World Series bound?Page 8

Vol. XXXIV, Issue 9, October 11, 2011 www.richlandchronicle.com

CHRONICLERichland

“We are the 99 percent.”

pages 6-7

DCCCD WELCOMES OBAMA

Page 3

WWW.TAMU-COMMERCE.EDU 903.886.5000 or 888.868.2682

A Member of The Texas A&M University System

LEARn MORE about Maria and how Texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future by visiting:

MEET.TAMU-COMMERCE.EDU

Maria, a plant science student at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has a passion for agriculture and botany that stems back to

her family’s love for raising plants.

“I grew up in a family full of green thumbs,” says Maria. “Agriculture just came naturally to me. I didn’t really have to find it; it came to me.”

When she’s not growing academically in the classroom, Maria finds herself growing culturally and socially thanks to the Hispanic Outreach program led by Luis Franco and Gilbert Hernandez. The interaction between different Latin American cultures in the program allowed Maria to enjoy her culture a little more and relate to people who shared similar experiences.

In the classroom, agricultural sciences professor Dr. Derald Harp made a lasting impression on Maria in a plant science class thanks to his personalized teaching style and invaluable knowledge and skills regarding plant growth, care and development.

“Dr. Harp interacts with you one-on-one,” says Maria. “He tells you step by step how to cut a plant, shows techniques for reproducing a plant, and explains why plants grow and develop the way they do.”

In the future Maria plans to grow fruit trees and make a living farming and exporting produce in the U.S. and the world.M

eeT

Mar

iaCl

ass

of 2

014

Image courtesy AP photo/Mike Carlson

SPORTS

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

201

1

3

WWW.TAMU-COMMERCE.EDU 903.886.5000 or 888.868.2682

A Member of The Texas A&M University System

LEARn MORE about Maria and how Texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future by visiting:

MEET.TAMU-COMMERCE.EDU

Maria, a plant science student at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has a passion for agriculture and botany that stems back to

her family’s love for raising plants.

“I grew up in a family full of green thumbs,” says Maria. “Agriculture just came naturally to me. I didn’t really have to find it; it came to me.”

When she’s not growing academically in the classroom, Maria finds herself growing culturally and socially thanks to the Hispanic Outreach program led by Luis Franco and Gilbert Hernandez. The interaction between different Latin American cultures in the program allowed Maria to enjoy her culture a little more and relate to people who shared similar experiences.

In the classroom, agricultural sciences professor Dr. Derald Harp made a lasting impression on Maria in a plant science class thanks to his personalized teaching style and invaluable knowledge and skills regarding plant growth, care and development.

“Dr. Harp interacts with you one-on-one,” says Maria. “He tells you step by step how to cut a plant, shows techniques for reproducing a plant, and explains why plants grow and develop the way they do.”

In the future Maria plans to grow fruit trees and make a living farming and exporting produce in the U.S. and the world.M

eeT

Mar

iaCl

ass

of 2

014

Newly Renovated Apartment HomesBuilt in Microwaves FireplacesCovered ParkingCourtesy Patrol

Forest Cove Apartments214-341-4298

www.lincolnapts.com

Drumming Up Support

GET ON BOARD!!!

Looking For Steel Band PlayersMembers Wanted C.C. Island House is Seeking Talented Steel Band Members and Drummers.All Interested Candidates Please Contact Trini

Phone: 214-622-7819Email: gptrini5@gmail.com

Or mail resume to: 2205 Foreman St. Dallas, TX. 75210

The 2010 Texas Rangers were pioneers, reaching the first World Series in franchise history.

The 2011 postseason will be different. The Rangers will fail to reach the World Se-ries and here’s why.

To consistently win in the playoffs, you need an ace. Since the departure of Cliff Lee in the offseason, the Rangers simply don’t have one. While C.J. Wilson won an impres-sive 16 games during the 2011 regular season, he hasn’t been dominant in the playoffs, at least not at press time.

After an abysmal performance in a Game 1 loss to Tampa Bay, the left-hander has a 6.26 ERA, and the Rangers are a dismal 0-4 in his past four playoff starts. Aces win the big games. That’s hardly an ace.

Defensively, the Rangers have a number of players with plus-athleticism and abilities. Elvis Andrus has exceptional range at short-stop. Mike Napoli has been phenomenal behind the plate. The outfield is filled with speed and powerful arms. The numbers just don’t show it.

The team committed 114 errors this sea-son, the seventh-highest total in baseball. These errors led to 70 unearned runs, the most among American League playoff teams. While the defense is capable of being a weap-on, the Rangers are vulnerable to defensive

miscues, which can be costly in a seven-game series.

A lack of hitting could also derail the Rangers postseason run. Yes, the team scored more runs than every team in baseball ex-cept for the Red Sox and Yankees. However, the “‘daytime” Rang-ers and “night-time” Rangers are two different beasts.

In night games, the Rangers have the most explo-sive offense in baseball, averag-ing a staggering 5.66 runs per game. When the sun is up and the lights are off, that number plum-mets to 4.38 runs per game.

Josh Hamilton alone sees his batting average fall from .324 at night to .220 during the day. With four week-end games on the schedule, daytime baseball is a probability, and, frankly, a liability for the Rangers.

Will Rangers win World Series?ADAM CROUCHStaff Writer

NO.ANNA HERNANDEZContributing Writer

YES.Your Texas Rangers are returning to the

World Series. I know, first they must capture the American League pennant. And trust me, they will. Then they’ll be crowned champions of the baseball world.

Last October took North Texans by sur-prise. The unimaginable happened, and the Rangers ousted the Yankees in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series to advance to the World Series.

While Rangers’ pitcher Cliff Lee was said to have played a great part on that road to victory, Lee pitched in Games 1 and 5 of that series, losing both. The Rangers lost the Series to the San Francisco Giants in five games.

During the offseason, the Rangers lost Lee to the Philadelphia Phillies, Bengie Molina retired and Vladimir Guerrero moved to the Orioles through free agency.

The Rangers reloaded by trading for catch-er Mike Napoli, signing third baseman Adri-an Beltre and moving Alexi Ogando to the starting rotation. This marked the beginning of a season of new records for the Rangers.

These are not the Rangers of the past, and the changes made in the offseason made the team better, if not more complete.

Second baseman Ian Kinsler and Beltre both hit 32 home runs in the regular sea-son. In game 4 of the ALDS, Beltre hit three home runs to finish off the Tampa Bay Rays, becoming only the sixth player to hit three home runs in a postseason game.

Napoli also came in strong, hitting 30 home runs while outfielder Nelson Cruz overcame frequent injury to add 29. Last season’s MVP Josh Hamilton hit 25 home runs this season, down from 32 last year. And who can forget Michael Young?

This year, he entered the 2,000 hits club, proving why he’s a fan favorite and MVP candidate.

If pitching wins championships, the Rang-ers have bragging rights with ace C.J. Wilson, who leads the club with 206 strikeouts, a 2.94 ERA and 16 wins this season.

Derek Holland also collected 16 wins and a 3.95 ERA. Mike Adams, Mike Gonzales and Koji Uehara were added to the team, while Neftali Feliz and Ogando in the rota-tion for the regular season, return to the bull-pen. Opposing teams face some merciless relief pitching, as both Feliz and Ogando are capable of triple-digit fastballs.

The 2011 Rangers are a well-balanced team. Last postseason, the Rangers knocked off the Yankees as former Rangers Alex Ro-driguez and Mark Texeira watched from the opposing dugout. This year, justice will be served as the Rangers’ lineup does the same to Cliff Lee.

For the second time in a row, the Dallas area will be witness to an AL championship. Maybe more. Rangers, this time it’s yours.

With a 3-1 series win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, the Texas Rangers have ad-vanced to the American League Championship Series to face the Detroit Tigers. The deadline for this piece was Friday, Oct. 7, prior to the start of Game 1.

Members of the Texas Rangers celebrate their win over the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, Oct. 4.

The biggest reason the Rangers will not advance has nothing to do with the team, but their opponent. Justin Verlander of the Ti-gers has been an unstoppable force this sea-

son and is a lock for the American League Cy Young award. Since July 21, the Tigers have gone 13-1 in games started by Verlander. Ver-lander will take the mound twice in the series, and potentially a third time in a decisive Game 7.

Reaching the World Series in consecutive sea-sons is statisti-cally unlikely. No team has appeared in con-secutive World Series since the New York Yan-kees appeared in four consecutive from 1998-2001. Injuries, human

error and luck inevitably factor into deter-mining the outcome of games. The Rang-ers will need more than luck to get past the Tigers.

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

201

1

4

CAMPUS

Ladise Perez Patricia ViLLacinstaff Writer

Student election apathy

Images credit Sean Dunbar

Frantic search for missing diamonds

Richland has never been plagued with a baffling murder, a mysterious house and an assortment of frenzied folks all desperate to find the same thing – some missing dia-monds.

But, on Oct. 12, that will all change when the Drama Department presents “Exit the Body,” a comic farce written by Fred Carmichael.

The plot focuses on mystery writer Crane Hammond, who thinks she’s going to enjoy a four-week vacation at a country house in Vermont where she can find peace and quiet to work. Joining her is her secretary, New Yorker Kate Bixley.

That would have been ideal if Crane hadn’t discovered that the previous tenant was con-nected to organized crime and was suppos-edly murdered. Stolen diamonds were hidden somewhere in the house. Nobody has been able to find them. So, the other residents of the house launch a frantic search.

Director Mac Lower, adjunct drama profes-

sor, said a closet plays a big role in this play. “The great thing about the closet is that it

opens into two rooms, the living room and the back door [which] opens into the library. Of course, you have all kinds of slamming of doors and people almost getting caught. One person gets injured in the dark,” Lower said.

The closet becomes a great plot device where characters can hide, but they can also escape without being seen, Lower added.

“I think farces are always fun,” Lower said. “The challenge of farce is the timing and blocking. So much of it depends on the ac-tion, not just the lines.

That adds an element of fun to it for actors.” Ten Rich-land students make up the cast of “Exit” – five women and five men. Lower has them working on dialects for the play represents New England, New York and Boston.

“That’s been a challenge for us in re-hearsals,” he said. “I continually am push-ing the actors to go ahead and experi-ment with them [the accents].” Lower encourages them and tells them it’s going to take some time to accomplish a good accent.

Lower said he likes the use of the closet and all the doors on the stage.

“We have five doors. Of course, that creates a lot of options for characters and comedy moments,” Lower said. “So, that’s the part I like about it – watching all these characters sneak in and out of these doors. Other characters don’t see them.”

Lower said “Exit” was written in the 1960s and he has tried to update it.

“The biggest dated element is the phone operator. We don’t have those really today,” Lower said. “We have set the show in a gated community so when the characters go to a phone, rather than talk to an operator, they are talking to a gate attendant. There is no cell phone reception. The characters try to use their cell phones and can’t get a signal.”

The three-act play begins at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 12-15 in the Fannin Performance Hall, Room F-102. It’s recommended for middle school age and older and will last two hours with two intermissions.

“Exit the Body” is free and open to the public, so no reservations are required. For further information, call 972-238-6256.

JOYce JacKsOncopy editor

Director Mac Lower instructs Gabby Matsotso and Alex Geffen during a rehearsal for “Exit the Body.” The play will run Oct. 12-15 and will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Image credit Sean Dunbar

Posters were plastered around the campus. Fliers, business cards and candy were passed out. Facebook statuses and text message re-minders were sent.

Candidates tried their best to attract their peers to the Student Government Associa-tion (SGA) elections, but when the time for voting came around, less than 1 percent of the Richland student population cast ballots.

“Pretty much, I voted because my friend was running,” Richland student Bradley Njoku said.

The SGA has been active on campus for more than 10 years and acts as a liaison be-tween the administration and the student body.

The elections for SGA president, vice president and senators were held Sept. 28-29. Campaigning started the week before.

Out of an estimated 20,000 registered stu-dents attending Richland, only 139 stopped by the Student Lounge to vote.

According to SGA adviser Bobbie Harri-son, the voting numbers tend to fluctuate but the numbers have been fairly high until this year.

Candidates are required to attend an orien-tation where they are given ides on how they might publicize their run.

Despite candidates attending the session and receiving suggestions from advisers, Har-rison said that this year’s hopefuls did not do enough to promote their candidacy. She and several students believe that was the reason why the voter turnout was so low.

“Honestly, I think that they are not well-ad-

vertised,” finance and business student Ami Tran said. “Sometimes I know about the elec-tions; sometimes I don’t.”

Quesha Ckett, a freshman studying physi-cal science, did not even know Richland had an SGA.

She also wishes more had been done to

promote the elections, such as a mass email to students and in-class announcements by professors.

Others, such as government professor Mi-chael Iachetta, believe the low voter turnout is a result of students’ lack of interest.

“Students [believe] that the student govern-ment at RLC does not have enough power to make changes in their lives in any significant way, so they do not believe it is worth their time and effort to investigate candidates and vote,” he said.

Newly elected student government presi-dent Tabeth Nkangoh, who handed out busi-ness cards and candy to students around cam-pus, also attributes the low number of votes to student apathy.

“It’s a reality,” he said.Harrison said that many students get in-

volved with SGA just to “spice up” their resumé. She said that the officers on board should work together and come in with a clear understanding of what student govern-ment does.

As far as the election goes, Harrison is dis-appointed with the turnout, the poor adver-tising around campus and the lack of creativ-ity with the candidates’ campaigns.

“Sometimes there are deep valleys where [voter] numbers are so low it is almost not worth it,” Harrison said.

“But I believe that the body on board could truly make a difference and advocate student needs if they invest their time to finding out what those needs are.”

Less than 1 percent of Richland students voted in the Student Government Association election. In the end, one vote separated the president and vice president. SGA Adviser Bobbie Harrison, seen above, was dissapointed with the turnout but hopes the new SGA office will make a difference.

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

2011

5

CAMPUS

Texas Woman’s universiTy

Choose from 59 unDerGraDuaTe DeGree proGrams in the health sciences, the liberal arts and the sciences,

including the BaChelor of General sTuDies

make your Transfer Connectionsaturday, november 5

8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. on TWu’s Denton campus

TWU's Bachelor of General sTUdies

aTTend TWU’s Transfer connecTion noV. 5 and yoU can: Get admissions, scholarship and financial aid information Meet advisers and faculty receive sample degree plans learn about services tailored to transfer students receive a $50 application fee award

Plus, TWU offers yoU These adVanTaGes: respected university with nationally ranked programs online, face-to-face and blended classes classes open to women and men Most affordable tuition in the dfW Metroplex

a-Train service from dallas to TWU's denton campus

AD INFORMATIONJob No. : A11-09-22-190Subject: Transfer Fair adPublication: Richland College ChronicleSize: 10.375 x 11 4C CR: 10/6/11 Publish: Oct 11, Oct 25, 2011City of publication: Client: M&CDr. Stuart OK req’d: NoDr. Stuart OK rec’d: Y_____ TK_____ N/A_____X

Dallas

Include Forbes logo? Y/N

TRANSFER CONNECTIONTWU

INFORMATION SESSION

Just go to www.twu.edu and click on:

or call 1-866-809-6130

register today

LAURA GARSEAEditor-in-Chief

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

201

1

6

A historic event, the visit from President Barack Obama last week is still generating a strong buzz throughout the Dallas County Community College District.

Why Eastfield was chosen as the host is the most popular question being posed.

According to DCCCD Vice Chan-cellor for Public and Governmental Af-fairs Justin Lonon and Eastfield President, Dr. Jean Conway, the Mesquite community college was picked to host the president mainly based on three qualifications.

The White House was looking for a com-munity college as the location for the pres-ident’s speech. They also wanted a venue that had the capacity to seat at least 1,500 and a teacher educa-tion program.

Eastfield fit the bill on all three.

After all the hours of preparing for the visit, Conway said she was confident it was worth it.

“I think it went very smoothly and I think people were very ex-cited and pumped,” Conway said. “I com-pare it to planning a really elaborate wed-ding in five days. It was such fun to watch and be a part of this.”

Strict airport-like security was in place. Drug-sniffing dogs and Secret Service agents searched attendee belongings and kept close tabs on the audience.

A momentous occasion for the DCCCD, more than a thousand people waited in line hoping for a seat. But not everyone was able to get in.

A lack of communication between a White House representative and the fire mar-shal prevented a quarter of the 605 student and faculty ticket holders from seeing the speech.

According to Conway, the fire marshal had previously worked with a White House representative to approve a certain number

of people to occupy the gymnasium. While watching ticket holders enter, the fire mar-shal became concerned that too many people were being admitted, which is a safety risk.

The representative and the marshal reached a decision that more ticket holders could be allowed in after examining the gym. The representative then left to be with the president, who was touring the Child Devel-opment Center.

“Something happened between the time the representative believed he had an agree-ment with the fire marshal and when the doors to the gym were locked,” Conway said.

“Once the president is in the gym, the doors have to be locked. It sounds to me like [there was] some misunderstanding and mis-communication.”

Miscommunication regarding occupants wasn’t the only issue at the event. Media outlets were told prior to the event that they would be able to live stream the speech. However, when it came time for the presi-dent to speak, all wireless access was shut off by the Secret Service. Whether or not this was typical protocol or if there was a threat is unknown, but many media members were

inconvenienced. Despite minor setbacks, the speech went

on as planned. Obama spoke with students and faculty as

he toured the Child Development Center be-fore addressing the waiting audience.

Obama’s entrance couldn’t be missed. One didn’t need to be able to see the president over the waving cell phones and cameras to know he had entered the gym.

Thunderous applause and chants greeted him.

The main theme of the president’s speech was his American Jobs Act. Obama hit hard on the initiative’s key elements: lowering the unemployment rate, keeping teachers in the classroom and getting unemployed construc-tion workers back to work.

“This bill will prevent up to 280,000 teach-ers from losing their jobs,” Obama said. “This bill will support almost 40,000 jobs right here in the great state of Texas. So here’s what I need you to do: Tell Congress to pass this bill and put teachers back in the classroom where they belong.”

Stressing the importance of closing the def-icit, Obama said that the current tax code is not fair and that middle class workers should

not be paying more taxes than the rich.He emphasized the importance of the

middle class and explained certain tax reform proposals like tax cuts for small businesses and new tax credits.

“If we want to actually close the deficit, then you’ve got to combine the tough cuts with a strategy to ask the wealthiest Ameri-cans and the biggest corporations to do their part, to pay their fair share,” he said.

The president urged Congress, particularly the GOP, to pass the bill without delay and the American people to sup-port it.

The speech had a dis-tinct rally feel. After shouting into the micro-phone at the end, the president exited the stage to a standing ovation, cheers and synchronized waves.

“He’s a very charismat-ic speaker and the crowd was very engaged and on message with him,” Rich-land interim president, Dr. Kay Eggleston said. “It made me proud to be an American.”

Even after the presi-dent left the building, the energy continued to flow.

“Seeing him in person was really motivational and inspiring,” Eastfield Academic Adviser Terry Wooten said. “The spill-ing of emotions kind of surprised me. People were a little more patri-otic than usual.”

While reactions regard-ing Obama’s political

agenda are mixed, there was mutual pride and enthusiasm over the visit.

“I think it was pretty typical of what we’ve seen him do on the jobs bill,” former Rich-land instructor and current Eastfield govern-ment professor Cindy Castaneda said. “It’s basically the same speech with the local fla-vor. I thought he was quite convincing in de-fending why his plan is not class warfare.”

Many high-profile Dallas executives were in attendance including Mesquite Mayor John Monaco, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, currently the United States trade representative in the Obama cabinet.

The speech was over in less than an hour and followed two fundraiser luncheons in Dallas.

Presidential pomp & circumstances

President Barack Obama addressed the energetic crowd at the Eastfield gymnasium. The main objective of Obama’s speech was to urge Congress to pass the American Jobs Act.

Image credit Julio Nieto

news

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

201

1

7

column

We sometimes have moments that change our lives forever – the day we’re born, the day we marry and the day we meet a presi-dent in person.

My presidential once in a lifetime hap-pened when I learned that I’d be part of the Richland Chronicle staff to cover President Barack Obama at Eastfield College Oct. 4.

On this memorable day, I arrived at East-field around 11:30 a.m., and my eye im-mediately shifted to an extremely long line of people of all shapes, sizes and colors of clothing lining the sidewalk as far as the eye could see. To my horror, I thought I’d end up at the end of it, until I ran into our edi-tor, who calmed my nerves by telling me we belonged elsewhere.

After spending over an hour in the heat speaking with a few of the hopefuls, it was time to get in the press line, where I had to throw my purse and thin notebook on the grass and step away. Then came the sifting (through the purse) and the sniffing (by a no-nonsense black dog.) Then came the metal detector. Momentarily, I felt like a bird trying to take off with my arms stretched out, as if

in flight. It was all just part of the process.Once inside the nice, cool gym, I discov-

ered how boring it is to sit in one spot for two hours, as everyone waited for the big moment when Obama would appear. With cords everywhere from laptops and other electronic equipment all around me, I was not about to move an inch from where I was.

Meanwhile, people were pouring in and filling the seats in the center section of the gym. Finally, around 2:30 p.m. the program started, with the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.

Then came the guest of honor.For about 30 minutes, Obama pitched

points of his $450 billion American Jobs Act.

Whether or not you agree with this pres-ident’s policies, it was certainly an opportu-nity to see a consumate political speaker in action.

So, while I did enjoy this memorable event, I don’t think I want to repeat it, no matter what party a politician is. I would prefer town hall meetings where people have a chance to express different views and ask challenging questions of political candidates. That makes them responsible for their actions and is more useful to the public.

JOYCE JACKSONCopy Editor

Once in a lifetime

Presidential pomp & circumstances

White House officials and DCCCD volunteers worked to set the stage for the president’s speech. Almost five days of preperation went into the event.

Following his speech, Obama greeted students, faculty and DCCCD executives.

Images credit Julio Nieto

Obama focused on getting teachers back in the clasrooms.

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

201

1

8

Brandon Pollard of the Texas Honeybee Guild poses with the bees.

Images credit Greg Carboni

NEWS

GreG carbonicontributing Writer

Occupy Dallas

Join us for Preview Friday!Designed with you in mind, Preview Friday allows you to mingle with other transfer students and learn about:

You’ll also have the chance to talk one-on-one with an advisor in your major. Choose the date you’d like to attend:

RSVP at . Directions to the UT Dallas campus available at .

REGISTER

NOW

Hundreds of protestors walked the streets of Downtown Dallas Thursday to protest corporate greed in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

According to occupydallas.org, “This is a peaceful protest and we must unite as one group and make the government work for us. We will no longer foot the bill for corporate greed. We are the 99 percent! Our occupa-tion will last as long as it needs to until we see the change this country needs!”

Dana Schultes, a non-profit artist, attended the movement to speak out for her beliefs.

With the economy the way it is, we really need people finding ways to create more jobs and spur economic growth.

Brandon Castillo is a leader on this front in his organization of the Deep Ellum Out-door Market (DEOM) in the historical Deep Ellum Entertainment District of Downtown Dallas.

The last couple of decades have not been good to the area. Crime has been a problem.

“We’re trying to bring people back,” Cas-tillo said. “The Market has two main goals: To support local artists and businesses and get feet on the street of Deep Ellum.”

Every third Saturday of the month, booths and tables are set up for local artisans and vendors to offer their goods to consumers in an open and relaxing environment. There are normally local artists providing entertain-ment for the crowds and food vendors to

“Im here because I’m sick of our country being controlled by corporate politics,” she said. “The change starts right here by turn-ing off the television for a while to help or-ganize and spread awareness in the streets. Television and media has become part of the problem choosing to sensationalize what they wish.”

Many camped out at Dealey Plaza, the JFK memorial, Thursday night. A few dozen planned to repeat the protest throughout the night on Friday.

“Nothing more will change today except that more people will know about the move-ment toward ending corporate greed’s con-trol of our country,” Schultes said.

boot. Anyone interested can see what the DEOM

and the Deep Ellum entertainment district have to offer Saturday (Oct. 15) and see why Deep Ellum is one of the most unique areas of Dallas.

Information on the DEOM volunteering and booth rental is available on the website deepellummarket.com. It’s aIso on Facebook and Twitter.

Outdoor Market aims to improve Deep EllumDallas police patrol the protest as the lines grow longer.

Protestors carrying signs hope to convey their anti-Wall Street message.

GreG carbonicontributing Writer

Image credit Greg Carboni

COLUMN

Sean eLeZoViccontributing Writer

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

201

1

9

College grads struggle to find work in economic crisis

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Walk to Richland College Washer and Dryer

Swimming Pool Covered Parking Gated Community

Large area, over 900 sq ft, plenty of storageLocated in a quiet community at: 9605 Walnut St, Dallas, TX 75243

Conveniently near Richland College, Texas Instruments & Hong Kong MarketEasy Access to 75 N. Central Expy and LBJ I-635

Applicants must not have eviction(s) or prior rental obligations, no criminal conviction(s), only non aggressive pets allowed

N AT I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y®

An Affi liate of The National University System

8084 Park LaneDallas, TX 75231

www.nu.edu214.360.3150

- A nonprofi t, WASC-accredited university

- Online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs

- Talk with an enrollment counselor and create the right education plan to meet your goals

- Experience the fl exibility of an online class

- Learn about fi nancial aid options

Learn more at the

National University Online Information Center in Dallas

SET YOUR GOALS AND ACHIEVE THEM

The smell of freshly cut grass alleviates all tension built up on the day many see as an end, a beginning, or a new chapter to read.

Mortarboards gleam in the sunlit sky while the multi-colored tassels bounce with each gleeful step the hundreds of college graduates take. It will be a memorable day, but not for the reasons one might think.

Take Yvette Hodges, for in-stance. She is a mother of two and just achieved her dream of graduating with an English degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is 27 years old, has her teaching certificate but cannot find work to sup-port her family of three.

“Times are rough. I can’t tell you a morning I have woken up and not felt the shakes of stress,” Hodges said. “ I’m not one to feel sorry for myself, but I feel sorry for my kids. Hell, I feel bad for America as a whole.”

With her goal achieved, her diploma proved to be a perfect wall mount, but not much more.

She currently waits tables at Cracker Bar-rel.

Matt Parker, a 28-year-old graduate from the University of North Texas, with a master’s in computer science, is also strug-gling to find work related to his field.

Every morning he fires up his 1992 Geo Metro, leaves his parents’ house, hopes the air conditioning works and drives six miles from Coppell to seek potential employment through a staffing agency in Lewisville.

Then, he waits in line. The agency allows interested people to wait by its doors at 7 a.m. The first three people by the door get temporary work at local warehouses refurbishing plants and mailrooms. Since

graduating in May, he has not found a job or landed an interview.

“It’s eat or be eaten, and so far I’ve been eaten several times. I can’t catch a break out here. This is the worst thing I have ever experienced,” Parker said.“I’d kill to even work at McDonald’s. What gives?”

Students at the junior college level have had their share of fears, as well.

Christina Perez, a 20-year-old El Paso na-tive and current Richland student, is paying tuition out of her own pocket.

“Of course I’m worried about my future. I’m about to finish my associate degree and if I don’t get accepted to TWU, I’m finished,” Perez said.

Perez, who said her older sister did not go to college and works at a Waffle House back home in El Paso, is worried she might have to give up her goal.

“I can’t afford tuition at the bigger col-leges and if my GPA doesn’t impress them, then like I said, I’m finished,”she said.

College graduates at the associate, bach-elor’s and master’s levels all have faced the possibility of unemployment upon gradua-tion. Many students, post-graduation, have moved back in with their parents, as with Parker. Many are working jobs that either don’t require a degree or have nothing to do with their field.

According to the National Association for Law Placement’s “Employment Report

I can’t catch a break out here. This is the worst thing I have ever experienced.“ ”

and Salary Survey” issued in June 2011, the employment rate for law school gradu-ates currently rests at 87.6 percent, the lowest it has been since 1996. Prior to the Great Recession in 2007, the employment rate reached 91.9 percent, a 20-year record

high.With na-

tional unem-ployment at 9.1 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where does that leave graduates in 2011-2013?

The students ar-

guably take one of the worst forms of punishment this economy can create.

Left to right: Aaron Raden, Huanzhe Wang, and Thomas Martinson work equations in the Math Corner.

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

201

1

10

CAMPUS

Students services beneficial

LAURA GARSEAEditor-in-Chief

Staff meetings: Monday and Wednesday 2 p.m. in E-020-------

Letter PolicyLetters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous state-ments. Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published.

Editorial PolicyThe Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not neces-sarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration.

© Richland Chronicle 2011

ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007

ACP Online Pacemaker Finalist, 2007, 20081st Place - TIPA Sweepstakes, 20053rd Place - TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006

Over 150 Texas college journalism awards since 2000

Richland Chronicle Editor-in-ChiefKDUX Web Radio Station Manager

Chronicle-TV Station ManagerChronicle-Online EditorAsst. Managing Editor

News EditorRadio News Director

Sports EditorPhoto Editor

Viewpoints EditorCopy Editor

Radio Sport DirectorLayout Editor

Media Illustrator

El Paso Hall, Room E-020, 12800 Abrams Rd. Dallas, 75243Newsroom: 972-238-6079 E-mail: chronicle@dcccd.eduAdvertising: 972-238-6068 E-mail: advertise@dcccd.edu

Fax: 972-238-6037

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS

COVER AND FONTS

MEETINGS & POLICIES

FALL 2011 ISSUES

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF

AWARDS

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cover Page Design

Certain fonts are provided by the following:http://www.nymfont.com - http://www.bvfonts.com

Rebecca BanksTerry Blend

Mary ChannellAdam CrouchSean Dunbar

Tannia GarciaMary Jane Higginbotham

Esther ChoErica EdwardsJack Fletcher

David Goodloe

August 16August 23August 30September 6September 13September 20September 27 October 4 October 11

Obama Photo credit Image Credit

Laura GarseaTBADacota TaylorAdrien MerlissTBATBACarla DavisTBATBATBAJoyce JacksonTBATBATBA

Tannia Garcia

Scott JacksonJohn KosankeJulio NietoDennis Q. LyJoe StumpoPatricia VillacinTimothy Potter

Tim JonesSteve NovielloJames RaglandLarry RatliffMarshall Siegel

October 18October 25November 1November 8November 15November 29December 6December 13

Julio NietoRangers:AP Photo/Mike CarlsonSign: Greg Carboni

Congratulations to the staff for putting in a tremendous amount of work into this issue. Our photographer, Julio Nieto, went above and beyond. My sincere thanks.

FROM THE EDITOR

All performances are free to the public on Stage in the Richland CafeteriaConcert Schedule is tentative and subject to change

Fusion Band Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2011, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall,

12 - 1 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall, 12 - 1 p.m.

Steel Band Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall, 12 - 1 p.m.

Richland Guitar Ensemble Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall,

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Jazz Combo Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall, 12 - 1 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall,

12 - 1 p.m.

Go to www.richlandcollege.edu/music for latest updates.Call Derrick Logozzo at 972.238.6254 for information.

Richland College Music DepartmentFall 2011 Lunch Concert Series

REBECCA BANKSStaff Writer

It’s the seventh week of the semester and students have probably taken at least one test. Some subjects require several hours of studying and even then it can be hard to understand the key concepts.

Richland College offers numerous oppor-tunities for tutoring in subjects such as math, writing, government, and accounting in the Learning Center at Medina Hall. Various times are available for each subject through-out the week.

“It has helped me understand information about the course and in return made me get a better grade,” Islam Abdul-Moneim stated.

Islam attended Richland for his basic courses and received tutoring in chemistry and phys-ics. He also stated that he would recommend the Learning Center to other students and it will help increase their grade by at least one letter.

Tutoring is just one of several services that students can take advantage of at Richland. The school also offers counseling services that are available to anyone.

Counselors are willing to listen to and help anyone excessively stressed, depressed or concerned with personal dilemmas. The offices are located in El Paso Hall, Room E-082.

If students are unable to go to the office they can call and contact someone who will be able to help.

Students have the opportunity to speak to counselors about their concerns and ev-erything said during the session will be con-fidential. The counselors will also provide any additional contacts to receive assistance towards any concerns.

The counselors also offer guidance even if students are struggling with academic and career decisions as well as anxiety regarding classes.

Career Services is another opportunity to benefit students. It is also located in El Paso Hall, Room E-093. The center prepares stu

dents for job interviews, writing resumes and offers free internet access. Individuals can also help students find jobs in the local area as well as faxing their resumes to promising job listings.

Career Services also extends assistance to Richland alumni and individuals that are taking non-credit classes.

No matter what assistance students are-seeking, Richland offers various services that are free and beneficial. Other services and their details are available on Richland’s website, www.rlc.dcccd.edu.edu/.

Image credit Julio Nieto

Parking lots close for renovations

Parking is troublesome enough without two of the lots, A and B, being closed for construction.

Why the lots are closed and the reasons behind the con-struction are questions being posed by many students.

According to construction updates on the Richland Col-lege website, it has become necessary to demolish, reno-vate and resurface both lots on the west side of campus which can no longer accom-modate the heavy daily traf-fic.

The renovation will fix pot-holes and other road imper-fections that can potentially harm vehicles.

Both lots will be complete-ly closed and students are en-couraged to carpool to make

up for the lost capacity. Prepare to take extra time finding a parking

spot. Students are urged to arrive on campus 30 minutes early to allow time to find a spot and walk to class.

The parking lots are expected to reopen on November 20.

Parking lots A and B are located west of Thunderduck Hall and south of Sabine Hall.

File Photo

Rich

land

chro

nicl

e.co

m •

Oct

ober

11,

201

1

11

REVIEWS

“Real Steel” is the story of one under-dog robot and another robot. They don’t like each other too much so they decide to fight, but not just anywhere. They do it in the ring.

They even hire humans to manage them to victory. Who better to manage a fighter than “Wolverine” himself, Hugh Jackman?

Jackman’s character is a retired underdog boxer himself so he knows what it takes to get to the top. Oh, and he has a son he aban-doned who wants to help.

The movie is forgivably mindless with its “rock ‘em sock ‘em” action! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

All joking aside, that’s the main gist of “Real Steel.”

Surprisingly, they explore some back story between Jackman and his on-screen son. It’s not too interesting, but it gives you a nice break between all the robot fighting.

It’s the potential summer blockbuster that they managed to release in October. Its soundtrack backs this up with a rock/rap mix that takes you back to the summer time.

To wrap it all up, “Real Steel” can be a little childish at times, but you’ll still enjoy it. It isn’t the greatest movie in release, but it does a good job at pleasing kids, along with their parents. It’s funny, cute and packed full of action.

Check your brain at the box office and you’ll be sure to have a little fun.

SCOTT JACKSONStaff Writer

“Da na na NA na na na NA BAT-MAN!”

Yes, that’s right. “Batman: Arkham City” is coming!

This latest incarnation is the sequel to “Batman: Arkham Asylum” and is an in-tense action game built from the foundation of the first installment. Utilizing a massive environment, it takes players into Arkham City, the heart of Gotham City. This is a

maximum security home to all the insane criminal masterminds, gangstas and thugs.

“Batman: Arkham City” has a brand new storyline that brings in a new cast of classic characters, the good and bad guys, from the original Batman universe.

Players will experience new improved gameplay features. Not only playing as Bat-man, gamers will also get to play as Cat-woman, experience advanced free flow combat and try out new gadgets.

“Batman: Arkham City” will be released on Oct. 18 and will be available on Playsta-tion 3, Xbox 360, Wii-u and PC.

MARY CHANNELLStaff Writer

Images courtesy Kotaku.com Jokeruniverse.com

Game Preview:

Image courtesy DreamWorks PicturesEvanescence finally releases its new self-

titled album after five long years. But after this wait and with several band members re-placed, has the band’s style and recognition dwindled?

This album is a clear attempt to power back to the spotlight and repeat worldwide successes like albums “Fallen” and “The Open Door.” Amy Lee is the obvious star of the album belting out powerful, emo-tion-filled vocals. Known for her strong per-formances, Lee lives up to and exceeds her previous performances.

“What You Want” is the first single from the album. The solid rock piece epitomizes many of Evanescence’s strong points. It’s designed to be the highlight of the album, but I don’t think it’s powerful enough to shoulder that duty.

Some of this album has a surprisingly

slower pace than I anticipated. Fortunately tracks like “The Other Side,” “Erase This” and “Never Go Back” don’t follow that for-mula. Well-placed strings and piano compli-ment Lee’s vocals in all these tracks.

This album is definitely made for the fans. They’ll find all the familiar aspects of Evanescence they’ve grown to love over the years. Unfortunately, to the casual lis-tener like me, the tracks seem too similar to each other. Looking back on the album as a whole, I have a difficult time distinguishing tracks.

Fans may also be interested in the deluxe edition of the album, but I don’t see much value in it. The additional tracks are too similar and I don’t see them adding anything special to the album.

The album is still a justified purchase for anyone wishing to revisit the part of their youth Evanescence represented.

To experience Evanescence live visit the Palladium Ballroom Oct. 19.

TIMOTHY POTTERStaff Writer

‘EVANESCENCE’ Image courtesy Evanescence.com

UNT is helping me achieve more thanI ever thought possible.

“UNT’s professors and staff genuinely care and take the

time to help students succeed. I went into a research

class not knowing anything and my professor helped me

navigate the research process and figure out what I want

my focus to be. Now I’m excited to go to graduate school

— something I’d never even considered before.”

Amy SimpsonJunior transfer student in the Honors College,

researching animal-assisted therapy

AA/EOE/ADA © 2011 UNT URCM 09/11 (12-051)

You’re

invited

Take

a transfer tour

Tours for transfers, by trans

fers

Talk to a transfer advisor today. www.unt.edu/transfernow940-369-7287 | unt.transfer@unt.edu