target on my back.

She was the ‘spotter’ at my first urinalysis, which is just a nice way of saying she was the first person who ever watched me pee. Anyone who has ever had a urinalysis knows there are good spotters and bad spotters.

A bad spotter can ruin your whole day. Guess which one she was?

She did anything and everything she could to make herself feel important - even during a hearing test.

My recruiter had explicitly told me before I left that if there were any problems with the hearing test, I should get up and leave the bunker-style room the test was held in.

“You only get one shot at the

hearing test. And if you can’t hear it because of a malfunction, it doesn’t matter. It’s done,” he said.

Well... it malfunctioned. So I got up and left the bunker.

I told the civilian nurse and her equally mean-spirited Army friend, who was actually facilitating the hearing test, that there was a problem with my headset. Both women started shrieking at me.

“You weren’t supposed to get up! You were supposed to stay in the room until it was over! You don’t know how to listen to orders!” they said.

I replied that I was listening to orders — my recruiter’s orders. They stared at me first in shock, and then anger washed over both their faces. They were angry that I had stood up for myself. And I was angry that they didn’t think I had any right to stand up for myself. Let them scream at me over something I was told to do? Seriously?

They kicked me out. They tried to kick me out for good, but a few calls were made, and a compromise was reached to satisfy the two women’s vengeance: I couldn’t continue that day, but I could come back and repeat the entire process the next day. It’s not like Richmond was down the street from my house, by the way.

I did go back the next day, went through the process all over again, and got stuck at my eye test. I was sent to an off-base opthamologist to make sure I wasn’t susceptible to an eye disease. The opthamologist gave me a clean bill of eye health, and I headed back to MEPS to turn in the paperwork, which was the last item needed before I could be admitted into the Air Force.

The same Army woman, who had kicked me out of the hearing test, made me stand at the counter for more than 30 minutes before taking my paperwork and frowned as she made the necessary copies.

When the heavy-set civilian counterpart approached and asked what was wrong, her Army partner-in-mean showed her my doctor’s note. They knew it meant I could enlist in the Air Force, and I realized they had been hoping I would be denied. They were actually mad that I got in!

Of all the military folks I know, I’m literally the only one to get kicked out of MEPS. It’s funny now, especially considering how symbolic it was to the rest of my military career. Of course, I’m grateful for all I gained from my military experience, but I’m also really glad it’s over.

Opinion → Columns

On my mind: kissing 101 you go to, a kiss is how you show someone affection, and at times, the most amazing kisses are a promise of more things to come.

Kissing is so universal that I’m always astounded by the number of people who don’t know how to kiss properly. I will admit though, kissing is mutual so here are my top three tips for giving someone a mind-blowing kiss.

Preparation means everything

DC McLean Staff Writer

Kissing has always been something that I enjoy. The reason I love it is because even though it can mean a lot of different things, they are all affectionate. In some countries a kiss is how someone says ‘hello’or ‘goodbye.’ In almost any place in the offseason. And while there was some interest there, another team rose out of the woodworks to claim him: The New York Jets.

For the first time in his career Tebow will get to play for a team that actually wants him and I think he will do great things in New York when given a chance.

Both quarterbacks have a great chance of making it to the playoffs this season, with Manning having a harder time of it simply because the team he’s on is not that great. But, he’s always been known for making average players better.

Tebow has landed in a good situation. There has been talk about how mentally tough current Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is, and it seems that Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan has lost faith in him. If Tebow can bring that fractured locker room together and be the leader that the team needs, then things will go well for him.

It’s quite astounding that both Manning and Tebow were let go from their teams despite the fact that they are both known for performing under pressure and most of all for winning. Since when has winning not been enough?

People criticize Tebow for the way he throws and say the Manning deal was a good one because he’s getting on in years, but why should those things matter if they keep on winning?

Unfortunately egos and money speak loudly in today’s sports world. I can only hope that their respective teams will do right by them and that they have long and successful careers in their new towns.

When you kiss someone the first thing you’ll probably be aware of is how your partner’s breath smells. Let’s be honest: If your breath or your partner’s breath stinks, you won’t enjoy the kiss. If you go somewhere to eat before you kiss someone, try to avoid foods such as garlic or cheese. If you can’t avoid these food - garlic and cheese are used in many Italian recipes - ask the waiter if you can have some parsley or mint from the kitchen.

Take this into the bathroom,

pop it in your mouth and chew it around for a bit. This will make your breath smell fresh so you’re ready to be kissed – just make sure you don’t have anything stuck between your teeth.

Location, location, location There is a time and place for everything and where you kiss someone is no different. Since kissing is often intimate and at times one of the best forms of foreplay, it’s always better to kiss when you are in a more private location than in a location where others can watch.There are some places where privacy is not possible. Night clubs and parks come to mind. But if you can avoid the curiosity of others, kiss your partner in those places. Also, please don’t think that if you’re in an audience during a play or a movie that people can’t see you kiss. Having a snogging fest in the middle of a play or a movie is probably one the most distracting

things ever.

Give a little to receive a lot One of the most interesting things about people is that we all enjoy different things. If you kiss someone and you don’t particularly enjoy the way they kiss, you can always take control and kiss them the way you like to be kissed. Don’t think that if you don’t do anything they’ll improve. I once kissed someone who liked to bite while we kissed.

Sometimes biting is pleasurable but I felt like my partner was trying to eat me. I moaned during the kiss, but my partner interpreted my moans as ones of pleasure rather than the ones of pain. Needless to say, I never kissed that person again. But if I had taken control I could have rectified the situation. Also, don’t be afraid to pull back once in a while. Remember, kissing is mutual and it never hurts to practice as much as you can.

Accent staff wins awards Eleven editors, writers and photographers of The Accent traveled March 28-31 to the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) convention in Corpus Christi, Texas and returned with 36 awards in several categories.

TIPA is the oldest and largest collegiate press association in the U.S., starting in 1909, and their annual college journalism convention hosts schools from all over the state for contests, workshops and awards that promote excellence in various media fields.

This year 46 colleges attended the convention at the Holiday Inn Emerald Beach, and several more sent in submissions for judging in the previously published contests - the winners of which were announced at a closing awards banquet March 31.

The convention was hosted by Del Mar College and 416 students attended and participated in live on-site contests ranging from live news reporting to sports photography and much more.

Awards won by The Accent included ‘Sweepstakes’ and 1st place in ‘Overall Excellence’ for the ‘Newspaper 4’ division. The paper also received an honorable mention for the ‘Best of Show’ category.

Accent staff that placed in the live on-site contests include: • • • • •

Assistant Editor Era Sundar - 1st place in ‘Radio News Writing’ Web Editor Dana Manickavasagam - 2nd place in ‘Sports Photo’ Staff Writer Layla Elayyadi - 2nd place in ‘News Photo’ Editor-in-Chief Natalie Casanova - 3rd place in ‘Critical Review’ Staff Writer Abra Gist honorable mention in ‘Feature Writing’

Casanova was the 2011-2012 student president of TIPA and was elected as the co-secretary for the 2012-2013 year.

Student officers are elected by TIPA students at each convention, and cannot run for the same position in a consecutive year. TIPA Executive Director Fred Stewart said to his knowledge this was the first year that any officers were re-elected.

For more information about TIPA visit texasipa.org, “like” them on Facebook at fb.com/texasipa, follow them on Tumblr at texasipa.tumblr.com or get a full list of awards recipients at tipaofficers.wordpress.com.

Correction

In the March 27 issue of The Accent, in the article “ ‘Rock Paper Scissors’ pits violence against morality in gritty graphic novel,” Marco Lopez and Bryan Ginn were said to have also been creators of the graphic novel which is incorrect. Lopez and Ginn are co-owners of the independent comic label Atomic Rex Entertainment, while Eugene Selassie and Margie Cox are the actual creators of the graphic novel.

Photo courtesy of Lori Blewett

news

Page 4 April 17, 2012

News Briefs

Scholarship deadline approaches

Photos by Joan Brook • Staff Writer

SPEAKING UP — Austin Community College student Ernesto Wallace takes his message to the state Capitol. Wallace was among nearly 100 other participants in a silent vigil honoring Trayvon Martin on March 27.

TRAYVON continued from pg. 1

down Congress Avenue and Cesar Chavez Street.

Many drivers honked their horns and waved peace signs to show support.

A few younger marchers brandished bags of candy and signs that said “Could’ve been me.”

The march culminated in a second rally, this one at the steps and plaza of City Hall.

Chas Moore, a 24-year-old

activist, made an impassioned speech to the crowd.

“Go to school, get your degree, but by all means, do not conform to the system, because the system is not for people of color,” Moore said.

Even without a microphone, Moore had no trouble speaking over the attentive audience of hundreds of people, which interrupted him only to cheer and applaud his passionate comments.

“There’s a lot of injustice

HOLD IT HIGH —Austin Community College graduate Carol Cardoza protests the lack of perceived progress in the Trayvon Martin case, at the Texas Capitol on March 27.

going on in America,” Moore said. “This is not just a fight for black men. This is a fight for homosexual men too. This is a fight for women’s rights too. We must continue to fight for justice across the board, for everyone.”

Community activist Rudy Malveaux said the event reminded him of a family funeral.

Malveaux said, “People you haven’t seen for years and may have lost contact with — in a moment of crisis and pain — come together looking for love and looking for some real peace.”

Editor-in-Chief Natalie Casanova also contributed information to this article.

SOLIDARITY — Nearly 100 people continue the vigil south on Congress Avenue in solidarity with Trayvon Martin’s family.

Among this group were students from the University of Texas, Huston-Tillotson University, and Austin Community College.

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2. Developing Servant Leaders To be a transformational leader, Christ taught that you must first be willing to serve others. This concept of servant leadership is at the heart of everything we do at Dallas Baptist University. Our goal in teaching servant leadership is to equip Christian leaders who have the ability to transform the lives of others for the glory of God.

3. Changing the World From mission trips abroad to local service at homeless shelters and food banks, Dallas Baptist students have a heart for changing the world. Dallas Baptist is a five-time recipient of the U.S. President’s Honor Roll for Community Service, recently as one of only two Texas institutions to be recognized “with Distinction.”

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The May 1 deadline to apply for the Austin Community College Foundation Scholarship is quickly approaching.

The ACC Foundation was established in 1991 as a way to support college initiatives through financial assistance. The goals of the Foundation are to foster public interest in ACC, encourage, solicit, accept, and manage gifts to advance the educational goals of the college and to provide leadership and input in the development of College goals, objectives, and program initiatives.

The foundation is run by a volunteer board of business and community leaders who are committed to furthering education and the growth of College initiatives. The primary focus of the Foundation is to financially assist students who wish to further their education. The ACC Foundation has awarded 2700 awards totaling $3.5 million since 1995. Recipients have been high school students, single mothers, and others seeking to improve their education and obtain new skills. Along with providing scholarships to individuals, the Foundation offers funding for programs to ensure students have access to the most up-to-date technology and training.

ACC Foundation scholarships may be used only by ACC students for educational necessities such as: tuition, fees and books, unless otherwise specified. More than 300 scholarships will be available to a variety of majors and minors. For most scholarships the deadline to apply for the 2012-2013 school year is May 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester.

Applications are currently being accepted. Students may apply online or with a paper version of the application, however only one application may be submitted per student.

More scholarship opportunities may become available throughout the year. Check the Foundation webpage regularly to receive the most current information about scholarship awards.

Visit austincc.edu/foundation for more information on ACC Foundation scholarships and to apply.

Meningitis vaccines available Austin Community College will offer on-campus immunizations for meningitis in the coming weeks. No appointment is necessary, however, a government-issued photo ID is required with a fee of $133.99.

The meningitis clinics will be held: • Tuesday April 17, 2-5 p.m. at Pinnacle Campus • Wednesday April 18, 4-7 p.m. at Rio Grande Campus • Saturday April 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Riverside Campus.

Williamson County and City Health Department will also be holding an immunization clinic at 211 Commerce Blvd. #109 in Round Rock.

This clinic costs $20 and is available for walk-in visits: • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Appointments can also be made: • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

For more information about the Williamson County and City Health Department clinic call 512-248-3257, and for more information on the ACC clinic visit www.ausitncc.edu/apply/immunizations.

April 17, 2012

www.theAccent.org

News → Community

News | Page 5

News → Community

Activists rally for peace Police raids close clubs Students, veterans, activists share anti-war Nine Sixth Street clubs sentiments, principles of non aggression at closed down for drugs, Austin Alliance for Peace rally at Capitol weapons, money laundering

Serena Kelley

Caitlin McDermott

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Local activist group Austin Alliance for Peace (AAFP) expected to attract more than 200 students from more than 10 universities statewide for its April 14 peace rally at the Texas Capitol, organizers said.

University of Texas at Austin student (UT) Taylor Metting said she founded AAFP as a trans-partisan organization and educational tool to encourage the general public to discuss the violence that is disrupting society.

“Forming AAFP was a way to tell people that I’m tired of the left and right movements trying to divide us, ” she said. “At this peace rally we [wanted] to talk to people about the pain, suffering and tragedy behind these wars and bring its effects home by showing how it has affected each individual.”

Metting said she hopes it invigorated student movements on other campuses and in turn makes a difference for future generations.

Mettings’ assistant and UT student Andy Fernandez said he was concerned about the costs of war that are often not considered.

“Apart from the over $110 billion cost of war and its effect on our economy, there are also the hidden costs,” he said. “The families left without fathers and mothers, those who have died and will never be able to contribute to society, the ones who come back injured, have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and have to be taken care of.”

Fernandez said the money used to heal the scars of war could be otherwise used to enrich the population.

To address various effects of war on society, the rally featured

DC Mclean Staff Writer

Jon Shapley • Photo Editor

TERRIBLE STRAIN — Bronze Star recipient and Austin Community College student Derrick Marble reflects on some of the problems faced by veterans after returning from war. guest speakers such as Dr. Dahlia Wasfi, a peace activist who has openly spoken against war since Vietnam, and Scott Horton, the assistant editor of antiwar.com and host of “Antiwar Radio.”

There were also several speakers from Veterans Against the War as well as local activists.

Antonio Buehler is an Austinite and former U.S. military captain who served in the Iraq war.

Buehler said there are many similarities between what the United States does abroad and how the local governments and police forces act here.

“We talk about how much we care about freedom, democracy and individual rights, but it was the war on terror that led to the escalation and militarization in our local communities,” he said.

Former U.S. Armed Forces member and current Austin Community College student Derrick Marble was deployed in Kosovo, Iraq, Japan and Afghanistan and participated in the rally. Marble said he left the military several years short of retirement because he did not

agree with the war.

“I have a 3-year-old son,” Marble said. “I didn’t want to explain to him how after 12 years in the Army I realized the wars were wrong and immoral, and against everything I had come to believe in, yet I choose to continue for another eight years so I could get my pensions and benefits.”

According to the U.S. Army, over 160 active duty military personnel took their own lives in 2011, and 2010 data from armytimes.com says there are 18 veteran suicides each day.

“The worse part about war is the killing of innocent civilians,” Marble said. “Many people don’t realize the impact or strain that it is having on our own forces.”

Marble said it is important for everyone to get involved, regardless of whose side they support.

“I hope students and young people aren’t discouraged from speaking out and sharing their opinions,” he said, “as that’s the only way we can benefit — from discussion.”

Several downtown Austin nightclubs and businesses have been shut down this March after the owners and nine of their business associates were charged with crimes ranging from money laundering to funding a terrorist organization.

Hussein “Mike” Ali Yassine, owner and President of Yassine Enterprises, and nine of his associates appeared in court on March 27 after FBI agents raided one of his clubs Treasure Island March 22. Agents also raided a number of other clubs Yassine owns. The company’s downtown offices, seized evidence and found a reported $200,000 in cash.

The weekend after the raids, all nine night clubs and businesses Yassine owns (Pure, Spill, Kiss & Fly, Treasure Island, Hyde, Fuel, Malaia, Roial, and the StackBurger Bar) were shut down with no chance of reopening.

FBI and DEA agents approached one person to be an inside source three years ago who provided them with audio and video recordings of illegal transactions spanning from December 2007 to October 2008. These recordings showcase Yassine and his brother, Mohammed “Steve Austin” Ali Yassine, buying 30 grams of marijuana in 2007, and threefourths of a kilo of cocaine, a pistol, another kilo of cocaine and an additional handgun in 2008.

Federal agents testified in court that the Yassine brothers have a mother and uncle in Lebanon, and their uncle has connections to Hezbollah, a militant Lebanese political group

that has been designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization.

The IRS testified that they tracked multiple cashier’s checks sent from their company in Austin to Lebanon amounting to $45,000. Their father, Ali Yassine, is going through the deportation process and denies any wrong doing.

IRS officials said Yassine Enterprises reported an annual income of $1-2 million, which doesn’t match the Yassine’s lifestyle of expensive homes and fancy cars. After further investigation the government reported their income to be $7-10 million per year.

According to the IRS, the brothers failed to file income tax for several years, and falsified documents, including a driver’s license from Saudi Arabia, a forged business degree from the University of Texas at Austin and obtained phony passports.

The judge denied bond to Mike and Steve Yassine. Agents said they have proof that one of the men being investigated

burned a Jaguar for insurance fraud and another was involved in marriage fraud. Mike Yassine was also wanted in connection with a sexual assault and a murder investigation, as well as an immigration case, tampering case and making death threats.

Austin Community College students seem to have a mixed reactions toward the ordeal.

“I’m not surprised this happened, especially to those clubs,” student Amy Ewing said.

She had a negative view of those clubs before the raids, and it was only a matter of time until they were shut down.

“Kiss n’ fly was one of my favorite clubs to visit on Thursdays, now I really don’t know where else to go,” student Rachel Starkel said.

“I was really confused when I came downtown and found both Kiss & Fly and Hyde closed, especially since Kiss & Fly always seemed to be doing very well,” student Samuel Christian said. “However, after hearing everything that happened with the club owners I was even more surprised that it took so long to take them down.

Christian said the charges are all fairly serious crimes, there is so much proof againstand he thinks the Yassines could have been arrested much earlier.

Elise Laird • Staff Photographer

CLOSED DOWN — Deliveryman Freddie Rodriguez peers into Treasure Island, one of many downtown Austin bars closed after police raids on March 22. Rodriguez said he found it odd he never had to deliver beer to Treasure Island.

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page 6 | News

www.theAccent.org

News → Community

Inaugural VegFest thrives

April 17, 2012

News → Community

Texas Veg Foundation educates, supports Texans in pursuit of plant-based diets, promotes cruelty-free lifestyles

Photos by Aimee Acosta • Staff Photographer

HOOPS — Festival volunteers Ayo Oppenheimer (left) and Sway Gordon (right) take a break from work to enjoy the sunshine and play with hula hoops made by “Kimmie’s Creations” at the First Annual Texas Veg Fest in Austin on March 31.

Joan Brook

Staff Writer

Nearly 100 food vendors, authors and speakers presented vegetarian foods and promoted and promoted plant-based lifestyles at the first Texas VegFest on March 31 at Fiesta Gardens.

Some of the food products featured at the fest included the World’s First Vegan Queso

by Chris and Crystal Tate, vegan ice-cream by NadaMoo!, and cookie dough from Celeste Caswell who won The Chronicle’s Best Cookie Dough Award in 2008.

Festival creator Angela Ramsammy of the Texas Veg Foundation said she couldn’t

believe Austin, with its thriving vegan community, didn’t already have a festival celebrating plant-based diets. A vegetarian since second grade, Ramsammy said she wanted Texas to host its own festival after visiting several others around the country.

Amy Zawaideh, a recent Austin transplant from New York said it’s not easy to get to the truth behind how food is produced.

“I became a vegetarian first for ethical reasons, but now I’m vegan for my health and the environment,” she said.

Vegetarians generally do not include meat, poultry or fish in their diets. Vegans in addition to not eating animal flesh, also

do not eat foods derived from animal sources such as dairy products and eggs.

Executive Director of Compassion Over Killing, a non-prophit animal advocacy group, Erica Maier gave a presentation on restaurant activism and also spoke about making the switch to vegetarianism.

“One of the most effective steps each of us can take to protect our health, animals, and the planet, is simply to choose vegetarian foods,” Maier said.

Also present at VegFest was Isa Chandra Moskowitz, founder of The Post Punk Kitchen and author of vegan cookbooks including “Veganomicon” and “Vegan Cupcakes Take over the World.” Moskowitz’s cooking demonstration involved a collection of savory comfort food classics which included vegan macaroni and cheese and vegan style barbecue.

“You don’t need meat [or cheese] to still enjoy comfort food,” Moskowitz said.

Chris McEwan, who lost everything in the Bastrop, Texas wildfires except his food truck, is co-owner of Tough Cookie Bakery with his wife.

McEwan said they boil and bake pretzels the traditional way with no animal proteins or products. They also use unrefined organic sugar or maple syrup as sweeteners.

McEwan said he is interested in developing partnerships with Austin Community College culinary students.

“I want to teach students how to bake breads the artisan way,” he said.

Janice Veteran • Staff Photographer

OPEN HOUSE — The Texas Military Forces Museum opens every Wednesday through Sunday, and will serve as the location for the upcoming open house April 21 and 22. Many of the museum’s military vehicles are in working order and will be used in a World War II re-enactment.

Camp Mabry welcomes public High-flying demonstrations, ceremonies, 5K run entertain, inform at open house Janice Veteran

Staff Photographer

Camp Mabry will open its doors to the public for its annual Texas Military Forces Open House and American Heroes Air Show on April 21 and 22.

Camp Mabry is the headquarters of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and the Texas State Guard. This is the camp’s fifth open house.

The event is free of charge and was designed to celebrate local heroes who serve their country and the state. The 2011 open house attracted 16,000 guests over the 2 days and more are expected this year, officials said.

The event will take place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day and food will be sold by local non-profit organizations. Guests will be able to visit with first responders, see their equipment up close and view several exhibits and events including the American Heros

Air Show.

The American Heroes Air Show is America’s premier first responder and helicopter aviation event. It profiles the helicopter’s role in law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security and national defense.

The air show also features demonstrations and static displays.

Covering more than helicopters, the air show will once again welcome the Cost of Freedom presentation from the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute (AVTT). The centerpiece of the presentation will be a scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

“This is our opportunity to thank you for supporting the Texas Military Forces as we have deployed thousands of your hometown guardsmen to places like Iraq and Afghanistan-as well as to fires and floods right here in Central Texas,” Texas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John Nichols said.

Aviation event Director Wut Tantaksinanukij with the Austin Police Department Aviation Section said this is an opportunity for families to get an up-close look at the high-tech aircraft and learn how their crews are on the front lines every day.

During the first day of festivities, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service will hold a special ceremony as serving members of the U.S. military and others stand before family and friends, recite their Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. Citizens with AVTT’s Vietnam Memorial Wall as the backdrop.

The American Heroes 5K run is new to the event and all proceeds will benefit Honor Flight Austin, The Texas Military Forces Historical Foundation Museum and the Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation.

For more information visit www.txmf.us.

Campus life

April 17, 2012 Campus → People

Page 7

Campus → Culture

Student rallies for Syria Carnival ah! affirms fun Three-day arts and humanities festival applauds artistic student achievements, focuses on cultural origins

Raymond Weyandt

Staff Writer

After hearing of the recent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, Syrian-born Austin Community College student Mouna Hashem Akil has become a full-time advocate for democratic reform in Syria. Mouna has organized the Texan Solidarity with the People of Syria Rally, which is the first of its kind in Austin and will take place at 5 p.m. April 21 at the Capitol gates.

The series of popular revolutions has seen the ousting of leaders in such Middle Eastern countries as Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. Opposition movements have taken root in autocratic nations across the region, including Syria, where peaceful pro-democracy protests were brutally attacked by government forces. The United Nations estimates that the government of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has killed more than 9,000 people, including women and children, since the year-old uprising began.

“I was never really politically involved until Tunisia,” she said.

She was filled with hope after seeing the revolutions.

Along with her husband, Oubay Akil, Mouna raises awareness of the crimes of the Syrian government by communicating regularly with activists inside Syria and then sharing their messages with others.

“You should see these guys,” she said, “they’re like superheroes.”

In a video sent to Mouna, Syrian activists dodge sniper fire in Homs, the capital of the revolution, while documenting burned out buildings and walls that have collapsed as a result of government attacks on neighborhoods.

Hannah Hargis Campus Editor

Jon Shapley • Photo Editor

FREEDOM — Oubay Akil and Mouna Hashem Akil hold a

Syrian flag in support of pro-democracy movements in their home country. The couple has been active in raising awareness of atrocities carried out by the Al-Assad regime.

“One of the opposition leaders is a nineteen year old goalkeeper,” Mouna said. “ These are residential areas, suburbs of major cities where families live, just like this neighborhood.”

Utilizing social media, Mouna and Oubay maintain regular contact with revolutionaries in cities and villages across Syria. This can become very difficult, she said, as the Syrian government shuts down the wireless networks in each area as it moves in to arrest or attack opposition members. In addition, foreign media have been effectively prevented from reporting inside Syria. Young Syrians with satellite phones, Skype accounts and Twitter feeds have become the prominent source of information from inside the residential areas that are under daily bombardment by the Syrian military.

“These guys are out there with their phones, trying to get footage of these military snipers who are

shooting at protesters, and when one gets shot and dies, they just pass the phone to the next guy, like ‘now it’s your turn,’ because what’s most important to them is getting the message out,” Oubay said.

Every day, the Akils spend hours collecting information, translating messages and relaying news to others though their various social media accounts. They maintain regular communication with activists inside Syria and around the world, and Mouna regularly travels to Dallas and Houston to participate in rallies.

At the April 21 rally, Mouna said there will be a few short speeches and then march to City Hall.

“We want to raise awareness of the many ways that regular people can help,” she said, “whether by calling their congressmen or signing an online petition.”

Carnival ah! kicked off its celebration of creativity and cultural heritage April 10-12 at the Austin Community College Rio Grande Campus with a film festival titled “Where We Are Coming From – Visions of Identity and Community.”

Austin Community College students Marco Gutierrez, David Saenz, William Alonso and Kenneth Reeves debuted their short film “2 1/2 Hours that Changed Bastrop” Wednesday, April 11 at Carnival ah!. Saenz said the film is a work in progress which he hopes to make into a full documentary to be presented at the 2013 South by Southwest Film Festival.

The film chronicles the people of Bastrop, Texas and their experiences with the wildfires of September 2011, and was created as a historical archive.

“Ultimately it is a story about hope and rebuilding, and how the central Texas community has come together to help each other,” Saenz, the film’s director of photography, said.

Associate Director of Center for Public Policy and Political

Studies (CPPPS) Carla Jackson served as the film festival coordinator and said in a press release that the film festival portion was a great way to start the celebration.

“This year’s Carnival ah! events examine our cultural heritage and these films reflect on who we are, both individually and collectively,” she said.

Drawing inspiration from ACC’s “Start Here. Get There” motto, the Carnival ah! theme this year was “How Did You Get Here?” The festival highlighted the foreign language and English for Speakers of Other Languages programs. It featured several ways to discover the cultural roots of other countries, such as an interactive video map which featured interviews with students and faculty from many different countries.

Festival-goers were greeted with a variety of other activities including the Migration Map project which offered an opportunity to trace family migration paths. For the bookworms in attendance, a portion of the carnival called “Night Stories” showcased a reading by Nick Flynn, an award-winning author whose first book is now a film entitled “Being Flynn.” Other highlights

included a performance from Austin’s own Billy Eli Band, as well as a performance by ACC’s Jazz Band.

“The general idea for Carnival ah! is to enjoy and celebrate the contributions that the liberal arts and humanities make at ACC, and in the lives of our students and faculty,” Lyman Grant, Dean of Austin Community College’s Arts and Humanities Department, said.

Grant said the current theme was selected because of ACC’s commitment to meeting students where they are as they enter the college and because students come from so many different places with a variety of experiences.

Carnival ah! is in its fourth year and is a collaboration of the Arts and Humanities Department and ACC’s CPPPS. ACC philosophy professor Brandon Watson said he is always interested to see what the carnival participants come up with.

“One of my favorite things about it is that you really get to see the cross pollination of disciplines,” Watson said. “You get to see a lot more interaction between the disciplines that you wouldn’t normally see in a classroom setting.”

ELEGANCE —

Dancer Heather Bullock-Porter performs at Austin Community College’s Carnival Ah!, April 11.

The festival was designed to celebrate the diverse contributions of ACC.’s Arts and Humanities Department.

Melissa Skorpil • Staff Photographer

EXSE to host 24 hours of spoken word East by South East (EXSE) Spoken Word will celebrate National Poetry Month by showcasing a variety of bards in a 24-hour spoken word broadcast April 27 on channelAustin (Channel 10) from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Last year, over 40 artists took part in the EXSE Spoken Word broadcast including Danny Strack, Austin Poetry Slam’s “Slam Master”, The Ciper, Iggy, Chandra Washington and Chris VanLoan. New artists have been invited to perform this year.

For more information about EXSE Spoken Word, visit channelAustin.org.

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page 8 | Campus Life

www.theAccent.org

April 17, 2012

Campus → Community

Campus → Clubs & Orgs

Local businesses, organizations, student clubs join forces to educate participants on environmental issues

Phi Theta Kappa receives numerous awards at Texas Regional competition including international Pinnacle Award

Earth Fair promotes green living PTK honored Kenneth Mulvey

Staff Writer

An array of speakers and exhibitors will present greener ways of living at Austin Community College’s annual Earth Fair on April 19, in honor of Environmental Awareness Month.

Earth Fair, which is free and open to the public, will have refreshments available and will be held from 5:308:30 p.m. at the Eastview Campus in room 8500.

“The fair will showcase local green businesses and organizations, as well as student clubs that will educate, enable, and empower our students to take [positive] action about the environment,” Associate Director of ACC’s Center for Public Policy and Political Studies (CPPPS) Carla Jackson said.

Jackson said CPPPS, which is housed under the umbrella of the External Affairs Department, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit center dedicated to expanding knowledge of, and participation in political

Earth Day

Photos by Jon Shapley • Photo Editor

processes and public policy for ACC students and their communities.

Along with other groups and departments affiliated with ACC, the CPPPS will organize the Earth Fair event.

Jackson said the speakers will provide information about eating and growing food locally, the use of alternative forms of energy, green building and transportation.

Professor George Staff, Environmental Science and Technology Department

Chair, will speak at the fair and address the kind of changes in attitude that need to occur in order to live a more sustainable lifestyle on Earth.

“Hopefully, students will see that there are [different] attitudes or approaches a citizen of Earth can take other than the view of unlimited expansion, consumption and exploitation of resources,” Staff said.

Green changes can be adopted on an individual and institutional level, he said.

“The mindset of trying to do things in a more sustainable way than we currently do them can be applied to anything an institution does,” he said.

“We need to develop a way of thinking wherein we have a big picture of what our decisions and actions, both large and

small, do to the planet both now and in the future.”

Robin Schneider from the Texas Campaign for the Environment, Dr. Fred Beach from the Center for International Energy & Environmental Policy and the Webber Energy Group will also give presentations at the Earth Fair.

ACC Gay-Straight Alliance President Megan Rue said she’s been involved in organizing the fair and that many environmentallyconscious businesses, organizations and nonprofits will exhibit their products and services.

Rue said there will be networking across different fields and attendees will be able to learn about anything ranging from organic tanning salons to rain water collection.

Janice Veteran

Staff Photographer

Austin Community College Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members and advisers were honored with an array of distinguished awards at the Texas Regional competition in Odessa over Spring Break.

The advisory committee, both past and present, was honored for their exemplary leadership.

Dr. Kathleen Christensen received the ‘Distinguished Administrator’ award. Both Mary Kohls and Walter Cooper received engraved bricks at the PTK International Headquarters.

ACC Students David Saenz and Joshua Scott were inducted into the Texas PTK Hall of Fame. ACC student William Alonso was recognized as The Texas Distinguished Member for his work in producing a documentary on the Bastrop, Texas wildfires, his efforts in the USA Today Case Study Challenge Competition and leadership development within the chapter.

“Joining Phi Theta Kappa has been a literal life changing experience,” Alonso said. “I’ve become plugged into a volunteer network that makes an honest difference in the lives of all kinds of Austinites and an academicprofessional network filled with motivated and ambitious individuals.”

Alonso said he feels very honored by the recognition and thinks it reflects the excellence of Alpha Gamma Pi, ACC’s PTK chapter, as well as the college itself.

Alpha Gamma Pi received the international ‘Pinnacle Award’ for a 41 percent increase

in membership during 2011, and was recognized as a five-star chapter.

“This is an amazing accomplishment for the chapter,” past president Joshua Scott said.

The chapter was also awarded the ‘Distinguished Honors in Action’ and ‘College Project Participation Award’ for their efforts in chronicling the affects of the Bastrop Complex wildfires and for promoting associate degree completion by ACC students. The Fall 2011 officers were awarded with the ‘Distinguished Officer Team’ award. In addition, Alpha Gamma Pi was elected by the Texas membership to hold the vice president position for District V. Other individual students were awarded for their work with PTK. The District V Hall of Honor was given to Alonso, Joanna Anderson, Daniel Chitty, Randal “Splash” Vela, Christina Vallee and Averi Segrest.

Outside of the intra-fraternal awards, the ‘All-Texas Academic Team’ award was given to ACC students Saenz, Vela, Khadijat Momoh, Chaim Beaumont, Mathew Schneider, Gerynn Granberry, Christina Olvera and Ahmed Majeed.

Twenty-nine ACC students received National Recognition from the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges,” approximately two-thirds of which are Phi Theta Kappa members.

Visit www.austincc.edu/ ptk for more information about Alpha Gamma Pi and a full list of awards the ACC PTK chapter has received.

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April 17, 2012 Campus → Rio Grande

Campus Life| Page 9

Campus → Eastview

Robots reign at RGC Talent show entertains Professor’s art exhibit combines audio, visual, mechanical elements to reference societal themes Abra Gist Staff Writer

Orwellian themes and Jules Verne inspired robots confronted, and overpowered the senses at the March 29 art exhibit of professor Gary Webernick at the Rio Grande Campus art gallery.

Webernick, chair of the Austin Community College Art Department, completed the works of art during his sabbatical.

The exhibition titled “Bots, Gizmos, Thingamajigs, Whatchamacallits and Other Phenomena” is a varied collection of pieces united by common themes. The works seem to purposefully deviate from each other in an attempt to

provoke and confuse the viewer.

Cameras or references to cameras are in almost every piece and there is no attempt to disguise this commentary on society and government.

The exhibition mixes sounds with visuals, and mechanical “dubstep” influenced recordings play constantly within the gallery in an aggravating loop.

The inclusion of contemporary music appears to contradict the reference to dated technology, and generally prevents the viewer from concentrating on the actual artwork.

In a humorous twist, to the younger & internet savvy viewer, the sounds of this exhibition may allude to lowbrow internet jokes regarding robots and

Jon Shapley • Photo Editor

ROBOT OVERLORDS— Professor and Chair of the Art

Department of Austin Community College, Gary Webernick, displays his sculpture titled “Buckaroo-Bot” in his solo exhibition at the Rio Grande Art Gallery.

intercourse. However funny that may be to some, questions of gender roles and sexuality are present in several of the pieces, and this appears to be one of the central themes of the show.

Webernick uses wood, plastics, metals, lights and enamels in his works to create a sense of intrusion, and this effect is particularly pronounced in the sculptural robotic pieces. He also uses digital photography in a few of the pieces, in an overt reference to surveillance.

Webernick’s bots are the creations that really stand out.

The viewer is prevented from feeling comfortable and alone in this world of the omnipotent robot eye, and red camera lights blink to indicate they are recording.

In one piece, “Camo-Cams,” camouflaged cameras are fixed to a camouflaged background and move from side to side scanning the area while their red blinking lights go off and on.

The “Dancing Girl from Mercury” is a stiff and single eyed robotic depiction of a female in the coldest sense. Her torso thrusts back and forth as it produces a noise similar to that of a sewing machine.

According to Webernick’s artist statement, one common thread that he continues to explore within his work is a political/social commentary. He fuses all elements to tackle the topic of surveillance and almost every piece has some sort of machinery or gadget device included.

Webernick will be showing his multi-media artwork at the Rio Grande campus through May 20, 2012. For more information about him and his work visit www.garywebernick.com.

Campus organizations collaborate to spotlight student performances, award prizes in ‘ACC’s Got Talent’

FOREVER YOURS —

DC McLean Staff Writer

Featuring what could become one of Austin Community College’s newest annual events, Eastview Campus hosted “ACC’s Got Talent” April 10. The event emulated the TV show “America’s Got Talent” and the voice behind World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Jeff “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” Hathaway, was the master of ceremonies for the evening.

The ACC Creative Incubator joined other student programs such as ACC Idol, Stake Your Claim and Unity Jam in holding the talent show.

Creative Incubator President Wendy Lopez said the idea for “ACC’s Got Talent” started last semester as a way to showcase student talent while providing the organization with one of its first projects.

“Back in the fall semester when we first became the incubator, Carlos Rice (former Vice President of SGA) came to us with the idea and we embraced it.” Lopez said. “Early Spring we discovered that the Student Activities Advisory Board (SAAB) from Rio Grande [Campus] was planning on doing a talent show as well, so we decided to collaborate and eventually involved the SAAB at [Eastview] and [Northridge Campuses] as well as the current student government to enhance the event for our students.”

The only requirements for participation in the talent show were being a member of the student body and the desire to share a skill or talent with fellow students. During the audition process, Lopez said students recorded two to four minutes of them performing and sent it

Valerie Burks rests after winning first place for her rendition of Journey’s rock ballad, “Faithfully,” at the Austin Community College Talent show, April 10. Burk followed her passion and chose to study music.

Elise Laird • Staff Photographer

to Creative Incubator officers.

The talents could be as simple as a song or as complex as a short film and were reviewed by a panel of students. The top 10 acts went on to a perform in the free April 10 show in front of a live audience and were critiqued by a panel of judges.

A brief intermission during the event gave the judges time to make decisions on winners using certain criteria such as stage presence, performance value and ability to engage the audience to determine the winners.

Stand-up comedian Rudiger Welder was on the judging panel and said the event was entertaining.

“It was a lot of fun,” Welder said. “I judge all the time and it was about time I got credit for it.”

First place was awarded to Valerie Burk, who sung “Faithfully” by Journey. Burk

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won $200 and eight hours of recording time at Caballero Recording Studios. Jonathan Fan improvised a piano number and came in second place, winning $100 cash and five hours of recording time at Caballero Recording Studios.

Hayley Schmidt played guitar and sang “Holding out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler, and came in third place winning $50 cash and three hours of recording time at Cabellero Recording Studios.

First place winner Burk said, “I think it was super great to compete in something where everyone got the chance to come out and show their talent.”

She said she really enjoys singing and she hopes to post some of her original music on YouTube in the near future.

“With the prizes I won, I’m pretty sure that [it] wouldn’t be a hard thing to do,” Burk said.

life & arts

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April 17, 2012

Life & Arts → Games & Tech

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Fortnight Forecast Old Settler’s Music Festival • April 19– 22: 5 pm Salt Lick BBQ Pavilion & Camp Ben McCulloch Four days of camping and multiple stages of bluegrass, roots, and Americana bands. oldsettlersmusicfest.org Austin Reggae Festival • April 20-22 Auditorium Shores Local and national reggae bands jam at Auditorium Shores, all to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. austinraggaefest.com Road Rash Inline Skate • April 21–22 Elimination race: • Saturday at 4 pm Marathon and half marathon: • Sunday at 8 am Dell Diamond Head up to Round Rock to skate in the marathon or half-marathon. The skaters with the gnarliest road rashes pose for a photo after the race. texasroadrash.com Record Store Day • April 21 Check online for participating stores and hours.

This special day celebrates independently owned record stores. Expect exclusive releases and discounts recordstoreday.com Cine Las Americas • April 24–29 Various theatres and hours This ever-growing festival features films from Spain, Mexico, and South America. cinelasamericas.org Fusebox Festival • April 25–May 6 Various locations and hours Showcasing contemporary art and performance art, this festival acts as a catalyst for new ideas and new approaches. fuseboxfestival.com Wiener Dog Race • April 28–29 Buda City Park, 204 San Antonio Rd, Buda, TX OK, so Buda is not exactly in Austin’s city limits, but wiener dog racing is worth the drive.

Heart o’ Texas Orchid Society Show & Sale • April 28–29 Show & Plant Sale: Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm Zilker Botanical Gardens Get your needed flower power at “Orchid Heaven.”

Purchase one of these perennials or learn to grow your own at this 41st show and sale. hotos.org Mela Fair at Radha Madhav Dham • April 28 JKP, Radha Madhav Dham This beautiful temple’s open house features Indian food, a petting zoo, speakers, dancing and children’s activities. radhamadhavdham.org

Food for thought: Pflugerville ‘KID ICARUS uprising’

Layla Elayyadi

Staff Writer

elevates 3DS experience

Image courtesy of Nintendo Co., Ltd.

Angelic plot, full arsenal, vibrant 3-D overcome awkward controls for exhilarating game play Joey Galvan Staff Writer

”Kid Icarus Uprising” is a new Nintendo 3DS release based on the Nintendo Entertainment System classic.

The hero of the story, a faux angel named Pit, must defeat the evil Medusa who has returned after a 25-year hiatus to wreak havoc on his world.

Pit has the help of the angel Palutena, the pure and benevolent goddess of light who acts as a guide.

The 3-D in this game is astounding and system defining. Of the 3DS titles I’ve played thus far, this is the game that simply leaves all others in the dust. Your character is constantly coming out of the screen and flying through the air, and it seems realistic even though it looks cartoonish. The vibrant colors and fast-paced camera movements provide a solid gaming experience.

The controls in this game are the only drawback. It takes some time getting used to the control scheme, but they can be mastered with some persistence. The directional pad can be used to move around and the trigger buttons function as the fire buttons.

The stylus is what makes things extremely frustrating at first. The stylus is used on the bottom LCD screen to give the environment a full 360 degree turning ratio. While this may seem impossible to master at first, it makes the game become truly immersive and compliments the 3-D nicely.

The game comes with a stand for the 3DS which alleviates cramping in the hands from holding the system for extended lengths of time.

The stand is an ingenious touch that should have been handed out during the

system’s initial launch.

The weapons in this game are intriguing and plentiful.

There are staffs, clubs, bows, cannons, claws and orbiters to choose from. If this large list isn’t enough, weapons can be fused together to make them into something completely new and more powerful. New weapons can also be acquired by enabling StreetPass or SpotPass to function in the game. These are modes for the 3DS that are utilized in standby mode to communicate with either designated Nintendo 3DS hotspots or other Nintendo “Kid Icarus” players. New weapons are automatically placed in your game by simply having your gaming system powered on — this game has everything!

Augmented Reality (AR) cards come with the game and hold different characters and items that can be scanned through the 3DS camera and accessed in the vault and the multiplayer mode. Players can view information about these cards in the vault and learn interesting information about each character or item with a 3-D display of the scanned image appearing on the screen.

The AR cards can also battle each other with 3-D images popping out of the cards to fight each other.

Unfortunately I was not able to test this function without a second player. The description and pictures of this function in action online look amazing though.

“Kid Icarus Uprising” is a solid release that deserves praise. Aside from a mildly challenging control scheme, the game is intensely immersive and highly addictive. If you have a 3DS, do yourself a favor and purchase this release because it is one of their best action adventure games yet.

Casa Garcias Pflugerville

In Texas there is either “Tex-Mex” style or real Mexican food. At Casa Garcias, they offer the great taste of Mexico and more, and once you step into any of their locations, you feel welcomed like family.

The wait staff wore the traditional ruffled bright shirts along with a genuine smile. They were attentive, made sure glasses weren’t empty and that there was enough salsa to go with the complimentary chips.

There are five Casa Garcias locations in Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock and Kyle, Texas.

I was lucky enough to have the manager from the Pflugerville location approach our table to see how everything was going. He also worked at the other locations as well. Cesar Bombardelli said, “I love working here, and I love the food”.

He was so passionate about his job and where he worked that he pointed out Maria [Martinez] by saying, “See that lady right there? Well she is the secret to what is making everything taste so much better.”

I looked at the petite older woman and noticed she was by a tortilla maker.

He goes further into the conversation by saying, “Just a few weeks ago, we decided to make all of our corn and flour tortillas from scratch and by the hands of Maria [Martinez].”

While I was eating my enchilada plate, I could definitely taste the difference. The texture and flavor in the

hot corn tortilla was fresh and a little thicker than the pre-packed ones. I can completely appreciate the authenticity of the tortillas.

Growing up in a household where my grandma and myself made tortillas every week, made this place extra special for me.

The meat inside the enchilada was seasoned to flawlessness and mixed perfectly with the hot melting cheese.

Every bite made my taste buds jump for joy as I washed it down their filtered water.

My dining buddy also filled her belly with a fish plate entree.

It was cooked to perfection, and had toppings of grilled onions, slices of fresh avocado, a nice cream sauce drizzled on top, served with refried beans and Mexican rice with a small guacamole salad.

She was just as in love with it as the table next to us who ordered the same thing. I heard him tell his wife, “Sabriso!” which means ‘delicious’ in Spanish.

An overall great experience for many of us has to be more than just the food, but also great staff, environment and prices. Casa Garcia’s made high scores in all categories, and Maria receives bonus points for those ideal tortillas. My next visit is already in the works when my family comes into town, and I hope your visit is too.

To check out their menu or find locations nearest you, visit casagarcias.net.

$ Scale: $ = under 15 dollars an entree $$ = 15 to 20 dollars an entree $$$ = 20 to 25 dollars an entree

Layla Elayyadi

Staff Writer

Best foreign food

Rio’s Brazilian Cafe RiosOfAustin.com You may not be able to afford a trip down to Brazil but you can make your way to Rio’s Brazilian Café for a great South American treat. They make their food from scratch daily, and they have gluten free and vegetarian options. The choices range from Brazilian main courses, soups, breakfast pockets, pastries and coffee. Happy hour is Tuesday – Saturday between 4 p.m. - 7p.m. and you can enjoy $1 off drinks and half price appetizers. Whatever you do, do not forget to order their famous “Pastel de banana con sorvete,” which is their sweet banana and cinnamon stuffed pastry served with vanilla ice cream.

Best study spot

Best hang out

Progress Coffee ProgressCoffee.com

Food Trailer Park on 6th and Waller

Progress Coffee offers customers free Wi-Fi along with awesome offers on their drinks and pastries. During their power hours, which are Monday – Friday between 3-4 pm, you can receive ½ price drinks. If you are hungry, they also have vegetarian wraps, sandwiches, salads and baked goods.

They have an outside patio and inside seating for quiet studying and they can accommodate large study groups if needed. If you are tired of the same ol’ library, make sure to make Progress your seven days a week stop.

Hanging out with friends who all want to eat something different can sometimes become a problem, so eliminate the problem with a one-stop solution at the 6th & Waller trailer park. They are open Monday through Saturday, and have good enough hours on the weekend to stop by to get your midnight snack. They have multiple food trailers that have different types of food ranging from Spartan pizza, Fire Soul, Cool Haus, Way South Philly Cheese Steaks, and much more!

Once you have your food of choice, you can eat in their picnic area. You can’t beat a hang out like this! staff photographer

April 17, 2012

www.theAccent.org

Life & Arts | Page 11

Life & Arts → Music

Life & Arts → Community

Old Settler’s Music Festival celebrates as quarter-centurian with sublime roots, bluegrass, folk, singer-songwriter lineup

Annual fundraiser celebrates 49 years of fun, community involvement

Music fest hits 25 years

Serena Kelley

Janice Veteran

Staff Writer

Staff Photographer

South by Southwest is over but the great music happening in Central Texas is not over yet. The 25th anniversary of the Old Settlers Music Festival is April 19-22 at the Salt Lick Pavilion in Driftwood, Texas.

The event is a nationally known music festival featuring the best in roots and Americana music, offering great music and activities for the whole family.

The 2012 Old Settler’s Music Festival has an exceptional line-up of roots, bluegrass, singer-songwriters and Americana artists who will perform at the Salt Lick BBQ Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch.

On Friday, Folk singersongwriter Amos Lee takes the stage.

“Amos has performed at previous Old Settler’s Music Festivals, and he is really really good,” festival director Jean Spivey said. Lee’s hit “Windows Are Rolled Down” is featured on his new album “As The Crow Flies.”’

This year’s Saturday show includes Iron and Wine singer-songwriter Sam Beam and his full band.

Beam collaborated with Amos Lee on a song entitled “Violin.”

The festival’s slogan is “Real music done right,” but that’s not all Old Settler’s offers.

“The festival has a laid back Texas friendly community feel to it,” Director Jean Spivey said.

Camping is a huge part of the festival, Spivey said, and there is excellent music from

Eeyore’s Birthday party encourages philanthropy

Photo Illustration by Janice Veteran • Staff Photographer

TWELVE STRINGS —The Old Settler’s Music Festival is known nationally for featuring the best in American roots music. This year’s festival will be held under the trees of the Salt Lick BBQ Pavillion, April 19-22. many different groups.

“It is more than just a Bluegrass festival,” Spivey said.

Attractions include workshops, sing-alongs, campground-stage jam sessions, kids’ activities, a market area full of unique arts and crafts, specialty foods and the youth talent competition, where the headliners of

tomorrow might gain early recognition.

“Everyone from my mother to my nine-year old child love the festival,” Spivey said. “It is comfortable for everyone to be there.”

For more information and to purchase wristbands visit oldsettlersmusicfest.org.

Caitlin McDermott Staff Writer

The spring season has arrived and brought with it many fun and chic styles. It’s hard to argue that there is a better season in central Texas, so let’s call it the best.

Warm temperatures, light breezes and gorgeous days are ahead so it’s time to clean out the closet and make room for the season’s finest frocks.

Some familiar design elements that have endured even through the fall are chiffon and sheer patterns. Light and moveable, these tops and skirts will be your best friend on busy school days when there isn’t enough time to stop and frequently check your ensemble.

The next time you find yourself hunting down an outfit that can keep up with your hectic schedule and stay out of the way, reach for the lighter, sheer materials. But be sure to layer

Eeyore’s Birthday Party will support over 20 non-profit organizations with proceeds from its April 28 festival at Pease Park. Now in its 49th year, the day-long event will feature live music, costume-clad participants, food and drinks.

Named after Eeyore, a character in A. A. Milne’s famous Winnie-the-Pooh stories, the celebration began as a spring-time party for University of Texas (UT) at Austin students in the early 60s.

It has grown into an annual tradition, attracting nationwide attendance.

In addition to the event’s youthful theme and awards for best costume, Eeyore’s Birthday promotes social responsibility by contributing to several local organizations.

Great Promise for American Indians is a local nonprofit with a mission to preserve the traditions, heritage and culture of American Indians. The group provides educational, medical and general assistance to American Indian youth and families.

Austin Community College student Isaac Streckenbach said he will volunteer with Great Promise at Eeyore’s Birthday.

“I have been working with Great Promise since last summer and will be doing whatever I can to help in whatever areas needed,” Streckenbach said. “This is a great way to get exposure and put Great Promises’ name out there.”

This year marks Great Promise’s first appearance at Eeyore’s Birthday, and organization executive director

with a nude-colored cami-tank or slip no matter how dark the material may seem. No one cares to see through to your inner garments in public places.

Now, what would Spring be without Khakis? It may sound mulled over and dull, but khakis can be matched with any color, pattern and texture.

Cuffed khaki shorts and a sheer burnt orange blouse make a perfect display of cohesive materials and patterns. Also, the wider the fit, the slimmer the shape, so always make sure to try on various styles and cuts of bottom pieces to ensure the best look for your body.

Just because a new season is rolling in , that doesn’t mean there is a need to run out and buy a new wardrobe. Many existing items can be altered and tweaked to create a completely new piece of clothing.

Start with old T-shirts first.

Grab an old shirt and with a pair of scissors, trace and cut out

Lois Duncan said it is important for American Indians to share their culture with society. The group will present its culture at a food booth called “As Good As It Gets,” where it will serve kettle corn and display posters and models of American Indian living arrangements.

“This is the first time for us to introduce authentic [American Indian] culture at the event,” Duncan said.

“Most people do not know much about American Indian culture, so this is a great chance to see us in our native garb and understand what life was like before European contact.

Other nonprofits expected to benefit from the festival include The Austin Humane Society, Sustainable Food Center, Family Eldercare, Cancer Connection and Hospice Austin The Honors Society, a

nationally recognized program honoring scholastic excellence for high school and college students, will also benefit from the festival’s proceeds. The funds raised will help provide scholarships for coursework at ACC, as well as travel scholarships for academic conferences.

“There are many worthy nonprofits that fundraise through Eeyore’s Birthday, including student scholarships, which in itself is worth promoting,” honors student Joshua Scott said.

Pease Park is located in West Campus at the corner of North Lamar Boulevard and 15th Street. For more information about Eeyore’s Birthday Party, visit eeyores. org; and for Great Promises for American Indians, visit austinpowwow.com.

Photo Illustration by Jon Shapley • Photo Editor

THE BLUES — Eeyore hides from his birthday among bluebonnets in a central Texas field. The 49th annual celebration will be held in Pease Park, April 28.

the neckline to turn it into an off-the-shoulder T-shirt. These shirts are fun for days out on the lake, hitting the gym, and even Saturday errands.

Have a massive jean collection?

Take the least worn pair and use a scissors to cut off the legs to make some fun daisy dukes or even rip holes throughout for the self-made distressed look. These ideas can help freshen up your spring collection without breaking the bank.

“I never go out shopping for my spring clothes until I look at what I already have,” Austin Community College student Sarah Erlandson said. “It’s always fun to revisit your favorite pieces of clothing from last season and see what you can do with them this year.”

If anything is certain it’s that our afternoons are heating up and plans are getting more exciting as summer nears.

So, get some spring cleaning done and start having fun.

Help pay for your classes with an ACC Foundation Scholarship The ACC Foundation offers hundreds of scholarships for many majors and it’s easy to apply: • Complete one application for hundreds of scholarships • Simple online application • Apply by May 1 for the 2012–13 academic year* *Deadline for most scholarships

Visit austincc.edu/foundation for more information.

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April 17, 2012