RANGER THE
Feb. 20, 2009
Serving San Antonio College and the Alamo Community College District
Volume 83, Issue 15
Single copies free
A forum of free voices
Darfur women face rape Page 3 Extreme engineering, extreme learning Page 5 Choosing a career? Meet the majors Page 8
Jeff Corwin
Animal handler on campus Feb. 27
Page 6
2• Feb. 20, 2009
Officials Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio, TX 78204-1429 Work: 485-0020 Fax: 208-8149 E-mail: bleslie@mail.accd.edu District 1: Dr. Bernard Weiner 929 Manor Drive, Ste. 7, San Antonio, TX 78228 Work: 735-9151 E-mail: bweinermd@satx.rr.com District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com District 3: Anna Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 882-1603 Fax: 927-4557 E-mail: abustamante20@mail.accd.edu District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio, TX 78211 Home: 922-6815 Fax: 923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@mail.accd.edu District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio, TX 78251 Phone: Not available E-mail: rzarate11@mail.accd.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way Helotes, TX 78023 Work: 567-5544 Fax: 520-9185 E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu District 7: Charles Conner 13306 Hunters Hollow, San Antonio, TX 78230 Home: 493-7176 Fax: 493-7909 E-mail: cconner8@mail.accd.edu District 8: Gary Beitzel 15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio, TX 78232 Home: 496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@accd.edu District 9: James A. Rindfuss 109 Laburnum, San Antonio, TX 78209 Home: 828-4630 Work: 375-2555 Home Fax: 832-8292 Office Fax: 375-0301 E-mail: jrindfus@mail.accd.edu
Presidents
Drinking for course credit Allen McDougall, intoxilyzer technical supervisor, instructed 14 police officers during the 40-hour intoxilyzer certification course concluded on Feb. 13 at the law enforcement training academy. All 14 police officers enrolled in this course were certified to operate intoxilyzer devices. The six-minute test requires the person being tested to exhale into a tube for at least six seconds to determine alcohol concentration in the body. This course involves a controlled drinking test of three alcohol doses proportionate to each officer’s body weight. The doses were taken in 15-minute intervals within a 45-minute period. The intoxilyzer measures the alcohol in the blood, he said, and the results introduced in court are valid data. A select team of officers conducted the blood-alcohol readings through breath tests on the second day of the course while the rest of the team conducted their test the following day. The officers were asked to eat lunch 30 minutes prior to drinking, he said. The drinks were either Crown Royal whiskey with Coke, or Tito’s Handmade Vodka with orange juice, but the officers were not required to finish all three doses. “If you drink on an empty stomach,
Blotter San Antonio College Feb. 4 – A staff member reported students arguing with her in Fletcher. All found to be OK. An officer reported two juveniles on campus. Juveniles released to parents. Feb. 5 – An individual reported found property in Chance. Item placed in property locker.
Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 486-5484, ereno@mail.accd.edu
An individual reported lost personal property.
Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 486-4900, jclaunch@mail.accd.edu
A non-district related individual issued a criminal trespass warning in chemistry-geology.
St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 486-2900, aloston@mail.accd.edu
Online When you see this symbol, go to www.theranger.org for more info.
Tuskegee Airmen were trailblazers, speaker says Instructor wants to train students to enter Rube Goldberg contest Women of Darfur now most vulnerable, panel says Vice chancellor: Central receiving concept outdated
Melissa Toscano Lazcano
By Melissa Toscano Lazcano
San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 486-0959, rzeigler@mail.accd.edu
Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 486-3960, aguzman@mail.accd.edu
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
Feb. 6 – An individual reported damage to a district vehicle. An individual reported a verbal disturbance between her and another female in Loftin. All found to be OK. An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. An individual reported a verbal disturbance involving a fellow employee in nursing and allied health from the previous day. An individual reported missing district property in McCreless. Feb. 7 – Non-district related individual detained for criminal trespass in Lot 21. Case filed with Bexar County DA. An individual reported broken window and theft between $20-$200. No suspects. Feb. 9 – An individual reported a male asking for money. Male not located. An individual reported an irate male in the area by Moody. All found to be OK.
Allen McDougall, intoxilyzer technical supervisor, brings orange juice and cola to the four police officers taking the controlled drinking test under Instructor Tom Wettstein’s supervision on Feb. 11 at the law enforcement training academy. Fourteen police officers obtained the intoxilyzer certification Feb. 13.
you feel sick,” McDougall said. Instructor Tom Wettstein supervised the controlled drinking test and explained the rules as he distributed a required orange vest to the participating officers. Wettstein told the officers they were not allowed to carry firearms, drive or smoke. Wettstein instructed them that if they got sick, to “run outside and puke in the grass.” Two officers are stationed per intoxilyzer device to conduct two blood-alcohol breath readings; the second reading is conducted after a 15-minute interval. While conducting the intoxilyzer test on Officer Gerstner of the Georgetown Police Department, Officer Gonzalez of the Pharr Police Department said, this is the same process for a “real life situation.” The officer is instructed to wait 15 minutes
Contact Information Emergency 222-0911 General DPS 485-0099 Weather Line 485-0189
An individual reported the theft of a backpack, containing between $50-$500. No suspects. Palo Alto College Feb. 3 — An individual reported found property. Item returned to owner. Feb. 4 — Reported stolen items in Lot 2. Individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
to observe the person in question, he said. “If they go to the restroom, we have to start the 15 minutes again,” he said. The individual may try to deceive the test results by rinsing or diluting the levels of alcohol inside their mouth, he said. The Texas Department of Transportation says, “The legal limit for intoxication in Texas is 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC).” The average alcohol level of a person arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas is 0.15, McDougall said. He said dentists agree a person can have a tooth extracted and not feel any pain at a blood-alcohol level of 0.15. “People think it’s a right to drink and drive,” he said. For more information, visit www.texasdwi.org.
suspects. An individual reported damage to personal vehicle in Lot 9. Stolen property recovered in Lot 9. Feb. 5 — An individual arrested for an active warrent. Feb. 7 — An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. Feb. 9 — An individual reported missing district property. Item located. SAPD advised of a dog in a vehicle. The vehicle was not located. An individual reported theft of personal property between $50 and $500. No suspects. An individual reported a verbal disturbance between a male and a female. All found to be OK.
Feb. 5 — An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
An individual reported being assaulted by a female. Female issued citation for assault.
A non-district related individual issued a criminal trespass warning.
Southwest Campus
An individual reported grafitti on district property. No suspects. Feb. 6 — An individual reported found property. Item returned to owner. An individual reported a verbal disturbance involving two students An individual was arrested for an active warrant, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana. Case filed with DA. Feb 8. — An individual reported grafitti in the men’s restroom. No suspects found. Feb. 9 — An individual reported receiving numerous unwanted phone calls.
Feb. 4 — An individual reported a male and female arguing in a lot. Female located and all found to be OK. Feb. 9 — An individual reported damage to personal vehicle in Lot 6. No suspects found. Northeast Lakeview College Feb. 4 — An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. Feb. 5 — An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. An individual reported a hit and run in Lot 6. The case is closed.
St. Philip’s College
Feb. 6 — An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
Feb. 4 — A suspended individual reported personal vehicle being stolen out of Lot 18. There are no
Feb. 9 — An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
DPS seeking flasher from gym incident By Rennie Murrell About 1:30 p.m. Jan. 29, a male allegedly exposed his genitals to a female in a gym at this college. The names of the individuals involved in this incident have not been released, Sgt. Ben Pena, district department of public safety, said. Dr. Robert Vela Jr., dean of student affairs, said in an e-mail, “This is a confidential student discipline issue; I am not able to comment.” “This case and charges against the alleged ‘flasher’ have been submitted to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office for further prosecution,” Pena said. This case is now up to the district attorney’s office to prosecute, he said. Indecent exposure is a Class B misdemeanor. According to Section 12.22 of the Texas Penal Code, an individual found guilty of a Class B misdemeanor shall be punished by: (1) a fine not to exceed $2,000; (2) confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days; or (3) both such fine and confinement. Any student, faculty or staff who may witness a crime, suspicious persons or activity on campus should immediately call authorities. Do not confront the individual. If you do not have a phone, use one of the emergency phones on campus. Look for the flashing blue lights. If no emergency phone is nearby, leave the area.
To report a crime, call 485-0099 Emergencies 222-0911 Building Emergency 486-1235
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
3 • Feb. 20, 2009
Speaker urges grassroots action to stop Darfur genocide By Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle Everyone has a moral obligation to join the movement and take action in stopping the genocide in Darfur, a member of the grassroots nonprofit organization Save Darfur said Feb. 11 in the Fiesta Room in Loftin Student Center. “There is silence and people need to know,” Deri Ricard said. “What you do matters.” She spoke to a crowd of about 90 after a 12-minute documentary “Violence Against Women and the Darfur Genocide,” based on the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war in Darfur, Sudan. The event was a live webcast event sponsored by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Save Darfur Coalition. More than 200 faith-based advocacy and human rights organizations from around the world participated in the event. The documentary featured testimonials of women and young girls being tortured and raped by the government-backed Janjaweed militia. Sexual violence is being used as an instrument of genocide.
Women tell of being raped multiple times and in front of their children, according to women interviewed in the video. In the matriarch Muslim tradition of Darfuri society, women hold a strict code of loyalty and chastity. When a woman is raped, it brings great shame to the family. Many women and young girls are being abandoned by their families because of the stigma, according to the video. A live panel discussion was also broadcast after the film. Panelists included moderator Gloria E. WhiteHammond: actor Maria Bello; lawyer Kelly Dawn Askin; John Heffernan, director of the U.S. Holocaust Museum; and Niemat Ahmadi, a Darfuri liaison who is also featured in the documentary. Askin discussed the legalities of establishing rape as a war crime and prosecuting and convicting Janjaweed leaders in international tribunal courts. An arrest warrant for Sudan president Omar al-Bashir is anticipated by the end of this month. Ahmadi described mothers who refuse to feed
daughters who have been raped and mothers who their priority list. refuse to breast feed babies being born out of rape. To sign the petition, log on to sanantoniofordar“The crisis has turned our lives upside down. The fur.roots or savedarfur.org/women. war in Darfur actually is being fought Ricard is organizing to have a group of in women’s bodies,” Ahmadi said dursupporters of the Save Darfur coalition march ing the webcast. in the upcoming International Women’s Day She fears for her life and has march March 7. narrowly escaped two assassination Anyone interested in getting involved can attempts by the government to precall her at 269-2967. vent her from speaking out against You can also view the documentary at the war. ushmm.org. An estimated 400,000 civilians To express moral support to the have been killed. After the end of the women of Darfur, leave a message discussions, Ricard said, “Rape is at at 888-473-7885. Messages will be the heart of the genocide.” played over the radio in the refugee She said Darfur must be a priorcamps in Darfur. ity in the international community, To make donations to the resettlement See second which must demand justice and needs of refugees in the San Antonio area, story. hold those accountable for the sufcall Dr. Ria Baker at rbaker@cissa.org or fering. 990-0428. She urged the audience to sign petitions to be Items needed are personal care products, sent to President Barack Obama and Secretary of clothes and household items. English-as-a-second State Hillary Clinton to keep Darfur near the top of language volunteers also are needed.
Visual arts improvements BioSpot offers advising on drawing board next
By Lea Thompson The renovation and addition to the visual arts center is estimated to begin in May 2010, John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities operations and construction management, said Wednesday. The project originally had been scheduled to begin this semester, but a delay has been caused by more immediate construction needs, Strybos said. Strybos said remodeling of the chemistry-geology building, which is expected to start in May, was a priority. The department of chemistry, geology and earth sciences has moved classes into the nursing education building but is still offering labs in the chemistry-geology building. Funds from the Alamo Community College District’s 2005 bond issue paid for the architectural plans for visual arts, but Strybos said the college does not have enough available funds to complete both projects. Strybos said the current estimate needed for visual arts is about $8 million. The visual arts faculty presented a list of problems in the building last year to the college budget officer, David Mrizek, vice president of college services. The list included roof leaks, faulty air conditioning units and outdated wiring. After reviewing the list, college officials and architects agreed that the building needed a major expansion and upgrade. Since the building’s construction in 1991, the gallery and many of the classrooms and offices have experienced leaks during rainstorms.
Architect Donna Johnson of Durand-Hollis Rupe Architects Inc. has presented proposals and models of what the building will look like after remodeling, but the design plans are not complete for other buildings. Once the current remodeling plans are carried out, the department can begin moving to existing space in other buildings, or modular buildings if necessary. An earlier plan to move the department into portable buildings near the site of the former motor pool building has been scrapped, Strybos said. Instead, the visual arts department will move to space that becomes available in other buildings once current remodeling is completed, he said. A new security system will be installed in visual arts as well as cameras to monitor the gallery and prevent theft. Some professionals will not show their works at the gallery because of security reasons in the past, Chair Richard Arredondo said Feb. 2. The outdated track lighting in the gallery will be replaced with energy efficient halogens, and a new timer will control the lighting more effectively. Architects also plan to install a new energyefficient heating and air conditioning unit and new windows. Arredondo said architects also plan to create a two-story addition on the east side of the building, which would allow the ceramics and art metals programs, now housed at Koehler Cultural Center, to join the rest of the visual arts department. The addition would also provide space for more restrooms and a new digital gallery.
Professors, peers and private tutors offer help to preprofessional students plan for degree.
For more information, call the BioSpot at 733-2039.
By Alice Gonzalez Counseling advisers are available in the BioSpot, a facility where biology students can get additional help from professors, peers and private tutors. Students who are seeking counseling in nursing and biology are able to meet with preprofessional advisers who are trained to help with questions, Professor Rafael Torres, BioSpot director, said Feb 11. Schedules are available in the BioSpot for students interested in speaking with a counselor, and appointments are not necessary. “Counseling has been available for students in the BioSpot for about four semesters now,” Torres said. Counselor Amy White is the only counselor staffing the BioSpot, and she is available from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on Wednesdays. She specializes in counseling students interested in nursing, but can also answer any general question regarding other degrees. Counselors in the BioSpot are there to provide general counseling to the students regarding courses they should take, courses that transfer to a four-year university and dates to apply, Torres said. Students are usually asking questions about transcripts, repetition of courses, the application process for entering the nursing program and classes they should take together, White said Monday.
Students also inquire about applying for financial aid and anything else that could help them with the costs, White said. Nursing information meetings are at 1 p.m. in the counseling center on Wednesdays. The information meetings are open to any student needing more details about the nursing program, White said. Interested students can sign in at the registration desk. “My heart is with the nursing students, and they are welcome to visit me outside the BioSpot any time,” White said. Students can get counseling information on dental and medical careers through the transfer center. “Students should be knowledgeable with the application to professional school because it’s a long process, and students need to take charge of their career. Plus knowing what courses to take in advance can only improve the students ability to better prepare for more advanced courses,” White said. Students can get further assistance to professional school by contacting the medical school or visiting the transfer center, White said. The BioSpot is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. MondayThursday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday in Room 350 of Chance Academic Center. For additional counseling, contact White at 486-0351 in Room 133 of Moody Learning Center.
ASL Talent Show and Silent Auction Accessible to deaf and hearing audiences $5 donation/ admission fee benefits scholarship fund 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, SAC’s McAllister Auditorium For info, call 733-2071
4 • Feb. 20, 2009
Bull ride:
People
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
Melissa Toscano Lazcano
Tyler Cleveland
Photography freshman Raquel Peña rides the mechanical bull during the Rodeo Roundup featuring a mini rodeo with club booths Wednesday in the mall.
Pig parts:
Palo Alto agriculture Instructor Weldon Wrigs and agriculture sophomore Tiffany Wilson help 9-year-old Emily Seeker from Brenham identify a pig’s ear during the Swine Skillathon at the 60th annual Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 10. The rodeo continues through Sunday.
Melissa Toscano Lazcano
Rock ’n’ roll: Shinji Mimura, foreign languages freshman, parodies Creed’s “Arms Wide Open” with music freshman Sebastian Casanova, left, and computer science freshman Isaac García during karaoke in Loftin Monday.
Feb. 20, 2009 • 5
The Ranger • www.theranger.org
Engineering students rebuild, recycle appliances Melissa Toscano Lazcano
By Ralonda R. Green Engineering students turned a physics lab into a shop class Feb. 6, trading in textbooks for tools and appliances. Astronomy Instructor Alfred Alaniz likes to call it Fun with Physics Fridays. Science and engineering students use their skills to repair broken appliances or to develop innovative projects with the leftovers, Alaniz said. He added Fridays will be used for field trips, to show movies or for tinkering in the lab. “We are going to take apart appliances and try to fix them,” he said. “If we can’t, well, then I know what’s wrong with them, or we’ll have spare parts for projects.” Alaniz said he and the students want to help support recycling on campus to compel science and engineering students to think of inventions that create fun with recycling. “We have such free sunlight here in South Central Texas,” he said. “I’m going to try to get my students to do projects that have to do with solar, try to be ‘green.’” Alaniz wants them to make machinery such as can or plastic crushers. All of this, Alaniz said, is to motivate the students into learning and putting
Mechanical engineering sophomores Emilio Gonzalez and Dustin Edwards and freshman Josué Cruz-Lambert work on an inefficient power drill with astronomy Instructor Alfred Alaniz supervising during Fun with Physics Friday Feb. 6 in Chance. that learning into action. “There’s so much energy in some of the kids. When you don’t want to study, then you occupy your mind some other way, then you really are still studying, you’re still learning,” Alaniz said. Alaniz hopes that when the Fun with
Physics Friday is established, he and his students can encourage individuals to allow him and his crew of students to fix them. They could salvage things like power supplies or electrical plugs. “Those are always handy for projects,” Alaniz said.
Engineering students Nathan used tools to move the slot back and Herrington, Dustin Edwards, Gary forth. Cruz worked on a VCR, displayPopov, Emilio Gonzalez, Josue Cruz- ing the components. Lambert and Christopher John-Duncan Alaniz said the project shouldn’t Arauz gathered to disassemble a variety cost anything. “We either use tools that of appliances. we own, or we will be using tools that Laid out on lab tables were a power the physics department has for their drill, CD player, VCR and an oscilloscope, labs. So we’re just playing it by ear an electronic test instrument that allows whenever we get whatever.” signal voltages to be viewed. Alaniz also said he wants the engineerThey used screwdrivers, ing students to work with the Astronomy hammers and other tools, Club to maybe build things powered by including a power supply solar energy. to check the function of the Physics, engineering and architecdrill without using batteries. ture Chair Jerry O’Connor praised The goal was for the the program for its benefits. “First, young engineers to open up show them how things work. the nonworking machines to Second, develop trouble-shootfigure out what could be ing strategies, and third, see a wrong and fix them. concrete view of course materials,” Edwards, who worked O’Connor said. on a broken drill along See Rube Goldberg Alaniz said, with Gonzalez, said Fun “We’ve got lots of with Physics Friday is great for those little things that people don’t realize who just like to tinker with things and they’re learning, so that’s the best way. build things. We’re tricking them into learning. They’re Edwards said he is a tinkerer at heart learning and they don’t know it.” who used to play around with his motorTo get your vacuum cleaner fixed, cycle and car. “I’m sort of a grease mon- donate spare parts or for more informakey; my dream is to work on cars.” tion, call Alaniz at 486-0060 or stop by Arauz and Popov worked on the CD Room 237 of Chance at 1 p.m. Friday player. They opened it to find out why or his office in Room 106 of the nursing the sliding tray was not working and education building.
Catholics offer differing opinions of pope on YouTube Method may be less effective in poorer countries.
By Vanessa M. Sanchez
Brother Joseph Liedecke, campus minister at this college’s Catholic Student Center, said he thinks broadcasting is a great way to attract Catholics and others to religion. “I think you need to keep up with times,” Liedeck said. “To spread the Gospel, you have to explore every avenue you possibly can.” The Catholic Church has long
Accunet/AP photos
used mass media to spread its message through the newspaper Today’s Catholic and local Catholic television station CTSA. Liedecke, who said he was just starting to understand more of technology, said he has yet to see any of the videos and only found out about them two weeks ago. “I think it’s a way to move forward.” Liedecke said he was interested in showing the new material at the Catholic Student Center. Richard Arredondo, visual arts chair and devoted Catholic, said he was not surprised to hear
the news about the pope and said he supports it. Arredondo said using the YouTube channel is fine for the Catholic Church to reach out because youth do not completely understand their religion. He added that some parents may not take their children to catechism school and others are “out-of-culture Catholics” who attend church strictly on holidays. These people may not have time to go to church so they can view other news from the pope via the Internet, he said. Arredondo compared the
ways Pope Benedict and his predecessor Pope John Paul II connected to their audiences. Though Pope Benedict is using a different method to reach more people, while keeping up with the times, Arredondo said, it was more personal when Pope John Paul II traveled to meet with people. When Pope John Paul II traveled to Mexico, he connected with the poorer people who may not have access to computers, Arredondo said. “When people see the pope in person, it means a lot more than on a computer,” Arredondo said.
He said using YouTube to broadcast to the youth would work in the richer countries but not as well in the poor areas of the world. Arredondo said there is an increase among youth in fundamental and protestant denominations, and it is possible that the pope could be using YouTube as a mode of communication to branch out to those who may want or need closure, Arredondo said. To view all of the videos of Pope Benedict XVI, visit www. YouTube.com and search for Vatican.
Pope Benedict XVI
6 • www.theranger.org Leda Garcia
Music recitals open to all, but please follow etiquette
Premiere
Feb. 20, 2009 • 7
Tyler Cleveland
Famed wildlife show host and author to tame exotic reptiles and audience on campus. By Martin Herrera and Jeff Reese
Cell phones create distractions to performances, chair says. By Lea Thompson
Psychology sophomore J.C. Flores, left, foreign languages freshman Shinji Mimura, liberal arts freshman Bradley Ford and computer sophomore Mike Wright laugh their way through an answer Wright gave at the Dating Game Feb. 13 in Loftin.
Dating game nets iPods Spontaneous answers to probing questions draw laughter, cheers from crowd. By Giselle Guadron Two couples won the Dating Game hosted by the Black Student Alliance Feb. 13, but nobody won a “date.” The four received a box of chocolates and iPods after a game patterned after television programs such as “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game.” Radio-television-film sophomore Rachel Henderson was the bachelorette chosen from a field of four answering questions behind the curtain. Psychology sophomore J.C. Flores, a crowd favorite, was the bachelor chosen. He gave his iPod to Bachelor No. 3, foreign languages freshman Shinji Mimura, to allow Mimura to enjoy music. The male and female contestants who chose Henderson and Flores left before they could be interviewed, and organizers of the event did not remember their names. Their microphones did not magnify the voices of the contestants, so many in the crowd could not hear the questions they posed to the hidden bachelors and bachelorettes. Tables in the cafeteria of Loftin were full and students were standing to see the event. After a few technical difficulties, the game opened with the theme music from the old TV dating game show. In the first round, a bachelorette asked questions to four eligible bachelors, who were computer sophomore Mike Wright, liberal arts freshman Bradley Ford, Mimura and Flores. She was sitting behind a curtain and the four men on the other side answered her questions as the audience applauded and laughed. The question that was most important to the bachelorette was, “Black History Month is hosted by the Black Student Alliance, and I want to know how important is it to remember black history in our society?”
Flores, Bachelor No. 4, responded, “Black History Month is family, unity. They broke their backs for us.” “There was Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Obama. They fought for civil rights. Black History Month is a movement.” He received applause and cheers. The bachelorette said she chose Flores because of his response to that question. Round 2 involved a bachelor asking questions to four bachelorettes: premedicine sophomore Martina Vallego, music business freshman Haly Lam, RTF sophomore Josette Martinez and Henderson. The question that had the audience eager to hear the responses was, “If I were broke would you want me to give you a heartfelt CD or borrow money from my mom to take you out?” Bachelorette No. 1 Martinez answered that she’d rather have him as a friend if he was going to be broke. Her response got the audience to cheer and laugh. Some audience members even commented aloud that if he were to borrow money from his mother once that he would get used to it and it would become a habit. He ended up choosing Henderson, who later said that she entered the game for fun. Media services Chair Barbara Knotts, adviser to the Black Student Alliance, said in an interview after the game that there is no commitment required between the students and that they do not have to go out on a date. There was a pre-selection done on participants, but some did not come to the event. Knotts had to scramble to find participants. She started asking audience members if they would be last-minute substitutions. All the questions that are asked by the bachelor or bachelorette were OK’d before they were asked. Knotts said this event was open to all students who wanted to participate. She recalled the first dating game three years ago had a round for gay students. “This year there were not enough students participating to have numerous rounds,” she said.
The department of music and humanities offers 24 concerts this semester, giving performers stage experience and allowing students an opportunity to appreciate musical performances by students, faculty and guests. Many classes within the department require concert attendance. Private applied music, music literature and music theory classes require students to attend a minimum of four recitals. All other classes in the department require attendance at three. Recital attendance makes up 10 percent of the semester grade in all of these courses, according to a departmental policy. The recitals expose student audiences to genres of music that they might not usually hear and help reinforce what is being learned in class, interim Chair Mary Lou Russell said Feb. 9. Students performing are able to gain professional confidence and experience. Faculty is “not required to perform, but many do out of sheer love of music and performing,” she said Wednesday. “It comes out of their own time.” The department gives these suggestions for etiquette at concerts. Audience members must arrive at concerts on time. Once the recital begins, doors stay closed until the end of the first performance. Students must stay for the entire recital. Those arriving late or leaving early will not receive attendance credit for class. Guests should enter the auditorium quietly and pick up a recital attendance form at the door if they need credit for attending. Completed forms are collected at the door and are sent to department faculty for recording. Performers deserve the audience’s respect and complete silence during a concert, Russell said. Russell and the department’s guidelines instruct guests to avoid moving around, talking or using electronic devices during a concert. Cell phones and pagers should be silenced before the concert begins. “The performers can hear the audience just like the audience can hear the performers,” Russell said. Parents of young children should sit near exits so they can leave if the children become noisy. At a recital, applause should be held until the entire piece has been completed. There are often several different movements within a performance; early applause can disrupt the performer. If you are not sure when to applaud, wait to hear the audience clap first. Food and drinks are not allowed in the auditorium. Photography and tape recording during concerts are forbidden without the approval of the department, according to the policy. There are an average of 100-150 attendees per performance, and there are 21 remaining performances this semester. For information on performances, see www.accd. edu/sac/music/musiccalendar.htm or call 486-0255.
Corwin experience in McAllister
Wildlife management sophomores Jason Brister, left, and Fabien Sanchez push dirt Feb. 13 at Horse Barn No. 2. Since a young age, Sanchez has participated in rodeo activities, including entering swine in competitions.
PAC students lasso rodeo internships San Antonio Livestock Exposition Scholarship Committee has given $87 million since 1989.
which awarded $8.5 million in scholarships, grants and premiums to interns and student competition winners last year, with a total of $87 million awarded since 1989. Tony Magaro, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, said the committee’s mission is to help By Tyler Cleveland encourage and support young students in their interest and pursuit of agriculture careers in college. Eight student interns from Palo Alto’s agriculture All eight of the interns plan on using the scholand horticulture program will each receive a $1,000 arship money to earn an associate or bachelor’s scholarship for helping to run the 60th annual Stock degree. Show and Rodeo at the AT&T Center and Freeman Barnes and Vogler said the money hasn’t been a Coliseum. major motivation for their work. “I just wanted to Working 11 days from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., hortihelp my professor,” said Vogler, referring to agriculculture and landscape design freshman Anna Vogler ture Instructor Weldon Riggs, who has arranged the and agriculture freshman scholarship opportunity for Brittany Barnes check in Palo Alto’s students since horse trailers as they come 2000. in from around the country “He’s helped us out with and Canada, identifying the a lot of stuff along the way,” horses using their health Barnes said. certificates, issuing vehicle “It’s been a great expepermits, assigning stalls, rience,” said Vogler, “just and helping owners in any meeting the competitors and way they can. seeing the horses.” “It took me three nights Vogler and Barnes handto adjust,” said Vogler about ed off their schedule to the work schedule. “The the second duo of interns first two nights were really Feb. 13, training agriculture Horticulture and landscape design freshman hard and your brain goes sophomores Brooke Keller Anna Vogler, left, and agriculture freshman into a fog.” and Atascosa native Karleen Brittany Barnes do homework while waiting for The girls sleep from 7 Lazalde for their 10-day routrailers at the registration office Feb. 10. a.m.-4 p.m., doing their tine until the rodeo’s end homework while waiting for trailers. “Our teachSunday. ers know what we are doing out here,” said Vogler. “It’s hard work, but I’m used to it,” said Lazalde, Barnes and Vogler said they have not had any conwho cares for horses at her family’s ranch in flicts with their school work. Atascosa. “I’m excited.” All scholarship money is provided by the San While young women are checking in horses, the Antonio Livestock Exposition Scholarship Committee, guys can be found emptying trash cans, scrubbing
Horticulture science freshman Ricardo Lupiean picks up trash Feb. 13 at Horse Barn No. 2. restrooms and spraying horse stalls. Wildlife management sophomores Jason Brister and Fabien Sanchez helped train agriculture science sophomore Bryan Tejeda and horticulture science freshman Ricardo Lupiean who work the last 10 days of the rodeo. “It’s fun, and the experience is good for you,” said Tejeda on his first night, “especially with people you’ve never met, it teaches you to juggle a bit.” The boys are trained by K.D. Ranch out of Stockdale, the company responsible for cleaning all of the rodeo grounds. Beginning about 10 p.m., the guys will sometimes clean until 6 a.m., “depending on the amount of stalls we have to clean,” Brister said. “One night we had over 200.” All eight of the interns have treated the experience as one they won’t soon forget. “It will probably take me three days to reverse the cycle once this is over,” Vogler said. “I’ll sit up in bed and say, ‘trailer!’ and think, ‘Oh wait, I’m at home.’”
In its fourth year of programming, San Antonio College’s Fine Arts and Events Series will shed light on wildlife and forest conservation when Jeff Corwin, host of Animal Planet’s “Jeff Corwin Experience,” gives his “Tales from the Field” lecture at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in McAllister Fine Arts Center auditorium. Admission is free and open to the general public. Children under 5 will not be admitted. Dr. Alice Johnson, dean of learning resources and the chair of the SAC-FACES committee organizing the event, said the series is meant to “broaden the horizons” of students by exposing them to people or experiences they might not encounter otherwise. Past events from the series have included performances of the San Antonio Symphony and speeches from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Edward James Olmos and Morgan Spurlock, an independent filmmaker known for the “Supersize Me” docudrama. “Just attending those kind of talks is illuminating for the students,” Johnson said. The committee receives a $25,000 allocation annually from the president’s office to produce events throughout the year. Johnson said it is becoming increasingly more difficult to attract people who create such a wide community interest within that budget, especially when it is not the only event they produce in the year. Johnson is hoping to build partnerships with multiple funding sources to ensure the program’s continued growth and success. Pointing out the state of the economy, Johnson acknowledged the difficulty she faces in doing that. “Every single entity that raises money to do whatever their mission is, they’re all having trouble getting the funds in because people are hanging on to their money,” Johnson said. Kathryn Armstrong, coordinator of special projects, said Corwin will bring 12 to 14 reptiles ranging in size from that of a dinner plate up to 6 feet and will give a presentation on eight of them. Corwin will also answer questions from the
audience. The host of his Animal Planet show since 2000, Corwin received the 2004 Emmy for best performer in a children’s series. Armstrong said she enjoys Corwin’s show because of the clear enthusiasm he displays for his work. “You can tell this is Jeff’s passion. You can see it in his face,” Armstrong said. “It makes me excited to see other people get excited about what they’re doing, whether it’s journalism, photography or whatever.” According to the Animal Planet Web site, Corwin is a native of Massachusetts and is wellknown for his work in wildlife and conservation. The South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell, Mass., credits Corwin as the “driving force” behind their interactive exhibit entitled “EcoZone,” which focuses on the southeastern Massachusetts ecosystems. Corwin earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and biology from Bridgewater State College and was later awarded an honorary doctorate in public education from the same institution. He also obtained a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of MassachusettsAmherst, the Animal Planet Web site stated. The host of various wildlife programs on several networks, Corwin has also published “Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World,” which is now in its fifth edition. Corwin has another book slated for release this spring titled “100 Heartbeats,” which highlights the plight of endangered species. Armstrong plans to attend “Tales from the Field” and encourages others to do the same. “There’s something about him that can’t be seen in a phone conversation or a written interview,” Armstrong said. “You can see the communication of passion. You can see for yourself the transmission of the passion.” That transmission of passion Armstrong speaks about is evident in her changed outlook toward some forms of wildlife. An outdoor enthusiast herself, Armstrong is actually uncomfortable being near reptiles. “You can be a fan of outdoors and not like reptiles,” Armstrong said. “Ten years ago, if I would have seen a snake, I would have tried to go kill it, but as I’ve watched the show, I’ve gained a respect for the place all animals have in wildlife.” Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is limited. For more information, call Johnson at 486-0901 or send an e-mail to ajohnson235@mail.accd.edu.
ASL talent show funds scholarships By Dani Williams The American Sign Language interpreter training department presents its third annual ASL talent show and silent auction, a scholarship fundraiser Saturday. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. preceding the talent show from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. The department is asking for a donation of $5. The faculty and students of the interpreter training department will present the talent show and silent auction. Reynaldo Rodriguez, secretary, said the talent show has been planned since January. In the past, the department has auctioned trips, hotel stays, massages, a day at a beauty salon and alarms for homes, Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said this year’s featured donated items are a computer, a desk, ice cream set, an M&M dispenser, purses and jewelry and additional items. “We’re not really sure how many people will
be in the talent show, but we have never had a problem getting people to perform in it,” Rodriguez said. The show will be accessible for the hearingimpaired as well as the hearing, Rodriguez said. “There aren’t many places for the deaf to go, so when we put on a show everyone comes out,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said there will be an interpreter for the audience. “Teachers and students will perform and possibly some alumni. We’re not sure yet,” Rodriguez said. A $500 scholarship from the Rea and Barbara Hinrichs Scholarship Fund will be awarded. The couple, parents of ASL Chair Lauri Metcalf, live in Denver and have been very supportive of the deaf community. “At the least, two students will be receiving these scholarships,” Rodriguez said. Last year, two students were awarded. For qualifications and requirements, students may check with the department at 486-1106.
Upcoming
8 • Feb. 20 2009
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
Meet the Majors showcases programs, organizations Coordinator suggests asking about job potential in various fields. By Jade Villarreal
the second floor lobby of McCreless and appointments 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the transfer center. Call 486-0864.
Today
Dave (1993) Kevin Klein, Sigourney Weaver Through an uncanny resemblance, Klein becomes the president of the United States after the real man falls into a coma. He proves capable in the office and falls in love with the First Lady. The American President (1995) Michael Douglas, Annette Benning Douglas is the hugely popular president of the United States. However, after his wife dies, he meets and falls in love with an environmental lobbist, giving way to attacks on his character when he runs for president again.
Frost/Nixon (2008) Frank Langella, Michael Sheen After three years of refusing to speak about the Watergate scandal, Nixon decides to have an all-inclusive interview to repair his reputation. Despite purposely picking a breezy television personality, Nixon finds more than he bargained for in Frost.
SAC Event: Coffee night and open mic sponsored by Cheshyre Cheese Club at 6:30 p.m. in Loftin. Free for SAC students, $1 public. Call 486-0649.
SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the second floor lobby of McCreless. Call 486-0864. SAC Performance: Jazz ensemble at 2 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.
SAC Hot Potato: “Staying Cool in an Economic Meltdown” by Emilio Lira 12:15 p.m. at Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 733-1441.
Reading: Poetry reading by Stephan Burt at 7 p.m. in the gallery of Dicke Art Building of Trinity University. Call 999-7516.
SAC Performance: Latin Jazz Combo at 12:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.
Edgar Puente
PAC Event: Informational meeting about the international student volunteers every hour on the hour from noon-6 p.m. Call (310) 936-1734. Saturday Event: Mardi Gras Bash 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m. at Hermann Sons Hall, 525 S. St. Mary’s. Call 573-3403. Event: Annual Henry B. Gonzalez Public Service Award Ceremony “Changing Lives Through Public Service” at 10 a.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Call 486-0883. Event: “Weekend Family Adventure: Build It!” 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Witte Musuem, 3801 Broadway. Adults $7, seniors $6 and children $5. Call 357-1900. Monday
Thirteen Days (2000) Shawn Driscoll, Kevin Costner Set during the Cuban missile crisis. When intelligence of Russians setting nuclear weapons on Cuba is found, President Kennedy must balance between showing that America is strong enough to handle the threat and preventing a nuclear war.
Thursday SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.-noon in the second floor lobby of McCreless and appointments noon-1 p.m. in the transfer center Call 486-0864.
SAC Performance: Church and the Guilding Clouds gospel concert at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Free for students with SAC ID; $1. Call 486-0127. Performance: “Icarus’ Mother” and “Action” by Sam Shepard at 8 p.m. the Jane and Arthur Stieren Theater at Trinity University. Continues 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Call 999-8515.
rium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.
SAC Event: Hang Out 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Continues Mondays. Call 733-1441. SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.11 a.m. in the second floor lobby of McCreless and appointments 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the transfer center. Call 486-0864.
SAC Performance: Faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255. Feb. 27
Wednesday SAC Performance: Choral concert at 1 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.
SAC Event: Transfer-fair 9 a.m.-noon in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0864.
Event: Transfer Day at Texas State University-San Marcos. Call (512)245-8871.
SAC Event: Information table on eating disorders provided by Peer Educators 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in mall or in the Fiesta Room in Loftin in case of rain. Call 486-1448.
SAC Deadline: Deadline to apply for commencement in Room 216 of Fletcher. Call 486-0701. Feb. 28
ue nte
W (2008) Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks Shows George Bush’s life through his wild college years, military career, his time as governor of Texas and his election to the White House.
Event: Habitat for Humanity 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Continues March 21. Call 733-1441.
rP
Nixon (1995) Anthony Hopkins, Joan Allen Describes Richard Nixon’s life through his college career, his defeat at the hands of Kennedy and his eventual move to the Oval Office.
ga
JFK (1991) Kevin Costner, Jay O. Sanders After Kennedy’s assassination, New Orleans district attorney takes it upon himself to figure out what really happened when he suspects that the public isn’t being told everything.
Ed
Presidential Movies
Career services will be hosting a Meet the Majors fair from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center. Meet the Majors will consist of a mix of 13 departments and student organizations that will be present to give students information about their programs and possible career opportunities. Career services was formerly known as the job placement center. Linda Moreno, career guidance specialist, stressed the importance of the semiannual fair and why students should attend in an interview Wednesday. “Meet the Majors is important because students will learn more about the programs we offer here at SAC,” she said. Career services has sponsored this event every
ness programs will be present as part of the business department. TALC, the Teaching Academy Learning Communities, which helps education majors, will also be participating along with the student organization Teaching Academy Program Peers. The Go Green Committee will be present as well. Julie Engel, counselor and coordinator of career services, advises students who attend the fair to ask instructors about the projected financial outlook of their chosen careers in light of the nation’s current economic situation. “I think Meet the Majors is a great time to talk to instructors about what kind of job you can get in the field, if it’s in demand, what the salary is and so on,” she said. “When we have our students do their career research projects, we have them look at the salary and outlook of their chosen career. It’s important to see if it’s phasing out or where it stands, especially now.” she said. For more information, call career services at 486-1042.
semester, though the name has now changed from the Career Fair to Meet the Majors. Moreno especially hopes students who are undecided about their majors will attend the fair and talk to instructors to make better career decisions. “Some students are not aware of everything that’s offered,” she said. “There are certification programs that some departments offer or twoyear programs and academic programs. “Some students may not be able to get their associate degree, but they can get their certification in something in the meantime,” she said. “Some people don’t know this and they’ll learn more if they come out to Meet the Majors.” Departments that will be present on Thursday will be American Sign Language, computer information systems, math, sociology, early childhood studies, and visual arts and technology. The human resources and international busi-
SAC Event: Dental Festival 8:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. in the lobby of the nursing and allied health complex. Call 486-1502. SPC Performance: 21st season of the San Antonio Symphony-in-Residence concerts at 11:10 a.m. Continues at 9:45 p.m. and 11:25 a.m. on Feb. 27-28. Call 486-2887 or 486-2587.
Tuesday
SAC Event: Catholic Mass by Father Luis Leal, OP. Sponsored by Methodist Student Center and Catholic Student Association at 12:15 p.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Call 733-1441.
SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. in
SAC Performance: Brass Ensemble at 2 p.m. in the audito-
March 1 SAC Performance: Guitars Galore at 2 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.
Calendar Legend SAC: San Antonio College NVC: Northwest Vista College SPC: St. Philip’s College PAC: Palo Alto College NLC: Northeast Lakeview College SWC: South West Campus
For coverage in Upcoming, call 486-1773 or e-mail to sac-ranger@mail.accd.edu two weeks in advance
The Ranger • www.theranger.org
Mother’s poor health inspiration
Feb. 20, 2009 • 9
Photos by Tyler Cleveland
By Melissa Toscano Lazcano Kinesiology Professor Andreia Brown encourages students to start living a healthy life and believes it’s her calling. Born Nov. 12, 1956, Brown drew disbelieving stares from her students in KINE 1304, Healthful Living, when they Kinesiology Professor Andreia Brown runs the bleachers with kinesiology sophomore asked her age on their first day of class. José Rivera, liberal arts sophomore, Eddie Jalomo at Blossom Athletic Center Sunday. While her students think she is only 30 years old, Brown is actually 52. She invites anyone to join her at 5 p.m. Sundays at Bloswho cycles to and from school, said he saw Brown exit with a class before he som Atheletic Center, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road. worked out in the fitness room for recreational hours last semester. “I thought From 1989 to 1992, Brown lived in she was like in her 30s,” Rivera said. Germany, where she taught physical fitSix Steps to a Healthy Heart Brown said in a Feb. 10 interview, as ness to the German national football team •Don’t smoke or use tobacco a child she couldn’t run and danced professional products. •Check blood or play with her mother, cancan. “My sister teases Ethel Lee Belton, who me,” she said, referring to pressure regularly. •Read was born with six holes how she taught nutrition labels to avoid saturated fats in her heart and needed to the neighborhood kids. and cholesterol. •Stay active. oxygen. “Watching my Brown said it is •Maintain proper weight. mother suffer the way important to take a for•Have regular checkups. she did really inspired mal nutrition class to me to become the health make informed choices. American Heart Association freak that I am today,” Students nowadays think she said. “And I wanted they already know everyother people around me thing; however, adversomething bad happens. to be healthy.” tising is affecting them, She told her kids growing up that just Her mother was a plainshe said. “It’s pretty frusas they made time to brush their teeth, they tiff in Belton v. Gebhart in trating when you know also should make time to exercise every 1951 in Claymont, Del., what’s good for a person, day. “You just have to make time. You have Kinesiology Professor one of the civil rights Andreia Brown walks you really want to teach to set aside 30 minutes of 24 hours in a cases combined in the with her husband, James a person, but they’re not day’s time to possibly walk. If you can’t landmark Brown v. Board compliant.” walk, do something physically active.” Brown, and kinesiology of Education lawsuit (no She alerts her students An instructor here for nine years, sophomore Eddie Jalomo relation). to heart disease, cancer Brown does weight training at home at Comalander Stadium Brown accepted the Feb. 15. and stroke, the leading and instructs eight kinesiology courses, Charles Hamilton Houston causes of death in the including KINE 1109, Cardio Kickboxing. Sr. Pioneer for Justice Award on behalf of United States. Her daughter, Tai Ingram, an alumna her mother in 2004. Brown said the No. 1 excuse to not of the University of the Incarnate Word, Her other inspiration is martial artist get physically active is not finding the and other students accompany her to run Bruce Lee, causing her to take up martial time in a busy lifestyle. People don’t the bleachers every Sunday at Blossom arts starting at age 16. take control of their lives, she said, until Athletic Center.
Students complain about lack of enforcement of campus smoking ban By Henry Chavarria On Monday, Student Government Association held its first monthly open forum in Loftin Student Center cafeteria to focus on student suggestions, concerns or kudos. Though some among the 20 students attending used the forum’s microphone to request a new arcade game or to say they have no problems, there were students who respected the process. Daniela Serrel, president of the International Student Association, expressed concern about tuition for members of her organization. “Whether we take three semester hours or 18, we are still being charged tuition at one standard rate. How is this fair? And what can we do to change this?” SGA President Julianne Cantu replied with full respect and sincerity, “I know it’s very difficult trying to put yourself ahead and achieve your goals with tuition being as steep as it is. “It’s an unfair mentality for people in the administration to think that international students have the money to pay higher tuitions simply because they are studying abroad. “What we can do is get together, both ISA and SGA at our meeting next Monday and come up with a plan to present to the president of SAC with our concerns.” One student anonymously filled out a suggestion slip stating, “People can be more polite on campus. It really is a nice campus on a sunny day, but will it kill some students to be more polite and smile every once in a while?” A common concern among students was the smoking ban and how it is not being enforced properly.
“What good is a smoking ban if smoking is inevitable for much of the student body?” Freshman Kelly Gallo complained that because of the ban, there aren’t any ashtrays for smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts properly. “I’m a nonsmoker and agree with a smoke-free environment, but what good is it if there are cigarette butts everywhere we look around campus. This is by far not what a smoke-free campus should look like,” he said. Cantu replied, “The administration is always busy handling all sorts of business, so it is up to the students to stand up, have a voice and bring it to the administration’s attention by taking surveys, starting a petition or simply attending SGA meetings on Mondays. “We hold these open forums so that we can help you solve your own concerns.” Another major problem was that many students who have been at this college for many semesters do not know where to go if they need basic college survival tools, such as where to make copies, print a paper or use an ATM. To solve this problem, SGA is working on a “survival guide” to help students solve their most frequently asked questions. Students offered plenty of kudos on the landscaping around campus, small classroom sizes and how the new SGA is encouraging students to get more involved in the campus. The next SGA open forum will be at 1:30 p.m. March 16 in the cafeteria. The student government meets at 2 p.m. Mondays in the craft room of Loftin. For more information, call Cantu at 267-7469.
Opinion
10 • Feb. 20, 2009
Editorials
www.theranger.org • The Ranger Fred Nockroes
Library resources abound for those in know research materials or even photographs for a project, as well as research classes that teach students how to use these databases. The databases provide students free access, thanks to fees paid to the services by the college, to a wealth of archived information, articles and photos students may reference for projects and assignments. And you can access it from home or anywhere on campus. There are also DVDs and videos available. Textbooks are available for reserve and two-hour checkout. An interlibrary loan program called TexShare allows students to get materials from other local and state libraries that are not available at ours. The options for obtaining needed materials are wide open for students resourceful enough to take advantage. The librarians are always on duty during library hours, as late as 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on weekends, too. Students just need to take advantage of this amazing resource.
Debate on marijuana healthy for society Massachusetts has become the 13th state to lessen penalties for someone possessing less than an ounce of marijuana. A crime once punishable by jail time, offenders in those states will now only face a fine and maybe community service. In Massachusetts, minors in possession will have to participate in a drug awareness program. Critics of the new law characterize it as the watering down of morals, a slippery slope leading to the demise of society. Supporters argue the law has been too severe in its punishment, with a conviction causing longterm harm to otherwise law-abiding citizens. A conviction makes students ineligible for financial aid and the job seekers are turned down for jobs
for which they would otherwise qualify. The weight on governmental budgets to incarcerate offenders would be lifted, argue its supporters. That is certainly an attractive argument in these tough economic times. A long-term health risk from the smoke aside, marijuana temporarily impairs the senses. A local billboard a few years ago argued “It takes 10 seconds longer to respond to ‘hey, stupid.’” When combined with a high-risk activity such as driving, the consequences of use can be lethal to more than just the user. Prohibiting its use while engaged in such activities is certainly appropriate and necessary. Asking the question, “Have we gone too far?” is certainly worth the debate.
Unfinished gravel lots looking really good On the way to where you left your ride somewhere near Timbuktu, you pass several empty lots with signs reading “property of ACCD” and you wonder, briefly, what those lots are for. Here’s the answer: No one really knows yet. These days people who take the bus or ride a bike to get to school seem to have it easy. The rest who drive to school have to find parking in the limited and shrinking lots. Sitting around campus are several empty lots and several empty buildings owned by the college. They are doing nothing except taking up valuable space that could be used for parking. Eventually, something will hap-
pen with these spaces. But until those plans are made, there are a lot of empty lots and lots of full parking lots. So, while the administration is deciding what to do, why not turn them into parking lots? They don’t need to be paved, just a gravel lot with a sign saying “parking” will do. People won’t complain as long as they can park their cars. It’s not a permanent fix to a permanent problem, but it buys a little time for everyone. Students might not complain anymore. Administrators wouldn’t have to listen to students complain. And possibly best of all, teachers wouldn’t have to listen to as many “I couldn’t find parking” excuses.
RANGER THE
Students are not taking full advantage of the resources provided to them by the college. The amount of time spent finding unreliable Internet articles or hunting through textbooks only to find minimal information is completely wasted considering the available valuable alternatives. Many students overlook a huge resource available in the middle of campus: the library. The adage “you get out of it what you put into it” definitely applies to education, and the library offers enough resources to allow students to put in an awful lot of work. The result could be truly excellent work. The value of this college’s library extends far beyond books. The resources available allow students more than enough assets to complete any assignment. The library’s Web site has most of its resources listed, and also provides selected links to reliable resources on varying topics throughout the Web. The library has 150 databases available for students needing
Staff
Editor Martin Herrera Managing Editor Trey Randolph Opinion Editor Brianna Roberts Photographers Tyler Cleveland Melissa Toscano Lazcano Photo Team Leda Garcia Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos Fred Nockroes Edgar Puente Production Manager James Bosquez Production Team Regis L. Roberts Staff Writers Henry A. Chavarria, Rolanda R. Green, Alice Gonzalez, Giselle Guadron, Rennie Murrell, Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle, Jeff Reese, Vanessa M. Sanchez, Lea Thompson, Jade Villarreal, Dani Williams Web Administrator Charles Cima Circulation Eddie San Miguel The Ranger, the student newspaper at San Antonio College, is a laboratory project of the journalism classes in the Department of Journalism-Photography, published Fridays except during summer, holidays and examinations. News contributions accepted by telephone (486-1773), by fax (733-2868), by e-mail (sac-ranger@mail.accd.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request (486-1765). The Ranger is available online at http:// www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated
Collegiate Press, the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Associated Press. ©2009 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. 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 Journalism-Photography, 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, e-mailed to sac-ranger@mail.accd. edu or faxed to 733-2868. Letters must be signed and must include the writer’s printed name, classification, major, Social Security number and telephone number. For more information, call 486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Because of high production costs, members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue. 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.
Op-Ed
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
Feb. 20, 2009 • 11
Phelps made me proud to be American again
Letters
SLAC offers more
Editor: In the Feb. 6 edition of The Ranger, the article written by Theodore Knapinsky “Need Help with Algebra: Check out Two Labs” does not adequately portray the assistance offered by the SLAC lab. Knapinsky quoted Thomas Hungerford as saying, “Students can schedule 30-minute sessions, and they cannot be scheduled back to back.” While this statement is factual, it does not inform students of the full range of services available to them and is taken out of context. Students are able to make two appointments per subject per day. The sessions are 30 minutes each with a break between repeat sessions. We offer tutoring services not only in math but in many other subjects as well. In addition, we offer test proctoring and a full service computer lab. Knapinsky quotes Isaac Elizondo of the math lab as saying, “In the SLAC lab, the students must have completed homework prior to seeing a tutor.” This statement is not accurate and essentially makes no sense as students who are having difficulty may not be able to complete their homework on their own. We do not do the student’s homework for them, but the majority of the students who come to us are here for help on some sort of assignment. Our lab is open for tutoring from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday. We have 17 tutors covering everything from the basic math and English courses to ethics, criminal justice and chemistry. We make appointments up to two weeks in advance to ensure tutor availability, but we regularly take walk-ins if an opening exists. We emphasize the appointment system merely to ensure availability as our services are in high demand. SLAC staff San Antonio College
Cannabis ‘a gift’
Editor: It’s commendable to decriminalize or complexly re-legalize the relatively safe, socially acceptable, God-given plant cannabis. It goes double for allowing sick citizens to use cannabis. One reason to stop caging humans for using cannabis that
doesn’t get mentioned is because it is biblically correct since Christ God Our Father, the Ecologician, indicates he created all the seed-bearing plants, saying they are all good, on literally the very first page. The only biblical restriction placed on cannabis is that it is to be accepted with thankfulness (see 1 Timothy 4:1-5). Stan White Dillon, Colo.
SGA not focused
Editor: On Monday, the Student Government Association met in Loftin Student Center. They passed out little cards asking students for their concerns around campus. The speakers of the SGA were very prompt and happy to read any questions received; however, when it came to student concerns they spent their time defending themselves rather than addressing the concern. The excuses they gave were that they are very busy people with a life outside of campus. One student brought up a concern about a lack of pay phones on campus. The SGA response was, “Does anyone here not have a cell phone?” That is a very condescending response. The issue is not whether a student has a cell phone; there are many people who cannot afford cell phones. At the same time, what about the student whose cell phone dies or they have lost it and they need to contact a ride? What if they have an emergency and need to reach a family member and they cannot find a pay phone and do not have access to a cell phone for whatever reason? This meeting was represented as being a way to address student concerns; however, they played the politician role and defended themselves without offering any clear answers, and happily read any questions that they received. How disappointing that the people who are elected to represent the student body, those who seek out these positions, feel that they are much too busy to deal with problems. No one forced them to sign up for the SGA. They chose it, and now they have a responsibility to fulfill their duties, not complain about any criticism or concerns they receive. What is their purpose then? Rebecca Archer Pre-nursing Sophomore
Over the last eight years, it’s been a little tough for me to feel any sense of national patriotism. After feeling indignant Viewpoint by over the Bush James Bosquez administration for the first term, I simply threw up my hands and said “whatever” over the last term. I wasn’t proud of my apathy, but saving myself from headaches took precedent over trying to rationalize our government’s direction. So in August of 2008, I surprised myself when I would stop what I was doing to watch a slightly awkward kid from Baltimore make Americans collectively regain a sense of national pride. In a local bar, I watched Michael Phelps’ 100-meter butterfly Olympic run and found myself marveling at not only the physical ability of the human body, but also at the perfect strangers cheering and congratulating each other when Phelps edged out Milorad Cavic by a hundredth of a second. It’s not often that Americans can agree on something, especially when it comes to what is typically the trite world of professional sports. Yet here we were, strangers standing shoulder to shoulder with a pure pride swelling in our chests. Some of us learn a skill and turn it into a talent. Michael Phelps didn’t have to take the roundabout way. He was born with a body custom made for swimming. From his disproportionate torso to his oversized feet, there was really only one calling for Phelps. Had he shunned his natural talent and led a normal life, he would merely be another 20-something carrying out his daily routine in Baltimore. He didn’t take that route, and through his sacrifice and hard work, he became a symbol that caused America to collectively stand a little bit taller. After his performance, Phelps received the praise and monetary rewards that would be expected from his historic display. Yet as he stood there with his eight gold medals, and the media and endorsements deals began to queue up before him, he remained a 23-year-old boy who had yet had the chance to become a man. So was it any surprise when the photo of Phelps smoking marijuana began to circulate? Looking back at Phelps both at the Olympics and in his career prior to the global spotlight, it’s not so surprising to see him now make a mistake. He already had a DUI on his record and had shown that he partook in the party lifestyle when not in training. When the media was fawning over his every move at the
Olympics, he would respond to their questions with short, quick answers, nothing more than a slightly despondent kid wanting to get back to listening to his rap music. We all know what we did at that age or what we were witness to. Phelps was flawless in the pool but made a minor mistake out of it, and suddenly the puritanical fist of American fickleness came slamming down. Whether you see the smoking of marijuana as an indication of moral bankruptcy or as a storied piece of American culture, the law sees it as a simple misdemeanor. This means Phelps’ “deplorable” act ranks right up there with excessive speeding or spray painting on a wall. Yes, Phelps should have been warier of his surroundings and should know that everywhere he goes, all eyes are upon him. Furthermore, Phelps should have known that his milliondollar endorsement deals would likely be in jeopardy should he get caught stepping out of line. However, in four years when Phelps has another bonanza of gold to hang around his neck, I’d like to think he’ll be standing there no longer a boy but as a man who was overcome and learned from his mistakes. Whether you buy into the ultimately fleeting sense of pride that any sports victory creates, there is little room for arguing that Phelps’ performance this past summer was a celebration of the capacity of the human body. And for the briefest of moments, it was also a celebration of that oft elusive American spirit.
Juan Carlos Campos
12 • Feb. 20, 2009
Pulse
www.theranger.org • The Ranger Photos by Tyler Cleveland
The Coach
The Players
The Cheerleaders
A.J. Govan goes up for a layup against CyFair College in Candler Feb. 11. The Rangers pulled off the win against CyFair 60-51 that night and 77-69 Saturday in Houston. They are 18-2 for the season and remain undefeated in the semester after defeating Northwest Vista College Wednesday.
The Pep Band
Ragin’ Rangers
Rangers fight through two close games against CyFair. By James Bosquez
The Dance Team
Marketing freshman Mark Green goes up for a layup against CyFair Feb. 11.
The Rangers faced their toughest test of the semester Saturday against the Fighting Ducks of CyFair, overcoming a 20-point halftime deficit to win 77-69. Head coach Aaron Tavitas had his team implement a man-to-man full court press to overcome the 45-25 halftime score, he said Wednesday in an interview. The team finished with 16 steals and 16 assists on 26 baskets. Sharpshooter Mark Green had a career high 31 points, including five 3-pointers. Green’s jumper with 4:15 left in the game gave the Rangers their first lead of the second half 61-60. Johnny Taylor continued his inner dominance, recording another doubledouble with 11 points and 16 rebounds. He also contributed five blocks to further cement his defensive presence in the paint. A.J. Govan had 23 points. All of the Rangers’ points were scored by the starters, but the bench’s contribution on the defensive end was key in the win. Tavitas implemented his bench to avoid any lapse in defensive pressure. This gave the starters a chance to rest after having to exert constant pressure to get themselves back into the game.
This was the second game between the two teams in just four days, as the Rangers defeated the Ducks 60-51 Feb. 11. The Rangers had obstacles other than their opponents in that hard fought victory. Injuries and more than a few questionable calls by the officials kept the game close down to the final minutes before the Rangers managed to seal the 60-51 victory with efficient free throw shooting. Taylor once again filled his low post role, playing all but the final nine seconds of the game. Taylor finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. “He’s our most consistent big man, and we need him out there,” said leading scorer Dermon Smith, who finished the game with 21 points. During a time-out, Taylor showed initiative by taking the grease board to draw up a defensive scheme, assuring that he would be in the right spot on the next trip. “J.T. (Taylor) did everything and more that we asked of him,” said Tavitas. Defense kept the Rangers from ever falling significantly behind. Despite the teams’ early struggles to find its offensive rhythm, they were able to force turnovers on CyFair by playing the passing lanes and forcing traveling violations with swarming double teams. The Ducks took the lead in the second half 38-40, coming back from a halftime deficit of 27-20. Taylor then went to work, blocking shots and attacking the offensive glass for
put back layups to regain the lead. Once time became an issue, the Ducks had to foul to stop the clock, and Smith coolly sunk six free throws to clinch the win. The game had a physical flow from the opening tip, resulting in numerous fouls and a cascade of bodies hitting the floor. A scary moment came when a layup attempt by Smith was blocked and sent him sprawling to the floor. He lay in a heap briefly before jumping back up and shaking off the brutal spill. “I won’t lie; it hurt, but I’ll be all right,” Smith said after the game. Not all the players were as lucky as Smith, as CyFair guard Trey Richmond was fouled by Rangers forward Cedric Jones early in the second half. Richmond collapsed beneath the basket and lay motionless for nearly three minutes, occasionally screaming out in pain over what appeared to be a knee injury. Richmond was eventually carried off the floor by teammates but could put no weight on his injured knee. The Rangers’ final game will be played at Palo Alto College against its team at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The team will then travel to the University of Texas at Arlington to compete in the 2009 National Championship Campus Series Regional Basketball tournament Feb. 27-March 1 for a chance to go to the NCCS finals in Detroit.