mustang messenger volume 4, issue 7

volume four | issue seven | october 2009

• COLLEGE EVENTS • STUDENT FEATURES • ENTERTAINMENT •

02 Mustang Messenger | October 2009

creditsEDITORSMelani ZunigaCoordinator of Publications

Keri GutierrezDirector of Marketing

STAFF WRITERDave RalphCommunications Writer

DESIGNERS / WRITERSLaura AmaroDigital Media Design Technology

Lorenzo GarciaDigital Media Design Technology

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERScredited

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERScredited

TSTC Harlingen is a two-year higher educationinstitution emphasizing courses of study intechnical education for which there is a demandwithin the state of Texas.

1902 N. Loop 499Harlingen,TX 785501.800.852.8784www.harlingen.tstc.edu

ViewtheMustang

Messenger

onlineat

harlingen.tstc.edu

/mustang

EEvveerr wwoonnddeerr wwhheerree tthhee ccoonntteenntt oofftthhee MMuussttaanngg MMeesssseennggeerr ccoommeess ffrroomm??

It comes from YYOOUU! The Mustang Messengeraccepts stories, reviews andartwork submitted by TSTCstudents. If you’d like tosubmit your creative work forthe next issue, e-mail it topphhddcclluubb@@ggmmaaiill..ccoomm.

For more information call956.364.4116.

Nov. issue deadline: Oct. 16

Get involved inStudent Publications!

View your gradesthrough WebAdvisor*

To access your grades, you must log in successfully to WebAdvisor (WA).

1. Open Internet Explorer. Go to https://my.tstc.edu.

2. Click on the WebAdvisor tab.

3. Click the "Click here to enter WebAdvisor" link.

4. Click the blue "Login" button in the top right corner. 5. Log in to WA. 6. Click on the Grades tab.

Note: Your WebAdvisor ID (WAID) is printed at the bottom of your TSTC invoice. Your defaultpassword is the last six (6) digits of your student ID. If you don't know your WAID, select "What'smy User ID?" If you are unable to log in with your WAID and default password, please call theTSTC Help Desk at 956.364.5000 to have your password reset.

7. To change the default password, log in to Self Service Password Utility (SSPU) toset up your hint and challenge questions. Go to http://sspu.tstc.edu.

8. Log in to the myTSTC Portal. Go to http://my.tstc.edu. The username and thepassword are the same as your WAID and password.

With your personal profile, you can also:

Review Class Schedules • Register For Classes • View Financial Profile • • Review Academic Profile • And more.

* Grades will not be mailed.

On The Cover

Wharrgarblby Lorenzo Garcia, DMDT

AAccrroossss::4. Facebook 5. MySpace 8. Social Networks9. YouTube 12. Podcasts 14. LED 15. Wallpaper 18. iPod19. Keyboard 20. TwitterDDoowwnn::1. Laptop 2. Monitor 3. RAM 5. Macintosh6. Friend Request 7. Mouse 10. Browser 11. Cellphone13. Hard drive 16. Windows 17. Binary

pg 06

pg 10pg 08

pg 19pg 16 pg 17

FROM YOUR SGA PRESIDENT- Veronica Sanchez

NEW RELEASES AT LRC- Renegade: The Making of aPresident

- The Odds: A Mystery

MOVIE REVIEWS- District 9- 500 Days of Summer

COLLEGE FEATURES- 2009 Graduation

STUDENT FEATURES- Student Leadership Banquet

Mustang Messenger | October 2009 03

5

16

8

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6

1

Candlelight Vigil

2

Last Day to Apply for Graduation

3

Student Leadership Conference

4 5 6 7

Community Resource Fair

8

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

9 10

11 12 13

Wellness Walk

14

Safety Tips on Campus and at Home*

15 16

Scholarship Workshop

17

18 19

Red Ribbon Week OCTOBER 19-23

20

Girls Day Out: Think Pink Party

21

Drug & Alcohol Intervention*

22 23

Mid-Term Grades Due D & F ONLY

Scholarship Workshop

24

National Make A Difference Day:

SGA Service Project

25 26

Spring 2010 Registration Begins

27 28

Solutions to Conflict*

29

Oktoberfest

30Spring 2010

Scholarship Deadline

31

Halloween

sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday

October CAMPUS EVENTS


mymail.tstc.edu

powered by

Weekly Updates for Students and EmployeesMUSTANG

keep in touch.

*Critical Thinking Workshop

Registered students visit

and use your WebAdvisor login andpassword to get started.

Want to promote an event? Send submissions [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesdays.

presidentsfrom your

would like to take thisopportunity to say thankyou for the privilege and

honor of representing thestudent body. Since this willbe officially the last MustangLetter I will be writing asyour Student Governmentpresident, I would like to tellyou it has been amazing toserve the students of TSTC

and this experience has taught me so much!

I believe working alongside the officers of StudentGovernment and the club members of TSTC's

organizations has given me a greater insight of whatmakes a strong successful leader and professional. Ihave had the time of my life while giving back to mycollege community and if there is one suggestionthat I can pass on to you as a student is to getinvolved! Before I was involved on campus I felt likesomething was missing. Now I have gained a familyand memories that I will never forget. Thank you!

Now I would like to welcome you to TSTC and Fall2009. As we begin this new semester I am filled withexcitement to get the fun under way! SGA has jampacked the next few months with so many fun thingsthat it’s sure to make your head spin!

In other news, keep your eyes peeled for our“Student News: Mustang Information Update” newssegment being aired on YouTube.com; it’s the bestway to find out what’s going on here at TSTC. Socheck it out! It will be updated weekly with usefulinformation about upcoming workshops and events.

Veronica Sanchez

Veronica Sanchez - Outgoing SGA President

I


ey there, Mustangs!The fall semester is infull swing and your

newly elected officers and Iare hard at work.

After having presidents likeGeorgeann and Veronica, Iknow I have to step up mygame. I’m excited andhonored to represent all the

students. With your involvement, SGA will work itshardest to make this year a memorable one.

September’s “Welcome Week” had a great turnout.We had a large number of students participate inthe week’s activities. This fall semester is crammedwith fun events like Oktoberfest so I hope to seeyou there! SGA would also like to invite anyonelooking to help out in their community to join us forour “National Make a Difference Day” serviceproject. For info please call the SGA office.

If you have any questions or comments feel free tocontact the SGA office at 956.364.4343. Check usout on MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter! Don’t beafraid to contact us with comments and/orsuggestions; that is what we’re here for.

Belinda Palomino

Belinda Palomino - Incoming SGA President

H

connectONLINEW

ITHUS

myspace.com/tstcsga facebook.com/tstcsga youtube.com/tstcharlingen twitter.com/tstcharlingen

Visit TSTC SGA on the following networks!


featurescollege

2009Graduationtate District 43 Rep. Dr. Tara Rios Ybarra, D-South Padre Island, urgedTSTC graduates to courageously pursue their dreams during hercommencement address August 22.

“Follow your plans,” she told the audience at Christian Fellowship Church.“Do not just dream of your goals; go for it. Remember that learning comesin all shapes and sizes.”

Former Student Government Association President Georgeann Calzadareminded her peers about studying late into the nights and earlymornings that made graduation possible.Commencement symbolizes how hard workpays off, she said before she received anAssociate of Applied Science degree inBusiness Office Technology, and inspiresfuture successes.

“Reaching commencement feels good,” saidAlejandra Rubio, Surgical Technology valedictorian who willwork at Rio Grande Regional Hospital, as she waited for the ceremony tobegin. “There will be no more daily or weekly reports for every case thatwe did during clinicals.”

Board of Regents Graduate Reza Ghavami earned an AAS in ComputerScience Software Development with a specialty in Game & SimulationProgramming. He graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and thanked hisfellow graduates and other students for their assistance. “It was an honor to

attend classes with them and share ideas. My achievement represents acollaboration of students, which is very indicative of how people cooperatein the industry,” he said.

Roberto Montemayor, a Building Construction Technology graduate with anAAS, commuted to Harlingen from Seguin to take classes. The 62-year-oldVietnam War veteran said that he plans to pursue another college diplomain business marketing. He added, “I always wanted a college degree and Ifinally got it.”

Michelle Galvez waited a year - due to Hurricane Dolly- to attend commencement as a Board of

Regents graduate with an AAS fromChemical-Environmental Technology. Sheworks as a lab technician monitoringemissions at an oil processing plant and she

will begin chemical engineering classes August24 to seek a bachelor’s degree. Her brother Joe is

a TSTC graduate from the CET program and her sisterMelanie will begin CET course work at TSTC on August 31.

“Working with Mr. Flores and Mr. Hernandez helped me prepare for whatI should expect in a career, but TSTC did something more significant. Itchanged my life,” Michelle said. “I became a leader in the CET Club andstudent government. The multi-tasking helped me become a moreorganized person. There’s no way to describe it all because everything thathas happened to me has been good.”

S

Remember thatlearning comes in allshapes and sizes.“

”


FFaarr lleefftt:: After commencement, College President Dr.Cesar Maldonado, Board of Regent Nora Castaneda,Board of Regent Graduates Mailinh A. Haslem andReza Ghavami, and Dr. Parviz Ghavami celebrated onthe stage.

BBoottttoomm:: Dr. Tara Rios Ybarra, state Rep. District 43,of South Padre Island delivered two commencementaddresses for TSTC on August 22, 2009.

FFaarr lleefftt:: Brother Joe, left, and sisterMelanie, right, joined Board of RegentGraduate Michelle Galvez, center,at commencement. Joe and Michelleare both graduates of theChemical-Environmental TechnologyProgram; Melanie is also enrolled as astudent in CET.

LLeefftt:: Dental Assistant Chairman Dr.Bob Bennett congratulated Board ofRegents Graduate Darla M. Taubertat commencement.


featuresstudent

SSGGAABBaannqquueett

FFrroomm lleefftt ttoo rriigghhtt:: Director of Student Life AdeleClinton with Georgeann Calzada, SGA PresidentVeronica Sanchez, Vice President Shannon Williams,Secretary Sandie Vela, Treasurer Hilda Prieto,Parliamentarian Eli Torres, Historian Shannon Padilla,and Joshua Hernandez.

The Student Life Committee, SGA officers andvolunteers transformed the Cultural Arts Centermeeting room into a glitzy Paris-themed dining room.Candle votives suspended from the ceiling set themood. along with piano music provided by XavierGonzales.

Student club organizations received recognition for participation incampus events and community service projects at the third annualbanquet sponsored by the Student Government Association and theOffice of Student Life. Hundreds of TSTC students gain extra-curricular technical experiences, leadership opportunities andteamwork skills through involvement each year.

For example, many groups will volunteer to assist with thenationwide Make A Difference Day on October 24. To register as avolunteer, stop at the Office of Student Life in the Student Centeror phone 956.364.4304 for details.


The SSAADDHHAA II CClluubb won the SSeerrvviiccee PPrroojjeecctt ooff

tthhee YYeeaarr AAwwaarrdd for their A Reason To Smile community

service project. Their club president NNiicchhoollee KKoozznniiuukkwon the TTSSTTCC RRiissiinngg SSttaarr AAwwaarrdd and a MMoosstt AAccttiivveeCClluubb MMeemmbbeerr certificate.

RRiiccaarrddoo SSeerrnnaa of the AAuuttoobbooddyyCCoolllliissiioonn SSkkiillllssUUSSAA CClluubb won the AAddvviissoorr ooff

tthhee YYeeaarr AAwwaarrdd and their club secretary SSaarraahhZZaammaarrrriippaass won the SSttuuddeenntt ooff tthhee YYeeaarr AAwwaarrdd.

The SSttuuddeenntt CClluubb ooff tthhee YYeeaarr AAwwaarrdd was presented to

the the DDeennttaall EExxpplloorreerrss CClluubb.

MMoosstt AAccttiivvee CClluubb MMeemmbbeerr certificates were

awarded to one student from each student club.


FFaarr lleefftt:: A chocolate creation entitled "TheLeaves of Autumn" earned first place.

LLeefftt:: Jeremy Battles of Brownsville claimedfirst place in the bake-off with a chocolatework of art. He invested a month of planningand working with ingredients to create themasterpiece.

LLeefftt:: Finalists of the baking classsummer semester final exam werefront row Cuca Torres, second, andMarco Brardi, third. In the back, fromleft, are Nellie Garcia, fourth; FrankRangel, fifth; Dario Lucio, honorablemention, and Alfredo Torres,honorable mention.

RRiigghhtt aanndd ffaarr rriigghhtt:: Judges Elvia Berryand Valley Morning Star Editor PaulBinz scored 23 entries based uponoriginality, degree of difficulty,presentation and taste. Henry Homerof the Calesa Restaurant in Harlingenalso served as a judge.

Culinary Arts StudentsBake-Off

Humanities and Arts SocietyEl Dia de los Muertos CelebrationAltar ExhibitLearning Resource CenterOctober 26 - November 2See how the living celebrate the cycleof life and death by their offerings tothe dearly departed.

For more information, contact J.J. Platas at [email protected] or call 364.4744.

ReceptionLearning Resource CenterNovember 2 • 12PM - 1PMEnjoy free refreshments along with apapel picado demonstration and specialguest speakers.


tudents in the Child Growth andDevelopment class at TSTC Harlingen areobserving children to measure various

aspects of the learning process. The search forsubjects was in itself a major task; public schools areout during the summer months. To find children fortheir projects some students rounded up their ownchildren and relatives, while others traveled to theBoys and Girls Club in San Benito. Students weredetermined to learn about how children developcognitively using memory, visual perception andhow they learn from effects of peer observation.Some of the students involved in the studies wereBrittany Luna, Delia Villegas, Lea Rodriguez, andCynthia Romo.

Brittany Luna took on the task of finding out howskillful children perform at some visualdiscrimination tasks. A four- year-old girl, andtwo boys, who are five and six years old,respectively, were given the same fourtasks in discriminating shapes, objects andcolor. First, they were all questioned aboutthe meaning of the word “same.” All answeredcorrectly and were able to distinguish shapes butwhen the element of color was added to the taskthe older child was successful along with the girl,while the 5-year-old boy showed some confusion.

Delia Villegas tested for auditory memory. The fivetasks involved listening to a sequence of numbersand repeating them in the same order. Her subjectswere 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 year olds. The five tasks wereincreasingly difficult and she found that somechildren were clearly frustrated when the taskrequired more effort to accomplish. Also noticeablewas the method which each child used toremember the numbers. Some would repeat quietly,while others looked intensely at the caller. The three-year-old would just call out numbers at random after

Delia called out each series. The results of thisactivity showed the maturity of each learner andtheir capabilities according to their age.

Lea Rodriguez visited the Boys and Girls Club of SanBenito for her study of watching children learnthrough observing other children being rewardedfor some behavior. An art activity was used in thestudy. The three groups of four children ranging from5 to 7 years old were asked to draw a picture ofwhat they saw outside. The first group of five yearolds consisted of three boys and one girl. During thedrawing session, Lea commented on a flower beingdrawn by one of the children. “Immediately, theother children looked over to see what they lookedlike. Soon after they were all drawing flowers.”

In another group of six-year-olds, Lea noticed thatone child took the lead and the others followed indrawing similar elements in their drawings. Lea statesin her report, “Not only was I learning about whatthey would respond to, but in the short amount oftime that it took them to draw their pictures I waslearning about each of their personalities.” This group“….had hearts hanging in mid-air and houses thathad a roof of many colors ….” Most of the childrenin the groups would finish their task at the same timeafter one child announced that he was finished.

The last group decided to draw animals even thoughthere weren’t any in sight. This occurred, according

to Lea, after she commented on the picture of a catby saying “Oh, I like animals.” Two other childrenquickly started drawing cats.

Lea concluded in her report, “I enjoyed this projectbecause it taught me not only about what childrenrespond to, but also that children want to be listenedto and valued for what they can accomplish.”

Another student, Cynthia Romo. also conducted theobservation on auditory memory. The seven yearold from her group was successful in rememberingall the five series of numbers given. The outcomesvaried with the younger children of 3-6. Some woulddo well with the first two series and only recall thelast two digits of the remaining series. Cynthiarecalled the three-year-old. “When I started thewarm up and I would tell him to repeat the

numbers that I said, for example, I said ‘one’and he would shout out ‘three’ or anothernumber I asked him to repeat. And fromthe beginning to the end of the activity all

he did was shout out random numbers; noneof them were the ones I asked him to say.”

The short observation studies, though inconclusive,gave the students firsthand experience at viewingchildren’s learning behavior in their development.Each student conducted their research using self-developed instruments to gather their data. Thoughsome of the projects did not require materials,others used drawn shapes, colored cubes and artmaterials. Using this approach to learning about childdevelopment was quite a learning experience forboth observer and those being observed. Studentsshowed excitement and enthusiasm when reportingtheir findings about their own nieces and nephewswhile others made friends at the recreational centerin San Benito.

S

Also In The News..The Teacher Assistant Club helped raise funds

for Teach The Children, an annual event to gatherand distribute school supplies to children. Clubofficers recently met with Newschannel 5 topresent their donation.

FFrroomm lleefftt ttoo rriigghhtt:: DDeelliiaa ZZaarraattee,, MMeelliissssaa VVeeggaa aanndd aaNNeewwsscchhaannnneell 55 rreepprreesseennttaattiivvee..

...children want to belistened to and valued forwhat they can accomplish...“ ”

by Irma Larios, ET Instructor

Education and Training StudentsConduct Research

ith new technologies coming out, newdegree paths are being carved and changeis coming – especially here at TSTC. Our

campus is going through a new transition that willprovide you with so much opportunity, it’s almostdaunting. The new Academic Achievement Center(AAC) and General Studies in Technology Program(GST) located in the Biomedical/Dental Lab Building“D,” was created to assist you with your collegeexperience and guide you through your journey!

OOuurr cceenntteerr ooffffeerrss hheellpp ffoorr::TTrraannssffeerrrriinngg EEAA SSttuuddeennttss (Associate to

Bachelor Degree)AAlllliieedd HHeeaalltthh SSttuuddeennttss (Pre-Dental Hygiene

and Pre-Surgical Technology)GGEEDD RReecciippiieennttss who desire to enter a

technical field of study

TTrraannssffeerrrriinngg EEAA SSttuuddeennttssThe GST Transfer program is designed to ensurequality transfers for students who have receivedtheir associate degree from TSTC Harlingen and areinterested in pursuing a bachelor degree. Our

advisors work closely with degree advisors fromvarious universities throughout the Rio GrandeValley, as well as Texas, to advise you on qualifyingtransfer courses offered at TSTC Harlingen. Setaside your course transfer worries, and concentrateon class. Let our advising team help you plan yourfuture!

AAlllliieedd HHeeaalltthh SSttuuddeennttssThe Pre-Tech program caters to students interestedin the Dental Hygiene and Surgical Technologycareer fields. This program introduces them to real-world experiences in their respective career field byattending observations and tours of workenvironments in the local area.

GGEEDD RReecciippiieennttssOur GED program is designed to assist GEDrecipients with attending TSTC Harlingen. Ouradvisors know how different, and at times-challenging, it is to attend college for the first time.That’s why we are dedicated to assisting first-timestudents in every way we can. We will guide youwith advice and resources ranging from tutoring to

career exploration and mentoring! As an addedbonus, we will also help you fill out your financial aidapplication and apply for scholarships!

That is why the Academic Achievement Center andadvisors offer extra services to accompany theirexperience and knowledge. You will find that thoselittle “extras” will help you get to your goal(s) onesemester at a time. All you will have to do is ‘followthe yellow brick road’ (that we will show you, ofcourse) while chanting:

““AAddvviisseemmeenntt,, CCoommppuutteerrss aanndd WWoorrkksshhooppss……OOhh mmyy!!””Stop by and join the atmosphere. Each one of ouradvisors have been/or are currently in your shoes.Whether you are a GED recipient looking to furtheryour education or a TSTC Associate graduatewanting to transfer for a Bachelor degree theAcademic Achievement Center is for you.

Wby Joshua Hernandez, Pre-Tech Advisor

WWhhaatt mmoorree ccoouulldd yyoouu wwaanntt?? AAnnsswweerr:: A lot more.

Struggling as a new student?Don’t be left out!

Support Services recently created a Web page withhelpful links for students in non-traditional fields. Students canfind links to Web sites where they can network with theirpeers and learn more about gender equity. Check it out today!

hhttttpp::////hhaarrlliinnggeenn..ttssttcc..eedduu//ssuuppppoorrttsseerrvviicceess//LLiinnkkss..aassppxx

Did youknow?

S U P PO RT S E R V I C E S O F F I C E

For Your Information:The American Foundation for the Blind

celebrates the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille'sbirthday this year. We also celebrate the Braillecode, named after its young inventor, and theexpanded possibilities for literacy, independence,and self-expression Louis Braille opened up toblind people everywhere.

For more information please visithhttttpp::////wwwwww..aaffbb..oorrgg//SSeeccttiioonn..aasspp??SSeeccttiioonnIIDD==8866

GGeeoorrggeeaannnn CCaallzzaaddaaPPrree--TTeecchh AAddvviissoorr995566..336644..44118800

RRoobbeerrtt FFoosshhiieePPrree--TTeecchh AAddvviissoorr995566..336644..44118811

JJoosshhuuaa HHeerrnnaannddeezzPPrree--TTeecchh AAddvviissoorr995566..336644..44114422

Visit us in person at the Biomedical/Dental Lab Building “D”room 138, or visit us vir tually by navigating to:wwwwww..hhaarrlliinnggeenn..ttssttcc..eedduu//oossss//AAccaaddeemmiicc__AAcchhiieevveemmeenntt__CCeenntteerr..aassppxx



Continued...

Lion: What did you do that for? I didn’t bite him.Dorothy: No, but you tried to. It’s bad enough picking on a straw man, but when you go around picking on poor little dog.Lion: Well, you didn’t have to go and hit me, did you? Is my nose bleedin’?Dorothy: Well, of course not. My goodness, what a fuss you’re making! Why, you’re nothing but a great big coward!Lion: You’re right, I am a coward! I haven’t any courage at all. I even scare myself. Look at the circles under my eyes. I haven’t slept in weeks.Tin Man: Why don’t you try counting sheep?Lion: That doesn’t do any good – I’m afraid of ‘em.Scarecrow: Oh, that’s too bad. Don’t you think King Jesus could help him, too?Lion: King Jesus? I heard he’s a heck-of-a-guy. Maybe he’ll be able to help me.Dorothy: I don’t see why not. Why don’t you come along with us? We’re on our way to see King Jesus now. To get him a heart.Tin Man: And him a brain.Dorothy: I’m sure he could give you some courage.Lion: Well, wouldn’t you feel degraded to be seen in the company of a cowardly lion? I would.Dorothy: No, of course not!Lion: Gee, that – that’s awfully nice of you. My life has been simply unbearable.Dorothy: Oh, well, it’s all right now. King Jesus can fix anything.The gang lock arms together and sing: “We’re off to see King Jesus.”

Lights down.

SCENE 5: Characters harassed by Devil. Change scenery. Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Devil in place. Angel must be ready to join thescene. Lights up. After the song, they continue to walk and are suddenly stopped by the Devil. He begins taunting them and putting them down.

Devil: You’re never going to see King Jesus. He doesn’t care about you He’s too busy for an idiot like you, Scarecrow.(Scarecrow looks down at ground, saddened.)And you, Dorothy; he’ll never forgive you for turning away. (Dorothy is saddened.)What about you, Tin Man? You hate everyone and everything; I doubt King Jesus will love you. (Tin Man drops his axe, helpless.)And you, Lion. (Lion hides behind Tin Man.)You’re so afraid, I bet you won’t be able to ask King Jesus to help you and you’ll never be saved.Lion: (comes forward and falls on his knees): We’re doomed! There is no hope for us!Devil: Ha! Ha! I told you so!(Suddenly an angel of the Lord appears.)Angel: Stop! It is not true!(The Devil appears scared and begins to tremble. The angel continues.)Angel: There is no truth to what he speaks, for when he lies he speaks his native language for he is a liar and the father of lies.Now away with you, Devil! I am watching over them and you have no reason to trouble them.Devil (looking at Dorothy): I’ll get you my pretty! And your little dog, too!(With that, the Devil turns around, defeated. The angel turns to them.)Angel: Do not fear him. You have come this far and God has been with you through it all. I will lead you the rest of the way.

Lights down.

To be continued...

Stay tuned for the last scene of The Road that Leads to King Jesusin the November edition of the Mustang Messenger!

TThhee RRooaadd TThhaatt LLeeaaddss ttoo KKiinngg JJeessuussA Spiritual Adaptation of The Wizard of Oz

by Duke Escamilla, DMDT


Student WritingS H O W C A S E

Why do I feel this way?I feel like no one’s around but you and me.When I see you I just meltlike an ice cube on a hot summer’s day.I have tried not to show my feelingsbut I just can’t help myself.I wrote you a letter telling you how I feelbut I guess you just don’t feel the same way.I would like to know how you feelso I can move on with my lifeand not care about you like I do.

UnansweredMelissa Sustaita, EA

If I could captureEvery little thoughtMusingVoice in my headOh what a memoir that'd beThe world would be wiserFor the readingOr quite possiblyThey'd become more confusedI have so much to shareAt times I feel as if I'd explodeIf I couldn't tell a soulSo ramblings fill my pageOn and on I goAs one thought takes formSix more fill my mindThey come and goI can never capture them allBut if I couldOh what a memoir that'd be

A Reliquary of ThoughtsScarlet O'Rourke, EA

A thunderstorm rages above, the smell of sulphur all around as the lightning flashes across the eyes of the lost. The anguish in those eyes is more thanenough to fill a couple of lifetimes, carried by a false sense of hope that everything will be OK. She sits in the middle of a destroyed foundation she oncecalled home with her head bowed to the elemental forces that break her down and play images of despair, blocking any chance of thoughts to save her. Shelets the rain fall upon her from the open rooftops like the tears that stream from open windows down her cheeks. Clothes, ripped and torn from the wind thatsmashes grit against her frail body, raw skin painful to the touch, reddened by the anger that fuels her sadness.

A cry splits the night, a cry to the seven circles of hell and beyond for this unending torture to stop once and for all, to give her the peace of mind thatshe so desperately needs to keep living. The sky begins to turn reddish as the sadness ends its turn and madness replaces all rationality. Rage consumes her likea wildfire burning through dead grass, killed off by its fiery destruction and she reaches out with that rage, infecting the land around with fury and turmoil.Flames imprint their stories as they spread out across the horizon leaving nothing but smoldering ruin. Her will blazes with the ferocity of a millionsupernovae reaching to unimaginable levels of energy with just one intellect to direct its course. In her screams she does not hear the gentle footsteps behindher, the only one that survived the wrath. A hand reaches out inch by inch, seared by cruel feelings, touching her shoulder and a bright light shines from theconnection, engulfing all and extends everywhere healing what it shines on.

A brilliant flash later and she stands in the middle of a destroyed foundation she once called home, and is calm, happy even. She turns around to see whosaved her from an awful ending and finds a body on the ground, burnt beyond recognition. Walking over to the corpse, she places a hand on the charred fleshand suddenly she finds herself staring at the most beautiful angel she has ever seen, making her eyes water from the sheer magnificence of him. A voice callsout, “All is now well.” And she watches as the angel turns his face toward the sky and with the rising sun, dissipates into the air.

A ball of light is all that remains and floats into her outstretched hand to fizzle out and leave something for her to remember. Her hand closes around asmall piece of rice and a small white bean to remind her of what she cannot forget, the past that must be reborn, the past that will rekindle the passions of agifted writer saved by memories.

I went to see you, but you weren't there.I tried to leave you, and couldn't bear.I can't keep doing this, but I can't stop...Like looking for the missing piece when it's not thereI couldn't resist and you'd never share.I know you’re far away, but I don't care.I'll travel the distance, even if it’s anywhere.I can't keep doing this, but I can't stop...I've forgot the touch of my lover; that dream has faded long ago.Going back to sleep into the deep below.I'm losing contact with reality, everything is fake.I'm not sure anymore if I'll ever wake.I can't keep doing this, but I can't stop...Everything is passing, time has far gone.I think I'll stay here and wait for dawn.Except it's now too late...And I'll never find my soulmate.

Breathless ImpressionsBenjamin Robertson, EA

SaviorBenji Huerta, CSMT

entertainmentfor your


Upcoming Film FeaturesNovember 6A Christmas CarolThe BoxThe Fourth KindMen Who Stareat Goats

November 132012Pirate RadioWomen in Trouble

November 20The Blind SidePlanet 51The Twilight Saga:New Moon

November 25NineNinja AssassinOld DogsThe Road

www.film-releases.com

October 9Couples Retreat

October 16Law Abiding CitizenThe StepfatherWhere theWild Things Are

October 23Astro BoyCirque Du Freak: theVampire's Assistant

Amelia

October 28Michael Jackson’sThis Is It

November Releases

istrict 9 gives a different take on the “aliens havelanded” premise. A hovering spacecraft is motionlessover a South African city, instead of the more popular

major American city that so many films default to. The humanschoose to make contact first and make their way into the hullsof the ship to find a scared and malnourished race of alien lifeforms. Over the next two decades the aliens are established insegregated housing, in the likeness of a landfill, and have grownto be known as troublemakers.

The time has come for the Government to take the next step.The small community of prawns, a slang name given to the aliens, have becomean eye sore to most citizens and the city’s officials. A fragile character namedWikus from MNU, the organization in charge of alien affairs, has been given the

lead on the project to relocate the aliens. Wikus, in his routine evictions,accidentally stumbles upon something that will redraw the line between humanand alien.

The film has a lot of undertones as well. Without being too preachy, the filmdwelled into topics such as “The War in Iraq,” racism, segregation and bigotry. Agritty feel covers the film and more heavily in the alien concentration camps. Theeffects are limited but very well earned as the film progresses.

District 9 was a highly technical fulfilling film. Most movies that involve aliens andspaceships can’t wait to stun the audience and have them drool on the edge oftheir seat, not District 9. This film created the actual substance and reason behindevery effect. Not only that, but once the time did come for an alien weapon ora robot suit it did not take the unfortunate Michael Bay turn for the worse.

District 9D

by Lorenzo Garcia, DMDT

Rated PG1 hr 22 minFantasy /Sci-Fi

his is a film about every aspect of love. This includes thegood times and the bad, the beginnings and the not sosubtle endings.

It is a crushing tale of postmodern love and how the idea oflove differs from person to person and the reality of when a,sadly, one-sided relationship comes to a halt.

The story is carried as a fable with an ominous narration tellingthe tale and visual jumps through these 500 adventurous days.On one hand we have Tom Hanson who believes in love, but

not that it happens everyday, and on the other we have Summer Finn, whobelieves in seizing the moment and wishes not to belong to anyone, especiallywith an undefined bond like love. Whether by fate or coincidence the two meet;

Tom sees something that he has long waited for, while Summer sees anopportunity for friendship and fun.

The film follows this pattern of a two-sided story with plenty of mixed signals inbetween. A broad stroke of indie romance paints the face of this film withfeelings that will carry you to great heights and deep caverns. Through its ups anddowns the film still keeps its validity intact. You can see how minute details andsmall quirks come from real life scenarios whether directly from the writers ora familiar party.

The film is well pieced, but to a higher point, the film has a human impact. 500Days of Summer is so much more than a romantic comedy; it speaks many truetales about a number of people who can relate either from their presents orfrom their pasts.

T

Rated R1 hr 40 minDark Comedy

500 Days of Summer by Lorenzo Garcia, DMDT

Check out what thePhotojournalism and Design Club

is currently listening to!

Sarah Brightman“Deliver Me”Eden

Classical Crossover / Popwww.myspace.com/sarahbrightman

Lifehouse“First Time”Who We Are

Alternative / Pop / Rockwww.myspace.com/lifehouse

Oceansize“Music for a Nurse”Everyone Into Position

Rock / Experimentalwww.myspace.com/oceansizeuk

E.S. Posthumus“Antissa”Unearthed

Orchestral / Electronicwww.esposthumus.com

Fall Out Boy“I Don’t Care”Folie à Deux

Rock / Pop / Punkwww.myspace.com/falloutboy

Andrew Bird“Anonanimal”Noble Beast

Indie / Folk / Rockwww.andrewbird.net

Your Heart Breaks“New Ocean Waves”New Ocean Waves

Indie / Pop / Rockwww.myspace.com/yourheartbreaks

Los Campesinos!“You! Me! Dancing!”Sticking Fingers Into Sockets

Indie / Pop / Rockwww.loscampesinos.com


C rossword PuzzleTech Terms

The following are clues and definitions ofcurrent technology and Internet terminology.

Across4. Write on your friend’s wall here 5. Social network where Tom is

your first friend 8. Online community of people 9. Popular video sharing Web site 12. Online radio episodes 14. Light emitting diode 15. Monitor background 18. Apple music player 19. Learn your home row on

this qwerty device20. Micro-blogging

Down1. Mobile computer 2. Computer image display3. Computer memory5. The Steve Jobs’ operating system 6. Can I be your friend?7. Computer pointing device10. Gateway to the Information

Superhighway11. Mobile communicator13. Type of file storage16. The Bill Gates’ operating system17. Computing language

What do YOUwant to see in ?

Send your ideas to [email protected]

ANSW

ERS ON PAGE 02

Intramural SportsIntramural Sports

Indoor SportsBasketballVolleyball

SoccerDodgeballRaquetball

Kickball

Outdoor SportsFlag Football

SoftballSoccer

Kickball

FitnessCardio RoomWeight RoomWalking Trail

Aerobic ClassesMuscle Toning Classes

TSTC Wellness & Sports Center


intramuralsportsschedulefall2009

All you need at the LRC to borrow a book is a valid TSTC student ID. For more information, visit www.harlingen.tstc.edu/library.

Gertruda’s Oathby Ram Oren

Trapped in the horrorsof World War II, awoman and a childembark on a journey ofsurvival. Written with theinvaluable assistance ofMichael, now seventy-two, Gertruda’s Oath re-creates Michael andGertruda’s amazingjourney.

Renegade:The Making of A President

by Richard Wolffe

This book is thepreviously untold story ofhow a political newcomerwith no money and analien name grew into theworld’s most powerfulleader and a uniqueportrait of the personbehind the Secret Servicecode name Renegade.

The Odds: A Mysteryby Kathleen George

The HomicideDepartment is upsidedown and a young boydies of a suspiciousoverdose. Meanwhile,four young kids havebeen abandoned and areliving on their own.Connecting these peopleand their stories is NickBanks, just out of prisonand working off a debt.

New Releases at the LRCWHAT IS THE LRC?The TSTC Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center(LRC) provides a variety of services aimed to helpstudents and faculty meet educational goals. The LRChouses the library, Media & Publications Center andboard conference room.

Whether for work or leisure, there are • computers • 4 printers• a scanner • 10,000+ journals• 58,000+ electronic books • DVDs• 10 study rooms • orientation room• display cases

To see what software is offered at the LRC, please visitits Web site at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/library.

To reserve the Orientation Room, please call thecirculation desk at 364.4609.

Display cases are available to showcase TSTC activities,services, programs and to commemorate specialobservances. To reserve a display case, call 364.4609.

The Learning Resource Center staff encourages culturaland information literacy by organizing events such asdatabase orientations, puppet shows, art exhibits, poetryreadings, workshops and seminars.

aerobicsmonday - friday: 12 noonwednesdays: 5:15PM

valley bowlnovember 7, 2009UT Brownsville

� Captains’ meetings will be held in the gym. A team captain/representative must attendthe captains’ meeting.

�Contact the Wellness & Sports Center staff at 364.4340 or 364.4341 for more details.

WELLNESS & SPORTS CENTER HOURS monday - thursday 8AM - 9PMfriday - saturday 10AM - 2 PM

WELLNESS WALK

“Commit to be Fit” and walk around thetrack at the TSTC Athletic Field.

october 13 5:15PMnovember 17 12PM

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Student Art GalleryART AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TSTC STUDENTS

Rust-StainedWorldDIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

WordyDIGITAL ART

RorschachSPRAY PAINT STENCIL ON CARDBOARD

OberonDIGITAL ART

Scarlet O’Rourke, EA Sebrina Schultz, DMDT Jose Luis Iracheta, DMDT Samantha Bigelow, EA

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mustang messenger volume 4, issue 7

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