Vol. XXXV, Issue 9, March 27, 2012 www.richlandchronicle.com

Richland

Conventionraisesthedead Page 7 Page 9

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CHRONICLE

Spring Break Turns Violent

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Blake, a pre-med student, chose to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce because of its affordability and its close proximity to his

home and family.

“What I like about Texas A&M University-Commerce is that it’s large enough to have a half-million dollar microscope, yet small enough that you can go down the walking mall, see someone you know.”

Blake values his university experience, and sees it as a great tool that will prepare him for a future medical career. Thanks to the tight-knit campus life and small, personal classroom experiences, Blake has had the privilege of building relationships with professors and fellow students alike.

Professors like Dr. John Paul Stovak have provided Blake with inspiration in the classroom to pursue his dream of becoming a pediatrician, providing him with valuable guidance and information. Classes like animal biology have also complemented Blake’s academic aspirations by challenging him to think critically and perform simple procedures.

Grateful for the foundation A&M-Commerce has provided, Blake is confident that the groundwork he has started here will help him achieve great things in the future.

“I’ve gotten so much more than just an education here,” Blake said. “I love this university.”

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NEWS

“I hope police take what has happened to my friend and

re-evaluate how much patrol they will have on the beach for years to come.”

-Gina Occhipinti

Upcoming EventsRichland CollegeMusic Recital Series

Jan. 17 • Richland College Voice Faculty

Jan. 24 • Richland College Jazz Faculty

Jan. 31 • Dr. Alex McDonald - Piano

Feb. 7 • Richland CollegeInstrumental Faculty

Feb. 14 • Paul Bonneau Jazz Quartet

Feb. 21 • Music Career Panel (F-170)

Feb. 28 • Cuttings from “Once Upon This Island”

Mar. 6 • UNT Jazz Singers

All performances are Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. in Fannin Performance Hall,unless noted otherwise and are free to the general public.

Spring 2012 RECITAL SCHEDULE: Mar. 20 •Richland Percussion

Group & Steel Bands

Mar. 27 • Richland Guitar Ensemble

Apr. 3 • Richland Wind Symphony& Chamber Ensembles

Apr. 10 • Richland Choral Ensembles

Apr. 17 • Richland Jazz Ensembles

Apr. 24 • Richland String Orchestra& Chamber Ensembles

May 1 • Honors Vocal Recital

May 3 • Honors InstrumentalRecital (Thursday)

For more information about this series, contact Dr. Michael Crawford,Associate Dean of Performing Arts, 972-238-6284.

LAURA GARSEAEditor-in-Chief

A seemingly harmless Spring Break trip turned violent for one DCCCD student.

Derek “DJ” Madrigal, a 21-year old Brookhaven student and Richardson High School alumni, was beaten and stabbed on South Padre Island.

According to KDAF-TV’s interview with witness Gaby (who isn’t disclosing her last name for safety purposes), at least eight men approached her and Madrigal looking for re-venge from a fight earlier that day. She claims Madrigal was not involved in the previous altercation, but upon Madrigal’s attempt to calm down the situation, one of the men swung at Madrigal. The punch missed him but hit her.

Madrigal was then dragged off by the group of men where he was beaten with wa-ter coolers and allegedly stabbed nine times – in his head, neck, chest and torso.

Madrigal was airlifted off the island and taken to a Harlingen hospital where he was placed in the ICU due to a collapsed lung.

At press time Madrigal has been removed from the ICU, he remains hospitalized.

A violent cellphone video surfaced online showing the attack. Madrigal is seen drenched in blood as hundreds of onlookers watch as he is beaten with coolers.

A major concern posed was the lack of law enforcement available on the beach when the incident occurred.

With hundreds, if not thousands of people at the scene, many are wondering why there was not sufficient security to prevent the sit-uation from escalating the way it did.

“I absolutely think that many measures could have been taken to have prevented this,” close friend of Madrigal and Rich-

land student Gina Occhipinti said. “When it comes down to it, the cops are outnumbered and there aren’t enough to keep everybody safe. I hope police take what has happened

to my friend and re-evaluate how much pa-trol they will have on the beach for years to come.”

Other students are upset that a lack of safety in crowded areas, like that in which Madrigal was attacked, has made it difficult for students to enjoy a large event.

Sexual assault and other violent crimes are often associated with large events. With spring and summer being the main time frame for large events, many students are up-

set that a concern for safety is taking prece-dence over enjoying the event.

“In most cases, Spring Break trips are something that most college students look forward to,” engineering major and Richard-son High School alumni Omer Jemal said. “We consider it a time to have fun and chill; so to hear about what happened to Derek pisses me off. For this to happen to a fel-low high school alumni is horrible. It strikes a chord with me. I hope the people that hurt him get what they deserve.”

If students are planning to attend a large event, such as an outdoor concert or festival,

Student stabbing raises safety concernsthey are advised to take extra precautions to ensure safety.

“If you plan on going, go with a group and stay with them. Derek got separated from his group and this happened. Just be careful,” Occhipinti said.

As of press time, only one of Madrigal’s at-tackers has been apprehended. Police arrest-ed 33-year-old Michael Rangel on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

Many of Madrigal’s friends and witnesses

however believe that more serious charges should be filed against his attacker. They have even created a Facebook page, “Justice for Derek Madrigal,” which has over 300 participants.

“Derek Madrigal is one of the most gener-ous, selfless people that I know. He’s a giver, and this time it almost cost him his life,” Oc-chipinti said.

“Please keep him, his family, and his friends in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this hard time. If you or anyone you know has any information about what happened, please call the police.”

Derek “DJ” Madrigal, a 21-year-old Brookhaven student, was beaten and stabbed during a Spring Break trip to South Padre Island.

Images courtesy Facebook.com

Tuesday, March 27: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.Fannin Performance Hall, Room F-102The Music Department presents the Rich-

land Guitar Ensemble today.

Monday - Thursday, March 26-29 and Tuesday, April 3

Richland Health Professions Careers Week

Health care professionals and faculty/staff of college programs in a number of areas will discuss a variety of health care occupations and programs offered in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and other areas of Texas. To get a schedule of events, go the Math, Sci-ence & Health Professions office in Sabine Hall, Room S-205, to the Office of Student Life in El Paso Hall, Room E-040 or call 972-238-6248.

Wednesday, March 28: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

El Paso HallRichland Career Services presents the

Spring Job Fair. Almost 50 companies will be available. For more information, visit the Career Center in El Paso Hall, Room E-090, or call 972-238-6921.

Friday and Saturday: March 30-31Fannin Performance Hall, Room F-102The Richland Dance Department presents

its spring dance concert “Remix, Rewind Re-play” at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, April 4: Noon to 1 p.m.Reception in Lago Vista Gallery, Li-

braryDigital Media Student ExhibitionThe exhibition will be on display from

April 4 to May 11. Gallery hours are: Mon-day – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 5: Noon to 1 p.m.Reception in the Brazos Gallery, Crock-

ett HallAnnual Student Art ExhibitionThe exhibition will be on display from

April 5-13. Gallery hours are: Monday – Fri-day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Call Gallery Coordinator Ryder Richards at 972-238-6339 for more information.

Friday, April 6: Holiday – no credit classes meet today

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CAMPUS

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

Jazz Combo Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall,

11 - 12 p.m.

Fusion Band Tuesday, February 21, 2012, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall, 12 - 1 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble Friday February 24, 2012, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall, 12 - 1 p.m.

Richland Guitar Ensemble Wednesday March 21, 2012, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall,

11 - 12 p.m.

Steel Band Wednesday, April 4, 2012, Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall, 12 - 1 p.m.

Jazz Combo Thursday April 26, 2012,Cafeteria Stage, El Paso Hall,

12 - 1 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Singers Wednesday, May 2, 2012, 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 DepartmentSpring 2012 Lunch Concert Series

Summer is approaching and many stu-dents are looking into applying for summer jobs or looking for careers after graduation.

On Wednesday, Richland Ca-reer Services will be hosting a job fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in El Paso Hall.

“Students should have resumes ready, dress in business casual attire and have a presentable demeanor,” said Stan Katz, senior career services specialist.

According to Katz, currently the fair will have 65 employers who have signed up. There are a variety of employers attend-ing from such businesses as hotels, con-sumer stores, military, hospitals and banks.

The Career Fair will offer stu-dents a variety of job opportunities that relate to each individual’s interests.

Richland’s Career Center provides guidance for students to make a resumé, prepare for job interviews and resources to apply for jobs.

Students are able to drop in to talk with faculty for questions or to make an appointment. The Career Center is lo-cated in El Paso Hall, Room E-090.

Job fair a valuable opportunityCompanies that will be available include:- Auto zone: part time sales, drivers, managers- Camp Summit: camp counselors, activity directors- Dallas Police Department: police officers- Express - Dallas Galleria Mall: part time sales associates- FEDEX Ground: package handlers, several openings- Garland Parks and Recreation: lifeguards, guest services- GEICO: customer service representatives- Hyatt Hotels: hospitality related positions- Old Navy: seasonal and part time positions- Red Lobster: hosts, servers- The Salvation Army: counselors, managers, aides- State Farm: marketing, sales, telemarketing- Texas Campaign for the Environment: internships- Tom Thumb: pharmacy technician, baker

REBECCA BANKSStaff Writer

Graduation means time to prepare for financial aidREBECCA BANKSStaff Writer

Richland to host Dallas Cup

Richland’s soccer fields are about to be a temporary home for the Dallas Cup, an international youth soccer tournament.

The campus is preparing to be the secondary host of the event which will take place April 1-8.

The primary host is the Dallas Texans Soccer Club.

Richland head soccer coach Sean Worley said, “The Dallas Cup is the premier youth tour-nament in the country,” when asked what students could ex-pect if they attend the games.

The tournament will take place in multiple locations throughout Dallas including Richland. The “friendly matches” or scrimmag-es will take place at local fields, while feature matches will occur at the FC Dallas stadium in Frisco, which leaves Richland with host-ing games at different times on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

Several sources said that the Rich-land police will handle the flood of additional traffic and visitors us-ing campus parking lots during the

“Richland and Pizza Hut Park are the two best soccer facilities in

REBECCA BANKS& MARY JANE HIGGINBOTHAMStaff Writers

North Texas. So when the Dallas Cup is hosted here … it’s a no brainer,” said Worley regard-ing why Richland got to be secondary host.

“It’s great soccer. It’s good fun. It’s goodwill,” Worley said in summary.

Students are advised to plan for an increase in traffic flow and consider alterna-tive travel options like carpooling and bus.

The end of spring semester is important to students who will graduate and plan to transfer to a university. Graduation is just two months away and hopefully students have prepared and planned for the financial need

at their future university.“Students need to complete their FASFA

now if they have not done so already,” said Sylvia Holmes, interim director of financial aid at Richland.

It is important for students to complete their FASFA as soon as possible because of the competition with other transfer students and high school graduates for any awards they are seeking. Students can receive information and complete the form in Thunderduck Hall in the financial aid department.Holmes also mentioned that students should look into their selected university’s website to obtain deadline dates for transcripts to be sent. In or-der to receive any financial award, the FASFA needs to be completed and include the listing of the school that the student will attend.

In some cases students may have more

than one school that they are planning to ap-ply to.

If so the FASFA form will allow the indi-vidual to put a total of 10 different universi-ties.

Along with financial aid, students should also look into available scholarships.

There are numerous opportunities that stu-

dents can take advantage of to receive schol-arships.

“Students do not need to wait until they graduate to look at scholarships. They have the opportunity to bank them and apply them to the university that they will attend,” said Holmes.

Holmes also mentioned that students who bank their scholarships should obtain the needed information on how the check will be sent along with providing them with their ad-mitted university.

Some scholarship opportunities for students are available on the university web-site, DCCCD website and local grocery stores or Rotary Club.

Holmes mentioned www.fastweb.com, a website that students can use to find more about available college scholarships.

“Students do not need to wait until they graduate to look at scholarships. They have the opportunity to bank them and

apply them to the university that they will attend.” - Sylvia Holmes

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I could offer up plenty of reasons why Disney’s $250 million Martian sci-fi desert spectacle “John Carter” will likely be listed as the No. 1 box-office flop of 2012. Domes-tic gross estimates since its March 9 open-ing stand less than $60 million at press time.

There is the film’s leading star, Taylor Kitsch, in the title role as a former Civil War veteran turned muscle-bound savior of the red planet, for example, that begs the question, “Who’s he and what’s he starred in?” Not everyone has watched Kitsch’s high school football series, “Friday Night Lights” (2006-2011), which ended its NBC-to-cable run last year.

“John Carter” certainly had plenty of computer-generated eye candy (hence the $250 million price tag) that included crea-tures, 6-foot-4 armed double-horned bar-barian alien tribes and a beautiful scantily clad princess (Lynn Collins) despite the fact the warships, the humans (I guess I should call them Martians) flew in battle looked like giant prehistoric mechanical insects.

The film made me wish there was actu-ally such a creature as a “Woola,” a cute but ugly Martian rendition of a faithful pet dog with sharp teeth and a big mouth that runs just as fast as the little Yorkie I’ve got. The thing would be the perfect home security system for my house much like the black rescue panther the married couple adopts in that Geico commercial.

I believe the No. 1 reason why “John Carter,” however, failed to connect with audiences younger than myself (and NO I don’t listen to the film critics, many of whom have given the movie mixed reviews) is because the story is based on a 100-year-old sci-fi series by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I am willing to bet most young moviego-

ers never heard of or read those books. The people I have found who enjoyed

“John Carter” immensely are those my age (over 40) who read the Burroughs series. There is already a fan-driven petition set up called “Take me back to Barsoom! I want ‘John Carter’ to have a sequel!” on Facebook that as of this writing has 3,942 members.

I don’t blame director Andrew Stan-ton much the way I don’t blame directors Zack Snyder for the box office failures of his comic book superhero epic “Watch-men” (2009) and Steven Spielberg for last year’s animated ‘The Adventures of Tintin.” “Tintin” was based on a comic series that is popular in Europe but not in America. In

the case of “John Carter,” as with “Watch-men” and “Tintin,” all three filmmakers wanted to be faithful to the written works.

“I tried to be as faithful as I could, be-cause I’m the biggest fan,” Stanton said in an article about “John Carter” in SciFiNow. “I think, in the best adaptations, you should be able to watch the film and not be able

to sense what has changed. Most impor-tant of all is that it carries the spirit of how you felt reading the book. Feeling, for me, is the huge thing about adapting a book that must be protected at all costs.”

The trouble is, adapting movies based on decades-old books and com-ic book novels with cult followings are not to everyone’s liking these days.

Younger audiences appear only inter-ested in the most current books, like the “Harry Potter, “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” series. If author Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” were to be remade into another big-screen movie 100 years from now, as “John Carter” was, would it bring in audiences? I doubt it no matter how faithful the filmmakers are to the material.

That’s the real disappointment behind such costly debacles as “Watchmen,” “The Adventures of Tintin” and “John Cart-er” because although I have never read them, I am certain the printed adapta-tions are just as good as the “Harry Pot-ter” and “Twilight” books, if not better.

Even more depressing is the fact audiences will only be able to identify “John Carter” star Kitsch after seeing this summer’s “Battleship,” which is based on a Milton Bradley game and has a budget reportedly at $200 million.

If “Battleship” manages to gross twice its price tag for distributor Universal Pic-tures, I’ll find that far more disturbing than the number of studio executives at Disney whose heads will roll as a result of “John Carter’s” less-than-successful box office run.

‘John Carter’ flops at the box office

The University of Texas at Arlington is the fastest growing university in the state of Texas and is a nationally-ranked college destination of choice for transfer students.

Become a part of the Maverick family, and experience it for yourself. Discover your future by becoming a part of a university that is changing the world through discovery and building a better future for everyone in it!

Important Deadlines Date More Information

Fall 2012 Priority Financial Aid Deadline

April 2, 2012 www.uta.edu/fao

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June 1, 2012 www.uta.edu/admissions/transfers

Apply for Admission today at www.applytexas.org.Contact your admission counselor, Andrea Shanks at

817-272-7130 or andrea.shanks@uta.edu for more information.

discoveryour future

JOE STUMPOColumnist

REVIEW

Image courtesy Disney Pictures

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Review

Images credit Julio Nieto

At Bethel University we have empowered students to achieve academic and professional success for 170 years. We understand the unique pressures you face, and we design our programs with this in mind.

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9:00 am1:00 pm7:00 pm

If All-Con 2012 represented what the end of the world would be like, I don’t think any-one should be scared.

This convention took its post-apocalyptic world theme to the next level at the Crowne Plaza in Addison.

Most notable was the Top Zombie com-petition. The competition raised the dead and let the zombies strut their stuff, although some lost some of their limbs on the way up to the stage.

Vitaliy Chuzhoi limped away as the top zombie after giving a very convincing per-formance. Characterizing a zombie is noth-ing new for Chuzhoi. As an employee at the House of Torment in Austin, Chuzhoi is no stranger to the world of the living dead.

It was suiting that “Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s” Camden Toy, known for his roles as a demon and monster, was present.

“My favorite character is Gnarl who is literally the Hannibal Lector of the demon world,” Toy said. “I think that’s probably my favorite because he’s so richly written. No pun intended - there’s a lot of meat to sink your teeth into with that character.”

While superheros and villains were explor-ing the convention, many attendees took part in the 24-Hour Endurance 1,000 Anime Song Medley Festival. Japanese hosts Ka-zushi Hinkoi and Keisaku Kimura sang their way through the marathon, inviting everyone to come up and join in.

With a drink in one hand and microphone in the other, these guys made the time pass quickly. The front row was full of past win-ners, who mouthed along the lyrics (in Japa-nese) to almost every song played. One of the hosts’ friends even came all the way from Tokyo to surprise them at the convention.

The Apocalypse Ball was definitely an in-teresting experience. By that I mean I couldn’t quite catch my bearings. There were quite a bit of people dancing and moving around, but I didn’t know whether the haunted, scary vibe I was getting was from the caution tape and spooky décor, or from the trance remix of the Bee

LAURA GARSEAEditor-in-Chief

All-Con Review

Gee’s “Night Fever” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” Just so you know, I’m a strong advocate that neither of those remixes should exist.

While the convention wasn’t the largest I’ve been to, it definitely had everything that a convention should.

Superheroes and villains were able to pow-er up in the hospitality suite, which served complimentary hot dogs and energy drinks to all attendees. It was a great way for char-acters of all life forms to mingle and discuss how to take on the zombie outbreak a couple doors down.

If you weren’t able to make it out to All-Con, no worries. The convention season is just starting to heat up.

To see exclusive footage check out our video coverage at www.youtube.com/Prettyla-dy000 or at www.RichlandChronicle.com.

Vitaliy Chuzhoi won the Top Zombie award at All-Con 2012.

Below: Three World of Warcraft cosplayers emerged as the grand champions of the Costume Contest.

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In “I Am Alive,” based on another post-apocalyptic action-adventure game, players take on the role of sole survivor Adam who comes with a package. He searches for his wife and daughter who were lost during what they call the “Event.”

Players will experience in-depth thinking with the choices they will have to make in order to survive the toxic ash that fills the streets and the vicious dwellers that will do anything to get what they need to survive.

“I Am Alive” will challenge players by the environment surrounding them and the unrestrained enemies. Being exposed to the deadly atmosphere and climbing massive buildings to hunt for supplies, stamina and resource management essential to stay alive. The combat system is remarkably different. It requires players to engage intimidation. The cowards are easily affected by this but others will put you to the test.

“I Am Alive” has already been released for Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) but will be released April 3 for the Playstation Net-work (PSN).

MARY CHANNELLGaming Editor

Images credit Edge-online.com, Gamerant.com, Examiner.com, Videogamesblogger.com

Twenty-three years since its incarnation, Sony Pictures seems to be bringing us sum-mertime early with its big-screen adaptation of “21 Jump Street.”

Even though it’s only March, this definite-ly feels like it’s going to set the tone for our summer blockbusters in the coming months.

This film is either a make or break for a number of reasons. Simply put, this is an R-rated comedy based on 25-year-old source material. The target audience is definitely going to be college students who probably haven’t ever seen an episode of the original television series. Channing Tatum is usually known for his lover boy roles, and no one even knows if Jonah Hill is still funny when he’s not fat.

The plot is simple and doesn’t take itself nearly as serious as its television counter-part. “21 Jump Street” follows two under-achieving officers who are sent to reopen an undercover unit on 21 Jump Street. They’re sent into a high school to infiltrate a synthetic

drug ring and take down the supplier. Boom, that’s it, done.

I went into “21 Jump Street” with very low expectations. I thought everything shown in the film’s trailers was dull and missed its mark by a long shot and I’m really not a fan of Channing “no emotion” Tatum. So, when I had an opportunity to check this one out it’s safe to say I was expecting to dread the next two hours of my life. Fast forward to me leaving the theater, I still had a giant grin slapped on my face courtesy of “comedy master” Tatum.

Tatum is absolutely hilarious in this film, so much that I still have trouble believing I typed out those words. This genre suits the man perfectly. His chemistry with Hill (who is still a riot without the flab) and his other comedy co-stars is a match made in heaven. He’s not the awkward robot that is trying to get you to cry like in his usual chick flick movies. I don’t know, maybe it’s just a nice change of pace for him, but it feels like he was born to play this kind of comedic roles.

“Jump Street.” is also filled with cameos (that I won’t give away) from the TV series cast. That will bring pleasure to those who

know the slightest thing about the television show, so much that it actually sticks out more than anything else in this comedic master-piece.

For those who enjoy comedies that carry an R rating, “21 Jump Street” is not to be missed. It brings the feel of summer block-busters to the month of March and should keep audiences doubled over in laughter. I cannot find the words to recommend or praise this movie any more than I already have. Get out and go see this! Don’t deprive yourself of the world’s third greatest gift, laughter.

SCott JACkSoNStaff Writer

Brings plenty of laughs

Survival skills are put to the test

Images courtesy Prlog.org, Movieposterdb.com

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COLUMN

Once you’ve made the decision to give pedaling a try, obviously the first thing you’ll need is a suitable bike. If you don’t already own one, the best place to shop is at Walmart. They have a fairly wide selection of adult bikes beginning at around $90 for their basic commuter one-speed model with a coaster brake, and then going up to the pricier geared models that compete with the fancy bike shops.

Target and Academy also have similar models at reasonable prices. In my opinion, your best bet is to leave your high-priced rac-ing bike at home and ride a cheaper, more rugged model to school. It will serve you just as well and be a lot less likely target for thieves.

You’ll need a helmet ($20), a lock and cable ($15), probably a portable pump ($16) and a simple tool and tire changing kit ($15), all to-taling about $66 before sales tax. Although flats are rare on short rides, they can be a real headache if you’re not prepared, so I always carry along an extra tube, tools and portable pump just in case.

You will then want to decide how you’ll carry your stuff, either in a front basket, bungie-strapped to a rear carrier rack, or in a backpack. There are obvious plusses and minuses to each choice, but if you already own a backpack, you’ll probably want to just

continue using it and enjoy the convenience of being able to simply lock up and hike when you get to school. It’ll also give you a place to stow your helmet during your stay.

The bottom line is that for well under $200 you can own a solid pair of wheels and all the necessary appurtenances. You might save a little money shopping the weekend estate or

garage sales or by attending a local city bike auction, but you won’t have all-new equip-ment and you might still have to do some repairs or fix some flats before you can actu-ally roll.

Once outfitted, your next task will be to determine your best route. My recommenda-tion is to go to Google Earth and zoom in on your home address. Then fly around from

there looking for the back streets and alleys to make the shortest, least-trafficked trip to Richland. If you live south or east of the campus you should recognize that there are several quiet-street routes that allow you to enter the school grounds on walking paths that connect to the gym.

Once you have found what you think is your best potential route, get in your car and actually drive it at the time of day when you’ll most likely be riding. That way you can make any necessary adjustments for surprise traffic flows before you actually pedal among them.

Next, decide where you will likely park your bike at school. There are a number of newly installed bike racks on both the east and west side of the campus, and several are actually only a few steps from classrooms. Most cyclists park and lock up only once and then hike between their classes, because rid-ing on the walks and bridges across the lake is not allowed.

Your last step will be to give your planned trip a shake-down trial. Plan ahead by allow-ing enough extra time for unforeseen events and for messing with locks, books and other gear once you arrive. Make sure you time your test trip, so you’ll know exactly when to leave home. Finally, don’t forget to smell the flowers. They’re beautiful this time of year.

[This is the second installment in a series about bicycling to Richland.]

PEtE SHANNoNContributing writer

By riding a bicycle to school, you can:

• Go Green (help protect the environment)

• Lose a few pounds

• Get some regular exer-cise (it’s especially good for the heart and lungs)

• Enjoy the scenery and the experience the beauty of nature

• Save money on gasoline and wear and tear on your car

• Shorten your commute time (it’s often faster portal- to-portal than driving)

• Avoid the hassle of looking for a parking space

Big perks for biking to school

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VillasON FOREST SPRINGS

STUDENT DISCOUNTS - MINUTES TO RICHLAND COLLEGE! HOMES AT GREAT PRICES!Courtesy Patrol 24 hours a day at our entrance! Spacious Newly Renovated Floor Plans

1 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $4502 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $6753 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $850SECTION 8 NOT ACCEPTED.

. 5 mins. from Richland College

. No Security Deposit

. No Application Fee

. Rental Furniture Available

. On site Management

. 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms

. Complete Apt. Set up

. Roommate Style Apts.

. State of The Art Fitness Center. W/D Connections

. 24 Hour Maintenance

. 3 Sparkling Pools

Se Habla EspañolMon - Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Directions: 635 E exit Abrams Rd. and make a right onto Abrams. Make a left onto Forest Springs Dr. and Villas on Forest Springs is on your right.

Professionally Managed byMONTFORD MULTIFAMILY

VillasON FOREST SPRINGS

*AccreditAtion: capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning commission and is a member of the north centralAssociation of colleges and Schools (ncA), www.ncahlc.org. cApeLLA UniverSity: capella tower, 225 South Sixth Street, ninth Floor, Minneapolis, Mn 55402, 1.888.cApeLLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu © 2012 capella University / 12-6082

Find a pathway to accomplishment.discover your beneFits at capella university.

With your successful experience at dallas county community college district, you’re ready to make a bigger difference in your job, your life, and your world. Build on that success with powerful benefits at capella University:

// tuition discount of 10%

// Free professional development webinars and podcasts

// Scholarship and grant opportunities

// personalized guidance on transfer credit

the next step on your pathway? contact us.

An accredited*, online university, capella offers career-enhancing degree programs and unrivaled support for working adults. visit www.capella.edu/dcccd or call 1.866.736.1746 to learn more.

www.capella.edu/dcccd

6082 Ad-DCCCD_5.125x5.25.indd 1 3/12/12 10:14 AM

Biking to school has many benefits for students including an inexpensive mode of transportation and a way to exercise.

Image credit Julio Nieto

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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 2012

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

Gaming Editor

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

MEETINGS & POLICIES

COVER AND FONTS

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS

CONTACT INFORMATION

AWARDS

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF

SPRING 2012 ISSUES

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS

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

ON THE COVER

Esther ChoErica EdwardsJack Fletcher

David GoodloeTim Jones

January 17January 24January 31February 7February 14February 21February 28

Laura GarseaTBADacota TaylorAdrien MerlissTBATBACarla DavisTBAJulio NietoTBAJoyce JacksonTBATannia GarciaMary Channell

Fred Allen Rebecca Banks

Terry BlendMary ChannellTannia Garcia

Jane HenryJordan Nichols

Scott Jackson Patricia VillacinJulio NietoRaymond PronkJohnny SmithJoe StumpoKisten S. Chetty

Steve NovielloJames RaglandLarry RatliffMarshall Siegel

March 6March 27April 10April 17April 24May 1May 8

A DCCCD student was attacked while on Spring Break.

Cover Page Design/IllustrationBeach

All -ConBicycle

Julio Nietolove2padre.comJulio NietoJulio Nieto

Jennifer PastorRicky MillerMary Jane

Higginbotham

Image credit Johnny Smith

All performances are free to the public. Concert Schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Symphonic Instrumental Concert 1:Wind Symphony, String Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble

Tues. April 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Fannin HallRichland Guitar Ensemble

Tues. April 10, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Fannin Hall

Richland Choral Concert: Women’s Chorale, Richmen, Gospel Choir, Jazz Singers, Chamber Singers

Fri. April 13, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Fannin Hall

Carnival of Steel Festival: C S Guest Artist Steel Drum Concert Sat. April 14, 2012, 8:00 p.m. Fannin Hall $15 Admission Guest Artist Clinics: 3:15-6:00 p.m. Fannin Hall $5 Admission

Richland Jazz Showcase: Jazz Combo, Lab Band, Jazz Singers, & Jazz Ensemble

Tues. April 17, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Fannin Hall

Richland Evening Jazz Ensemble: Directed by Phares Corder

Thurs. April 19 , 2012, 7:30 p.m. Fannin Hall

Symphonic Instrumental Music Concert 2: Wind Symphony, String Orchestra, Chamber Ensembles

Tues. April 24, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Fannin Hall

Student Composer’s Concert: Works composed by students of Dr. Paul Bonneau

Tues. May 1 , 2012, 7:30 p.m.

World Beat Concert: Richland Percussion Group [RPG], Steel Bands & World Drumming Esemble

Thurs. May 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Jerry Wallace Music Scholarship Concert:Wind Symphony, String Orchestra, Chamber SingersRichland Percussion Group

Saturday, May 5, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Fannin HallGo to www.richlandcollege.edu/music for latest updates.

Call Derrick Logozzo at 972.238.6254 ) or Dr. Michael Crawford (972.238.6284) for information.

Richland College Music DepartmentSpring 2012 Evening Concert SeriesOKLAHOMA CITY

UNIVERSITY

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE!

TRANSFER DAY

THURSDAY, APRIL 5TH

For more information regarding transfer credits and scholarships:Visit www.okcu.edu/transfer or call 405.208.5050

Register for transfer day at www.okcu.edu/admissions

Known for his sublime nude photography, Jock Sturges came to Richland to talk about his controversial work at Fannin Perfor-mance Hall March 9.

Sturges, who answered questions and

stayed for a book signing, has been working on his art since 1974 in the United States, Ire-land, the Netherlands and France. He began his work after receiving his Bachelors of Fine Arts from Marlboro College and later gained his MFA in photography in 1985 from the San Francisco Art Institute.

He explained how his upbringing was an influence on his photography when he decid-

ed on what to become. “ I was one of five boys with no sister and went to boarding school,” he said. “After leaving the Navy I went to Marlboro where I was surrounded by females and found that women were more like me.”

Some of the advice Sturges gave to students was about how to build a relationship with a subject. “The greater your rela-tionship with your subject, the greater the photo can be,” Stur-ges said. “For they are perma-nently in my life.”

Due to some nude subject matter, his presentation was considered unsuitable for sensi-tive audiences as he explained his trouble with the FBI over young nude models in 1990.

The investigation into wheth-er he produced underage por-nography cost him $100,000 in legal fees. Even though prosecutors never charged Sturges, it is not a subject that

Johnny smithstaff Writer

Controversial photographer speaks

Sturges dwells on, despite the trouble it cost him.

“The French authorities were much kinder to me than the FBI were and that is some-thing the FBI should learn especially on how they treated the young models,” Sturges said.

After his presentation and questions from the audience, a book signing was held for three of his books: “The Last Days of Sum-mer,” “Radiant Identities,” and “ Notes.”

Sturges was just the latest artist the Rich-land College Photography Department has brought in as a speaker. Artists from around the world, such as Mary Ellen Mark, Keith Carter and Jerry Uelsmann have come to Richland previously, and more are expected as part of their annual speaker series.Image courtesy Amazon.com

Jock Sturges is a photographer who is known for his controversial nude photo-graphs of young models.

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If you’re like me, you’re fed up with how our federal government is functioning.

Most of us are confused or downright dis-gusted at what some experts call a “do-noth-ing Congress.” There’s plenty of conflict as to who is at fault and why the Senate, House of Representatives and our president, Barack Obama, can’t seem to work together to put our country first.

With the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 6, far more is at stake than any other election in history. In my opinion, it’s either going to make or break our country, and it

hinges on who gets elected. The three top Republican candidates, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, are still bat-tling each other to win the nomination to challenge Obama and his left-wing radical ideology.

The race is getting ugly and attacks are run-ning rampant with a lot of Americans really worried about which direction our country is headed.

Dr. Cal Jillson, Southern Methodist Uni-versity political science professor and an ex-pert on politics, told a group of Richland stu-dents while on campus March 7 that voters will have to decide in the upcoming election what’s important to them.

Jillson posed this controversial question: “Do you want to go back to the Republicans who caused the mess we have now, or do you want to stick with the Democrats who have not been able to fix it?”

Jillson’s argument was very well put, from a liberal standpoint, but I see our country divided in a dif-ferent way.

In my view, what this election boils down to is the federal gov-ernment vs. freedom. Are we going to let the feds completely control our lives and transform America to a socialist nation, thus becoming an entitlement society, or are we going to remain a free nation governed by the Constitu-tion, with democracy, capitalism

and individual freedom for all? Whether you’re Democrat, Republican,

Libertarian, independent or have no affilia-tion at all, what’s vital for Americans is for us to unite, put our country first and vote.

Obama’s record isn’t impressive. First, our debt has skyrocketed since he took office. Ac-cording to Mark Knoller, a White House cor-respondent for CBS News, the national debt grew by more than $4 trillion during George W. Bush’s presidency, which was the biggest increase under any president in U.S. history.

The debt was $10.626 trillion the day Obama took office and has now reached close to $16 trillion, which was the most rapid increase of any president. This is unsustainable. If Obama does get re-elected, how can we not suffer a financial collapse?

According to the Tax Policy Center, a Washington, D. C.-based think tank, 47 per-cent of American households didn’t owe fed-eral income taxes in 2009, up from 38 per-cent in 2007. In 2008 it was a whopping 49 percent. For this current tax year, it’s likely to be around 45 percent. Also, the Obama administration has failed to make a budget in over 1,000 days.

Second, unemployment has averaged around 8 percent throughout the country this year. According to The New York Times, no sitting president since Franklin Roosevelt has won re-election when unemployment was over 7.2 percent on election day.

Third, his unpopular health care reform policy, so-called ObamaCare, will also finan-cially break us. On March 26, the Supreme Court began hearing the case to determine if it’s even constitutional.

Fourth, the federal government hasn’t bothered to deal with immigration reform, just like the administrations before Obama. It isn’t enforcing the laws we now have. In-stead, the Justice Dept. has sued the states of Arizona and Alabama over immigration laws. Whoever heard of attacking states for doing the right thing?

The American people are still baffled as to what Obama hopes to change to make our country better, after focusing his 2008 cam-paign on “hope and change.” He’s had three years to try, but so far, I think his presidency has been more disruptive than anything else.

Obama seems to be working against our Constitution. His idea of “political correct-ness” has been forced upon us and is ruining our country.

I see it as a way of distortion of reality, which Americans don’t like or accept. Also, have you noticed how much effort is going

JoyCE JACKsonCopy Editor

One student’s view: Anybody but Obama

NORTHWOODUN IVERS I T Y

into bringing down Christianity? It’s being challenged and discouraged in every pos-sible way – from crosses, religious items and the words, “under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance. It’s most evident in the war on Christmas, which Americans shouldn’t have to tolerate.

Most recently, some of us believe the con-traception controversy is again another at-tack on our religious freedom. Also, last fall when Obama started the class warfare con-troversy and provoked people to turn against

each other, it caused the Occupy Wall Street movement, costing nine cities at least $10 million in damages -- for nothing.

With Obama’s extravagant presidential campaign, he is quickly becoming “a con-glomeration” – he’s exceeding his power by having the luxury of the liberal news media entirely on his side, many from the entertain-ment industry and he’s spending millions of dollars for social networking, but with his failed record, he doesn’t have a leg to stand on, except to attack Republicans or continue blaming previous administrations.

I fully support Romney, Santorum or Gin-grich for president. I think all of them would work for America so that we can break the gridlock of the dismal Obama administra-tion and his socialist agenda. And, I think all three will uphold our Constitution, which has served us well for over 200 years.

Romney, as a moderate and currently the frontrunner, has his extensive business back-ground in his favor, along with plenty of money to sustain his campaign. Both San-torum and Gingrich, as conservatives, don’t have the luxury of wealth that Romney has, but that’s more appealing to me. Why can’t the little guy win once in a while? Santorum can easily connect to working-class voters.

My personal favorite is Gingrich. He’s tough, has a thorough knowledge of history and Congress, would be a strong leader and get things done in Washington. I think he has the best detailed plans for immigration, as well.

When it comes time to vote this fall, each of us needs to think about whether or not our country is in better shape now than when Obama was elected – and how our country will survive if he should be re-elected.

Think about how much Americans value their freedom and how that would change, based on who gets elected. I’ll definitely vote for the Republican nominee, no matter who it is.

“Do you want to go back to the Republicans who caused the mess we

have now, or do you want to stick with the Democrats who have not been able to

fix it?”- Dr. Cal Jillson

Republican presidential candidates Rick Santorum, left, and Mitt Romney during a debate.

Image courtesy AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

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