The Ranger Feb. 27, 2009

RANGER Feb. 27, 2009

Volume 83, Issue 16

THE

Serving San Antonio College and the Alamo Community College District

A forum of free voices

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Is black history simply American history? Page 3 Pantry offers free meals Page 3

Artist, students to create art from waste Page 6

Lady Rangers ďŹ ght back Page 9

Juan Carlos Campos

2 • Feb. 27, 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

www.theranger.org • The Ranger

Police tell professor she has been trespassing

Tyler Cleveland

By Melissa Toscano Lazcano After their regular Sunday evening run Feb. 22 at Blossom Athletic Center, kinesiology Professor Andreia Brown and her husband, James, were told by city police that the stadium is not open to the public.

Brown was turned away two days after The Ranger published an article Feb. 20 on her dedication to exercise in honor of Heart Health Month.

Brown routinely runs the bleachers as part of her physical activities. She said she has been doing it for years along with her students who were always welcome to join the Browns in their weekly ritual.

Rose Castle, administrative assistant to the executive director of North East ISD’s sports complex, said that the stadium is not open to the public. The pool and tennis court at Blossom, 12002 Jones Maltsberger, are open to the public only at certain hours.

Brown said for years she has seen area residents using the stadium for exercise.

No word on where Brown’s group will run from now on.

Kinesiology Professor Andreia Brown runs bleachers at Comalander Stadium at Blossom Athletic Center Feb. 15. She learned Sunday the stadium is not open to the public though she, her husband and some of her students have been running here every Sunday evening for years.

Blotter San Antonio College Feb. 9 – An individual reported a suspicious person in Loftin.

An individual reported a suspicious male asking for money. Male not located.

ous unwanted phone calls.

An individual reported an irate male in the area of Moody. All found to be OK.

An individual reported suspicious activity in the area of Ozuna.

An individual was detained for criminal trespass in Lot 21. The case was filed with Bexar County District Attorney.

Feb. 10 – An individual reported lost personal property in Lot 2.

Feb. 10 – An individual was issued a criminal trespass warning.

An individual reported being stuck in an elevator in Moody. Facilities division advised. Elevator fixed.

Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 486-5484, ereno@mail.accd.edu

An individual reported a young child unattended in a vehicle. Child not found in vehicle.

Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 486-4900, jclaunch@mail.accd.edu

An individual reported a suspicious person in Lot 5.

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.

Education key to success, panel says Board approves districtwide core curriculum Board explores on-campus embalming Dean’s son finalist for vice presidency Clerc brings allied health training to candidacy Writing center finally open Tribal dance draws crowd Guest Viewpoint: An ape, sir

Feb. 11 – An individual reported harassment in Moody.

Feb. 13 – An individual reported criminal mischief/broken window.

An individual reported a theft in Loftin.

An individual reported a suspicious person in Lot 16.

Feb. 14 – An individual reported stolen personal property valued between $50 and $500 in Moody. No suspects were located.

Feb. 16 – An individual reported found property.

Item placed in the property locker.

An individual reported vehicles without parking permits in Lot 29.

An individual reported a possible vehicle accident in Lot 1. No accident found.

Feb. 17 – An individual reported theft of personal property in the child development center, $50 to $500. No suspects were located.

An individual reported suspicious person in the area of Lot 14. All found to be OK. An individual reported theft of personal property in the gymnasium, estimated value $200 to $750. No suspects were located.

property. Item was located.

SAPD advised a dog in a vehicle report was called in to them. Vehicle not located.

An individual reported theft of personal property.

No suspects were located.

An individual reported a verbal disturbance between a male and female in Sutton. All found to be OK. DPS responded to a report of a stabbing.

An individual reported theft of a backpack in Loftin.

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

Contact Information Emergency 222-0911 General DPS 485-0099 Weather Line 485-0189

An individual reported an assault by a female in Turbon. Female issued citation for assault.

Feb. 10 – An individual reported involvement in a verbal disturbance with another male in student center.

An individual reported a suspicious male near the science building.

Feb. 16 – An individual reported a suspicious male in the area of the gymnasium. All found to be OK.

An individual reported missing district property.

Items were located.

Feb. 17 – An individual reported receiving unwanted phone calls from an ex-boyfriend.

An officer relayed information to a student regarding a family emergency.

Feb. 18 – An individual reported feeling ill. EMS treated the individual.

An individual reported feeling ill in the applied tech building. EMS treated the individual.

An individual reported damage to a district vehicle. Estimated damage $50 to $500. No suspects were located.

Feb. 11 – An individual reported theft of property in the gymnasium.

An individual reported a suspicious person in Ozuna.

Feb. 12 – An officer reported a staff member losing district property.

An individual reported a suspicious person in Lot 0.

Feb. 13 – An individual reported a suspicious person in Ozuna.

Feb. 16 – An individual reported found property.

Item placed in the property locker.

An individual reported someone smoking on campus in the area of Ozuna. No smokers were located.

An individual reported lost keys.

Feb. 17 – An individual reported two suspicious males in a vehicle off campus. All found to be OK. An individual reported personal vehicle burglarized in Lot 11. No suspects were located.

Feb. 18 – An individual reported graffiti on the business office. $500 estimated damage.

An individual reported found property in student center. Item returned to owner.

Palo Alto College

St. Philip’s College

Feb. 9 – An individual reported receiving numer-

Feb. 9 – An individual reported missing district

Southwest Campus Feb. 9 – An individual reported damage to a personal vehicle in Lot 6. No suspects located.

Feb. 17 – An individual reported an actived fire alarm in administration building. All found to be OK. Northwest Vista College Feb. 14 – An individual requested help in contacting his daughter.

Feb. 17 – An individual reported unattended children in the area of Juniper. All found to be OK. Feb. 18 – An individual reported an off-campus incident. SAPD advised.

An individual reported being injured in Cypress.

EMS refused.

Northeast Lakeview College Feb. 9 – An individual reported found property in the academic building. Item placed in property locker.

Feb. 18 – An individual reported found property.

Item placed in property locker.

Sheridan Campus Feb. 18 – An individual reported items in her office moved around.

The Ranger • www.theranger.org

English professor finalist for distinguished poetry honor

By Michelle Franco

In 1981, the Texas Observer, an Austin-based commentary magazine, featured Reposa’s poetry.

English Professor Carol Reposa has made the “My name was in huge bold font,” she said. short list for the 2009 Texas poet laureate.

“I got a $100 paycheck; it was the first time I ever The Texas Commission on the Arts, a commit- earned money for my writing.” tee made up of people appointed by the governor, She journaled about the experience, she said. directs the Texas state poet laureate.

“To see my name out there, I felt doubtful that that The poet laureate will be announced some time could be me. Is it the same lady? I’m still just a in the spring. housewife with two little kids.”

To be considered, poets must be native-born or Her favorite poem she wrote was “Serenade,” be adopted Texans who have lived in the state for published in 1985 by San Jose State University in several years, Reposa said.

California.

The poets must have a substantial body of “It’s the one that still resonates and covers so published work and must have received reviews on much,” she said. “It’s dedicated to my grandpartheir work, she said. ents. I lived with them for five years in high school.

Poets must first be nominated to be I regret that by the time I wrote it, they eligible to apply for the designation. Last had passed.” year there were about 400 nominees and Her inspiration, she said, comes 10 finalists, Reposa said. from no particular place.

She does not know the numbers for “Good poems are on any subject. this year’s candidates yet.

You have to feel intensely about it; the If chosen, the poet laureate must caring has to be there, the willingness attend several public appearances and to lose sleep. Some poems don’t leave is expected to promote the arts in Texas, you alone. Poems move into your space. especially writing.

Many times I’ve gotten up in the middle Reposa is an accomplished poet with of the night because an image woke me Carol Reposa three published books, “At the Border: up, and I write it down or else I can’t go Winter Lights,” “The Green Room” and back to sleep,” she said.

“Facts of Life,” which are anthologies of her poems.

Her favorite writers range from traditional All can be found in the college library, and she conmodels, such as Shakespeare, whom she studied tinues to work on new projects. as an undergraduate, to Walt Whitman, who is her Her latest projects are a poem on the election second favorite, she said. of Barack Obama, as well as a manuscript for a “If you can’t be inspired by Walt Whitman, you fourth book. just can’t be inspired,” Reposa said.

“Most aging poets become engaged in the outer Two things are required to become an accomworld.” plished poet, she said. First is the desire to witness She began writing around the age of 7, she said closely the events in the world, the process of being in an interview Feb. 5. alive. And second is putting it into language that “I wrote itty-bitty silly poems for my mom,” endures.

Reposa said.

She does not have a specific method of teachShe had her first publication when she was a ing nor a specific style of writing, she said. She student at the University of Texas at Austin in 1966 believes that in higher education, there is a tenat the age of 22. dency to treat students like droids, forcing them to “It was published by the Spanish department specialize. at the University of Texas; it was an obscure little “This is tragic. I think we are all creative. It is journal that was stapled,” Reposa said. “I don’t the creative germ inside us that lets us be successremember the name.” ful,” she said. “The world is full of people who It was a project that had been assigned while don’t know they love Mozart,” she quoted Leonard she was enrolled in a graduate Spanish course at Bernstein. the university.

Her biggest accomplishment is not giving up, “I became enchanted by the homework exer- she said. cise,” she said.

More people are writing poetry than ever before After the assignment had been published, her in this country, and she advises writers to believe professor approached her and said, “Senorita, usted in themselves and not to give up. es una poetisa,” which is Spanish for, “Young lady, “If you don’t grow a thick skin, you won’t last you are a poet.” long,” she said. “Very few writers can produce a It was then she realized that maybe she could world-class poem on the first draft.” actually be a poet.

She also advises people who want to be creative Shortly after her first publication, she had an to revise, revise, revise and to read, read, read, 11-year silence, she said. especially other writers whom they admire.

“During that time, I married and had two babies; It creates patterns and eventually people begin other things took the front burner,” Reposa said. to figure out their unique voice, she said.

In 1979 she began writing again and hasn’t “You have to believe in yourself and not give stopped since. up,” she said, “It’s great to know that on some “I had a great yearning to write again. I missed level, the world can be enriched for what you’re it,” she said. trying to give.”

Feb. 27, 2009 • 3

Food pantry to aid hungry on campus

By José Castillo There is new hope for students and faculty in the battle against hunger.

Phi Theta Kappa is sponsoring the college’s new food pantry, which opens at 10 a.m.

March 5.

Economics Professor Susan Spencer, who worked for the San Antonio Food Bank for eight years, was inspired to start the pantry after hearing stories of hunger around the campus directly from other teachers.

“I’d hear about a teacher here and there giving a student $5 or $10 to get something to eat,” she explained. “More than half of our students are on financial aid.”

Last semester, Spencer had her ECON 1301, Introduction to Economics, students conduct research about successful food

pantries at other colleges such as Palo Alto and St. Philip’s.

From the beginning, the idea received campuswide support.

The pantry is run solely on donations and does not rely on school money.

“Money that should be used for teaching students is not being used for this,” Spencer said. “This is nowhere on the SAC budget.”

The Catholic Student Center donated the bottom floor of their building, and will not be charging the pantry rent or utilities and will continue to cover the cost of pest control.

L&M Bookstore donated food and shelving to assist in the refurbishment of the space.

Student donations include a refrigerator with freezer, paint, tile and a ramp built to facilitate the transportation of materials by the workers and increase wheelchair accessibility.

Spencer made it clear that the funds are not going to the Catholic Student Center; the center is simply donating the space.

When the pantry opens, students and faculty will be able to pick up bags containing proteins, fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates.

“Anyone with a SAC ID can come pick up a sack of food, no questions asked,” Spencer said.

Donations of foods packaged in cans or hard plastic are preferred because they are easier to store. However, no food will be turned away.

To avoid damage or pests due to long-term storage, donated food in containers other than cans or hard plastic will be donated to the Catholic Student Center upstairs for students to eat.

For more information, contact Spencer at 486-0431.

Josh Macias

Education key:

Yvonne Armstrong, executive director of the Applause Foundation, stresses the importance of education at a panel discussion Feb. 17 at Northeast Lakeview. Carolyn Ross, principal of Judson Learning Academy was another speaker. See story online.

Educators: Keep Black History celebration The observation should remain until the history curriculum is adapted to include the diversity of the country’s actual history, speakers agree.

By Rennie Murrell From the dark days of slavery, segregation and separate but equal, the United States has made progress in race relations.

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I have a dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. He lost his life in the struggle for civil rights.

In 1983, the United States established a federal holiday in commemoration of King’s birthday.

It was first observed in 1986.

In November, the country elected its first African-American president.

At President Barack Obama’s inauguration and at observations of the holiday the day before, signs abounded that read, “The dream is alive” and “Dreams do come true.”

So much has changed, some wonder if the approach to history shouldn’t change also.

Jesse Washington of the Associated Press in a Tuesday column wrote, “The black historian Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926, seeking to build self-worth in an oppressed people, preserve a marginalized subject, and prove to a nation steeped in racism that children of Africa played a crucial role in modern civilization.”

Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley called for an end to Black History Month in a Feb. 1 column.

“I propose that, for the first time in American history, this country has reached a point where we can stop celebrating separately, stop learning separately, stop being American separately,” he said.

Lee Eric Smith, the first black editor of the University of Mississippi student newspaper, said he is not ready to get rid of Black History Month “because, to start quoting clichés: Those who

don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it,” Washington quoted him in his column.

Carolyn Ross, principal of Judson Learning Academy, was part of a panel discussion Feb. 17 at Northeast Lakeview College on AfricanAmerican history, education and the legacies of black history in recognition and celebration of Black History Month.

“I do not believe that Black History Month should come to an end,” Ross said by phone Tuesday. “Until state legislators write into legislation new standards in the teachings of the U.S. history curriculum, we should not abandon the recognition and celebration of Black History Month.”

Susan Martin, a history teacher at the academy, said, “I still think that we should not get rid of Black History Month until the state Legislature votes to add in curriculum standards that include more African-American history.”

Martin said the legislators should include not only black history but also Native-American, Hispanic and Asian history to be intertwined throughout what is currently taught.

“Many conscientious teachers already include more than the required standards because they know the importance of including all student groups into the history lessons so they feel connected to what they’re learning,” Martin said.

Ross said, “We teach these students tolerance and the principle of having good character. And we are firm believers in that mantra.”

San Antonio Express-News columnist Cary Clack, who attended the panel said, “History is a mirror which shows us who we are, but it is also a beacon which shows us where we are going.”

For Washington’s article, log on to http:// www.thetandd.com/articles/2009/02/23/news/ doc49a317e82b47e729594244.txt.

4 • Feb. 27, 2009

People Tyler Cleveland

www.theranger.org • The Ranger Lea Thompson

ASL talent show: Lorna

Thompson laughs with host Brian Barwise after her performance at the annual ASL Talent Show and Scholarship Fundraiser Feb. 21 in the auditorium of McAllister. A total of $3,500 was raised that night.

Latin

Ash

Wednesday:

Counselor Enrique Velasquez receives a cross-shaped ash mark from Catholic Campus Minister Joseph Liedecke during an ecumenical Ash Wednesday service held by the Methodist and Catholic campus ministries in the visual arts center Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent with fasting and repentance.

Egg brushing:

Dental assisting sophomore Amanda Saldana watches as pharmacy sophomore Jason Rose brushes dye off an egg during the Dental Fest in the nursing and allied health complex Wednesday.

The egg brushing demonstrated the proper way of brushing teeth, with two minutes of short, gentle strokes in a circular motion.

Tyler Cleveland

jazz:

The Latin Jazz Combo performed eight arrangements of Afro mambo and Samba as directed by Alice Gomez Tuesday.

Their next performance is April 14 in the auditorium of McAllister.

Josh Macias

The Ranger • www.theranger.org

Feb. 27, 2009 • 5

Tyler Cleveland

It’s never too late to earn 2-year degrees, faculty say Political science professor leads by example.

Political science Chair Paul Wilson returns a paper to Jessica Howard in class Tuesday.

Interim VP hopes for associate degree

By Brianna Roberts Jessica Howard, interim executive vice president of San Antonio College, is taking a government class along with other students. “Once I decided I was going to do this, I didn’t hesitate. I just jumped right in,” Howard said.

Going to class is nothing new for Howard, who earned bachelor’s degrees in music from the University of London and Rice University, a bachelor’s degree in English from Rice University, a master’s degree in music from Rice University, and a Ph.D. in performance studies from New York University.

“Actually, I think most people who go into teaching loved being a student. And I am one of those. I went 13 years full time, and I loved every minute of it,” she said.

Although it may seem insignificant compared to the rest of her degrees, Howard said that she wants to get an associate degree from this college because she believes in what San Antonio College does, and she wanted to be a part of it.

In addition to the government class that she is enrolled in, Howard has to take two history classes

and a college algebra class to be eligible.

Despite all of her degrees, Howard never took an algebra class because as a student in a private school, she was able to work her degree plan out so she didn’t have to. “One professor has offered to tutor me for an hour a week so I ace the Accuplacer,” Howard said. “I’m so excited about it.”

Going to class for Howard is as normal as it gets except for one thing. One of her previous students, Chadwick Gonzales, is now learning with her in the classroom.

“She’s very reserved,” Gonzales said. “She only spoke up a couple of times, but when she did, it was a good question. She’s really respectful toward the teacher. A lot of the students just speak up because they’ve already had the professor for Government 1, but she raises her hand.”

The professor is political science Chair Paul Wilson. He and Howard were friends before she took his class. When she first decided to take a government class, he said that she could knock it out first thing in the morning with him.

“I admire the fact that she’s not going to tell a student that it’s a worthwhile endeavor,” Wilson said. “She’s going to role model it.”

Employee Tuition Assistance Program, which pays 100 percent of tuition and fees for up to six credit hours each semester and 75 percent for up to four additional credit hours at any college of the Alamo

By Michelle Franco Community College District.

The program also pays for a portion of tuition College officials are targeting faculty and staff and fees for employees’ dependents. who are eligible or close to being eligible to gradu“I love math,” Christy Woodward Kaupert, a ate to apply for an associate degree. professor in political science at the college, said “Our goal is to understand the mechanics, and Wednesday. what better way than to get Kaupert has decided to pursue an associate in it themselves,” Dr. Jessica math starting in the fall semester.

Howard, the interim execuShe has already received a Bachelor in Science tive vice president of the and Master of Arts from Sam Houston University college, said in an interview at Houston.

Feb. 3.

“I want to learn,” she said, “Hopefully, that is The reverse transfer infectious.” degree program is available She attended Del Mar Junior College at Corpus for both former students Christi and North Harris County Community and faculty.

College at Houston. “I had no idea about an assoIndividuals who have ciate and it wasn’t encouraged,” she said.

Christy Woodward graduated from a Texas “My son is 14 and taking pre-AP math courses Kaupert public institution and have and I am having to dig to remember in order to received a bachelor’s degree help him do his math work,” she said. from that Texas public institution, are eligible for “We have wonderful teachers at this college,” an associate degree at this college with the com- she said. “It’s my second home. I can’t think of pletion of 15 hours here. a better group of people to Individuals who have learn from.” previously attended this Kaupert needs 12 hours Today is the deadline college and have a minimum of math courses to complete to apply for graduation of 60 hours of college credits an associate and plans to through the office of may still be eligible as long graduate in spring 2011. as the core curriculum for “It’s going to be weird, admissions and records. the college is completed. being taught by my coMarch 27 is the deadline Individuals who have workers, but we are life-long to apply through the major received a bachelor’s degree learners as teachers,” she department. For more from a private institution said. “What’s wrong with information, call 486-0342. may also be eligible for an leading by example?” associate degree as long as Gonzalez said faculty the core curriculum at the and staff should do just as college is completed and the any other student and visit student has 15 hours here. a counselor if they are interested in pursuing an “There are about 200-300 students, if not associate degree. more, any given semester that qualify for an For those interested in applying for graduaassociate degree,” Counselor Rosa Maria Gonzalez tion or in pursuing an associate degree from the said Monday. college, visit Gonzalez in the counseling center in Faculty and staff here are eligible for the Room 123 or call 486-0342.

6 • www.theranger.org

Women’s History Week focuses on ‘product of our times’

Committee planned for more interactive events than in past years.

By Giselle Guadron

Women’s History Week begins Monday with a performance by students from this college in the newly remodeled theater in McCreless Hall.

The performance is titled “A Girl’s Guide to Chaos: Performances Reflecting the Chaos of Dating, Beauty and the Meaning of Self-Worth.”

The event consists of selections written by female authors. There will be five students performing reader’s theater.

Students will be wearing simple costumes and will have a manuscript to read from.

Theater Instructor Paula Rodriguez selected the works.

The literary works are from the contemporary period and are about dating and relationships.

The works included are poetry, comedy and drama.

Librarian Celita DeArmond, in her second year as co-chair of the Women’s History Week Committee, said this year’s activities are more interactive than in past

Feb. 27, 2009 • 7

The Ranger Photos by Melissa Toscano Lazcano

Local and on a tight

budget

years so planners hope that will get more She believes Women’s History Week students to attend. “pays tribute to women who have achieved The events scheduled this year offer a things despite gender, and it’s important great variety, “so hopefully there will be for women to have pride and not to shrink something for everyone.” from showing pride.”

The five days of events include lec“We should be able to shout and not be tures and discussions, films, music and quiet like we have been taught,” she said. a free lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 Reference Librarian Eileen Oliver is p.m. Tuesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin the other co-chair of Women’s History Student Center.

Week.

An all-female mariachi ensemble, Oliver said March is Women’s History Mariachi Las Altenas, will play during Month, but the committee focuses on just the event. one week to help events flow together.

The event that stands out for DeArmond This year’s theme is “Products of Our involves artist Portia Munson.

Culture” and the theme talks about ways The first of its kind, the event is already advertising is directed to women and ways getting a great response. women are affected by it.

Munson will have a presentation in The issues that will be discussed which she will “focus on work that per- throughout the week range from consumtains to issues of female identity and the erism to body image. environment as seen through the colorOliver has been on the Women’s History coded and gender-targeted items our soci- Week committee for seven years. She said ety mass-produces, consumes and throws that Women’s History Week “exposes stuaway,” according to a handout. dents to different viewpoints because there After the presentation, Munson will are a variety of speakers.” invite students to create an art installaShe also said it is hard to fit so much tion with different products that people information into a class, so when students donated and will do an art installation attend events, they are exposed to somewith students, DeArmond said. thing not taught in a class.

DeArmond said she hopes students She hopes there will be a good turnout stop and think about women’s history because “there will be a lot going on.” because women aren’t included in a lot of For information, call 486-0577 or 486the history students learn in school.

0563.

Spring break doesn’t have to mean sand and surf; those stuck in town can find some fun, too.

By Laura Garcia

Calender of events Art installation: Artist Portia Munson installation of packaging of items marketed to women 11 a.m. in Loftin Student Center.

Performance: “A Girl’s Guide to Chaos” 10-10:50 a.m. in the theater of McCreless.

Tuesday Lecture: “I Coulda Been a Goddess” 9:2510:40 a.m. Welcome coffee begins at 8:30 a.m.

Event: Lunch buffet with Mariachi Las Altenas 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin.

Wednesday

Discussion and film: Dr. Elizabeth de la Portilla “Killing Us Softly” 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m.

Lecture: Dr. Rachel Maines “Selling SelfTreatment: Vibrators, Advertising and the Law 1883-2008” 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Film: “Dildo Diaries” 1:40-2:55 p.m.

March 6

Film: “I Doll” 9-10 a.m.

Thursday

Lecture: Dr. Carolyn Black Becker “Reducing the Destructive Impact of the Thin-Ideal Standard of Female Beauty: Reflections Body Image Program” 10-10:50 a.m.

Lecture: “Becoming a Cultural Product, Losing One’s Identity: Lessons from Lucretia” 8-9:15 a.m.

Lecture: Rina Moreno “Menopause: Alternatives to Estrogen Overload” 11-11:50 a.m.

Film: “Some Real Heat” 11 a.m.-noon

Presentation: “Portia Munson’s Artworks: Examining Objects That Are Mass Produced, Consumed and Thrown Away” 9:25-10:40 a.m.

Concert: “Viva Accordion!” with Eva Ybarra and her band noon-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin.

Unless otherwise noted, events will be in Room 120 of the visual arts center.

Students to design Women’s History collage Products marketed to women requested for installation pieces.

By Lea Thompson The visual arts and technology department is collecting packaging and raw materials marketed toward female consumers for Women’s History Week Monday through March 6.

Clothing, empty food boxes, toiletries, makeup and cigarette packs designed for women are encouraged.

The department began accepting donations last week and will end collections today.

Next week, students and a visiting lecturer will collaborate to create a unique work of art. The packaging will be used as materials in the art project, honoring women’s history.

Installation artist Portia Munson will lecture Thursday, presenting her personal works and discussing women’s issues and consumerism.

The lecture will be from 9:25-10:40 a.m. in Room 120 of the visual arts center.

Students will then have the special opportunity to

work with Munson to create an original work of art.

The art project will begin at about 11 a.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center.

The theme of Women’s History Week 2009 is “Products of Our Culture.”

Speakers and events will discuss the social expectations and standards for women today, and how consumerism ties into it.

“We want to get students involved,” visual art committee chair Debra Schafter said Feb. 16.

“This is a rare chance for them to create an assemblaged art piece with an internationally known artist.”

The Student Art Guild will host two meetings this week to discuss expectations and ideas for the project before Munson’s lecture and to encourage students to attend.

Donations can be dropped off today at the information desk of Loftin or in Rooms 222C or 222 of the visual arts center.

Donations will be taken from 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, call Schafter at 486-1042.

Rachel Llewellyn, 7, looks at the moon through a Meade 12-inch Goto telescope Feb. 6 at Scobee Planetarium. The San Antonio Astronomical Association sets up telescopes the first Friday of the month.

Astronomy enthusiasts offer stellar view first Fridays Students and the public are encouraged to join the association in observing the stars and planets.

By Melissa Toscano Lazcano

Scobee planetarium Friday shows include “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” at 6:30 p.m. and “Black Holes” at 7:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. The observatory telescope is opened for free views of the night sky after the final show. Call 486-0100.

Members of the San Antonio Astronomical Association bring their equipment every first Friday as part of their free public outreach program for young people and adults.

Keith Little, marketing director of the association, said they are amateur astronomers who volunteer because they “love to share.” that allows viewers to see solar flares and prominences “Our intention is to share with folks that don’t without hurting the eye. otherwise get a chance to look through telescopes like Patrick Lanclos, Yahoo group manager of the assothese, and they really enjoy it,” Little said. ciation, help set a 90 mm short-tube refractor telescope, Children visiting Scobee planetarium had a chance which has a wide field of sky view and is used to look to see the sky, moon, sun and Venus through tele- at objects within the solar system, he said. scopes set up Feb. 5 in Lot 21 between the planetarium Lanclos made arrangements to target Venus and and Candler Physical Education Center. explained how its waxing crescent shape means the “My biggest kick is to watch a kid look through lighted portion of the disk is getting larger. there and looking around and then finally he sees the A crescent moon or Venus means half or less than target, you see that half of the surface is big grin in his face lit and gibbous means and he says ‘Wow,’ more than half of the well, that does it for surface is lit, Lanclos That’s what it’s all about for us, me,” Little said. said. bringing astronomy to the public.

One Meade 12-inch Member Matthew Keith Little Goto telescope, meant Roffman, also a secmarketing director for SAAA for tracking a target, ond grade teacher was set to look at the at Oak Hills Terrace moon.

Elementary, volunAfter taking advanteered for the night at tage of the association’s generosity to view the moon, the 10-inch Dobsonian telescope spot. education sophomore Marcus Freeman, said, “I think A Dobsonian is a type of scope, Roffman said, and it’s a good thing what they’re doing, coming out, its mounting design comes from John Dobson, an amaallowing SAC students to take part of the experience teur astronomer and Buddhist monk who invented the of astronomy and exploring the depth of the science, design and has been featured in the PBS series “The learning to see through the scopes they have.”

Astronomers.”

Theatre sophomores Jared Montemayor and Alyssa Cecilia and Jim Schwartzott, who have been Araguz also had a chance to look through the tele- members of the association since 2005, set up a fifth scopes on their way to a meeting. telescope to observe Venus, the moon or Orion nebula “I think it’s something that a lot of people sort of depending on how clear the sky would be for the night, take for granted,” said Montemayor. “It’s something to they said. look at from a different perspective. Very interesting.”

Little said they would be looking at Beetlejuice, or “We know so little about it and it’s just so fascinat- Betelgeuse star, in the Orion constellation as well. ing that there’s much more to learn,” Araguz said.

Beetlejuice is about 550 times larger than the sun.

Robert Stepp, one of the association’s executive “If you were to take our sun out of our solar system committee members-at-large, help set the Coronado and drop Beetlejuice into it, its circumference would P.S.T. (personal solar telescope) at the planetarium’s reach the Jupiter orbit,” Little said. entrance level, where parents stood in line for the kid’s “They say it’s one of the largest suns that we are show, to target the sun as it was setting. aware of,” he said.

The sun’s surface layer contains hydrogen and the On the previous night, Feb. 5, the association vissolar telescope, Little said, has a hydrogen alpha filter ited Cody Elementary, where about 400 people looked

“

KSYM pledge expectations uncertain Campus radio station hopes to match last year’s donations with annual pledge drive.

By Jason Trevino

“

Monday

Spring break in Cancun just isn’t practical in today’s economy.

After paying the bills, there may not be much left over.

Many students will keep clocking in the hours at work in hope of a couple days off.

Don’t fret just yet. Students can still have fun on a budget without even leaving the city limits. Surprisingly, these ideas come with a price tag of $20 or less.

Take in some artwork at the San Antonio Museum of Art at 200 W. Jones Ave. Go any day except Monday. Your current San Antonio College ID card is good for free admission. Otherwise visit on Tuesday from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. when it’s free to the public.

Call (210) 978-8100.

Check out Oscar favorites like “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Milk” and “The Reader” during matinee hours to save some cash.

If you buy tickets at the San Antonio College Bookstore for $5.50 you can go to any Santikos Theaters including the Palladium IMAX and the Bijou at Crossroads. You could even share some popcorn with the money saved.

Call the bookstore at 733-5960.

The cheapest movie admission with student ID goes to Northwest at 7600 I-10 West at $6. Call 496-2221.

There are a handful of hookah bars in town, which may offer an exotic alternative to Starbucks at a cheaper price. Hookah is a water pipe used to smoke flavored tobacco, or shisha.

Hookah Café at 2250 Thousand Oaks is impressive with a selection of smoothies, coffees and snacks with hookah flavors starting at $6.99. Call 499-4144.

Try restaurants that are exclusive to San Antonio like Sam’s Burger Joint at 330 E. Grayson St. for huge burgers and fries for $7.50 and several nights of live music including swing and blues nights. Go to samsburgerjoint.com or call 223-2830.

Music lovers can strut their stuff on the Limelight’s dance floor to a live DJ. Limelight is located at 2718 N. St. Mary’s St. and usually doesn’t have a cover charge. On weekends cover is up to $7. Call 735-7775 or visit myspace.com/limelightsa.

Your spring break experience can be deep if you climb down 180 feet on Natural Bridge Caverns’ Discovery Tour located 30 minutes from downtown off Interstate 35. The half-mile tour costs $17.95 but promises to be more exciting than watching it on the Discovery Channel. Call 651-6101 or visit naturalbridgecaverns.com.

Can’t make it to South Padre but crave some water fun? Take a dip in Palo Alto’s natatorium, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd., through Wednesday for just $2 or get in free with a student ID. The Olympicsize pool is open at varying times. Call 921-5234.

Hosting a barbecue or party can be done in a cheap and chic way. Make it a potluck and ask friends to bring a dish. You buy the decorations and paper products at the 99 cent store.

This spring break, don’t work too hard and make some time for fun even if it means little to no sun.

Patrick Lanclos of the San Antonio Astronomical Association guides Tré Newsoma, 11, as he looks through a telescope Feb. 6 next to Scobee Planetarium. through their five telescopes.

“That’s what it’s all about for us, bringing astronomy to the public,” Little said.

The association gathers Wednesday nights at McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road.

For more information, visit the Web site at www. sanantonioastronomy.org.

Local broadcasters and disc jockeys will be guests on campus radio station KSYM during the 16th annual KSYM pledge drive March 23-29.

The event is sponsored by the radio-televisionfilm department’s KSYM 90.1 radio station.

Scheduled hosts for this year’s pledge drive include KJ97 disc jockey Jamie Martin, KZEP DJ Brother Dave and Sonny Melendrez, who produces his own online radio program at sonnyradio. com.

“I would love to have every hour of the broadcast filled. Having 20 DJs would be great,” Joey Palacios, assistant program director, said Tuesday.

The annual event raises money for improvements for the radio station in the radio-televisionfilm department.

“The donations helped with licensing fees and tower maintenance in the past,” Palacios said.

Last year’s donations were about $40,000.

This year’s recession, layoffs and tight credit market have raised concerns about the levels of charitable giving.

“Having the situation of the economy, raising the same amount as last year will be a challenge,” faculty adviser John Onderdonk said.

Premiums are donated by local businesses then sold to on-air listeners. All proceeds go toward the radio station.

More local radio and television personalities from around San Antonio will be asked to help with the event in the coming week, he said.

KSYM disc jockeys will fill in on air when no guest hosts are scheduled.

The pledge drive will run from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.

throughout the week.

“A lot of people don’t agree to volunteer until the last week,” Onderdonk said.

Volunteers usually stay on air for about one hour.

They talk about themselves and follow the same radio procedures as KSYM disc jockeys do everyday, Palacios said.

To donate premiums or make pledges or for more information, call 486-KSYM or 486-5796.

8 • Feb. 27, 2009

Upcoming

www.theranger.org • The Ranger

V.P. candidates begin on-campus interviews After a round of interviews and forums, an executive vice president is expected for the college.

By Brianna Roberts

Road Trip Movies National Lampoon’s Family Vacation (1983) Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo The Griswolds are back! This time they are on a cross-country road trip. But with the addition of a beautiful blond and the angry Aunt Edna, the vacation descends into madness.

The Sure Thing (1985) John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga When Cusack goes to California to visit a friend over winter break, he finds that he has company in the form of the anal-retentive Zuniga. Although they can’t stand each other, over the course of the road trip, they begin to tolerate each other.

Rain Man (1988) Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman After his father dies, Cruise finds that the old man left behind a fortune to the autistic brother Cruise never knew he had. Enraged, Cruise kidnaps the man.

This leads to a cross-country journey to understanding.

Thelma and Louise (1991) Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis In an attempt to escape their humdrum life, Davis and Sarandon go on a trip. Part way through, the trip takes a dark turn when Sarandon shoots a man to rescue Davis from rape.

The two flee to Mexico but are pursued by the authorities.

Roadtrip (2000) Brekin Meyer, Seann William Scott After accidentally mailing his long-term girlfriend a video of him messing around with another girl, Meyer must travel across America in an effort to get the tape back and save his relationship.

Elizabethtown (2005) Orlando Bloom, Kirstin Dunst Just before committing suicide for losing his company billions of dollars, Bloom receives a phone call saying that his father has passed away. While on the way to his family, he meets Dunst, who gives him a new perspective.

Transamerica (2005) Felicity Huffman, Danny Burstein A pre-operation male-to-female transsexual finds out that she has a son living in New York and travels across America to rescue him from the life he’s been living.

The search for this campus’ next executive vice president is drawing to a close.

Over the next two weeks, four candidates will come to campus for an open forum where the students, faculty and staff may ask questions and have them answered by the candidates.

After the forum, faculty, staff and students will fill out questionnaires that will go to the search committee.

The executive vice president position search closed in August with 36 applicants.

After the initial application process was over, the search committee, composed of 13 faculty members and two students, began viewing and rating the appli-

cations.

“They were ranked in several different areas, so what made them stick out for me could be different for someone else on the committee,” said arts and sciences Dean Conrad Krueger, chair of the search committee.

After ranking the applicants, the committee came up with a list of people it wanted to interview.

The four people chosen were Dr. Debra Morgan, dean of community development at Northwest Vista College; Jessica Howard, interim vice president at this college, and Michael Flores, vice president of college services at Palo Alto College.

Also Jeanne Clerc, the former associate provost for extended studies and distace learning at Western Illinois University in Macomb and Moline, Ill. After the open forums, the search committee will review the feedback and send its recommendation and the feedback to President Robert Zeigler.

Zeigler will make the final decision concerning the hire.

“It could take anywhere from two weeks to two months. It’s never real quick and easy,” Krueger

said.“There’s a whole lot of discussion.”

Zeigler confirmed that the duties of the vice president included being the chief academic officer and the chief student affairs officer and said that the new vice president will continue in these roles.

The chief academic officer reviews the qualifications of faculty and is final reviewer in the promotion and tenure process.

The chief academic officer also has a say in the unit review process and administrative policy.

The chief student affairs officer is a primary person in student grievance petitions for refunds.

The executive vice president also represents this campus to the Alamo Community College District and is the direct boss of the deans, Kruegar said.

“We want somebody who will represent us well, someone who will be fair, someone who is very knowledgeable about what’s going on,” said Krueger, “They should have the students’ best interests at heart.”

The position came vacant in July when then Executive Vice President Kristine Clark left to become vice chancellor of academic success for the Alamo Community College District.

Today SPC Event: San Antonio Symphony-in-Residence student concert at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Watson Fine Arts Center theater. Call 486-2587.

SAC Lecture: José Estrada on past hardships at noon for the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science in Room 144 of Chance.

Continues 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays. Call 4860060.

SAC Performance: Choral concert at 1 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 733-2731.

SAC Event: Open forum with Dr. Jeanne Clerc, vice presidential candidate, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 612613 of Moody. Call 486-0915.

SAC Concert: Choral concert sponsored by the music department at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.

Event: “Migración Migrante” art exhibit by Diana Calvillo at Instituto Cultural de México, 600 HemisFair Park. Free admission. Continues through March 15.

Call 227-0123.

Event: Transfer Day at Texas State University-San Marcos. Call 512-245-8871.

SAC Deadline: Apply for commencement through admissions and records in Room 216 of Fletcher. Call 486-0700.

Saturday Event: Habitat for Humanity sponsored by Methodist Student Center 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues March 21.

Call 733-1441.

SAC Event: Potluck dinner and star party 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in Guadalupe State Park. Call 733-2840.

SPC Event: San Antonio Symphony-in-Residence finale concert at 8 p.m. in Watson Fine Arts Center theater.

Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. in Morgan Gallery. Free admission. Call 486-2704 or 531-4704.

SAC Event: Karaoke Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Continues March 23. Call 733-2641.

Trinity Concert: Trinity Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. in Ruth Taylor Recital Hall. Call 999-8212.

Tuesday SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University information table 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. in McCreless and appointments 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the transfer center. Call 733-2099.

SAC Meeting: Society of Mexican-American Engineers and Scientists 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Continues Mondays. Call 486-0953.

Wednesday SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. in second floor lobby of McCreless and appointments from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the transfer center. Call 733-2099.

PAC Event: Job fair with Toyota suppliers 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the student center annex. Call 486-3880.

Trinity Speaker: “Video Game Literacy: Seven Things You Should Know About the Medium That Has Captured the Hearts and Minds of Contemporary Youth”

by Aaron Delwiche at noon in the Coates University Center. Call 999-8404.

SAC Transfer: Schreiner University from 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. in second floor lobby of McCreless. Call 7332099.

Sunday SAC Performance: Guitars Galore 2 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 733-2731.

Monday SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in second floor lobby of McCreless. Call 733-2099.

SAC Meeting: Astronomy club from noon-1 p.m. in Room 101 of nursing education. Continues Wednesdays. Call 733-2840.

SAC Event: Open forum with Dr. Debra Morgan, vice presidential candidate, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 218 nursing and allied health. Call 486-0915.

SAC Meeting: Computer Club at 2 p.m. in Room 104 of Nail. Continues first and third Wednesday of each month. Call 758-6160.

SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 127 of Gonzales. Continues Wednesdays.

Call 733-2520.

SAC Meeting: Psych Club party with free pizza 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 644 of Moody. Continues Wednesdays. Call 733-2604.

SAC Meeting: The Gay and Lesbian Association 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 612-613 of Moody.

Continues Wednesdays. Call 486-0902.

Thursday SAC Event: Open forum with Dr. Jessica Howard, vice presidential candidate 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Rooms 612-613 of Moody. Call 486-0915.

March 6 SAC Event: Coffee Night and open mic in Loftin at 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Call 733-2680.

Reading: “Poet Rigoberto Gonzalez and Jeffery Renard Allen,” at 6:30 p.m. at Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa. Call 7349673.

March 7 Exhibit: 60th Annual Texas Watercolor Society Exhibit at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. Adults $7, seniors $6 and children $5. Continues through March 22. Call 357-1900.

March 10 SAC Event: Neighborhood Job Fair open to students and residents of the 78212 ZIP code 9 a.m.-noon at the Seguir Adelante Community Center, 703 Howard.

Call 486-1590.

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

Pulse

Lady Rangers’ hard fought Rangers on a roll entering upcoming tournaments comeback falls short

Feb. 27, 2009 • 9 Photos by Tyler Cleveland

Tyler Cleveland

By Jeff Reese In a Feb. 18 contest against the Northwest Vista College Lady Wildcats, the Lady Rangers absorbed slam after slam in the first 30 minutes, then made the Wildcats claw their way to a 67-59 victory over the Rangers.

As the team gave up several shots from the perimeter and struggled to grab key rebounds, the Rangers trailed 25-41 in the locker room after the Wildcats went on a 17-2 run in 3:37.

Kinesiology freshman Erica Cray provided a bright spot in a rough first half, as she scored 13 of her game-high 28 points before intermission.

The Wildcats blasted 15-2 over the Rangers in the course of 3:29, while the Rangers looked for a rallying point.

Trailing by 26 with just over 11 minutes remaining, the clearly dejected Ranger squad looked ready to throw in the towel.

But the frowning faces clearly were a facade.

As the stunned crowd watched in silence, the Rangers forced the Wildcats into ice-cold shooting in a 19-0 run that lasted more than seven minutes.

Business freshman Christina Wasaff, who scored 7 points, said better rebounding and a fiery attitude also aided the comeback.

“We as a team tend to gain morale in the second half,” Wasaff said.

“We played with more intensity, we were more aggressive and we were able to get the inside position for the rebounds a little better.”

Cray was the spark plug, as she scored 11 of the 19 points and consistently brought the ball to the basket with authority for easy layups.

The Rangers narrowed the gap to 6 points with 2:33 remaining, but four crucial Wildcats free throws in the final 1:38 finally iced the contest.

Social work freshman Jennifer Davison helped the Rangers near the post with 11

By James Bosquez

Business freshman Christina Wasaff fights to maintain possession during the Rangers’ game against Northwest Vista. The women lost 67-59. points.

Cray said the team must improve its defense, as it has allowed at least 58 points in each game this semester.

“Defense is what wins games,” Cray said.

“We have a good offense, but we need to work on our defense.”

Coach Will Dykes expects Cray, the team’s point guard and captain, to play the leadership role.

“She’s the captain, so what the head does, the body should do to follow,” Dykes said. “If she can inject that intensity that she has into each player from the start of the game, it will be a good thing.”

Business sophomore Maria Marquez went for 6 points, while kinesiology freshman Katie Escamilla scored 5 points.

Though the team fell short, Cray said her squad can look at the game as a boost of confidence for the future.

“I know we did not give up, even though we were down by 20, as you can see,” Cray said. “I still tell my teammates that we’re still in it.”

The Rangers have yet to grab a win in five games this semester.

Johnny Taylor, though Taylor did play his usual minutes off the bench.

The Rangers defeated the Taylor finished with 12 points.

Wildcats of Northwest Vista 78-59 Despite the win, Tavitas said Feb. 18 to improve their record to that his team must remain focused 17-2 on the season and 8-0 in the on his philosophy to maintain sucsemester. cess over the final week of the After last week’s close victories season and into conference tournaagainst CyFair College, the team ment play. was hoping to get an early lead “When I give you a reason to against Northwest Vista and rest doubt me, then doubt me. But we their starters down the stretch. have won 12 in a row now,” Tavitas The team managed to get the said. lead, but the lack of execution by Tavitas’ demand for accountabilthe bench prompted head coach ity on the floor seems to be rubbing Aaron Tavitas to play his starters off on the captains of the team, as until the final buzzer.

Smith and guard A.J. Govan opted “ W h a t ’ s to call a team upsetting is that meeting to evaluwe can’t even ate team chemisenjoy a win like try and personal this. Are you out responsibility. here for yourThe team self or are you escaped a out here for your 20-point deficit a team?” Tavitas week ago against asked after the CyFair, and game.

Smith and Govan Despite the addressed their erratic play, the responsibility to Rangers had solid be an example contributions to the team on from the starters. dealing with that The Ranger men’s basketball team Forward Mark kind of adversity.

Green continued prays before their game against “Our body his outside sharp Northwest Vista College. language was shooting and put bad and you guys up 15 points, while forward Cedric followed suit. That’s our bad. If we Jones and guard Dermon Smith want to take home the banner, we each had 14 points. have to do it together,” Smith said.

Tavitas went with a different “If I get on you all on the court, starting five from previous weeks, it’s not personal. Off the court I’m opting to start point guard Devin mellow, but on the court … that’s Moore and sliding Smith to the two where I live,” said Govan. position.

The team will need its unity over Jones also started at center over the weekend. The team is competing

Forward Mark Green shoots a 3-pointer against Northwest Vista.

Green scored a career-high 31 points against CyFair. in the 2009 National Championship Campus Series Regional Basketball tournament.

If they win the tournament, they will be on an all-expenses paid trip to Detroit for the NCCS finals.

Also, the tournament is an opportunity for exposure to both the players’ abilities and this school, as many scouts and university representatives will be in attendance.

Following that tournament, the Rangers will compete in the South Texas Club Sports League, of which they are currently ranked in first place.

That tournament will include all the ACCD schools as well as schools from the surrounding area. The tournament is single elimination and will be held at Palo Alto College March 7.

Opinion

10 • Feb. 27, 2009

Editorials

www.theranger.org • The Ranger Edgar Puente

No oversight creates lack of accountability funds from the activity fee paid at registration. In this year’s budget, nearly $412,000 was the projected revenue for this college, the largest amount in the district and almost double the next-largest fee generator, Northwest Vista College.

When entrusted with someone else’s money — in this case, the students’ — one is expected to provide due diligence. By not tracking the recipients of the iPods, student life fails to live up to that standard.

In an earlier interview concerning Spa Day, Jorge Posadas, director of student life, defended his rationale for charging a small fee to faculty, staff and nonstudents for attending an otherwise free event.

Posadas said it was unfair for people who had not paid the student activity fee at this college to take advantage of free events.

Fair enough, but without even recording the name of participants of the dating game, how can we be assured they were even students at this college?

And why does student life use so much of our students’ money to advertise to so many nonstudents in The Current?

High-tech pope disconnects from have-nots The pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the spiritual leader of more than 800 million people, lives in Vatican City among some of the world’s most famous art.

He is a man who brings to mind images of holiness and ritual, conservative thought and moderation, often in opposition to science.

Although not everyone agrees with Pope Benedict XVI, it is hard to deny his power.

And now, in addition to his formidable résumé, the pope is also broadcasting on YouTube. Now the pope can reach millions more.

The Vatican is finding new and creative ways to spread the message. Instead of refusing to change with society, the church is using the

available technology in an effort to communicate better.

Now critics can’t as easily call the Vatican antiquated.

There are some downsides to this development.

For an institution that has prided itself on tradition, is the Vatican selling out?

What about those people who don’t have computers? Often, they are the people who most need the messages from the pope. The pope has the support of 800 million people worldwide behind him.

Do the millions of connected people reached by his new digital message outweigh the millions in poverty who might not get to see him now?

Spring break time to recharge, relax Spring break’s a week away, but before then, there are things to do.

Like finishing up your schoolwork.

A week seems like a long time.

You might think about playing catch-up. But you know you aren’t going to. So do it now and be done with it.

When March 6 rolls around, you can heave a sigh of relief. You won’t have to waste your break feeling guilty, anxious and finally panicked as the week ends.

If you are like most students, you work for a living, too. Your boss is not going to give you the week off, but you ought to make sure that you make time to relax and play. Goof off to relieve some of the stress of the first half of the semester.

Your brain is probably a little burned out and taking the week to rest means that you can come back all the stronger. It’s a fresh start to the end of the semester. Do yourself — and your GPA — the favor.

Correction In the Feb. 20 issue, The Ranger incorrectly attached art Professor Debra Schafter’s office phone number to a story on Meet the Majors. We apologize for the inconvenience.

RANGER THE

The mission of the office of student life is to provide a sampling of social activities to the students of this college through sports, music and cultural events. The office can add another not-so-positive experience to the list: embezzlement.

As reported Feb. 18 in the ExpressNews, Gilbert Castillo, former associate director of student life, resigned amid allegations of embezzlement.

Castillo’s actions are his own and have not been proved in court, but has student life learned the lesson?

Reported in last week’s issue of The Ranger, student life provided iPods to the two winning couples in an on-campus dating game hosted by the Black Student Alliance.

The iPod has become ubiquitous as a reward for participants of student life activities. When The Ranger inquired about the names of two of the winners, however, organizers could not provide them.

(And how much of student fees are being spent on these prizes?)

At a time when student life faces scrutiny for the alleged acts of a former employee, why would they fail in basic accountability?

Student life receives some of its

Staff

Editor Martin Herrera Managing Editor Trey Randolph Opinion Editor Brianna Roberts Photographers Tyler Cleveland, Melissa Toscano Lazcano Photo Team Josh Macias, Monica Pinzon George Torres Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos, Fred Nockroes, Edgar Puente Production Manager James Bosquez Production Assistant Laura Garcia Staff Writers José Castillo, Henry A. Chavarria, Michelle Franco, Giselle Guadron, Joshua Sanchez Guerrero, Rennie Murrell, Jeff Reese, Regis L. Roberts, Vanessa M. Sanchez, Lea Thompson, Jason Treviño 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.

The Ranger • www.theranger.org

Buyback experience left sellout feeling My experiences with the bookstore in the Loftin Student Center have been quite memorable, but those memories are ones I try to forget. The bookstore banners and e-mails claim: Put some Viewpoint by money back in your Rennie Murrell pocket ... sell your textbooks back to the bookstore. I would like to believe those words, but they sound a lot like “the check is in the mail.”

I met all the criteria for buybacks: The book was in good shape, every page intact, no highlighting or other damage to decrease the book’s buyback value.

After completing a summer course, I brought the book and the four CDs that accompanied it back to the bookstore to recoup some of the $125 I spent. As I stood in line, I reflected back to the day of my purchase: “If you damage the book or lose any of these CDs, the bookstore won’t buy them back,” the cashier said.

I took the cashier’s advice and was careful to maintain the content and integrity of the book and CDs. Finally, I am next in line, I thought. The cashier scanned my book, looked up at me and said, “Sorry, we are not buying back this book. The book has no value.”

“What do you mean this book has no value?” I asked him. I only had the book and CDs for the eight-week summer semester, and I had purchased them brand new.

How could they have no value?

“We are selling the fifth edition of this textbook now; the fourth edition is not being used by any instructor,” he said.

It started to smell like fish in there, and I knew something was not right. After some thorough questioning of the book-

store’s manager, I left determined to find out why the brand-new textbook and its accompanying CDs I had purchased were worth a big fat doughnut hole.

I checked and re-checked the course syllabus, and it was there in black and white, the fourth edition.

After some investigation and what I thought to be a bombshell e-mail from the professor, I found out the bookstore had sold both the fourth and fifth editions of the textbook at the same time for the same course.

With hours of legwork finally behind me, and all the evidence to prove I was defrauded out of at least part of the $125 I spent, I finally made my way to the dean of student affairs.

The dean was very helpful in resolving this matter, although the conclusion was not what I expected. Ultimately, I was stuck with the book, the four CDs, and none of my $125.

If you want to save money, time and frustration, and save yourself a similar experience, get the title of the required textbook and its ISBN number, and shop online. (For some reason, the bookstore will not give out the ISBN number over the phone.)

I do not use the campus bookstore any longer, unless it is the only place to purchase a required textbook.

There are thousands of people online selling used textbooks for a fraction of the original cost. That’s where I will be shopping from now on.

Guest Viewpoint

by Mekonnen Haile on New York Post cartoon

Feb. 27, 2009 • 11

Cartoon insensitive

Letters

Editor: Past staffs of The Ranger have worked very hard to provide worthwhile journalism to the SAC student body.

As an employee of ACCD, I continue to look forward to Friday publications. Imagine my dismay when I was reading the Feb. 20 issue and discovered the horribly discriminatory “cartoon” by Fred Nockroes.

How could this have made it to press?

The approval of this “cartoon,” i.e. insult, illustrates poor taste in addition to painting people that are less fortunate than some in an ignorant and horrible light.

The two homeless characters are illustrated with beer bottles, an eye patch and an arm sling that are likely the accoutrements a biased, elitist and ignorant person would assign to depict such characters.

Overall, this cartoon is entirely negative and insensitive both for the people being commented on and for those who are exposed to such an irresponsible and inconsiderate artist’s attitude.

SAC is a wonderful educational institution whose faculty strive not only to confer fundamental skills but to also instill a sense of social responsibility among future generations.

By putting the word “someone” in bold typeface, the artist also implies the homeless “someone” is less of an individual than the privileged student who has the opportunity to pursue a college education and whose need to park his car supersedes the basic necessity of other citizens to seek shelter.

Granted, most of those condemned properties owned

by ACCD are safety hazards and should not be inhabited. These properties should be removed for everyone’s safety.

Has the artist not followed the news lately? Our economy is in severe recession, which means more people are losing their jobs and homes.

In addition, SAC is feeling the economic downturn; therefore, construction projects for future buildings on these lots are on hold until the many needs of the extant buildings on the main campus can be addressed.

This cartoon is not even funny in a dark humor sort of way.

In our current society, journalism is evolving as many people seek out news and information on the Internet rather than in print.

The number of printed newspapers are shrinking.

Publishing cartoons that display a superior, condescending attitude do not help journalism’s plight, cause me to

sympathize with our students’ parking issues or to want to read The Ranger in the future.

Elia Zepeda Visual Arts and Technology Lab Technician

Put out welcome mat Dear President Robert Zeigler: I have heard so much good feedback about SAC so I decided to join your school. I moved from Vietnam to Texas in December 2007 and met all requirements to be a Texas resident.

Monday, my husband and I went to the residency and report center to work on my resident paperwork.

It was not the first time that I had been there but again received a very cold welcome from Mary Jane Carreon.

She did not even ask us to take a seat when we were talking. We had to move the stuff in her office to sit down and talk.

I went to her office twice for my paperwork. The first time, I talked to Teresa Smith and had an unpleasant conversation with her both on the phone and in person.

If the staff was there to help the students with their problems, I couldn’t perceive a feeling of a willingness to help.

Then I went to the office of Mary Jane Carreon to review my paperwork. Instead of trying to help, I received the same behavior again. I didn’t get a smile or an interest in helping me.

I know there are laws and rules that must be followed, but my complaint is not only about the rules but also the attitude of the staff. I planned to go to SAC because my husband attended SAC. I trust in your school, your people and the quality of education there.

Now I am confused with my decision even when all my paperwork is done. I wanted to write this letter to share my feeling and experience with you.

I believe you can make it so much better and nicer.

If it had happened to me, it would have happened to others.

I did my best to do everything in the order that I was supposed to, and it has been very hard.

I hope you will get it straightened out, and bring a better face to the residency and report department so the students will feel welcomed when they get there and ask for help. I send my best wishes to you and all the staff at SAC. Ruby Byrne Photography Freshman

12• Feb. 27, 2009

www.theranger.org • The Ranger

Don't Bring The Noise

Young people may be oblivious to hearing damage

T

Story by Regis L. Roberts • Illustration by Juan Carlos Campos

he image of a college student walking through campus and blasting music through headphones is so ubiquitous it is hardly worth comment. “We don’t think about these things when we’re going through them, but then it catches up to us,” Becky Rubin, disability support services counselor, said of subjecting one’s ears to loud music.

Victor Pfau, broadcast engineer for KSYM, said young people listening to personal music devises, such as iPods, do not seem to notice or care about the possible damage they are doing. “It’s something people don’t think about, their ears,” he said, adding that young people in particular seem to be under the impression their hearing will never become compromised.

This is something Rubin has noticed as well, saying that she has asked students if they realize what they are doing to Earbuds should never themselves. The conbe shared because they sequences can be dire: could cause infection and “Your hearing can be spread germs, resulting damaged permanently in the spread of the flu or by exposure to loud noises,” she said. other diseases.

Even people who know better are vulnerable to the lure of loud music. Interpreter services manager Jo Hilton giggled with guilt when asked about music volume. “I’m bad,” she said, hand covering mouth. “I’m really bad.” She admits to not being a good role model with this habit, especially as an instructor in sign language.

The intensity of sound is measured in decibels; the higher the unit of decibels the sound puts out, the louder the sound and the greater potential there is for damage. While decibels can be understood as sound pressure, another measure of sound is hertz, or the frequency of sound waves, which affects the sound’s pitch. One hertz unit translates to the cycle of one sound wave each second.

Pfau said a major problem is when hearing loss occurs within a frequency range comparable to average conversation, resulting in problems hearing people speak. The audible range for humans is 20 to 20,000 hertz. Measured in decibels, speech occurs in about the 60-decibel range, according to Dangerous Decibels, an educational project run in collaboration with the Oregon Hearing Research Center at the Oregon Health and Science University and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

To give some perspective, a whisper is about 20 decibels, busy traffic is about 85 decibels, a jet from 100 feet is about 130 decibels and a gun shot, depending on the gun’s type and gauge, can range from 140 to about 180 decibels.

Although music players vary from brand to brand, and the volume at which the music was originally recorded is also a factor, the Dangerous Decibels Web site, www.dangerousdecibels.org, says that “listening to music on earphones at a standard volume level five, the sound generated reaches a level of 100 (decibels).”

Pfau said the problem with judging the proper volume to listen to music is determining exactly the decibel output, making it hard to know the extent to which the music is damaging one’s hearing. The iPhone, which users can trick out with applications downloadable via iTunes, offers users the ability to measure decibels of sound using the phone’s built-in microphone.

The newest and cheapest application for such a purpose is simply called Decibel, which sells for 99 cents and was released Feb. 20, but is not as fancy as dbMeter Pro, an app that allows users to calibrate the software with professionalgrade equipment and sells for $2.99.

As far as the type of music is concerned, Pfau said the intensity of the music is not a factor in contributing to hearing damage, whether someone is listening to punk rock or death metal as opposed to easy listening. “It depends on what the spectrum of the music is,” Pfau said of the music’s frequency.

While noise-induced hearing loss is often gradual, Pfau said “explosive” or sudden, extremely loud sounds can cause immediate hearing damage.

The gradual nature of most hearing loss means that people, especially the elderly, who experience it, do not notice it is happening until someone tells them that they are having to speak loudly to be heard, he said.

Music devices are not the only source for potentially damaging, high-decibel music. “If you go to a concert, you might walk out with your ears ringing, but that’s probably a good sign,” he said, adding that the ringing is an indication that one’s ears are responding properly to exposure to loud noise. He said it is as if the ears are trying to tell the person not to subject them to that much punishment.

Although pain starts at about 125 decibels, long exposure to anything above 85 decibels is dangerous, and Pfau said people need to be conscious of the level of sound they are exposed to and take measures to protect themselves.

Because it is hard to know how many decibels headphones or earbuds are putting out, it is hard to use any sort of standard when using them. It is also difficult to tell people to use their best judgment because people do not take much consideration into the possible damage being done to their ears by excessive exposure to loud music on headphones, he said Rubin said that if someone else is able to hear music

through your earbuds while you are wearing them, “It’s probably too loud.” She said headphones or earbuds, like most any product, will have safety information on the package that should be followed.

Pfau said earbuds, which are inserted directly into the listener’s ears, standard with iPods, can be more harmful than headphones, which lay over the ears, because earbuds make more direct contact with delicate parts of the ear. In addition to noise-induced hearing loss as a result of music, Pfau said factories and other workplace environments are often a source of constant noise that could be damaging. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a regulatory agency that monitors workplace safety and falls under the purview of the Department of Labor, sets guidelines for exposure to high levels of noise on the job. For example, exposure to a level of 90 decibels is limited to eight hours per day, whereas 115 decibels would be limited to 25 minutes. Regulations also state that these exposure levels be further dampened with protective equipment.

When students come into disability support services needing accommodation for hearing disabilities, Rubin said DSS first assesses the student’s medical history to best serve their needs.

While Delia De Luna, DSS student services assistant, said the department did not serve students who have experienced hearing loss from noise exposure, Rubin said they help students with a wide range of hearing loss history and each case has its own fix. For example, a student who suffers from hearing loss from head trauma may also have a learning disability, she said, which also needs to be addressed. A student might be helped best simply by being given preferential seating.

Students may also benefit from a device DSS uses called an FM-Loop, which has a transmitter with a clipon microphone and a receiver that either works with a student’s hearing aid or ear buds.

If a student’s hearing damage is to the point where they need an interpreter, Rubin said DSS and American Sign Language and interpreter training — which is being housed in Room 510 of Moody Learning Center while Nail Technical Center under goes renovations — work together in assisting students with sign language interpretation in class.

Hilton said that before 2001, DSS used a contract with a sign language service. That all changed when deafness was portrayed in a more positive way.

“We teach that deaf people aren’t disabled, but that they are a linguistic minority,” she said.

Now interpreter training works in conjunction with DSS to make sure students’ accommodations are met, a model not familiar at most colleges, Hilton said.

Hilton and Lauri Metcalf, chair of American Sign Language and interpreter training, presented the model to the Postsecondary Education Programs Network soon after it was implemented.

Not only is money saved, but students with a relationship to the campus and fellow students get experience, Hilton said.

The deaf students are also benefited: “They see the same person the whole t i m e they’re t h e re, which I think helps retention.”