The Ranger Feb. 11, 2013

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Volume 87 Issue 11 • Feb. 11, 2013

210-486-1776 • Single copies free

Senate voices concerns to board member

Heads up Condom supplies low Peer Educators are ready if students need to talk to someone. They promote safe sex, drug abuse prevention and peer counseling in general.

Their office was always a place students could drop by to pick up a few free condoms.

Unfortunately, during National Condom Week — not to mention Valentine’s Day — that student resource is running low.

“We don’t have an unlimited supply,” Peer Educators adviser Patricia SanchezGorentz said.

The organization’s remaining supply of one box of about 85 condoms is supposed to last through the rest of the semester.

The Peer Educators’ supplier, Hope Action Care, a health promotion and education agency, faces budget cuts like everyone else, making them unable since October to donate their excess supply of condoms to the campus group.

“It’s really hard to try to find someone else because they’re paying for it out of their budget,” education sophomore Mariana Solis said.

Music business freshman Jesus Interiano said the group has not passed out any condoms this semester.

The group will not hand out condoms at their upcoming HIV/ AIDS testing event 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday in the nursing complex.

The B.E.A.T. Coalition Trust, or B.E.A.T. Aids, will perform the confidential testing.

Solis said the group hopes to continue to provide free testing two to three times per semester as usual.

On top of the low condom supply, Peer Educators choose not to distribute condoms at the testing sessions for moral reasons, Solis said.

“Due to the respect of other’s beliefs, we don’t go out and hand out condoms,” she said.

Sanchez-Gorentz cites the presence of underage students on campus as another reason they don’t hand out condoms.

“No, we’ve never handed them out on campus,” Sanchez-Gorentz said. “People get offended.”

Students are welcome to pick some up in the Peer Educator’s office, she said.

Although few people know about the resource, Interiano said there are more people willing to come in and pick up condoms for themselves.

“Faculty can also get them,”

See CONDOMS, Page 4

/readtheranger

Senators will meet at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.

By Faith Duarte

fduarte3@student.alamo.edu

Cooper Wildman ponders over a piece of pig meat. He must identify what part of the pig he is looking at if he wants to place in the top five at the Swine Skillathon in the swine barn during the 64th Annual Stockshow San Antonio

Rodeo and stock show. Kids ages from 9-18 were tested on swine knowledge. Students from Palo Alto College monitored the test and answered questions. See story on Page 10. Carlos Ferrand

Weapons resolution passed 2-1

By Rebecca Salinas

rsalinas191@student.alamo.edu

The Legal Affairs Committee voted 2-1 Tuesday to pass a resolution to oppose legal carry of concealed weapons on district campuses. District 8 trustee Gary Beitzel opposed the measure.

District 6 trustee Gene Sprague and District 3 trustee Anna Bustamante voted to recommend the resolution to the full board of trustees during the regular board meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan.

The committee passed the resolution in response to the introduction of HB706 and SB182, under consideration in the 83rd Legislature.

Chancellor Bruce Leslie said the resolution will seek legislation to permit each local jurisdiction to make their own decision.

The topic was first discussed at the Jan. 22 regular board meeting, when Leslie said he will research the resolution the board adopted in response to a similar bill in the 82nd Legislature.

The previous motion opposing guns on campus was specific to HB954, so the new resolution was made to oppose gun laws on campus in both present and future legislative sessions.

Beitzel said he is not in favor of the resolution because mass shootings occur in “gun-free zones.”

“I think what we’re doing here, we’re advocating putting our faculty and our students at risk,” he said.

He said if employees and students are not armed, then they will not be able to protect themselves.

Although police work as fast as they can, they still cannot get there in time to save lives, he said.

“These cases, these shooters pick, so called ‘gun-free zones’ that violate the law, and they know that there isn’t going to be anyone there to attack them,” he said.

He said the ratio of square

footage of a campus to officers will make it “almost impossible” for first responders to get to the scene of a shooting without someone being shot.

He said if employers and students have weapons on them, they will be able to protect themselves.

District 9 trustee James Rindfuss said he does see Beitzel’s viewpoint because people should be able to protect themselves, but the district does not have the “capacity to offer a safe environment.”

Rindfuss, who is not a member of the legal affairs committee, said places such as courthouses and airports have safe environments because officers conduct screenings upon entrance.

“Unless we can offer a safe environment, then perhaps we should reconsider that issue,” he said.

He said he would agree with allowing guns on campus if there were metal detectors to detect who is carrying a gun.

He said the campus does not have the resources to house a metal detector or extra police officers, unlike courthouses and airports.

Beitzel said one possibility district police Chief Don Adams proposed was keeping a record of who at each campus carries a gun.

“The problem is not concealed carry, people,” Beitzel said. “The problem is people who don’t have concealed carry, that don’t obey the laws, and those are the ones that today could be on our campuses.”

He said a college in northern Texas lets faculty members carry a concealed weapon, but only the administration knows who is carrying.

He said those faculty members even get bonuses after receiving training and carrying a gun.

The superintendent of Harrold Independent School District said the school took the unusual measure because its distance from the Ingrid Wilgen

See WEAPONS, Page 4

District 1 trustee Joe Alderete said open communication between the colleges and district is imperative to student success during a Faculty Senate meeting Wednesday.

“I decided that one of the main things I was going to do as a board member, if nothing else, was to stay completely focused on student success,” Alderete said. “And nothing was going to deviate me from that.”

Alderete encouraged members of the senate to feel free to voice their concerns throughout the meeting.

Tenure was a major topic among senators.

Nursing Adjunct Toni Scialdo said she has noticed morale in the nursing department has decreased as full-time faculty become overloaded.

“I just want to know how the college, as a leadership, think they’re going to go ahead and get full-time, dedicated to the mission, committed (faculty) if they’re going to continue with no tenure,” she said. “We’re getting people that are committed to XYZ hospital, and they come in and work maybe two days a week here at SAC. Government Professor Suzanne Martinez said district administration should be responsible for granting tenure to full-time faculty.

“What’s interesting to me is that we’re focusing on tenure and whether it’s good or bad,” she said. “Tenure is a good thing. Job security doesn’t mean you get to do whatever, and we’re all very aware of that, but it’s a responsibility on behalf of the administration to faculty members.”

A district policy concerning tenure was delayed at a May 23 regular board meeting.

Alderete said that he favors tenure and would like a tenure policy to ideally combine visions of both Chancellor Bruce Leslie and faculty from across the colleges.

He said he would want to “make sure it’s something that has value for an institution and really satisfies all of the concerns that you bring.”

English Chair Mike Burton said faculty members should be able to apply their various strengths to create wellrounded curriculum for students rather than Chancellor Bruce Leslie’s approach.

“It seems to me that what he sees is that if we get the best minds to design the curriculum, anybody can teach,” he said. “What tenure does — and what we kind of value in the San Antonio College culture — is you get the best people, show them the standards that we want, and let them operate according to their strengths to reach that.”

Tenure is a protection of faculty

See SENATE, Page 4

2 • Feb. 11, 2013

People

www.theranger.org/people Left: Psychology sophomore Ryan Vogel helps psychology freshman Ana Garcia walk on the tightrope he tied between two trees noon Wednesday in front of chemistry and geology. Vogel walks on his rope, called a slackline, to help him relax and exercise. Other students started to gather around Vogel and he taught them how to do it.

Monica Correa

Below: Teaching sophomore Mayra Padilla does homework on a new bench Thursday outside of chemistry and geology. The college ordered eight tables and eight benches from the state Department of Criminal Justice to be placed in chemistry and geology, Moody and Bennett Music Hall. Monica Correa

Above: Members of the Alamo Colleges police department register bikes to prevent bike theft on campus Wednesday in the mall. Riley Stephens

Right: Jackie Claunch, president of Northwest Vista College, says the fall-to-fall persistence rate has increased over the last year at Northwest Vista while presenting student success strategies Tuesday during the Academic Accountability and Student Success meeting in Room 201 of Killen.

Visit theranger.org to read the full story.

Riley Stephens

Jacob Wong, Student Government Association president and psychology sophomore, says Alamo Colleges police officers should be the ones carrying guns on campus, not students or employees, during a meeting Feb. 4. SGA meets at noon the first three Mondays of each month in the craft room of Loftin. Monica Correa

News

www.theranger.org/news

Feb. 11, 2013 • 3

Student Activity Fee Committee regroups after break Dec. 6 meeting raises unanswered questions about the budget.

By Carlos Ferrand

cferrand@student.alamo.edu

Charles Falcon, speech and drama professor, stepped in as the interim nonvoting chair of the Student Activity Fee Committee during a meeting Jan. 31, while Emma Mendiola, dean of student affairs and nonvoting chair, tended to family matters.

Falcon opened the meeting by addressing the closing minutes of the Dec. 6 committee meeting, and questions about the student activities budget, which is generated through the collection of $1 per credit hour per student.

“Some members thought there was much more money,” Falcon said.

During the transition period following former Chair Jorge Posada’s summer resignation and getting Mendiola up to speed on committee policy, President Robert Zeigler approved club’s requests for funds.

“The requests were time sensitive, so President Zeigler went ahead and approved them,” Jacob Wong, Student Government Association president, said.

The budget looked lower than expected because Wong wasn’t sure where the money for requests going through Zeigler was coming from, Wong said.

Wong thought the money may have been coming from a previous facilities budget.

Until district determined that student fee funds could not be used for building or construction last spring, the committee would allocate money for facilities.

The facilities account may have been around $180,000, he said.

“I’m going to follow up on that then, committee. I’ll let you all know when that meeting is going to happen,” Falcon said.

Falcon said he will spend the next few weeks looking into the budget and making sure the information is correct.

“I know there are some questions, I’ve highlighted those and I will meet with Dr. (Robert) Vela, Dr. (Robert) Zeigler during this month and kind of figure out where we are,” Falcon said.

The total budget for clubs and organizations at the beginning of the 2012-13 academic year was $50,000, and the remainder is $17,947.

The committee denied a new tennis club the $2,278 they were asking for, but did award $500.

The committee denied the full amount because the new club has not yet made an effort to fundraise this semester.

“New clubs on this campus generally have to fundraise to purchase these things they are asking for,” Wideman said.

The club requested $300 for printing costs and $150 for decorations.

“Things like water, banners and uniforms, these are things that can be generated from their fundraising that are not essentials,” English Professor Laurie Coleman said.

The committee approved $1,965 for Phi Theta Kappa to attend a Texas regional conference.

“Phi Theta Kappa definitely does a lot of fundraising on campus, they are also a very present organization on this campus, and I think they definitely deserve the amount requested,” Wideman said.

PTK is also contributing $200 of its money and students are paying $50 each for the conference.

The committee denied a request submitted by addiction counseling sophomore Jeff Schnoor for the Human Services Club because the adviser, program Coordinator Dr. Edwin Bergen, and the club president had no knowledge of the request.

The committee also denied a request for $2,684 for MexicanAmerican Engineers and Scientists to attend a national leadership

Psychology sophomore Justin Wideman and Charles Falcon, interim Student Activity Fee Committee chair, discuss a proposal from the San Antonio Tennis Club Jan. 31 during a monthly meeting in Room 205 of McAllister. Riley Stephens conference Wednesday-Sunday in Washington, DC. The committee denied the proposal because the total amount of money they receive a year from the student activity fee is disproportionate to what all other organizations receive.

MAES was previously awarded $15,858 for 20 students and two advisers to attend a conference Oct. 10-13 in Las Vegas. Zeigler approved the request. The committee tabled the Geological Society’s request for $4,685 to send 14 students and one adviser to Big Bend National Park.

A request from the society for

15 all-weather geological handbooks totaling $300 concerned Wong because he said it seemed the handbooks were for an academic purpose.

Clubs cannot request money from the student activity fee if the materials or event is for a grade.

“Hopefully, this isn’t required for a grade, therefore it would become academic,” he said.

The committee agreed to table the proposal until Feb. 27 so the society could clarify their request.

For more information about the committee, call Falcon at 210-4860486 or email him at cfalcon@alamo. edu.

Suspicions linger around fee committee member A student, who claims mistaken identity to explain a criminal history, seeks $12,000 for a trip his club doesn’t know about.

By Jennifer Luna

jluna217@student.alamo.edu

The Student Activity Fee Committee planned to remove a former member on Jan. 31 who had lied about his military background and failed to mention nine arrests for theft and assault.

Addiction counseling sophomore Jeff Schnoor was appointed by Jacob Wong, president of the Student Government Association, as one of five student members on the committee.

Schnoor did not attend the meeting in January, though he replied to an email from the dean of student affairs’ office saying he would attend.

The letter of removal was emailed to Schnoor on Jan. 31.

Schnoor has not been seen by the committee since then.

Jan. 19, on Orgsync, Jeff Schnoor

of the college’s Human Services Club requested $12,393 for 10 students and two advisers to attend the 4th National Counseling Advances Conference March 13-15 in Las Vegas.

Wong said for more people, SGA has spent less money for a longer period of time for its conferences.

He also mentioned it was unethical for a committee member serving on the committee to request money.

It is not a law written in the committee’s procedures, he said, but a moral objective.

The committee, which oversees about $400,000 annually in student fees, denied the request because the Human Services Club president and the club adviser had no knowledge of the request.

Dr. Edwin Bergen, program coordinator, did not want to comment.

Schnoor has denied being the

Jeffery A. Schnoor who served a year in state jail for theft and was sentenced to restitution to 32 businesses for 43 hot checks in San Angelo and Abilene totaling $2,158.77.

In an Oct. 12 committee meeting, Schnoor said he served in the Army for 16 years, and between deployments, he enrolled in college.

According to the National Personnel Records Center, a Jeffery Alan Schnoor only served in the Army National Guard Aug. 17, 1992–Aug. 22, 2000, and active duty from Sep. 16, 1992–Dec.17, 1992. He was discharged as a Private First Class.

The records also show place of entry and separation as San Angelo.

Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of academic and student success, said in an interview Nov. 15, college students may have made mistakes in the past, but it should not prevent them

from being active in school activities or taking part in committees.

Vela said the money for the committee is overseen by a strong group of people, and no one person has the authority to withdraw money without the consent of the committee.

However, if there was any concern about safety, students are able to file a complaint in Vela’s office.

Wong said because he appointed Schnoor, he has the authority to remove him from the committee because he intentionally provided false information.

During an interview Wednesday, Vela said Wong acted responsibly removing Schnoor from the committee.

Schnoor maintains he is not the person listed in Texas Department of Public Safety documents with 16 variations of the name and two birthdates.

The Jeffery A. Schnoor in DPS documents had nine arrests, seven

2012 arrest photo for theft, one for assault, and another for enticing a child.

These arrests date back from 1991 to March 16, 2012.

The man served more than a year in state prison.

Wong said Schnoor appeared to be taking the committee’s work seriously, being “balanced and fair,” while allocating money to organizations.

Writing center awards prizes to Frequent Writers

By Carolina Vela

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

After Christmas break, students might be out of practice with writing papers or have a little difficultly catching up with the first assignments this spring.

The writing center in Room 203 of Gonzales Hall offers tutoring, an open computer lab, workshops and English resource texts.

Walk-ins are accepted, but staff recommends making an appointment to avoid waiting.

Tutor Rhonda Jones said it is always better to come in as soon as students are assigned their work. Waiting until the last minute is discouraged.

For tutoring sessions, students should bring along the assignment instructions

so tutors clearly understand the objective.

Also, students can come in even if they just need help brainstorming to get started.

The writing center awards frequent usage of the tutoring center.

For every three visits, a student will receive a dictionary.

Three visits also qualifies a student to enter a raffle for a Pulse smart pen at semester’s end.

After six visits, students receive a coffee mug, and after nine visits, a T-shirt.

Tutors help students understand assignments, generate ideas, create a thesis and statement.

The center’s tutors also offer assistance with the mechanics of language, such as organizing papers, making gram-

mar corrections, learning proofreading techniques and, for those seeking a job, the center also helps with résumé writing.

All tutors at the writing center are certified.

“We are all College Reading and Learning Association certified at different levels, and we continue to advance throughout the semester,” Jones said.

The writing center offers a continuing education course for certification to students and staff. For more information, call English Professor Jane Focht-Hansen.

The center is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Friday, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

To set a tutoring appointment, call 210-486-1433.

Nursing sophomore Vanessa Howe tutors accounting freshman Mohammed Elqunaibi Wednesday in Room 203 of Gonzales. Vincent Reyna

News

4 • Feb. 11, 2013

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Transfer center helps students decide major, university

By Emily Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu

For students considering their options among four-year universities, the time to act is now.

“The role of the transfer center is to help students whose goal is to go to a four-year institution,” David Rodriguez, coordinator of counseling and advising services, said.

During each spring and fall semester, a Transfer Fair brings together representatives from local, regional and out-of-state colleges to talk to prospective students and answer questions. The fair will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 2 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center.

“The transfer fair is an opportunity for the student to meet one-on-one with a represen-

tative from universities. If they have any specific questions about the university, there’s your chance to meet with them,” Rodriguez said.

No official list of universities attending has not been compiled yet.

Transfer center Coordinator Rosa Maria Gonzalez said local universities likely to send representatives are University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Texas Health Science Center, University of the Incarnate Word, St. Mary’s University and Our Lady of the Lake University. The transfer center’s page on the college website states more than 30 universities are expected to attend.

Rodriguez also said it is important for students to meet with university representatives to discuss what that school can do for them.

Students need to find out if the culture of the university is a good match for their personality and lifestyle. He encourages students to visit prospective college campuses.

Each week representatives from area universities visit the campus to answer questions about transferring, scholarship opportunities, housing, financial aid and answering questions about the campus.

At Alamo.edu/sac/transfer, students can find links to Transfer 101 and the steps for preparing to transfer. Click on Events Calendar on the transfer center page for a listing of campus visits from university representatives.

Counselors offer services to students such as assistance with degree plans, guidance for transferring for specific majors, admission

applications, scholarship information, degree audits as well as applications to graduate.

Gonzalez recommends that students who visit the transfer center know their major as well as universities that they are interested in.

Students who have not declared a major can visit the center to go over degree plans as well as classes that must be taken regardless of major.

Students are encouraged to visit with counselors during non-registration periods to prepare for focused one-on-one meetings.

The transfer center, as well as counseling and advising, are on the first floor of Moody Learning Center. Staff will be able to assist students 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For more information, call the transfer center at 210-486-0864.

CSI star Hill Harper helps students manifest their destiny

By Emily Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu

From helping those who can no longer help themselves as a medical examiner, Dr. Sheldon Hawkes in “CSI: NY,” Hill Harper helps those who do not have the means to help themselves through lectures and community outreach.

Harper will be visiting the campus to give a lecture at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center.

Harper’s lecture “Manifest Your Destiny” is sponsored by The Fine Arts Cultural Events Series.

Manifest Destiny means to stretch boundaries to reach full potential.

Harper’s foundation helps youth reach their potential by expanding their boundaries and providing resources that they have no access to.

The Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, founded by Harper, helps create opportunity for underprivileged youths through academic programming, college access skills and personal development.

Harper is not only an actor, but also a best-selling and an award-winning author.

“Letters to a Young Brother,” published in 2006, won two National Association for the Advancement of Colored People awards and was named a Best Book for Young Adults

by the American Library Association.

Harper’s book “Letters to a Young Sister,” published in 2009 was named as a New York Times bestseller.

Both books are part of Harper’s “Manifest Your Destiny” message.

Harper received the award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series in both 2008 and 2009 by the NAACP Image Awards.

Harper took on the roll of Dr. Sheldon Hawkes in 2004 and is still a cast member today.

Harper graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University.

He graduated cum laude while earning a Joint Degree from Harvard

Law School.

Harper also received his master’s degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., the lecture begins at 7 p.m.

After his speech, there will be a question-and-answer session.

The event is free of charge and is open to the community. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about Manifest Your Destiny, visit the foundation’s website www.manifestyourdestiny.org.

For questions about the lecture, call 210-486-0901.

Harper. Courtesy

SENATE from Page 1 integrity, Burton said.

English Professor Alex Bernal said the issue of faculty integrity affects the ability to select textbooks for their classes.

According to senate minutes, the district has proposed new guidelines that would go into effect in the fall to reduce textbook costs and standardize textbook usage districtwide.

“This business about multiple texts seems like a small thing, but it’s really a huge thing,” Bernal said.

“Some of our students become teachers, business people, lawyers, doctors; people who might want to be able to think and be able to select more than one textbook.”

Bernal said faculty and district administration have opposing views on whether students should be required to use more than one textbook for a class.

“My honest opinion was it’s not the number of textbooks — you can have 20 as far as I’m concerned,” Alderete said. “It’s the cost to the student.”

“We can keep that cost down,” Bernal said. “It’s the idea of critical thinking, that the instructor can actually choose the book.”

Alderete said he was concerned about lowering textbook costs for students, not limiting what students learn in the classroom.

“To me, it is an economic issue and not an issue of try-

Chancellor Bruce Leslie tries to explain the resolution opposing legislation allowing guns on campus to District 9 trustee James Rindfuss

WEAPONS from Page 1

District 1 trustee Joe Alderete talked Wednesday to Faculty Senate about college concerns during Faculty Senate. Monica Correa. ing to narrow that person’s understanding,” he said.

Alderete said faculty should teach outside of the curriculum as long as it does not come with additional costs to the student.

“I don’t have a problem with your academic freedom,” he said.

“I enjoy your academic freedom. My thing is I’m looking at that student and the costs that are driven by that.”

Linda Lowman, early childhood studies professor, said the curriculum should not be standardized and instead needs to promote diversity.

“I don’t think we should ever be moving towards a standardized curriculum,” she said.

“In this day and age, diversity is valued. Our students need to have diversity.”

nearest law enforcement agency made the likelihood of police arriving in time to prevent injury and death was very small.

Leslie said the board will not decide to be in favor of or against the bill, but rather to ask the Legislature to allow each institution to decide.

Rindfuss said this topic has been “bothering” him a lot because he wants faculty to defend themselves and he wants people to defend themselves.

Sprague said there are a lot of students who attend classes, so their behavior is not identifiable.

“To say that we are not going to have a few people that get out of control … is probably unrealistic,” he said. “I would support individual campuses being able to make their own policy.”

He said each campus should have jurisdiction because a college might find a way to have a peaceful environment where people carry guns.

CONDOMS from Page 1 Solis said. “These are for everybody.”

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the demand for condoms increases, Solis said, adding that the same is true before school holidays and at semester ends.

She said there has not been an increase in

and District 8 trustee Gary Beitzel during the Legal Affairs Committee meeting Tuesday.

Riley Stephens District 5 trustee Robert Zárate said he could not see himself carrying a gun because it would be a distraction.

“There is such a departure from what a school setting should be,” he said. “I will not favor anything that brings more guns onto campus, other than the police force.”

He said he is not in favor of guns on campus for many reasons, such as a student might find a teacher’s gun.

According to the resolution, “the Board of Trustees of the Alamo Community College District is concerned about the welfare and safety of faculty, students, staff and visitors at all locations and campuses owned and operated by the Alamo Community College District.”

The resolution also states that weapons on campus will have adverse financial, safety and recruitment effects.

Board and committee agendas and minutes can be found at alamo.edu/district/board/agenda.

demand, but the coming holidays could change that.

“After spring break, I think we’re gonna need a lot more,” Solis said.

For more information, call 210-486-1448 or visit Room 144 of Moody.

Katherine Garcia

www.theranger.org/saconnected

SAConnected

Feb. 11, 2013 • 5

This week Today

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

SAC Event: Volunteers wanted to help with museum display development daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the GeoSpot in Room 003, of chemistry and geology.

Call the Carlos Flores at 210-486-1215 or Professor Anne Dietz at 210-4860470.

SPC Event: President’s Lecture Series keynote speaker Herman Boone, former football coach in the movie “Remember the Titans,” 11 a.m. in Watson Fine Arts Center, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive.

Free. Call 210-486-2670.

SAC Event: The STEMulate Science Showcase 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall.

Call 210-486-0598.

SAC Meeting: Teaching Academy Program Peers 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in Room 101 of Gonzales and Wednesday 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Call 210-486-0658.

Submissions: The San Antonio Express-News seeks creative emoticon art. Submit screenshots or JPEGs by email to features@express-news.com.

Include a daytime phone number. Electronic submissions only. Call 210-2503000 for more information.

Trinity Event: Trinity University’s baseball teams.

Huston-Tillotson University 1 p.m. at William Bell Center Baseball Field. Free and open to the public. Visit trinitytigers.com or email slenderm@trinity.edu.

SAC Event: “Live in Loftin” music series Dixieland music 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0128.

SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m. in Room 624 of Moody.

Continues Wednesdays.

Call 210-486-1266.

SAC Event: United Methodist Student Movement’s Hot Potato Forum 12:15 p.m. at United Methodist Campus Ministry, 102 Belknap Place. Call 210-733-1441.

SAC Meeting: NonTraditional Student Club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 301 of the nursing and allied health complex. Free for all students. Call the empowerment center at 210-4860455.

SAC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.-1 p.m. of Loftin. Call 210-486-0128.

SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-406-0133.

SAC Meeting: San Antonio and Immigrant Youth Movement meets 2:30 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Continues Mondays. Call 832-2739805.

SAC Meeting: Glee Club meeting 3 p.m.-5 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin.

Continues Wednesday. Call 210-486-0126.

SAC Event: Money Matters financial literacy 11 a.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0126.

SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ weekly meetings 1:45 p.m. in Room 004 of Chance. Call 486-1233.

SAC Meeting: College Council 2 p.m. in Room 120 of visual arts center.

Call 210-486-0956.

SAC Performance: “The Underpants” 7:30 p.m. in McCreless theater. Continues 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2 with college ID, $8 for other students and $10 general admission. Call 210486-0255.

Deadline: Feb. 22 last day to register for Young Leaders Conference. Learn how to pay for college and student success. Submit all documents by deadline. For more information, call 210-485-0792 or visit http://www.alamo. edu/district/sli/youngleaders-conference/ SAC Event: Reservationfree gaming 1:30 p.m.4 p.m. in Bailey’s Cyber Café in Loftin. Bring your own game, console and student ID. Continues F r i d a y s through May. Call 210-486-0129.

SAC Event: Cheshyre Cheese Club 4:30 p.m. in Room 203 of Gonzales.

Continues Tuesdays. Call 210-486-0668.

If you were having breakfast or doing homework in Loftin Student Center Tuesday morning, chances are you heard a student singing the AfricanAmerican national anthem, kicking off a series of free events celebrating Black History Month.

On screen, a documentary played in the background while fliers, goodie bags and programs were distributed.

The video began with Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation and ended with Martin Luther King Jr. and the Aug. 28, 1963, March on Washington where he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

At the start of the ceremony Barbara Knotts, director of creative multimedia, introduced this year’s theme, “At The Crossroads of Freedom & Equality,” celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Darryl D. Dawson Sr. sang what has come to be known as the African-American national anthem.

“I picked Darryl,” said Judith Clark, senior secretary of media

services, to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson. “We didn’t audition him because we knew.”

The printed programs for the event contained a laminated lyric sheet encouraging the audience to sing along.

President Robert Zeigler encouraged everyone to attend as many of the sessions as possible.

“Black history is American history,” he said.

He also told students that they should listen to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and to watch the movie “Lincoln.”

Clark added “Lincoln” is a powerful movie.

Dawson ended the ceremony by reading “The Emancipation Proclamation,” the decree President Abraham Lincoln signed during the Civil War in 1863 declaring freedom for American slaves.

For more information, email the Black Student Alliance at BSASAC@gmail.com or call the office of student life at 210-4860125.

Also, to see a full list of events of events at this college, visit http://www.alamo.edu/sac/ events/black-history-2013/.

Rev. Hector Grant followed by a book signing from 11 a.m.-noon in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0598.

Feb. 19 Taste of Soul food and entertainment from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-486-0598.

Feb. 20 Careers of African-American Attorneys: Recognition of the Past, Embracing the Future 10 a.m.-noon in Room 218 of the nursing complex. Panel: Texas State Bar President Lisa Tatum, Judge Carmen Kelsey, 289th District Court; Tamu K. “TK” Floyd and Stephanie Boyd.

Feb. 21 African Festival 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Food, dance and drumming.

Call 210-486-0125.

Feb. 26 Dr. Isaac Hampton, military historian and history instructor 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Author of “The Black Officer Corps: A History of Black Military Advancement from Integration through Vietnam.” Book signing follows.

Comedian Ranier Pollard 11 a.m.1 p.m. in the mall for students age 18 and up. Call 210486-0126.

Black History Month kick off honors Lincoln sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Feb. 18

Feb. 27

Last week

By Henry M. Martinez Jr.

Black History

Upcoming Feb. 18 SAC Event: Free health screenings 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0158.

Feb. 19 SAC Event: Vitamin shot clinic 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Flu and vitamin C shots, $15; B-12, $10; and B-complex, $25. Call 210-486-0158.

Feb. 22 SAC Event: Rockabilly concert 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210486-0128.

SAC Event: Open Mic Coffee Night sponsored by Cheshyre Cheese Club 6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Loftin. Call 210-486-0668.

SAC Event: Karaoke from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of the Loftin. Call 210486-0128.

Feb. 25 SAC Event: Eating disorder seminar 3 p.m.-4 p.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0158.

Music business sophomore Darryl D. Dawson Sr. sings the African-American national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson with the help of Counselor Carolyn Foster playing the piano Tuesday during the Black History Month opening ceremony in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Monica Correa

!

For coverage in SAConnected, call 210-486-1773 or email sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.

Prem

6 • www.theranger.org/premiere

Year of the snake

By Benjamin Enriquez

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

All illustrations by Juan Carlos Campos

Workshops benefit speech students

By Jahna Lacey

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

The speech communication program offers workshops from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 203 of McAllister Fine Arts Center.

Fine arts Chair Jeff Hunt and speech Instructors Suzanne Skinner and Ashley Click will present a series of topics, such as speech apprehension and interpersonal communication each week through March 20.

Hunt said speech students can receive extra credit for attending the workshops.

“Speech and nonspeech students can benefit from these workshops by receiving information from the content,” speech Instructor Jolinda Ramsey said.

“Take the first speech workshop for instance.

They can learn information that they learned in their classes from different instructors. They repeatedly learn this information, which helps

them become more confident speakers.”

The program also offers tutoring at the Strain Communication Center in Room 205 of McAllister, where they can research topics assigned in their classes, practice presentations and meet for group projects.

Ramsey said communication is important in both personal and professional life because people use it all the time as a means of getting ideas across to others.

“On average, 40-50 students attend the speech workshops,” Ramsey said. “These students learn different concepts in interpersonal communication, such as different conflict styles in order to better their communication skills.”

Hunt said the admission for these workshops is free and students are not required to show an ID. For more information, call Hunt at 210-486-1030.

SACMA throws Rockfest to benefit scholarships

By Jahna Lacey

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

The San Antonio College Music Association will be sponsoring Rockfest 2013 at 7 p.m.

Wednesday in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center.

“Rockfest 2013 is mainly an attraction of local bands and people of all ages,” music sophomore George Cathey said.

Three local bands, Pop Pistol, Despot Lounge and Sugar Skulls, will perform.

In the lobby, unofficial sponsors will give away

refreshments and prize drawings. There will be band merchandise.

SACMA president Alicia Covarrubias said the amount in the scholarships is dependent on how much is made from ticket sales.

“Last year, in our Holiday Concert, two scholarships for $125 were given out,” Covarrubias said.

Covarrubias said the only qualifications for the scholarships are that students must be music majors, maintain a

GPA of 3.0, and be a full-time student with at least 12 hours.

Admission is $3 with a college ID and $5 for general admission.

For advance sale tickets and more information, call 210-486-0255 or visit www.facebook.com/ SACMA2011.

In celebration of the Chinese calendar’s Year of the Snake, the Institute of Texan Cultures is holding its 26th annual Asian Festival.

This event originally began as a family reunion to commence the Chinese New Year, but has spread out to involve other Asian communities, and is a display of their traditions and cultures.

This family-friendly educational experience invites people of all walks of life to come and enjoy the festivities.

Members of the Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam communities will speak on their religious beliefs, essentials, practices, as well as their experiences and how they came to America.

James Benavides, spokesperson for the Institute of Texan Cultures, said there are new performances this year to look forward to, including one by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko from 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

They are a Japanese style drum group based in of Sugarland that previously performed at the Folklife Festival.

Kamishibai, a Japanese style illustration of storytelling involving puppets, will be performed from 12:30 p.m.2:30 p.m.

Fifteen vendors offering Asian-American food, including Filipino, Japanese, Thai, Korean and other cuisines will be present.

One vendor, the Bombay Salsa Company, will be on hand offering Indian-Central American cuisine.

The company owner originated from India and later moved to Central America, and has blended the two styles to offer a cuisine all their own.

There also will be several lectures for viewers to watch, including on Anne Hardgrove on the globalization of Beijing.

Craft sales that offer dolls, clothing, and artwork will be available guests.

Almost anything of Asian descent ranging from Ikebana, a floral arrangement presentation, to martial arts organization demonstrations will be at the festival.

Tickets for adults ages 13 and older are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Children’s tickets, ages 6 through 12, are $5 both at the gate and at the door, and kids under 6 years old get in free.

The event takes place 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday.

A menu, schedule, guide to the grounds and more are now available at TexanCultures.com.

For more information, call 210-458-2300.

miere

Feb. 11, 2013 • 7

Best and worst pickup lines

“What’s up, what’s up.” psychology sophomore Josh Villanueva

e

“How much does a polar bear weigh? Just enough to break the ice.” liberal arts freshman Patrick Cardenas

“It must have hurt when you fell from heaven.” anthropology sophomore Mike Martinez

“You’re the missing piece to my puzzle, and I found you.” biology freshman Aaron Hendrix

“Can you cook?” criminal justice freshman Juan E. Garcia Jr.

“Are you from Tennessee? Because you’re the only 10 I see.” liberal arts freshman Anthony Walker

Favorite romantic movies “The Notebook” financial banking freshman Valeria Hernandez, nursing freshman Mayra Mercado, early childhood studies sophomore Irma Ancira

“A Walk to Remember” nursing sophomore Christina Gutierrez, nursing freshman Maria Rios

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” kinesiology sophomore Amanda Arredondo, psychology freshman Ana Garcia

“Never Been Kissed” nursing freshman Cassandra Silva

“The Vow”

What happens when you’re in love?

A psychology teacher gives insight to what happens inside your body when you’re in love.

By Katherine Garcia

kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu

Valentine’s Day is coming, and that means love, chocolates and romance.

But did you know what happens to your body when you are in love?

Cay Crow, who teaches PSCH 2301, General Psychology, and PSCH 2306, Human Sexuality, offers some insight.

Crow said when one first falls in love, the physical intensity and excitement in the body can be overwhelming.

“When you are newly in love, your natural endorphins increase as does phenylethylamine which increases blood flow to all areas of the body. Your adrenaline is up, increasing levels of general well-being.”

Crow said that according to Helen Fisher’s book, “Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love,” people in love have high activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a part of the brain’s reward system.

“Dopamine is increased in the VTA,” Crow said. “Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is the ‘gimme’ drug.”

Crow said that serotonin in the nucleus accumbens, another controller of the brain’s reward system, is a neurotransmitter released when those in love feel satisfied.

Pheromones, a unique chemical each person gives off, are among the factors people consider in finding someone attractive, Crow said.

“But liking the way someone smells will not predict the longevity of the relationship,” Crow added.

Crow said attraction factors include people sharing the same belief system, interests, values, intellectual abilities, or close proximity.

Crow explained that people fear telling that special someone how they feel because they fear rejection.

“Love looks and feels like a drug to the brain; when love is unrequited or does not work out, the experience is quite painful to the mind and the body,” she said.

Celebrate love worldwide

By Benjamin Enriquez sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Everybody is familiar with the red carnations — roses for the lucky — and heart-shaped chocolate boxes that mean Valentine’s Day here in the U.S., but what are Valentine’s Day traditions in other countries?

On the other side of the planet, the expense is on the other gender.

Japanese Professor Yuko Kawabe said in Japan, women give the gifts to men, mainly chocolate, on

Valentine’s Day. Men in Japan wait until something called “White Day,” a month later on March 14, to return the gifts to women.

There are two kinds of Valentine’s Day gifts Japanese women favor.

The first, “Giri-choko,” means obligation chocolate.

These are given to males who the women have no romantic interest in.

These include co-workers, bosses or male friends.

The second, “Honmei-

choko,” refers to a true love chocolate given only to a romantic interest.

No jewelry, roses, teddy bears, or anything of the sort for the Japanese, mostly just a whole lot of chocolate.

In Mexico, traditions of the day vary as well.

Spanish Professor Marta G. Montemayor said Valentine’s Day in Mexico is referred to as “El Dia del Amor y la Amistad,” or “The Day of Love and Friendship.”

Gifts are not limited to

people of romantic interest; friends also exchange gifts.

That way no one need feel lonely on Valentine’s Day in Mexico.

If you don’t have a lover, then you celebrate with friends.

Just as in America, love interests give chocolates and roses and enjoy a special dinner together.

Gifts for friends are based on their interests.

Whatever the plans this year, only three days remain to prepare for your special Valentines.

nursing freshman Amalia Marquez

“True Romance” business sophomore Kyndal Swartz

ne by

Which do you prefer?

for

chocolate vs. hard candy of 60 students polled

73% chocolate 76% women, 24% men 27%50%hard candy women, 50% men Compiled by Carlos Ferrand

Courthouse offers free weddings Mass marriage ceremonies are scheduled on the steps of Bexar County Courthouse.

By Katherine Garcia

kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu

Couples looking to make this upcoming Valentine’s Day special need look no further than the Bexar County Courthouse at 100 Dolorosa St. At midnight Wednesday, the Rev. Joe Sullivan, psychology professor at this college, will perform the first of a series of mass weddings throughout the day. Ceremonies continue at 10 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Couples — except active military — arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled ceremony and obtain a $66 marriage license 72 hours before the ceremony.

The license is available at the county clerk’s office in Room 104 of the Bexar County Courthouse.

Laura Jesse, Bexar County Courthouse public relations officer, said Sullivan has been performing these ceremonies since 1989.

The county is not involved, as they only issue the marriage licenses, Jesse said.

Last year, gay and lesbian couples attempted to join the ceremony in protest that gay marriage is not legal in Texas.

The gay and lesbian couples were asked to join the spectators.

This year, all couples are invited to join the ceremonies.

In addition to the marriage ceremonies, couples are invited to a vow renewal ceremony and dinner reception at the Fiesta Room of Luby’s, 911 N. Main Ave. To obtain a marriage license, call 210-335-2216.

For more information, visit http:// www.co.bexar.tx.us or call 210-3352011.

8 • Feb. 11, 2013

www.theranger.org/editorial

.org

the

ranger

Editorial

Editor Rebecca Salinas Managing Editor Faith Duarte News Editor Jennifer Luna Sports and Entertainment Editor Carlos Ferrand Calendar Editor Katherine Garcia Staff Writers Benjamin Enriquez, Tiffani Harvey, Jahna Lacey, Megan Leonard, Henry Martinez, Michael Meinen, Kevin W. Pang, Michael Peters, Emily Rodriguez, Paula Schuler, Carolina Vela, Solomon White, Ingrid Wilgen Photographers Monica Correa, Vincent Reyna Photo Team Daniel Arguelles, Stephanie Dix, Christina Flores, Summer Hicks, Juliana Day Huff, Tress-Marie Landa, Anne Rogers, Adriana Ruiz Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Production Manager Mandy Derfler Multimedia Editor Riley Stephens Web Editor Alma Linda Manzanares ©2013 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations.

The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger.org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1776), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center).

Advertising rates available upon request by phone (210-486-1765) or as a download at www.theranger.org.

The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association.

Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style.

All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer.

Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length.

Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter.

Letters should be mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299.

Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, emailed to sac-ranger@alamo.edu or faxed to 210-486-9292.

Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number.

Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773.

Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs.

Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office.

Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.

MetaMedia

Beware of watchdog By definition, a watchdog is a watchful guardian or someone who watches carefully to detect illegal or unethical conduct.

Reporters are the eyes and ears of a community. They attend meetings of government agencies to sniff around for signs of waste or abuse of public monies.

They are prepared to sink fangs deep into a story and hold on doggedly until the truth is exposed.

The friendly watchdog is always on the lookout for threats to its master. That will pretty much guarantee growling, snarling and barking — and gaining everyone’s attention.

The public looks to reporters for accurate coverage of the news of the day because no one can be everywhere.

Reporters dig deep and find facts that few others would care to research. Even if they knew how or where to begin, who has the time?

As advances in communication have shrunk our world, the watchdog is needed for so many more areas than just government.

Multinational corporations

cut corners to cut costs while risking the lives of cheap labor offshore and the health and safety of American consumers.

Industries behind our technological wizardry prop up tyrants while they befoul the air, seas, rivers and land.

Foreign governments, drug cartels, rogue entities and pirates endanger global trade.

Meanwhile, the home of the brave trembles in the wake of another school shootCourtesy ing. The educational rankings of the United States in the world keep falling.

Wall Street sacked the country thanks to rules enacted by Congress.

A growing dead zone courtesy of Midwest fertilizers and chemical plants spread across the Gulf of Mexico.

People want to know what is going on. They need to know what is going on.

The information the watchdog distributes is vital to each of us with a role to play in maintaining a nation of the people, by the people and for the people.

Juan Carlos Campos

Call, email state reps If you are tired of your complaints falling politically active.

The website at house.state.tx.us includes on deaf ears, now is the time to direct those information such as the status of specific bills. complaints where they might do some good.

The public can use it to find committees Every other year, the Texas Legislature meeting times and scheduled debates along meets for 180 days to pass laws and set a budwith the names and contact information of all get for the next two years. the legislators.

Contact your representatives in the Texas The website also has a search tool for repreHouse and Senate. They can’t act in your sentatives by district, name or address under behalf if they don’t have any idea what you the members tab. You can also look up what want. representatives have voted on Tell them how you feel about in the past.

SB182, which would allow carFor more On Tuesday, the Student rying concealed handguns on information, Government Association travhigher education campuses. visit the eled to Austin for Community Any thoughts on HB565 and website at College Day to talk to legislators SB62 that aim to lower the age about issues important to colrequirement for meningitis vachouse.state.tx.us lege students, such as increascine from 30 to 22? ing financial aid to match rising Perhaps you want to stress to tuition and textbook costs. legislators how community colleges could use On Jan. 28, the Always Building Child a little more funding so we can restore all the student services we’ve lost thanks to that $23 Development Club along with other children’s advocacy groups visited legislators about billion shortfall in the last biennium.

Maybe they can explain just how that hap- funding for early childhood education.

You don’t even have to drive to Austin; pened.

Tell them your thoughts on any bills before express yourself with just a few mouse clicks the 83rd Legislature, share your concerns or or telephone buttons.

Make sure your representative is actually ask questions. representing you.

It is never too early or too late to become

!

Fight spread of flu, germs According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity remains elevated in most of the country and prescribes a course of action.

First, if you have not received a flu shot yet, do it. If you are thinking that winter is almost over and you are safe, think again.

The CDC also reports that January and February bring the largest number of flu cases.

Like most students, our college budget doesn’t always leave much wiggle room for things other than food and an occasional beer, but staying healthy is important to your education. You simply cannot afford to lose time at school or work because you got the flu.

Texas MedClinic is offering flu shots for $25 at all locations.

Students also can find vaccination locations through flushot.healthmap.org by simply providing an address or ZIP code.

Prices are not provided but a phone number for more information is available.

Getting vaccinated is one way of staying flu-free during the spring semester, but it is

not the only defense.

The best way to beat the flu is by doing your part to stop the spread of the virus.

Students should wash hands regularly with soap and hot water. Try to avoid touching your nose and mouth. Also take advantage of the hand sanitizer dispensers in halls throughout the college or carry a small container of sanitizer in your bag.

Just think of all the doorknobs, handles, keyboards and desktops a student touches throughout the day.

So it’s also a good idea to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Packs of disinfectant towels are sized to carry in your backpack also.

Finally, common courtesy can go a long way in preventing the spread of flu and germs.

Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably with a tissue, but in a pinch, cover your mouth with the crook of your elbow. That way you don’t transfer all those germs onto the next doorknob or keyboard you use.

After all, they are your germs; you should keep them to yourself.

Opinion

www.theranger.org/opinion

Feb. 11, 2013 • 9

Settlement can’t replace damages to habitat, wildlife As I read about the U.K.based oil company BP settling for $4.5 billion for damage to all forms of industry along the Gulf of Mexico caused when the Deepwater Horizon well cap blew April 20, 2010, I Viewpoint wanted to ask company offiby Riley cials why the leak happened in Stephens the first place.

Traveling through the Gulf rstephens20@ student.alamo.edu Coast states four months later on a trip with reporters and photographers of The Ranger, the smell of oil and the sight of sand covered by black tar made it clear that the loss of habitat was severe.

Hearing stories from locals who had to temporarily relocate away from the beaches was disheartening.

Special helicopters and contractors were hired to maintain the beaches and to look for oil washing up on the sand.

A cleanup crew was called when oil was spotted.

Machines were used to push mounds of thick black and white sand to the back of the beach where it piled high enough to block the view of houses.

A 13-year-old boy on Grand Island, La., said he and his grandpa usually fished at the beach but because of a ban imposed since the spill, they were only able to fish in the water next to the roads.

It was hard to see his sadness and know there was nothing I could do to help.

The poisonous crude damaged the food chain.

There was so much leakage from the spill that scientists could not even begin to estimate the damage to wildlife habitats.

Pictures of dolphins with black gunk in their mouths and turtles washed up on beaches flooded the Internet.

Though the number of Loggerhead turtles returning to the beach was declining, some were nesting on the beaches.

This gave scientists hope for a chance to save the species and volunteers began to corral the nests into a square area for their safety.

It is hoped that with human intervention, Gulf state habitats can be saved, but it will be years before anyone knows if the clean up was successful or whether so much more was lost than BP could ever replace.

Riley Stephens reports on the aftermath of the BP oil spill Aug. 18, 2010, on Dauphin Island, Ala. File photo

In love, time is the most precious currency Viewpoint

by Carlos Ferrand cferrand@ student.alamo.edu

You have probably heard people say love doesn’t cost a thing. Well, they‘re right and they’re wrong.

If you only put a monetary value on love, then yes, love doesn’t cost a thing.

Love doesn’t have a minimum monthly payment or a membership fee.

You may be able to impress someone with money, but you can’t hold

onto them with it.

When you meet someone interesting for the first time, I doubt you think, “I’d like to spend some money on that person.”

If you asked, I bet most people would

Letters Arming employees only way to protect school children Editor: Have you noticed that shooters target locations that prohibit concealed handgun carry?

You should also notice that most of the shooters are cowards that give up quickly or shoot themselves when they receive a little resistance.

Why don’t these nuts go into a police station or a bank to do their mass killing?

They may be mentally challenged, but they are not stupid.

I saw a sign on a business that read, “Concealed carry welcomed here.” Bet they never get shot up.

The answer to a safe place for our children in public schools is a highly protected school that can outgun these folks.

Our president’s daughters have that level of protection.

If our society is not willing to pay for added security, then they should let the faculty and staff protect them-

remember their first conversation, first kiss or first I love you. They probably don’t remember the first check.

You most likely think, “I’d like to spend some time with that person.”

Giving another person your time is the most amazing gift you can give them.

Next time your girlfriend wants to watch the CW, watch it with her and hold her close.

She may never remember the time you asked to borrow $10, but she will never forget

selves.

You may not like it, but the mere fact that a school is heavily armed with concealed handgun-carrying faculty and staff will automatically make the campus safer.

Folks that dream up every scenario that could possibly happen with armed teachers need to look at the statistics of schools with and without added protection. I haven’t heard of any school with extra protection being attacked.

All of the same arguments against carrying on campus were voiced when Texas became a concealed carry state.

It was said it would turn Texas into a gunslinging Wild West. It simply did not happen.

Concealed carry has protected and saved many lives with very little consequence.

There might be some incident of abuse, but you must weigh that against what is going on now where the shooter is unchallenged.

The mentally challenged will never get the help they need in America because no one wants to foot the bill.

There will be much talk, but nothing significant is going to change in

the time you snuggled through “Gossip Girl.”

If that relationship blossoms, then you might think, “I’d like to spend some time on us.”

No relationship is perfect, and you should expect to argue. If you’re a man, then you should also expect to be wrong — most of the time.

I know that I have never thought to myself, “If only I had money she would understand me better.”

I doubt you have entertained those thoughts either; money doesn’t solve problems, time does.

the short term.

Restriction on sales of certain weapons will only make a black market, and with so many weapons already in America, there will be little effect.

The only way to get immediate protection for schools is to fortify from within.

James McBride Photography Professor

Redesigned library needs more tables for studying Editor: Concerning the library, I must admit that I am unhappy with the new arrangement.

One day, I arrived on campus and went to where the library was previously located.

The entrance doors were covered with thick yellow tape that read “do not cross.”

I noticed a faculty member and asked why it was blocked off. He said the new library was completed.

On Jan. 31, I entered the new library.

If that relationship turns into a meaningful commitment, then you might think, “I’d like to spend my life with you.”

Time is the most precious thing you can give anyone.

If you spend all your money, you can make more. That is what makes money just money.

You can spend time, but you cannot make more time.

This makes time truly the most precious thing we have.

The true cost of true love is priceless. It demands the one thing you can never duplicate. It demands the only thing everyone on this planet has in short supply.

When you find that special someone, give them the only gift worth giving; give them your time.

I admired the clear glass entrance that replaced the large empty hole (which had to be blocked with a gate which was slowly dropped down, like the gate of a dungeon in a medieval castle).

The new, separate, yet connected computer desks gave a feeling of professionalism, as if the students were in an actual work environment rather than just “at a computer.”

I was in no need of a computer at the moment, for I was to begin studying my math book.

I took a quick look around for a desk, but I only saw many small, green chairs.

I sat on one, and it was comfortable, but it did not give a sense of a study area.

It felt more like a lounge.

I always ask myself: Why lounge when there is always something to be done.

I ended up leaving the campus because the library was surprisingly not a great place to study at that time.

On Feb. 4, I had planned on writing, so I returned to the renovated library and asked a librarian if there were any desks.

She pointed behind her toward the area where I had been the previ-

ous week. I walked a bit further and saw three or four small desks (which were occupied).

I walked further and saw the kiosk desks, which were being used.

The only free ones stood against the wall where there was very little light.

I attempted to work there, but eventually I could no longer stand the morose area.

In my opinion, the library would be a better atmosphere for studying if it was a bit brighter and if there were a few more tables and desks.

Paul Andrew Psychology Sophomore Editor’s note: The Ranger encourages readers to voice their opinions by submitting letters to the editor.

Letters should be emailed to sacranger@alamo.edu.

Letters also can be submitted at theranger.org. Click “contact us,” then click “submit a letter.”

Letters must include a printed name and telephone number.

A student’s major, classification, campus and Banner ID need to be included.

Letters should not exceed two pages.

Pulse

10 • Feb. 11, 2013

Gym shorts Basketball tryouts today, Wednesday in Candler Kelby Rowe, kinesiology freshman and basketball coach, wrote, “We want our basketball team back,” in big bold letters on the brick walkway south of Loftin Student Center during Chalk Day Oct. 8.

Today, he is pleased to be part of the basketball come back after a three-semester hiatus.

Tryouts for the Basketball Club will be 3:15 p.m.-6 p.m. today and Wednesday in Gym 1 of Candler Physical Education Center.

The club will be forming both a men’s and women’s team.

Students interested in trying out must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA throughout the season.

For more information, call Rowe at 817-637-9727.

Carlos Ferrand

Candler facilities open for swim, hoops Visit the Candler Physical Education Center if you have time in the afternoon.

According to Workout-X.com, physical activity triggers the release of endorphins that can reduce the stress and anxiety of college.

With that in mind, Candler has options to fulfill those needs.

Students, with the required student ID, can enjoy the benefits of racquetball courts, conditioning room, gymnasium basketball and a swimming pool.

Candler also offers a computer lab.

“The conditioning room, pick-up basketball and the swimming pool are pretty popular,” Bill Richardson, kinesiology and dance chair, said.

Students cannot use the facilities during classes.

The gym is open from 3:15 p.m.4:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Friday.

The swimming pool is open from 1 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

The conditioning room is open from 3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday and 2 p.m.3:30 p.m. Friday.

The conditioning room contains machines for cardio and weight lifting.

Racquetball court and computer lab hours will be announced at a later date.

Training devices are available at the pool, but equipment must be brought to the basketball and racquetball courts.

Lockers and dressing rooms are available, but locks and towels are not provided.

The department website says hours may change.

For more information, visit alamo.edu/sac/kinesiology or call 210-486-1010.

Michael Peters

www.theranger.org/pulse

Swine Skillathon challenges the next generation Students from Palo Alto monitor test stations and offer a hand at the stock show.

By Carlos Ferrand cferrand@student.alamo.edu

The Swine Skillathon challenges the knowledge of all things swine.

On Wednesday, in the swine barn on the north side of the AT&T Center parking lot members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America were tested on their knowledge of pigs.

Participants were separated into three groups: juniors aged 9-11, intermediates aged 12-14, and seniors aged 15-18.

Each group tests on difficultly levels.

The juniors looked at a pig diagram and was asked to identify sections of the pig.

Seniors must judge different cuts of pork and identify what part of the pig is being served.

Test sections included pig parts, pork cuts, pig breeds and medication station.

At the medication station, participants were given a mock sickness for a pig, and asked to determine what type of medication and dosage was needed.

Participants also graded on how well they handled the needle preparation in treating a pig.

Each participant was given 15 minutes at each station

before rotating to a different challenge.

Students from the Lone Star Agriculture Club at Palo Alto College volunteered to proctor each test station and answer participants’ questions.

Agriculture sophomore Daisy Garcia was glad to volunteer.

“We get the satisfaction of seeing our future,” she said.

Agriculture sophomore Amanda Caraway felt right at home at the Skillathon because she had grown up entering similar events, she said.

Weldon Riggs, club adviser and agriculture professor, assisted students as they monitored their testing stations.

During the event, students learned leadership and teamwork while they assisted younger children with their tests and questions, Riggs said.

“They’re in my position; they are the teachers now,” he said.

Along with the hands-on test, each age group was given an exam with 100 questions to answer.

For a schedule of rodeo and stock show events visit sarodeo.com.

Delaney Ramsdell is tested on getting proper amounts of medicine for sick pigs. Students from Palo Alto College monitored the tests. Carlos Ferrand

Agriculture sophomore Donna Irwin and agricultural Professor Weldon Riggs explain questions during the Swine Skillathon Feb. 6 in the swine barn. Children were tested on swine knowledge.

Carlos Ferrand

Heavy conditioning prepares boxers for Golden Gloves

By Michael Peters

sac-ranger@student.alamo.edu

The college boxing club practiced Feb. 4 for this year’s regional San Antonio Golden Gloves tournament.

The tournament is for amateur boxers featuring boxers ages 17-34.

Based on a fighter’s experience, boxers are placed into one of three divisions.

Sub-novice boxers have no fight experience while novice boxers generally have fewer than 10 fights to their name.

The open division features fighters with the most experience.

It is the division where the winners can move on to the state tournament.

The team is currently in a tryout phase under the watchful eye of decorated amateur boxer Hector Ramos.

Ramos’ boxing career includes 193 amateur bouts, 156 victories, 51 by knockout and two years as USA Boxing’s No. 1 ranked light-welterweight.

Ramos allows boxers to miss one day of practice each week.

“Sometimes, they have to miss a day because of work or class so I let them slide a little bit, but at the same time I have to be strict because boxing is a full-time sport,” Ramos said.

Ramos began holding conditioning practices last week to weed out anyone who wasn’t fully committed to boxing.

“We started with heavy conditioning last week to see who really wanted to be here,” Ramos said.

Practice this week started with conditioning at the park.

The boxers split into three separate half-mile races around the park. The losers have to do a jumping exercise between races.

“I have them race one round to get their heart rate up. I give them a minute to get their heart rate down, and then they go again,” Ramos said.

After running three races at the park, the boxing team continues practice at Loftin Student Center.

The boxers line up next to one another repeatedly throwing straight punches as Ramos goes down the line holding punching pads.

“Got to have them continuously working their shoulders,” Ramos said.

Next up, the boxers work in pairs with one holding a 14-pound medicine ball while the other tries repeatedly to punch it out of their grasp.

The boxers pair up for light sparring with the main focus being reflex testing.

Station training is next up, including forearm punches, power punches, lunges with hands raised and punching-weaving, to train the boxers in vital areas.

The boxers then work in pairs on extending their arms by passing a medicine ball back and forth with two chairs between them.

Continuing with medicine ball training, the boxers then stand back-to-back while bringing the medicine ball down to their stomach and back over their head for their partner to receive.

The boxers continue with two more medicine ball drills before finishing with push-ups, sit-ups and stretches.

“The countdown begins,” Ramos said. “Fifteen days until the Golden Gloves.”

Criminology sophomore Mario Gutierrez is fighting for redemption.

Gutierrez was scheduled to fight at last year’s tournament but he was disqualified for not making weight.

“I was supposed to bring something back for the family, and I messed it up because of discipline,” Gutierrez said.

“Training with Coach Ramos and these guys, I feel like I can take on the Great Wall right now,” Gutierrez said.

Music business freshman Antonio Brown is fighting with a chip on his shoulder.

“They said I’m too small and my reach is too short,” Brown said. “I

want to prove the doubters wrong.”

Criminal justice freshman Nadya Cano is aiming to reach a childhood goal.

“Fighting professionally is a goal I’ve wanted to reach since I was little,” she said.

Liberal arts sophomore Sean Engleka is fighting for the experience.

“I’m not going pro or anything; I’m training to get into shape, maybe knock some heads and get my head knocked around a little bit,” Engleka said.

Ramos said, “By the end of the week, we’ll know who’s competing at the Golden Gloves and in what weight class.”

Weigh-in for the tournament and physical examinations are scheduled for 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday at the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio Eastside branch.

Bouts will start at 6 p.m. Feb.19-21 at Woodlawn Gym, 1103 Cincinnati Ave. Admission is $10.

This college’s boxing team practice weekdays 4 p.m.-6 p.m. in Loftin.

For more information on the Golden Gloves, visit sagoldengloves.com.

For more information on the boxing club, call student life at 210486-0125.

File photo 2012

Pulse

www.theranger.org/pulse

Feb. 11, 2013 • 11

Ways to positively stay HIV negative San Antonio College provides free HIV testing for students.

issued a 9-0 ruling that decided that in cases of a person who has low-levels of HIV and pracBy Kevin W. Pang take part in this free service that the health pro- tices sex with condoms does not need to inform sac-ranger@alamo.edu motions office is offering,” she said. a sexual partner.

The human immunodeficiency virus, or The allied health department will collaboThe levels of HIV can be lowered with antiHIV, has affected millions of lives since the first rate with Peer Educators and B.E.A.T. AIDS to retroviral therapy, documented case in 1959. host two HIV and STD testing events Wednesday There have been convictions of aggravated According to the World Health Organization, and Thursday to emphasize the importance of sexual assault when an HIV positive person did in 2011, there were 34 million people living with responsible sex. not observe safe sex practices by not using a HIV, 2.5 million newly infected, and 1.7 million In two testing sessions in the 2011-12 year, condom and did not disclose their HIV positive died of AIDS complications, caused by the HIV Peer Educators served 77 students from this status. virus. college.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation HIV testing, experiments on drugs that Hal G. Bluntley, proreported on Toronto inhibit the phase of the retrovirus life cycle gram coordinator of the resident Ian Thomas The health promotions known as antiretroviral therapy, and educa- allied health departWilliams, who is HIV office will distribute free tional resources on practicing safe sex are some ment, said in the past, positive. He transmitted condoms and lubricant, of the efforts being done to help prevent the the group has had an his disease to his wife provide free HIV testing spread of the virus. exceptionally large turnand she died in 2005 of The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/ out and warrants more AIDS-related complicaand give away door AIDS that acts toward universal access to HIV events to follow. tions. Williams served a prizes from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. prevention, treatment, care and support named Testing through year in prison for aggraWednesday in Room 150 UNAIDS states that from 2011-2009 AIDS- B.E.A.T AIDS requires vated assault. of Loftin Student Center. related global deaths fell 25 percent. a college ID, name, Williams had low Free HIV testing In observance, the health promotions office address, phone number levels of HIV and was will be provided from created Project H.O.T. The office will distribute and date of birth. conducting antiretro8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. free condoms and lubricant, provide free HIV B.E.A.T AIDS will viral therapy but had Thursday and Feb. 25, testing, and give away prizes every 15 minutes. ask for a Social Security unprotected sex and March 4 and 25, The event is 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday in Room number if a student did not disclose his HIV and April 8 and 29 150 of Loftin Student Center. tests positive for the status.

The office promotes student health and virus.

Williams pleaded in Room 150 of Loftin. partners with community organizations to eduThe health promoguilty to two counts cate and offer services with the goal of students tions office will conduct of aggravated sexual actively living a healthy lifestyle. its HIV testing through the center for health assault in 2011 for not disclosing his HIV status.

Additional free HIV testing will be offered care services and requires students to provide a CNN reported on Nick Rhoades, a resident throughout the spring.

Social Security number prior to testing. from Iowa, who was sentenced to 25 years in The office will offer HIV testing 8:30 a.m.The testing process for both organizations prison on Sept. 11, 2009, under a Class B felony 11:30 a.m. Thursday and Feb. 25, March 4 and involves taking a cheek swab, and results are charge of criminal transmission of HIV; other 25, and April 8 and 29. available in 15 minutes.

Class B crimes include manslaughter, kidnapErika Pena, program coordinator of the If a student tests positive, the organizations ping, drug crimes and robbery. health promotions office, emphasizes the offer support and counseling.

Rhoades said he was on antiretroviral theraresponsibility students have to practice safety There have been many legal challenges to py, the amount of HIV was undetectable, and he measures when having sex. disclosing one’s HIV status. said he wore a condom.

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partner and in Iowa, which is one of the 32 states that has laws where intentionally or recklessly transmitting HIV to another person is a punishable crime.

In the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 2, Subtitle D, Chapter 81 Subchapter A Section 81.051(a) states that if the person is tested positive for HIV, “The department shall establish programs for partner notification and referral services.”

Section 81.051(b) says, “If a person with HIV infection voluntarily discloses the name of a partner, that information is confidential.

Partner names may be used for field investigation and notification.”

John Barbo, supervisor of prevention for B.E.A.T AIDS, said that there is no law penalizing HIV-positive individuals for not disclosing their status to sexual partners.

Although there is no legal precedent or legal decision in Texas for prosecuting those who withhold their HIV-status, there have been few cases where those who are HIV-positive and did not disclose their HIV-status to their partner have been prosecuted for providing false information to their sexual partners.

Barbo said, “If a person who is positive for HIV was warned by their partner before that they had HIV, they would have made different choices.”

Barbo said responsibility has three steps: Know your HIV status, get tested and know your partner’s HIV status.

For more information, call Erika Pena at 210-486-0158. The office is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For more information, call Peer Educators’ Mariana Solis at 210-486-1448 or go to Room 140 of Moody Learning Center.

For more information on allied health, call Buntley at 210-486-1502.

For more information on B.E.A.T. AIDS, call Barbo at 210-212-2266.

Feature

12 • Feb. 11, 2013

www.theranger.org/feature

9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldier Dustin Mitchell practices a bugle call in the staging area.

Ingrid Wilgen

Turner McGarity adjusts his U.S. Army calvary uniform worn by Buffalo soldiers after the Civil War. McGarity said the Buffalo Soldiers were given that name by Native Americans due to their fighting strength.

Ingrid Wilgen

Carl “JJ” Johnson and Shelly, his 18-year old Arabian mare, participate in the U.S. 9th Calvary Buffalo Soldier Saturday in the Western Heritage Parade. Ingrid Wilgen

Buffalo Soldiers ride in Western Heritage Parade

By Ingrid Wilgen

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

A lone bugler signaled the approach of the Buffalo Soldiers Feb. 2 at the Western Heritage Parade downtown.

Bugler Dustin Mitchell wore the blue and gold uniform of the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers and sounded the alarm as fellow Buffalo Soldiers Turner McGarity, vice president of the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers, and Carl “JJ” Johnson rode their horses along a crowd-lined Houston Street.

Above the applause, shouts of “thank you for your service” could be heard.

While preparing Joy, his quarter horse mare, for the parade, McGarity said the group is trying to spread the history of the Buffalo Soldier.

“A lot of it is left out of the history books,” he said. “There is not a lot there, and we are just trying to put a piece of that puzzle that’s left out.”

McGarity said the black cavalry, that the Buffalo Soldiers represent, did basic training at San Pedro Springs Park, which was known as the San Pedro Springs at the time.

After the Civil War, Congress created all African-American units, the 9th and 10th Buffalo Soldier Cavalry units and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Infantry regiments.

Their mission was to help rebuild the country after the war and to protect settlers on the western frontier.

McGarity said Fort Clark in Brackettville, about 125 miles west of San Antonio on U.S.

Above: A Longhorn cattle drive leads the Western Heritage Parade. Right: Sydney Shiller, 7, and Bryce Easter, 8, ride along for the first time with Sydney’s father Shawn. Monica Correa

Highway 90, was the Buffalo Soldiers home They wouldn’t give her any type of retirement after basic training. because they said she came in under fraudulent He said Buffalo soldiers patrolled the West, enlistment.”

Southwest and down on the Mexican border Carl “JJ” Johnson rode Shelly, his 18-year old trying keep the peace.

Arabian mare, who he characterMcGarity said few people ized as being smart, humble and know there was a female Buffalo a “good riding horse.”

View Soldier, Cathay Williams, who “We are very interested in the video at changed her name to William what the Buffalo Soldiers had to theranger.org.

Cathay, in the 38th Infantry. offer; to teach and to educate He said she served for two others about who the Buffalo years.

Soldiers were,” Johnson said.

“She went on sick call three The Buffalo Soldiers will stage times, and it was never noticed that she was a an encampment Feb. 18 in the mall in honor of female,” McGarity said.

Black History Month.

“The third time, she was fully unclothed, For more information, call 210-486-0598 or and it was found out and she was discharged. email bsasac@gmail.com.