September 17, 2003 - Dallas County Community College
Transcription
September 17, 2003 - Dallas County Community College
September 17, 2003 Volume 34, Issue 1 ***ACP National Pacemaker Finalist*** Construction continues on college’s new science building by Abel Sanchez Assistant editor Perhaps you might be one of several students wondering why the campus is under construction. Over the summer construction of a state-of-the-art Science ‘S’ building and renovations to the ‘P’ and ‘C’ buildings began. The $5 million ‘S’ building will be located in front of the ‘N’ building and scheduled for completion in May 2004. The building will have three floors, four new classrooms, two new chemlabs, and the first floor will be used as a conference center. The physics and geology division will relocate to the building as well. The construction of the building is actually the final step of several years of planning. A long term planning committee evaluated the campus years ago. The group recognized that new facilities were needed. The architect’s office for the entire district receives, evaluates, and approves proposed building projects. The district office takes approved projects from all colleges and places them in a bond package for voters to vote on. The individual colleges work on finding an architect. A bidding process is established for architects to place competitive bids. A committee visits architects and works with them to design labs and classrooms that will fit the campus’ needs. “There was a lot of planning, a lot of input, and a lot of chances for expression,” Dr. Mark Presley, dean of Science and Physical Education, said. “We had to equip this building with current technology, but design it generic enough to fit new emerging technology.” The architects received a great deal of input from the chemical program coordinator and chemistry professor Tina Mewhinney. Plans for classrooms and labs were constructed from her drawings and she helped design all storage areas. The new labs now allow for students to take a seat while they work. The labs are designed for teaching and for the traditional atmosphere of group experience. The building will be equipped with better handicap access (ADA) and will have available the fastest wireless connection in school. Perhaps Mewhinney’s proudest accomplishment will be her efficient design of fume hoods which allows for 16 stations in half the space normally required. “I wanted to save money, but I wanted to have the best facility possible,” Mewhinney said. As a safety precaution two rows of parking will be closed off until construction is complete. The older labs will be turned into classrooms and the ‘P’ building will receive gym and locker room renovations. photo by Stephanie Moreno The foundation is being laid on the science building, which is scheduled for completion May 2004. Two rows of parking have been blocked off in parking lot W-3. Finally Mars: 50,000 years later MARS FACTS Over 50,000 years ago the red planet last orbited closest to earth. Mars is the most earthlike planet. •Life – It’s unknown whether there is life on Mars. photo by Liz Foster Ashley Moore is among patrons of Subway, the new sandwich and deli cafeteria vendor at Eastfield. •Diameter – It’s roughly 4,222 miles or 53 percent the size of earth. Subway whets the appetite •Most striking feature – Mars looks ruddy from outer space, due to being covered in oxidized rust. •Temperature – Ridiculously cold most of the time. Freezing in most places. Planet-wide: 67 degrees F. Can be shirt sleeve during fleeting moments of daytime summer. by Quinton Young Reporter Subway, the new cafeteria vendor, opened Sept. 3 to students and staff at the Eastfield cafeteria in C107. The ‘eat fresh’ sandwich chain received the contract to service Eastfield as well as North Lake college, the only two colleges to be picked up by the nationwide vendor. Subway was brought to the campus by franchise owner Stephen Chapital. “I started off with my own franchise and purchased an existing Subway in East Dallas,” Chapital said. “The franchise came with a thank-you-for-your-purchase andgood-luck.” Don Mathus, the fitness instructor at Eastfield, said “I think it’s great...Subway’s healthy; they have good low-fat sandwiches.” Subway is open M-Th, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. •Day – 24 hours 37 minutes •Year – 687 Earth-days, or about 670 Mars days photo by Stephanie Moreno Eastfield astronomy professor Bill Riley looks on as students and community members wait turns to catch a glimpse of Mars. Hopeful stargazers gathered in campus parking lot W-4 for the late night plan- etary viewing. The college hosted two viewings Aug. 27 and Aug. 30. Eastfield was one of five local community colleges to host the viewings. Red planet looms closest to earth for first time, making history by Sean McNamara Staff writer Eastfield along with the Texas Astronomical Society (TAS) gave students and the general public a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mars during the first week of class. Mars has not been this close in over 50,000 years. On August 27 at precisely 4:51 a.m. Mars got closer to Earth than ever before in recorded history, being a mere 34.6 million miles away. At its farthest caps, which are areas of frozen carbon dioxide, located on both the north and south pole. It also has a volcanic mountain that is twice the size of Mt. Everest named Olympus Mons as well as a canyon that is 3,000 miles long and five miles deep. “It is big enough to engulf the United States,” Hafey said. point, Mars can be over 61 million miles away from planet Earth during its yearly rotation. “Now the next time it will be this close or closer will be on Aug. 28, 2287. So everybody mark their calendars for the event!” said Chaz Hafey, director of the Science Place and astronomy instructor at Eastfield. Sister planet Mars has polar ice Storm causes blackout in ‘T’ building Investigators reveal trees land on structure, hit power lines by Seketha Wonzer Reporter The ‘T‘ building lost electricity on Aug. 26, and cancelled all evening classes after trees hit the power lines. It was first reported as lightning striking the ‘T’ building, but further investigation proved that was not the case. Denny Norris, senior technology operator, received the report of the blackout at 3:18 p.m. Norris’ department called Oncor Energy, the electricity provider to the Dallas side of the campus. Gerald Kozlowski, dean of Communication Arts and Technologies division, located in the ‘T’ building, decided to cancel classes for the evening at 6 p.m. “This was a very unfortunate mishap for the first day of classes for Tuesday and Thursday students, which I would like to personally apologize for,” Kozlowski said. Oncor Energy did not arrive until 9 p.m. to correct the problem. Oncor reports that the blackout occurred when two trees hit the electric lines, causing them to touch together, and resulting in a power surge that blew fuses in the transformer systems. It took approximately thirty minutes to change the fuses in the transmitters and have the power reinstalled. Students where able to return to classes the following day to a well-lit building. “That was not the first time this has happened due to the trees on that side of the campus,” Norris said. He and his staff have trimmed the trees since then to prevent a recurrence of this event. Blackouts on campus Bldg. Date Cause Campus Wide July 31/ Aug. 1 Oncor C&N Aug. 12 Damaged line C&N Aug. 23 Repair T Aug. 26 Damaged line Source: Art Sykes, Facility Director A wide variety of telescopes were available for viewers to see the Red Planet, ranging from a 20-yearold homemade scope to some costing upwards of $2,000 and $3,000. “Some of these telescopes are equipped with a Global Positioning Satellite, which is available on some of the newer Cadillacs,” said Linda McCalla, a member of the TAS. “It was the coolest view of Mars I’ve ever seen,” said one stargazer, who read about the event in a see RED PLANET, page 10 •Air – Not much. Less than 1 percent the density of Earth’s air at the surface, and mostly carbon dioxide (95.3 percent). Trace of oxygen (.15 percent). •Water – Not a drop that we know of for sure yet. But possibly a lot long ago and maybe some today, under the surface. •Snow – Yes, surprisingly, but you wouldn’t want to ski on it. And it’s melting, perhaps due to global warming. Source: www.space.com Information compiled by George Cherucheril Eastfield student contact hours among fall semester district leaders by Steven J. King In-depth/Investigative editor Classes resumed Aug. 25, and students rolled in with a head full of steam. Enrollment at Eastfield has surged, and so have the student contact hours. Eastfield’s current student enrollment is 11,577. The number of contact hours is 1,732,272. That figure includes 176,648 telecollege hours. Every two years known as a base year, the Texas legislature meets and allocates funding to all the state funded colleges and universities. Funding is based on the school’s student contact hours. The funding each school receives is for the next two years, or four semesters, until the state legislature meets again. In the event there is an increase in student contact hours before the next session, funding is not increased. “If there is a low base year and the [contact hours] increased the next year, the state does not give additional funding,” said Connie Howells, assistant dean of Institutional Research and Planning. Contact hours are comprised by multiplying the number of students enrolled in a course and section, and the number of required classroom hours. “Contact hours are the reflection of time students spend in class,” Howells said. For example, one section of Accounting 2301 has 26 students enrolled. The course requires 48 classroom hours. The two numbers multiplied equal 1,248 which are the contact hours. “The funding received from the contact hours helps Eastfield afford additional resources for its students,” added Howells. September 17, 2003 • Page 3 Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/ HEALTH & POLITICS Send in more manpower, finish the job, get out O ne would presume that wartime casualties would exceed those occurring after the war, right? Well, not necessarily. In case some of you haven’t heard, the number of U.S. soldiers killed in post-Saddam Iraq recently surpassed the number lost during actual wartime. The war on Iraq began March 19. On May 1st, when president Bush declared the war ended, the death toll of American soldiers was at 139. As of September 16th we have lost an additional 155, totaling 294 American soldiers lost in Iraq. How many more will we lose today? Tomorrow? According to an article from the Washington Post “To ensure our website, http://www.wash- troops’ safety, ingtonpost.com/ac2/wpwe need to send dyn/A14499-2003Jun19, Bush and his top military and more manpowforeign policy officials er, finish the job believe that casualties are necessary in a successful mil- and get out of itary operation. there.” One official said “Are we -Amanda Dunn not better off today than we were a month ago? Yes.” Okay, so I understand that war will always yield fatalities, but I thought the war was over. How do we know that we are better off today? What important information are we missing? What is the government keeping from us? Enlighten me, please! Thank God for the media, otherwise we wouldn’t have a clue about what goes on in Iraq. We still do not even know if the reasoning to declare war on Iraq was legitimate. Isn’t the goal of war to be quick and effective in the operation and attempt to lose little or no soldiers? There is no evidence that we did any post-war planning. Sure, we didn’t expect this and thought the Iraqi people would simply accept us trying to organize and stabilize their government and country. Regardless, we should have been prepared for the worst. Our troops face daily attacks from countless forces. Iraqis are being paid by anti-American troops to kill U.S. soldiers.They also encounter terrorist organizations and other groups contending for power. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said in an interview with the Washington Post, that our current situation reminds him of the time when he first began to have doubts about the Vietnam War. The total number of U.S. fatalities for the Vietnam War equaled 58,198. What could this mean for the United States today? Another Vietnam? We do not want to witness the same result. To ensure our troops’ safety we need to send more manpower, finish the job and get out of there. Donald Rumsfeld, the secretary of defense, main- Church and state must separate; chief justice defies U.S. constitution he recent Ten ordered the removal; he still Commandment controversy refused. Chief Justice Moore was susin Alabama is shocking to me. The Constitution guarantees pended with pay. I know if the comthat the United States Government mon citizen refused a federal court (in any form) shall not promote, order to do anything, more than a endorse, or push religion of any paid suspension would follow. An kind onto the citizens of the United Alabama Supreme Court Justice should be held to States. higher standards than Our judges are the ordinary man. sworn to protect With all the relifairness, justice, and gious conflict in the the Constitution. world and in our This is supposed to country today, what be the sole purpose if Roy Moore was a of a judge. Muslim or Buddhist? If we, as a Would the State of nation, have judges Alabama rally going around proaround Moore then? moting their own “An Alabama Probably not. To personal beliefs on Supreme Court be fair and just to religion or other topevery citizen of our ics then there is a Justice should great and diverse conflict of interest. be held to highnation, government The separation of and religion should church and state is er standards never be mixed, imperative to the than the ordiespecially in the United States exisnary man.” courtroom. That tence as a free includes swearing in nation. Our founding - James Steele II on the Christian fathers knew this, as bible. this was one of the According to some recent polls many reasons for breaking free of English rule. America is a melting by religious organizations and the pot full of different ideas, religions, United States government, there are about 24 percent of Americans who races, cultures, and beliefs. Alabama Chief Justice Roy do not consider themselves Moore needs to learn that. He Christian. Should we not hold these people should have already known that and kept his beliefs at home or in his accountable for lying on the witness own church. Certain basic princi- stand because they swore on a ples of the Constitution are taught in Christian bible, after all they are not elementary school. How was Chief Christian? If we do not put a firm lid on this Justice Moore appointed without basic knowledge of the Costitution? problem, then we have many more Chief Justice Moore was ordered problems that will arise. Respect the Constitution, church to remove the monument containing the Ten Commandments and and state must separate. refused. Then, a federal court T U.S. troops continue to die in Iraq after Bush declares end to combat by Brandon Stovall Reporter Since May 1, when President Bush declared major combat operations in Iraq over 150 U.S. soldiers have died. A total of at least 294 U.S. soldiers have died since major combat operations began on March 20. “The Americans [in Iraq] now seem as an infestation that the Iraqis need to exterminate,” said William Bryant, a student. He added, “...this police action is not working.” According to cnn.com Bush stated that the “major conflict” was over, but the Iraqi citizens and an ongoing guerrilla war are still keeping soldiers there. “We’re slowly but surely bring- tains that Americans will be patient and will tolerate U.S. casualties. I do not personally have any family members enlisted in the military but I have recently witnessed a family’s fear as their loved one was called to combat in Iraq, not knowing if or when they will see him again. The next soldier we lose may or may not be of any tie to you, but they are a part of our country, they are a part of someone’s life. How patient will we be? How long will we tolerate it? ing stability to Iraq,” said Bush illustrating the imperative to win the war on terrorism. Not only are Americans dying; British and Dutch troops have also lost their lives for the cause in Iraq. Though there is a rising death toll in Iraq, U.S. officials dismiss the death of American soldiers as “militarily insignificant” as the Guardian reports. Previous war casualties Korean war Vietnam conflict Persian Gulf War 165,637 213,377 863 Source: U.S. Department of Defense WestNileVirus Practicing the four D’s keeps one free of this diseasezzzzzz; Texas Department of Health gives West Nile advice by Kyle Spencer Health & Politics editor BUZZ!!! Who can ignore such an irritating noise during hot summer days? You and your family are sitting down to a nice picnic when all of a sudden swarms of uninvited guests decide to pay a little visit, and this time they are carrying some excess baggage. The West Nile Virus, which started in Africa, rocked the nation last year with 1,856 infections and 37 deaths. The first human death in Texas was Aug. 16, 2002. So what is this mysterious disease caused by? West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain or of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. When asked about the virus’ affect to Mesquite, The Environmental Protection Agency was unavailable for comment. However, five dead bird cases were reported within a five mile radius. The Texas Department of Health offered some information on the summer time illness. Dr. Joe Garrett, an epidemiologist with t h e Zoonosis Control Division at the Texas Department of Health, says health departments around the state began surveillance of dead jays, crows and hawks in May. They collect these birds, send them in to the laboratory and try to isolate the virus from the birds. In addition to birds, public health officials around the state collect and analyze mosquitoes and record reports from veterinarians about West Nile in horses. Vaccinations are available to protect horses. Vaccines and boosters should be given in the early spring. Garrett says people can protect themselves by controlling mosquitoes. Texas Commissioner of Health Eduardo Sanchez is urg- ing Texans to reduce their risk of getting the mosquito-borne West Nile virus by “remembering the four D’s: drain, dress, DEET and dusk/dawn.” Sanchez, head of the Texas Department of Health, said residents should: •Drain standing water around their homes to reduce mosquitohatching grounds. •Dress in pants and long sleeves when outside in mosquito-infested areas, but avoid becoming too hot. •Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-mtoluamide) to exposed skin and to clothing when outdoors. •Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Make sure that when you are out -doors you use a non-scented lotion, Mosquitoes are attracted to sweet fragrances. Lastly, avoid activities in wet areas. Mosquitoes thrive in warm damp areas. If you have any questions or concerns about the West Nile in your area please call this number 1-888-883-9997 or visit The Texas Department of Health at www.tdh.state.tx.us/. Dallas Area West Nile Virus Facts: •Hardest hit areas in last two weeks: South Dallas, Pleasant Grove, East Dallas and Oak Cliff •Dallas is spraying areas in Northeast Dallas, Old East Dallas, South Dallas and Far East Dallas: An area west of Eastfield College, bounded by La Prada Drive, John West and Peavy roads, and Oates Drive. •Reported cases: 3,541 •Reported deaths: 66 Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&controlCaseCount03.htm Mosquito graphic by Loni Warden Texas Constitutional Amendments Last Saturday Texans went to the polls to cast votes on 22 amendments to the state constitution. current lump sum home equity loans now available. For 65.43% Against 34.57% With voter turnout at about 12 percent, it represented one of the largest turnouts for a statewide election with no offices at stake, according to voting officials. PROPOSITION 11 This would allow the state to regulate the operation of wineries, regardless of whether a winery is in an area where alcohol sales have been authorized by local election. For 62.42% Against 37.58% Following are results for some of the higher profile amendments. PROPOSITION 12 The constitutional amendment capping lawsuits against doctors and health care providers, and other actions, authorizing the legislature to determine limitations on non-economic damages. For 51.12% Against 48.88% PROPOSITION 16 The constitutional amendment authorizing home owners the right to take advantage of a home equity line of credit rather than the PROPOSITION 2 Expands the length of time to two years for a former owner of mineral rights to buy back rights that were sold because of unpaid taxes. For 62.42% Against 37.58% PROPOSITION 3 Authorizes the legislature to exempt from ad velorum taxation property owned by a religious organization that is leased for use as a school or that is owned with the intent of expanding or constructing a religious facility. For 52.88% Against 47.12% PROPOSITION 7 Permits a six-person jury in a district court misdemeanor trial. For 74.69% Against 25.33% PROPOSITION 8 Authorizes the legislature to permit a person to take office without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify in an election for that office. For 56.38% Against 43.62% PROPOSITION 6 Permits the refinancing of a home equity loan with a reverse mortgage. For 70.92% Against 29.08% Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/ Page 4 • September 17, 2003 NEWS & EVENTS Home school students take advantage of college courses by Sean McNamara Staff writer photo courtesy of EFC Marketing and Communications The home school program is three years old and accepts students between the ages of 13 and 18. guage and spanish. “We offer a wide variety of graded classes and even plenty of non-graded classes in the summer months,” said Mary Ann Fitzsimmons, program director, Workforce and Economic Eastfield College offers a variety of classes for home schooled students. This program is not brand new either. It has been going on for three years. “We offer a wide The program startvariety of graded ed when the Texas Home School classes and even Coalition Association plenty of non graded (THSC) asked Dr. Rodger A. Pool, presi- classes in the summer dent, about Eastfield months.” offering classes for –Mary Ann home schooled stuFitzsimmons dents to prepare them for college and the Development. work force. The tuition for these The program is open to home schooled students classes ranges from $60 to between the ages of 13 and $150 per semester. “The 18. The courses offered are: chemistry courses carry music and history, govern- higher tuition because they use the lab,” ment for teens, sign lan- do Fitzsimmons said. Students who take these classes are also granted access to almost all of Eastfield’s facilities, such as the library, the computer lab, and the learning assistance center. They may also benefit from student clubs and organizations, much like typical college students. Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society are two of them. This program is taught by high school teachers and is designed to open up more choices for home schooled students. Choices that were once unavailable. For more information contact Mary Ann Fitzsimmons at 972-8607113, or e-mail her at [email protected]. College ups price of vending machine snacks Students voice complaints, consider campus-wide boycott by David Ross Reporter It will cost 12 cents more for a candy bar, pastry, or chips at Eastfield. This is the first increase in three years. Students and faculty already feeling the sting of a recent up in soda drinks returned to school in August and found that along with a price hike in tuition and book costs, it would also be more expensive to stop and snack before and after class. Reports of a student led semester boycott of all snack and soda machines were reason for concern with top Eastfield officials. Jim Jones, vice president of Business Services said, “A boycott would have a definite impact and would be detrimental to both the staff and students.” Eastfield reportedly made an estimated $90,000 in sales last semester with 70 percent being used to fund student programs. Jones was unsure as to the remaining years left on the district wide contract with Custom Foods, the snack and soda vendor for the DCCCD. When asked whether a boycott would force Custom Foods to lower prices, Jones said, “It would depend on the duration. As it would have an impact on sales. Custom Foods would have to offer less commission to renew and that would ultimately have a negative impact on everyone involved. If I thought the boycott was fair and would work, it would be out of Eastfield's control,” Jones said, “A vendor is expected to increase prices, otherwise we would be in a bad position to renew.” Jones said that the price increase was fair “because of the convenience.” He was also surprised to learn of talk about a possible student led boycott. Chris Samons, an engineering major said, “Is a price increase ever fair? I would support the boycott if it meant the possibility of a lowering of prices.” Professor Philip Ortez said that the price increase “was kinda high” and that he would support a boycott. A survey of 50 students, both male and female, revealed that the price increase has had an impact on their monthly food allowance as well as their decision to buy snacks and sodas at the college. Although the majority agreed to support a semester boycott on all snack and soda machines, most also admitted that if they were photo by Stephanie Moreno Students returned to classes Aug. 25 to find vending machine prices had increased 12 cents. real thirsty or hungry they would buy from the machines anyway. Jones, who has been with the district 22 years and with Eastfield since 1999, said it was “surprising” that the students would consider a boycott. Students and faculty could have another three years to consider it. photo courtesy of EFC Marketing and Communications division The Criminal Justice Academy of Continuing Education is one of the most successful in the state of Texas. Participants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of graduation. Continuing education fill today and future careers by Kathleen Arellano Reporter high school students from ages 13 to 17. Parents decide academic credits. If you have a friend or family Other popular courses and promember who is seeking new job grams include AutoCAD fast track skills or you would like to boost training, a program to become an your career, then Emergency enroll in one of the “Our courses can go M e d i c a l W o r k f o r c e Te c h n i c i a n , Development or into as much depth English as Continuing Education as a student S e c o n d courses. requires, based on Language, physiWo r k f o r c e cal development Development and the courses sequen- courses, and Air Continuing Education tial nature.” Conditioning have many programs training. and courses. Ages “Our courses may vary from course can go into as to course, but the aver–John Emery much depth as a age student’s age is student requires, 37. based on the courses sequential One of the biggest programs nature,” Emery said. this semester is the Criminal Many Dallas community colJustice Academy. To enroll in the leges, including Eastfield, North Criminal Justice Academy, one Lake, Richland, Bill J. Priest, must be 21 years of age at the time Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, El of graduation, and cannot have been convicted of any offense Centro, and Mountain View, offer above the grade of Class ‘C’ mis- non-credit courses to succeed perdemeanor within the last ten years. sonally and professionally. According to the district office “The Criminal Justice Academy of research, one of the main goals is one of the most successful in the state of Texas, they are placed in of the department is for students to police departments throughout the obtain quality continuing educametroplex and surrounding cities,” tion to enrich their lives personalsaid John Emery, assistant dean of ly, socially, culturally and to Continuing Education. upgrade occupational and job Emeritus classes, which are skills. specifically for adults 55 and For more information; pick up a older, are designed to meet the Workforce/Continuing Education needs of a mature learner and the Schedule or simply log onto Home School Connection caters to www.eastfieldcollege.com Former North Lake College president receives probation by Steven J. King In-depth/Investigative editor “I made a big mistake,” said former North Lake College president Dr. David England when asked about his March 12 drug possession arrest. The arrest cost England his job, and the many rewards that came along with it. Dr. England expressed remorse for his actions in a telephone interview Sept. 3. “I am deeply sorry and regret what happened,” England said. “I thank my wife and kids for their continued support.” The England family has received support from friends and strangers alike. Unlikely sources such as the Oak County Iowa Mothers Against Drunk Driving have been supportive of Dr. England since the ordeal. Longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Robert Aguero said of his friend Dr. England, “he is a really bright guy, and capable administrator.” England’s use of the drug “was absolutely not evident,” according to DMACC colleague David Palmer in an August interview with the ‘Des Moines City View’, an alternative newspaper in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. England spoke briefly of his plans for the future during the Sept. 3 interview. “I currently have 8 to 10 jobs in the education field I have applied for,” England added. “I will also explore executive business opportunities because that is my area of expertise.” Dr. England declined to reveal the names of the schools or businesses he has contacted seeking employment. England and his family, along with their attorney William Kutmus appeared before a Des Moines, Iowa judge, June 19, to receive their sentencing. England was facing a sentence ranging from probation to ten DCCCD students will no longer receive grade reports by mail by Amanda Dunn Staff writer As of this semester, Eastfield students, along with the rest of the Dallas County Community College District, will no longer be receiving grade reports via mail in an attempt to cut budget costs. Charles Helton, director of Admissions at Eastfield said he supported the proposal to eliminate grade mailers. “The proposal went to the district office, through the hands of Richard McCrary, the assistant vice chancellor of educational affairs, and was approved all the way through the district,” said Helton. The proposal spawned from the fact the district had a budget deficit. Grade mailers, as they are called, were costing the district even more money. The average cost to print and send out grade mailers for the district equaled $69,000 per semester. The fall semester of 2002, Eastfield alone totaled $3,666 in grade report printouts. Students will now either have to go online, go though econnect, or call with the proper information in order to receive their grades at the end of the semester. Helton said, “students should not have any problems getting their grades. Most students have emails set up, plus there are several other ways they can go about getting them. They can get an advisement report or get their transcript. Transcripts are free, we do not charge for those.” Helton believes that the change is for the better. Grades will be available for students to obtain the same day they are entered into the records. “If we mailed them out it would take two to three days,” he said. “This change helps students get their grades quicker and gives them more ways to go about getting them.” “I am deeply sorry and regret what happened. I thank my wife and kids for their continued support.” –Dr. David England years in prison. England’s prior criminal record includes a 1971 arrest for marijuana possession. Judge Douglas Stiskal handed down the lightest sentence possible. Dr. England, his wife, and daughter all pleaded guilty to felony drug trafficking. Their son pled guilty to misdemeanor possession. Accepting a plea bargain, they all received probation, 100 hours of community service, and deferred judgements. The deferred judgement offers the possibility of having the arrest and conviction expunged after two years. Last March, narcotics agents stormed the Des Moines, Iowa, home of Dr. David England, and served he and his family with a search warrant for drugs. The narcotics agents confiscated 2.5 pounds of marijuana, along with 72 marijuana plants. Each plant could produce up to a pound of marijuana. England, his wife, 22 -year-old daughter, and 16-year-old son were all arrested and charged with felony drug possession and felony drug trafficking. Dr. England served as president of North Lake College from 1996-2001. He then accepted a job as President/CEO of Des Moines Area Community College in August 2001. This is a follow-up to a previous article in our April 23, issue of the Et Cetera. Story Ideas Needed! •Submit your ideas and suggestions to: •[email protected] •972-860-7130 or •Eastfield College, N-238 (suggestion box, outside door) September 17, 2003 • Page 5 Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/ ART & ENTERTAINMENT Film reviews ‘American Splendor’ a blue American hero Say goodbye to bad guy; Pacino’s ‘Scarface’ returns by Joe Stumpo Entertainment writer Scarface: A Universal Pictures release starring Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert Loggia, Mary Elizabeth Mastrontonio, F. Murray Abraham, Harris Yulin and Paul Shenar. Rated R. Directed by Brian DePalma. Opening in limited theatrical release Sept. 19. Available on DVD Sept. 30. Quality rating: **** (4.0 out of 4) Scarface is an explosive rags to riches story that combines powerful, sometimes shockingly brutal moments of action, drama, suspense, tragedy and even comedy. Based on a 1932 mobster classic of the same name, the film traces the meteoric rise and immediate fall of Tony Montana, a Cuban exile and criminal, unforgettably portrayed by Al Pacino, who bloodily lives out his American dream on the sun-soaked shores of Miami reigning over a vast criminal empire built on cocaine. You’ll note that I mentioned this notoriously violent, foul-mouthed, blood orgy has moments of comedy. Well, it is humorous in parts even if scriptwriter turned director Oliver Stone (JFK, Any Given Sunday) and director Brian DePalma (Mission to Mars, Snake Eyes) did not intend for it to be. Take, for example, the odd way Montana spends his hard earned money buying a convertible with leopard skin interior, calling it a “creampuff” and develops a new found infatuation for tigers so much that he vows to one day buy one. "You buy a tiger you won't have any friends left, not that you have any now," says Tony's best friend, Manny, played by Steven Bauer who provides some of the epic's offbeat moments of comic relief. Pacino’s character is a concoction of every raw emotion you can think of except happiness. You never know what his reaction is going to be when under a certain situation. When immigration officials doubt his answers, the Cuban immigrant goes off on a tirade talking about communism and why he left Castro’s country. Put him in the same nightclub where it just happens his kid sister Gina (Mary Elizabeth Mastrontonio) is dancing with another guy and Tony becomes a jealous ticking time bomb ready to go off. Most pathetic are those moments like the nightclub scene where the much-feared hitman sits in a booth all alone, brooding, lazily smoking a cigar while everyone else is beside themselves laughing as comedian Richard Belzer tells jokes on stage. “You ought to smile more,” a corrupt DEA agent tells Tony at one point. “Remember every day above ground is a good day.” Its scenes like that and numerous others that bring to mind the one quote never once uttered in the film, "It's lonely at the top." The film’s message is here is a guy who gets everything he wants, albeit illegally, but never once takes the time out to enjoy it. Like Blade Runner and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, two pictures that were greeted with little fan- “The business the characters are a member of in Scarface is the kind Marlon Brando’s Mafia Don Corleone wanted no part of in the first Godfather film. –Joe Stumpo fare when they debuted at theaters but have since risen to cult status over the years thanks to video, Scarface has also generated a faithful following as well since its premiere twenty years ago. Rap groups have written songs about the film while others quote memorable dialogue like "Don't get high on your own supply," "Nothing exceeds like excess" and "Say goodnight to the bad guy." And as a result of its apparent cultural impact, the film's studio, Universal Pictures and Focus Features, are giving the three-hour crime drama the red carpet treatment. The pic will be re-released theatrically in limited cities that includes the Dallas area Sept. 19 with an all new digitally remastered print and soundtrack according to a recent article by the Associated Press. A two-disc special edition on DVD will follow on Sept. 30. In the two decades since its theatrical debut, much by Tony Wynn Entertainment writer Scarface, Al Pacino’s second most popular gangster film since The Godfather trilogy, returns to theaters in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary. ®1983 Universal Pictures/Focus Features. has been made about the picture’s violence that notably includes the infamous chainsaw sequence as well as the chronic use of the four letter “F” word which, according to IMDB.com, was uttered 206 times. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) threatened the film with an X rating unless DePalma make cuts to certain scenes back in ‘83. It was finally awarded an R upon release. (Note: The MPAA changed the X rating to NC-17 in 1990 according to an article on notcoming.com.) The fact is the violence in Scarface is no more disturbing than seeing James Caan’s Sonny Corleone being riddled with bullets or waking up to find a bloodied horse’s head in one’s bed like in 1972’s The Godfather. The business the characters are a member of in Scarface is the kind Marlon Brando’s Mafia Don Corleone wanted no part of in the first Godfather film. They are cold-blooded killers - ruthless, uneducated, with barely a conscience, if any at all. There is a reason Scarface still endures as one of the most popular yet, for the most part, critically repulsive gangster films twenty years later. That is because since 1983, other than director Steven Soderbergh’s 2000 Oscar winning film, Traffic, which chronicled America’s losing battle with the illegal drug trade from different perspectives, there have not been any movies about the drug underworld that have stuck out from all the others. There is something ironic in the scene when Montana tells a party of dinner guests that he is the last bad guy they will ever see. Movies have conjured up lots of memorable villains over the years, but when it comes to gangsters, next to The Godfather’s Michael Corleone, an academy award nominated role Pacino clearly made his own, there has never been a crimelord as frighteningly memorable and as tragic as Tony Montana. Tired of comic book and superhero movies that look like living video games? Then say “hello” to Harvey Pekar. A man who hates his job, hates all aspects of American pop culture, and is on the verge of hating himself. By now you are asking, “So why should I see this overtly depressing movie?” Because this movie- American Splendor- is far from depressing, Pekar is a hero to all of us who are too shy to speak of things that truly bother us. He portrays the real life annoyance we all have toward what we dislike about everything around us. The result of this unconventional narration of life is a wonderfully hilarious original film that has audiences cheering in aisles and blue-collar losers everywhere wanting to take up their pencils and draw stick-figures of their own peculiar lives. Directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulchini give us Rating: A Harvey (portrayed by brilliant Paul Giamatti) and “Real Harvey” played by Harvey Pekar himself who fluently tells the story from two points of view. Giamatti plays Pekar and “Real Harvey” tells the story from a first person point of view. This effect is not a tool as most directors would use it but a wonderfully honest portrayal of relating the actors to the actual people. Pekar works at a military hospital and is constantly suffering from stress on his vocal cords as a result of screaming so much in his life. In an effort to keep his sanity, he takes up writing a comic book which is nothing more than brutally honest stories plucked straight from his own life. Paul Giamatti is Oscarworthy as the unsung hero himself as he trumps, slumps, limps, grunts, and complains the whole way to immortality. His wife Joyce (Hope Davis) brings about some wonderful laughs as she believes she can thoroughly identify all psychological conditions she sees. Along with them, the cast feels as though it was chosen by an omnipotent being wanting to see this movie be made as splendidly as it was. The characters never grow stale, the storyline never feels long or dragging, and the dialogue is nothing short of hilarious. If these characters do not stick with you for days if not weeks after seeing the film, then you must have seen the wrong movie. American Splendor is not only the Best Film of the Year but it is one of the first three most interesting films of the decade. If you want a real American Hero who will entertain to the fullest, American Splendor is your movie. It is playing on two screens at the Angelika Theater on Mockingbird. College hosts Celebrity Corner guitar festival Wonzer: ‘50 Cent new prince of hip-hop artists’ by P. J. Kryfko by Seketha Wonzer Entertainment writer Reporter Hosted at several locations in Mesquite including Eastfield, the First Annual Mesquite Guitar Festival festival welcomed nearly 2000 music lovers from across the state. Covering styles from jazz, rock, traditional country and everything in between. In addition to classes and workshops, attendees were also treated to a variety of concerts from such artists as Grammy Award Winner and festival cofounder Art Greenhaw, Grammy Award Winners the Light Crust Doughboys, and finger picking hall-offamer Thom Bresh among many others. Other activities included a Gospel Guitar Church Service at First United Methodist Church Mesquite, a presentation of old and rare guitar films, and a student concert featuring players from Eastfield and other campuses. Next year’s Guitar Festival is is planned for the last weekend of July. “The big change for next year is a week-long guitar camp to lead into the festival,” festival co-founder Enric Madriguera said, and expressed his thanks to all the faculty and students of the Eastfield campus who helped make this new tradition such a success. Move over Ja Rule and make room for a new prince of hip-hop 50 cent, a rapper originally from Queens, New York. A year ago, not many people had heard of 50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson). Now it seems no one can get enough of him young, old, rich, poor and most ethnic groups around the world listen to his music. One of 50 Cent’s best known lyrics is “Go, go, go shawty, it’s your birthday we gone party like it’s yo birthday.” This song comes from 50 Cent’s song titled “In Da Club” and is now being heard at birthday parties everywhere. In April of 2000, 50 Cent was shot nine times in front of his grandmother’s home, critically wounding him. The shots hit him from his head to his legs. 50 Cent recovered from this and is now better than ever. Shortly after recovering from the shooting, 50 Cent hooked up with rap legend Dr. Dre and Eminem, another hip-hop icon, and signed onto their label Shady/Aftermath/Interscope. Upon release of his album “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’,” he sold almost 1 million copies in its first week, topping charts all around the again the list goes on and on. While attending a party in Dallas I had a chance to meet and speak with 50 Cent. Upon entering the party, 50 Cent immediately donned his infamous bullet proof vest, and started greeting a crowd of anxiously waiting fans nearby. When asked about future plans he simply replied, “I am going to get rich or die tryin’,” speaking about his book deal with MTV books which is scheduled to be released in December. 50 Cent currently has future upcoming concert tour dates planned over seas. This guy is rising to the top fast. He has photo courtesy of Seketha Wonzer awards, books, tours, and is on top of the charts all Wonzer is shown with 50 Cent at a party following a over the world. 50 Cent has been compared to the Dallas area concert last spring. The artist’s ‘Get Rich Or likes of Tupac and Notorious B.I.G., and these Die Tryin’ album sold more than 1 million copies in its hip-hop artists were named the godfathers of hiphop. 50 Cent has his own style. With 50’s many first week, topping the charts. accomplishments, duplication will not be easy, world. The artist has received numerous awards in the although many will try. last several months: VH1, MTV, BET, Billboard, and We now have a new crowned prince of hip-hop, so the list goes on and on. 50 Cent has also worked with look out world, here comes 50 cent. various other hip-hop artists, including Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Lil’Kim, Snoop Dog, and Justin Timberlake... Library exhibit brings Eastfield’s ‘blast from the past’ to life by Jeff Sanders Reporter The library has recently opened its archives, unpacked and dusted off nearly forgotten historic memorabilia, and placed it on display to give the campus a glimpse of Eastfield’s unique past. Located inside the library near study room L207, the exhibit bears testimony of the dreams, hard work, triumphs and failures of the men and women who made Eastfield College what it is today. Although Eastfield’s doors did not open until 1970, the exhibit reaches back as far as 1883 when the Motley family first moved to Texas and purchased the land on which the campus now thrives. Exhibit visitors can discover what courses were offered, how the new college was promoted, how long registration lines were and other curious campus happenings from the early 70s. Those with somewhat morbid interests can uncover the mysteries of severed limbs, and why John Motley’s arm and Cleve Motley’s foot are buried on campus in the Motley family cemetery. Historic newspaper clippings, campus construction plans, candid photos of the original faculty, the first class schedule and many other items of historical note fill the display cases. Many more artifacts remain packed away in boxes and will be rotated periodically with those on display, to encourage visitors to check back from time to time to view the latest offerings. Gerald Kozlowski, CA&AT Division Dean, who also teaches American history, Texas history and native American history, is the driving force behind the exhibit. Kozlowski, a student in 1971, returned as staff in 1982 and has filled multiple roles in his 21 years with Eastfield. “I’ve been around almost forever so I have a good idea about where things are and who has what,” said Kozlowski, explaining why he was involved with the exhibit. Kozlowski turned to Media Support Services Dean Emma Cronin, and librarians Velora Mann and Carla Green for help in searching out appropriate material for the exhibit and for their creative display skills. Although satisfied with the current exhibit, Kozlowski admits “We were in a hurry to get it (the exhibit) up before school started so we didn’t have a lot of time this go around. With the next one, we’d like to put a bit more thought into it.” The exhibit’s display cases were acquired through a grant from the Eastfield College State Employee Charitable Contribution Committee. Speaking of the grant, Kozlowski says, “We won it... sort of like a prize for giving. Hopefully we’ll get more next year.” Kozlowski intends to use future funds to purchase larger, standing displays that will allow a greater variety of items to be displayed. photo by Jeff Sanders One of several display cases showing historical artifacts from Eastfield's past. New items will be periodically rotated from storage to display. Its expected to be on display in the library indefinitely. Finding your way at Eastfield: Students cope with returning to school n college, nearly nothing can be more frustrating than being lost or caught in a maze. If you are new to the campus, you are certain to be lost during those crucial first weeks. The Eastfield College campus is blueprinted and labeled by huge letterings at the very top of each building. The only problem is that there is no large lettering once you enter the building; instead, letters and room numbers appear on the office doors. To master the maze from one building to the next, you must follow either the covered sidewalk or window covered walkways located on the second floor to The L building is home to the library. the next building. There are exceptions. We will cover these. You need only take a couple of heel clicks and you are in the next building, unless you are going to the T building or the E building. Then, you must exit the N building (which is where the bookstore is located) on the west side and into the ‘W-1’ parking lot. Why? Because the east side is closed due to construction of the future Science, or S building. By the way, parking is also limited in the W-4 parking lot due to construction. Now, to get to the E building and the T building, exit the N building The F building holds the Performance Hall, and look straight ahead and you site of many concerts, plays, and speakers. will see the E building or the Education Center which is a portable building. Look to your far right for the T Below, the P building, under building across the street. remodeling, houses the gym and workout facilities. Below right, The easiest way to get to a physical the the M building houses facilities education class is to go south out the C and maintenance. building from the 2nd floor. More ways exist, but this will be the simplest one. You might not have much need to go the M building, however in case you do, you can exit the C building at the front entrance and head south through the gated entrance. Suddenly, you are no longer lost or frustrated. Well, maybe frustrated. I Building Locator Photos Moreno Jordan by Stephanie and Courtney A: Layout and design by Christopher Rodriguez and Loni Warden Story by Liz Foster and Amanda Dunn Eastfield map courtesy of www.efc.dcccd.edu C: Administration President - Dr. Rodger Pool Vice Presidents’ office Dr. Diane Martin, Instructional Administration Felix Zamora, Student & Institutional Develop. Jim Jones, Business Services Marketing and Communications Sharon Cook, Director Enrollment Management ESOL Advisement Services Information Technology Institutional Research & Planning Resource and Community Development Room Reservations Campus Center Admissions Advisement Assessment (Testing Center) Business Office/Cashier/Accounting Cafeteria Career Planning & Placement Center College Police Continuing Education/Workforce Development Disability Services Office/TRIO Financial Aid Health Center Human Resources A317 A314 A321 A200 A323 A209 A322 A207 C119 C120 C114 C126 Pit C235 C140 C112 C237 C237 C139 C100 Food Service (Subway) C107 Learning Assistance Center C236 Mail/Copy Center C144 Registration Center C127 Student Programs and Resources C141 Instructional division offices: (Business and Fine Arts) C238 Don Baynham, dean •Accounting, Arts, Business, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, Humanities, Management, Marketing, Music, Office Technology, Computer Science (Academic Support & Mathematics) C201 Vivian Dennis-Monzingo, dean •Developmental Communications, Development Reading, Developmental Writing, Developmental Learning, Human Development, Mathematics, Reading (Language & Literature) C202 Matilda Saenz, dean •English, French, German, Italian, Photography, Sign Language, Spanish, Speech Communications (Science & Physical Education) C301 Mark Presley, dean •Anthropology, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, College Learning Skills, Dance, Engineering, Geology, Medical Terminology, Nutrition, Physical Education, Physics follow the yellow mazed road and manipulating their way around campus The technology T building sits on the north side of campus and houses technical and occupational course offerings. Left, the N building was the last major project for Eastfield in 1990. The bookstore is housed on the first floor. Additionally the Parent Child Care Study Center is housed in the N building. Emergency Procedures Helpful Numbers Eastfield College Emergency number 972-860-8333 Health Center 972-860-7190 Evening Administrator 972-332-9484 Emergency Ambulance 911 Left, the C building holds the admissions, advisement and testing offices, and continuing education. Also, the College Police and Health Center are located in the C building. *College police carry radio telephones and receive all emergency calls 24 hours a day. Call box locations Emergency call boxes are strategically located around campus in various parking lots. Information Directory Veterans’ Affairs E: C237 Education Center Teacher Center E101 Fine Arts Art Gallery Performance Hall F219 F209 Rising Star F304 H: Meeting room H100 L: Library Resources Instructional Computer Lab Instructional Support Services Emma Cronin, dean Library Media & Production Services F: M: N: L108 L215 L200 L112 Maintenance (Facilities Services) Main office M113 North Follett’s Campus bookstore Parent Child Care Study Center Student Newspaper (Et Cetera) N100 N120 N238 Upward Bound Instructional division: (Social Science and Human Services) Richard Cinclair, dean •Child Development, Criminal Justice, Gerontology, Government, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, Social Work, Substance Abuse P: N230 N109 Emergency calls to campus police Any emergency calls from an individual attempting to contact a student should be made to the College Police at (972) 8608333. Anyone who wishes to locate a student on campus for any reason must contact the College Police in Room C140 Physical Education (Remodeling) Gym T: Technology Instructional division: (Communication Arts and Applied Technologies) Gerald Kozlowski, dean •Automotive Technologies •Heating/Ventilation, Air Conditioning •Digital Imaging •Computer Aided Design/Drafting •Electronics •Journalism T143 Source: Student Life Handbook Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/ Page 8 • September 17, 2003 FEATURES & PROFILES Camp Harvester helps new, returning students by Amanda Dunn Staff writer Several Eastfield students, along with various staff members met in room C-135 on Sept. 10, to attend “Camp Harvester,” a basic training camp for both new and returning students. The SPAR sponsored event began at 12:30 p.m. and lasted until 2:30 p.m. Approximately 55 students attended “Camp Harvester.” All attendees received camouflage t-shirts and tote bags filled with pens, pencils, student planners, and informational pamphlets. SPAR staff members created the program for a number of reasons. “The underlined purpose of the camp activities was to introduce students to each other, and to SPAR, who we are and what we do, and of course for fun,” said Judy Schwartz, a program specialist for SPAR. The program opened with box lunches catered from Jason’s Deli and an introduction to several of Eastfield’s valuable resources, such as the Advisement Center and the Learning Assistance Center. Not only were the different resources introduced, but the students also had the opportunity to visit the various resource tables that were set up to obtain information pamphlets or talk to representatives from the different centers. When asked what she learned dent here at Eastfield said, from “Camp Harvester”, “Camp Harvester definitereturning student Renay ly opened my eyes to what Hunker said, “I learned how this school has to offer. I to get a math tutor from the will be reaching out to LAC. I didn’t know that!” other events and proEastfield President Dr. grams.” There are about 30 Rodger A. Pool, Felix clubs at Eastfield that many Zamora, vice president of students never know about. Student and Institutional SPAR will be holding the Development, Dr. Diane Club Fair, Sept. 23, at Martin, vice president of noon in the lower courtyard Instructional Administration, to give students a chance to and Jim Jones, vice president see the variety of clubs photo by Stephanie Moreno of Business Services also Eastfield has to offer. attended in order to answer “Camp Harvester” attendees take part in an exer“It’s a good way to meet any questions the students cise to help new and returning students get to people, get free food, listen may have had about Eastfield. know one another. The SPAR sponsored event to music....,” Napoles said. Gerald Napoles, a SPAR was held Sept. 10. As speakers wrapped program specialist, encourup, the students were split aged students to get involved in numerous campus into two groups for outdoor, teamwork building exeractivities and clubs. Schwartz told students “to get cises, led by Jessica Malone from “Leadership on the involved.” Move.” The first activity was the “get to know you “Campus activities are a lot of fun. They can be game.” Participants stood in a circle, as each individual transforming,” said Schwartz. Tony Wynn, a new stu- was to introduce themselves by their first name and a positive adjective that rhymes with or begins with the same letter. For example, Ambitious Amanda, or Respectful Renay. The second activity involved several teams of five attempting to get everyone on their team across an imaginary river of hot chocolate, using only four marshmallow stepping stones. The purpose of the exercises was to build teamwork skills such as listening to one another. “Why do you think God gave you two ears and one mouth,” Malone asked. “So that you can listen twice as much as you speak.” Many students found the outdoor activities informational and fun. “Camp Harvester ended with issuing camp completion certificates and door prize drawings. Several different prizes were given out such as t-shirts, movie tickets, and two books titled “The History of Eastfield,” written by Eastfield history professor Dr. Jerry Henson. “Camp Harvester, in its first attempt, seemed to have fulfilled its purpose,” Wynn said. “I learned that whether I know somebody or not, it all comes down to the fact that everybody wants to smile and laugh. This gave me the opportunity to meet new people. Everybody was really nice I like nice people and I am thankful for that.” Book fair, jewelry expo band together for PSSA scholarship fundraiser by Mario Mondragon Reporter “Books are Fun” teamed up with Eastfield retiree Marie Dutton to bring Eastfield a special treat, a book fair and jewelry expo Aug.28. Dutton displayed and sold her silver and crystal jewelry, while “Books are Fun”, a Readers Digest subsidiary, made a variety of books and other items available to everyone. The other merchandise included toys, music and games. Customers had several shelves to choose from, containing books on gardening, cooking, children’s education and many other special interests. According to “Books are Fun” employee Justin Beck, the bestseller of the fair was not a book, but a magnetic dart board priced at $17.99. SPAR secretary Janet Foreman purchased two of the dart boards and said she liked, “the reasonable prices and the variety of merchandise.” When asked what she thought about the event, student Elizabeth Ortiz said, “I liked having both the books and jewelry because not all students are into books; many are into fashion.” Marie Dutton was the mastermind behind bringing the fair to Eastfield. Her purpose was to raise money for the Professional Support Staff Association {PSSA}. The PSSA received ten percent of the proceeds from both the jewelry sales and book fair sales to go toward employee scholarships. On this visit they received approximately $378. Although the donation was not as large as the last visit, ($592), Dutton considered the event a success. “We got money for the scholarships and that’s what it’s all about!” she said. The book fair will tour other DCCCD schools and other locations including hospitals and large companies. Student support services goal to remove college barriers by George Cherucheril Reporter If you could use some help with the cost of college, or feel overwhelmed with classes, then the Student Support Services (SSS) division could be your answer. “Student Support Services exist to remove barriers,” said Reva Rattan, dean of the SSS division. It consists of the Financial Aid Office, TRIO/Student Support Services (SSS) program, Disability Services office, and Veterans Affairs office. Financial aid is the largest office in the SSS. Rattan said they have awarded approximately $5 million since July 1. She added that only 25 percent of the general student population applies for financial aid. “Most students believe financial aid only covers tuition and books,” Rattan said. She explained that financial aid covers the total cost of attendance including child-care, transportation, clothing, food, housing, and supplies. “There are two things every student should remember,” Rattan mentioned. First, every student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form each year by the May 1 priority date. Rattan recommends that students “...fill out your FAFSA as soon as you complete your Income Tax Return.” Second, students should read the student aid report mailed to them because “...it may have instructions to send back additional information,” Rattan said. Students missing the priority date or failing to send in additional information are subjected to a five to six week processing lag time, or may lose their claim. The financial aid coordination service offered by the TRIO/SSS program saves students time. Other TRIO/SSS services include, individual tutoring, academic advising, transfer assistance, field trips to area universities, study skills and TASP preparation workshops, and cultural enrichment. Students are eligible for TRIO/SSS if they have a disability, are economically disadvantaged, or neither one of their parents completed a bachelor’s degree. Upon acceptance, students can receive individual tutoring. “Tutors make the program, and losing them is hard,” said Taunya Dixon, TRIO/SSS Tutor Coordinator. “I was set up on private tutoring and it helped me pass chemistry,” said Jill Dozier, a second year TRIO/SSS participant. Bobbi White heads the Disability Services Office. Currently, 200 students use the services offered. Rattan said 200 students also use the services of the Veterans Affairs Office, twice as many as they had two years ago. Rattan added that due to our continued presence in Iraq, larger numbers are expected in the future. All SSS Division offices are located at Suite C237. They offer solutions to ease financial burdens and reduce classroom stress. Texas throws cell phone law out the window Police department, residents discover sequence of e-mails a hoax by Marti Harvey Reporter If you recently received an e-mail about changes in Texas law that would require the use of a hands-free device while driving, please disregard it. The law, said to take effect on September 1, never actually passed. In late July, Uvalde Police Chief Sam Russell and Eagle Pass Police Chief Tony Castaneda received e-mails, appearing to be from the Texas Department of Public Safety, that referred to a new cell phone law and citing House Bill 281 as confirmation. Both began giving interviews to the media about the legislation and then had to backtrack when they discovered the e-mails were bogus. The Texas Department of Public Safety, which said they did not distribute the notices, fielded so many calls that they posted a note on their website about the e-mails. At the same time, businesses and individuals, including some Eastfield students and faculty, received and forwarded e-mails from their friends, families and human resources departments about the new cell phone laws set to take effect. Eastfield employee Ron Rollinson received the e-mail from a friend this summer and thought it looked very authentic. “It even quoted some House bill,” Rollinson said. “It was a couple of weeks before I found out it was not real.” In the meantime, he sent it to several on his e-mail list. “I even saw two more e-mails after that, but they did not have the House Bill verbiage attached,” said Rollinson, who already used a hands-free device and thought the law would be a good idea. Another recipient, Kim Todora, a Dallas marketing executive and heavy cell phone user, said the convincing part was the e-mail attachment containing a copy of House Bill 624. “I got the e-mail from a colleague and thought I was doing everyone a favor when I sent it on to my associates at work,” Todora said. “If I didn’t already own a hands-free device, I would have rushed out to get one. I couldn’t believe it when my friend Traci checked it out and found out it was not true.” Dallas resident Traci Duff, who received the e-mail from Todora, has been using the Internet long enough to know she should investigate things like this. “I always check to see if these kind of emails are hoaxes or actual truths on either www.snopes.com or www.truthorfiction.com before I forward them,” said Duff. “As usual, it was a hoax.” Many of the communications contained the language of House Bills 624 & 281, which sought to make it illegal to use a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle and imposed fines ranging from $25 to $200 for infractions under the proposed law. Both bills were introduced during the regular session of the 78th legislature last spring and each suffered the same fate. Both died in committee back in March, but they came back to life in local e-mail circles. Senior Fest Snapshots Senior adults turned out in large numbers in August for a day of workshops and fun-filled activities photo by Courtney Jordan photo by Courtney Jordan Above, George Vega, of Avalon Alzheimer’s Care Homes, prepares to test his putting skills. Right, a woman gets her questions answered at an information table. Rhonda and Doris Pope of Banner Health Service, Inc. explain how they can offer help to an inquiring woman. September 17, 2003 • Page 9 Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/ ON CAMPUS & ETC We welcome your contributions for the Cartoon Corner in the Fall and Spring semesters. Please e-mail contributions to [email protected] or drop them by the Et Cetera newsroom, N-238. Friend of the stars Aquarius: Jan. 20 – Feb. 18 Do something special for someone. Exam colors: Blue Virgo: August - 23 – Sept. - 22 Take my advice you look fine. Exam colors: White Pisces: Feb. 19 – March 20 You’re up for a challenge, but don’t forget a little hard work always pays off. Exam colors: Green Libra: Sept. - 23 – Oct. 22 Your opinion is the only thing that counts. Exam color: Yellow Aries: March -21 – April 19 Someone is watching you so smile more. Exam colors: Orange Across 1. Drain off a fluid 5. In a higher place 9. Less distant 10. Dwelling 12. Worthless piece of cloth 13. Pry 14. Electronic letter (1-4) 15. Sliding vehicle 16. Exclamation of contempt 18. Roughly 20. Lyrical wordsmiths 22. Terrible 23. Irritate 24. Fall guy 25. Eccentric man 26. The heavens 27. Enthuiastic kiss by SkyyThaStarr Taurus: April 20 - May -20 Give someone a compliment; you may just meet a new friend. Exam colors: Grey Gemini: May 21 - June 21 Don’t be afraid to ask a dumb question, you may just have the right answer. Exam colors: Brown Cancer: June 22 – July 22 Your future looks bright. Exam colors: Red Leo: July 23 - Aug. 22 Take a break sometimes, you deserve it. Exam color: Beige Scorpio: Oct - 23 - Nov - 21 Treat your self to something nice you deserve it Exam colors: Tan Sagittarius: Nov. 22 – Dec. 21 Books come in all different shapes and sizes, so don’t judge a book by its cover Exam color: Black Capricorn: Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Stay focused, and don’t let anything stand in the way of your dreams. Exam color: Sky Blue Dear Readers, Exam colors indicate the best colors to wear on your exam days. I welcome your questions. E-mail me at: [email protected] skyy Down 2. Tag 3. Terminated 4. Source of venison 5. Take into custody 6. Horizontal structural component 7. Gallery occupied by a church organ 8. Wicked 10. Too 11. Exceed in weight 16. Animals with tusks 17. Have confidence in 18. Body of bees 19. Melody 20. Head of the Roman Catholic Church 21. Tall plant 22. Copies Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/ Page 10 • September 17, 2003 ON CAMPUS & ETC Video, plaque portray mood of WTC Memorial by Betty Martyn Reporter “We will not waiver, we will not tire, we will not fear, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail,” reads a plaque on the model of the World Trade Center Memorial. Thus, the quote by President Bush was one of the many reminders displayed in honor of Patriot’s Day in memory of all the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks as well as those serving the country then and now. Student Programs and Resources (SPAR) sponsored the event, which took place in C135. “This will give everyone a choice to visit as they wish,” said SPAR program specialist Gerald Napoles who coordinated the memorial. Items on display included the poem “Extravagant Spirits” by Maya Angelou as well as pictures from Ground Zero. A copy of the Presidential Proclamation that set September 11, 2002 as Patriot’s Day was displayed prominently. Dave Yonley, a media center staff member, produced a video tribute shown at the memorial. “It was emotional putting this video together,” Yonley said. In a book set out for people to write down their thoughts, attendee Paula R. says it beautifully. “What a sad time for all Americans yet, a heroic time. We are a family who cherish life, one nation under God.” New: Classified advertiising for et cetera online. Issues go online 7 days following printed edition. Inquire at [email protected] or call (972) 860-7130. Mars (Continued from page 1) newsletter. The viewing was set up on Wed., Aug. 27 with the second on Aug. 30. Both started around 8:30 p.m. and ended around midnight but due to a cloudy Wednesday night, viewers had to wait around to catch a glimpse of the Red Planet. “At one time I counted lines of about 30 people,” McCalla said. The clouds broke apart later on in the night and viewers were treated to some spectacular images of Mars. “I could see the ice caps, but I thought it would be a lot bigger,” said another star watcher, although her 11-year-old son Graham, said “I thought it was really cool.” Anyone interested in learning more about TAS may visit their website at www.texasastro.org CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 2031 John West Rd., Suite 103 Dallas, Texas 75228 Phone: (214) 327-4040 Mobile: (972) 768-1404 Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. September 17, 2003 • Page 11 Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/ SPORTS Left, Lady Harvesters try to get the ball away from an o p p o n e n t before they score another goal. The Lady Harvesters are 1-3 on the young season. Below, Lady Harvesters block out a defender as they try to score from point blank range. The L a d y Harvesters hope to score more goals once they play together more. photo by Courtney Jordan Workers sparks fly as remodeling contiues on the ‘P’ building, set for completion by November. Asbestos abatement displaces PE classes photos by Courtney Jordan by Sean McNamara Staff writer The ‘P’ building remodeling is part of the Capital Improvement Project that includes the new Science Building and the parking lot renovations. All of these additions and improvements were made possible by a $6.3 million revenue bond. The layout of the gym and locker rooms in the ‘P’ building will be changed to one controlled entrance and exit for improved security. The ‘P’ building was scheduled to be completed over the summer and ready when fall classes started back. Remodeling hit a major snag when they started to tear out the walls in the weight rooms and locker rooms. The workers found asbestos, a type of insulation that has been found to carry cancer causing agents, in a few of the walls throughout the ‘P’ building. The asbestos is left over from renovations that were done to the building in the early 90’s. “By law when any asbestos is found we have to remove it and make sure there is none anywhere else,” said Art Sykes, director of Eastfield Facilities. The ‘P’ building weight room and locker rooms were to be remolded, as well as a new entrance constructed on the 1st floor by the pool. “The renovations have taken longer than expected but it will be worth it when it is all finished,” said Sykes. Renovations are expected to be completed by November. Lady Harvesters Volleyball Opponent Cedar Valley Richland Mountain View Brookhaven Cedar Valley Richland Mountain View Name Brenda Amos Latoya Fesser Melissa Gibson Cecilia Mitchell Amber Hope Kristy Smithson Cynthia Robinson Brandy McNealy Position OH OH S OH OH MB OH MB The Lady Harvesters’ new soccer team just completed their first four games of the season. Their first game was against Navarro, which they lost 0-2. The Lady Harvesters were able to bounce back with a 6-1 win against North Lake. Losses against both Cedar Valley and Richland College soon followed their lone win. The most suspenseful game was against Richland, where they were tied 1-1 until Richland decided it was time to play and scored three goals in the final 10 minutes handing the Lady Harvesters a loss. As for now the Lady Harvesters are 1-3. But coaches, Amanda Ellis and Randy Farmer hope that will change soon. “The girls have improved 99.9 percent since their first practice and they’ve been working hard,” Ellis said. The Lady Harvesters are a new team which no teammate received a scholarship to play, so they each play for the love of the game. “It feels good to know that you’re a part of something that just started,” said midfielder Diana Fuentes “There’s talent, we just need to get it together.” In the beginning of anything there is always unexpected turns. Take one step at a time and you will find yourself at the end of the unknown tunnel. Baseball team gears up, tunes up skills for regular February season Site Cedar Valley Eastfield Mountain View Eastfield Eastfield Richland Eastfield Roster No. 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 by Rick Melo-Flores Reporter Fall baseball scrimmaging September / October schedule Date Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 9 Oct. 13 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 27 New soccer team kicks into high gear, scores first season win High School Hillcrest South Garland Seagoville Seagoville South Garland Fort Thomas South Oak Cliff Bishop Dunne by Jeff Fox Sports editor September/October Baseball schedule The Harvesters’ baseball team is gearing up for another exciting season. The team is currently evaluating talent and tuning up their skills in the fall preseason before the regular season begins in February. The Harvesters finished below expectations last season by missing the playoffs despite finishing the season with a respectable 30-18 record. The team once again has set high expectations for this season, although it is in a very competitive district with Richland and Cedar Valley as opponents. Coach Martin said “Any team that comes out of our district certainly has a chance to contend in the National Tournament.” The Harvesters have a host of players returning from last year’s team, including standout shortstop, Derek Weldon, who by the way was selected to play in the TX-NM JC Date Sept.29 Oct. 1 Oct. 4 Oct. 7 Oct. 10 Oct. 14 Oct. 16 Oct. 17 Oct. 20 Oct. 22 Oct. 23 Opponent Weatherford North Lake Norht Lake Lon Morris Cedar Valley Cedar Valley NE Texas Richland Richland Ranger Brookhaven All Star Game on Sept. 26-27 in Waco TX. Weldon batted .338 with five homeruns and 29 RBI’s last season for the Harvesters. Other than Weldon, outfielder Kyle Grifno, who hit six homeruns and drove in 32 RBI’s last season. Catcher, Matt Groth and his .328 batting average will return. With freshman Taylor Henkel, and redshirt freshman Ty Patterson, who is Place Weatherford Mesquite Mesquite Jacksonville Lancaster Lancaster Mesquite Dallas Dallas Ranger Farmers Branch ready to contribute this season, the Harvesters should have a very productive lineup next spring. Returning pitchers like Cameron Chandler, Chris Ferguson, and Ryan Rupert should anchor the Harvesters pitching staff. With their line up set the Harvesters are looking to contend for another National Title, which they won in 2001. 2003 Fall Baseball Roster Name Pos. Blain Amburgey Russel Baker Devin Berwick Matt Bess Blake Bond Bandon Bond Cameron Chandler David Chavez Ryan Derr Adam Durham Chris Ferguson Colby Festner Matt Fry Jason Fuller Kyle Grifno Matt Groth Aaron Hampton Charlie Hanson Jeff Haught Taylor Henckel Brian Kennedy Enrique Lozano Jordan Lyman Jeff McGee Daniel Morales J.M. Mullinax Ty Patterson Bret Peel Milton Prather Joey Richardson Mason Romero Ryan Rupert Jesse Skole Greg Spitzenberger Jimmy Streubel Brett Thompson Luis Vazquez Derek Weldon Josh Wenzel LHP RHP Inf. RHP LHP OF RHP OF OF LHP RHP C Inf. Inf. OF C OF LHP Inf./OF Inf. RHP RHP C LHP C RHP LHP/Inf. RHP Inf. LHP/Inf. Inf. RHP RHP OF RHP RHP/Inf. OF Inf. Grady Williams Devin Wyble RHP RHP/Inf. Inf. Cowboys open season with disappointing loss, lacks consistent defense he acquisition of new head coach, Bill Parcells, had Cowboy fans highly anticipating the arrival of the new season, but the season opener did not turn out the way most fans had previously hoped. The Cowboys opened up their 2003 season with a disappointing 27-13 loss against the Mike Vick-less Atlanta Falcons. A game which the Cowboys were favored to win according to experts. This loss came just two weeks after the Cowboys gave their fans hope for the future after they put up 52 points against T the defending AFC champions the Oakland Raiders in a preseason game. That game just proves a point that we have all heard so many times before, the preseason means absolutely nothing. The Cowboys less than stellar starting quarterback, Quincy Carter, looked like a legitimate NFL quarterback during the preseason, then in the regular season opener he looked dazed and confused while fumbling, throwing an interception, and making a host of poor decisions with the football on the run. The quarterback position is just one of the problems that plagued the Cowboys in the season opener. A weak running game was no help for the passing game either. Another problem for the Cowboys was supposed to be the teams’ strong suite, the defense could not stop the Falcons running game in the second half of the game. The Cowboys defense had a good game plan coming into the game, as they did not allow the Falcons to get their running game going in the first half. After halftime it seemed that the Falcons offense made the necessary adjustments to get their running game on track, and the Cowboys defense did not respond at all. In the first half of the second game the Cowboys looked as if they had ironed out all of the problems. But in the second half the Cowboys unpredictable defense failed again as they gave up 25 points to the New York Giants and blew a 13 point halftime lead.The Cowboys held on to eventually win the game in overtime by a score of 35-32. If the Cowboys fail to improve the “The quarterback position is just one of the problems that plagued the Cowboys in the season opener.” -Jeff Fox quarterback position, by bringing in a veteran for this season, run the ball successfully, and start playing more consistent defense, they are going to be in for a long disappointing season.
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