volume five | issue one | january 2010
View your grades through WebAdvisor*
On The Cover
To access your grades, you must log in successfully to WebAdvisor (WA). 1. Open Internet Explorer. Go to https://my.tstc.edu. 2. Click on the WebAdvisor tab. 3. Click the "Click here to enter WebAdvisor" link. 4. Click the blue "Login" button in the top right corner. 5. Log in to WA. 6. Click on the Grades tab. Note: Your WebAdvisor ID (WAID) is printed at the bottom of your TSTC invoice. Your default password is the last six (6) digits of your student ID. If you don't know your WAID, select "What's my User ID?" If you are unable to log in with your WAID and default password, please call the TSTC Help Desk at 956.364.5000 to have your password reset.
7. To change the default password, log in to Self Service Password Utility (SSPU) to set up your hint and challenge questions. Go to http://sspu.tstc.edu. 8. Log in to the myTSTC Portal. Go to http://my.tstc.edu. The username and the password are the same as your WAID and password.
2010
by Lorenzo Garcia, DMDT
Review Class Schedules • Register For Classes • View Financial Profile • • Review Academic Profile • And more.
Get involved in
credits
* Grades will not be mailed.
Ever wonder where the content of the Mustang Messenger comes from?
It comes from YOU!
The Mustang Messenger accepts stories, reviews and artwork submitted by TSTC students. If you’d like to submit your creative work for the next issue, e-mail it to phdclub@gmail.com.
For more information call 956.364.4116.
Jan. issue deadline: Jan. 20 02
Mustang Messenger | January 2010
Lorenzo Garcia Digital Media Design Technology EDITORS Melani Zuniga Coordinator of Publications Keri Gutierrez Director of Marketing STAFF WRITER Dave Ralph Communications Writer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS credited CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS credited
1902 N. Loop 499 Harlingen, TX 78550 1.800.852.8784 www.harlingen.tstc.edu
TSTC Harlingen is a two-year higher education institution emphasizing courses of study in technical education for which there is a demand within the state of Texas.
Across: 2. Juggler 3. Fire Eater 5. Safety Net 9. Band 11. Applause 14. Contortionist 15. Pie! 16. Balloons Down: 1. Clowns 4. Ringmaster 6. Audience 7. Trapeze 8. Popcorn 10. Costumes 12. Acrobat 13. Animals
Student Publications!
DESIGNERS / WRITERS Laura Amaro Digital Media Design Technology
View the Mustang Messenger online at harlingen.tstc.edu/mustang
With your personal profile, you can also:
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YOUR SGA PRESIDENT 5 FROM - Belinda Palomino
12 ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS - The Fourth Kind - Friday Night Lights
6 COLLEGE FEATURES - Battle of the Bands
FEATURES 11 STUDENT - Valley Bowl
14 NEW RELEASES AT LRC - Death Masks - Ford County - Why AC/DC Matters
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CAMPUS EVENTS Staff Holiday
Quick Review Courses
Registration Payment Due
JANUARY 4-8
Deregistration at End of Day
Online Registration
First Class Day
WEBADVISOR
SPRING 2010
Saturday Classes Meet
Staff & Student Holiday
Welcome Week
11 th Class Day
JANUARY 25-28
SPRING 2010
Softball Rosters Due
Scholarship Workshop
keep in touch. Registered students visit
mymail.tstc.edu and use your WebAdvisor login and password to get started.
powered by
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Mustang Messenger | January 2010
MUSTANG
Weekly Updates for
Students and Employees
Want to promote an event? Send submissions to dave.ralph@harlingen.tstc.edu by 5pm on Wednesdays.
sga officers meet your
H
Belinda Palomino - SGA President i there Mustangs! Welcome to a new year and semester! I hope your break was full of excitement and unforgettable memories.
Last semester we had plenty of new and exciting events for you and your SGA officers are back at work ready to give you more. This month SGA will be busy planning our highly anticipated Mr. & Ms. TSTC scholarship competition. It will be next month so
stop by our office if you're interested for more information. Also, don't miss out on the chance to meet your officers at SGA's Welcome Week during January's last week. There will be lots of clubs and fun activities. Feel free to stop by our office in SC room 122 or call us at 364.4343 if you have suggestions, concerns, or ideas. We love to hear from you!
Belinda Palomino
SGA Meeting Schedule
January Tuesday, 19
March Tuesday, 2 Tuesday, 23
February Tuesday, 2 Tuesday, 16
April Tuesday, 6
All meetings are from 12PM - 1PM in the LRC Orientation Room.
WITH US
connect
ONLINE Visit TSTC SGA on the following networks!
myspace.com/tstcsga
facebook.com/tstcsga
youtube.com/tstcharlingen
twitter.com/tstcharlingen
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features college
BabyT
Dinosaurs Roam Free at TSTC
R
emember the first time you watched “Jurassic Park� and how it sparked that desire to see a dinosaur in real life? On November 13, that dream became a reality when the Walking with the Dinosaurs tour made a stop for an exclusive preview at TSTC's Wellness and Sport Center. With a combination of theatrics and animatronics, children of all ages witnessed a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex roaming the gym court turned jungle floor. Attendees also enjoyed a robotics show put on by the Mechatronics students. The students had constructed small scaled remote-controlled dinosaur robots especially for this event, and allowed children to control the robots to engage in miniature basketball. 06
Mustang Messenger | January 2010
Children marvel at the sight of the prehistoric creature as it aproaches them face to face.
by Laura Amaro, DMDT
Veterans Day Military veterans and citizens on active duty possess a deeper meaning of patriotism, according to Automotive Technology major Guadalupe Sanchez of San Benito, a Marine Corps veteran who attended the Veterans Day ceremony November 11. He saw Iraqis celebrate freedom and he said Americans should support the war on terror.
Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Al Guillen urged each American to assess his or her patriotic character and accept the responsibility of performing military service.
National Make A Difference Day
TSTC students along with Harlingen Proud donated their Saturday morning of October 24 to the Humane Society of Harlingen to help with cleaning, renovations, and providing much needed love to the animals. Students also helped collect pet food and supply donations.
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Sponsored by
Top: Special guest MC was deejay Marissa Garcia from the Q 94.5 radio station. Left:The Fanatics club helped collect food for the RGV Food Bank by charging a canned food item as entrance.
On the rainy night of November 19th while some were nestled in their homes, mayhem was breaking loose and faces were being melted right off with awesome guitar licks on TSTC Harlingen’s own Student Quad. Yes, a total of eight rocking bands gathered to make some noise at the First Annual TSTC Battle of the Bands.
Lucid Decree 08
Bionicore Mustang Messenger | January 2010
CANE
Blu Pilo Sky
Third place and a $200 reward went to Bionicore, a female-fronted alternative metal band.
First place and a $500 reward went to the metal band, Immortal Guardian.
Special headlining band were glam rockers, The AliCat Project. Lead vocalist and guitarist, David, is son of the head of Math/Physics Department Dr. Hossein Pezeshki.
Second place and a $300 reward went to alternative rock band, The Shrimp Shack Shooters. They also recieved the prestigious Fan Favorite Award.
Judges for the event, pictured to the right, based their grading critieria on Originality, Band Organization, Stage Presence, Cover Song Creativity, and Time Limit.
The Shrimp Shack Shooters
Seven
Immortal Guardian
Adrenochrome
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Music, prizes and food!
Casino inspired games!
Thursday, February 11 7PM • Cultural Arts Center Remember to bring your student ID card.
Bash Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Office of Student Life at 956.364.4304 one week prior to event. For more information, please contact: Adele Clinton Office of Student Life ph: 956.364.4302 / fax: 956.364.5127 adele.clinton@harlingen.tstc.edu
Mr. & Ms.
TSTC
Apply Now Winner....................... $1,500 1st Runner-up......... $1,000 2nd Runner-up....... $500 Everyone is welcome to apply. Must be enrolled full year and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5
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in Student Center Room 123 or online! www.harlingen.tstc.edu/mrandmststc
Mr. and Ms. TSTC Scholarship Competition "A Night on Broadway" Wednesday, February 24, 2010 Mandatory candidates meeting: LRC Orientation Room
Friday, February 5 at 12PM All applications will be due
Mustang Messenger | January 2010
For more information, please contact:
Adele Clinton Office of Student Life ph: 956.364.4302 fax: 956.364.5127 adele.clinton@harlingen.tstc.edu
l w o B y e l l a V
s l a r u Intram
thered a g y e l l va oss the ongst the r c a s e i rsit . Am d unive ovember 7 gen. n a s e g N rlin on olle TC Ha from c competition S s T t n d e n d all Stu TB a g footb ting were U a l f a r fo ipa s partic school
SUPPORT SERVICES OFFICE
Story Time
Harlingen Public Library
TECHquity participants and TSTC students test their creations at the Harlingen Public Library. TSTC Support Services staff and students visited the Harlingen ibrary's Wednesday Story Time on November 11, 2009 and made Bunny Copters with children. Participants also learned about the scientific method and non-traditional programs of study at TSTC.
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entertainment for your
The Fourth Kind
T
his film is a solid fusion of mockumentary and a science fiction story. The evolution from such hit films as “The Blair Witch Project”, and the more recent “Paranormal Activity”, is “The Fourth Kind.” The film blends staged documentary footage with its own sci-fi movie on top of it. The technical premise is not important to the story and should probably be ignored for maximum viewing experience.
That said, the film finds its way to lure the viewer into a world where anything it throws at you is simply taken as true and, if anything, adds to the eerie edge of the film. Some scares are done with cheap shots of sudden noises, but the real scares in the film are those Rated PG-13 1 hr 38 min Sci-Fi / Thriller
Friday Night Lights
F
by Lorenzo Garcia, DMDT
of depth from within the story and overall plots going on. The idea of the unknown is a large part in this film as well, leaving the audience behind and allowing you to conger up immense farces. There are several layers to how the film was made, but overall I can honestly say that I’ve not been scared like this in a while. It’s not so much the things you see visually in the film but more so the ideas and possibilities it creates after you leave the big screen. The “documented” footage in the film is what won me over the most as it makes the characters you’ve just met more three-dimensional. I will say that this is one of those films where the viewers must submerge themselves into the screen. It’s a great suspense science fiction for the books.
(TV Series)
by Lorenzo Garcia, DMDT
irst, allow me to clear the air. You do not have to be a football fan or even remotely like the sport to enjoy this series to its fullest.This was one of the reasons that I had dodged it for so long.
different while still very relatable.The family problems are not handled as in many sitcoms with over-the-top reactions and pseudo power struggles. Instead, again, everything is approached with uncertainty and real emotion, just like the real world.
It’s difficult to encompass “Friday Night Lights” into a small review, but I can boldly say that it is the best series I have ever seen. To earn a ranking so high in my book, a series or a film Rated PG has to impact my life, not merely entertain me. I think some 60 min would agree. The series has the most enticing stories that lock Drama / Sport the viewer in engagement with great and sincere performances by all of the actors. The characters are real. Their world is real, and you care for them as you learn from them and their mistakes.
Finally, there is Coach Taylor. I believe that if everyone had a person like Coach Taylor in his or her life, this world would be a better and brighter place to live. The essence, the core, life and heart beat of this series is the result of a new hero of mine written into a very much mortal character named Coach Taylor. Again, it is difficult to encapsulate this character with words, but I can assure you that if you were to experience this series along the side of Coach Taylor, you would see everything not necessarily more colorful or brighter, but every dream seems possible and see yourself more capable than before.
The series presents the most believable setting of a real family that I have ever seen on screen. The conversations and relationships between every member are
I realize that this can sound a bit cliché, but I can honestly say that this show and its characters have changed and effected my life for the better.
Upcoming Film Features
January 1st Case 39
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January 10th Crazy on the Outside Daybreakers Leap Year Youth in Revolt
January 15th Lovely Bones The Book of Eli The Spy Next Door
Mustang Messenger | January 2010
January 22nd Extraordinary Measures Legion To Save A Life Tooth Fairy
January 29th Dread Edge of Darkness When in Rome
Crossword Puzzle :Things You Find at a Circus: :Welcome to the Circus:
Check out what the Photojournalism and Design Club is currently listening to! Portishead “Chase the Tear” Chase the Tear
Things you find at a Circus
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Trip-Hop / Electronic www.portishead.co.uk
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5
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Pink “Sober” Funhouse
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Pop / Rock / Alternative www.myspace.com/pinkspage
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Sonic Youth “Superstar” If I Were a Carpenter
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Rock / Experimental www.myspace.com/sonicyouth
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Across: Across 2. Multi-tasking object manipulator 2.3.Performer withhis thebreath specialaflame! skill of letting He will set nothing hit the ground. Keeps aerial performers 3.5.He will set his breath aflame!from 5. If anhitting acrobat should make a mistake, this will the ground keep them from hitting the ground. Fillsthethe 9.9.Fill tenttend with with music.music 11.AAreward reward audience from the 11. for from a greatthe performance audience for a great performance 14. An exceptionally limber performer 14.Pastries An exceptionally 15. to the face! limber performer 16. float,towhile 15.Some Pastries the others face! just color the room. 16. Some float, while others just color the room P h D C lu b P r e s e nt s :
Down: Downfaces are painted to entertain, 1. Their 1. but Theirstrike faces fear are painted to entertain, but strike in some. fear in some. 4. A circus 4. A circusact actpresenter. presenter. 6. Witnessestotothe the show show 6. Witnesses 7. Swing and tumble from high ropes 7. A high swing performer 8. A buttery circus snack staple 8. A snack staple 10.buttery Colorful circus circus attire A fly-through-the-air 10.12. Colorful circus attireperformer. 13. A little help from the non-human kingdom 12. A gymnastics and tightrope performer 13. A little help from the animal kingdom
Rikki’s Winter Advice
Lily Allen “He Wasn’t There” It’s Not Me, It’s You
Pop / Rock / Electropop www.myspace.com/lilyallen Lights “February Air” The Listening
Indie / Pop / New Wave www.iamlights.com Explosions in the Sky “The Moon is Down” Those Who Tell the Truth...
Post-Rock / Instrumental / Ambient www.explosionsinthesky.com The Avalanches “Frontier Psychiatrist” Since I Left You
Electronic /Alternative Dance www.theavalanches.com Creature Feature “Such Horrible Things” The Greatest Show Unearthed
Alternative / Gothic Rock / Electronic www.creaturefeaturemusic.com Mustang Messenger | January 2010
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New Releases at the LRC
WHAT IS THE LRC?
The TSTC Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides a variety of services aimed to help students and faculty meet educational goals. The LRC houses the library, Media & Publications Center and board conference room. Whether for work or leisure, there are • computers • 4 printers • a scanner • 10,000+ journals • 58,000+ electronic books • DVDs • 10 study rooms • orientation room • display cases
To see what software is offered at the LRC, please visit its Web site at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/library. To reserve the Orientation Room, please call the circulation desk at 364.4609. Display cases are available to showcase TSTC activities, services, programs and to commemorate special observances. To reserve a display case, call 364.4609. The Learning Resource Center staff encourages cultural and information literacy by organizing events such as database orientations, puppet shows, art exhibits, poetry readings, workshops and seminars.
Death Masks by Jim Butcher
Ford County by John Grisham
Harry Dresden, Chicago's only practicing wizard, is hired by a mysterious priest to find the stolen Shroud of Turin. But first, Harry must deal with the Red Court of Vampires' champion, professional hit men, and the return of his semi-vampire former girlfriend.
Grisham returns to Ford County, Mississippi, the setting of his immensely popular first novel, A Time to Kill. This wholly surprising collection reminds readers once again why Grisham is one of America's favorite storytellers.
Why AC/DC Matters by Anthony Bozza
A former Rolling Stone journalist and best-selling author pens a fan's tribute and thoughtful cultural history of the Australian band, in an engaging look at the group's importance that includes personal insights as well as those of prominent musicians.
All you need at the LRC to borrow a book is a valid TSTC student ID. For more information, visit www.harlingen.tstc.edu/library.
Intramural Sports
sportsschedule spring2010
intramural
TSTC Wellness & Sports Center
Friday, January 22 Deadline for Softball & Basketball League Rosters Indoor Sports
Outdoor Sports
Fitness
Basketball Volleyball Soccer Dodgeball Raquetball Kickball
Flag Football Softball Soccer Kickball
Cardio Room Weight Room Walking Trail Aerobic Classes Muscle Toning Classes
WELLNESS & SPORTS CENTER HOURS monday - thursday 8AM - 9PM friday 10AM - 2PM sunday 3PM - 9PM
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Wednesday, January 27 Top Gun Shooting Contest, WSC at 6pm Sign up at Wellness & Sports Center, Room 100 Intramurals Department Personnel: Armando “Brany” Dominguez, Supervisor Room 101 Phone: 956.364.4341 Email: brany.dominguez@harlingen.tstc.edu
aerobics
monday - friday: 12 noon wednesdays: 5:15PM
Mustang Messenger | January 2010
Jose Garza, Assistant Supervisor Room 104 Phone: 956.364.4340 Email: jose.garza@harlingen.tstc.edu
wellness walk tuesday, february 16 softball field, 12pm-1pm
horoscopes FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY!
by Madame Brown
Aries 3/21–4/19 Battle of the Bands was just what you need to add that extra jump-start to energize those creative juices. I know it seems as if your academic career is taking forever, but, my little Ram, all is well. Just tell yourself every day that TSTC has everything you need, you’re a great student and soon you will be on to greater things. Taurus 4/20–5/20 You are blessed to have great friends that are always at your side and would never give you bad advice. If a friend says that maybe you should take it easy and just be a part time student then maybe you should. Don't rush yourself and enjoy the education experience at TSTC. Gemini 5/21–6/21 It's time for you to experiment a little with the other side of you. If you don't know what to do, just go with the flow try something new. Maybe take a class outside your program to spice it up a little. You might learn something that could complement your program. Cancer 6/22–7/22 You tend to be an emotional person and put a lot into your work. You probably feel like collapsing on the floor due to deadlines in the office. I know you might feel like you are being tugged in different directions, but keep going, find a balance by being positive. Keeping looking forward and you soon will feel like you’re in the right place. Leo 7/23–8/22 Right now you have to be the "lion" or at least pretend to be one. It may seem like people are not addressing deadlines that you need to make. Be firm but not fierce. You don’t want people to be afraid, just conscious of work in the office. (Like in the fast pace of the Marketing Department. Many people do not understand the pressures of making shirt orders. Wink.) Virgo 8/23–9/22 Your critical thinking skills and your eye for perfection will be needed by someone near you. It will be beneficial for them, but remember to be merciful. You can sometimes come off too strong, even mean, at times, but it is just your outstanding work ethic. So keep the phrases “May I offer a suggestion?" or "Would you mind if we did it this way...” in mind. You’re a tough sign, but you and I know that deep inside is a very caring heart.
Libra 9/23–10/22 Keep in mind of your behavior especially when it comes to authority (boss, traffic officer, etc.). I know you think you do not have authority issues, but just remember that other people have to do their job as well. So the next time you bring an assignment to your boss don't roll your eyes or guff when they want you to go back and do it again. Just nod and say “Sure thing!" with a great big smile, even if it is fake. Scorpio 10/23–11/21 Now is the time to ask a co-worker to fill in for you for a "sick" day. You have been working very hard, so asking for a favor at work for a new project should not be a problem. People see you as a good worker and will more than likely to be happy to help you out for any request. Sagittarius 11/22–12/21 You are quite the little eco-friendly co-worker. I know you want people to put paper in the recycling bin and rinse out those soda cans to be recycled, reduced and reused, but don't worry. Just make sure that you keep doing it yourself and it will always make a difference. Capricorn 12/22–1/19 Doors will open at the end of this month, but be prepared to change your image or presentation to fully take advantage. When Jupiter hits Pisces on January 18, communications, travel or business dealings will be in for a boost. If you’re on the hunt for a job, head on out to the Job Placement office. The information is there for the taking. Aquarius 1/20–2/18 SLOW DOWN. You’re rushing too much these days. You’ll have to bite your tongue and avoid confrontation. You’re going too fast! Remember to smile and to let some things go. You worry too much. Try not to control everything. If the meeting doesn’t go the way you wanted, so what? You always have next time to make a better PowerPoint or lecture. Pisces 2/19–3/20 Well, after all the hustle and bustle of holiday rush you find yourself in a better place this new year. You are surrounded by lots of positive people. Being the fishy that you are, just go with the flow, and the new year will be more relaxing and in your favor. You have a lot of support. You are very blessed.
Mustang Messenger | January 2010
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