RANGER THE
April 17, 2009
Serving San Antonio College and the Alamo Community College District
Volume 83, Issue 21
Columbine:
A forum of free voices
Single copies free
Page 14
Juan Carlos Campos
Miracle baby turns 21 Page 16 Fi n Sc al E Pa hed xa ge ule m 12
District pushes Finals no time for energy drinks more consolidation Page 6 Page 5
2 • April 17, 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: jrindfuss@mail.accd.edu
Presidents San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 486-0959, rzeigler@mail.accd.edu Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 486-5484, ereno@mail.accd.edu
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
Midsemester counseling urged rather than at term end Degree plan essential to know which classes to take.
By Jade Villarreal
Counselors at this college have been trying to wage a campaign to make students see them for thorough advising during the middle of the semester rather than at the end of registration. “We’re trying to shift the culture that there is a big difference between advising and registering,” Melissa Sutherland, counseling services coordinator, said. “The two are not supposed to be done on the same day. “To try to get people in for advising midsemester is preferable because there’s not a lot of people, there’s no wait,” she said. “They can make an appointment for the amount of time needed to do good advising, whereas during registration we just answer quick questions and that’s not really advising. That’s more like, ‘Here, take this class and go register,’ and we don’t really like to do that.” The counseling center saw an
increase in midsemester advising because of their campaign, which consisted of banners being posted around the campus and a mass e-mail sent through the PALS system, a Web-based portal that provides students and faculty and staff with the means to communicate. There was a 39.3 percent increase in the number of students who visited counselors for advising from the spring semester of 2008 to the current semester. Some 8,230 students were advised from January to April of 2008, while 11,464 students have been advised from January to April 15 this year. Counselors are also trying to reduce wait time in the lobby of the first floor of Moody Learning Center during registration. One of their biggest efforts to do this is the group advising that new students are required to take part in. The counseling department has also been working on getting a link up on the college homepage that will link new students to register for group advising rather than visit the department in person to schedule their group advising session. They expect the link to be on the page soon.
March 27 – An individual reported theft of personal property in Moody. $50 to $500. No suspects were located. An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. An individual reported a personal vehicle burglarized in Lot 1. No suspects were located. An individual reported personal injury in Loftin. Campus nurse treated the individual. An individual reported a suspicious male in the area of McCreless. Male not located. March 30 – An individual reported missing district keys in McAllister. An individual reported an irate student making disturbing comments in Fletcher. An individual reported feeling ill in Moody. EMS treated individual. An individual reported graffiti on district property near of Gonzales. No suspects were located.
Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 486-3960, aguzman@mail.accd.edu
An individual reported theft of personal property in Moody. $50 to $500. No suspects located.
When you see this symbol, go to www.theranger.org for more info. Gateway program hailed as success Permission defines graffiti or art Black history observation still important Potential employers can discover MySpace secrets Twittered hurricane coverage hastens new technology Hiring process slow, employers say Lenten walk focuses on domestic poverty Student journalists win awards After long wait, renovation of Moody is on the way Shortage of teachers, classrooms limits biology sections SIFE club places in regional contest Scholarship funds hurt by recession Make your own internship, expert advises Memorial recalls professor’s humor, wisdom
Melissa Toscano Lazcano
San Antonio College
Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 486-4900, jclaunch@mail.accd.edu
Online
transfer into a four-year university.” “A lot of students come into SAC thinking ‘Oh, I’m just going to take my basics so I don’t need a degree plan,’ What they don’t understand is that some of the basics change depending on what school you’re going to transfer to,” she said. “For instance, if you go to Texas A&M, they want you to take ENGL 1301 and Technical Writing, and most other schools want ENGL 1301 and 1302. Some students don’t understand, but not having a degree plan will cost them a course or more.” Sutherland hopes students will come in for advising much earlier than they usually do so they can become aware of degree plans, degree audits and their academic progress. Traffic in the counseling center peaks during mid-July and continues until the registration deadline directly before the fall semester begins. Sutherland stresses that students who missed being advised midsemester come in as soon as possible throughout June; however, she advises students to get into the habit of coming in for proper advising before this timeframe the next semester they attend.
Blotter
March 31 – An individual reported theft of personal property in the gym. $500 to $1500. No suspects were located.
St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 486-2900, aloston@mail.accd.edu
Liberal arts sophomore Austin Garza admits to not coming in for midsemester advising during the three semesters he has attended this college. “Honestly, I never even differentiated advising from registration so I just always register online and don’t even bother to get advised,” Garza said. “Now that I know the counselors offer advising and degree audits and all of that, I’ll take advantage of it next semester.” Sutherland also stresses that every student has a degree plan, which follows them throughout their academic career. A degree plan is developed for a student upon entering a college or university and its standards do not change as long as that student is in school. It consists of which classes are needed and which are taken to fulfill a major, and eventually graduation. “If a student doesn’t have a degree plan or doesn’t even know what that is, that’s a big sign that the student needs to come see a counselor,” Sutherland said. “Without a degree plan, you’re totally lost and you could end up taking a lot of classes you don’t need that won’t
An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
Watch your belongings: Nursing sophomore Anita Muñoz applies makeup after a day of cardio boot camp next to signs warning of the potential for break-ins posted in the women’s locker room April 7 in Candler. Aside from the many notices placed around locker rooms, facilities manager Raul Rodriguez said that in the past three to four weeks, there were two reported break-ins in the women’s locker room and one in the men’s locker room. area of Lot 16. Male not located. April 5 – An individual reported an assault after leaving a nightclub on Park Place. Palo Alto College March 30 – An individual reported graffiti on district property. No suspects were located.
An individual reported personal injury off campus. EMS treated individual.
March 31 – An individual reported a coinoperated machine burglarized in Ozuna. No suspects were located.
An individual reported a suspicious male in McCreless. All found to be OK.
An individual reported a male refusing to leave Ozuna. Male departed before officer arrived.
April 1 – A criminal trespass warning was issued to a nonstudent male in Gonzales.
An individual reported damage to personal vehicle in Lot 11.
An individual reported damage to personal vehicle in Lot 27.
April 2 – An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
A criminal trespass warning was issued to an individual in chemistry-geology.
St. Philip’s College
April 1 – An individual was issued a citation for disruption of class in science building. April 2 – An individual reported a disruptive student in the leadership development center. The student left the building before officers arrived. Southwest Campus April 1 – An individual reported terroristic threats from ex-boyfriend in Lot 5. Prosecution declined. Individual reported an assault by her ex-boyfriend in Lot 5. Northwest Vista College March 27 – An individual reported theft of district property in Lot 7. Item recovered. Prosecution declined. March 31 – An individual reported a student viewing pornography on library computer in Redbud.
An individual reported feeling ill. EMS treated.
March 30 – An individual reported a personal vehicle burglarized in Lot 9. No suspects located.
April 1 – An individual reported a male masturbating in vehicle in Lot 10. The male was not located.
April 2 – An individual was found to have an active warrant and released to BCSO.
An individual reported the theft of personal vehicle license plate. No suspects were located.
April 2 – An individual reported found property in Cypress. Item placed in property locker.
Criminal trespass warnings issued to two males.
March 31 – An individual reported feeling ill in Sutton. Campus nurse treated individual.
April 3 – An individual reported found property in Cypress. Item placed in property locker.
An individual reported graffiti in the men’s restroom in Loftin. An individual reported an irate student in Lot 7. All found to be OK. Officers assisted with an off-campus accident. April 3 – An individual reported students refusing to leave the area of visual arts. An individual reported a suspicious male in the
Contact Information Emergency 222-0911 General DPS 485-0099 Weather Line 485-0189
Northeast Lakeview College March 31 – An individual reported a dog unattended in vehicle in Lot 6. Dog found to be OK. An individual reported two dogs running loose on campus. Dogs departed campus. April 2 – An individual reported theft of district laptop computer in building 8300. $500 to $1,500. No suspects were located.
The Ranger • www.theranger.org
Pay half a penny for lower tuition Student Government seeks volunteers to collect signatures in protest of tuition hike. By Henry A. Chavarria The open forum, coming up on Monday, will be a continuation of the last forum focusing on the 5 percent tuition hike for in-district students approved 5-4 by the board of trustees March 17. Student Government Association members will explain to students the importance of their involvement in petitioning against the tuition increase. According to SGA’s petition, the key points are: • By increasing property taxes by $.005 (half a penny), twice the revenue of the passed tuition increase would be generated. • With the district in a $14.6 million deficit, $400,000 could be better spent at this time on other agendas rather than on a logo change. • Many students’ educational careers will be put into jeopardy with the increase of tuition, especially first generation
college students. In comparison to three neighboring community college districts that are either the same size or bigger than the Alamo Community College District, here students pay the most. Dallas students, as of spring 2009, are paying $41 per credit hour, in district, while here students pay $62 per credit hour. The $62 per credit hour is already 5 percent over the state average. Wednesday, SGA set up a booth at Fun Fest where they began their first day of petitioning from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They collected about 350 signatures from students in that fivehour period. SGA plans to be at Palo Alto College Monday morning encouraging their students to get involved with the petitioning since they will no longer be having meetings on their campus. SGA needs the aid from other colleges in the district because the board of trustees will not take a petition seriously if all the signatures come from SAC considering there are five colleges in the district. The open forum will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. For information, call 486-0667. •
Tyler Cleveland
Pack the Prius:
A Toyota Prius is parked in the mall east of Loftin Wednesday. The Prius is owned by Kathy Armstrong, special events coordinator for the college. Donations to the food pantry will be collected there through Thursday. The food pantry is sponsored
by Phi Theta Kappa and food can be donated from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Catholic Student Center on Belknap and West Courtland Place. Marketing sophomore Elizabeth Segapeli handed out fliers to students, while Bernice the pantry pooch guarded the car.
Housekeeper loses all but hope Photos by Melissa Toscano Lazcano
By Melissa Toscano Lazcano
to a fire and a year of rehabilitation owed to a car accident the week after the fire, led Spanish sophomore José González, 42, him to drop out of school. from Puerto Rico works evening shifts in González was driving with his mother campus housekeeping while attending the and sister-in-law, who both suffered head only course required for his bachelor’s and neck injuries. He underwent knee degree, MUSI 1309 Introduction to Music surgery. Literature 2. He said these tragedies left him This spring, González will receive a depressed, but he kept up hopes of returnBachelor of Arts in ing to college. Spanish with a minor “I always had in in music from the mind to go back and University of the study because I wanted Incarnate Word, where to finish,” he said. he transferred in Two years of job1994 from St. Philip’s hunting ended with College. a housekeeping offer He worked as in 2006 at Northeast a part-time custoLakeview College, dian for North East which aids him with Independent School college expenses, District before quitting excluding textbooks, in 2000 to attend colthrough the district’s lege full-time. employee tuition assis“I wanted to reach tance program. further,” he said in The district’s José González plays the Puerto Rican Spanish. employee handbook González sings, cuatro April 9 in McAllister. González says tuition and fees plays guitar, piano and attends the last class required for his will be paid at 100 the Puerto Rican cua- bachelor’s degree. percent for up to six tro, a string instrument semester hours and 75 from his home country. percent for up to four semester hours in His mother, Lucila González, sang as excess of six, and part-time faculty receive a mezzo-soprano in the chorus of La Ponce limited ETAP benefit. High School, which was awarded best choGonzález was transferred to this campus rus in Puerto Rico. last year. González graduated from Luz América He advises students to persevere to Calderón High School in 1984, for which he achieve their goals. composed the song “Supera.” He said, even though he has gone In 2004, the loss of house and property through harsh times, he feels “more pre-
González pared to confront life.” “When someone sets a goal in life, one should never give up,” he said. “Don’t look back, look forward.” Dr. Kay Lipton, music lecturer, said González is a very goal-oriented and passionate student during an April 7 class. “He is a good role model,” Lipton said. “If you love what you do, you’ll get there.” González plans to get a master’s degree in Spanish and give seminars on Puerto Rican music and culture. “I want to offer culture to this town because it has given me the opportunity of my life,” he said.
April 17, 2009 • 3
Professionals offer students financial advice Dump debt and build savings, three say.
By Sharon Hensley A period of economic instability can be the right time to plan for your financial future. Professor Maria F. Davis, coordinator of the banking and financial services program, said it may be healthy for the younger generation to worry, so responsibility becomes more prominent in their thinking. “I am so horrified that the economy has come to the state that it’s in,” she said. “I think worry is a reasonable state for all of us to have.” Davis said she was not happy with the government’s bailouts for private companies, or the huge printing of money accompanying them, but viewed this as necessary. She expressed concern about the national debt. “It was a mistake to go into so much debt regardless of who the creditor is.” Davis said a large economy has helped to keep Texas from having as much economic downturn as other states. “I think the lending institutions in Texas have been more conservative in their lending practices.” Davis said money is safe because Congress recently guaranteed that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. would continue to guarantee bank deposits. The FDIC is an independent agency of the federal government. It was created after thousands of banks failed in the 1920s and early 1930s. No insured funds have been lost to bank failure since FDIC insurance began on Jan. 1, 1934. President George W. Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 on Oct. 3. It raised the basic limit on FDIC deposit insurance to $250,000 per depositor. After Dec. 31, 2009, the insurance will return to its prior limit of $100,000. Davis recommended students begin investing by purchasing certificates of deposit, or U.S. Treasury bills. A certificate of deposit, or CD, is a debt instrument that pays interest. Individual CDs can start at $100 and the maturity ranges from a few weeks to several years. Competitive forces in the marketplace set the interest rates. The shortest term instruments issued by the federal government are U.S. Treasury bills. The maturity of a Treasury bill does not exceed one year and maturities of three or six months are common. “If I was a young person, and could save $1,000, that is where I would invest,” Davis said. “You’re not going to make a great return in this market, but something is better than nothing.” John A. Worthington, senior vice president of corporate communications for Security Service Federal Credit Union, said, “A certificate of deposit is an attractive option because you get it at a set rate, for a set period of time, and it’s insured by the federal government.” Worthington said students need to address credit card debt. “In general, our population is naïve,” he said. “If you can find me one kid in 10, who can give me a reasonable definition of what credit is, I’d be surprised. Some people do not even know what their balances are.” Worthington recommended, “Find a way to whittle it down and get rid of it because it will eat you alive. Find ways to economize. Do you need to drive everywhere? Are you close enough to walk or use public transportation? “Look at your disposable income,” Worthington said. “If it’s disposable, throw it into your savings account. You should have a rainy day fund of three months minimum.” “It takes a conscious effort to change your behavior,” he said. “The bottom line is get rid of your credit card balances, and then start investing.” Worthington said, “Texas being a very pro business environment” is one reason it is weathering the financial storm better than other states. Our government has been very proactive in bringing in business. Our mortgage lending is in better shape than the rest of the country.” Worthington continued, “You don’t see a lot of subprime lending with credit unions at all. Credit unions have never in their history, since they were signed into law in 1934, been bailed out by your taxpayer money.” “All of your money on deposit is shares. If we went under, NCUSIF would cover your money,” he said. Created by Congress in 1970, the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund insures member deposits in federally insured credit unions. Credit union insurance was addressed by the stabilization act in the same way as bank insurance. Worthington said credit unions look at people differently than banks do. “Banks are for-profit institutions and they are run for the benefit of their shareholders. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives,” he said. “Everybody has an equal status regardless of what your income may be. We’re going to take care of you because you are a member and a member owner.” Cynthia K. Propp, senior vice president, Alamo district manager for Broadway Bank, said, “Look for a financial institution that matches their services to your needs.” “A bank is different (from a credit union) in that we are more relationship driven,” she said. “We have more services to offer; we are an organization you can grow with.” Propp said, “We (Broadway Bank) have a small board. We’re local, which means we’re very attuned to the community. “I think it’s really important to know your financial institution is strong, safe and that they’ll be around,” she said. She said all banks were offered bailout money, but Broadway chose not to accept any. “Our capital exceeds what our capital requirements are,” she said. “We’ll be profitable for a long, long time.” Propp said Broadway has avoided costly mistakes by being “a conservative lending institution.” “We are not collateral lenders,” she said. “We look at your credit.” Propp also recommended CDs for beginning investors.
4 • April. 17, 2009
People
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
Tyler Cleveland
Tyler Cleveland
Do unto yourself before you do unto others:
Give it all: Kinesiology freshman Gabriel Loza loses his shorts after colliding with liberal arts freshman Chris Howard during the first round of the 4 vs. 4 football tournament at San Pedro Springs Park April 8. Loza and his team won 30-0 and eventually advanced to the final round.
Federal Protective Services officer Joy Flamer is pepper-sprayed by law enforcement Instructor Bobby McMillan during a four-hour in-service class on pepper spray south of West Park April 3. Security officers from around Texas came to learn the effects of pepper spray, which is simply cayenne pepper and vegetable oil, and to receive training on how to use it effectively.
George Torres
Melissa Toscano Lazcano
Final touch:
Professor Terry Muska directs the final Guitar Ensemble performance song “Palladio” by Karl Jenkins with Gary Spolding’s arrangements Monday in McAllister.
Tyler Cleveland
Seniors
rule:
Business sophomore Juan Borrayo pitches during the first inning against Lonestar Coin 55, a team of players 55 years old and older April 8 at Kroger Field. Losing 19-9, the Rangers will face Team Gillette at 7:50 p.m. Wednesday at Kroger Stokes on San Pedro at West Myrtle.
Show a hand:
Magician and blackjack dealer Javier Garza teaches the basics of card play to nursing freshman Meagan Field and education sophomore Luis Villarreal at Casino Day April 8 in Loftin.
The Ranger • www.theranger.org
April 17, 2009 • 5
Lecture addresses study skills Learning what to highlight in texts saves time when reviewing.
By Jose Castillo To ease the stress of finals and all-night studying, the Methodist Student Center presented “Ways to Prepare for Exams and Improve Your Test-Taking Skills” on Tuesday at the center as part of the Hot Potato series. The presentation by Lisa Menard, student development instructor and counselor at this college, offered study techniques and habits to help students retain information learned in the classroom. Menard explained how stress and anxiety create memory lapses, making even the most basic information inaccessible. She shared a story about a man who had taken his injured son to the emergency room. In a state of complete stress, he could not even provide the name of the son he was trying to admit. Preparing for a test in advance, as opposed to cramming the night before, can help ease some of the anxiety in test taking. The lecture also included several exercises to improve memorization. Much of the presentation dealt with word association and developing “hooks” to recall information. Menard stressed repetition and frequency of use as the main way for students to retain information. “How can I arrange my life to better work with this information?” Menard asked. “Recitation helps people to remember
Study spots in high demand
things because they are explaining it to Menard provided a guide for reading textsomeone else.” books more efficiently. To ensure that study information is accuBecoming familiar with key parts of a rate, she recommended that students stay textbook can help structure the way a stuin their seats for five minutes after class, if dent reads it. schedule permits, to cover any gaps in their Key parts of a text include the title, table notes. of contents, index, glossary, sub-headings, She also recommended reviewing notes diagrams, charts and summaries. at the end of the day for at least 30 minutes After the reader covers these general to reinforce the information in short-term points, figuring out what the text mainly memory. concerns, how it is organized and how long Menard encouraged active listening, a it will take to read will be easier to do. structured way of lisMenard also protening attentively and vided hints on how focusing on the speakand what to highlight For more information, er while tuning out in textbooks and notes call Lisa Menard distracting influences. to make studying more “What you really efficient. at 486-0352 listen to will stick,” For history subjects, Menard said. names, events, dates, Active listening causes and effects are opens up a dialogue important facts. between the speaker and audience, helping For literature classes, details that idento clear up any misunderstandings or mistify plot, characters, point of time, style conceptions the audience might have about and theme should be highlighted for easy the topic. reference. Menard also recommended studying For math classes, definitions, examples, in two- to five-minute blocks for simple, rules and formulas are important to highlight. mechanical tasks, like memorizing word For science classes, students should look definitions and processes, rather than the for key terms, theories, theorists, concepts, long study sessions required for reading stages and research data. chapters. She also said to watch for words and The audience was provided a test-taking phrases that signal important information. checklist of things to do before, during and These include: to illustrate, for example, after a test. for instance, more importantly, above all, The list included strategies like develop- in contrast, accordingly, consequently, pros ing a study goal, knowing an exam’s format, and cons, next, then and finally. predicting test questions, pacing, breathing Being able to recognize these signal and consulting with the instructor. words can make note-taking an easier and In addition to the test-taking checklist, more productive process. Melissa Toscano Lazcano
Jazz Month: Saxophonist Gabe Pintor of the Henry Brun and The Latin Playerz jazz band performs Monday in the cafeteria of Loftin sponsored by the office of student life.
By Laura Garcia Late work is piling up and class sizes are dwindling fast. That means finals are coming and students will most likely turn to liquid energy. Of course, consumers don’t believe they will sprout wings or unleash their inner beast as advertisements suggest, but many will try anything to get through those last-minute cram sessions. Business management sophomore Alvin Acosta said he usually drinks Rockstar a couple times a month but for finals and during times of stress he will increase his intake to a couple times a week. Most energy drinks contain ingredients like Taurine and Guarana that promise to increase stimulation and physical energy levels. The key ingredient usually is caffeine and sugar or sugar substitutes. Current law doesn’t require energy drink companies to include exactly how much caffeine on their product labels. Ellen Brennan, biology professor and nutritionist, said that there’s absolutely no evidence that proves these ingredients are beneficial and calls them a quick fix for a longer-term problem. “Usually the problem is you haven’t had enough sleep, you haven’t had enough to eat,” she said. “That’s the issue that needs to be dealt with.” Brennan feels energy drink marketing distracts people from what their bodies really need, like adequate sleep and proper diet. “It’s phenomenal the amount of marketing that goes into these. They make it look like you could accomplish so much,” she said. When people turn to energy drinks they haven’t really obtained what the body needs. If students are after energy they should go for fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats, she said. Brennan said that although she doesn’t recommend energy drinks, college-age students could drink moderate levels without real harm to their bodies. A better option is to get ready little by little and work steadily toward final exams instead of cramming at the very end. “You don’t want to go into a race not having slept. That’s crazy,” she said. Electrical engineering sophomore John Wadlington says his favorite is Java Monster because it tastes less like soda and more like an iced coffee drink. He doesn’t expect to increase his intake of one energy drink a day for finals. Check out MyPyramid.gov or take a nutrition class for more information.
ASL student to speak at commencement May 9 By Michelle Franco
By Laura Garcia
The Quarry Market Starbucks closed its doors at midnight Monday after years of being the only 24-hour location in San Antonio turning away students with books in hand. Finals pose a problem for many students who depend on a place to cram in last-minute study sessions and allnighters. Some students, who are not able to study at home because of a noisy atmosphere or lack of space, found themselves for hours at the coffee shop at 255 E. Basse Road. The baristas said the new hours were because of a decline in sales overnight and blamed the economy. The late crowd could go to diners like Jim’s, International House of Pancakes or Denny’s to study, but make sure to call ahead because not all locations are open 24 hours. “We don’t have a problem with it. We have a lot of students that come in to study. We enjoy them coming in here,” said Annitre Maddox, manager of the IHOP located at 3620 Broadway. “They are quiet and they don’t bother anybody.” A circulation desk librarian at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Rachel Tejeda, said San Antonio College students are more than welcome to study at the Loop 1604 facility. “You don’t have to be a student here. You can come and study,” she said. The John Peace Library is open 24 hours April 30-May 8 for UTSA’s finals. Finals at this college are May 4-8. Students can make copies for 10 cents and check out books with a free TexShare card obtained from the library on campus. In the 1990s, the library at Moody tried to stay open until midnight but failed to draw enough students. Library staff on campus directs students to go study at the UTSA library after close. Moody’s hours are 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. The library on the second floor of Moody will open a half hour earlier at 7 a.m. during finals week. For more information on study spots, call the UTSA library at 458-4574 or the San Antonio College library at 486-0554.
Drinks provide false energy
speaker seven to 10 times and will work on writing the speech, figuring out a Lorna Francis is the first American theme and, once it is written, work on Sign Language student to be chosen as delivering the speech. a speaker for this college’s commenceThe graduation speaker is an imporment. tant part of graduation, Hunt said. She will be speaking on behalf of the “You have one student speak on graduating class at this year’s commencebehalf of the graduating class,” he said. ment ceremony at 10 a.m. May 9 in “They are only a small representation of Municipal Auditorium, One Auditorium the obstacles and success stories that all Circle. the graduates share at SAC.” A total of 642 students are expected “The graduation speaker’s duty is to to walk the stage at the ceremony, Gail charge their peers with don’t rest, don’t Jonas, associate director of admissions, stop. Continue on with education or with said Wednesday. the dream job in the work force and conThe auditorium seats 4,200, and grad- tinue to make new goals,’” Hunt said. uates have been issued five tickets for The importance of the graduation family and friends. speaker from the faculty and admin“It makes me feel honored and istration’s point of view, Hunt said, is excited to do it,” Francis said “to hear from the graduation in an interview April 6. “I speaker that we are doing our am always the quiet person. job.” This is out of the ordinary Officials also will be for me.” announcing this years’ “I could have transferred a Outstanding Former Student long time ago,” Francis said, award to Martha Salas, a gradu“but I wanted to complete ate from the first nursing class the (ASL) program here. from the college in 1969. “My mom is deaf and my “There is a lot of symbolism dad is hard of hearing. I have that she was one of the first to be a role model to show Lorna Francis graduates and this year they that any student can do it.” are opening the new nursing She explains how it was easier to use facility,” said distance education Director sign language as a child because that’s Helen Torres, who nominated Salas for what was used at home. the award. “It was hard for me to mainstream Salas is currently a civilian employinto the hearing world,” she said. ee as the director for the Air Force Francis will transfer to Texas A&M Worldwide Family Advocacy Program. University-Kingsville System Center-San Salas oversees 77 Air Force installaAntonio in the fall of 2010 and hopes to tions that develop, implement, intervene find a career in interpreting for courts. and treat family violence with a spendJeff Hunt, theater and speech commuing budget of $33 million per year, Julie nication chair and in charge of choosing Cooper, public information officer for the the graduation speaker, was introduced college, said Wednesday. to Francis during the ASL talent show Salas graduated with an associFeb. 21, where she signed “Just Fine” by ate degree in nursing from the colMary J. Blige in ASL. lege and later received a Bachelor of “She had a great performance,” Hunt Science in nursing from the University said. “I thought she might be a great of the Incarnate Word and a Master’s of speaker.” Business Administration and health care Hunt usually chooses the speaker in management from Our Lady of the Lake December and January, then coaches the University. speaker until the day of graduation. “That to me was so striking,” Torres “It’s not really about finding a good said. “She is really a leader.” speaker,” the expert said. “I look for To be nominated for the award, indidiversity.” viduals must have attended the college “It’s a real honor,” Hunt said. “They and have been nominated by a faculty or have a message they want to share and staff member from the college. they speak before thousands of audiGraduation is not required. ence members. It looks good on your The commencement ceremony will be résumé.” televised from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Hunt said he tries to meet with the Time Warner Cable on Channel 98.
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
6• April 17, 2009
Four-day workweek favored by committee
Carlos Garcia
By Martin Herrera Authorization to implement a four-day workweek at Palo Alto College received the recommendation of the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee as did the ability to implement a “flex schedule” at the remaining campuses during the summer. A flex schedule means the college can assign employees to alternative schedules from a traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday while maintaining the college’s normal hours of operation. Palo Alto may implement the shortened workweek June 8 through July 31, and the rest of the district from May 11 to July 31. According to the agenda item’s supporting documents, the district first authorized Palo Alto to shorten its week in the summer of 2002. The purpose then was to encourage enrollment by offering a class schedule that did not include a Friday class. Budget cuts the following year prompted the college to again implement a four-day workweek. The college was looking to reduce the utilities costs as well as save employees gas, according to documents. In a 2007 survey of employees at the college, 68 percent favored a four-day workweek for the summer of 2008. The remaining campuses have not implemented four-day workweeks in the past and are not required to do so under this recommendation. However, the campuses do have authorization to make adjustments with staff schedules based on college needs. District 4 trustee Marcello Casillas asked why the other campuses had not implemented shortened workweeks as Palo Alto has done. Chancellor Bruce Leslie replied for the college presidents, none of whom were present at the committee meetings, except for Northeast Lakeview’s Dr. Eric Reno, that the other campuses had summer programming that could not now be accommodated in a four-day week. Dr. Jessica Howard, interim executive vice president at San Antonio College, confirmed that sentiment saying the college had “too many plates spinning” during the summer to make that adjustment. Any consideration to go to a shortened week in the future would be under President Robert Zeigler’s purview, she said. Zeigler is on vacation and did not return an e-mail requesting comments. An updated version of the district ethics handbook and an update to the board policy manual on personnel also received a positive recommendation from the Policy and Long-Range Planning Committee. Edition 1.1 of the handbook includes updated links and material, including new vision, mission and values for the Alamo Colleges. The board policy manual on personnel is available online for review at http://www.accd.edu/district/ethics/section-d.html. An agenda item addressing tuition and fee waivers for dual credit students was pulled from discussion over concerns it was not accurate. The item had previously been approved in committee; however, when the item was brought to the board last month, the text of the minute order was incorrect. Concern about the accuracy of the posting prompted the board to return it to the committee to be revised. The language was once again incorrect, but the committee decided to forward it to the board for this month’s meeting contingent upon the language being updated to reflect the original intent of the committee’s approval. Currently, high school students in the dual credit program have their tuition and fees waived. The proposed agenda item will limit those waivers to in-district students as well as students within the seven-county service area.
Improvements on the way: Reference librarian Stephen Dingman shows department Chair Candace Peterson where new study tables will be on the library’s third floor. After a long delay, Moody Learning Center started its $4.4 million renovation project
March 23. The third floor was quickly cleared but remains untouched. The improvements, part of a $450 million Alamo Community College District bond passed in November 2005, focus on Floors 2, 3 and 4, which contain the library and its staff offices. See story online.
Committee told district cannot afford to run as five separate institutions By Martin Herrera A revised section of the board policy manual addressing personnel, an updated ethics handbook and flexible summer hours for employees were some of the recommendations put forward Tuesday by three board committees, but a presentation on the budget for the 2010 fiscal year by the vice chancellor for finance and administration, dominated most of the committee members’ time. Jim McLaughlin told trustees $10 million of “strategic reductions” would need to be identified to achieve a balanced budget in the next fiscal year. In an effort to demonstrate how significant that amount could be to the organization, McLaughlin said reducing the district’s workforce by 250 employees would barely achieve the benchmark. McLaughlin was not suggesting the reductions should come solely from downsizing. Instead, he was using that example to send a message that no one area would produce the necessary results without having a detrimental impact to service. Trustees will have to consider a variety of options across the entire organization, he said In further detailing options for downsizing, McLaughlin suggested adjusting the counseling workforce during the summer months to more closely match actual enroll-
ment, which is significantly lower than in the fall semester. Ten-month contracts for some of those employees might be an option to consider, he said. McLaughlin told trustees $1.1 million in reductions would have to come from district operations. He suggested workforce reductions there could include the office of internal audit. Consolidation of services is another area McLaughlin told trustees to look for cost savings. Instead of maintaining individual operations at each college, McLaughlin suggested centralizing some services. Registration, continuing education, the IT help desk and network services are examples of areas to consider consolidating, he said. Some services, he continued, could be outsourced. “If we’re going to have separate institutions trying to duplicate every administrative function, every support service function … you do not have enough resources to do that with the current revenue stream you have,” McLaughlin said. District 3 trustee Anna Bustamante expressed concern about the number of employees that could be impacted through downsizing. “If I was on this list, I wouldn’t be too happy,” she said. District 7 trustee Charles Conner agreed with her but acknowledged the difficult task ahead of them. Emphasizing the need for
trustees to be “sensitive” about the number of people that could be impacted, Conner said, “We can’t continue to do business in the manner that we have been doing it.” Chancellor Bruce Leslie told trustees the suggestions were significant, would require considerable discussion and could not be implemented all at once. “Most of these are not one-year efforts. Too many of these things require a different way of thinking ... This is really a long-term process,” he said. Trying to assure the trustees these were mere suggestions, Leslie said, “I don’t want this to be seen as a plan by the management that’s already been vetted internally to do these things. It hasn’t.” Leslie pointed out some of these ideas were not far off from those made by employees to the Chancellor’s Suggestion Box. He added that more — even better — ideas from employees will make their way to trustees as discussions continue. The board plans to delve further into budget discussions during their retreat May 2 at Palo Alto College. The full board’s next regular monthly meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 28 at the Killen Center. The meeting was rescheduled from the normal third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 485-0020 or log on to www.accd.edu.
The Ranger • www.theranger.org
Club offers fun for astronomy buffs By Ralonda R. Green Space fans can meet others who have the same passion for astronomical discoveries in the Astronomy Club. Dr. David Wood, astronomy instructor and Ph.D. in planetary science from the University of Arizona, discussed the club’s endeavors March 25. “Last spring, we did a show for the planetarium,” Wood said. “We put on regular planetarium shows; I did a tour of the night sky of the motions of the sun, moon and of the planets.” In 2008, the club visited an elementary school to conduct astronomy presentations and talk about planets as well as make arts and crafts comets with the children. Club president Sabrina Engelhardt, sophomore astronomy and environmental science double major, performed Spectroscopy experiments, a process using liquids showing how their diffusions affect the different absorptions and other colors of mate-
rial, Wood said. December 2007 was the first time the club, Scobee and the San Antonio Astronomical Association hosted an information booth. It continued in spring 2008. While premiering their show, the club and SAAA passed out general information about the organization. Wood said visitors would pass by the booths on their way out of Scobee and the club members would engage them in astronomy trivia. Winners, mostly children, received astronomyoriented candy like Starbursts and Milky Ways. The club also helped the young visitors look through telescopes at the night sky. Engelhardt founded the club in fall 2007 and has been the club’s president for two years. Engelhardt created the club’s newsletter, “The Astronaut’s Compass,” in fall 2008. The biggest event on the agenda
is the club’s star party April 25 at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, in Fredericksburg. “Star gazing is very popular there,” Engelhardt said. Because Enchanted Rock has limited viewing, Engelhardt said, the club is working on finding a new location. Rescheduled time and location will be announced soon, she said. The club is going to set up telescopes to look at the moon, Saturn, and if they arrive late enough, Jupiter. Wood said they hope to observe Andromeda and star clusters in Scorpio as well. Wood said the club meets every Wednesday in the nursing education building Room 101 at 1 p.m. When the club is full it will meet in Room 209 of the nursing education building. For more information on the star party, call 486-0063 or e-mail dwood30@mail.accd.edu.
April 17, 2009 • 7
International students celebrate anniversary By Dani Williams The International Students Association is celebrating its five-year anniversary from 6 p.m.–8 p.m. today at Koehler Cultural Center. Daniela Ferrel, biology sophomore and President of ISA, who is from Bolivia, said there are 300 international students at this college and between 25 to 30 active members in ISA. Ferrel said she and the club are excited to be celebrating their fifth anniversary, especially since it has not been formally celebrated in the past. About 50 to 60 members, past and present, will be attending today’s event. This event is open to members only.
Ferrel said all the nationalities from across the globe share a great bond. She said sometimes when the international students are speaking among each other, at time she gets embarrassed when she feels as if she has pronounced words wrong. Then she remembers that everybody in the group is a support system. “We want people to join our club. You don’t have to be from another country. You can be from the United States and become a member,” Ferrel said. “We are really proud to be international students here at SAC, and we really appreciate being here in the United States.” For more information, call 486-0359. Tyler Cleveland
New emergency systems discussed By Brianna Roberts
Council April 7 about the proposed emergency response team. On April 13, fire alarms rang While connected to the e-mails throughout McAllister Fine Arts and text messages that students have Center. The practice been receiving, this part of section of the building the plan faces the physidid not hear the alarms, cal challenges of getting though, and were only people out of the building, notified of the danger Rosenauer said. when another teacher The team would focus on ran in and told them it establishing a safe meeting was a false alarm, but point for students, alerting many were left shaken. those people who are off “We need to identify campus and making sure that common safe ground emergency equipment works for the school in case Johnnie Rosenauer smoothly. of an emergency,” said “We need to know how real estate Coordinator Johnnie to functionally use the equipment,” Rosenauer. Rosenauer said. Rosenauer spoke to the Staff This team is still in the very
beginning stages but will be presented to the staff and faculty at Employee Development Day. Usha Venkat, director of information technology at this campus, also gave a presentation about the new Web Content Management Solution, Content Management System 400 by Ekron. The new system will allow faculty and staff members to organize their Web sites and keep the information updated and easy to use. It is not mandatory that the faculty or staff use the program, but it is advised. After the speakers, Staff Council discussed Employee Development Day and the Employee of the Month trophy.
Donate to save:
Phlebotomist Marv McCurry helps nursing sophomore Nicole Young give blood Tuesday in the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center van east of Candler. Donor recruiter consultant Michael Johnson said, “We weren’t allowed to do our drive on Wednesday during Fun Fest. The powers that be wanted you guys to have fun. We thought it would’ve been a great opportunity to be here on Wednesday.” About 15 students were turned away from the blood drive for various reasons such as travel to malaria endemic areas, high pulse, and recent tattoos or piercings. The campus blood drive was originally scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday; however, Jorge Posadas, director of student life, decided against it Wednesday. For more information, visit bloodntissue.org or call 731-5555 for location and hours to donate.
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
8 • April 17, 2009
Mayoral hopefuls mixed on logo change
Tyler Cleveland
By Melissa Toscano Lazcano
“Virtual town hall” used as forum for San Antonio citizens’ concerns.
By James Bosquez
Mayoral candidates offered mixed reactions to the Alamo Community College District’s decision to change logos for the five colleges, which is part of an effort to streamline the district’s image. Five of nine mayoral candidates participated in a virtual town hall Tuesday evening in Longwith sponsored by SA4Mayor.org. “I think the logo should be a fist holding a lightning bolt or something like that. Something to light a fire under these students,” said candidate Lauro Bustamante. City Councilwoman Diane Cibrian disagreed with the board’s decision, believing it undermines the history of 111-year-old St. Philip’s and 84-yearold San Antonio colleges. Napoleon Madrid sees the new logos as a step toward unifying the schools. “I’m for it,” he said. “I think it will allow technology to strive, which will allow for the students to strive.” Candidate Rhett Smith said he is less concerned with the logo and more concerned that the district does not offer enough Native American studies and anthropology classes. “If streamlining our colleges helps with that, then I’m for it,” Smith said.
Gaza Strip conflict focus of Trinity panel discussion
Moderator Patricio Espinoza, founder of SA4Mayor.com, asks mayoral candidates Rhett R. Smith (from left), Diane Cibrian, Napoleon Madrid, Julian Castro and Lauro Bustamante questions during the virtual town hall meeting.
Early voting begins April 27 and runs through May 5. Election day is May 9. For more information, call 335-VOTE or log on to www.bexar.org/elections/ Candidate Julian Castro left the mayoral showcase before commenting on the logo and did not respond to calls to his campaign headquarters. According to the event sponsor’s Web site, SA4Mayor.com, Trish DeBerry-Meija was scheduled to attend the virtual town hall event but canceled without explanation hours before the event. DeBerry-Meija did not respond to calls from The Ranger. The virtual town hall, streamed live on SA4Mayor.com and two other Web sites, featured the traditional town hall format with one difference: The questions came from people interacting online via an Internet chat forum and Twitter, a microblogging service.
The questions were screened by members of the San Antonio Social Media Club. Luis Sandoval moderated the Internet forum and relayed pertinent questions to event host and journalist Patricio Espinoza. “We couldn’t capture near all the questions,” Sandoval said. “We had 67 people in the forum and over 30 people Twittering.” Espinoza said overall he felt the event went very well. “What’s most important is that the people of San Antonio were able to participate,” he said. Topics in the forum included mass transit between downtown and the medical center, the possibility of utilizing nuclear power, street repairs in neighborhoods with low income, health care and wi-fi accessibility throughout the city. Health care was a particular concern with the in-studio audience, who were also allowed to ask questions toward the end of the event. “We have too many folks in San Antonio where the emergency room is their primary physician,” Castro said.
The “Dialogue on War” panel attracted about 60 Trinity University students to discuss the Palestinian killings by the Israeli military in Gaza with four speakers sponsored by the Muslim Student Association April 6. Maria Tariq, Spanish and international studies sophomore, said one of the association’s purposes is to educate. Tariq is vice president of the association. “We do this to inform about the human crisis and create dialogue,” Tariq said. Among the panelists, Naomi Shihab Nye, poet and Trinity alumna, stood wearing a blue coat handmade by regional women to have a “Gaza connection,” she said. Nye recalled the Human Rights Film Festival at Trinity screening “Gaza Strip,” a 2001 documentary by director James Longley, about the Palestinian intifada and feeling overwhelmed by the levels of violence she experienced, she said. Intifada is an Arabic word meaning “shaking off” and translates to English as rebellion. Nye was born to Aziz Shihab, poet and journalist from Jerusalem who worked at the San Antonio Express-News for eight years. Philosophy Professor Judith Norman represented the “Jewish Voice for Peace” organization and said she approaches the Israel and U.S. occupation in Gaza from an activist viewpoint. “The worst thing we can do, I think, in terms of analyzing this concept (humanitarian crisis) is to see it on a level of some natural disaster,” Norman said. “This is an entirely human made consciously chosen disaster,” she said. “This is a humanitarian crime.”
Richard Falk’s casualties report to the U.N. Human Rights Council was at 1,434 Palestinians, from which 960 were civilians and about 288 were children, Norman said. Falk was appointed U.N. special rapporteur March 26, 2008. “We need to care. This isn’t a conflict happening along way away, this is a conflict happening here because it’s our tax money, it’s our government that’s helping do this,” Norman said. “We don’t have the option of not getting involved; we’re already involved. The question is how do we want to get involved,” Norman said. Dr. Saber Elaydi, math professor at Trinity, shared his experience as a Palestinian who came to the U.S. as a student in 1973. Elaydi said 70 percent of the population living in Gaza descends from or is a refugee from Israel. “I was trying to call my family every night during the invasion,” Elaydi said. He said he believes the best ways to overcome this conflict are through nonviolence and civil disobedience. In a question-and-answer session, students asked how to help if the Gaza borders are closed to aid, such as adequate food and medical supplies. “Pressure U.S. congressmen to lift the siege,” Elaydi said. Professor Mary Ann Tetreault from the political science department at Trinity suggested reading “The Global Political Economy of Israel” by two Israeli economists, Jonathan Nitzan and Shimshon Bichler. The discussion ended with the “Gaza War Crimes Investigation: Attacks on Medics,” a video from the Guardian News and Media Web site, www.guardian.co.uk. For more information on the Jewish Voice for Peace, visit its Web site at www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org.
The Ranger • www.theranger.org
April 17, 2009 • 9
Keyboarding skills key for success, instructor says
Melissa Toscano Lazcano
By Vanessa M. Sanchez An instructor said learning the correct style of typing is essential for college success. Cheryl Mallan, instructor of administrative computer technology, said learning the correct form of typing will save a person from carpal tunnel, which is defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke as “a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist.” The correct typing skills of typing with every finger while keeping one’s eyes on the screen will assist students in time management, as it accelerates their ability to finish papers and conduct research quicker, Mallan said. Learning to input information into the computer without juggling one’s face from screen to board, and not having to use the backspace frequently are major results of the classes offered, Mallan said. Learning the techniques of keyboarding will lead to the undoing of bad habits such as typing with two fingers, Mallan said. Mallan said the introduction of computers to children at a young age adds reasoning of why a large number of people “hunt and peck,” or the action of screening the keyboard and pounding the key in hope of finding it. A young child’s fingers are not long enough to spread correctly across the board, which leads them to type with two fingers, Mallan said. The children are not taught the correct way to type until middle school; therefore, no teacher can properly teach a young child keyboarding, she said.
For this reason there are many keyboarding classes offered which include traditional, online and blended courses to fit all students’ learning styles. Maurine Reed, instructor of administrative computer technology, agrees with Mallan, saying after learning to type, students, start to create things, which adds to the importance of learning the correct form. Reed said keyboarding is a marketable skill, and with the rise in layoffs, questions if many of those workers even knew keyboarding. There are seven classes offered at this college, which progress on difficult levels and contains work, which offer skill building. Some classes, such as POFT 2301, Intermediate Keyboarding, focuses on brushing up on those skills. Classes offered may apply to medical transcription as well as court reporting, which requires a student to type over 40 words per minute. Through these classes, students may work on applications such as Word and excel, toward certificates and degrees. The college also has a book on file for one-hand typing, which aids disabled students and may be used by others who are interested. Mallan said the book contains drills similar to other two-handed typing books, the only difference is the home-row keys are F-G-H and J; the keyboard is still divided in half. Students enrolled in administrative computer technology courses have access to the lab in Room 207 of Nail Technical Center. Reed said, in the lab, one may find a variety of students who, for the
Esther Moreno, accounting technology freshman, practices keyboarding skills Feb. 26 in Room 207 of Nail. most part, would not be simultaneously working on the same project or class. “Keyboarding is a skill like everything else. The more practice one gets, the better a person gets at it,” Mallan said. Keyboarding classes also are offered during flex and summer sessions.
Handwriting skills fading in technological era Handwriting Without Tears method overtaking classic cursive style.
By Jose Castillo With rapid advancements in technology, it is inevitable that everyday tasks will be forever changed. Music gets downloaded, commercials get fast-forwarded and handwriting gets replaced with keystrokes stored in hard drives. Gone are the days of pencil sharpening and dog-eaten homework. Fading is the time of inkless pens and notebooks with bent spiral spines. Laptops have replaced those spirals
and the keyboard has replaced the pens. As people make the gradual shift from cursive to cursor, there are some people trying to keep the art of handwriting alive. An English professor at this college, Mary Anne Bernal, has been teaching for 27 years. She is also a sponsor for this college’s Teaching Academy Program Peers, or TAPP, program which provides support and information to all education majors. She said she is surprised by how many people still turn in handwritten work. “I’d say about half of my students will turn in handwritten rough drafts,” Bernal said. Bernal said older students returning to school find a heavy reliance on
computers. “I think that is due in part to the fact that we have such a diverse age range here at SAC. There is definitely a shift for the older generation.” Bernal also said that she has noticed a change in her writing habits. She said that she has slowly gone from always writing in long hand to solely composing on a computer because of the ease. Teacher Frank Gutierrez says that with regard to teaching writing, nothing much had changed, until recently. Gutierrez teaches at Kenedy Elementary School and has taught fourth grade for seven years. He said that while handwriting is still part of the language arts curriculum, the way it is being taught is changing. “Until recently, most schools still
taught the classic Denelian style of writing. However, lately, I have been noticing several schools have been switching to a style called Handwriting Without Tears,” he said. Leticia Gutierrez, a specialist in school psychology for the Floresville Independent School District, said the Handwriting Without Tears method is easier for students to learn. “The Handwriting Without Tears method teaches students to write letters cleaner and less frilly than the Denelian style, which most of us learned.” Leticia Gutierrez said that as computers in elementary classrooms become commonplace, it makes sense to adapt to keep handwriting a relevant form of communication. “A lot of our curriculum requires computers, so the kids get used to them
very quickly,” Leticia Guittierrez said. “Our way of counteracting that is to teach an easier way to learn handwriting. The school district’s occupational therapist pushes it constantly because of its ease.” Handwriting Without Tears was developed by an occupational therapist as a response to the tears shed by her son while learning to write. It is a program that teaches a developmentally appropriate, simplified lettering style. “While I think it is inevitable that people will write less and less because of available technology, I cannot imagine that writing will become a thing of the past,” Leticia Guitierrez said. “It is easy and can be done anywhere, even if there is not a power outlet available.”
Facebook used as forum for students By Vanessa M. Sanchez Campus organizations are turning to online social networks to enhance their communication as well as widen enrollment. Professor Tom Willome, along with Professor Eduardo Rodriguez, encouraged the visual arts department to create a Facebook account, which has been up for almost a month. Willome said the art department had numerous students who requested a Facebook page for the department; it just took a while for him and Rodriguez to put it together. Willome said he created his personal account when a former student sent him a request to join the network. That former student now resides in Rome as a professional artist. Willome said venturing online would be a productive way for former and current students to network about art careers. Since the Fa c e b o o k account w a s
opened in mid-February, Willome said students have been posting to discussion groups while staying current on department events. Willome also said he found Rodriguez while using Facebook to talk to former colleagues from Chicago, where he went to school. Willome said he feels the art department is “a unique vehicle because many students are artists and have the chance to network with others.” Current students can learn about what others are doing academically and individually. Willome called their Facebook “interesting and engaging” saying students can set up open-minded discussion groups. The Student Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has Facebook and Twitter accounts to keep others updated on their organization. Journalism Instructor Susan Merkner said social networks are helpful tools but should not be the only means of attracting students. Merkner, who teaches mass communication and public relations, said the SPJ members recommended the group create Facebook and Twitter pages rather than one at MySpace. com, another online social network, because the latter is frequented by more high school students. She said SPJ posts its meeting schedule online but said it can become cluttered to those who are tech savvy. Merkner said when students are using these sites all day, each new message of theirs becomes one of many that are read, which is why she still makes the attempt to post informative fliers across this campus. She said it is important to send the message in a variety of ways. She also said the organization came up with the idea mostly to get the word out about the club through a communication channel that people use the most. “The main motive is to reach students where they are,” Merkner said.
Graphics by Juan Carlos Campos
Premiere
10 • www.theranger.org
Three-day Multicultural Conference explores perception
By Giselle Guadron
dancing to “Son De La Negra” and includes activities including a “Jarabe Tapatío.” continental breakfast, guest he 15th annuThe dancers are Rebecca A. speakers from colleges in the al Multicultural Zertuche and Enrique Méndez Alamo Community College Conference at this III. Méndez is a former student District and other universities, college begins at this college and Zertuche is an poetry readings, a poetry-writing Tuesday evening with education sophomore. She is look- workshop and a literary session. an opening ceremony in the audi- ing forward to the dance and feels All events will be in Room 218 of torium of McAllister Fine Arts proud to represent the Mexican the nursing allied health center Center. culture, she said in an interview unless otherwise noted. The evening will begin with a on April 9. Lawhn hopes that students reception at 6 p.m. in the foyer. This year’s theme is “The “see their own faculty from a difThe opening ceremony will Framing Game: Manipulating ferent angle and hope for them to begin at 7 p.m. and will include Perceptions.” w get a better understanding of the guest speakers, a poetry reading, English Professor Juanita Luna multicultural world we live in.” and presentations to the winners Lawhn has been coordinator of English Professor Laurie of the Black History Month and the Multicultural Conference Coleman has been co-chair of Hispanic Heritage Month essay since 1980. the Multicultural Conference for contests. “The theme talks about how the past four years. Ballet Folklórico Festival will you present your ideas. It also Coleman said that the perform a traditional Mexican talks about how influences are Multicultural Conference dance. The director is Bruce perceived and received,” she said. Committee picks the theme as Gonzáles and the dancers will be The three-day conference early as possible. She also said
T
Calendar Tuesday Event: Reception 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. in the foyer of McAllister Event: Opening ceremony 7 p.m.-9 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister
Wednesday Event: Continental breakfast 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Session: Framing the Other 8 a.m.-8:50 a.m. “Seeing ESL Students: How Photography Portrays the Other for Who They Are and Who They Are Not”;
Session: Reframing to a Modern Perspective 9 a.m.9:50 a.m. “The Modest Venus: An Overview of the Changing Interpretations of the Goddess”; “From Gangsta to Pitchman: (Re)-Framing the Hip Hop Artist”; “Reconstructing Frida” Session: “Revisiting the Past”10 a.m.-10:50 a.m. Session: Creative Readings 11 a.m.-11:50 a.m. “King Kong – A Lesson in Critical Thinking” Session: Framing Identities noon-12:50 p.m. “The Secret History of African-Americans in San Antonio from 1937-2001”; “Framing Identities: Frankenstein’s Legacy in Fiction, Fabrication, and Postcoloniality”
“Click, Whirr, Thinking”; “Framing Good, Framing Bad? Let’s Look at an Example” Event: Poetry Writing Workshop 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Event: Literary Session 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Thursday Session: Reviewing Education 8 a.m.-9:15 a.m. “Ph.D. Student’s Perception of Multicultural Education on their Leadership Behaviors”; “A Sense of Identity in English 1302 or Any Survey English Course”; “Doctoral Students’ Perceived Discrepancy Between Expectations and Experiences of the Multicultural Education of the Doctoral Program”
Facing ‘the Other’ in Cormac McCarthy’s ‘All The Pretty Horses’”; “Framing Architectural Spaces for Children” Session: “From Frame to Re-Framing”: 10:50 a.m.12:05 p.m. ”Chicano Literature 1965-1985: Expressions and Reflections”; “ChicLit: A Primer” Luncheon: 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m. at Mary Lou’s Café Cocina, reservation required.
All events will be in Room 218 of NAHC unless otherwise noted.
Session: Opening Spaces 9:25 a.m.-10:40 a.m. “The Unframing of American Women through Humorous, Satirical Dialogue”; “Crossing Borders:
Mo-Rho
Courtesy
Photos by Tyler Cleveland
that the committee picks the speakers, and colleagues recommend some. “Professor Lawhn’s main objective is for students to be able to hear scholars and to broaden their knowledge, and the conference is a part of that,” Coleman said. The college sponsors the annual event with planners from multiple departments. Local novelist and poet Robert Flynn will speak at the closing luncheon 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Thursday at Mary Lou’s Café Cocina, 4510 McCullough Ave. Cost is $11 per person, and reservations must be mailed to Librarian Stephen Dingman by Tuesday. For more information, call Lawhn at 486-0676.
“The Selling of a Stigmatized Product”
Session: Let’s View The Text 1 p.m.-1:50 p.m.
April 17, 2009 • 11
Musical lesson in dedication, hard work
Mary Lou Russell, music chair and piano accompanist, plays the “Stepsisters Lament” as business freshman Lilly Canaria, left, performing as stepsister Portia in “Cinderella,” practices with music sophomore Janice Reed as stepsister Joy during Lecturer Edlyn Oliveira’s Opera Workshop Class.
Opera workshop sings on campus
Lady Rho aims to inspire with “motivation music.”
By Dani Williams
R
Rhodesia Victoria, known to her fans as Lady Rho, is dedicated to sharing her positive hip-hop and soulful R&B with the world.
hodesia Victoria, a music business sophomore here better known to her fans as Lady Rho, released her first hip-hop album March 20. The album, titled “Rho Model,” can be bought on her Web site, www.ladyrho.com. It is also being sold online at Amazon.com, iTunes.com, Target and Best Buy. Her upcoming events will be at 12:45 p.m. Sunday and 11:30 a.m. April 26 at the Congo stage at Market Square located at 514 W. Commerce, for Fiesta. Raised in Beaumont and now living in San Antonio, the humble young woman sits and sips on her green tea with a look of eagerness and a strong determination in her voice as she plans to become the next big thing to hit the music world. Victoria describes her music as “positive hip-hop and soulful R&B. It’s all motivation music; it’s all really inspiring, and it has some scriptures in it too, some Christian; I don’t put all my music in one box.”
said. She said she has been promotShe said she avoids obscene ing herself through www.Myspace. language in her music because com and said she pays attention to children listen to it. upcoming events, festivals, conferVictoria said she performs at ences or seminars. many events for students who are She also is promoting herin elementary through high school, self through www. and those children BlackPlanet.com, www. need someone to LadyRho.com, and www. look up to. Facebook.com. Her most recogVictoria said she nized song by her has contacted compafans is “Where you nies that arrange events, at?” through e-mail or calls She and her manthem up to see if they agement company, need performers. Doux Music, will be “People will tell you pushing for airtime no, but you can’t stop on the radio stations Visit our Web with the no’s, you’ll 98.5 the Beat, Power site for an audio 106.7 and KSYM 90.1. clip of Lady Rho’s never get anywhere. Half of the companies will tell So far they have not “Where you at?” me yes, so I’m always had it played in San busy,” Victoria said. Antonio. She said this campus has She is the owner and first opened many doors as well, by artist on the label Victorious letting her know what is coming Entertainment. Victoria said she performed at up such as South by Southwest, an early age but did not think she ASCAP events and the Recording was going to take it to another level Academy Texas Chapter. as she has today. Victoria said she always plans “People have those dreams like on making music, her first love; I’m going to be famous, and it’s even with her clothing line, Lady going to fall in my lap, Yeah, it Victoria, in development, and the doesn’t work like that,” the singer process of beginning a book or
even acting, she said she will continue to write music. “I’m like Tupac, I’ll be dead and still have songs,” she said. When she was a child, Victoria said she tried out for plays and talent shows. Despite being a shy child, every time she came off stage, she was ready to do another performance. “Anybody can be completely inspired by my music to do what it is they might be hesitant to do,” Victoria said. “If you’ve got dreams, there’s a job that you want or a car you’ve been thinking about, or anything basically that you have hindered within yourself to do, my music will inspire you to think nothing should be stopping you.” Victoria said within a year, she plans on setting up a national and overseas tour to Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Her album cover artwork is by a company called Novalistic, who Lady Rho may be working with to create a video. “There isn’t anything that anyone should feel like they couldn’t do. Don’t be afraid because fear will kill you,” she said.
By Jose Castillo
Texas State University graduate Diana Rodriguez, left, and vocal performance sophomore Daphne Ware sing a duet during Lecturer Edlyn de Oliveira’s Opera Workshop class in McAllister Wednesday. Rodriguez performs as the male Der Rosenkavalier in “Carmen,” singing with Ware as Sophie and proclaiming their love for each other.
Every year the music department presents the Opera Workshop concert to showcase this college’s voice students. Music Lecturer Edlyn de Oliveira will be directing the workshop at 7:30 p.m. April 28 in the auditorium of McAllister. De Oliveira is an opera singer who has traveled the world performing in such operas as “La Boheme” and “La Traviata.” Her goal is to deliver a show that is more accessible to students. To do so, all of the pieces being performed have been translated into English as opposed to their original German and Italian. The students will be performing scenes from operas and musicals such as “Don Giovanni,” “The Magic Flute,” “Into the Woods,” “Rent,” “Carmen” and “Cinderella.” Also different this year is the fact that the show will consist of scenes from various well-known musical works as opposed to performing one entire opera. “It is an incredible challenge and a rewarding experience for the students to put together a show like this,” de Oliveira said. “I’m really proud of the incredible job they did. They have grown so much.” De Oliveira said a show like this gives all of the performers an opportunity to shine at what they do best. “We have a vast array of singers from different backgrounds,” de Oliveira said. Music sophomore Rachel Taylor will play the character of Papageno in a scene from “The Magic Flute.” “It’s a motley of musicals and operas that allows people to get a taste of several pieces,” Taylor said. “Everyone has a showcase scene in the show.” The show will feature scenery, full props and flamenco dancing. Unlike previous years, admission is free to the public. For information, call Rosie Carreon at 486-0255.
Spring/ Flex 2 Final Exam Schedule Monday, May 4 (MWF or MW) Class Time 7 a.m.
7 a.m.-9:30 a.m
10 a.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
1 p.m.
1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
3:50
3:50 p.m.-6:20 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5 (TR) Time
Class 8 a.m.
8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
10:50 a.m. 10:50 a.m.-1:20 p.m. 1 p.m.
1:40 p.m.-4:10 p.m.
1:40 p.m. 1:40 p.m.-4:10 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6 (MWF or MW) Class Time 8 a.m.
8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
11 a.m.
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2 p.m.
2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m.-4:55 p.m.
Class
Thursday, May 7 (TR) Time
12 • April 17, 2009
Upcoming
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
Student life ends semester strong Three more events will round out the semester.
By Joshua Sanchez Guerrero
As the semester winds down, the office of student life is still putting together events for the last few weeks. Student activities specialist Carrie Hernandez has three events lined up for the rest of the semester. The Musicians Trust Fund has a jazz band set to play today from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. as part of Jazz Appreciation Month. On April 22, there are two events scheduled. During the day, there will be an Earth Day celebration as part of Go Green Earth Week. The event will take place in the mall outside of Loftin Student Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The celebration will have vendors promoting
awareness and providing merchandise. Hernandez thinks it’s important for more students “to get involved and know more about how to protect our environment.” Student life also will be hosting an awards banquet in the student center. Thirty-two awards will go out to students who have excelled in achievements in clubs and activities. An additional seven awards will be given to advisers on behalf of their outstanding achievements. The awards banquet will recognize students who have excelled and shown great leadership within the clubs on campus. Each club has nominated a member for an award, and the awards ceremony is a way of rewarding the students for the entire year. The event is free to the public and will be from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
There will be a dinner, awards ceremony, and PowerPoint presentation. Hernandez has been impressed and delighted at many of the events within the past year and hopes to build on the success for the upcoming semesters. “The Casino Day as well as Spa Day both had very good turnouts, and we hope to bring both those events back,” Hernandez said. “Though there was some concern about gambling, the Casino Day was a huge success and many students had a great time,” Hernandez added. There is no rest for Hernandez and the rest of the student life office after the semester; they are already planning and getting their budgets set for the next year. Hernandez also said the office is also “open to any new ideas.” For concerns, comments or ideas, call 486-0128.
SAC Meeting: Society of Mexican-American Engineers 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Call 486-0407.
Thursday
6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m.-9 a.m. 9:25 a.m. 9:25 a.m.-11:55 a.m.
Today
12:15 p.m. 12:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m. 3:05 p.m. 3:05 p.m.-5:35 p.m.
Friday, May 8 (MWF) Class Time 9 a.m.
9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Noon
Noon-2:30 p.m.
Note: Final exams for evening and weekend classes are given during class hours. Department chairpersons can schedule final exam dates that do not conform to this schedule. SLAC Lab Computer Services Mon-Thurs 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday
7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Noon-5 p.m.
Tutoring Services
Lecture: “Liszt-o-mania! Franz Liszt and Julius Reubke: The Bond Between Teacher and Student” by Robert Bailey, Carolyn True and David Heller 7:30 p.m. in Parker Chapel of Trinity University. Call 999-8212. Performance: “The Misanthrope” by Moliere 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the Jane and Arthur Stieren Theater of Trinity University. Call 999-8515. Event: Scholastic Book Fair presented by Black Student Alliance, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Loftin walkway. Call 733-2118. SAC Activity: Swimming from 1 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Continues Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in pool in Candler. Call 486-1010.
Mon-Thurs 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
4 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Library Reference
SAC Activity: Physical conditioning from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 3 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in conditioning room of Candler. Call 486-1010.
Mon-Thurs 7 am-10 p.m. Friday
7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
1 p.m.-7 p.m.
Other Areas Mon-Thurs 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday
7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
1 p.m.-7 p.m.
English Lab Mon-Thurs 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday
Lecture: “Athens v. Sparta: The History of the Peloponnesian War” with Buttercup and Blastaar the Living Bomburst 9 p.m. at 1150 S. Alamo. Call (512) 7335170. Lecture: Southern Texas Archaeological Association quarterly lecture and meeting 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.in Room 120 of visual arts center. $2 with student ID. Call 383-4007.
SAC Event: Dessert with the Deans and Directors in the Fiesta Room of Loftin from noon-1 p.m. Speaker: “My Evolution as an Economist” by Eric Maskin at 7:30 p.m. in Chapman Auditorium of Trinity University. Call 999-8406. SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University from 9 a.m.-noon in second floor lobby of McCreless and appointments from noon-1 p.m. in the transfer center. Call 486-0864. SAC Hot Potato: “Art and Anarchy: Part. 2 Tattoo and Piercing” 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. at Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 733-1441. SAC Activity: Basketball from Fred Nockroes 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Continues Tuesdays and Thursdays in Gym 1. Call 486-1010. Wednesday SAC Concert: Music department and John Jay Percussion Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255. SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 644 of Moody. Continues Wednesdays. Call 7332601.
Sunday
8 p.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday 8 p.m.-noon
Tuesday
Concert: Symphonic Wind Emsemble 3 p.m. in Ruth Taylor Recital Hall of Trinity University. Call 999-8212.
Math Lab
SAC Meeting: Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science at 2:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Continues Wednesdays. Call 725-3063.
Monday Mon-Thurs 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
SAC Event: Karaoke Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 733-2641. SAC Event: “The Line in the Sand” stories from the U.S.-Mexican border 12:15 p.m. at Catholic Student Center, 312 Courtland. Call 736-3752. SAC Recital: Music faculty 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call486-0255
SAC Meeting: Gay and Lesbian Association 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 612-613 of Moody. Call 486-0903. SAC Lecture: “New Directions in Journalism” sponsored by the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Craft Room of Loftin. Call 486-1765. SAC Event: Dodgeball 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the tennis courts.
PAC Event: PACFest 11 a.m.-9 p.m. in the campus courtyard. Call 486-3125. April 24 SAC Closing: College closed for Battle of the Flowers Parade during Feista San Antonio. April 25 Concert: Choral Union Concert 7:30 p.m. in Parker Chapel of Trinity University. Call 999-8212. April 26 Concert: Parker Handbell Concert 3 p.m. in Parker Chapel of Trinity University. Call 999-8212. April 27 SAC Event: Feeding the homeless under the Commerce bridge 12:15 p.m. Meet at Catholic Student Center, 312 Courtland. Call 736-3752. April 28 SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. in second floor lobby of McCreless. Call 486-0864. 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 486-0864. SAC Hot Potato: How to Manage Your Stress 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. at Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 733-1441. April 29 SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. in second floor lobby of McCreless and appointments from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the transfer center. Call 486-0864.
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
April 17, 2009 • 13 Photos by Laura Garcia
Freshman Jonathan Treviño discusses his presentation “Gestamtkunstwerk: The Spirit of Transcendence in Symbolist Art” to a crowded room April 2.
Handpicked students present art lectures Tattoo, chalk and sound among media discussed at spring art symposium.
By Laura Garcia More than 100 students packed into Room 120 of the visual arts center April 2, filling every seat and sitting on the floor to watch a series of student presentations ranging from the study of ancient tattoo art to artists using sound as a medium. Art history Professors Marleen Hoover and Debra Shafter chose six students from among nearly 2,000 papers for the ninth annual Spring Symposium. Fine arts sophomore Erika Mullins kicked off the event with “Tattoos of Ancient Egypt,” which featured photo evidence of a religious and “compelling” art form that dates back to 3000 B.C. yet left almost no mention in written records. Tattoo art only covered the bodies of women, Mullins said. Although tattoos prevail today, ancient tattoos had a significance people today wouldn’t be able to fully understand, Mullins said. Fine arts freshman Jeremy A. Chavez, sophomore Clare Little and digital design freshman Jonathan Treviño entertained the crowd with presentations on the history of the catacombs of the Mediterranean, Hindu aesthetic and mysticism in symbolist art which rejected realism. Communication sophomore Dede Lane spoke about “masters of deception.” She showed slideshows of the art form known as trompe l’oeil that deceives viewers. One of the four masters she discussed was Kurt Wenner with his temporary chalk pieces that create a three-dimensional illusion on public sidewalks. He has made realistic holes on the pavement that tricks pedestrians. They walk around them to avoid falling in. Other masters that “entice us” are John Pugh who caused car accidents with his realistic murals on the side of buildings and mathematician M.C. Escher who is known for his puzzling pieces that push the boundaries of graphic art. Fine arts sophomore Sharon Milford ended the symposium on an interesting note with her “Sound in Art” presentation. “Music became more of a material,” she said.
Fine arts sophomore Clare Little changes a PowerPoint image during a presentation on the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The audience sat quietly to listen to a few clips Milford prepared for her presentation including artists Laurie Anderson and Bill Fontana. Anderson modified instruments and created a tape-bow violin to perform her “Ethics is the Esthetics of the Few-ture” track in 1977. She played a track by Fontana who has a sound installation in downtown San Antonio on the river. The audience could hear the sounds of the “Harmonic Bridge” recorded at Tate Modern Museum in London in 2006. She said that the wind and visitors walking through the installation helped create the sound art. Milford called the art form the expansion of art to include sound and silence. Human experience is required as a vital element in the artwork, she said. After the event, Hoover called it a success, and presenters were on hand to speak about their presentations during the reception. For more information on art history courses, call Shafter at 785-6074.
Living library loans out people Project by speech classes helps to promote student understanding. By Dani Williams The theater and speech communication department is hosting the “Living- Library Project” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 2 in McCreless Hall. The project aims to create understanding and eliminate prejudice between people of different cultures and backgrounds by providing an opportunity for dialogue. The department will have at least 16 diverse people tell stories from their specific “book” or life to those who “check” out their “book.” The “readers” can ask questions that may help them to better understand people who were born into or choose a lifestyle of which they have limited knowledge. Bridger Acker, architecture engineering sophomore, who attends both this college and the University of Texas at Austin, is volunteering for the event. Acker said he and other students have been working on this project for about two months.
Each of the “books” will be in a different room and will have one-on-one conversations with individuals who wants to know more about their lives, he said. It’s about awareness. Acker said he believes a person can sit with a chosen “book” for up to 30 minutes and there should not be more than two or three people in a group. The project was started in 2000 by the five founding members of Stop the Violence, a Denmark youth organization that began in 1993. The event design is free to anyone who organizes a project, and the founders intend for it to be global. Events have reached Hungary, Australia, Turkey and the United States along with other places. The John Igo Branch of the San Antonio Public Library will have a living-library event from noon-4 p.m. Saturday. For more information on the library, call 561-6113. For more information on the SAC event, call 486-0494.
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
14• April 17, 2009
Technology aimed at preventing campus massacres By Ralonda R. Green Ten years ago Monday, two teens killed 12 students and a teacher in their high school, injured 23 others and terrorized the nation with the specter of school violence. Two years ago Thursday, a college student with a history of mental illness killed 32 and injured 17, raising new alarms across the country. In both cases, the gunmen ended the massacre in suicide. In both cases, police could not intervene in time to stop the bloodshed. In both cases, administrators were criticized for failing to heed early warning signs. The biggest difference may be in the technological developments that allowed the authorities at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to quickly notify students and employees of the shooting. At Columbine High School in 1999, word spread quickly outside the school, but those trapped inside panicked in ignorance as their classmates were slaughtered by weapons-laden Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17. On April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech English senior Seung-hui Cho entered a residence hall on campus and shot two students. At 9:26 a.m., authorities notified students and employees by e-mail of the first homicides, which had occurred at 7:15 a.m. From 9:40 a.m. to 9 : 51 a.m.,
Cho continued his killing spree in a classroom building. The two massacres left survivors of victims shocked and enraged, wondering what, if anything, could have been done to prevent innocent people from dying in cold blood. Could there have been a better alert system used, perhaps preventing so many deaths? This college offers an emergency program called the Connect-ED Emergency Notification System. Established in 2001 by Blackboard Co., the system offers state-of-the art technology and provides alerts to students and employees in an emergency. Kay Hendricks, coordinator of communication for the Alamo Community College District, said decisions were not made based on the Virginia Tech massacre, but on what was best for alerting individuals in any emergency. On April 8, Roger Castro, district director of information technology services, explained how the system is more efficient than that of Virginia Tech. Castro said the system has a database that can hold contact information for students and employees. The system maximizes the use of cell and home numbers, home and school e-mail addresses, while delivering text, voice and e-mail messages, alerting people of emergencies, Castro continued. During registration, students and employees can register for the alert system through the student self-service system. Castro said students could either update contact information or choose to drop out of the system. Notification through the system can be directed to targeted groups, Castro said. “We are much better prepared to minimize the tragedies experienced at Columbine and Virginia Tech,” Castro said. “Its effectiveness is dependent on whether students and employees opt in to this notification and provide accurate contact information.” When the Columbine and Virginia Tech massacres occurred, many Americans questioned campus secu-
Graphics by
Juan Carlos
Campos
rity and how people could properly defend themselves. Students at Columbine were pulled out of windows to escape the killing spree; others were reported hiding under tables in the library. Students at Virginia Tech tried to block the doors; one teacher was reported to have sacrificed his life for his students by using his body to block the bullets. Nick Minzghor, manager-training coordinator of Active Shooter Training in Washington state, talks about the program used to train military and police personnel in handling similar situations. Minzghor is the founder and owner of the program, working with full-time police officers and 14 instructors since 2002. This college has presented the active shooter training on campus. Minzghor has been a veteran master police officer for King County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years, with extensive firearms experience. Briefly after the Columbine shooting, Minzghor began teaching the training to his own department personnel. Afterward, he was reassigned to a different location, where the administration noticed his background and asked Minzghor if he could develop a similar program, but with more intensive training. With the help of a deputy, the program was born. “During the course of those annual trainings, outside agencies became aware of the intensive training and asked to participate from as far away as Florida,” Minzghor said. “It was at the encouragement of all the officers who attended the training that I started the company,” he continued. “Ironically, our first official day of business was the day before Virginia Tech.” In the program, Minzghor said first responders learn how to manage the situation and stop the threat before SWAT teams arrive. SWAT teams learn how to integrate the scene until the threat is declared clear. On April 9 in Austin, the House Public Safety Committee voted 5-3 to send the full house a proposal that would allow registered gun owners to carry concealed handguns on college campuses. Minzghor said he favored the bill. “Personally, I believe in our Second Amendment rights,” he said. “If you take a look at these incidents that have occurred over the years, they are all at ‘soft’ targets: churches, schools, nursing homes, etc., all places where the suspects know there is no chance of someone shooting back.” However, he said that the decision should lie with the courts and the states. “Any time there is massive loss of life, it is tragic,” Minzghor said. “I also know that if a subject decides he wants to go out in a blaze of glory and kill people and his own life means nothing to him, he is going to kill people. In most cases, the police response can only mitigate the amount of lives lost.” For information about active shooter training in the San Antonio area, call 486-0930.
The Ranger • www.theranger.org Jose Castillo
April 17, 2009 • 15
Century plants to bloom once in a lifetime Tyler Cleveland
By Laura Garcia
Omar Calzada, owner of Ground F/X, talks about the giant agave he planted more than four years ago.
Three giant agave plants on campus have shot up spikes nearly 20 feet tall and are about to bloom for the first and last time. One former student looks back and remembers planting those century plants over four years ago. The century plant is known to blossom once after 100 years and then abruptly die and is known to be used for making tequila. It sprouts a single tall spike from its large base that extends over 15 feet tall. When the agave is ready to bloom, it releases yellow and white flowers that reach upward. Despite its name, the agave plant takes closer to 20 years to mature, not a century. Former Palo Alto College student Omar Calzada helped design the low maintenance area outside the law enforcement training center during an internship here on campus. He said the plants should be
ready to bloom by the end of the year and will create a mess when they die. There are a few “pups” around the plants’ bases that will start to grow in their place once they die. Calzada created the area along with former Palo Alto student and groundskeeper Carmen Garcia so that it wouldn’t need much water or maintenance. Other varieties planted with the 20-year-old century plants are a few Spanish daggers and huge aloe vera, and Calzada said that the plants could survive a four-year drought if needed. Before he graduated with a horticulture and landscape management degree in 2005, Calzada had already started his own landscape design company called Ground F/X. He left the San Antonio College groundskeeper-in-training position to pursue that goal. Today his is one of five companies in town that creates specialty koi fish ponds and residential landscape
design, and is in the process of building an office near Jones Maltsberger and Redland roads, which will be completed by the end of the year. They are building a $1 million building for half the cost from the ground up along with a couple of other landscape companies. With the current state of the economy, he said that they plan to make the money back later when the economy bounces back. Palo Alto College is the only college in town to offer horticulture degrees. Calzada gives credit to his former professors, Kirk Williams and Weldon Riggs, because he said he would always bug them for information. “I wanted to know more and more,” he said. “That’s the only way you learn.” He mostly does custom home landscape designs and has worked on IBC Banks’ landscape designs all around the city. For more information on Calzada’s
The century plants are south of the law enforcement training center. landscape design firm, go to www. groundfx.info. For more information on horticulture courses and degrees, call Palo Alto’s horticulture department at 486-3140.
Seven network at MAES leadership conference By Jose Castillo Seven students from this college’s chapter of Mexican Americans in Engineering and Science, or MAES, attended the 20th annual National Leadership Conference in Boulder, Colo., April 1-5. They are Kristell Martinez, biology sophomore; Torry Sledge, mechanical and aerospace engineering sophomore; A.J. Carnall, electrical engineering sophomore; Monica Franco, computer science sophomore; Mark Guerra, biomedical engineering sophomore; Mark Lechuga, mechanical engineering sophomore; and Megan Planas, bio-medical engineering sophomore. “We did really good, but we didn’t place this year,” said Martinez of the business proposal competition portion of the conference. Last year, Martinez was part of the group that won first place. “The competition is very intense and you don’t get much sleep. We got the assignment at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday and were able to work on it until 8 a.m. Friday. From Friday at 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. we were required to attend all of the workshops and tours or
we were deducted points. Then the project was due Saturday at 1 a.m.” she said This year, Planas won the MAES national office position of vice national student representative of communications. Two former students from this college also ran for MAES national office and won at this year’s convention. Manny De La Cruz, former MAES president at this college, and Eric Trevino both attended school here last semester and were successful in their bids for national office. De La Cruz was elected vice national student representative of operations and Trevino was elected student representative of Region 2. The conference allows students the opportunity to take part in presentations, workshops, networking luncheons and one-to-one interaction with influential leaders in the science and engineering industries Martinez said that the group of people attending the conference is relatively small, which allows the students to spend a lot of time with the representatives of companies like Proctor and Gamble, LockheedMartin, Nav Air, and organizations like the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Navy and the CIA.
“We are such a small group that they get to know you by name,” Martinez said. “There was a very powerful engineer there from Lockheed-Martin. He had the power to offer us internships with his company, and we were sharing an iPod and laughing together. That’s what they’re there for. Networking is such an important part of school.” In addition to the presentations and workshops, students were able to tour the University of Colorado at Boulder’s engineering building, view projects, talk with instructors and researchers and take part in a workshop on the state of the economy. The students also went to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder to see how weather is predicted and experience a presentation called “Science on a Sphere.” The presentation is a spherical display system that spins while showing how environmental issues like global warming and tsunamis affect the earth. “The sphere is an actual representation of the world,” Martinez said. “We were all very impressed.”
16 • April 17, 2009
Miracle baby celebrates 21st birthday By Vanessa M. Sanchez Born 1 pound, 4 ounces, art freshman Fred Nockroes was not expected to survive. Doctors encouraged his mother, Martha Nockroes, to “let him sleep.” He turned 21 March 18. Martha Nockroes said she believes the Lord did not put him into her life to give him back so soon and never gave up hope. She said people in the city and surrounding areas dropped by the hospital to donate toys, bears and other gifts to show support. Fred was a test tube baby born after his mother attempted two times to have a child. On the third attempt, he was the only survivor of about 30 implanted embryos. She said she never thought her son would be born premature because test tube babies have a set due date. The doctors said he would never be a “normal child.” After his birth, Fred was extremely small, and after three months, premature Pampers were too large for his body and all his clothes came from stuffed bears. Doctors said he would be completely deaf, which he is in one ear, and legally blind. He has adjusted to his sight with glasses and has learned to read lips. The day he was born, his skin was almost translucent. Fred’s body was not fully developed and at five months, his liver and lungs were not yet complete. He spent four months in the ICU on a respirator and had to undergo many surgeries. Martha Nockroes thought that when
she finally took her son home, everything would be easier. She quickly learned it would not. She had to feed him through a tube while making sure she did not puncture his lung for three years until he was able to eat small amounts with a spoon. There were many precautions for the Nockroes’ new addition. Fred had to sleep in a shoebox and be under constant watch by his sister and mother. No one could enter their home sick for fear of spreading germs. Fred’s father had to shower immediately after work and place his dirty clothes into a sealed bag before being able to be come near Fred. His first birthday was sponsored by the Methodist Hospital where he was born, proving the doctors wrong after their claim he had a 5 percent chance to live. At 3 years old and with his parents’ help, he finally took his first step. Reminiscing about his school life, Fred said classmates were mean to him because he was different, but he used it as a learning experience. He was first frustrated with not being able to play with others because of being teased for the way he walked, his glasses, hearing aid and his scars. He said because of this, he had to develop a way of greeting others and learn how deal with a lot of emotion. “It was a real tough time for me,” Fred said. Fred has never ridden a bike and he cannot swim because if he gets an infection, it could ruin his good ear. Because of his disabilities, teachers
www.theranger.org • The Ranger Courtesy
Fred Nockroes weighed 1 pound 4 ounces at birth and was not expected to live. thought he would not be able to learn and let Fred slip through the cracks. They told his mother the cliché of “kids will be kids” and it is no use to worry about his education because she would have to let him go one day. Martha Nockroes said she let her son know that it was up to him if he wanted an education and guided him to “embrace the knowledge of education.” They soon changed schools where they met a teacher named Lorenzo Saldana who took Fred in as a brother and befriended him. From then on, Fred excelled in his education. He slowly became more interested in sports like basketball, soccer and the little bit of football he could play. He said he even became better than some of the other players. Toward the end of middle school, he found people wanted to hang out with him, and realized he was becoming accepted by his peers. “Through everything that he’s been through, he’s never lost his identity,”
Hospital birth certificate, shown actual size, shows how small a newborn he was. his mother said. Fred said his mother taught him to be a leader and not a follower. Today, Fred is working on a novel and devotes time to his church as a motivational speaker to the youth. He also enjoys editing movie trailers. He helps out at the food bank and his mother says whatever he can do to help anybody, he’ll do it. She told of how he once rescued a cat that had became blind from a fight with two dogs. He taught the cat to feel vibrations and listen to sounds to hear who was coming and from which direction. He taught the cat to be independent, and with Fred’s guidance, the cat eventually even caught a bird. Martha has instilled in Fred’s mind and heart the importance of family and believes that family structure and faith
in God is important. His mother said Fred never tells her no, does all the house work and has the ability to do everything anyone else can. “The No. 1 thing is to love your children, because your children are forever,” she said. “Always give back, because you never know what someone’s going through.” Fred says he plans on majoring in all fields of art, in hopes of giving back to the world and the unfortunate. He is currently an illustrator for The Ranger. He said he wants to do as much as possible because he believes he has a purpose in life. In reference to how life would be without her son, Martha said she would more likely not want to imagine it but said: “With Fred, it’s like it should’ve been, and that’s what it is.”
The Ranger is looking for a few good editors reporters photographers designers For information, call 486-1765 or visit JournalismPhotography
The Ranger • www.theranger.org
Pulse
April 17, 2009 • 17 Photos by George Torres
Disappointing season comes to end Business freshman Roxanna Saldana going for the block off of a spike from the Northwest Vista team on April 2.
By Jeff Reese
Lady Rangers volleyball ended a season full of disappointment April 9 as the Palo Alto College Lady Palominos handed the dejected squad a 3-0 sweep. The match reflected many previous contests, as the team took an early lead and ultimately forfeited its advantage. This was apparent in Game 1, when they repeatedly exposed a gap just in front of PAC’s net to take a 10-6 lead. The Lady Rangers quickly became victims of their own venom, as they left their frontcourt open for a 19-3 Lady Palomino run en route to a 25-13 loss. Coach Marisa Martinez said things came undone when the play-
ers deviated from what worked. “I kept telling them to set it up, and there were a lot of open spaces on the other side,” Martinez said. “We attacked a lot, but we just got away from it and started playing a tipping game.” Game 2 featured three ties and five lead changes, as neither team led by more than 5 points. The visitors held a 16-15 lead and after a 6-0 Lady Palomino run, narrowed the gap to 21-20. The rally was not enough, as the Lady Rangers blew the lead five times and eventually fell 25-20. The Lady Rangers made Game 3 interesting when they closed the gap at 15-14, but could not stand up to the opposition’s flurry of hard line-drive serves and lost 25-17.
“They were serving so deep to push the girls back,” Martinez said. “They knew they were going to get it, and that’s when we would mess up and they would hit it over our head.” Subpar communication played a part in the defeat, as players would often misjudge whether a shot would go out of bounds, gather near a shot and let it fall in or get in each other’s way. “Some of the girls were getting in the way of the setters where they couldn’t set the ball, and passes didn’t go up to the net,” Martinez said. “They were stuck in the back row, so it was hard to do anything.” The team played without psychology freshman Monique Martin,
who, along with kinesiology sophomore Valarie Morales and freshman Nicole Plata, was one of only three remaining players from the fall 2008 team, which ended the season 6-4. Despite a 0-10 record, the players went into the game with a positive attitude. “I told them at this last game to have fun because we’re not going to win anything, we’re not going to lose anything,” Martinez said. “If we win that would be great, but if not, then oh well.” Morales, who has played for Martinez the past six semesters, will graduate in May and again force the team to rely mostly on youth. Players may try out for the fall team in June.
Kinesiology sophomore Valarie Morales attempts to spike the ball against Palo Alto April 9 at Palo Alto College.
18 • April 17, 2009
Editorials
Opinion
www.theranger.org • The Ranger Edgar Puente
Pantry highlights good in college spirit Economics Professor Susan Spencer’s service learning class saw a need and decided to get students to help fill it. The students in Spencer’s service learning class realized that not every student could afford to buy groceries and pay all of the other expenses of everyday life. So they decided to call on other students to make sure no one in the college community goes hungry. The food pantry opened March 5. Students and employees are benefiting from the pantry and, more important, they’re donating to it. Phi Theta
Kappa has taken on the project. While there are a lot of students who do need the pantry, there are plenty who are secure. Those students could have shrugged off any responsibility for others, but they stepped up and showed that they cared for their fellow students, a testament to the inherent goodness in people. Anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” What else can we do?
Stay in school — a degree will pay off being the best and brightest without a degree is next to nothing. Having a degree shows you have mastered a course of study. But having a degree shows a lot of other, subtler qualities in a person. It shows that you are willing to do work and stick with something to the end. They want someone flexible enough to be able to handle the stress of everyday work and problems as they arise. You may be thinking to yourself. I am able to handle work. And that’s probably true. But how else will a prospective employer know that? A college degree will not ensure you a job, but it will put you a head above the guy who doesn’t have one. So stay in school, it’s expensive right now, but it’s going to pay in the end. The bottom line is you can’t afford not to have an education.
Summer classes more important this year Registration for summer classes began Thursday so you better get busy and plan your summer schedule. Departments at this college opted to give up 30 percent of their remaining operational budget Feb. 16 to enable pay for full-time faculty during summer classes, instead of the alternative — having adjunct faculty teach summer or doing away with summer classes altogether. Departments also were not allowed to add any additional classes beyond those that were filled last summer. Dr. Conrad Krueger, dean of arts and sciences, said Wednesday many factors will be taken into account when deciding what courses to drop that aren’t full, including what courses are
required in degree plans. Similar classes meeting at the same time could be merged if that would allow for a full class, he said. He said those decisions will be made at the last minute before a class meets for the first time. Another reason to fill summer classes is your bank account – with tuition increasing in the fall, summer is your last chance to take advantage of current rates. There is no printed course schedule for summer classes. Information is available at http://www.accd.edu/sac/ sacmain/schedule/default.htm. Sign up for summer classes early to make sure you get a seat.
Get some ice cream, voice an opinion The March 27 forum, Pizza with the President, was, by all accounts, a rousing success, with more than 200 people showing up to eat free pizza, ask questions and relay concerns to this college’s top administrators. The Student Government Association continues to sponsor dialogue with administrators with Tuesday’s Dessert with Deans and Directors from noon to 1 p.m. in Loftin’s Fiesta Room. SGA adviser Christy WoodwardKaupert said as of press time all but one of the deans and directors have confirmed attendance. These open forums are excellent
opportunities for students to voice opinions and ask questions, but student attendance is the most important requirement to facilitate a successful event. Attendance numbers need to stay high so the administrators, deans and directors know their participation in these events is valuable. The first step to change is getting the word out that change is needed; the open forums are a perfect time to do just that, so show up, dig into a sundae, float, brownie and more. While you are there, you can have a say in the future of the college.
Correction In the March 20 article, “Administrators leave posts,” the year Dr. David L. Winney was appointed to the position of associate vice chancellor for employee services was reported incorrectly. The board of trustees hired Winney on April 15, 2008.
RANGER THE
Everyone knows that we’re in a recession. People are losing jobs all over the place and money is becoming scarce. Now is probably a bad time for any major expenditure, and school is a major expenditure. Add to the fact that we’ve all heard that story about the guy who only has a sixth-grade education, but he’s managed to make it all the way up to being the regional manager of some large corporation, and now they’re making lots of money, and you start to wonder if school is even worth it. With the tuition hike, some people are wondering whether they can afford schooling. Maybe they should just stop and start on a career. Don’t. The likelihood of being that lucky guy is next to nothing. Employers are looking for the best and brightest, but the likelihood of
Staff
Editor Trey Randolph Opinion Editor Brianna Roberts Photographers Tyler Cleveland Melissa Toscano Lazcano Photo Team Lexie Burton, Carlos Garcia, Leda Garcia, Destiny Mata, George Torres Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos, Fred Nockroes, Edgar Puente Production Manager James Bosquez Production Assistant Laura Garcia Staff Writers José Castillo, Henry A. Chavarria, Michelle Franco, Alice Gonzalez, Ralonda R. Green, Giselle Guadron, Joshua Sanchez Guerrero, Sharon Hensley, Martin Herrera, Rennie Murrell, Jeff Reese, Priscilla ReynaOvalle, Vanessa M. Sanchez, 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.
19 • April 17, 2009
Music experience diminished by MP3 When I was 16, I got my first job, which I always knew would involve music. It was at a record store called Sound Wa r e h o u s e , and back then, Viewpoint by there were sevJose Castillo eral locations in town. Because I would go there every day after school and hang out with the employees, the store manager decided to hire me. Before she hired me, she tested me on my music knowledge. Not only did I have to know the popular artists and titles, I also had to know something about other genres like blues, jazz and world music. It was the ’80s and the music business was very different from what it is now. Vinyl records were just starting to fall out of favor with music lovers, cassettes were “the thing” and compact discs were on the horizon. Record companies like Virgin, Elektra, Atlantic and Warner actually took time to cultivate artists, making them the best they could be. This was before
record companies manufactured “artists” bombarding us with an endless stream of Britneys, Mileys and “Jonai.” Downloading music was not even a consideration as home computers and the Internet were still not prevalent in most homes. Now, do not get me wrong; I am not usually a nostalgic person. I am all about the future and what it might bring. I love the immediate gratification and convenience of iTunes and Amazon. com. That being said, I have noticed a big difference in my satisfaction with new music-delivery methods. It used to be that if you wanted to know what new music was coming out, you would get the latest Rolling Stone magazine and hope to read about the progress your favorite band was making in the studio. If you wanted to hear an album before you bought it, you would go to the closest music store and beg the clerk to play it for you, or better yet, give you the earphones and let you have control of the turntable. After you were fully satisfied, you would pay for the album, unwrap it on the way to the car (if it was a cassette), and spend the next few days scouring the liner notes and lyrics with a magnifying glass until famili a r with every crease, p i c ture and t h a n k you.
Or at least that is how I did it. The process was organic, almost magical. I cannot imagine listening to Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” without the accompanying visuals of the album sleeve. The liner notes and packaging added to the experience of the record. How else would I have known that the music heard during the opening of the album was “The Little Boy Santa Forgot,” by Vera Lynn? The photos in the packaging often added to the imagery of the songs and the artist. Who could forget The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album cover and the rumors it whipped up about Paul McCartney’s death? When you bought a record, you were listening to it the way the artist intended. Someone, usually the artist or producer, took time to sequence the songs in just the right order. We didn’t have shuffle back then, and I don’t mean “The Shuffle.” That process is very important when putting a record together because it can affect the mood and continuity of the album. The artist might be taking the listener on a cathartic journey, which could be easily missed by downloading only one or two songs from iTunes. Now we download songs after hearing a 20-second sample from the middle of the song, transfer them to the iPod and go on our merry way. The listener might get the message the artist is trying to convey, but probably not. Most of the record stores are gone, and they say that compact discs are on the way out, but those memories are still with me. The turning of the pages and the excitement and anticipation of what lingers inside the packaging. That is what is missing in the downloading experience. I am not saying the convenience of downloading music is not great, but I often wonder what I am missing when I buy a file and not an album.
www.theranger.org • The Ranger
Letters
Cover veterans
Editor: Do you have, or shall soon, “A ‘Veteran’ Reporter,” anytime in the near future? I was in the process of getting one started, before I came File Photo out here from California. I do believe that the veterans, and those serving active duty (including the Guard and Reserves), deserve this type of representation in our school paper. They also deserve time dedicated to things like the ROTC here (and how about contests and activities that they attend each semester), and of course, their branches’ birthdays, Flag Day, etc. I do so apologize for the rambling, but this is something not only special to myself and many others, but I do so believe that it could and would be an interesting piece for us, as well as of interest to our fellow brothers and sisters, students and veterans. David Phillips
This is the last print edition of The Ranger newspaper for the spring semester. Keep checking www.theranger.org for news and to leave your comments and letters. For more information about The Ranger and the Journalism-Photography Department, call 486-1773.
Society of Professional Journalists presents “New Directions in Journalism” 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 Craft Room of Loftin Student Center
featuring Laura Jesse, public information officer for Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff; Ben Olivo of My SA.com; and Edmond Ortiz, editor of the North Central News, a product of the San Antonio Express-News
The Ranger • www.theranger.org
20 • April 17, 2009
Destiny Mata
UTSA political science freshman Joshua Messier and mechanical engineering junior Nick Sanchez duel with light sabers at a Star Wars Society of San Antonio meeting at Pizza Hut at 1749 S.W. Loop 410 and Marbach Road. Leda Garcia
The Force hits San Antonio!
By Destiny Mata
“Star Wars” has given birth to two movie trilogies, special effects movie technology and a huge following of fans around the world. In San Antonio, there is a place where Star Wars fanatics can come together and share their love for it. The Star Wars Society of San Antonio meets the second Sunday of every month at Pizza Hut, 1749 S.W. Loop 410 at Marbach Road. The Star Wars Society of San Antonio was founded by Star Wars fan Peter Gonzalez, a communications sophomore at Palo Alto College, and his friend Larry Ramirez in 1999. The five-member club of “Star Wars” fans has grown to more than 40 members and a San Marcos branch called Star Wars Society of San Marcos. In April 2008, the society’s recruitment officer, Rob Rodriguez, created a new addition called the Sith Shadow Council of Texas Leda Garcia
made up of members from San Marcos and San Antonio choosing to portray villains, or Sith lords. This group of dedicated “Star Wars” fans enjoy making costumes of their favorite characters and dueling with their LED light sabers. They raise money for charities by dressing in their costumes and soliciting donations. Their volunteer work has benefitted the San Antonio Food Bank, the Leda Garcia Diabetes Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year, they have raised $400 for the food bank. They also have volunteered with the Special Olympics since 2003 and the American Red Cross. For Read Across America Foundation, they dress in costume to read books to children at public libraries and encourage kids to stay in school. “Being able to do charity work and fundraisers, it’s awesome,” Nick Sanchez, mechanical engineering junior at the University of
Texas at San Antonio, said. “Going in costume and really enjoying myself, it’s really satisfying on so many levels.” Jaime Sanchez, radio-television-film sophomore here, has been a member for two years, and when in costume, is a full-throttle scout trooper, who, in the films, travel on Imperial speeder bikes. “We were invited to the midnight release of the ‘Animated Clone Wars’ for Toys R’ Us,” Jaime Sanchez said of his favorite experience with the society. “We went in our costumes; it was cool because we were the closest thing to the characters from the movie. “I like when we do events for the community,” he continued. “I like the positive feedback that we get from the kids especially.” Gonzalez added, “Working on saber routines to working on costumes, to get-togethers in a sense has become its own society.” Currently, the force is leading the society to a new chapter. They are preparing to march for the fourth year in the Fiesta Flambeau at 7 p.m. April 25. To get involved, visit their Web site at www.swssa.invisionzone.com or call Rodriguez at 315-7720. Destiny Mata
Matthew Biangardi teaches Maggie Ontiveros, an environmental science freshman at UTSA, tricks on fighting with light sabers. Destiny Mata
Joshua Messier, a political science freshman at UTSA, teaches 4-year-old Eli Foutz how to battle with light sabers April 11.
Palo Alto communications major Peter Gonzalez, founder of the Star Wars Society, speaks about preparing to march in Star Wars costume at the Fiesta Flambeau parade April 25.
Joshua Messier and Chris Crow knight each other with LED light sabers outside Pizza Hut.