Etera
Eastfield College
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Volume 46, Issue 11
MAACK attack freshman shortstop leads nation in home runs see page 11
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NEWS
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
www.eastfieldnews.com
Plan ahead for smooth transfer to 4-year school Follow these steps to move from community college to university
6. Secure your spot
5. Apply
4. Collect all
components of your application
3. Have a good
long conversation about financial aid
2. Start scoping out schools
1. Meet with your advisor
MARLON BELL/THE ET CETERA SOURCE: FASTWEB
The Et Cetera
By J. Gomez etc4640@dcccd.edu
Transferring from a community college to a university can be an overwhelming process for students, but planning ahead, meeting with advisers and making use of resources can help shape your own private path as you transition from Eastfield to a four-year school. Planning ahead is imperative because transfer stipulations vary from university to university. Choose classes wisely and verify that classes taken at Eastfield are transferrable to a university, academic adviser/transfer liaison Elisa Garcia said. “It’s important to identify what institution you want to transfer to because they all have different requirements,” she said. “But to get into the school of business or to get into the nursing program you have to have a higher GPA, you have to have certain courses under your belt other than some of the core classes.” Students who set goals early in their academic careers often avoid squandering time with classes that will not help them achieve their educational objectives promptly. Meeting with an academic adviser each semester can help you stay focused and aid progression toward academic success. Garcia said she encourages students to make appointments with her so they can review application, financial aid and scholarship deadlines. Veterans Affairs academic advisor Anastasia Lankford recommends looking at the requirements in four-year schools’ programs when choosing electives to incorporate into an associate’s degree plan. “Print out the programs for UTA, UTD and UNT, take a look at what classes are required,” Lankford said. “Take a look at what lines up in Eastfield’s … program and take a look at what the other three programs are wanting.” Transfer requirements can be found on the universities’ websites or from the Eastfield’s academic advising office. Lankford urges transferring veterans to contact a university’s veteran center when exploring schools because they can smooth the transition with other departments. At the University of Texas at Dallas, for example, students with 42 or more credits and a minimum GPA of 2.7 would be admitted to the school. But admittance to a university does not guarantee acceptance to a specific field of study. Another resource for transfer students is Eastfield’s Office of Student Engagement and Retention. One of OSER’s projects is an online database of transfer information, Completion Center coordinator Philip Bueno said. “Students will have the ability to say ‘OK, I’m thinking about transferring to a university here in Texas’ and they will be able to click on there and see all university deadlines for applications, scholarships and all that stuff,” he said. The database is scheduled to be online by fall. The DCCCD website also has links to transfer guides for many Texas universities. Four-year schools occasionally offer transfer trips, taking students by bus to their schools for tours and meetings with admissions officers and academic advisers. The schools often waive admission fees for trip participants.
JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA
Dentists with the Texas Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy work on patients during a pro bono clinic April 10 and 11 at Eastfield.
Tooth fairies deliver dental health to EFC By J. Gomez etc4640@dcccd.edu
More than 900 people received $600,00 worth of free dental care at a clinic hosted at Eastfield and conducted by the Texas Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy. AlexAndria Gladd, program services assistant for the Athletic Department, had two fillings and an extraction performed at the event. “They were quite thrilled to be examining inside my mouth because I have a supernumerary tooth,” Gladd said. “So after my wisdom teeth were surgically removed, another tooth started to grow up over the top of my regular teeth. That’s like a rare occasion and lots of the dentists hadn’t seen that before.” The dentists recommended removing the anomaly, but Gladd wouldn’t hear of it. “Dr. Rainwater informed me that it is a sign of great intelligence, and then they told me they wanted to remove it and I said, ‘Oh, no no no no. Not that one. Take this funky one down here I’ve had for years; that one’s wearing out,’” Gladd said. “I said, “Oh, no. I’m going to take care of it, brush it, of course, now that I know it’s the brains of this operation.” The two-day event took place April 10 and 11 in the P building. The Mission of Mercy is a mobile dental clinic with volunteers who work their way through Texas providing dental services such as cleanings, fillings and extractions for the uninsured. Richard Smith, Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation board member, and Don Lutes, board chairman, supervised the event, where 119 dentists treated 905 patients.
STORMY WALLBRECHER/THE ET CETERA
AlexAndria Gladd’s refused to let dentists remove her supernumerary tooth.
“The mission here is to help those who have no access to care get out of pain or do something to prevent pain,” Smith said. Mission of Mercy started in 2001. Lutes, in his third year as chairman of the foundation, said the Eastfield event was the 60th event that he and Smith have worked on together. “The dentists that come to these, we pay our own way. We don’t get paid a penny to do any of this,” Lutes said, “I’m from Fort Worth now, but I used to be out from East Texas. We have people from Texarkana, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, all over the state.” Board members meet in Austin and plan events across the state. “Right now we are setting up the events for 2016 and 2017,” Lutes said. “We’re doing four a year, and we try and spread it out and get as much of the state covered as we can.” For those who missed the clinic, the foundation has events June 19-20 in Texarkana, Sept. 18-19 in Lubbock and Oct. 30-31 in Abilene. “If somebody wants to come in from San Antonio or Arkansas, if they’re willing to stand in line, we’re going to see them,” Lutes said, “So there’s no requirement other than being willing to wait your turn.”
NEWS
3
The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Student uses club to recycle good deeds
By Braulio Tellez etc4640@dcccd.edu
Connie Cogan is a rich woman. She doesn’t have millions of dollars or a brand new car. Her fortune comes in the form of goodwill and giving. She is the founder and president of the Student Trade Union, a new club that acts as a trading post on campus. Cogan and her best friend, Tanell Manus, are the only official members, with recruits slowly making their way toward official membership. Cogan sets up her makeshift trade stand in the middle of the college’s very own Grand Central Station: The Pit. A stream of students, faculty and staff flows through the common grounds daily. The only day the Pit is close to empty is on Fridays, the same day Cogan runs the trade union. “I’d like to be able to do this more often, but I don’t have a car so I get rides from my dad. And the only days I have a ride to school are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays,” Cogan said. “It would be nice if I could have other people run the table when I’m not here, but the only two people in the club right now are Tanell and I.” Cogan’s tradeables are stuffed into trash bags in a corner of the Student Life office, waiting each week to be hauled out on a plastic cart and, hopefully, into someone else’s hands. Many of the things Cogan and Manus put on the table are items from previous weeks, donations from friends and family and things from their own closets. “I did a closet scavenger hunt,” Manus said. “I live with my sister and I went through her closet because I know she has a bunch of clothes she
BRAULIO TELLEZ/THE ET CETERA
Best friends Tanell Manus and Connie Cogan operate the Student Trade Union in the Pit every Friday.
doesn’t even use. Next thing I know, I have a trash bag full of clothes.” Although most of the items on the table are clothes, the trade union welcomes anything students want to exchange. Among the piles of jeans, roughly folded blouses and rows of basketball shoes, students can find books, homemade jewelry, pens, gift cards, Christmas ornaments, playing cards, baby thermometers and briefcases. There are a pair of silver rings Cogan’s father found working maintenance in an evicted apartment. “I don’t care what you trade in, as long as it’s fair,” Cogan said. “I only have two rules: no money and no ‘pencil for a car’ trades.” Cogan’s inspiration for the club is an accumulation of generosity she has received from the community and the need to help others. Police Chief Michael Horak, the club’s adviser, recalls meeting Cogan for the first time. He found her in the hall distressed and asked if she needed any help. Cogan told Horak
she was hungry and hadn’t eaten the night before. She fed her four kids and had no more food for herself. Horak welcomed her into his office and gave her a packet of instant Ramen. Cogan was thankful for the kind gesture and told herself she could do the same thing. Soon after starting the club, she had a student approach her about a pair of black Air Jordans at the trade station. His shoes were worn out but he had nothing to trade. Cogan let him have the shoes and told him to come back if he needed anything else. “I’ve been poor,” Cogan said. “I know what that’s like to look down at your shoes and literally see your own feet.” Horak is proud of what Cogan has done with the club and realizes the importance it has on the campus. “In the short time I’ve known Connie and heard about her difficult times, she appears to be genuine and wants to help others knowing the challenging times many of our students endure,” Horak said. “The club
Spotlight shines on arts, lit The annual Literary & Fine Arts Festival launched April 20 with the unveiling of the student literary magazine The Alternative. The magazine, edited by digital arts major Monica Bolton, features poems, short stories, essays and art by Eastfield students. It will distributed at festival events and on Et Cetera newsstands. Events, sponsored by the Arts & Communications Division, continue April 22-24. The highlight is Thursday’s Arts in Action featuring Jazz Under the Stars along with demonstrations by Eastfield students in dance, theater, drawing, set design and other arts. This event will also launch The Arts Collective, a umbrella for Eastfield’s visual and performing arts, and raise money for a news arts and literature scholarship. — From staff reports
BRAULIO TELLEZ/THE ET CETERA
Cogan talks to child development major Albamar Seguinot about a pair of high heels up for trade.
is a positive way for students to get assistance and at the same time, assist others.” Everything is there to be bartered. All she needs is momentum and more community interaction. “I’d like to see at the end of every
trade club three-fourths of stuff gone and traded for three-fourths of new stuff,” Cogan said. “I want poor students to be able to have nice things. Or if you have so many of one thing, you should be able to trade it to somebody who needs it.”
Literary & Fine Arts Festival Events Wednesday, April 22 → League for Innovation Student Literary Competition Awards 10:10 a.m. in G-101 → SoFresh Student Juried Art Exhibition Reception 11:15 a.m. in Gallery 219, F-219 → Vocal Recital 12:30 p.m. in F-117 → Dance Preview 1:30 p.m. in the Lower Courtyard → Unplugged: Guitar Concert 7:05 p.m. in F-117
Thursday, April 23 → International Tea Time 11 a.m. in G-101 → Artists Linda Lopez and Mathew McConnell 1:00 p.m. in G-101 → The Arts Collective Arts in Action featuring Jazz Under the Stars 5 p.m. in the Lower Courtyard Friday, April 24 → Josh Rose Comics 10:10 a.m. in G-101
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NEWS
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
NEWS Eastfield student elected Calendar Briefs to lead statewide SGA PUT IT ON YOUR April / May
Wed
22 Thu
23
As part of the Spring 2015 Recital Series, a Vocal Honors Recital will be held at 12:30 p.m. in F-117.
Executive vice president of development at Corinth Properties, Terrence Maiden, presents Awaken the Leader Within, a part of the Men’s Leadership Lunch, 12:30-2 p.m. in C-135. Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine STEMinar, 12:45-1:45 in S-100. A repeat will be held from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Having trouble attributing sources in your essays? Join librarian Kathy Carter for In-Text Citations and Works Cited, MLA Format, 2:30-3:30 p.m. in L-208.
Mon
27
Taking STEM to New Dimensions by KNOWing, BEing, DOing, a STEMinar highlighting underrepresented groups in STEM fields, 12:15-1:15 p.m. in S-100.
Tue
28
Texas Tech Transfer / Information Session, 10-11 a.m. in C-237A.
Wed
29
Spring 2015 Choral Concert, 12:30 p.m. in the Performance Hall.
Thu
Spring 2015 Dance Concert, 7 p.m. in the Performance Hall.
Tue
The Eastfield Office of Student Engagement and Retention hosts a Cinco de Mayo celebration with food and music, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the lower courtyard.
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ABOUT THE COVER HARVESTERS SHORTSTOP CASEY MAACK AT THE BASEBALL FIELD APRIL 20. PHOTO BY JONATHAN WENCES DESIGN BY BRAULIO TELLEZ
Free gardening advice on Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, Eastfield will present Growing, Harvesting and Preserving Your Herb Garden, a free gardening workshop, 2 p.m. April 22 in the community garden between the T and W buildings. Eastfield also placed fourth nationally in the Recycle Mania Category of Waste Minimization, competing against 147 other institutions to determine which colleges generated the smallest amount of combined trash and recycling, recycled the most and had the best recycling rate.
By Vanessa Trevino etc4640@dcccd.edu
Pakistan native and international business major Rameez Sohail was elected president of the Texas Junior College Student Government Association at the group’s convention earlier this month. “I joined SGA to get involved within the community” he said, “What I do is bridge the gap between students, SGA leaders and lawmakers.” The convention featured motivational speakers, leadership workshops and general assemblies in which all candidates were able to campaign for their positions on the executive board. Over 40 colleges from across the state took part in the event. “The state president for TJCSGA is a huge honor and a huge responsibility,” Director of Student Life Judy Schwartz said. “And for Eastfield College to be elected into that position and for us to have a student like Rameez who could fill that position is just incredible.” At the convention, participants discuss issues facing students, such as proposed legislation that would allow guns on college campuses, and propose resolutions for presentation to authoritative bodies such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the state Legislature.
Memorial for founding chancellor ANDY CARRIZALES/THE ET CETERA
Rameez Sohail, president of state SGA
“It’s a way for every community college student to know that [their] voice is being heard,” Schwartz said. In addition to being an active member in SGA, Sohail volunteers at the Real Texas Festival, as an Eastfield student ambassador and works with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce. Sohail’s belief in unity is what propelled him to make the decision to leave his home country for a better opportunity. “SGA in particular really helped me to define myself and who I am,” Sohail said. The Texas Junior College SGA also awarded Eastfield College the “Most Professional” award. SGA member Nicole Ceron was elected Region II public relations officer, and Schwartz was elected to serve a second term as president of the Advisors Association.
A memorial for Dr. Bill J. Priest, founding chancellor of the DCCCD, will be 2-4 p.m. April 22 in the Performance Hall.
Student journalists win awards
Eastfield College’s student media team from The Et Cetera, The Alternative, and eastfieldnews.com won 35 awards this month at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention in San Antonio. Seventeen Eastfield students received individual awards, including 11 first-place honors, for work published in 2014. Three Et Cetera staff members – Caitlin Piper, Braulio Tellez and Parker Ward – placed in the on-site contests competing against two-year and four-year college students.
Field day to feature games, ice cream
Relive your elementary school days at Harvester Spirit Days Field Day 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. April 24. Compete in games such as T-shirt relay, giant Jenga, tricycle races and balloon pop. Dunk student leaders and school officials in a water tank. Fill up on popcorn and ice cream. — Compiled by Caitlin Piper
THE HOT TOPIC
Who should be the next U.S. president and why?
Jonathan Salazar Biology Major
Bryan Hill Biology Major
Alvaro Aguirre Business Law Major
Kevin John Nursing Major
Matthew Wattron Kinesiology Major
“Hillary Clinton ... It’s going to be the first time in history [we’d] have a woman as a president and maybe we could see different changes. We could see a different approach on the policies both domestic and foreign.”
“Hillary Clinton. But I wouldn’t pick Ted Cruz. He’s said he wants to get rid of government programs and I don’t like that.”
“I don’t know [who I want as president], but what I do know is that I hope he’s Southern and he knows the Lord and he knows Christ. Whoever that is, I’m going to vote for him.”
“Hillary Clinton. When Obama got elected the first time, I started making fun of him by saying ‘Hillary Clinton 2016,’ and it became real. I predicted this a long time ago. It sounds stupid, but I want it to be real.”
“Who’s even running? I haven’t been up to date with it. I really don’t know. I don’t pay attention to politics. It’s not my thing.”
Life &Arts
The Et Cetera
5
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Rugged around the edges Facial hair is making its way back into fashion By J. Gomez etc4640@dcccd.edu
Beards are back! Grizzled jaw lines are more and more the cultural norm as men young and old abandon their razors and ride the wave of the latest trend. Over the past few years the trend of beard wearing has resurged. Some say the hipster movement hijacked this look and incorporated it into its own ethos, while others say the bearded look has never gone out of style. Beards have grown affiliated with a variety of pop culture icons in America, from TV show personalities such as the “Duck Dynasty” crew to the Boston Red Sox team. “I eventually had a full beard at
one point like baseball players from the Red Sox team because I was originally from Boston,” theater major Ian Perkins said. “Back up in New England, it’s sort of a symbol of pride, a brother-ship almost, everyone in Boston recognizes it as respectable.” Some of the big beard moments in America’s history include the 1800s, the 60s and now. What’s more fascinating is the length and style of today’s beards. They are almost akin to something you would see in a Civil War photo, in relation to length and girth. Besides fashion, many men choose to sport facial rugs for economical and low maintenance purposes. “When I retired, one of the first things I decided was ‘no more shaving.’ With the price of razors, I was
glad I quit,” science major John Usener said. There does seem to be an earthy, primal, manly mythos that has attached itself to the reputation of the beard. “I had a deal [to grow a beard] with a friend and he said I wouldn’t last because my parents don’t like beards, because I might look weird,” said nursing major Kev Weezey John. “I look like a caveman.” The beard also carries an allure that some find attractive. “The wife turned around and said if I get rid of the beard, I might as well not even come back home,” Usener said. “She said the beard was kind of a necessity (because) every time I shaved I looked like a kid and she doesn’t like it.”
The man’s guide to facescaping
The Goatee “A beard worn on the chin like a billy goat. A proper goatee is not connected to a mustache.” — dyers.org
The French Fork Also known as the Beatnik after the 60s cultural movement. “A full beard that extends off the chin and is split down the middle into two segments.” — dyers.org
Lumbersexual Often seen wearing flannel. A Paul Bunyan fashion culture that has been seen as a response to the metrosexual movement.
Mutton Chops Also known as “The Jackman” after the actor who plays Wolverine in the X-Men movies. Sideburns that grow themselves into a chin curtain. Sometimes seen with a moustache.
Moses Also known as “The Terrorist” or “The Duck Dynasty.” Named after the biblical character.
The 70s father Kept short at cheek and jawline with just enough on the chin and moustache to give that responsible, hip father look.
JAMES HARTLEY/THE ET CETERA
Rico Love speaks words of inspiration and encourages students to value their education.
Rapper, songwriter praises education By James Hartley etc4640@dcccd.edu
Rapper and songwriter Richard Preston Butler Jr., better known under his stage name Rico Love, released his first studio album “I Sin” last year after writing and producing songs for the likes of Beyonce, Usher, and many other celebrity artists. Love talked to Eastfield students about the importance of education, discernment in friendships and selfexpression at a Q&A on April 6. Love told students about the importance of expressing one’s self without allowing culture to limit their choices. “We live in a day and age where people want to box you in,” he said. “In the beginning it is very important for us to try everything, because you never know where you’re going to be strong.” Love isn’t one to dole out advice without the experience to back it up. At 32, Love has written for more than five artists and crossed genre lines. “Everything works different for everybody,” Love said about exploring your options and talents. “Study everything and be a student.” Love started with writing songs. His first was Usher’s “Throwback,” a track off the 2004 triple Grammy Award-winning album“Confessions.” Love, who attended Florida A&M University, defies a stereotype associated with rap by promoting the
“
Study everything and be a student. —Rico Love
Rapper and songwriter
”
importance of education in anyone’s life, no matter his or her plans for the future. Speech professor Courtney Brazile said Love asked to speak to students about education rather than performing a to promote himself. “One of the things that stood out for me is that he told students that everything that he does in life, he doesn’t do it halfway,” Brazile said. “He gives 100 percent and that even when he was in college, he didn’t make anything less than an A.” Arts major JaQuan Telfor said he appreciated Love’s advice. “It was an amazing experience speaking to someone who has made it in a career that’s extremely hard to get into,” he said. Love advised students to pursue higher education no matter their career goals. “If you don’t work your body, it dies,” he said. “Your brain and your energy need to grow and develop. … I think it’s the same way with music. We need to challenge musicians and artists to think outside the box.”
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LIFE&ARTS
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
6-string professor shows classic skill By Andy Carrizales etc4640@dcccd.edu
Directly beyond Ed Healy’s office door is a table piled high with books on music theory and famous composers. A full-body mirror rests against a wall and, apart from two chairs, the only other furniture in the room is a stand for music sheets. Although the room seems uninhabited, the signs that this is a musician’s office are prominent. “I have this lifestyle where I don’t just show up to teach class and then I go home and just vegetate,” Healy said. Professor Ed Healy attended Eastfield College from 1995 to 1997 and has been working as a classical guitar instructor for the last 12 years. He started playing electric guitar when he was 13 years old and discovered his passion for acoustic guitar at Eastfield under the direction of his former professor and current mentor Enric Madriguera. Healy continued his education at the University of North Texas and later attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned his master’s degree in music. Madriguera remembers Healy as a dedicated and talented student. Now that he is mentoring Healy in his pursuit of a doctorate in humanities, he sees Healy as a serious musician. “He’s gone from being a fine local student to being someone who’s published internationally and [is a] recording artist,” Madriguera said. “He’s an emerging international figure on the guitar as well as a composer.” Healy’s job as a musician goes past the ordinary 9 to 5. He teaches at Eastfield, Brookhaven College, the University of Texas at Dallas, Collin College and the Gray School of Music. He also conducts private guitar lessons in his studio. When he is not teaching, Healy focuses his time on his own practice, performances and marketing. “I have to practice,” Healy said. “I have to teach. I compose, I arrange, I have to get gigs for myself. It’s kind of a 24-hour-a-
day job.” Healy also has had an ongoing collaboration with mezzosoprano singer Brandi Estwick for the past three years. When rehearsing, Healy doesn’t have any kind of rituals or routines. He reviews the music sheet and ensures that he has perfected the piece in the easiest way possible. “I try to make sure that I structure my practice in ways where I can be as close to perfection as I can all the time,” he said. “So that when you’re under pressure, when that performance is going on, when the nerves strike, that everything is kind of automatic, everything is already there because your hands are so used to doing things the right way.” Igor Stravinsky, Joaquin Rodrigo and Eric Whitacre are three of Healy’s favorite composers. As a composer himself, Healy strives to create music that incites a great passion on his listeners. Healy admires Stravinsky for the passion his compositions created among the Russians during the 1900s. He enthusiastically narrates how, on the first night of its performance, Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” drove the audience into a riot. Six months later they recognized him as one of the best Russian composers. “It’s really hard to incite that kind of passion, whether positive or negative, in people when they listen to music anymore,” Healy said. “It doesn’t mean that people don’t have passion about music; it just means that so many things have happened in music and so many different phenomena have happened that people are more interested in kind of getting fired up about whatever Miley Cyrus might be wearing when she’s on stage. “They don’t talk that much about her music. They talk more about what this person’s wearing, what that person did on stage or something like that, so to write music that really kind of fires people up on basis of the music is really challenging. It’s kind of a lifelong challenge I think, for composers.” Healy’s compositions have been performed in the U.S., Mexico, Italy, Spain and Germany. In addition to Stravinsky’s impact on Healy’s works, Whita-
NICOLE CERON/THE ET CETERA
Professor Ed Healy performs April 8 at Eastfield.
cre’s choral pieces strongly influence Healy’s original compositions. The harmony and flow of the music, which don't always translate on the pieces arranged from singing to guitar, is what concerns Healy the most. This kind of interconnected relationship between disciplines is what allows music to keep evolving, he said. The feeding off from each other creates innovative pieces, even in the classical genre. Hugo Rivera, an electrical engineering major, said he enjoys Healy’s Intro to guitar class. “I feel like I’ve improved a lot since I first started,” Rivera said. Healy emphasizes the importance of practice to his students. “Being a musician isn’t just a plain old job,” he said. “It’s a lifestyle.”
MOVIE REVIEW
Veteran cast not enough to lift humdrum dramedy By James Hartley etc4640@dcccd.edu
“While We’re Young” is a dramedy that isn’t funny. The film had a lot of potential but was handled poorly. It provides a different take on the worn-out story about a mid-life crisis. Josh (Ben Stiller) and Cornelia (Naomi Watts) are a couple that is growing older when a younger hipster couple, Jamie (Adam Driver) and Darby (Amanda Seyfried), befriend them. Jamie and Josh are both documentarians, and they create an instant bond. The problem with “While We’re Young” is that it lacks flavor. The story is like a steak ordered medium well but delivered burnt and dry. Scenes that are meant to be funny, such as when the four friends go to a shaman to vomit out demons, are boring. The vomiting is gross, the dialogue is forced and the only thing funny in the 15-minute sequence is when Josh, while high, talks about a celestial cow telling him to
have children with his wife. The over-the-top profanity provides no depth or comedic side to either the story or the characters, and one sequence of the f-bomb being thrown back and forth more than 10 times seems to drag on, inciting no laughter from the audience. The movie’s troubles lie not in the concept or the acting but on the terrible script, which is
PHOTOS COURTESY OF IAC FILMS
Adam Driver and Ben Stiller play Jamie and Josh in the comedy "While We're Young."
unfortunate considering the premise is unique and interesting. It’s just not funny and the drama is underdone. Overall, the film isn’t worth the cost of
a theater ticket, DVD or Blu-ray. The film may be worth watching on Netflix, but if you have cable it will no doubt be on A&E before long, if you don’t mind commercials.
LIFE&ARTS
7
The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
A BOOK TO CONSIDER
Rice revives Lestat for 11th ‘Chronicle’ Since its release in October 2014, “Prince Lestat” has made waves in the literary world. “Prince Lestat” is the 11th installment in Anne Rice’s the “Vampire Chronicles,” the first new volume in the series in nearly a decade. “Prince Lestat” found its way onto The New York Times best-seller list for three weeks. While the novel has not stirred up a firestorm of adoration from critics nor has anyone bought the rights to it for film adaptation, “Prince Lestat” is a gleeful reunion for fans of the “Vampire Chronicles.” Rice began her writing career under the pseudonyms A.N. Roquelaure and Anne Rampling in the erotica genre. Raised in a strict Roman Catholic household, she eventually identified as agnostic. “The Vampire Chronicles” has clear influences of her upbringing. She broke away from her horror-gothic genre writing in wake of her return to Catholicism. At this time, Rice published the novels “Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt” and “Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana,” which fictionalized events in Jesus’ life. Several years after publishing her Christian fiction, Rice distanced herself from Christianity once more, which led to the publication of the new novel.
COURTESY RANDOM HOUSE
Anne Rice has written 11 books in the “Vampire Chronicles” series.
Plot “Prince Lestat” returns to the wandering, downtrodden, aesthetic obsessed vampire hero
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Lestat de Lioncourt. The novel jumps from present day New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco to ancient Egypt, fourth century Carthage, the jungles of Indonesia, Paris and London. The vampire world is in peril as an unknown source labeled by Lestat as “the Voice” has been telling vampires to burn maverick vampires, raising ancient vampires from their slumber and causing havoc similar to Akasha in “Queen of the Damned.” Lestat remembers his encounters with returning characters such as David Talbot, Marius, Louis, Armand and Mahrat, while introducing new characters through recollection. Yet again, the vampire world turns to the 18th century aristocratic “brat prince” to save the vampire world from doom. Criticism The critics’ consensus is that “Prince Lestat” is almost an unnecessary installment. The story isn’t intrinsic to the plot of the “The Vampire Chronicles.” This installment extends the drama of the vampire world, reveals information about the existing characters and introduces their connections to new vampires. “Prince Lestat” is a confusing read. If you are not familiar with Rice’s vampire world, you’ll be lost. The content drives away new readers in a market where vampire and supernatural plots have a growing audience. “Prince Lestat” is not for new readers; it’s a gift to Rice’s fans. Themes “Prince Lestat” examines the same subtext and themes, including homoerotic affections and relationships of previous “Vampire Chronicles” books. Lestat’s ex-lover Louis returns as well as Louis’ ancient teacher and lover, Armand. Two characters, Fareed and Seth, depict the relationship between what is called a “fledgling” and his “maker.” Seth, an ancient vampire, and
COURTESY RANDOM HOUSE
Fareed, his young fledgling, have been seeking out Lestat. An encounter with the three reveals vast differences between vampiric eroticism and human eroticism. These characters also introduce a science fiction element, new territory for Rice. Fareed is a doctor and Seth was a healer in Egypt millennia ago. They have constructed a lab to perform vampire testing, hoping to learn more of the vampire biology. Legacy “The Vampire Chronicles” series has sold over 20 million copies. “Interview With a Vampire” and “The Queen of The Damned” were both made into films starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst and the late Aaliyah. Rumors persist that “The Vampire Lestat” will also be adapted for film. — Compiled by Courtney Schwing
8
LIFE&ARTS
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
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MOVIE REVIEW
The Et Cetera
‘Ex Machina’ excites but exhibits flaws By James Hartley etc4640@dcccd.edu
Above and below: Jenan Stanovsky “Roller Coaster of Life,” multimedia located in F building.
PHOTOS BY ANA GALLEGOS/THE ET CETERA
Above: Imone Harris “The Narrow Gate” iron, fabric, wood, plaster located in G building.
Communal space as a canvas
Writer and director Alex Garland (“28 Days Later”), known for his mind-stretching psychological thriller dramas, has come out with his latest project, “Ex Machina.” The film focuses on two programmers: Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson, “Harry Potter” and upcoming “Star Wars VII”) and Nathan (Oscar Isaac, “A Most Violent Year” and “Star Wars VII”) and a cyborg woman named Ava (Alicia Vikander, winner of a Guldbagge, the Swedish version of the Oscars). Nathan is the creator of BlueBook, the film’s equivalent of Google. Caleb wins a contest to meet and work with Nathan. Little does he know that he is going to help him test his latest project: the first true artificial intelligence. The film starts out somewhat slow but interesting, introducing the two human characters and exploring their personalities before they meet Ava. After Ava is introduced, the film becomes a proper thriller. The deep characters, brought to life by outstanding acting, bring emotion and a touch of reality to the plot. The flaws and mysterious backgrounds of the characters add depth to the struggle faced by the heroes. Two scenes show these unique personalities, where Caleb tells Nathan that if the experiment succeeds, it will no longer be human history, but rather the history of “gods,” which Nathan later twists to say that he is a god because of his creation. The technical side of the film is exceptional. The amazing special ef-
fects of “Ex Machina” are astounding. Even as her robotic insides are still visible, Ava looks lifelike. The crisp visual effects are top of the line. Every line flows naturally, contributing to the characters’ personalities and the story’s depth. The plot has an amazing major twist that will fool even some of the most experienced moviegoers and film fanatics. There are small hints leading up to the twist but they contradict each other in a calculated way to keep the audience guessing. Just when it seems like the ending is clear, something changes. The way information is distributed throughout the film keeps everything balanced. Viewers are always learning something new and receive just enough information to hold their interest. Though there’s not much real action, the psychological side will keep moviegoers on the edge of their seats. Scenes such as the multiple incidents where the power in the research facility goes out will be the most intense for some of the audience, while the conversations between Nathan and Caleb might be the most interesting for others. The movie, however, is not for everyone. Though “Ex Machina” is rated R, its content is nearly deserving of NC-17. Gratuitous frontal nudity is shown multiple times throughout the film and the f-word is casually thrown around in both derogatory and literal contexts. To top it off, pornography is talked about in one scene in a very nonchalant way. These few setbacks really bring down the overall quality.
PHOTOS BY ANA GALLEGOS/THE ET CETERA
Student artists from Professor Richard Ryder’s 3D Design Scultpure class display their artwork in the hallway of F building. Above left: Fernando Castillio “De Stijl,” wood.. Above right: Brayan Noe Turcios “Step into the Ship,” wood, fabric, plaster.
PHOTOS COURTESY A24 PRODUCTIONS
Nathan (Oscar Isaac) and Caleb (Domhall Gleeson) in a scene from "Ex Machina."
LIFE&ARTS
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015
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The Et Cetera
Life, liberty and the pursuit of brunching ➢Dream Café 2800 Routh St. No. 170 Dallas 75201 Brunch: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sun- day
COURTNEY SCHWING/THE ET CETERA
Dream Cafe dishes the FYI, fresh squeezed carrot orange juice and fresh popovers.
Brunch is the sacred time of the week when you can enjoy classic leisure cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys from a carafe at 9 a.m. It’s also the only time of the week when your mom can’t scold you for consuming obnoxious pastries for breakfast. Finding the best brunch spot can be very overwhelming if not discouraging. The drinks are overpriced, the food loses itself in the wake of a pretentious young chef or your server doesn’t know how to juggle the traffic from the hungover crowd. Nevertheless, I’ve braved the crowds and taken pilgrimage to the four corners of Dallas in search of the best brunch spots. All you have to do is count your pennies and play a game of rock-paper-scissors to decide which spot to visit first.
➢Cane Rosso 2612 Commerce St. Dallas 75226 Brunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sun- day Even though Cane Rosso is famous for its no-fuss, fist-swinging Neapolitan pizza, this restaurant’s brunch means serious business. There’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet in their 8 dish menu, satisfying both the meat eater and the future diabetic in your brunch entourage. Try the coffee and donuts, a spin on an old American favorite with an Italian donut called a zeppole dusted with powdered sugar, chocolate, blackberry and espresso sauces ($10). More of a “if it isn’t screaming and moving on my plate then it isn’t food” kind of person? Try the hot soppressata and braised pork hash
dish served with two over-easy eggs, fondutafontina cheese sauce and a crostini ($12).
➢Meddlesome Moth 1621 Oak Lawn Ave. Dallas 75207 Brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Dubbed one of Dallas’s most successful gastropubs, the Meddlesome Moth is anything but meddlesome when it comes to Sunday brunch. The gastropub has an extensive and eclectic brunch menu, but be prepared to step out of your realm of ideal breakfast foods. The Moth’s menu is whimsical with some ironic dish titles. Brunch staples such as eggs Benedict, oatmeal, granola with yogurt and pancakes are available at the restaurant. However, they’re refurbished recipes that will make you rethink staple foods. The menu item mother and child reunion gives stereotypical comfort food — and your taste buds — a swift kick in the tookus: fried chicken breast, homestead grits, poached hen eggs and a jalapeño gravy ($14). If a sugar coma sounds more enticing, give the badass bacon waffle a whirl: Webster City bacon, spiced cream, pecans and Vermont maple syrup or moonshine ganache atop a waffle that would surely win the Leslie Knope seal of approval ($12). If you’re over 21, you can enter the wonderful world of Moth brunch cocktails. Try the Rum Also Rises — an $8 homage to Ernest Hemingway — the Meddlesome Margarita with basil, lime and muddled jalapeno ($6) or, if you’re a traditionalist, mimosas, sangria and bloody marys are still an option ($5-$7 per glass and $12-$15 per carafe).
Don’t spite the Dream Café for its Uptown address. The restaurant is opened bright and early on Saturdays and Sundays to serve truly delicious and frill-free brunch foods. One of the Dream Café staples is its housemade popover served with decadent strawberry butter ($2.50). The New Yorker, a favorite among the brunch crowd, is a toasted bagel topped with herbed cream cheese, scrambled eggs, sliced tomatoes, Norwegian lox, capers and red onion ($13). The Dream Café offers a variety of omelets, pancakes, breakfast combos, and healthy options such as oatmeal, fruit, fresh pressed juices and gluten-free foods. All chicken and milk is local and hormone-free.
➢Toulouse Café and Bar 3314 Knox St. Dallas 75205 Brunch: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sun- day Located in the Highland Park district on a block glittering with high-end shops and stores is Toulouse Café and Bar. The restaurant is steeped in authentic French culture and does not disappoint with its culinary endeavors. While the restaurant is located in a notoriously rich part of town, patrons will not find themselves selling their firstborn to satisfy the check. The food doesn’t taste like overpriced, Americanized, butchered French cuisine, nor does it taste like “bargain” brunch.
The brunch menu offers only a handful of dishes, which contain simple ingredients that pack a punch, following the true French style of “less is more.” Regardless of your views on vegetarian dishes, the omelette provencale ($12.50) filled with ratatouille vegetables, sautéed spinach and goat cheese is a popular order. Another is the orange French toast ($9.95) topped with powdered sugar, mixed berries, mascarpone cheese and maple syrup. Last, the classic New Orleansstyle beignets — fried French pastries similar to donut holes — with cappuccino sauce is a flavorful and casual dish ($7.95).
➢Buzzbrews 4334 Lemmon Ave. Dallas 75219 Brunch: 24 hours every day Ever had a craving for brunch foods after a severe case of the Mondays? If so, I’m sure you’ve devised a plan to open a 24-hour brunch café. Too bad that Buzzbrews beat you to it five locations ago. Rather than wallow in despair, take a trip to any of the Buzzbrews locations around Dallas. Buzzbrews serves French, American, Greek and southwestern foods for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Anything you can think up is already on the menu. One menu item, the Mile High ($9.29), won Best Workout Fuel from D Magazine. While the ingredients sound sinful, this dish is perfect for gym rats and couch potatoes alike. Atop a slice of griddle toast are two vegetarian sausages, two scrambled egg whites, chopped walnuts and powdered sugar with Vermont maple syrup, making the Mile High a dish you won’t want to miss.
— Compiled by Courtney Schwing
COURTNEY SCHWING/THE ET CETERA
The omelette provencale from Toulouse Café and Bar is served with herbed potatoes.
Sports
The Et Cetera
April 24 April 25 May 1 May 2
Baseball vs. Northlake Baseball vs. Northlake Baseball vs. Mountain View Baseball vs. Mountain View
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2 p.m. Noon 2 p.m. Noon
10
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Harvesters defeat Richland four times in one week By Brad Watkins etc4640@dcccd.edu
With the score tied 5-5 against Metro Athletic Conference rival Richland College on April 8, Eastfield sophomore outfielder Jason Serchay stepped to the plate and smashed a ball to deep right field. The crowd gasped as the ball sailed over the right field wall, giving Eastfield a 6-5 victory in the first game of a home doubleheader. “I put everything I had into it,” said Serchay, who went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in the game for the Harvesters. The game marked the first of four wins in five games against Richland from April 8-14. The odd schedule was the result of a number of postponements and cancellations due to the snow and ice earlier in the season. “We can’t play baseball on ice,” Harvesters coach Michael Martin said. “We’ve got to make up for lost time.” Eastfield pounded out 14 hits in the seveninning game. In addition to Serchay’s big game, Casey Maack was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored and Daniel McConn and Michael Kister were both 2-for-3 with a run scored. Redshirt sophomore pitcher Sebastian Murray also had a solid outing, giving up 11 hits by only three runs in five innings of work. Brandon Saddler (2-0) picked up the win in relief. “Murray pitched well today,” Martin said. “He was calm and patient on the mound.” The Harvesters actually trailed 3-2 going into the fifth inning but tied the game on an error by the Richland infield. Serchay delivered
an RBI single to give the Harvesters a 4-3 lead, and a wild pitch to redshirt sophomore infielder Blayten Magana allowed another run to score, pushing the lead to 5-3. “I was trying to be smart and patient out there,” Magana said. Richland scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning off Saddler to tie the game again, setting the stage for Serchay’s homer. The Thunderducks bounced back strong, scoring five runs in the first inning off Dakota Hunter (2-1) on its way to winning the second game of the doubleheader 10-4. Eastfield managed just seven hits, compared to Richland’s 14. Maack was the only player with multiple hits, going 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. The two teams met again April 10, with Eastfield sweeping the doubleheader, 9-1 and 9-8. Blake Barr (6-3) went all seven innings in the first game, striking out 13 of the 27 batters he faced and allowing just three hits. McConn was 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Harvesters, while Serchay was 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI and two runs, Tanner Dickerson was 2-for3 with an RBI and two runs, and Maack was 2-for-4 with two runs. Mason Arasato drove in two runs and stole a base, and Blayten Magana added two RBI. In the second game, Eastfield exploded for six runs in the first two innings and cruised to the win. Serchay had another big game, going 3-for-5 with a home run, five RBIs and a run scored. Kister was 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and a run scored, and Connor Scruggs doubled and drove in two runs. Simon Sedillo (2-0) picked up the win in relief, and Colby Beal
JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA
Freshman Blake Barr of Midlothian, who leads the nation with 83 strikeouts in 58 innings, fires a pitch April 20 in a doubleheader against University of Texas at Dallas.
earned his first save of the season. The two teams met for the final time April 14, with Eastfield taking a 7-2 win behind another strong pitching performance by Murray (5-2), who gave up just one earned run on five hits while striking out seven and walking three. Dickerson went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the victory, and Magana, Scrug-
gs, McConn and Serchay all drove in a run. The Harvesters, who improved to 27-9 overall and 16-6 in conference play by winning two out of three games against Brookhaven this past weekend, have two more conference doubleheaders remaining. They take on North Lake this weekend and Mountain View May 1-2 to close out the regular season.
Stars dissapoint fans, fall short of pre-season expectations With a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators April 11, the Dallas Stars experienced a triumphant end to one of the most disappointing seasons in the team’s history. Coming off a 2013-14 season where they established themselves as a legitimate threat, made the playoffs for the first time in almost five years and signed one of the NHL’s best forwards in Tyler Seguin, Stars fans had high hopes. The Stars must have felt great after the end of that season. Some of the veteran players witnessed all the years of almost making the playoffs. I was excited to see the Stars clinch a spot. Several offseason acquisitions made it seem like the Stars were going to have an even better season than 2013-2014. Anders Lindback came in to be Kari Lehtonen’s backup goalie after the departure of Tim Thomas. The Stars re-signed veteran center Vernon Fiddler and young guns Cody Eakin and Antoine Roussel. The most surprising acquisition was former Ottawa Senators captain and three-time all-star Jason Spezza. Until recently, NHL teams typically kept their captains around until they retired. They discovered a young star in Swedish defenseman John Klingberg. This young talent eventually posted 39 points in 65 games as a rookie and spent a significant amount of time on the
first line power play. An explosive offense overwhelmed highlight reels this season. Parker Eight of the 23 Stars players either Ward set or tied a career high in goals scored, including Klingberg (11), Tyler Seguin (37) and Trevor Daley(16). Captain Jaime Benn even won the Art Ross trophy for leading the league in scoring. But at the end of the season, the Stars lost must-win games against Western Conference opponents and missed the playoff. So did this playoff-caliber team fail? The Stars finished second in the league in goals scored but fifth in goals allowed, just behind the four worst teams in the NHL. Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen had the best season statistically of his career. He tied his career best in wins and had the least losses in his career. But he ranked second in goals allowed this season as well as posting career worsts in goals against average (2.91) and total save percentage (.903). Lehtonen seemed to be playing in every game, but his back-
ups’ terrible play forced it of him. The backups went for a combined 7-14. If the Stars could find a decent backup goalie, Lehtonen would not be so overworked and the team could win more games. Local media have labeled the Stars’ threatening power play the “Supernova,” but they never mention anything about their subpar penalty kill. Pair this with the fact that the team is fifth in the league in penalty minutes, the Stars were always playing from behind. For such a young team, the Stars suffer from the same problems as older teams. More often than not they would begin the first and second periods strong. However, when the third period would come around, the Stars would fizzle out and fail to score on key possessions. The Stars have a good team built. Benn and Seguin will be the primary means of offense. On defense there is a good mix of young and old talent. The Stars will need help for Lehtonen to make sure that he can play to his full potential. Above all else, the Stars need to close out games. The Dallas Stars disappointed fans this season, but I’m hopeful for next year.
SPORTS
11
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
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The Et Cetera
Young shortstop follows in family’s footsteps
By Parker Ward etc4640@dcccd.edu
Mike Maack’s baseball career spanned almost 30 years, including three years as a pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization and 13 years as a college coach. During that time, he experienced many unforgettable moments. But none of them compare to the feeling of being on the field as a coach the night his son became a high school hero. The game was tied 3-3 in the ninth inning when Casey Maack approached the plate, knowing one more run would send Prestonwood Christian Academy to the state tournament. Maack swung hard and made contact, powering the ball over the left field wall. “That’s one of those games that as a dad and a coach is priceless,” Mike Maack said. “He has the game-winning home run. That’s probably the one moment I’ll remember the rest of my life.” Today, Mike Maack is still watching his son hit home runs. However, instead of sitting in the dugout, Maack is perched in his foldable lawn chair behind home plate at Eastfield College. As a freshman, Maack is tied for the national lead in home runs (9) and doubles (16) and is third in RBIs (47), helping the Harvesters surge to No. 10 in the National Junior College Athletics Association Division III poll. Eastfield coach Michael Martin said Maack is a big part of his team’s success. “Offensively, he’s our catalyst,” Martin said. “Defensively, he plays shortstop, and generally you have one of your best athletes on the field there.” Baseball has always been a part of Maack’s life. He and his father began throwing a ball back and forth when he was 2 years old. By the time he was 5, he was playing organized baseball. Maack is a third generation ball player. His father, uncle and grandfather all played pro-
“
If I had a choice on what I wanted to do in life, there would be nothing more to do than play baseball. That’s it. —Casey Maack
Harvesters Shortstop
”
fessional baseball. His uncle, Wade Rowden, played shortstop and third base for the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs. His grandfather, Glenn Rowden, played for the New York Yankees as an infielder. His father also served as pitching coach at the University of Tennessee and the University of Central Florida and head coach at Tennessee Tech University. So Maack was always around baseball. “He really developed a friendship with all the players that I coached throughout the years,” Mike Maack said. “He enjoyed being around the guys and the guys accepted him.” Once he was old enough, Maack was finally able to play under his father at Prestonwood. “It was awesome,” Maack said. “He knows exactly what you can do and he knows what your goals are as far as baseball. He’s always there for me and has my back.” Maack graduated from Prestonwood in 2013 and committed to play baseball at Eastfield. Before being able to play in his first game last season, however, Maack received disappointing news. Because of the wear and tear of pitching
JONATHAN WENCES/THE ET CETERA
Maack’s .441 batting average places him first in hits in his conference this season.
JAMES HARTLEY/THE ET CETERA
Maack gets a runner out at second during a double header against the University of Texas at Dallas on April 20.
and playing shortstop in high school, he would need Tommy John surgery to repair torn ligaments in his elbow. Recovery usually takes about nine months. “The recovery process was slow and just grueling,” Maack said. “You had physical therapy four to five days a week, then just constantly putting pressure on your elbow, trying to stretch it out and strengthen it back up.” Martin said the year off actually might have been a blessing, helping Maack adjust to college life. “I think he has benefited quite a bit from
that,” Martin said. “Having that experience, gathering the knowledge as a first-year college student and not having to participate, may be a big factor in why he is making the big impact he is now.” Maack said he hopes to play baseball at the next level, whether it’s at a four-year university or in the professional ranks. “If I continue playing the way I am, there is really no limit to what could happen,” he said, ”It’s my passion. If I had a choice on what I want to do in life, there would be nothing more to do than play baseball. That’s it. ”
opinion
12 The Et Cetera
Let’s stick with yellow smileys
Etera Award-winning member of: • Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Associated Collegiate Press • Texas Community College Journalism Association
Eastfield College 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Fax: 972-860-7646 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu Editors in Chief J. Gomez Courtney Schwing Managing Editor Caitlin Piper Design Editor Braulio Tellez Photo Editor Jonathan Wences Life & Arts Editor Andy Carrizales Opinion Editor Parker Ward Online Editor Karina Dunn News Editor James Hartley Staff Writers Nicole Ceron John Kirvin Brandon Wagner
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Designers Marlon Bell Monica Bolton Jasmine Oliva Photographers Darnisha Cornelius Ana Gallegos Guillermo Martinez Carlos Valenzuela Chase Villwok Stormy Wallbrecher Cartoonists Alberto Huerta Matthew Rohan Student Publications Manager Elizabeth Langton Faculty Adviser Lori Dann Editorial Policy The views expressed on the opinion pages and other opinion pieces and cartoons in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Et Cetera, Eastfield College or the Dallas County Community College District. The Et Cetera is published every two weeks—except December, January and summer months—by a student staff. Each member of the college community is entitled to one free copy of The Et Cetera. Additional copies are available in Room N-240. First Amendment Right Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
OUR VIEW
Stop calling names and start a conversation The Et Cetera recently received an anonymous, hand-written letter from someone claiming to be a student at Eastfield College accusing us of biased reporting and failing to represent everyone on campus. The letter was slipped under our adviser’s office door after she had left for the day, and the author was not seen by staff. We strive to cover all sides of stories just as much as we strive to give a voice to the thousands of people who work and attend school here. Our staff is racially diverse, comprises men and women and holds varying beliefs about politics, religion and culture. We keep our viewpoints confined to a clearly marked opinion section. We cannot publish something if we do not have a credible source to back it up, nor can we speak for someone who is unwilling to speak to us. We are happy that people read our paper. We are happy to receive criticism so we can be aware of ways to improve our work for future
issues. But we cannot improve if we do not know what you think we are doing wrong. If you think we are not giving you proper representation, contact us. Submit a letter to the editor. Write a guest column. Allow a reporter to interview you. Join our staff. We want to hear what you have to say. Countless news publications have been accused of bias since the birth of journalism. Some of it is warranted, some of it is not. Regardless of which category you think The Et Cetera fits into, we do not approve of bias. Reporting should be about delivering the facts to the public in a way that is clear and simple to understand. Prejudice can only twist the truth. We strive to speak to students and employees from all walks of life. If you want to talk to us, we want to talk to you. Anonymous, vague notes don’t promote discourse. We invite anyone interested in news, life and arts, sports commentary to join us in delivering accurate and timely news and a voice to Eastfield College.
Apple has entered the conversation on race Chandler relations with the Claxton release of the new IOS 8.3 on April 9. The recently released IOS update introduces 300 new emojis with 32 new country flags, along with same sex couples and the option of skin-tone variations for select emojis. The default setting for the emojis is a gold-like skin tone. Users can now select specific skin tones by holding a finger over the emojis they would like to change. I think that Apple should have left this alone. They have taken emojis that we would use without contemplating race and have left us wondering what is politically correct. Do we have to send our African-American friends the emoji that most closely resembles their skin tone? Am I now labeled a racist if I tweet a light-skinned emoji? There is no universal code for what is considered acceptable behavior when using race infused emojis. Because choosing a skin tone has never been an option, users are now faced with the dilemma of what will be considered politically and socially correct behavior. Users now have to apply race where race has never been assumed before. Simple text messages, social media posts and emails now have to pick sides. In a time when race relations are so heated, adding race to everyday conversations isn’t helping us move to a better place. Emojis taking on race is moving us backward. Instead of adding race to every aspect of our daily lives, we need to focus more on what makes us similar rather than different. Instead of adding a slew of race options, Apple should have made one standard appearance, such as the gold tone that comes standard with the update. Apple did right in listening to its audience, but they didn’t think about the effects. They should have thought more about what these new emojis do for race relations rather than trying to avoid being racist.
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13
OPINION The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
B’weave in yourself no matter what
Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Kim K. What do all these women have in common? They are strong, powerful, successful and beautiful women who wear weaves. Nowadays, anyone can change their hair length or color in just a matter of seconds. The hair industry has become a very lucrative business. In 2011, Madamenoire reported that African-Americans spent half a trillion dollars on hair care and weaves in the United States. As a child, I was blessed with long, thick hair, but that did not stop me from wanting longer and straight hair. I used to put a towel over my hair and tie it down with a clothespin. I would tell people that my name was Brooke Shields. I could have never imagined that my fantasy could be a reality with a swipe of my debit card. A few years ago, I had a health problem that caused my hair to fall out. My long, beautiful hair was no more. I didn’t feel beautiful no matter how long I stared in that mirror. Brushing my hair every day became a bitter and painful process. I would listen to India Arie’s song “I am Not My Hair.” It is a song that says no matter the grade, length or style of your hair, it does not define you as a person. Seeing my struggle, my sister introduced me to wigs. I was initially hesitant because I had always thought wigs were for old ladies. I grew up watching my grandma wear nothing but wigs. I did not like the idea of wearing a weave that was glued or sewn to
Keturah Jones my hair. I wanted something that would look natural and enhance my appearance. I experimented with wigs of different colors, lengths and styles. I learned that not all wigs are created equal. Some are just plastic, some are blends of plastic and human hair and some are made only with human hair, which are the most expensive. I found out that I was allergic to the plastic weaves, and they were the least expensive ones. I was willing to pay a little more, but I figured it was still less than what I would be paying to get my hair done at the salon. After a year, I found the perfect wig. It looked like it could have grown from my scalp. I was happy, confident and felt beautiful. Then a new trend developed within the black community — going natural. No chemicals. No relaxers. No wigs. No weaves. They call it the big chop because it leaves you nearly bald. The trend was supposed to promote being secure and happy with what you were born with. Those who knew I was wearing a wig accused me of being fake and not a real black “sista.” I was told that I hated myself
and was not proud to be a black American. I’m naturally fair-skinned and have been accused of “talking white,” so I felt like it was another reason to not be accepted by the black community. I went home, stood before the mirror and slowly pulled the wig off. The tears began to fall when I saw bald patches. I was not wearing the weave because I wanted to. Why did I have to conform based on their perceptions of who I was? I felt guilty and insecure every time I was around a “natural-headed sista.” I struggled with the decision to wear the wig for a few weeks. I found myself unhappy. I tried wearing my natural hair in a slicked back ponytail, but I did not even have enough hair to pull it back. I realized that with or without the wig, I am the same person. I laugh the same, I make the same choices, I work the same way and I love the same. If wearing a weave or wig makes me happy, then I should wear it. Underneath the hair, I am still a good person and I know who I am. I say you should do what makes you happy and not what makes others happy. If dyeing your hair pink makes you happy, do it. If going natural makes you happy, do it. And if wearing a wig or weave makes you happy, then do it. As the chorus of “I am Not My Hair” says: “I am not my hair. I am not this skin. I am not your expectations. I am a soul that lives within.”
High speed rail offers more than a commute
Texas is poised to become the first state to implement a highspeed rail system, beating the already under-construction California High Speed Rail by five to 10 years. The rail system, which would connect Dallas and Houston, is being developed by the Texas Central Railway, a private, for-profit corporation. The company has promised to have service up and running by mid-2020 without relying on tax dollars. The station locations are designed with consumer demand in mind. It will be engineered to limit the impact to the environment and to landowners. Safety and security are their top priorities, meeting or exceeding the strict state and federal regulations. The high-speed rail project will be successful due to people needing a mode of transportation better than that of a car. I support this system and believe that this will work out for the betterment of Texans and, ultimately, surrounding states. This system will boost the economy, spur development of other states systems and it will allow everyone the ability to travel between Dallas Houston in no more than 90 minutes. There are currently two locations for stations in Dallas. Both are located in the Dallas Convention Center District. The locations scheduled for Houston have not been determined at this point. As of late 2014, there are two alignments for the route, one taking a more direct approach between Dallas and Houston and the other with less impact on homeowners. High speed rail systems have worked all around the world. The list of the greats includes Japan’s Shinkansen, France’s TGV, the United Kingdom’s HS1 and Germany’s Deutsche Bahn. The Shinkansen service in Japan is most famous for being on time and
will even reimburse passengers if they are late. The Japanese are the pioneers of rail travel and rail safety, and their system has not suffered a major accident in its 51 years of service. Texas’ high-speed rail system would offer travelers an alternate mode of high-speed transportation besides airlines. The cost associated with flight is a major turn-off for the average passenger, along with inconveniences such as cramped cabins, airport wait times, TSA screenings and flight cancellations. When you ride the rails you are free to get up, walk around and arrive any time before the train leaves, with no security checks and prices much cheaper than plane tickets. State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) has proposed a bill that would prevent a high-speed rail venture from claiming eminent domain to seize property. The Texas Central Railway has vowed to use existing railway right-of-way. The Legislature should allow this important project to proceed. The Texas Central Railway will provide Texans the ability to live in Dallas and work in Houston, or vice versa. This will become the predominant mode of travel through the state. The TCR will make 100,000 jobs available to the public, from construction to operations. Once the system is in place it will become the leader in pushing Americans to support and defend high-speed rail. Texas and America are ready for a full high speed rail system.
Taylor TorbackEastep
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
140 characters to anger them all When I was young, Courtney my mother Schwing would tell me: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything.” I guess that’s a phrase that most social media users never heard as youngsters, or maybe mothers adapted the phrase to fit the modern teenager: If you don’t have something clever to say, then don’t put it on Twitter. Globally, technology has enslaved society. We have reshaped our methods of communication to keep pace with technological advancements. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr are now considered news sources. The Dallas Morning News, The New York Times, Time magazine, CNN, MSNBC and thousands of other news sources all take part in social media. And so does every average Joe with an iPhone. This newfound access does not make anyone a reputable source. Because while I would hope people could spot a quack when they see one, Nancy Grace has her own show that somehow is taken seriously as news reporting. Social media has allowed any charlatan with a Twitter account to tap out 140 characters of biased, unsubstantial rhetoric and call it news. If said with the right amount of finesse, said charlatan becomes an over-night sensation. Tweets can be linked to Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and other media outlets such as YouTube. This creates a domino effect of sorts, allowing events, topics and people to gain the spotlight and attention of potentially hundreds of thousands of people. Used improperly, this influence can jeopardize the trustworthiness of true journalism. Social media consumers should demand integrity from the medium the same way it’s demanded of traditional news outlets. Social media now plays an integral role in news reporting. And while this can be a terrifying thought for some people, it can be helpful if used responsibly. Last year during the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, and after the deaths of young men involving police officers, social media created awareness in a way that traditional media outlets could not. However, social media also creates a toxic platform. In 2013, Justine Sacco, senior director of corporate communications at IAC, tweeted a most regrettable zinger. “Going to Africa. Hope I don’t get AIDS. Just kidding. I’m white!” Sacco was aboard a flight to visit her family in Cape Town, South Africa, and didn’t know that her tweet had escalated from the small viewership of 170 people to being the No. 1 worldwide trend on Twitter. In a matter of 11 hours, the Internet mob gathered to virtually “stone” someone for poor decisions and misfortune. Social media has proven itself to be a powerful aid for the world of mass media and journalism causes, but it has an evil side. Please tweet responsibly.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015
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Zek and Slik By Matthew Rohan
Sudoku
Trivia Bits
What city on the Gulf of Finland changed its name three times in the last hundred years? A) Gdansk B) Helsinki C) Oslo D) St. Petersburg
What is the world’s largest country named for a river? A) Canada B) Congo C) India D) Russia How many years have you been married if you’re celebrating your leather anniversary? A) Three B) Seven C) Eleven D) Fifteen
Trivia Answers 1. A; 2. D; 3. C; 4. A
What 1979 Vietnam movie begins with “The End,” or more exactly, the Doors song of that name? A) “Apocalypse Now” B) “Coming Home” C) “The Deer Hunter” D) “Platoon”
15 Wednesday, April 22, 2015
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015