Budget cuts en-rage DCCCD faculty

Vol. XXXIV, Issue 6, September 20, 2011 www.richlandchronicle.com

CHRONICLERichland

VS?

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Opinions heat up

Experienceimmortality

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Fallingforcooltemperatures

High School: Little Elm High School in Frisco, Texas

Major: Marketing

Why I chose A&M-Commerce: I chose A&M-Commerce because I have always heard great things about the track program and the university. I also love the small town, close-knit vibe you get from the community and professors.

Best Professor So Far: Dr. Jennifer Flanagan for international business. She really encouraged me to reach my goals in class as well as outside of class. You could tell she loved her job, and still remembered what it’s like to be a student.

Cool Stuff I Did at A&M-Commerce: My life has completely changed for the better since coming to A&M-Commerce! Pledging Kappa Alpha Psi has always been a dream of mine, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made so far. Community service is one of the main things we aspire to help with in the fraternity. We’ve donated clothes for the women’s shelter, raised money for the Katrina and Haiti victims, and assisted the university with tasks around campus. I believe helping others in their time of need should be number one in anyone’s life.

How A&M-Commerce Changed Me: I am blessed to attend a university as great as this one, and I take every opportunity that comes my way to better myself. I’m positive my leadership skills have changed in so many ways. As time for graduation comes around the corner I can see that I am more prepared to take on the battle of life.

LeArn More about Demetrius and how Texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future by visiting:

Meet.tAMu-CoMMerCe.eDu

MEET DemetriusClass of 2011

WWW.tAMu-CoMMerCe.eDu903.886.5000 or 888.868.2682

A Member of The Texas A&M University System

LAURA GARSEAEditor-in-Chief

Political fever risesOPINION

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After the Sept. 12 GOP debates in Tampa, Fl, it looked like former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry are run-ning neck and neck in the lead for the Repub-lican nomination. Both were on fire, spout-ing off on Social Security and Texas politics. At one point, the audience got a real laugh out of each of them criticizing what the other said about Social Security in their books.

However, out of the eight candidates in the debate, my personal favorite was former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. He was sharp as a tack and I really liked what he said in an earlier debate about the press – that he’s sick of them trying to provoke Republi-cans into battling each other to make them look foolish. He also said that English should be the official language of the United States, with which I totally agree.

In the last debate, as the candidates were still voicing their opinions about Social Secu-rity, John Huntsman blurted out that “We’re scaring the American people,” because se-niors fear they will be cut off. But, Gingrich got a lot of great audience reaction when he said, “Obama scares the American people every single day.” I also agree with Gingrich on that one. Every time Obama speaks on TV, I wonder what he’s going to do to cause more fear among us. At the rate our coun-try is deteriorating, I can’t wait until the 2012 presidential election – when the American

people bump him out of office. I truly be-lieve they will.

It baffles me that Obama even has a follow-ing. His poll numbers are plunging daily to an all-time low. Fourteen million Americans are desperate to find a job to tide them over until the economy improves. I’m not among those looking for a job, but I don’t see anything getting better with the current lack of leader-ship in the White House – at least not until the presidential election when the American people will determine the direction of our country.

I think any of the eight candidates in the most recent GOP debates can easily beat Obama in the upcom-ing election, based on what he’s done since he took of-fice. What has he really accomplished to help America? Is our country better off since he was elect-ed?

In my opinion, all Obama has done is pro-voke controversy with his policies and upset the entire nation with his vision of change and transition. He has never explained exact-ly what his vision is, but I think Americans

are catching on to his distorted ideology. He seems to be trying to transform America into a socialist nation. In the process he is driving us into deeper debt and our nation is on the road to possibly going broke.

Obama seems to think that the federal government should dictate every aspect of our lives. I don’t think most Americans agree. It’s evident from the results of the mid-term elections that gave Republicans power over the House. We see our government explod-ing, trying to take over businesses – insur-

ance and banks. That cannot work well for our country. It’s one of the reasons why there’s such an upheaval be-tween parties, as well as confusion and disgust throughout the country at how our federal gov-ernment is functioning.

For the first two years of Obama’s term, he had everything in his favor with a Democratic Congress, yet he and his administration failed to

get our nation’s fiscal house in order – and there’s still concern over the budget issue. This is a disgrace to our nation.

I didn’t vote for Obama in 2008 because I thought he was shallow, deceptive and ar-rogant. His first outrageous policy, which critics call Obamacare, forcing everyone to get insurance or pay a penalty, should be

repealed because it’s going to bankrupt our country. We’re already $14 trillion in debt and that figure won’t shrink anytime soon. All of the candidates in the Sept. 12 debate agreed that it should be repealed.

It’s not just the health care issue that bothers me about Obama. It’s his attitude toward Congress and the American people. It reminds me of the movie, “Catch Me If You Can,” when the lead character contin-ues to evade capture – challenging every-one to catch him. In Obama’s case, I think his presidential slogan should be “Stop Me If You Can” because he seems to be chal-lenging Congress [and Americans] by doing whatever he wants and that includes having unlimited spending power. Political analysts and syndicated columnists discuss and criti-cize his policies, yet nobody seems to be able to call a halt to his arrogance. Where is the power of our Congress?

I’m looking forward to the next Repub-lican debate on Sept. 22 in Orlando, Fla. If you’re as disgusted as I am about how our country is functioning, you should hear what the Republican candidates have to offer to get our country back on track. I think they are all concerned with reducing the size of the federal government, repealing so-called Obamacare as it stands and upholding the Constitution.

If we’re going to continue to be a democ-racy and enjoy a capitalistic society, then we need a president who can provide strong leadership and who cares about America.

As Texans, we’re used to having every-thing bigger, but this summer’s temperature level was something most could have done without.

Last Tuesday Dallas/Fort Worth broke the 1980 heat record with 70 days of triple-digits, according to the Associated Press. But obtaining this status wasn’t a breeze.

Heat-related deaths, tremen-dous drought and insanely high electricity bills caused head-aches and heartaches for ath-letes, farmers and people who tried to catch a break from the scorching sun.

Officially, the first day of fall is this Friday and finally we’re receiving a well deserved break. The National Weather Service has predicted temperature lows in the 60s and 70s for this week and hopes are high that the dog days of summer are over.

“Being a lifeguard, going from working [in] 100 degrees to this weather is a fantas-tic change. It’s nice that fall is finally com-ing around. Plus, we get to wear coats and

scarves soon.” Aimee Houghton, interna-tional business major, said.

On that note, fashionistas listen up: ac-cording to Elle magazine, a couple of the hottest trends this fall are plaid and leather. A cute plaid skirt and a form-fitting leather jacket (or faux-leather) would be wise invest-ments.

Signs of fall are beginning to be spotted including pumpkin patches, Halloween mer-chandise and the signs of fall foliage.

With all the fall festivals coming up, like the Texas State Fair, hopes are high that this ideal weather will stick around.

“I’d rather be really cold than really hot. When you’re cold you can always bundle up to keep yourself warm, but you can only do so much when you’re hot. If this weather could last forever, I

would be really happy,” Victor Odigie, com-puter science major, said.

Inevitably when plummeting winter tem-peratures and extreme wind chills roll in, wishes for warmer temperatures will cross our minds. But for now, let’s take advantage of this stellar weather.

All in favor of class outside?

Going nuts for the weather

Image credit Sean Dunbar

Follow political coverage and opinions at RichlandChronicle.com

JoyCE JACkSonCopy Editor

Image courtesy AP Photo/ Jae C. Hong Rick Perry and Ron Paul square off.

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A&E

Adventure into ‘Late Night’Are you someone who enjoys creativity

and different types of art? The “Late Night” at the Dallas Museum

of Art offers several opportunities to in-dulge in its displayed artwork and exhibits after hours.

The museum also offers music showcases, films, featured performances and various ac-tivities to create your own masterpiece.

This month the museum held its “Late Night” on September 16. The main attrac-tion showcased its new exhibit, Encounter-ing Space, to display the creative atmosphere that surrounds space and underscores the theme for the night.

“Students get to know different types of art in a casual atmosphere and interact with their friends in every aspect of the museum. You don’t have to know a lot about art be-cause you will get to experience the different forms of art,” said Dr. Paul Bonneau.

Bonneau is the Music-Visiting Scholar at

Richland College and has attended past eve-ning events. He said he had a “wonderful time with a lot of people in a casual atmo-sphere and great art.”

Numerous activities were available throughout the night from 6 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Twitter Hunt, Poetry Open Mic, as well as a musical performance by the band “Shapes Stars Make” were featured.

“La La La Human Steps’ Amelia” was the feature film and showed choreography of a dance company that created the illusion of limited space. Director Edouard Lock won several dance film awards for this movie because of the attention used to display the different point of view from the dancers to the audience.

DiverseSoulz, a Dallas breakdance crew, collectively demonstrates their accurate cho-reography on the limited dance floor. Their strength and style uniquely represents an in-novative approach to space and dance.

Every third Friday of each month, the museum hosts this entertaining evening event that has everything for all ages. Gen-eral admission is $10 but students can get in

for half price with their Richland IDs. There is available parking in the museum

garage for $5. Parking is limited to first come but there are several parking lots around nearby that range from $5-10.

DART is also a great source of transpor-tation without the parking hassle. Another option is the McKinney Ave-nue Transit Trolley. It’s Dal-las’ own vintage trolley that is free and makes a direct stop at the museum.

“Late Nights have been great, the general ambiance when entering the museum attracts me. I enjoy the feel-ing of being surrounded by cultural people with the same interests as me. I also appre-ciate the variety of activities the museum offers to all its visitors, youngest to oldest,” said Claudia Lopez, a former Richland student who trans-ferred to the University of Texas at Dallas.

The museum is located in the Downtown Dallas Arts District with easy access to vari-ous transportation systems and entertain-ment. The next event will be held October 21. Information about the “Late Night” can be found at dallasmuseumofart.org.

Rebecca banksstaff Writer

Students audition for ‘Waving Goodbye’

Cody samples and Aileen Donahue auditioning for “Waving Goodbye” on Sept. 15

Megan Hayes and Michael Hampton auditioning for “Waving Goodbye” on Sept. 15

Images credit Sean Dunbar

The World Language Lab will be showing free foreign films this semester. Students, faculty and staff are invited to foreign films that will entertain, educate and inspire con-versation.

This semester the foreign films will be all about food. The best foreign films concern-ing food have the power to tempt and tanta-lize with their sumptuous imagery. The films will rejoice in the most exquisite details and celebrate in the delight and enjoyment of food. They will transport an audience to the sights, sounds and flavors of far-off places. This semester’s movies will make you laugh, cry or even inspire you. But, if they do just one thing, they will make you hungry. Free popcorn will be served.

Thursday, Sept. 22: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.Del Rio Hall, Room D-174In “Eat Drink Man Woman” (1994), the

sensuous joy of food and its associated rit-uals are examined through the story of a father and his three grown daughters. The eleborate preparation of their Sunday din-ners together acts as an expression of their unspoken thoughts and feelings. A retired master chef and widower is worried about the future of his three unmarried daughters who are skeptical about marriage. Yet, he himself surprises them with his secret love affair with a woman many years his junior.

‘Eat Drink Man Woman’

Image courtesy Dallas Museum of Art

DiverseSoulz perform in the Atrium during a DMA Late Night

Free foreign language films Image courtesy Chindeep.com

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REVIEWS

Adventure into ‘Late Night’

Don’t you ever get sick and tired of play-ing the same type of games over and over and over again? Well, I do. And I’m pretty sure plenty of you feel the same way.

“Never Dead” is the answer to your prayers. Some of you are probably thinking, “what the heck is this chick talking about?”

In “Never Dead,” you play as a demon hunter named Bryce who is an immortal, which means you never die! The only thing that happens to you is that your limbs detach from you but you can use them as weapons and reattach them to yourself.

“Never Dead” is a third-person action game that takes place in a fantasy and hor-ror-influenced universe. You battle between humans and strange-but-unique creatures in an extraordinarily detailed city environment. Of course, you will have weapons other than your arms and legs. You will use a butterfly designed sword, as well as guns.

This beautiful world is in danger of pos-sibly being devastated by a demonic plague. You are the only hope and it is up to you to save the world.

Do you think you are up to the chal-lenge?

“Never Dead” is set to be released Sept. 30 and will be available on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

MaRY cHanneLLstaff Writer

Game Preview:

Images courtesy Gmerinvestment.com, Community.livejournal.com, Zombiegamer.co.za

We Came as Romans’ second studio al-bum, “Understanding What We’ve Grown to Be,” released on Sept. 13 is a big step forward for the band. This album stays true to the band’s post-hardcore sounds, but de-parts from its normally positive lyrics.

Kyle Pavone’s smooth vocals, contrasting David Stephens’ harsh screams, well repre-sent the “dark to light” theme the band is aiming for with this album. This theme is also displayed on the album cover artwork.

The album opens quickly with the heavy track, “Mis//Understanding.” There is a high energy present for the entirety of this track. This track also has some of the best mixtures of the two vocals.

“Everything as Planned” contrasts the

first track somewhat with a more gradual build up in the beginning of the song. I en-joyed the sudden, quick stops laced through-out the song. The chorus does a great job of balancing this track, and fits very well with its screaming counterparts.

The track, “The Way That We Have Been,” impressively uses many different mu-sical elements to great success. Fast-paced drums help set a good tempo. I particularly like the periodic use of high pitched strings. Overall, this track serves the album well.

The album is filled with many successful tracks. Although the more intense parts of this post-hardcore album could be intimi-dating to some, it all comes together to cre-ate a wide range of complementary sounds. I would definitely recommend buying this album.

And keep an eye on We Came as Romans as they continue to evolve.

TIMOTHY POTTeRstaff Writer

Image courtesy Equal Vision Records

“God doesn’t love you, unless you fear him”

“Red State” is the unlikely film from the mind of funny-man Kevin Smith, the direc-tor of “Clerks” and the creator of Jay and Si-lent Bob. Maybe now you’re confused seeing the image of a serious-looking woman hold-ing this automatic weapon on the poster.

Good, that’s exactly how Smith wants you to feel. He’s set out to make a completely different picture than what everyone is used to. Not only has he accomplished that, he’s actually made a good movie along the way.

“Red State”is available on all Video On Demand services until the end of the month. Those itching to see this in a proper theater will have their chance on Sept. 25 in Oak Cliff in the historic Texas Theater, with a Kevin Smith is scheduled to be in attendance for a Q&A session after the screening.

The film opens with three teenagers

browsing a craig-slist-esque website looking to get laid over the weekend. It’s all too good to be true, though, and the boys get into a different situation than ex-pected. Instead of the night of joy-ful sin, the boys are drugged and kidnapped by a character played by Oscar winner Melissa Leo.

Hours later the group wakes up bound and gagged in “Red State’s” version of the in-famous Westboro Baptist Church. Up steps preacher

Abin Cooper (played by Michael Parks), who gives the most hateful and mesmer-izing sermon you’ll ever hear. Halfway through, the cult even executes other kidnapped victims. One thing leads to another and ATF Special Agent Keen-an (John Goodman) is sent to investigate a disturbance at the church.

As if it hasn’t hap-pened enough al-ready, the film keeps on with more twists and turns than you can count upon one viewing. Bullets start flying and so does the camera. Over

and over you’re viewing quick camera cuts and seeing some pretty neat visual tricks for a cheap movie. The footage cuts from one place to the next without giving you any time to soak in what just happened.

It sounds like I’m complaining, but with this kind of movie it sets a tone and makes everything more interesting.

With only a limited amount of space, it’s hard to explain every reason why “Red State” is one of the best movies of the year. From the unknown actors to the established stars in this cast, you’re going to get sucked in with amazing performances for a full 90 minutes. Standing out, though, is the un-der-appreciated Michael Parks. Simply put, Parks’ portrayal of Abin Cooper will leave you in awe and I’ll even go so far as to say that this performance is by far the best I’ve seen all year.

So, don’t try and get settled in when you watch “Red State.” You’ll be on the edge of your seat with an unsettling feeling from the beginning to end and love every minute of it.

scOTT JacksOnstaff Writer

‘Red State’ loaded with superb twists, turns

Image courtesy Lionsgate Home Vidoe

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Richland CollegeMusic Recital Series

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

Fall 2011 RECITAL SCHEDULE:

Sept. 27 ◆ Dr. Michael Varner “Yoruba Music of Nigeria”

Nov. 8 ◆ Richland College Guitar Ensemble

Oct. 4 ◆ Iridium Brass Quintet (Arena theatre)

Nov. 15 ◆ Richland College Jazz Ensembles

Oct. 11 ◆ “Conquistadors & Composers” (Arena theatre)

Nov.22 ◆ Richland College String Orchestra & Chamber Ensembles

Oct. 18 ◆ Dr. Jerry Wallace Music Scholarship Recital

Nov. 29 ◆ Richland College Choral Ensembles

Oct. 25 ◆ Richland College Wind Sym- phony & Chamber Ensembles

Dec. 6 ◆ Vocal Honors Recital

Nov. 1 ◆ Richland College Percussion Group and Steel Bands

Dec. 8 ◆ Instrumental Honors Recital (Thursday)

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

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

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

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

© Richland Chronicle 2011

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

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Richland College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Alpha Xi, held a bake sale Sept. 13 in El Paso Hall, raising over $200, donating 25 percent of the profit to the Tex-as Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society among community college students, whose mission is to recognize and encourage academic achievement.

Additionally, the society provides oppor-tunities of individual growth and develop-ment through activities in the four hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service and fel-lowship.

Alpha Alpha Xi’s co-vice presidents of service, Dennis Q. Ly and Patricia Villacin, planned the fundraiser as one of the chap-ter’s monthly service projects, in order for members to have an active and involving role in service and volunteerism.

One of the co-vice presidents of leader-ship. Nineteen-year-old Andee Chieu, busi-ness management major, was glad to be one of the many volunteers at the bake sale. As an officer, she believes it’s her duty to help out and be a part of any services the chapter has.

“Personally, those who participate in the bake sale are not only helping our commu-nity but they’re role models to society,” said

Chieu. Inducted as a member in the spring semester of 2010, Chieu joined Phi Theta Kappa for the experiences and scholarships. She said she has made a lot of friends and met many inspiring people along the way.

The Office of Student Life provided in-formation and a series of quizzes to test students’ knowledge about the Constitution Sept. 16 in the El Paso Lounge.

Below: Amarat Ali (left) 21, a computer science major, takes a quiz on the Constitu-tion. He’s taking a class in American history and his teacher requested that students take the quiz to see how they fare.

Constitution Day:

RememberingSept. 17, 1787

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profiles

Super-student Krystal Paul does it all

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Dedicated to drama

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Krystal Paul, 20, a biology major, has com-pleted 50 credit hours and is attending her second year at Richland as a full-time stu-dent.

Born and raised in Trinidad for 18 years, Paul grew up with her mother and brother. She said that growing up in Trinidad was the highlight of her life. She did a lot of volunteer projects, such as being a FIFA flag bearer and ball attendant for six years -- which she loved because she got to meet soccer players from around the world.

“The culture is more relaxed than the one I am in today,” Paul said. “The trait I admire most about my mother is her unconditional love toward my brother and [me]. She would ensure that we had any and everything my brother and I needed or even wanted. She

did everything possible to guarantee our hap-piness.”

Paul also volunteered at marathons, charity events and mentored young girls. Paul chose to engage herself in these activities because it gave her a feeling of accom-plishment. Knowing that she helped someone, she said, made her feel like she was serving a purpose in society.

This fall, Paul was accept-ed into the Science, Technol-ogy, Engineering and Math-ematics program. She joined the STEM program because it will assist her in fulfilling her ultimate goal in life, pro-viding opportunities that will expose her area of study.

One of Paul’s most signifi-cant times at Richland would be playing on the soccer team for a second year. She has gained useful knowledge from

the impeccable coaching staff that not only help her on the field, but off as well.

“Not only does playing soccer give you the health benefits, but you now have a group of people who become an extension of your

family. They look out for you and help in times of need,” said Paul.

Paul hopes to earn a doctorate in kinesiology with a minor in speech pathology. Her list of possible universities to transfer to after Richland include Texas Woman’s University, Texas Chris-tian University, Univer-sity of Texas at Arlington and Baylor University.

“I have chosen those schools because they have

outstanding science programs and also be-cause some of my family members previous-

ly attended these schools, where they studied in the field of science. So they recommended their school as an option for me,” said Paul.

Currently, Paul is employed part-time by the Richardson Independent School Dis-trict. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she tutors Advancement Via Individual Determination students at Richardson North Junior High School.

“It is a pleasure teaching the AVID stu-dents. Their determination and passion for learning is beyond explanation,” said Paul. “I can honestly say that it is not easy being a stu-dent while having a job, but then I remember that there are people who have full-time jobs, or maybe even two.”

During Paul’s free time, she likes to stay active. So regardless of the sport, she would try it. Paul also enjoys watching “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” because she tries to analyze the evidence given in the episode to see if she can determine who the criminal is before it is revealed.

Dennis Q. Lystaff Writer

Andy Long has been looking for a full-time teaching position in drama for two years. When he saw that Richland had an opening, he applied and got the Visiting Scholar posi-tion.

Long been working in professional theater for about 25 years in a variety of fields, in-cluding broadcast, voiceovers, improv and commercials. He has also directed plays at the Pocket Sandwich Theater and now works with the Dallas Children’s Theater.

“I was touring the country performing comedy,” Long said. “I’ve directed and acted in professional theater.”

Long said some of the jobs in the entertainment field have required him to leave the me-troplex, Long said, but he’d but he would rather stay in this area because he has a family. He’s teaching three acting classes this semester, as well as a demo lab on Fridays and a theater practicum.

“I feel like I have a lot to offer students, coming from the professional world,” Long said. “I have a tremendous amount of con-tacts. I’m using a lot of contacts to help the students gain access to outstanding profes-sionals in the field that they can learn from.”

“We want to grow the department and in-crease enrollment, increase full-time faculty positions and do all of this through really high quality productions that re-establish the reputation of Richland College Theater on a state-wide and national level,” Long said.

The drama department has added new adjunct faculty: Mac Lower, a professional director; Ginger Goldman, a professional ac-

JOyCe JACKsOnCopy editor

Images credit Sean Dunbar

tress; Dennis Maganza, the former head of the acting program at Texas State University; Victoria Irvin, a Richland alumna; and Jen-nifer Owen, Richland’s former tech director who has just received her master’s degree and who is teaching introduction to theater this semester. Three adjunct faculty, Debi Ruiz-Esparza, Kerry Cole and Wendy Welch, have returned this semester.

Long said Richland is the only one of the seven Dallas County Community Colleges that has a full season schedule. The others only perform two plays per season.

The Richland department is performing four plays this season, which covers both the fall and spring semesters. All are free and open to the public.

One of the plays this fall, “Exit the Body” by Fred Car-michae, is a fast-paced com-edy, Long said. It will run at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 12-15, in the Fannin Performance Hall. It’s

the story of a mystery writer who rents a new England house that is the rendezvous point for some jewel thieves. The focal point of the set is the closet, where a body is found, later disappears and then is replaced by another body. The hunt is on for some jewels, and there are some hilarious entrances and exits.

A contemporary drama, “Waving Good-bye” by Jamie Pachino, will run at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 16-19, in the Arena Theatre in Fannin Hall. It’s the sto-ry of a 17-year-old photographer, Lily Blue, who loses her father in a mountain climbing accident and must now live with her mother, who once abandoned her.

For more information about the drama de-partment, contact Long at 972-238-6256.

Wanted:

Writers, Editors, Photographers

Stop by Student Media in E-020

Image courtesy AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams Image courtesy AP Photo/Julio Cortez

adam crouchStaff Writer

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Be angry. Get upset. Throw things at your television. Torture your Tony Romo voodoo doll and swear never to watch the Cowboys again!

Leading the New York Jets 24-10 with 14 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys looked poised to escape Metlife Stadium with a shocking road victory to start the 2011 season. But Romo, the recogniz-able face of the Cowboys, simply blew it.

He fumbled the ball at the 3-yard line. He threw an inexcusable interception. He wrapped the game in decorative cellophane and gifted it to the Jets. The Cowboys fell 27-24.

Why, God? Why would you dangle such triumph in front of me, only to strip it away in week 1?

Now, take a deep breath, control your heart rate and relax. The Cowboys have played a meager 6.25 percent of their schedule, and 15 games remain. The season is young.

Though a blasphemous view in light of such a heart-wrenching loss, I remain op-timistic. In fact, I think that the Cowboys looked (gulp)… great!

Hear me out.Since the start of the 2009 season, the Jets

are 25-14, including two trips to the AFC Conference Championship. In 2010, the Jets allowed the third-fewest yards per game (291.5), the sixth-fewest points per game (19.0) and limited teams to fewer than 24 points in an impressive 13 of 16 games.

Yet despite playing on the road in a hostile environment, the Cowboys’ offense looked dangerous. With wide receiver Dez Bryant healthy and the offensive line providing ad-equate protection, Romo torched the best cornerback tandem in the NFL in Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. The offensive line, which consisted of three new starters, provided Romo time in the pocket to look d o w n f i e l d . They weren’t s p e c t a c u l a r against the Jets’ pass rush but absolutely good enough to win.

And the Cowboys’ de-fense, which ranked 31st in scoring last sea-son, played ex-ceptionally well. With their top three corner-backs hobbled by injury, the team limited the Jets’ offense to 17 points. The defense also created two turnovers, sacked Jets’ q u a r t e r b a c k Mark Sanchez four times and held last sea-son’s most prolific rushing attack to a mere 45 yards. Second-year linebacker Sean Lee

dominated the line of scrimmage, recording 12 tackles and returning an interception 37 yards to the Jets’ 1-yard line. Though at less than full strength, new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and the defense performed admi-rably.

Yet those were the lingering question marks entering the 2011 season, right? Fans and experts were horrified by the inexperi-

ence of the of-fensive line and the lack of tal-ent on defense. Those units were expected to struggle, but they did not. That’s reason for hope.

It was Romo who let the fans down. Though he played phe-nomenally well through three quarters to put the Cow-boys ahead, his critical mis-takes down the stretch lost the game. Though his perfor-mance is un-even at times,

Romo is a known commodity. For stretches in games, he is brilliant, but his tendency to make critical mistakes at key times is his flaw.

Defeated, Cowboys have hope

Image courtesy AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

This we know.Romo will bounce back. He will be a con-

sistent force for this team throughout the season. And if Romo really is the biggest concern for this team in 2011, then the Cow-boys might be pretty good after all.

Image courtesy The Dallas Morning News

New York Jets kicker Nick Folk (2) and Mark Brunell (8) celebrate Folk’s 50-yard field late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game to defeat the Dallas Cow-boys 27-24 Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Left is Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50).

In this Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, file photo, New York Jets linebacker David Harris (52) chases Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) out of the pocket as running back Felix Jones (28) runs alongside during the second half of the Cowboys 27-24 loss to the Jets in an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Romo threw an intercep-tion and fumbled during the second half.