FREE NEWSPAPER CAMPUS EVENTS • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS • COLLEGE LIFE

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF BRISTOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE November 2010, ISSUE 11 Campus Confidential

By Brittany Degagne & Sarah Mulvey

MassachusettsTEXTING Legislature passed a will be fined $100 for a first texting while new law, banning texting while driving. driving offense. Fines increase after the Governor Duval Patrick and 28 other first offense. The fines increase to $250- state delegates signed it. $500 plus a possible two-year jail sen- “Texting While Driving,” is an act tence on negligence charges for a driver of composing , sending, or reading text who causes an accident. Operators of messages , email or any other similar use public transportation risk $500 fines or of internet-capable mobile devices while termination from their jobs for texting operating any form of vehicular or pub- while driving offenses. lic transportation” on September 30th, The law is stringent and has been 2010. visibly enforced on our state’s roadways. This legislation was brought to na- The ban comes at a time when the in- tional public attention after an alarming crease in accidents and death caused by rise in the rate of accidents including texting while driving has reached an all- those made by public transportation op- they time high. erators. will receive a $100 fine In May 2009, a MA Bay Transpor- and be required to attend a driver attitu- tation Authority trolley collided with A study conducted by dinal-retraining course. another trolley. It was soon discovered the University of Utah between 2005 and Operators over the age of 18 must texting, Page 7 that the conductor was texting with his 2008 concluded that cell phone use while have one hand visibly on the steering girlfriend and failed to stop before col- driving had the same effect on judgment wheel while making a phone call, but liding with the train in front of him. The and reaction accident caused injury to 62 individuals times in drivers on board both trains. that a blood- In September 2008, in California, an alcohol level BCC Students Respond engineer operating a commuter rail train of 0.08 would failed to stop at a red light and slammed have. That is into a Union Pacific freight train, killing the highest le- himself and twenty-five other passengers gal limit in the because he was sending and receiving state of Massa- Justin Taylor: “Don’t do anything Rebecca Sousa: “I can understand text messages. Because of these acci- chusetts and is you wouldn’t do on a road test.” where they are coming from and why dents, studies were conducted to show overall, a fair- it is being passed. Too many people the effects of the distraction caused by ly high level of Alex Pum: “Life will go on if you have died texting while driving. I try texting while driving. The statistics are intoxication. ignore that text. But people have to not do it now that I know it is il- alarming. The new killed in accidents. legal but I think it is stupid that they Massachusetts can pull me over for texting at a red law prevents Joe Kaplan: “Stop lights are okay light. If I am recklessly driving, fine, all drivers in my opinion. How can they prove but not when I am clearly stopped.” Inside this from texting you weren’t just dialing a phone while driving number.” Shawn Viveiros: “It’s a good idea while either to have a law against texting and Issue operating a Jillian Jensen: “I feel that kids my driving because of all the fatal ac- car or major age have gotten so good at texting cidents.” Emerson Scholarship Available....Page2 transportation vehicle. and driving that we can do it without Law & Order BCC...... Page 3 Operators even looking at the phone, so I feel Nick Medeiros: “Not text messag- that this law it unnecessary to us.” ing while driving could prevent a lot In Style at BCC...... Page 3 under the age of 18 are re- of damage and accidents.” Attleboro Campus...... Page 6 stricted from All cell phone Sports...... Page 7 use while driv- ing. If caught  The Observer / www.BristolCC.edu/observer november 2010 The Observer Next Step To Emerson Scholarship Available By Sarah Mulvey Editor-in-Chief...... Sarah Mulvey Fall River Campus Editor...... Chris Wilbur Bristol Community College has complete their Bachelor’s in five makes it a top choice for these students Photo Editor...... Ryan Michael Pease been added to an exclusive group semesters or less. to continue in their area of study. Sports Editor...... Ana Loreto of stellar community colleges to While attending Emerson, the Ms. Shea said that this scholarship Fashion Editor...... Katrina Mercier receive the Next Step To Emerson student must maintain a 3.0GPA in speaks volumes about the quality of Features Editor...... Brittany DeGagne scholarship. order to renew their scholarship. our students and the education they Music Editor...... Chris Proctor This scholarship provides the The environment at Emerson is very receive at BCC. Attleboro Bureau Chief...... Sean Wilcoxson recipient with a half-tuition scholarship competitive. “Our inclusion in this program Campus Reporters...... Ashley Moniz equal to more than $15,000. Emerson is a prestigious says that Emerson obviously feels that Ashley Martins Janine Barao The scholarship is renewable institution with a specialization in the education provided at our school is Roxanne Muniz for two years. This means that upon Communications. equivalent with the programs available Amanda Csorba completion of your final two years of Elieen Shea of BCC’s Advisement at Emerson,” Shea said. Gretchen Araluce undergraduate study, the scholarship and Counseling Services encourages Application for scholarships is Faculty Copy Editor Harvey Ussach pays for a full year of tuition at students in the Liberal Arts, competitive, but Ms. Shea encourages Faculty Advisor...... Jack Conway Emerson. Communications, and English majors all BCC students looking into Printing & Design...... TCI Press, Seekonk, MA The criteria to receive the to apply for this scholarship. continuing on at Emerson to apply. scholarship is demanding, but entirely According to Shea, Emerson’s The deadline for application is achievable. The applicant must have a devotion to Communications April 1, 2011. Rates 3.2 GPA and a completed Associate’s Full Page 9.8125 x 10.8125 degree. (4 column x 11 inches)...... $ 400.00 Also, the student must be enrolling (Full color, add $75.00) for full-time status at Emerson and

Half Page 4.75 x 10.8125 (2 column x 10.8125 inches)...... $ 200.00 (Full color, add $75.00) EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Bristol Community College does not Quarter Page 4.75 x 5.25 discriminate on the basis of race, col- (2 column x 5.25 inches)...... $ 100.00 (Full color, add $75.00) or, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or handicap in admission, Eighth Page 4.75 x 2.63 access or treatment of its programs (2 column x 2.63 inches)...... $ 80.00 (Full color, add $75.00) and activities, Applicants for admis- sion and employment, students, em- Transfer to Emerson. Business Card ployees, and referrals of applicants Transform Your Life. 2 x 3.5 inches...... $ 40.00 (Full color, add $75.00) for admission and employment with questions or complaints about com- Emerson is one of the premier colleges in pliance with Title VI of Civil Rights the country for communication and the arts. We invite you to learn more about the Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educa- academic, social, and career opportunities tion Amendments of 1972, and Age available here. Publication Information Discrimination Act of 1975, should The Observer is the official student-run newspa- contact Tafa Awolaju, Director of per of Bristol Community College Human Resources, 0208, at 508-678- c/o Bristol Community College, Room B117 Fall Open House 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA 02720 2811, extension 2194. Or, contact the November 13 508.678.2811, ext. 2989 Assistant Secretary of the Office of RSVP at emerson.edu/admission/openhouse The newspaper serves the BCC Fall River, New Bedford, and Attleboro campuses. All expressed Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Ed- opinions do not necessarily represent those of ucation, Washington, DC 20202, or Transfer Information Sessions/ The Observer, its staff, its advertisers or the col- Campus Tours lege. The Observer office is located in the BCC the Regional Director for the Office Writing Center, B-117, office: 508-678-2811, ext. November 9 2989, email: [email protected] for Civil Rights, Region One, Boston, December 6 The Observer may edit, classify, or reject any ad- MA 02109. Those with questions or emerson.edu/visit vertising copy submitted by an Advertiser at any time. Please contact the Observer offices for a complaints regarding the Americans current rate card and publication deadlines. The with Disabilities Act should contact January Admission Deadline: November 1 Observer or its staff will not be responsible for ty- pographical errors. All contents copyright ©2010 the Director of Counseling, G-209, at The Observer and Bristol Community College. Find more information at emerson.edu/ Unauthorized duplication prohibited without ex- 508-678-2811, extension 2227 admission or call 617-824-8600. pressed written consent. The Observer welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters must be 250 words or less and signed. Please email or send a hard If you need accommodations to access any copy. The paper is scheduled for publication once a month. The Observer staff will make every ef- program of events, please contact the BCC fort to ensure that publication deadlines are met, Office of Disability Services at (508) 678- but are not responsible for delays due to techni- 2811 ext. 2955. If you need an ASL inter- cal and/or printing problems. For more informa- tion, or to place an ad in The Observer, please preter, CART or ALD, please contact julie. contact 508.678.2811, ext. 2989. Tear sheets and [email protected] at ext. 2568 or VP invoices will be mailed after first ad insertion is (508) 689-7616. published. November 2010 The Observer / www.BristolCC.edu/observer  Law & Order BCC By Chris Wilbur “We are not police, we are campus for lost and found in the D building police,” the quote in Dukes of Hazard headquarters. memorably relates. BCC’s Director of The campus police also offer Public Safety Wayne Wood chuckled a program called Rape Aggression over the line during a recent interview. Defense or RAD class. Students can dial But the campus police are police, extension 2218 for more information. trained intensely for 16 weeks at the A student’s first run in with the State Police Academy, according to police, however, may just be a request Wood, warmly dubbed “the chief.” for escort from an evening class. Asked why Bristol Community “Always be aware of your College’s Campus Police has a surroundings,” Wood offered as a reputation of being so friendly, he safety tip, mentioning the Victimization admitted his officers take after him. Triangle, a tool taking the opportunity “Our job is to keep the campus out of an attack, which can be found in safe,” said Wood. “But we are human this month’s Safety Corner. too.” He mentioned the services the Professional, competent—and Campus Police offer such as jumpstarts, friendly--BCC ranked #1 last year Pictured center, BCC Director of Public Safety, Wayne Wood, and campus help with lockouts, both car and class in the Massachusetts State College police officers. room, and providing a central location rankings for safety. InStyle at BCC Now That the Weather is Colder, Fall Fashion Starts to Heat Up By Katrina Mercier a tunic, blazer or cardigan. Cardigans coat for women. It can look professional are great for layering with tank tops or for an interview, but also casual with tee-shirts and can be figure flattering jeans, fun shoes and layered jewelry. when clenched with a belt around the If you are not into trying this trend, skinniest part of your waist. women’s blazers are everywhere. They Accessories can add glam to any come in different colors and textures outfit. Scarves are returning in full some even with very feminine ruffles. force with the newest-infinity scarf. Shoes can be so much fun and a Instead of having two loose ends to the great way to add a punch of color to scarf the infinity is a full circle that you your outfit. Flats look great with skinny can wrap around your neck twice, it’s jeans. Boots are everywhere! Uggs have warm and a great added accessory for been in for a few years now and don’t coats and sweaters. seem to be going anywhere. They are Katrina Mercier Coats are comfortable and warm Janine Barao inevitable, this year in the winter. For fall Now that the weather is colder, fall the pea coat is a though, more leather dry and fun to wear. fashion starts to heat up. Skinny jeans, classic along with the and suede boots, both For an all over look, neutrals are leggings and jeggings are definitely double breasted coat. in heels or flats are in. in, but add a splash of color or fun standing out around the Fall River For a more edgy look, Boots have come pattern to mix it up. Animal prints are BCC campus. bombers and leather a long way with studs great in tasteful doses. Metallics add Jeggings are new this season, they jackets are great. They for extra edge and they sparkle to an outfit; belts and handbags fit and feel like leggings but look like are just enough drama seem to go further look nice in shiny silver or gold. Studs jeans. An advantage to the jegging over without going over up the leg past the on sweaters and handbags spice up jeans is how great they fit under boots. the top. Janine Barao knee. When it isn’t a anything you are wearing. Ashley Martins said, “I just bought my said, “My bomber is beautiful crisp fall day Remember to stay true to your first pair of jeggings. They are definitely my favorite fall jacket and the rain comes, own personal style, but add a few of a girl’s best friend. They flatter my because its stylish, rain boots are all over these new ideas to heat up the chilly petit frame very well and offer the best functional and still campus. Ranging in weather. comfort and look I could ask for.” keeps me warm.” all different colors The skinny jean style can be A popular new and patterns they are complemented by a looser top such as trend is a men’s suit Ashley Martins helpful in keeping you  The Observer / www.BristolCC.edu/observer november 2010 PHENOM S I M M O N S C O L L E G E • B O S T O N , M A S S A C H U S E T T S Brings Students to Ready to ... Statehouse By Chris Wilbur PHENOM bussed BCC and UMass students to the statehouse in Boston, October MAKE ITI 7th in a rally cry to increase state funding for higher education. The group endorsed a “National Day of Action to COUNT? Defend Public Education” and was encouraging anyone with a stake in public higher ed, from students to staff, to join. Join us for our Transfer Information Sessions Student Senate member Andreea Marin said the event “was absolutely amazing and I was glad to see such great dedication to the cause. Many representatives actually took the time out of their busy schedules to come out and support Phenom. It just went to show that students are not alone in this ongoing battle!” SIMMONS New to the BCC campus this Life change starts at Simmons College. year, PHENOM uses the slogan “Let’s Be Average!” referring As an undergraduate student, the choices you make today determine how to some sour statistics. successful you’ll be tomorrow. A Simmons education is designed to make the Massachusetts ranks fourth from the bottom among the 50 most of your college investment—and put you on track to a fulfilling career. states in state funding of higher ed and average tuition and fees for community colleges are Take a closer look. 49% higher than the national average, according to the Join us for information sessions on November 18 PHENOM. The group advocates for and 29, December 10 and 13, and learn why a transfer lowering tuition, increasing financial aid, and in general to Simmons College could be a winning move. issues that impact students such as textbook prices. Where: Simmons College, Main Campus Building Campus advisor Dr. Ron Weisberger said, “We When: Thursday, November 18, 2010 know how important a higher education is in today’s world Monday, November 29, 2010 and it is essential that the Commonwealth fund its public Friday, December 10, 2010 institutions adequately.” Monday, December 13, 2010 “Phenom was an absolute success and if we keep fighting Learning with Purpose our voices will surely be heard,” Marin said. Students are asked to Learn more: www.simmons.edu/undergraduate � [email protected] � 617.521.2051 contact Dr. Weisberger to learn more about the group.

Bristol Community College ad 8”x 10” Due date: 11-5 for insertion 11-9-10 Heidi Gudaitis, Simmons, 617-521-2129 Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115

Advertise with HTheird Graphic Desi gnObserver, 978-281-6313 please contact us at 508-678-2811 ext 2989 November 2010 The Observer / www.BristolCC.edu/observer 

let the race begin!

The BCC EngineeringEngineering Club organized thethe uniqueunique and entertainingentertaining Duct Tape Boat Race Race on on October October 20, 20, 2010. 2010. The The race race was was conducted held on on the the BCC BCC campuscampus pond behindbehind thethe CommonwealthCommonwealth College Center (G building). TheThe objective Ofwas the to racecreate was a tosound create structure a sound out structureof cardboard, out of ductcardboard, tapeand duct plastic tape bags and plasticthat could bags carry that two could crew carry members. two crew Racers members. had to row Racers thirty hadyards to outintorow thirty the yardspond andout intomake the it backpond withoutand make capsizing it back or without losing acapsizing team member or losing overboard. a team member overboard. After three races and much splashing, laughing and After three races and much splashing, laughing and victory cheers, the winners victory cheers, the winners were: Team Vigilante for best race time, Team weredetermined including Team Vigilance for best race time, Team Idea for most Idea for most unique design and the Tutor Club for best engineering. uniquedesign and the Tutor Club for best engineering. byWriteup Sarah by Mulvey Sarah *Mulvey, Photos Photosby Ryan by PeaseRyan Pease * Page design by Jill Carrico  The Observer / www.BristolCC.edu/observer november 2010

ATTLEBORO CAMPUS Lecture Aims at Defining Gangs By Sean Wilcoxson We all THINK we know about persons associating together. According gangs, “It is not an easy job.” looking for any way to make money what gangs are and the type of person to law enforcement, they call this and survive? that participates in that sort of living. definition too simple. The “real” Who joins gangs? The average age of gang members But Ron Letourneau, an definition is a group of people engaged There is no specific concrete that get arrested and come to Mr. officer who works at the Donald in illegal activities. In other words, this answer to this question. There are Letourneau are 14 to 22 years old. W. Y. Detention Center, has some is a group of people making money in numerous factors that contribute to “Sometimes the choices are pretty information for us that could shake wrong ways. Some illegal activities of the reason why someone would want hard. These kids that grow up in poor up any preconceived ideas about the gangs include extortion, violence, drug to first, get “jumped” in, that means neighborhoods either join a gang or gang world. It is all around us he tells sales, and weapons. going getting beaten up for a period get beat up and bullied daily until they students attending the lecture on gangs It seems the popularity of this topic of time, and second live a life that is join.” in the auditorium. of gangs has grown, the reason for this filled with violence, murder, drug use “I have learned a lot about the is because there is such an increase in and drug selling, and any other form of Making Positive Changes gang world, the most I get is out of gang activity that it cannot be ignored, negativity you can think of as a way of With Police Leagues and programs the experience of talking with gang you can find shows on the History life. in jails, the only way to fight it is to members,” said Letourneau, “One kid Channel and Discovery Channel that That is just it. It is a way of life give these kids a way out. They did not came into the facility yesterday, of show these gangs in action. for people in places where police do have love growing up, so the answer seven total in one day who are members not even want to go. These places are is in giving love to them and showing of the gang Latin Kings, told me he No Solution? called projects, affordable housing them another way to live life. has been a member of the gang for 12 In an interview with Letourneau, complexes, the poor parts of town Look around, there are signs years. He is 23 years old, so he started he came to a point in the questions where you are afraid to walk at night. everywhere written on the walls as living a life of crime and violence at where the lines blurred: “How do you The members usually join at a graffiti, telling you to beware: gangs are the age of eleven.” stop such a thing that is growing so fast young age, when life is just opening up here to stay. But they will only stay if The profile of a gang member is at a rate that is almost unstoppable?” for them. This life so far has been bad you let them, and awareness is the key constantly changing; we have had He answered with this: “Well, enough for them to think that belonging to understanding gangs and learning people who were incarcerated that what can you do? There are programs to a gang is okay. It is sad, but it is the more about how to stop them from were very rich. This guy was a doctor, in the prisons where the gang members truth. Lack of love from parents, if growing. Letourneau’s mission is in making tons of money, what was he cannot go anywhere until they renounce there are even parents there, is the main education people about gangs in hopes doing wrong? He was supplying the their gang affiliation vows. It is blood reason. So these kids turn to the next that knowledge will eventually help gang with money. in, blood out. So the programs try to best role model, the guy driving a nice stem the flow of gangs in the world. help them find a way out if they want car with money and girls. What else What is a gang? to change,” said Letourneau, who just do you need for a kid who is looking The definition is any number of spent two hours instructing students on for a father figure or a brother, who is Jesse Soares New Band Sunshine Death Records Demo Busted by FBI By Chris Proctor BCC student Josh Barberie former demo they were thinking of giving it If anyone is interested in being a part BCC News Brief vocalist for the band Dhoulmagus is in out for free online or creating an EP of Sunshine Death and their journey to Jesse Soares allegedly robbed a new experimental metal band called and selling it for a few dollars to willing band-hood, you can contact Josh either Joe’s Gas Station on Nash Road in late Sunshine Death. listeners. on campus or at Mass Music Complex in September. Soares was a student at In Sunshine Death, Josh and Nick Sunshine Death’s music is very Taunton, Massachusetts. BCC’s New Bedford Campus. Jacobs play guitar, accompanied by Paul happy up lifting beats with a grungy The store was robbed with a plastic Rice on drums. Right now Sunshine trash metal background. Nick Jacobs gun, a samurai sword and a sawed off Death is looking for a bassist and a calls their music “solar thrash” with a lot Advertise with shotgun. vocalist. They are looking for devoted of upbeat riffs. Soares allegedly stole candy, cigars, members that want to have fun and create “I believe we are very unique and cigarettes and cash before escaping in a some powerful music. Paul added, “the sound very uncommon,” Jacobs said. The Observer minivan which was later apprehended by more diverse a musician is and the more Besides recording and returning to the FBI Task Force Gang Unit. devoted they are the better final product the stage, the band is thinking of making I will be “going away for 7 to 8 years in all our songs”. a music video after they record finish please contact for this” and I am “going to bust this Barberie’s old band was once on the recording. place up.” he told an officer according to BCC radio channel for an interview and “We do not have a myspace yet, news reports. he would enjoy going back on-air with we are waiting till we have something us at He will face charges of resisting his new band mates to promote their recorded,” Barberie said. arrest, armed robbery, assault with a project. “Once we record our first demo The band’s quest for new members dangerous weapon and possession of a we really are thinking of getting our has been difficult, but they are determined 508-678-2811 sawed-off shotgun, according to news songs played on the BCC radio,” said to find two more members who are just reports. Barberie. as passionate about the creative process After Sunshine Death records their and power of music. ext 2989 November 2010 The Observer / www.BristolCC.edu/observer 

GOOD SPORTS Red Sox Buy British Soccer Team BCC Names By Ana Loreto New Athletic New England Sports Ventures the men’s soccer team at BCC believes “However, with NESV purchasing (NESV), owners of the Boston Red that this purchase is beneficial for both the Liverpool Football Club, people Sox, officially bought Premier League sides. may gain more respect for soccer in the Director British soccer team, Liverpool Football “Liverpool will once again rise to United States,” Liborio said. BCC News Brief Club (REDS). the top of the EPL after a strong US “I personally find this as a great Derek Viveiros has been named as The REDS new owners John based ownership team infuses much opportunity for soccer to explode and BCC’s new Athletic Director. Henry, chairman of NESV, and Tom needed money into signing top tier gain popularity,” he said. Viveiros holds a Masters Degree in Werner, chairman of the Boston Red players and stabilizing the crippling BCC player Rui Almeida had a Sports Management and most recently Sox, bought the British soccer team debt that now haunts this once proud different point of view. worked at Iowa Wesleyan College. for $300 million when it was put for franchise. While it may take 2-3 years, According to Almeida, “This His office is located in G-117. auction. the rebuilding process by an astute has become the new trend for sport Students are encouraged to stop in Henry and Werner plan to refurbish leadership team will restore the glory teams around the world. Teams/Clubs and welcome him to the college. the REDS official field that is situated that was once Liverpool, Rose said. spend excessive amounts of money on in the heart of Liverpool. Josh Davies, a BCC freshman players putting them in financial debt. “We are eager to commence with our soccer player said, “There is a bright The amount of money spent on buying Advertise with plan, spend time with the organization, future since the Boston ownership players has become astronomical. Due its leadership, its supporters, and the takeover.” to this kind of spending, many teams The Observer local communities, Henry said. Davies fellow team mate, freshman fall on hard financial times and must The merger between the two very Perry Liborio said, “Soccer has always resort to selling their teams to the please contact us at different sports and two different been popular in foreign countries but, highest bidder; passing a team from one cultures is a huge milestone considering in the United States the average person financier to the next, this does nothing 508-678-2811 the huge fan base of the two clubs. will kick back and watch a baseball more than cause instability not only Anthony Rose, Head Coach for game.” within the team, but also its fans.” ext 2989

BCC Men’s Basketball Texting, From Page 1 in Contention Texting By The Numbers By Sarah Mulvey “National Safety Council estimates 16 and 19 were the result of cell phone The Bristol Community College ing that they will maintain a 3.2 GPA, that at least 1.6 million crashes are usage. This result has been expected to men’s basketball team has developed instead of the standard 3.0 required by caused each year by drivers using cell grow as much as 4% every year. into a major contender in its NJCAA the association. He and his staff feel that phones and texting.” • Almost 50% of all drivers between division. Their impressive debut season this ensures that the players will work • Talking on a cell phone while driv- the ages of 18 and 24 are texting while has become something of BCC legend, harder to maintain the level of excellence ing can make a young driver’s reaction driving. as well as the rigorous standards these expected of them, placing themselves time as slow as that of a 70-year-old. • Over one-third of all young driv- student athletes have maintained. ahead of other team’s players maintain- • 56% of teenagers admit to talking ers, ages 24 and under, are texting on the In order to play and remain a part ing the lower GPA. on their cell phones behind the wheel, road. of the team, each athlete must have a The team also makes time for a while 13% admit to texting while driv- • For every 6 seconds of drive time, full twelve credit schedule, maintain a study hall session, where all members of ing. (Note: Because this information a driver sending or receiving a text mes- C- average, and attend classes without the team get together to help each other was given voluntarily by teens, actual sage spends 4.6 of those seconds with fail. Head Coach Robert Delaleu has study. The progress reports are circulated cell phone use numbers may be much their eyes off the road. This makes tex- implemented the progress report pro- to each student’s professors every two higher.) ting the most distracting of all cell phone gram to keep a close eye on the academic weeks. Players must have perfect atten- • 48% of young Americans from 12- related tasks. strengths and weaknesses of his athletes. dance or the instructors will not sign off 17 say they’ve been in a car while the • Teens say that texting is their num- He believes that basketball is a chan- on the reports, thereby prompting Coach driver was texting. ber one driver distraction. nel for his students to achieve their goals. Delaleu to contact them directly to ad- • 52% of 16- and 17-year-old teen • At least 28% of all traffic crashes He states “My guys probably won’t make dress issues the student may be having drivers confess to making and answering – or at least 1.6 million crashes each year money playing basket ball….but they in class. Failure to participate or turn in cell phone calls on the road. 34% admit – are caused by drivers using cell phones will definitely make money in a field reports leads to game suspension. Re- to text messaging while driving. and texting. they choose. Basketball is a tool that will peated neglect leads to termination from • In 2007, driver distractions, such • An estimated 1.4 million crashes assist them in reaching these potential the team. as using a cell phone or text messaging, each year are caused by drivers using goals.” Coach Delaleu hopes to instill a hard contributed to nearly 1,000 crashes in- cell phones and a minimum of The strengths learned here at BCC work ethic in his students that will help volving 16- and 17-year-old drivers. 200,000 additional crashes each year are will help ensure the success of his stu- them on and off the court. He believes • Over 60% of American teens admit caused by drivers who are texting. dents both on and off the court. that success in the classroom is essential to risky driving, and nearly half of those (Sources: Virginia Tech Transpor- Coach Delaleu holds his players to to success in all aspects of an athlete’s that admit to risky driving also admit to tation Institute (VTTI) and The Trans- a higher level of academic performance career. According to Coach, “It’s not all text messaging behind the wheel. portation Safety Group at the National than is required by NJCAA regulations. about what you do on the court. Without • Each year, 21% of fatal car crashes Safety Council) He has his players sign a contract stat- the classroom there is no court.” involving teenagers between the ages of  The Observer / www.BristolCC.edu/observer november 2010 New BCC Gaming Club On Campus By Amanda Csorba And Sarah Mulvey The Fall River campus cafeteria wanted to build up the club and give Tournaments have always popped as an issue. The money made from the and lounge is a hotspot for student it an active and useful purpose. By up sporadically as the group converged events will go towards new equipment activity. Some go for lunch, others for actively recruiting members, the club on G Building, but for a while it died and the big dream; a new television for conversation. And still others, for epic has begun to develop a tournament down due to disinterest and lack of the lounge. battles between classmates through the event. participation. The club meets on Thursdays from use of video game characters on the big The group has The Gaming 2-5 with staff meetings occurring on screen TV. decided to build ‘If you wanna have Association hopes Tuesdays at the same time. The Gaming Association was upon the popularity a good time, spend it to build it back Almeida encourages students fostered in this environment, springing of group gaming and by providing interested in joining to come by any up from the interests of like-minded using old favorites with the geeks’ fun and diverse time and talk to the staff and share their student gamers. such as Super opportunities for ideas. The Association was founded in Smash Bros Brawl, gamers to come Everyone is encouraged to join, order to legitimize the well-organized Halo, and various fighting games. and see what’s available during their according to Almeida group that had come to be a well- The club also consists of card and breaks. The more formal versions of the “If you wanna have a good time, known quirk of the student lounge. board games such as Yo-Gi-Oh and tournament are going to require small spend it with the geeks,” he said. Current President Kevin Almeida Magic: the Gathering. entry fees, but Kevin doesn’t see this

what will you do? When Omar transferred to RWU, he knew he wanted to jump right into the community. A member of Omar the Multicultural Student Union Class of 2011 and an Orientation Advisor, North Providence, R.I. Omar made connections all over campus. When the English major English decided to take a class in Latino/ Latina Literature, the fact that RWU didn’t offer one didn’t stop him. Omar proposed the class, found a professor to teach it, rounded up some students and had the course accepted by the Provost. Omar is paving his own way at RWU. What will you do? www.rwu.edu

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