November 12, 2003 - Dallas County Community College

November 12, 2003
Volume 34, Issue 5
***ACP National Pacemaker Finalist***
Ethics bowl team
debate to top spot
by Amanda Dunn
Staff writer
A team of Eastfield
students, led by philosophy
professor,
John
Wadhams,
recently participated
in the 7th Annual
South Central Texas
Regional Ethics Bowl
at
St.
Mary’s
University in San
Antonio.
All their time and
effort paid off when
photo by Seketha Wonzer
the Eastfield team
walked away with the The Eastfield Debate team competed and won
first-place trophy.
first place in the South Central Texas Regional
A total of 18 col- Ethics Bowl in San Antonio, Nov. 1.
leges
participated,
At the end of February,
including
Texas
Southern
University, St. Mary’s University, Eastfield’s Regional Ethics Bowl
will
travel
to
and Texas A&M at Corpus Christi, a Champions
veteran national and regional com- Cincinnati, Ohio to compete in the
petitor. Eastfield was one of two national competition. They are
community colleges that participat- already beginning to prepare for
another win.
ed.
Wonzer describes her experience
The regional competition made
up of teams who have either com- at Regional as “A very different but
peted at the Intercollegiate Ethics nice experience.”
Bowl or have won the Regional
“One reason why I think we
Ethics Bowl in the past. The teams walked away with that trophy was
compete in three matches regarding because we worked together, and
social and political ethics. Eastfield had a lot of teamsmanship. We put
student and first time participant, in long hard hours and helped one
Seketha Wonzer said, “It’s like ethi- another build our cases,” Wonzer
cal debating.” Some of the topics said. “We owe a lot to Professor
that were debated included issues John Wadhams for his encourageinvolving child labor laws, invitro ment and standing strong behind
fertilization, and ads targeting small us.” Eastfield team members
children.
included: Stephen Atkinson, Starr
Last semester, Eastfield partici- Brown, Carl Brumley, Brian
pated in the National event (the Cook, Christina Espinosa, Crys
Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl) for the
Foster, Corey Jones, Josh
first time.
Markovic, Shawn McMillan,
That particular team returned
Daniel Morales, Marisela Pena,
home with the results of 1-2 in their
Brianna
Pierrelouis,
Kim
matches with a confident attitude
Shuford, and Seketha Wonzer.
regarding their performances.
turning
over
new
leaves
photos by Stephanie Moreno
Janae Brent, a volunteer, reads to Kacenka and Verunka during Eastfield’s
Parent/Child Study Center’s Fall Festival, Nov. 6 in C-135. Parents decided to hold
a fall festival instead of the usual holiday celebration.
Parents change tide at Parent/Child Study
Center by celebrating seasons, not holidays
by Betty Martyn
Reporter
The Parent/Child Study Center held its
first ever Fall Festival in room C-135 for parents, friends and family Nov. 6. The Fall
Festival gives the children a chance to showcase what they have learned about the changes
that fall brings. “We wanted to get away from
celebrating the holidays and instead focus on
what the children have been learning,” Center
Director Jennifer McFarlane said. Lessons
include why the leaves change color and fall
“We wanted to get away from
celebrating the holidays and
instead focus on what the children have been learning.”
–Jennifer McFarlane
from the trees as well as being a time for harvesting crops.
The event was brought about due to efforts
by the Parents’ Committee, which included
Angela Menendez, Petra Yasin, and Cliff
Keneley; all of whom took time from busy
schedules to coordinate the event. Members of
the committee were unavailable for comment.
The festival consisted of dinner and entertainment, which included Hannah Schell, who
played the guitar. “Our class will be doing the
Macarena using the months of the year,”
instructor Coretta Williams said.
The Fall Festival was held in room C-135.
Approximately 100 people attended and all
the hard work put in by parents, staff and the
children made it a fun evening.
Third time’s the charm for winner of the Johnnie Ruth Clarke award
by George Cherucheril
Reporter
Rising Star coordinator Karen
Stepherson huffed into her office
where a student greeted her with
news that she was dropping a class.
With military precision and in a nononsense manner, Stepherson, a former army staff sergeant, answered
the student’s questions.
Then, with a twinkle in her eye,
she asked the student why she had
not seen her around lately. The student said she was planning to move
and Stepherson pressed for more
details. “I kind of want to run away
from home,” said the student. “You
need to chat with me,” Stepherson
said adding that she might be able to
offer some help to the student.
A desire to help out others epitomizes Karen Stepherson. She was
recognized for this trait when she
received the Johnnie Ruth Clarke
award for professional support staff
on Oct. 25, in West Palm Beach,
Florida.
The National Council on Black
Affairs Southern Region (NCBAA)
presented the award in the name of
the late Dr. Johnnie Ruth Clarke,
who in 1966 became the first black
woman to earn a doctorate at a
Florida public university.
Stepherson said this was the third
time Eastfield President Dr. Rodger
A. Pool nominated her for this
award. She described her reaction
upon learning she won. “You know
I was kind of blown away because I
wasn’t expecting it,” Stepherson
said. “It was like, okay, this is the
third time and you know third time
is the charm.”
She added that Dr. Pool fosters
her growth. “I appreciate that he’s
not a person who will keep me confined in a box,” Stepherson said.
She said her position gives her the
flexibility to be creative and allows
her to help young people.
“A lot of times people view me
as this mean, angry person just
because of my demeanor,”
Stepherson said. She spent ten
years in the military, and also
worked as a probation officer.
Demeanor alone fails to capture
Stepherson.
Stepherson said she originally
hails from West Palm Beach and
had not been back there for a while.
So receiving her award there proved
advantageous because her father
and paternal grandmother, who had
been recently hospitalized, live
there.
Also, important, her father
watched her “receive something
which he never has so I was really
excited about that,” said Stepherson.
Upon accepting her award, a
black plaque Stepherson said it was
overwhelming standing in a room
full of influential educators many of
whom where African American. “It
was cool, it was really cool,”
Stepherson said.
At first Stepherson did not know
much about Dr. Clarke but learned a
great deal about her at the conference. Stepherson said she learned
that Dr. Clarke did many wonderful
things at different colleges and universities in Florida.
Dr. Clarke was born in 1919 and
as a child vowed she would become
somebody. Despite the racial prejudices of her time she persisted in the
field of education and always
worked to help the less fortunate.
A St. Petersburg Times article
quoted Dr. Clarke’s son, Peter who
said that she did not tolerate putting
anyone down in front of her. Her
daughter, Cathlene said Clarke
rarely talked about herself.
Like Dr. Clarke, Stepherson said
her mother demonstrated the values
of sharing, giving back, and focusing on others rather than on oneself.
“She always made me do something
for
somebody
else,”
said
Stepherson. “At first I used to be
very resentful of that.”
Stepherson said when she
received birthday or Christmas
photo by Courtney Jordan
Johnnie Ruth Clarke award winner Karen Stepherson (seated, center)
is shown with Rising Star students in a Career Exploration class.
gifts, her mother required her to rewrap some of the gifts and give
them to poor neighborhood kids. At
first Stepherson said she did not
enjoy this, but later learned the
value of giving.
She added that her mother would
cook dinner one day every week for
eight to 10 hungry neighborhood
kids. “I’ve always grown up with,
yeah, you have your place in the
world, but you are called to give
back to others.”
She added that helping others out
is her primary motivation in life and
work.
“It really is nice to be recognized
that’s not why I do it so it was pretty cool,” Stepherson said.
Identity theft seminar reveals how to avoid victimization
by Jeff Sanders
News editor
photo by Jordana Venable
Adalberto
Sanchez
attends
Identity Seminar Nov. 5 in C-135.
As identity bandits wage a silent and very
costly war against American consumers, the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) strikes
back, educating consumers in the methods
used by identity thieves. The battlefront
moved to Eastfield Nov. 5 when FTC
Attorney Gary Kennedy presented an identity
theft seminar designed to teach students about
the threat of identity theft and how to protect
their identity from thieves who are out to steal
consumer’s money, ruin their credit and tarnish their good name.
Nearly 100 people attended the standingroom-only seminar in room C-135 and many
attendees had good reason to be there. Hands
went up all over the room when Kennedy
asked how many of the attendees had already
been a victim of identity theft. “Anyone over
30,” Kennedy said, taking a quick inventory
of raised hands.
According to Kennedy, identity theft
makes up 43 percent of all fraud complaints
received by the FTC and that number is likely
to grow quickly in the coming years. The
number of identity thefts reported to the FTC
has doubled since 2001 and there is evidence
that many more thefts go unreported. “For
every report of identity theft, you can multiply
that number by 100 and that will be closer to
the actual number of thefts that occur,” said
Kennedy. “I can assure you that within 10
years, you will likely be a victim of identity
theft.”
Kennedy outlined the most common ways
that identity thieves obtain their victim’s personal information. They steal wallets and
purses, steal mail from the mail box, rummage
through trash and use personal information
shared over the phone, through the mail and
see THEFT SEMINAR, page 7
Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/
Page 2 ¥ November 12, 2003
PERSPECTIVES & OPINIONS
ET CETERA
E
Member Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Associated Collegiate Press •
Texas Community College Journalism Association
Eastfield College
3737 Motley Drive
Mesquite, Texas 75150-2099
972.860.7130
Fax: 972.860.7040
E-mail: [email protected]
Editor ... Liz Foster
Online Editor/Staff writer ... Joe Stumpo
Assistant Editor.....Abel Sanchez
Perspectives Editor ... Lecia Garner
Copy Editor ... Amanda Dunn
Art Editor/Advertising Representative ....
Loni Warden
In-depth/Investigative Editor ... Steven J.
King
Features Editor ... Marti Harvey
News Editor .... Jeff Sanders
Health & Politics Editor .... Kyle Spencer
Entertainment Editor ... Seketha Wonzer
Profiles Editor .... Quinton Young
Sports Editor ... Jeff Fox
Photo Editor... Stephanie Moreno
Cartoonist ... Chris Worsham
Senior Photographer... Courtney Jordan
Photographer... Jordana Venable
Staff Writers ... James Steele II, Sean
McNamara
Copy Readers ...Amber Brown, George K.
Cherucheril, Jeffery Fox, Marti
Harvey, Olubukola Obayanju,
Jeff Sanders, Chris Rodriguez
Publications Adviser ... Marilyn Worsham
Faculty Adviser ... Sabine Winter
D I T O R I A L
Student apathy affects everyone
College organizations, sports benefit with student input
“Student apathy” is a term used
to describe students who display a
lack of interest or concern for their
college. This lack of interest
includes the dwindling of student
support and involvement on campus. While student support plays an
important role in the success of
educational institutions, it seems to
be fading fast at many community
colleges, including Eastfield.
A.W. Astin defines student
involvement in the Journal of
College Student Personnel, 1984,
as “the amount of physical and
psychological energy that the student devotes to the academic experience.” This academic experience
is more than just attending your
classes; it includes attending sporting events, meetings, fundraisers
and anything that is beneficial to
the success of the campus and the
student. Though these factors
should be viewed with great importance, they are slowly being swept
under the rug. Attend a sporting
event at Eastfield and you will find
the number of fans is less than to
be desired. Student involvement in
meetings is not exactly “up to par”
either. The question is do these
things really make that big of a difference for the college and student
involved?
Increasing student involvement
would boost the attitude and the
success of the school. Consider a
basketball game, for example. If a
team is playing at home and they
have the grand total of five fans
cheering them on, their attitudes
will not be as positive as if they
had a nice crowd. This example
illustrates how student support can
effect the attitude of the college as
a whole.
Student support not only benefits the college but the student as
well. V. Tinto said in Journal of
Higher Education, 1997, “ High
levels of student involvement generally proved to be an independent
predictor of gains in learning.”
The more a student is involved
with their school, the more they
feel part of the whole “college
experience.”
Some students have the assumption that one cannot have the whole
“college experience” at a community college, but this statement can
be argued. Eastfield has sporting
events including basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, golf, and
rodeo; all the events you would
find at a four-year university and
more. There are numerous clubs
and committees on campus one can
be a part of as well. Eastfield students have the options of joining
Phi Theta Kappa, Student
Commissioners, Comedy Club,
Rodeo Club and many more.
In a student satisfaction survey
conducted at Eastfield College, students had to rate the importance of
the statement “Eastfield has at least
one student club/organization I
might be interested in joining.”
Out of 631 students 85.9 percent
said that this was important and 85
percent were satisfied with the
club/organizations. If this survey
still holds true, where are all these
students?
“Student apathy” is a phrase
shrugged off too often. Eastfield is
grateful for the dedicated and supportive students they have, but it
would not hurt if they had a little
or a lot of help.
The increase of student involvement can do nothing but improve
Eastfield and its students as a
whole.
Honesty provides life without parole for serial killers
O
Your honor, come on.
I only killed forty eight people.
Look on the bright side, it
could’ve been more.
–Please, accept my
apologies.
–Chris Worsham
kay, I know I am a little slow on the
uptake sometimes, but I do not get it. It
is like a very cruel joke. It is the “escape
the execution” lotto, and Green River killer
Gary Leon Ridgway picked the winning ticket
when he agreed to admit to 48 gruesome
killings in return for a sentence of life without
parole. Not death - life without parole.
So, where was I when they decided a serial
killer’s honesty trumped the heinousness of his
crimes?
I am sure Mr. Leandro Andrade of California
would make an apology for stealing those
videos worth about $150 if they would lessen
his 50-year sentence. I am equally certain any
one of the 3,500 condemned prisoners in the
United States would show contrition for a shot
at life without parole. Heck, I would even say
sorry if my mother would just forgive me for
marrying for love instead of money.
But, we live in bizarro world. There is no
real justice when the worst killer in our history
escapes the punishment meant only for the most
vicious of our kind - him. In the end he is
rewarded for his honesty. His honesty? Talk
about circular logic.
That is a slap in the face to our justice system. This judgment could turn sentencing laws
upside-down because defense attorneys will
compare their client's’ crimes to this. Will juries
find it hard to deal out a harsher punishment for
only one killing? How about
three? Five? Where will the bar be set? If we
execute one murderer, should we execute them
all and, if not, why?
With the trial of alleged accused sniper John
Lee Malvo going on and the upcoming trial of
his partner, John Mohammed just around the
corner, what effect will this have on their sentencing? My bet is one rats out the other, convincing prosecutors to spare his own life. After
all, honesty is the best policy.
From where I sit, though, honesty is not the
driving force behind these sweetheart deals. I
think it is all about the reputations of the victims.
If it were about honesty, others who confessed to a capital crime would be spared. In
fact, using that logic, anyone that says, “I did it
and I’m sorry,” should be allowed to live. But
that is not how it really works. Most murderers
would gladly confess if they thought they could
spare their own lives. But more and more prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. So why not
in this case? It is clearly the worst ever.
It is because the women Ridgway killed were
runaways and prostitutes. In the eyes of most
they had little value to society, so it was okay to
bargain with their killer. They were some of
those poor suckers that always played the lotto,
“So, where was I when
they decided a serial
killer s honesty trumped
the heinousness of his
crimes?”
-Marti Harvey
but never won. As I heard one acquaintance say,
“It’s not the quality of the victims that makes it
so bad, it’s the quantity.” I did not know I had
any acquaintances that thought like that.
So where is the equality? The death of one
wealthy socialite equals 10 prostitutes or two
business executives equal seventeen
runaways. Maybe three housewives equal 21
crackheads?
In this game of pick your punishment, the
biggest losers of all are the American
people. We are left to wonder if the justice system that is supposed to protect us will really be
there when we need it. Will it be fair to us if,
somehow, we are caught up in it?
Until we have a more just and consistent
court system, there could be more nuts like
Ridgway thinking they can get away with murder by saying, “Yeah I did it and I’m sorry.” It
seems the odds may be stacked against us.
E v e r y o n e w a n t s i t . T h e w o r l d i s i n s e a rc h o f i t .
All living creatures possess it. Money cannot buy it. So what exactly is it, and where can one find it?
There is a universal phenomenon that is
taking the world by storm. It comes in all
shapes, sizes, and colors. You can only
receive it if you give it. Take time to get to
know it, and, whole heartedly embrace it.
Who is it?! Nobody. What is it?! LOVE!
Love is life.
Life is love.
Love is your existence.
Love is your understanding of nature and
human kind.
Love is is your dislike of hate.
Love is your acceptance of another’s differences.
Love is the Word of God.
Love is holding the hands of a complete
stranger on the side of the road as they lay
clinging to life from an auto accident.
Love is delivering window fans to the poor
and elderly during the blazing hot summer
days.
Love is the Red Cross.
Love is a homeless shelter for battered
women and abused children.
Love is a peaceful demonstration against
war and violence.
Love is calling grandma and grandpa to tell
them how much you appreciate them.
Love is a best friend.
Love is being a best friend.
Love is saying “I Do” and really meaning
it.
Love is telling a friend when they have had
too much to drink.
Love is admitting to yourself you need
help for your own problems.
Love is a child donating his allowance so
that a less fortunate child can have
Christmas gifts.
Love is the meaning of Christmas, Jesus
Christ.
Love is breaking your ankle in the first
quarter and finishing the game.
Love is teaching others how the game is
played.
Love is praying for your enemy.
Love is not being an enemy.
Love is the opposite of hate, and love
despises greed.
Love is something we all need.
LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO
ROUND!
“Love is a peaceful
demonstration
against war and
violence.”
-Steven J. King
–Loni Warden
Do you think student support in club and sporting
events play a role in college success and why?
“Not necessarily, some people
might enjoy being active on campus but some may not, it really
depends on the enthusiasm of the
student to succeed.”
Alex Kwong
17, Undecided
“No, if you are focused on your
major nothing should stop your
success.”
Kerry Rollins
19, Marketing
Editorial Policy
The views expressed on the opinion pages and throughout the publication are
those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Et Cetera,
Eastfield College or the Dallas Community College District. Educational
opportunities are offered without regard to race, age, national origin, religion,
sex or disability.
“I think it is important to get
involved in clubs and sports
events because it supports the
school and the success of the
school itself. That affects all of
us.”
Heather Kercheval
22, Early Childhood Dev.
“Yes, because it enables students
to blend their academic and
social lives.”
Steven Scammel
19, Undecided
The Et Cetera is published every two weeks, except Dec., Jan., and March by
a student staff. Each member of the college community is entitled to one free
copy of the Et Cetera. Additional copies are available in Room N-238.
For sign language interpreters and other accessibility accommodations for persons who are disabled, please contact Services for Special Populations at least
one week prior to the event at 972.860.7039.
by Courtney Jordan
“Yes, because if a school has a
great sports program, it will
attract more students.”
Joy D. Johnson
19, Journalism
“Yes, sport and club events play a
major role because you meet new
people as well as join in many fun
activities. It makes you feel much
better about yourself and about
college.”
Jonathan Sandate
19, Dentistry
Letters to the Editor
Letters must be typed and signed. Names will be withheld upon request. They
will be edited for profanity and vulgarity, Associated Press style, grammar,
libel and space when needed. The content will remain that of the author.
Letters considered for printing must be 250 words or fewer. Letters may be
delivered to N-238 or left in the suggestion box.
First Amendment Right
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of the speech, or of
the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
government for a redress of grievances.
November 12, 2003 • Page 3
Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/
HEALTH & POLITICS
Incurable
disease
strikes
millions
Many diabetics unaware they have the deadly disease
by Steven J. King
In-depth/Investigative editor
Diabetes is a chronic disease with out a cure that
affects men and women of all
ages, as well as a number of
ethnic groups. “African
Americans,
Hispanic
Americans, and Asian South
Pacific Americans tend to
have high diabetes rates within their family history,” director of Texas Diabetes Council
Dr. Jan Ozias, Ph.D. RN,
said. “Family history and ethnic background are risk factors for the disease that a person can not change.”
The American Diabetes
Association (ADA) web site
(www.diabetes.org),
lists
three types of diabetes, as
well as a pre-condition: prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, type
2 diabetes, and gestational
diabetes. Pre-diabetes occurs
when a person’s blood glucose levels are too high, but
not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2.
Type 1 diabetes affects 510 percent of all diabetics,
and requires a replacement of
insulin in the body. “Type 1
diabetes is an auto-immune
condition where the pancreas
no longer produces insulin in
the beta cells,” Dr. Ozias
said. “It starts in young children to young adults. One in
400 to 500 young people
have type 1 diabetes.” People
with type 1 have to take daily
insulin injections or use an
insulin pump to survive.
Type 2 diabetes results
from the body’s inability to
use insulin properly. “High
insulin levels are a sign of
developing type 2 diabetes,”
said Ozias. It affects 16 million of the 17 million people
in the United States diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2
diabetes will also cause its
victims to experience other
complications. “High blood
pressure, high cholesterol,
polycystic ovary syndrome,
and a skin darkening disorder, acanthosis nigricans, are
all complications that can
arise from being diabetic,”
Dr. Ozias said.
Gestational
diabetes
affects women and their
unborn children. “Gestational
diabetes is more like type 2
and develops when a woman
is pregnant,” Dr. Ozias said.
Unless precautions are taken,
a woman is at high risk for
later development of diabetes, and the unborn child
may suffer birth defects.
According to ADA, diabetes is the fifth deadliest disease in the United States.
There are an estimated 17
million people in the United
States living with diabetes.
Of those 17 million, 5.9
million do not know they
have the disease. Medical
expenses attributable to diabetes in 2002 were estimated
Celebrities with Diabetes
Singer/Actress
Patti LaBelle
Actress
Delta Burke
Political Activist
Winne Mandela
Actress
Mary Tyler Moore
Actress
Halle Berry
Singer/Actress
Vanessa Williams
Former USSR Leader
Mikhail Gorbachev
Musician
Neil Young
Musician
Brett Michaels
Actress
Jean Smart
Musician
Tommy Lee
Actress
Sharon Stone
Actor
Jerry Mathers
Talk Show Host
Larry King
Musician
B.B.King
Sources:http://diabetes.about.com; http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.mendosa.com;File Photos
at $132 billion. Direct medical expenditures totaled
$91.8 billion.
Indirect expenses resulting
from lost workdays, restricted activity days, mortality,
and permanent disability due
to diabetes totaled $39.8 billion.
“Our goal is to help people
live well with diabetes, and
not make their lives revolve
Presidential I.Q. Scores
1. Bill Clinton (D) - 182
2. Jimmy Carter (D) - 175
3. John F. Kennedy (D) - 174
4. Richard Nixon (R) - 155
5. Franklin Roosevelt (D) - 147
6. Harry Truman (D) - 132
7. Lyndon Johnson (D) - 126
8. Dwight Eisenhower (R) - 122
9. Gerald Ford (R) - 121
10. Ronald Reagan (R) - 105
11. George Bush Sr. (R) - 98
12. George W. Bush (R) - 91
Source: published by the Lovenstein Institute of Scranton,
Pennsylvania
http://www.lovenstein.org/report
around
diabetes,”
Dr.
Ozias said. Unfortunately,
most people do not become
aware they are living with
diabetes until they have
developed a life threatening
complication stemming from
being a diabetic.
“It is important that young
people establish a good diet
low in calories,” Dr. Ozias
said. “A daily meal plan consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and reducing excess fats and carbohydrates is a necessity.
Moderate to medium daily
activity of 30 minutes a day,
150 minutes a week are necessary to manage diabetes.”
Diabetes does not have to
be fatal. Signs of the disease
may not show until later, so it
is important to know the risk
factors. Most risk factors pertain to body weight and family history.
“Being overweight and
having a body build that
stores excess weight around
the midsection is a genetic
risk factor for developing
type 2 diabetes,” Ozias said.
“A combination of two or
more risk factors merits getting a checkup from your
doctor.”
More information on diabetes can be found on the following web sites: Texas
Diabetes Council (www.texa s d i a b e t e s c o u n c i l . o rg ) ;
American Diabetes
A s s o c i a t i o n
(www.diabetes.org); National
Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health
P r o m o t i o n
(www.cdc.gov/diabetes).
Diabetes is a disease in
which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that is
needed to convert sugar,
starches and other food into
energy needed for daily life.
The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery,
although both genetics and
environmental factors such
as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
•Approximately 17 million
people in the United States,
or 6.2% of the population,
have diabetes.
•5.9 million people are
unaware that they have the
disease.
•Approximately 2.8 million or
13% of all African-Americans
have diabetes.
•Almost 105,000 Native
Americans and Alaska
Natives, or 15.1% of the
population, receiving care
from Indian Health Services
(IHS) have diabetes.
•Approximately 9.1 million or
8.9% of all women over the
age of 20 in the United
States have diabetes.
•Gestational diabetes affects
about 4% of all pregnant
women - about 135,000
cases in the United States
each year.
•Nearly 20.1% of the United
States population, or 7.0 million people age 65 and older,
have diabetes.
Source: American Diabetes
Association
Republican presidential I.Q.’s
lower on average than those
of Democratic presidents
T
here was a report recently about the I.Q.’s of
the U.S. presidents in modern times. Our
current president finished last in the rankings. According to the report, the list was led by
former president Bill Clinton and seemed to favor
Democrats over Republicans. The top three were
Democrats, with only one Republican in the top
five.
According to the British Broadcasting Channel
website, there are a number of ways in which psychologists can measure the intelligence of a person.
An I.Q. test is a psychometic test, in which it measures mental ability.
Some psychologists see the I.Q. test as a correct
measure of an individuals intellect, while one of
the other schools of thought sees the I.Q. test as a
measure of a person’s problem solving ability
rather than brain power.
All I.Q. tests are timed with various tests having
different times. The timing of these tests is meant
to see how fast an individual can receive information, problem solve, and conclude the correct
answer.
Some psychologists stick by the I.Q. test
adamantly. If they are right, we should be praying
for another president, because George W. Bush is
not bright. Former president George Bush Sr. finished only slightly better than his son, with his
predecessor, Reagan, finishing a little above him.
I used to watch “Saturday Night Live” episodes
in which President Bush Jr. was portrayed as a
bumbling idiot and I would laugh. Now, I am a lit-
The I.Q.’s were based upon scholarly
Graphic by Loni Warden
Diabetes Quick Facts
achievements, writings that they alone produced, and their ability to speak with clarity
and psychological factors. The study determined the above IQs as accurate to within
five percentage points.
•No president other than President Jimmy
Carter has released his actual I.Q. which is
176.
•The six Democratic presidents had I.Q.’s
with an average of 156.
tle bit worried. Do we
really need a man of limited intellect making
decisions for our country?
President Bush is not
an un-intelligent man
because his I.Q. is only
half
of
president
Clinton’s. It just means
“Good public
that a roughly estimated
three quarters of the U.S. speaking skills are
population have higher not the best way to
judge a person’s
I.Q.’s than him.
intelligence.”
The speeches that
presidents make often
sound smarter because of -James Steele II
the team of writers, and
analysts the president has
working for him behind the scenes. Good public
speaking skills are not the best way to judge a person’s intelligence. Obviously the president has to
be a good figurehead and/or administrator, but I do
not sit comfortable knowing that Bush is somewhat
dimwitted.
As with anything, I.Q. tests are open to debate.
Most people with high I.Q’s want to believe in
them. Those who have low scores tend to believe in
the application of knowledge over the ability to
solve problems on paper.
•The reasons for George W. Bush’s low ratings were his apparent difficulty to command
the English language in public statements,
his limited use of vocabulary (6,500 words for
Bush v. 11,000 words for other presidents),
his lack of scholarly achievements other than
a basic MBA degree and the absence of any
body of work which could be studied on an
intellectual basis.
•Study was commissioned on Feb. 13, 2001
and released on July 9, 2001.
Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/
Page 4 • November 12, 2003
NEWS & EVENTS
Preschoolers-at-risk receive
Headstart research grant
by Betty Martyn
Reporter
Beaver, program administrator
for
Child
D e v e l o p m e n t / Te a c h e r
Preparation. While the
Eastfield College, with a research
teachers are enrolled in the
grant from the Headstart program,
certification courses, they
offers college courses leading to a
•Preschool children learn best by
are mentored by both
certification to become an Early
doing.
Beaver and Dr. David
Childhood Interventionist (ECI).
•They need a variety of activities.
Brown to help teachers
ECI’s specialize in helping children
•They understand basic concepts.
implement what they have
three to five years feel comfortable
•They enjoy serious discussions.
learned in the classroom.
and confident when they begin the
•They develop reasoning ability.
Teachers taking these
formal education process.
•They ask a lot of questions.
courses provide a list of
The goal of the project is to pro•They can communicate their
students in their classes.
mote school readiness and better
needs, ideas, and questions.
There is also a control
reading skills for young children
•They need indoor and outdoor
group of classes not in the
through high quality, research-based
space.
PAR program. Evaluator
college courses for early childhood
•They need a balance between
Dr. Brown sends out data
educators. “We want to get the chilactive and quiet play.
collectors to conduct four
dren ready for the Kindergarten expe•They can participate in group
assessment tests given in
rience,” said Preschoolers at
activities.
the spring and fall to each
Academic Risk instructor, Denise
group. The tests include
Collins.
Development
Skills
Courses for the one year certifiRetrieved from www. urbanext.uiuc.edu
Checklist (DSC), Peabody
cate include child growth and develPicture Vocabulary Test-lll
opment, children with special needs,
(PPVT-lll),
Expressive
multicultural/multilingual education,
Vocabulary Test (EVT),
abuse and neglect, emergent literacy,
English and Spanish, and developmental reading class- Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS), and Test of
es which promote increased literacy for early childhood Early Mathematics Ability (TEMA-2). These test are
designed to check the children when they begin the
educators.
Those in the certification program are trained in project, and again at the end of the year to check their
both oral and written language that prepare three to progress. The tests check development of vocabulary,
five-year-olds to learn to read and succeed in school. reading, writing, as well as the children’s social skills.
The method of teaching is incorporates all the human Children are assessed in both control and targeted PAR
senses; “Children need to see, feel, hear, taste, and classrooms to compare gains in number recognition,
touch to connect words and learn to read,” said Collins. pre-reading skills, language and vocabulary.
Classrooms are evaluated to calculate the growth
“As a child I was left behind educationally, this is
my chance to catch up and to be sure the children I and changing environment between target and control
teach will not be left behind,” said one PAR student. classrooms. The researcher also monitors the on-going
Currently there are fifteen teachers enrolled in the cer- support provided by mentors. The project will assesstification program. “With the series of college credit es the continuing of the training as five-year-olds enter
classes which we hope will help them to be able to bet- public schools.
ter support children’s literacy development and, to be
better prepared for higher learning,” said Nancy
Preschoolers Intellectual
Development
(3 and 4 year-olds)
Parliamentary Procedure Workshop
ROBERT’S RULES OF
PARLIAMENTARY
PROCEDURE SAYS: “I call
th i s m e e t i n g t o order.”
(Clockwise, Franda Hayes
reviews literature from the
Parliamentary Procedure
workshop
while
Misty
Sterling and Caleen Page
also peruse brochures and
handouts given out at the
Parliamentary Procedure
workshop. Earl Johnson,
the facilitator of the event
shared information on how
to conduct business meetings in an organized and
timely manner regardless of
the organization. The SPAR
sponsored workshop was
held Nov. 7 in C-135 and
was open to staff and students.
photos by Jordana Venable
Eastfield support staff team wins gold SPAR to ease tension
in ‘Bowling with Chancellor’ scholarship meet with stress busters for
final examinations
“The cause is
by Brandon Stovall
Reporter
The Dallas County Community College
District Professional Support Staff Association
held the first ever “Bowling With The
Chancellor,” where locations all over the district
competed to win door prizes. The association
sponsored the DCCCD Professional Support
Staff Association Scholarship.
A $25 entry fee (which would pay for 3 games
and shoe rental) as well as bowler sponsors (who
donated at least a penny per point) raised $2,000
to go toward this cause. The chancellor, Dr.
Jesus “Jess” Carreon said, “The cause is really
important and I am flattered at how many people
came to bowl.” Dr. Carreon shook hands and
greeted everyone who attended. He bowled on
every lane (1-18) a frame each and greeted the
team and sponsors of that particular lane. At the
end of the event he was presented with a bowling
pin signed by everyone present for the fundraiser.
The first place
team was from
Eastfield and consisted of: Dorothy really important
Keylon, Joe Keylon, and I am flattered
Eric Aurend, and
at how many peoConnie
Cotton.
ple came to
They were awarded
a golden pin each;
bowl.”
second
place
received a silver pin,
and third place
claimed the bronze
–Dr. “Jess” Jesus
pin. The second
Carreron,
place winners were
Chancellor
from North Lake,
and the third were
from Richland. The consolation prize given to
the last team was a toy bowling kit on which they
could practice.
The fund raiser took place at AMF Bowling
Lanes after it moved from Don Carter’s All Star
Lanes. The event which was to take place on
Dining etiquette seminar
explains what to do with
those little forks
by P.J. Kryfko
Reporter
Students were finally given the
answers to nagging questions, like
what to do with all of those little
forks, at the recent
Dining
Etiquette
seminar.
The event was
hosted by Student
Programs
and
Resources (SPAR)
on Oct. 28, and hosted by the professionally polite Susan
Huston.
“Susan
Huston owns her own company and
teaches dining etiquette as well as
things such as mannerisms to people. Some of her clients include the
Texas Rangers baseball team, Bell
Helicopter, and she even prepares
the Miss Texas pageant winner,”
SPAR’s Gerald Napoles said.
Huston has even made several tele-
vision appearances to talk about
manners, and proper etiquette.
The seminar was originated last
spring and brought back this year
by popular demand. “We try to do
programs that are fun, entertaining,
and educational,” Napoles
said. It is also the first part
of the Success to the Third
Power series with parts
two and three, Balancing
Your Life, and Conflict
and Anger Management,
to be held next semester.
Covering everything
from first impression
introductions, eating manners, proper seating, and what to do
with all those forks, the seminar can
be a great aid to those planning to
venture into the business world.
“[Your Company] may use etiquette
as a way to gauge your skills,
because not only do you represent
yourself, you represent your company,” said Napoles.
Nov. 1 was double booked with the Special
Olympics bowling fund raiser. Robert Gonzalez,
president of PSSA at El Centro, who planned and
engendered the fundraiser decided not to cancel
it.
The idea for this fund raiser happened when
Dr. Carreon claimed that he enjoys bowling.
Soon after, a proposal for a bowling fundraiser
was made and the PSSA presidents from each
location helped construct the event. For this
event, 18 total teams participated and every
member seemed to enjoy themselves. The teams
consisted of people from around the district
which gave many individuals a chance to socialize with others from different schools. A participant bowler, Karen Laljiani, who conducts institutional research at El Centro said, “This is a lot
of fun and was a great idea.” Laljiani was one of
the many who enjoyed the fundraiser.
Desire to hold the fundraiser again was common for participants. Gonzalez, who acted as
chair of the event said, “Today has been fun and
I plan to do this again in the spring of 2005.”
by Brandon Stovall
Reporter
Final exams are near and students at Eastfield College are
preparing for one of the most
important tests of the semester.
Along with students, SPAR is taking plans to help take the tension
off students with the annual Stress
Busters event.
The event will contain
food and beverages,
games, as well as a
video for students
to watch. “This is a
way for students to
take a break from
the stress of the
finals,” said Judy
Schwartz, program
specialist of SPAR.
Schwartz and Carolyn Vines,
who is another program specialist
of SPAR, plan the events for the
day. Stress Busters will be on Dec.
9 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
While many students around
campus have no problem with the
finals and prepare for the exams,
some students dread the finals, and
others try not to think about them at
all. Jared Routon, a student, jokingly said, “Final exams? Is that
when we all get together and play
Halo®?” Routon enjoys playing
Halo®, a video game for the XBox®. Partaking in the
game is plenty more
pleasurable
to
Routon than the
final exams, and he
believes he is one
of many with the
same mind set.
Nonetheless, the
final
exams
are
inevitable and almost every
student is required to take them.
The final exam schedule is listed at
the following website:www.eastfieldcollege.com.
STRESS
November 12, 2003 • Page 5
Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/
ART & ENTERTAINMENT
New compilation of Elvis songs proves the King’s not 2nd to none
by Joe Stumpo
Staff writer
Elvis: 2nd To None: Two disc set released by RCA.
Disc 1: 31 songs. Disc 2: 2 songs. Available for purchase at retail outlets.
Quality rating: **1/2 (2.5 out of 4)
Elvis: 2nd To None plays out like one of those over
hyped sequels that fails to live up to the original. I will
not dispute this follow-up to last year’s Elv1s: 30 #1
Hits will be a treasure to fans of The King, not, however to non-fans like myself.
That does not mean I did not enjoy hearing a lot of
his tunes over the years. I admit I got caught up in all
the hype last year since 2002 marked the 25th anniversary of The King’s death hence the reason why I bought
the 30 #1 Hits CD in the first place.
What made it such a joy to listen to was the fact I had
heard almost every song at one time or another. Even
ones I never heard before like the 1964 lyric “Wooden
Heart” which according to the CD’s booklet was a
German children’s tune grew on me.
Then there was the new smash single “A little less
conversation,” a JXL Radio Edit Remix that proved
even in death, Presley could still score a hit from
beyond the grave. Of all the compact discs I bought last
year, Elv1s 30 #1 HITS CD was the only one I had
deemed worth keeping.
I was ready to make room for Elvis: 2nd to None
when it arrived in stores earlier this month hoping this
latest compilation would have what made the first one
so memorable. That was a winning combination of
songs I had heard mixed with ones I hadn’t that, given
a chance, I would also cherish. So much for having high
hopes.
That is not to say the producers behind this second
CD did not try their hardest to do something different
this time.
“We were faced with the same problem as with
Elv1s 30 #1 HITS,” wrote Ernst Mikael Jergensen in the
booklet for 2nd To None. “Too much repertoire to
choose from!”
“So we finally settled on the idea of combining big
hits with a mix of songs from throughout Elvis’ career
that have achieved a level of musical and historical
importance far beyond their original chart status.”
That, however is exactly what’s wrong with 2nd To
None. Half the titles listed that were number one hits
from “That’s all right,” “Blue suede shoes,” to
“Loving you” were never my favorites and were worth
only hearing once, if at all. While such tunes as “I feel
so bad,” “If I can dream,” and “Rock-a-hula baby”
prove why in their day, despite having moved up the
charts, never made it to number one.
In order to fully embrace this CD, you have to love
Film review
every category of music Elvis did in his lifetime. It was
not just rock that he did but rhythm and blues, gospel,
and country. I do not care for every single category.
That is what makes 2nd To None annoying to listen
to. It is hard to go from hearing a fast paced song like
“Little Sister” and then go to the slow moving romantic hit, “Loving You.” That is not to say the set does not
offer a variety of varying themes. The problem is the
tone is not consistent.
To my dismay, the CD only boasts barely a handful
of titles I played over and over in the car that include
such oldies as the1956 single, “I want, I need you, I love
you,” and “Wear my ring around your neck” released in
1958.
When it comes to such singles Elvis sang in all his
movies, you can forget “King Creole,” or “Trouble.”
The best movie tune I liked most in this batch was
1963’s “Viva Las Vegas.”
Other great songs include 1968’s “Memories,” a
song about recalling the good times, which I first heard
on the 1981 documentary, “This Is Elvis.” The
strongest of these is the patriotic title, “An American
Trilogy,” recorded in 1972. You can hear the audience
clapping as Elvis bangs out the words “Glory, glory hallelujah...His truth is marching on” loud and clear while
an orchestra plays in the background.
As for the King’s rendition of previous tunes done
by other artists, the best one is not “You don’t have to
say you love me” by the late Dusty Springfield in 1966.
It is “Always on my mind” which was first recorded by
Willie Nelson.
Other than the fast moving bonus track,
“Rubberneckin,” which like last year’s “A little less
conversation” was another remix but this time done by
Paul Oakenfold and has been heard on television commercials promoting the Toyota Solara, there is only one
other tune I had not heard at all that I did like. It was “If
Elvis’ CD 2nd to None is a two-disc recording of 33
of his greatest hits © RCA Recorders
I can dream” whose lyrics ask why can’t it be a perfect
world.
I am willing to bet that in the hearts and minds of
many fans, Elvis Presley is truly 2nd to None. I will not
be surprised if this CD, like the first one, does so well
in sales in the United States and around the world that it
warrants a third collaboration of songs in 2004.
As a non fan, Elvis: 2nd To None proves the reason
why so many people today prefer to copy music off the
internet. It is so they can record the songs they want
without having to shell out $15 or less on a product they
wind up either only partially enjoying or perhaps regret
buying.
Recent American Indian art showcases
‘peaceful people in ritualistic moments’
By Marti Harvey
Features editor
photo by—Alan Markfield New Line Productions copyright 2003
Will Ferrell formerly of “Saturday Night Live”stars in “Elf”” as Buddy
and adds a midas touch to the film.
Ferrell’s ‘Elf’ achieves
holiday cheer in funny
but familiar story
by Tony Wynn
Entertainment writer
Ready for a movie you can take
your kids to that will not bore you
half to death? I thought so, and with
that I bring you “Elf.” The film stars
former “Saturday Night Live” staple Will Ferrell. It is obvious director John Favreau also directed
2001‘s indie-comedy “Made” knew
he was going to strike pure gold
casting Ferrell in the part of Buddy,
and the Midas touch is precisely the
result.
Our story begins in an orphanage
30-years-ago on Christmas Eve,
while Santa was making his rounds,
Buddy crawled out of his crib and
stowed away in Santa’s bag riding
all the way back with him to the
north pole. Santa and the Elves
instantly fall in love with him and
one of the older elves (a comfortable Bob Newhart) adopts him and
raises him as an elf for the next 30
years. After noticing how different
he is, Buddy asks his adopted father
about his past and discovers his real
father lives in New York and,
*gasp* is on the naughty list.
Regardless, Buddy strikes out to
New York to meet his father, his
family ,and his place in the world.
His father, played by James Caan,
has fun with his role keeping that
rock hard face we remember from
such films as “The Godfather” and
“Misery.” Plus Buddy meets a little
lady friend named Jovie played by
an endearing Zooey Deschanel
(“The New Guy,” and “Almost
Famous”) who falls for his candy
striped innocence from the moment
she sees him.
Be not fooled, this film has
enough whimsy to make a 9-yearold blush, but thankfully those
scenes are few and far between. The
only downside to this film is it feels
familiar. It is a typical cheerful
Christmas movie just in time for the
holidays.
Those who are exercised fans of
such similar films as “The Grinch”
or “The Santa Claus” will certainly
adore this film, but do not expect
anything terribly new. It does not
take away from the fact that you
will laugh, cheer, swoon and maybe
even drop a tear or two at this film’s
heart felt core.
I saw it in a packed house with
young children to parents to grandparents loving every joke and sight
gag with a full hearted cheer at the
end.
This film rated PG containing
very minimal language and some
crude humor (a 22-second belch,
too funny!!) is suited for all audiences. Will Ferrell is quickly on his
way to becoming one of the next
great physical comedians of the silver-screen and this is just the driving vehicle to deliver him there. A
single scene involving an insane
snowball fight is worth the price of
admission alone.
Prepare yourself for a lovely and
hilarious film about the true spirit of
Christmas that kids and adults could
not get enough of. As the tagline
says, “This season, discover your
inner “ELF.”
Running Time: 95 min
Rating: “B+”
The Native American Art exhibit, put together
by curator Jim Edmonson to commemorate
November as American Indian Month, adorns the
Eastfield gallery during November. This collection of recent American Indian art includes depictions of Hopi, Navajo, Seminole and Plains
Indians in symbolic poses in watercolor and
prints, ceramics and figurines.
“I first thought about this over two years ago,
but it wasn’t until this year that I could reserve
the gallery space,” said Edmonson, former
adjunct professor at Eastfield. “The timing just
worked out.”
Works by painters Ryan Burr and John White
begin the exhibit.
Burr, a Native American from North Dakota
depicts his view of the northern Plains to his
audience. These works project a thoughtful and
peaceful people in ritualistic moments.
A case of pottery and figurines from Hopi and
Navajo tribes separates the first few pieces from
the remaining exhibit. Colorful figurines represent the Hopi Sun Dancer and Corn Dancer in
stark contrast to the black and clay images adorning the Navajo pottery vessel.
But the bulk of the exhibit consists of pieces by
Brian Larney, a Native American Indian of
Seminole and Choctaw heritage. They depict the
culture of Native Americans in the context of
their daily lives.
photo by Stephanie Moreno
Don Ross and Sujith George observe Native
American art of three artists in Eastfield’s Art
Gallery. The Exhibit is available for viewing
through Nov. 26.
In the “Burning of Payne’s Prairie,” you see the
desperation of Native Americans in Florida as
they were forced to abandon their homes for safety from U.S. soldiers - an all-too-grim reminder
of past conflicts. The father with his children
watches helplessly as his home burns. You can
share the desperation he felt.
Strong lines and deep colors give the illusion of
depth and his use of light and color to represent
Recital series feature a
broad spectrum of music
by Mario Mondragon
Reporter
The Eastfield Recital Series has
students, faculty and the community listening to different types of
music.
Music from the renaissance,
baroque, and classical times, as well
as contemporary music can be heard
at the recitals.
“The tradition of the recitals
started many years ago when El
Centro College opened its doors,”
said Pierrette Mouledous. “All the
other colleges have continued the
tradition.”
Eastfield students taking music
classes use the performances to help
them with their studies. The sessions serve as guides, giving the
students a better understanding of
how the music sounds, rather than
just seeing it on paper.
The recitals, which take place on
Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m., have
included performances by the Mike
Drake Quartet featuring Derrick
Lagozzo, the Elysee Piano Quartet,
and a number of other musicians
performing a variety of music types.
So far, the recital series has been
a success. “The performances are
always filled up,” said Mouledous.
“That’s because it’s open to the
community as well.” Anyone interested in hearing different types of
music is encouraged to attend.
The next scheduled performance
will be held on November 19, in
which
the
Eastfield
Piano
Department will have a concert featuring its more advanced students.
All performances take place in
either F-117 or the Performance
Hall.
Wednesday Recital Series
November !" Eastfield Guitar Ensemble
November #$ Eastfield Jazz Combo
Friday Recital Series
November #! Broadways Leading Ladies
the prairie fire, lights up the night sky.
The end of the exhibit, the “Little Brother of
War” and “Stickball Collection” pieces remind us
of the other extremes in life. That, even in the
midst of turmoil, people need some recreation
and fun in their daily lives.
Stickball was a big part of Indian culture and a
favorite game of young Indian boys. It prepared
them physically and mentally for life as adults by
strengthening their bodies and strategic thinking
skills.
Because the game was a forerunner to modern
day lacrosse, the American Lacrosse Association
purchased the piece “Stickball Collection” and it
now hangs in their lobby.
Among Larney’s other works are three pieces
now on display at the Amon Carter Museum in
Fort Worth, as well as the new logo for the Native
American Chamber of Commerce.
Larney serves on the board of the Urban
Intertribal Centers of Texas, an organization
committed to making sure Native Americans
have access to healthcare and educational opportunities.
His love for his native people is expressed in
his rich and colorful art. “My art is all about cultural education and preservation,” said Larney.
“I want to play a part in keeping the Native
American heritage alive. Each of these pieces
represents some aspect of Native American culture that is important to me.”
The Native American Art exhibit runs in the
Eastfield Gallery from Nov. 3 to Nov. 26.
Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/
Page 6 • November 12, 2003
FEATURES & PROFILES
A story lies behind
each and everyone’s name
Achieving together
Son drives father to follow his lead
and pursue own automotive interests
by George Cherucheril
Reporter
Victor Suarez planned to sign up for
accounting classes this fall, or so his father
Ramon (Ray) suarez thought. But sometimes
the best of plans are never carried out.
Victor followed his heart and spent two
weeks trying to conceal the dirt under his fingernails from his father. Nevertheless Ray
knew better. Ray decided to find some
answers.
He confronted Victor and learned that his
son was taking autobody repair courses at
Eastfield College. Ray attended Eastfield to
observe the classes.
Then something unlikely happened: Ray
himself enrolled in the same autobody classes
that his son was taking. Father and son were
now fellow students.
Ray said that initially he sat through the
classes to verify his son’s sincerity about the
subject. “I wanted to prove to him that [was]
not the right thing to do,” Ray said.
As it turned out though, Ray ended up signing up for the course himself. “My wife said,
‘I knew you were going to take it as soon as
you went over there, I knew you were going to
take it,’” Ray said.
He discovered that the instructors at
Eastfield had bachelors and masters degrees in
automotive technology. “I thought these are
the people that you want to learn from,” Ray
said.
Ray added that Victor sits far away from
him in class. “I ramrod the kids and get them
all prepared before the teacher comes in,” Ray
said. “We can have fun, but we also have to do
a lot of work.”
Father and son hope to graduate by next
December and then open their own autobody
shop. Five years from now, Ray said he will be
retired from the civil service. “We’re going to
go deep into it because time is passing so quick
and I love automotive,” Ray said.
by Seketha Wonzer
Reporter
“I love to do service, I love to do
service work,” Ray said. “I’ve got
friends that come to the house on a regular basis.” Victor added that they have
to keep accounts to track all the work
they do on friends’ cars on weekends.
Father and son are similar but not
identical. Victor served in the Marine
Corps and spent time in the automotive
section working on cars. Ray said he
served in the Air Force working on airplanes.
They also share similar tastes in
photo by Stephanie Moreno
cars- well not exactly. Both like the
Chevrolet Bel Aire, Ray favors the Victor and Ramon (Ray) Suarez are both enrolled in
1957 model but Victor prefers the 1955 auto body classes at Eastfield. Father and son
hope to graduate next December.
model. “We’ve got projects,” Victor
said. “He has got a ’52 Chevy at the
house, and I have a ’62 Mustang at the house.” ness owner.
They plan to be business partners. Ray
They both just started working on their projdeclared he will focus on customer service and
ects.
Victor elaborated that his father has earned quality control. “There is nothing worse than
certificates in air conditioning, heating, refrig- an unsatisfied customer,” Ray said. Victor’s
eration, electrical repair, engine repair focus on the other hand will be to service the
removal, two ASE Certifications, and real cars.
estate. Ray also added that he has studied morVictor says his mother supports him. “She
tuary science. Together both have tackled all always [has] told me to do whatever makes me
their household projects.
happy.”
“I have taken welding, electronics, pneuRay believes in the value of learning and
matics, and hydraulics so that I can do a varithinks
watching television is a waste of time.
ety of things,” Ray said. He added that he
works for the Department of Defense at Bell “Constantly go to school,” Ray preaches.
“The only time you stop learning is when you
Helicopter on the B-22 transmissions.
When asked how he feels now about Victor are dead.”
Growing up, Victor watched very little teletaking autobody classes, Ray says he still has
some concerns. “Sometimes it scares me, you vision and spent time with his dad in the
know, you have to have at least one or two pro- garage. “When I was little he was teaching
fessions to fall back on,” Ray said. “I hope [me] all the names of the tools,” Victor said.
that in the near future we’re successful because He added that his father gave him books and
if we’re not then we’re going to be screwed, told him the names of parts and what they did.
Victor says his dad instilled in him a love of
blued, and tattooed.”
cars.
So, what at first seemed to be a gulf sepVictor is happy he chose autobody repair
over accounting because he does not like math. arating father and son has become common
He added that he hopes to be a successful busi- ground bringing them together.
Motley family’s showplace mansion burns
to ground in infamous vandalism
by Abel Sanchez
Assistant editor
This is the second installment of a three-part
series on the Motley Mansion series.
Last issue, we left off briefly discussing the
early history of Mesquite and the role of the
Motley family. We touched on the beginning of
the Eastfield campus and the origins of the
Motley graves on campus.
Around the same time the campus was founded one of Mesquite’s most infamous acts of vandalism occurred, the burning of the Motley family home. The two-and-a-half story mansion was
considered the showplace of North Texas.
Built in 1904 and engulfing the original
homestead, the Motley home was decorated in
elegant Victorian design. The home deteriorated
over the years and became the site of numerous
deeds of malice, leading to alleged deliberate
arson in 1967.
The demise of the home also signaled the end
of an era; Mesquite, no longer a quiet little town,
was growing, old familiar sites were being torn
down and making way for progress. Long gone
were the days of the Old West’s pioneer days,
now not much was left standing from Mesquite’s
fragile beginnings.
Coincidentally, Mesquite’s old defining edifice had given way to new ones. Among them
Eastfield was a symbol of Mesquite’s growing
importance in the Dallas county area and also
helped give the town a face-lift as it morphed
into a city.
Mesquite had grown to 27,345 from 1,696 by
1960 in only 10 years. Many of the city’s new
growth occurred in north Mesquite, including
homes, schools, and malls. Also in 1970, the con-
photo reprinted from Et Cetera 1972 archives
Motley mansion, showplace of north Texas for
the greater part of the 20th Century.
struction of LBJ Freeway helped bring business
flow to the city. Currently three major highways
run through the city connecting Mesquite to the
Metroplex as well as allowing access.
Part III
The Et Cetera has selected two students, freshmen - new to this campus - to participate in a
Freshman profile. A writer is assigned to tiptoe into their lives for four issues, profiling
parts of their lives. One profile represents a
student, new to this state, the other a returning
student, new to the community college, and
attending night classes.
Dunlap believes mistakes are lessons in life
Andy Dunlap, the student who has been shadowed
for the last couple of issues believes these questions
are answered with a YES! Things do happen for a reason and the mistakes that we make in life are lessons.
While in high school, Andy thought, like most high
school seniors do, that college would be a lot like high
school because of sports. “I probably will be able to
slide by with the study skills that I used in high
school,” Dunlap thought.
Soon after beginning his studies at the University of
North Texas, Dunlap learned otherwise. His hard
earned grade point average, which he gained by using
his high school study skills, did not meet the UNT
business school 2.5 passing GPA, so UNT dropped
him.
“Being grown in looks but not in mind and thinking that the study skills of high school would let me
make the grade in college was not true,” said Dunlap.
He said he found out there was more to it than that he
Andy Dunlap
Profile written by Amber Brown
There is a story behind everyone’s name. A name can really say a lot
about an individual. The word name in the Webster’s dictionary is defined
as a “word or phase by which a person or thing is designated or described.”
Most commonly adopted names here in America like John, Mary, and
Fred can been traced back from several different origins and time periods
to as early as 200 B.C. Names evolve just like everything else does like hair
styles, clothing styles, and technology; these things change from decade to
decade as do the context of people’s names.
If you where born in the ’50s or ’60s, you probably have a name similar
to a lot of other people in your age group. Michael Smith, a 46-year- old
construction worker, said “my name is very common and was even more
common when I was in school; we had three Michael Smith’s in my high
school, but I was the only one that was good-looking.”
Most people’s names have a really interesting story behind them and
how they actually came to get these names. Shanwalus Niagee Markist
Miguel Young Nesbit, a 12-year-old middle school student, is often referred
to as Sammy. “Shanwalus comes from a guy my mom attended to school
with, Niagee is a music artist, Markist is a name my grandmother liked,
Miguel is my grandfather’s name in Spanish, Young is my dad’s last name,
and Nesbit is my mom’s last name,” Nesbit said. “I am the first grandchild
and I feel that they thought at that time I would have been the only one.”
Some of the names used today are actually names that have evolved
from Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and German names that had a specific meaning to them. The name Jane, for example, comes from Hannah and is a
Hebrew name meaning “grace.”
Would you have ever known that a name so simple could mean so
much? If you would like to know more about your name you can start by
asking your parents or grandparents. If you go on the internet, and type in
the keyword “names” there are several different websites you may find that
will satisfy your curiosity.
Names, whether they are considered to be common or unique, all have a
meaning and a story behind them. Next time you ask someone his/her
name, ask him/her what it means, or the story of how he/she came to
receive it. You will be really surprised how much you can find out about a
person just from knowing their name.
Student profile
Playful attitude and love
of children make success
by Marti Harvey
Features editor
Her small size is no indication of
her huge love for children. Ashley
Giles, a petite blonde with big eyes,
and an even bigger heart, has her
eyes set on being a kindergarten
teacher – and she chose Eastfield as
the place to start.
While taking 12 credit hours,
Giles works 35 hours a week as a
shift manager at Pizza Hut and still
finds time to volunteer as a studentaid at Tisinger Elementary in
Mesquite and spends time with her
six year-old cousin, Isabel.
Giles always knew that she loved
children but, after spending time in
high school working as a student
aid and babysitting her cousin
Isabel, realized that she wanted to
make kids her life’s work. “Kids
are really honest and a blast to be
with,” she said. “I love seeing them
change and being a part of that.”
Giles loves the interaction with
children that teaching allows her.
She says the more you talk to them,
the more they open up, and soon
Freshmen
Profile
Snapshots
While living in Indiana, Weddle met someone, a
which learned the hard way.
Texan, who she thought was the person she would
He added his mistakes helped open his eyes to see
that only with a college degree will he be able to move spend the rest of her life with. After dating for about a
year, he decided he wanted to move back to Texas and
up the ladder in Corporate America, and gain other
requested that she come along.
people’s respect.
It just so happened that her father
“Remember to improve your study
and step-mom were in the process
skills for college course because
Everyone
of moving to Dallas, so Weddle
the high school way out will
makes mistakes! Some
agreed, believing that her
not cut it,” said Dunlap.
learn from their mistakes and othrelationship with the young
ers
think,
why
me?
Do
you
believe
man would continue to be a
Waddle believes things
happy
one.
things happen for a reason and all
happen for a reason
Much to her surprise, back
mistakes are a lesson?
on his home front, he was a
Like Dunlap, Datha Weddle
totally
different person. The person
believes that things happen for a reaWeddle
had
grown
to love and thought was
son and that we all learn from our mistakes.
“the
one”,
turned
out
to
be
involved
in multiple things
Weddle said she has made many mistakes in life
that
she
did
not
agree
upon.
She
found
herself in an
and sometimes wishes she could go back in time and
abusive
relationship:
both
mentally
and
physically.
change things. She has deemed one of the reasons that
Despite
the
pain,
Weddle
found
some
strength withshe chose moving to Dallas as the biggest mistake of
in
herself
and
immediately
separated
from
the young
her life.
they trust you.
“That’s
when
you can really
have some influence on them,”
Giles said.
She is working on her core
courses
this
semester, but in
Ashley Giles
the spring she
plans to start her
education classes.
According to Bob Sharp,
Eastfield history professor, she is “a
very hard worker, and one of those
students you know will succeed.”
When Giles completes her studies at Eastfield, she plans to transfer
to Texas A&M at Commerce.
“I want to move to that area and
teach,” she said. “They need good
teachers, and A&M is a good
school.”
Most of all, she said she “really
wants to stick with teaching little
kids. They’re what I like best.”
As for Isabel, “She’s so cute and
full of attitude,” she said. “Being
with her is good training for me.”
Datha Weddle
Profile written by Amanda Dunn
man. Having her father close by made things a whole
lot better for Weddle.
She credits her recovery to her father and considers
him her role model. “My dad is the best thing that ever
happened to me,” Weddle said. “He is my best friend.
I can tell him anything and he will still be proud of
me.”
Because of her father she is able to continue living
in Texas and is now doing better than she had previously imagined.
According to her, one mistake can cause a lot of
pain, but Weddle still believes that it all happened for
a reason. She says she learned more than she ever
expected from one bad decision. “I wouldn’t be as
cautious as I am now, had I not been through all of
this,” Weddle said.
As for her advice: “I know now not to trust just
anybody and not to be so careless when considering
decisions that may affect the rest of my life.”
November 12, 2003 • Page 7
Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/
ON CAMPUS & ETC
Friend of the Stars
Horoscope by Skyy Tha Starr
Aquarius: Jan. 20 - Feb.18
Love is never having to say
you are sorry.
Exam colors: Yellow
Pisces: Feb.19 - March 20
Good things come to those
who wait.
Exam colors: Grey
Aries: March 21 - April19
The best things in life are
free.
Exam colors: Sky blue
Taurus: April 20 - May 20
Love starts with loving yourself first.
Exam colors: Black
Gemini: May 21 - June 21
Look before you leap, you
may trip.
Exam colors: Blue
Cancer: June 22 - July 22
A secret told is no longer a
secret anymore.
Exam colors: Red
Leo: July 23 - Aug. 22
You have to give in order to
receive.
Exam color: White
CLASSIFIED
ADVERTISING
SALES
Work at
Storefronts/
Events.
Volunteers needed!
Protect the Environment!
$25 per sale.
Call 214-616-1064
texasjobs@greenmountain
Virgo: Aug. 23 -Sept. - 22
Beauty is only skin deep; try
looking beyond that. Who
knows what you will find.
Exam colors: Orange
Libra: Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
Everything happens for a
reason; try to find a positive
solution.
Exam color: Brown
Scorpio: Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
Life is what you make of it.
Exam colors: Green
Sagittarius:
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
You can do anything if you
put your mind to it.
Exam color: Silver
THEFT SEMINAR
(continued from page 1)
on the internet. Unshredded documents such as credit application,
credit card receipts, bank statements, mortgage documents, and
even pre-approved credit card applications that are disposed of in the
trash, can expose consumers to risk.
“If you put it out on the curb, it’s
basically fair game for anyone,”
said Kennedy.
Although identity thieves can
make use of many different items of
personal information, their key targets are full names, date of birth,
and social security numbers. With
those three pieces of information,
the thief can assume a victim’s iden-
and the number of charge cards carried, not to give out personal information on the phone, through the
mail or over the Internet to someone
unknown.
Consumers should also cancel all
unused credit accounts, tear or shred
expired credit cards, charge receipts
and credit offers, and never give out
social security numbers unless
absolutely necessary.
“One thing you might do to keep
yourself from being a victim of
identity theft is to have replacement
checks delivered to your bank,” said
Kennedy. Kennedy also stressed the
importance of ordering a credit
report from each of the three major
credit bureaus on a yearly basis. “If
you don’t get anything else from
what I say today, get this,” said
Kennedy.
Each semester, SPAR sponsors a
financial planning seminar designed
to help students tackle the oftenunfamiliar responsibilities of personal finance. This semester it was
determined that there was a more
critical need to educate students to
the growing threat of identity theft.
“The Federal Trade Commission
suggested there was a need for this
type of seminar,” said Director of
SPAR Donnine Balance.
The seminar comes as a response
to the growing problem of identity
theft in the U.S. and is designed to
educate students about the threat of
identity theft and how to protect
their identity, credit cards, debit
cards and personalized checks.
Spring 2004 Alternative:
Itching to get your writings, photographs, illustrations published? Pick up entry forms,
beginning Nov. 21. If you cannot find one, contact Student Publications at N-238 or
972-860-7130. The Alternative will be published in April 2004.
Capricorn:
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Everyday will not be a good
day, but tomorrow is a new
day.
Exam color: Gold
E-mail questions and
concerns to me at
[email protected]
One issue
left
this semester
issue date:
november 26
advertising deadline:
november 19
tity, open new checking accounts,
establish cell phone service, apply
for new credit cards and even commit crimes under the victim’s name.
“That’s why it is very important to
make sure that no one has access to
your personal information,” said
Kennedy.
According to a recent survey
conducted by the FTC, occurrences
of identity theft have doubled since
2001. The FTC is taking steps to
reduce identity theft by making the
public aware of the methods used by
identity thieves and by teaching
people how to keep their personal
information from falling into the
wrong hands.
Some FTC suggestions for
reducing the risk of identity theft are
to minimize identifying information
We welcome your contributions for
the Cartoon Corner. Please e-mail
contributions to
[email protected] or drop them
by the Et Cetera newsroom,
N-238.
Eastfield Et Cetera • http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/etcetera/
Page 8 • November 12, 2003
SPORTS
Shooting woes
Harvesters suffer
disappointing
loss in early
season matchup
Harvesters’ #44, Dwayne Paul, attempts to break the scoring drought for Eastfield in the
first half against Hill. Although they started the game slowly, the Harvesters came out
strong in the second half and forced the game into overtime. Foul trouble left the
Harvesters undermanned and they finally fell in overtime.
photos by Courtney Jordan
by Jeff Fox
Sports editor
The Harvesters basketball team suffered a disappointing 77-74 early season loss to Hill college. The Harvesters
played hard but came up three points short in overtime.
The Harvesters came out slow in the first half, but
sophomore, David Hilliard, kept them in the game. It
seemed Hilliard was the only player who could score in
the first half for the Harvesters. Hilliard and freshman
point guard, Dale Sasser, kept the team within four points
(36-32) at halftime.
Sasser came in off the bench and provided a spark for
the Harvesters by playing excellent defense and making
many good passes.
“We have two great point guards in Dale Sasser and
Addea Houston. We don’t feel it (the play) drops off with
either in,” said Coach Chris Johnson.
The Harvesters came out strong in the second half,
playing great defense while outscoring Hill 10-1 in the
first 5:15 of the half.
Too many early fouls put the Harvesters in a hole by
putting them in the penalty with seven minutes still
remaining. Three Harvester players fouled out of the
game, and Hill fought back behind free throw shooting.
Despite all of the foul trouble Hill was only able to tie
the game up at 67-67, but with Eastfield undermanned
they could not play with Hill in overtime and lost 77-74.
Although the outcome is not what the Harvesters were
looking for, they bounced back strong with road wins in
their next two games over Oklahoma Christian and
Oklahoma City to give them a 3-1 record.
‘P’ building awaits okay by Mesquite,
will reopen to students, staff early Dec.
by Marti Harvey
Features editor
photo by Courtney Jordan
Lady Harvesters, Melissa Gibson and Amber Hope watch while in the ready position as Mountain
View players try to return the ball. The Lady Harvesters beat Mountain View in three straight sets.
Lady Harvesters end year
with win over Mountain View
by Jeff Fox
Sports editor
The Lady Harvesters came
into the last game of the season
looking for their first win, and
that is exactly what they got.
The Lady Harvesters got their
first win of the season Oct. 27 in
a three set sweep over Mountain
View.
The team consisted of all new
players this season, so the early
struggles were expected. They
came together in the last game
though, and that should give
them a little optimism for next
season.
The Lady Harvesters, led by
the great play of setter Melissa
Gibson, jumped all over
Mountain View early as they
won the first set 30-17.
The second set was a little
tougher for the Lady Harvesters,
but they fought hard and pulled
out a 30-24 victory.
In the last set, it seemed as if
the Mountain View players had
been deflated by the tough set
before, and finally the Lady
Harvesters finished them off
with a final score of 30-16.
The ‘P’ building is expected to
receive its Certificate of Occupancy
from the City of Mesquite and open
back up at full capacity by December 1,
after extensive remodeling and asbestos
abatement.
Many changes are evident - offices
have moved, the weight room is larger,
and the dressing rooms have been
updated and reconfigured to provide for
safer entry. “The driving forces behind
this project were safety, security and
convenience,” said Eastfield Facilities
Manager Art Sykes. This project
encompasses them all.
The weight room, where the required
Physical Fitness classes are held, incorporates the free weights and fitness
machines into one large room rather
than two smaller ones across the hall
from each other. “Since the Physical
Fitness class has been a core requirement, the classes have gotten much
larger,” Bob Flickner, Eastfield Athletic
Director said. “Now there is more
square footage in one place allotted to
that.” The weight room is now approximately the same size as the all-purpose
room.
Locker room changes are largely due
to several minor security incidents in
the past. Over the years, there have
been a few reports of peeping toms in
the women’s area and unauthorized
access to the locker rooms.
B r a d f o r d ,
Now they will have one conConstruction
trolled entrance staffed by a
Manager
for
security guard. Those enterHuitt/Zollars, the
ing will have to sign in, and
engineering firm in
nobody will be allowed entry
charge of the projwithout an Eastfield ID for
ect. The discovery
staff or students.
of asbestos did
“The women’s locker
throw the project
rooms used to be sort of isocompletion off by
lated. Now that’s changed,”
a few months.
photo by Courtney Jordan
Flickner said.
“Taking care of
New lockers and floors are Shiny new lockers ready for the asbestos suralso part of the updating use in revamped ‘P’ build- prise and keeping
process. Not only does the ing. The ‘P’ building is the project going
new floor look great, but the scheduled to reopen Dec. 1 exhibited the true
surface is the result of a speconcept of teamcial process that uses sand to create a work,” Bradford said. “Art Sykes and
non-slip coating, making the area much everyone at Eastfield made our job
safer for those coming out of the show- much easier by being available and
ers and pool.
responsive. They opened the doors so
During the remodeling, the gym has we could do our jobs”
housed many of the displaced classes,
According to Sykes, preliminary
sometimes two or three at a time. meetings about the project made sure
“Student’s haven’t really complained,” everyone would cooperate and that spirsaid Flickner. “They just adapted.”
it of cooperation made the asbestos
Comments by physical education finding much easier to deal with. “Dr.
student Eric Kirsch reflect student’s Poole set the tone and that’s how it’s
abilities to go with the flow. “I haven’t been from the beginning,” he said.
really minded being in the gym with
As for the new building, everyone is
other classes, but it will be cool when looking forward to its completion. “It
this is done,” he said. “It gets loud when will be great to have our offices back,”
we’re all in there at once.”
Flickner said. “All in all, it worked out
And the asbestos that surprised okay.”
everyone in the middle of construction
“When it opens it will be nice, nice,
has been completely removed. nice,” Bradford said. “The students of
“There’s not one bit left,” said Bill Eastfield will be pleased.”
Minor conferences seeing no respect from BCS
T
he Bowl Championship
Series (BCS) is at it again
this year, college football’s
alternative to a playoff system or
tournament to decide a national
champion is in full throttle already.
It seems to me that every year a
team that deserves at least a chance
at the national title, Marshall in the
recent past, doesn’t even get to
sniff a major bowl game.
This season the team that stands
to be left out is Texas Christian
University (TCU). TCU is a perfect
8-0 this season, but is currently
ranked only ninth in the BCS rankings. The only other undefeated
team in the nation is the University
of Oklahoma, and they are ranked
first in the nation. Only the teams
in the power house conferences
like the Big XII, the SEC, and the
Big Ten get respect in the BCS
rankings, and TCU plays in
Conference USA.
I’ve heard all of the arguments
about how easy the schedule is for
TCU, they have beaten only one
ranked team all season, Louisville
ranked number 25, and how their
wins are so close, four wins by a
touchdown or less, but the bottom
line is they are winning the games
they are playing, and they cannot
help the conference
they are in. If a team
in a minor conference
like Conference USA
or the MAC
(Marshall plays in the
MAC) has no chance
to win the national
title, then what are
they playing for?
Whether or not TCU
can beat a top team from a major
conference I don’t know, but I sure
would like to see, and I am sure
plenty of other people in Ft.Worth
would too. The sad thing is because
of the BCS we probably will not
“The bottom line
is they [TCU] are
winning the games
they are playing...”
-Jeff Fox
get a chance to see, and in my
mind that is a crime.
A playoff or tournament would
give us that chance to see a TCU
vs Oklahoma or Miami matchup
that we would all like to see. And
give more teams a shot at the title.
2003 Eastfield College
Scholarship Golf Tournament
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
DEVON BROWN - Mesquite
SHERRY DELLIS - Rockwall
JILL DOZIER - Seagoville
BYRON MILLIGAN - Forney
DIANA MORENO - Seagoville
ELIZABETH ORTIZ - Dallas
CHARLIE RICKERSON - Forney
CARLOS SANCHEZ - Rowlett
JORDANA VENABLE - Mesquite
JUBAL WHALLEY - Dallas