Chivalry is Alive and Well

By: Mary Kiser

In a world of cutthroat, collegiate acceptance rates and career advancements, kindness is difficult to find. However, goodness still prevails. People can find the positive in certain deeds at home, in class, or on the job. Maybe their mother bought them McDonald’s, friend helped them study for a test, or boss let them leave early. Their small favors are a blessing, so how would a life-altering favor feel?

Eugene Yoon was so happy one day that he decided to give away his gratitude; he wanted to help someone in need, and Arthur Renowitzky was in dire need. He was left paralyzed after a beating, so doctors told him he would never walk again. Yoon felt differently.

“He learned about an exoskeleton device that can help some people walk again. It costs about $80,000. So, to pay for it, Eugene quit his job at a research company in Northern California, to hike from the California-Mexico border to Canada. Along the way he posted videos of the adventure and asked people to donate on social media,” an article states.

When Yoon reached Washington, he had also reached his goal of $80,000, and he used the money to aid Renowitzky’s condition. His efforts were not in vain. “A few weeks later, Arthur did walk,” the article states.

The two men are more like brothers than complete strangers now. Yoon was still unsatisfied, though. He wanted to help another person, so he befriended Alberto Velasquez, an impoverished individual who “lives with 24 family members under one roof.” Yoon hired Velasquez to work for his clothing line KIN LOV GRA; while the man will earn money for his family, he will also be an integral part of a much bigger picture: the gift of giving.

What Bill O’Reilly’s Resignation Means

By: Mary Kiser


Courtesy of Robot Butt



Bill O’Reilly’s no longer the most popular news anchor on Fox News; he’s officially retired with a $25 million check to his name.

After several claims of him sexually harassing guests and interns, he resigned from his position at The O’Reilly Factor, the network’s cash cow. His fans were in mourning, but their loss is a huge win for survivors of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment’s traumatic. According to a statistics page, the 782 men and women surveyed show the problem’s bigger than people thought. “31% of the female workers claimed to have been harassed at work, [and] 7% of the male workers claimed to have been harassed at work,” the page states. Even places of employment are prey to predators, no matter the size of the company, or the status of the perpetrator.

O’Reilly, a man who made hundreds of millions of dollars for his employers, is no exception. He brought pain and suffering to his victims, and the $13 million Fox News gave to them “to keep quiet” only proves that money can’t heal scars or silence voices. However, good has come from the bad.

The severity of sexual harassment has gained international attention, and people are realizing the damning impact of the crime. Who cares that O’Reilly will no longer be on-air, or that Fox News lost a moneymaker. Here’s who really matters:

Perquita Burgess, Caroline Heldman, Jehmu Greene, Rebecca Diamond, Wendy Walsh, and every other survivor.

Dylann Roof Copycat Detained in South Carolina

By: Mary Kiser


Courtesy of Salon

At almost thirty-years-old, Benjamin McDowel was arrested after buying a gun from an undercover FBI agent. He told law enforcement that he wanted to conduct an attack similar to Dylann Roof’s. According to Salon, McDowel was inspired by the shooter, and he urged other white supremacists to follow in the felon’s footsteps. “McDowel divulged his intention to write ‘In the spirit of Dylann Roof’ on the building of the crime scene. He said he wanted to carry out an attack that was on a big scale and requested a handgun in a later phone call,” according to the online source.

The South Carolina native even wrote about his desires on his Facebook page. He encouraged white people to attack people of color. His wall reads,  

I wish the day we all get off Facebook and white Warriors like we was born to be like Dylan Roof but we gotta do it in a smart away and it takes a team it takes no drugs and party and more planning for the real Victory and not just saying it but should want Bloodshet 2 crave it and be a fanatic for your white race.

On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof brutally shot and killed members of a Charleston church, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was sentenced to death earlier this year, but for criminals, like McDowel, the sentencing’s not a deterrent.

He bought the gun, and he planned to kill people.

In the midst of an uncertain and unsafe time in the United States, it’s difficult for people to hold on to hope. The deepest roots of hatred still grow, but we can cut them down – as a nation united, not divided.

Will Trump Help or Hinder the Economy?

By: Mary Kiser

Since President-elect Donald Trump defied the political regime, he’s reigned supreme. His message spurred crowds, incited riots, and garnered a monstrous flock. Like moths to a flame, people were drawn to his rich personality and commanding presence. Ultimately, Mr. Trump’s swagger defeated his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. She lacked trustworthy charisma, and she crumbled under her own scandals. As she and her husband, Bill Clinton, retired their bully pulpit, Trump took the stage. As he promoted populism, his covert plans suggested otherwise.

Lionized (or criticized) economist, Paul Krugman, detailed his thoughts about America’s upcoming administration. He commented on chameleon Paul Ryan, and his party’s problem. Krugman wrote, “Republicans like Paul Ryan…liked to warn…about the dangers of budget deficits…now, suddenly, those very same politicians are perfectly happy with the prospect of deficits swollen by tax cuts; the budget resolution they’re considering would, according to their own estimates, add $9 trillion in debt over the next decade.” The wealthy would receive substantial tax breaks, and the working class would shoulder the country’s financial burden (again). Unfortunately, in the past, “trickle-down” economics never flourished. However, Mr. Trump might just surprise his critics. If he can nab the White House, he can accomplish anything.

Happy Holidays with Autism

By: Andrea Davis

                      Tis the season for loud, noisy Christmas ballads blasting throughout the department stores and seas of people crowding shopping malls to take advantage of those holiday sales. While the combination of the two may become a little annoying at times, it is something I can grin and bear while I’m out partaking in the holiday festivities. For my son Russell, however, this would be a combination that would send him into sensory overload. Since my son was diagnosed with autism at age 3 (he is now 8 years old), we have had years of speech and occupational therapy, along with a little trial and error, to help guide our family through the holidays as smoothly as possible. Sometimes that is easier said than done, but fortunately for us we have managed to master a few tips and tricks I’d love to share with you today to keep your holidays happy.

Visiting the local Christmas store got
Russell into theoay spirit

           When you have a child with autism spectrum disorder, preparing and planning for the holidays can help you relieve some holiday stress in a major way. What my husband and I have learned in raising  Russell is that getting him adapted to the holiday festivities before they occur saves us some major meltdowns on the day of those events. One symptom displayed by children on the autism spectrum is their susceptibility to sensory overload. Overstimulation of light, sound, or texture can sometimes be overwhelming for a child on the spectrum – this can cause them much stress. Unfortunately, the holiday season encompasses all of those things – big, bright Christmas lights, loud holiday music, and tons of textures found in everything from the holiday meals to the decorations. One tip to getting your child used to the decorations that will adorn your home is taking them to a small holiday-themed store. This provides your child the opportunity to look at the lights and decorations in a stress free environment so that when your family is ready to set up a Christmas tree, your child won’t be overwhelmed. Every year, we take our son Russell to a small, local holiday themed store that features toy trains, nutcrackers, and of course Christmas trees. We allow him to touch the lights and decorations on the trees so that he can get used to festive atmosphere and get excited about decorating his own tree. By the time we make it home, he is ready to make his Christmas tree brighter and even more beautiful than the ones he saw in the store.

Russell helping out with the Thanksgiving ham

           

           When family gets together for the holiday, you better believe there is always food. One challenge we have faced with Russell, and have noticed when speaking to occupational therapists in general, is that children on the autism spectrum tend to be extremely picky eaters. One problem that can arise from such limited food intake is a child may not be getting all the vitamins, calories, and nutrition needed to maintain good health. While we supplement our son’s diet with vitamins he takes daily, the battle of trying new foods continues. However, we think we’ve found a way to win little wars every day, especially during the holiday season. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because I love to cook, but I used to become really frustrated when I would create these elaborate meals only for Russell to pick up a dinner roll and call it a meal. A couple of years ago, my husband and I decided to try something different and from that point on it has brought a lot of joy and full tummies to our holiday meals. If you have a picky eater, try setting up mini meals for them to try before your big holiday feast. What we do is let him see pictures of different types of foods he could try. I suggest using pictures because some children struggle with articulating their wants or needs – this is the case for Russell. We narrow our options down to 2-3 menu items and we prepare them together. Russell prepares meals with me because it allows him to see, touch, and learn the process of cooking and he gets to add his own creativity to certain dishes if he likes. Once he’s tried the items we prepared and he gets used to textures, we’re less likely to have any meltdowns or empty bellies on Thanksgiving Day.

            Traveling during the holidays can be a task in itself. For children with autism,

Road trip from SC to KY with his favorite blue blanket

traveling can bring on feelings of high stress and anxiety for many reasons. One reason Russell had a hard time with travel is because he is very much attached to his routine. Traveling disrupts the flow of his routine and takes him out of the environment he is used to being in. To make traveling much easier for him, we’ve adopted this tip – make sure you plan to have their favorite books, foods, or toys available. When they have something close by that is familiar to them, the anxiety and stress brought on by unfamiliarity to their surroundings may subside – this has saved us many times. In Russell’s case, his prized blue blanket has been faithfully by his side on every holiday trip. As we all know children tend to misplace things, so I always keep a duplicate nearby, just in case.

            If you know one person with autism, then guess what – you know a person with autism. It’s called a spectrum disorder because not all autism is treated the same. Different people may encompass unique aspects of the disorder, but they all have one thing in common. All those living with autism spectrum disorder have hearts of gold and wonderful gifts to share with the world. During the holidays, keep in mind that some things that are meant to be joyful, such as holiday music and decorating a Christmas tree, can be stressful or overwhelming to those who have autism spectrum disorder. Take great care and try some of the tips and tricks talked about in this article to bring a happy holiday to someone with autism. Have any tips of your own? Share them with us and spread some holiday cheer! Happy holidays!

Pictured left from right: Andrea (Creator/Blogger of Crops & Crafts), Russell, Khari (being held by dad), Joshua

LOTSA LIP LULU

By: Lori Zeth

Deer Season

      I have such a flood of memories when the calendar changes over to November. I am blessed to have been born on November 1^st, so I immediately celebrate my birthday. I hardly realize it is November until the next day. The month is such a bittersweet month for me. I have several family members who also celebrate birthdays in November. Then, there is Thanksgiving, of course. Black Friday, when the world goes mad for 24 hours. (I think the Purge series was created from a Black Friday nightmare) and…the hunters are preparing for deer season to begin.

      Growing up in Blair County, Pennsylvania meant I had to battle snow from October to April; I learned how to hunt and track well before I was permitted to carry a firearm; and diets do not exist in the fall and winter months (or the spring or summer months, either!). I learned how to bait a hook when I was five and shoot a gun before I turned ten. When all you have is the country, the country is all you have.

      My daddy would take me on his hunting trips every year. We stayed in our camper on the farm we hunted on. We set up our blinds a few days before we could hunt; we would build a fire and drink hot cocoa and roast marshmallows at night. Daddy would always make sure I had fun or I was learning when we weren’t busy preparing to hunt. He taught me a lot, wanting me to know as much as I could.

       

      I loved the breakfasts and meals that we would make. Sausage, bacon, scrapple, eggs, and home fries. My oldest brother, uncles, and cousin would join us for breakfast the first day of the season. We would all eat and then spread out all over the farm’s hills. My dad and I would stay close to our camper in case I was cold or tired. Thinking back now, that was the sweetest thing my daddy could have done. He wanted to be sure I was safe, whether it was deer season or not.

          

      I don’t remember a year that the 6 of us didn’t get more than one deer. My very first kill was also the first shot I ever took at a real deer. I accidentally shot a doe in buck season, but I used my doe tag and took her home anyhow. My brother shot a deer one year that we had to track for hours. I remember another deer that my dad carted to our truck on a four-wheeler because the corn field we had our blind sitting in wouldn’t allow Daddy to drag him.

           

      Being a tomboy of sorts comes with being a Pennsylvanian. I have a lot of experience in the outdoors: hiking, hunting, fishing, sports, camping, and the likes. My daddy would always be sure to include me in whatever he was doing. I was the older child, so I could understand and learn a bit easier than my kid brother – he is two years younger than me. My brother didn’t get to experience as much as I did with our father because he was still very young when Daddy passed away.

           

      It was February 1996; Daddy had been feeling chest pains for a week but hadn’t gone to the doctor to figure out the cause. He had a heart attack right in front of my kid brother, dying on the spot. He was only 39 years old. This November is the twentieth November without my father. Without hunting season, without my family, and without tradition. How have I gotten through nineteen other Novembers without my father? I feel like I love him so much and miss him so bad that I shouldn’t be able to survive even one November, let alone twenty.

           

      Twenty deer seasons without you. I just can’t believe it.

Voice Your Vote

By: Stylicia Bowden

In the world of politics the old cliché “fighting fair” may not be a reality for this presidential election. If you have been following both candidates you will realize how vital it is to voice your vote for this upcoming election. Everyone has an opinion about each candidate; however, the facts are what count for casting your vote. Once you begin to separate the child’s play involved during the Q&A debate session, then you can begin to filter through the topics that matter to you. This will help you analyze whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton will be the ideal candidate to vote for.

If you want to vote early you can find information on your county’s website for specific instructions on how to participate in absentee voting. The websites will also list the requirements for voting early. On Charleston County website there are three locations where you can vote early. The three locations are as follows:

North Charleston Church of Christ at Azalea Drive, 3950 Azalea Drive, North Charleston, SC  29405, 10 October to 7 November, M-F 8:30AM to 5:00PM

Saturday Hours: October 22nd and Saturday, October 29th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

West Ashley Seacoast Church at West Ashley Campus, 2049 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC  29407, 24 October to 4 November, M-F 8:30AM to 5:00PM

Saturday, October 29th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

 

Mt. Pleasant Seacoast Church, Mt. Pleasant Campus, 750 Long Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC  29464. 24 October to 4 November, M-F 8:30AM to 5:00PM

Saturday, October 29th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The presidential voting season can be vigorous with endless coverage of debates and commercials clarifying why you should vote for each candidate; however, the most essential aspect of this presidential race is you realizing your vote matters.

Veterans Pay Up for their Service

By: Andrea Davis

            Recently 10,000 California veterans have been ordered to pay back their enlistment bonuses  they earned over a decade ago when they signed up to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. After an audit of the California National Guard from the Pentagon, it was determined that the California Guard handed out bonuses to soldiers who didn’t qualify. These bonuses were given because the California National Guard failed in meeting their recruiting goals. Consequently, they’ve now asked veterans and service members to pay this money back. Although many service members have filed appeals in response to this action, they are still being held responsible for roughly an average of $15,000 each. Those who do not pay face interest charges, tax liens and wage deductions. There may be some who argue that during the time they received the funds, they did not qualify, so they should not have received the money and should pay it back. But the fact of the matter is whether they qualified at the time or not, those men and women have earned every cent. In the time many of these soldiers received the funds, they have risked their lives for our protection; they have served multiple deployments and in many cases risked their lives in war time situations. A decade later and the California National Guard shows their gratitude by placing many of these veterans in financial ruin, with monthly payments that often total about $650 a month! My husband served in the USMC and while I am thankful he was never sent to war, he certainly made sacrifices just like many others. Everything our men and women in uniform have, they earn. These bonuses were not handouts. The contracts signed and fulfilled were not done so lightly. To come after them ten years later for money they have earned through their service is wrong. Those in power are always rallying for our support to keep them in power. It is time for them to intervene and use their power to support our veterans and service members who are being mistreated.

Post Script- Since this article the military has withdrawn their request for these men and women to repay their bonuses, most likely due to overwhelming criticism from all avenues of America.

Holiday Cards

The 2016 Holiday Season is fast approaching! Santa is scheduled to arrive in less than 71 days. We’re going to be stuffing turkeys, carving hams, wrapping gifts, and sending cards to our loved ones real soon! As you are spending time with your loved ones, eating pumpkin pie, reminiscing of holidays past, and singing Christmas carols at the top of your lungs - please consider taking just a few minutes to address an extra card or greeting for an elderly member of our community.

I know that a simple card, some holiday blessings, and a small message can do wonders to brighten the day of a resident this holiday season --- so… I am organizing a holiday card drive for the residents in several different assisted living homes in our area.  Drop boxes will be in (building 410) and the library (building 510) for you to place the cards you are sending. Postage is not required, as I’ll be delivering the greetings.

You can put as many cards in the boxes as you wish, but please do not write anything on the envelope (unless it is just a Merry Christmas, etc. message). Do not put anything in the envelope but a card….no pictures, money, work from home advertisements, Scentsy party invitations, etc. The deadline to place cards in the drop boxes is December 16. For more information or to nominate a residential facility to receive cards, please do not hesitate to contact:

 Lori Zeth at 843-489-6096 or lorizeth@my.tridenttech.edu.

LOTSA LIP LULU

By: Lori Zeth

Journal Entry #113
Date 10/16/16
HURRICANES, FLOODED ROADS, AND RESCUE BOATS

            What started out as a family reunion vacation ended a lesson learned well. Hurricane Matthew was aiming straight for Charleston, so we thought we would get stuck in evacuation traffic on the way out or be barricaded in. Either way we looked at it, our trip was going to be at risk if we didn’t make some sort of decision soon.

We weighed the pros and cons, and ultimately decided that leaving Charleston would be our best plan. Headed to the Outer Banks in North Carolina; my family of three started out on our road trip adventure on Friday, October 7, 2016, around 6 p.m. We spent some time at different spots along the way - stopping to nap here and there, and charging our electronics everywhere! We made it to Windsor, North Carolina on Saturday during the wee hours of the morning. As we drove down King Street, we found that the flooding river was rushing across the road.

            We were unable to take any other roads out of the area because water was overflowing them all. Thinking the flooded waters would recede soon, we pulled in to a parking lot and accepted that we would simply have to wait it out. We were already a day early for check-in at the rental house, so we weren’t upset and decided to make the most of it. After all, we left Charleston in order to ensure we weren’t going to miss precious days of our vacation; so we have to be patient and grateful that we’re just west of our destination!

The water was coming closer to our vehicle with every passing moment. The parking lot was filling with uncontrolled water everywhere. The rain drops weren’t slowing and the water was wickedly flowing. I was becoming more concerned that maybe we should try to drive through the intersection that had the lowest water levels – but my husband didn’t think we should put the vehicle at risk by driving it through water while the engine and computer was running.

Saturday was a bit of a blur to me, as I kept falling in and out of short naps. My husband and son kept busy by watching cartoons on Hulu and eating up all of the lunches and snacks we packed. When I was awake, I was studying my math skills for my upcoming math class in Fall’s second term. I remember eating a sandwich and taking photos. We slept until Sunday morning.

On Sunday, our son Jonathan woke us up to tell us we were completely barricaded in by water coming from every direction. We were sure the water would go away by now, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. We spent almost 36 hours in one spot, surrounded by water. I lost count after the first ten naps, so it doesn’t surprise me that I was asleep when the rescue boat came to help us.

On Sunday evening, Joe called for me with urgency in his voice. I awoke hazily but aware of the fact that there was a rescue team standing in hip boots in the waist deep waters right outside the car. The men asked us to come with them in the rescue boat, to a Red Cross shelter at the nearby high school gymnasium. We certainly agreed, so I called for Jonathan to wake up, and had him gather his things. We were being rescued and needed to hurry. The rescue boat took us and our belongings to safety, abandoning our vehicle in the overflowing parking lot all by itself.

The shelter volunteers were extra nice to us, understanding that we were accidentally stranded yet very grateful for the rescue workers and their efforts to keep us safe. We had to stay in the shelter Sunday and Monday nights. The director of the Red Cross in Bertie County, NC put us in a hotel and bought us Domino’s on Tuesday.

Wednesday morning, my husband called the gas station that is in the area our car was parked. He asked the cashier if the water was off the roads yet, if the nearby bridge was still overflowed, if it was safe to drive there. The cashier said the water was gone, so the director of the Red Cross drove us to the vehicle to assess the damages.

The total amount of damages and items that were lost or ruined by the flood was ZERO! The water never got inside the vehicle, nothing was wet inside, everything was still in perfect condition. We had stressed for three days straight that the car had filled with water, floated away, or smashed into the building it was parked beside.

Thankfully the rescue team of Bertie County NC knew to travel up and down the flooded zones and look for people who needed help. The man inside our rescue boat told us that he was 90% sure that we saved our lives by getting in the lifeboat with them. The Red Cross volunteers were from all over both North Carolina and South Carolina. They had been running this specific shelter for 3 days before we arrived to it. There had been a running total of 34 people come to them for food, shelter, and a warm place to sleep just during the few days of Hurricane Matthew.

I am ever so grateful to the men and women who put their lives on the line every single day, in order to protect my life and the lives of my loved ones. A special thank you goes out to Bertie County’s Rescue Teams and Volunteers.

LOTSA LIP LULU

By: Lori Zeth

Journal Entry 112
October 15, 2016

FAFSA has some exciting news this year. Beginning back on October 1, 2016, all students applying for financial aid are now able to submit FAFSA for the 2017-18 school year (Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Summer 2018). The 2017-18 application uses information from your 2015 tax return, since 2016 hasn’t been filed yet. FAFSA applications as of October 1, 2017 will be calculated using 2016’s tax return for the 2018-19 (Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Summer 2019) school year.

The TTC Bookstore’s open charge period for Fall 2 began on October 3, and ends October 25. This is the only time to use financial aid awards in the Bookstore. You can use your Bookstore credit at any of the TTC bookstores. Bookstore credit can be applied to the balance of anything sold in the TTC Bookstore. Textbooks, supplies, uniforms, TTC apparel, book bags, jewelry, snacks, and even computers and headphones are available for sale in the bookstores at each of the campuses. Ask a cashier for help purchasing CARTA bus passes (good for six months at a time: Jan-June and July-Dec), print cards for any TTC computer, and more.

Emails were sent to students requesting that we complete an evaluation for each class we attended in Fall 1. It only takes a few minutes to complete the evaluations, and helps TTC plan how to educate students in the best way possible. The course instructors can use information from the evaluations to better plan their lessons and possibly even their teaching style. Fall 2 classes begin on October 20 and end on December 13.

As we say “goodbye” to Hurricane Matthew and our mid-term break, we should prepare ourselves for the 2017-2018 school year to anxiously wave great big “hello” in our direction. Trident Tech’s SPRING SEMESTER ACTION PERIOD will begin on October 21. If you aren’t enrolled for Spring semester yet, you still have time to get everything in order and be seat ready on Day #1.

The enrollment and registration process is fairly simple and can be done in one trip to the main campus if you want to complete all of the steps in the same day. First, you need to show proof of your high school diploma or GED, complete an application, and pay the $30 fee. Next, you can provide qualifying SAT scores or take the TTC placement test (Accuplacer). Upon completion of placement scoring, you will go to orientation and then be assigned an advisor. Contact your advisor to set up a registration meeting with him/her. First-year students are unable to register themselves for classes; only an advisor can – so be sure to make contact as soon as your advisor is assigned. The last step in the enrollment process is meeting with the Financial Aid office and having your award package explained to you. You will receive a letter in the mail with your student identification number and user name/password information. Pick up your student identification card at Student Activities. When you have your class schedule and list of required materials, you can finally purchase textbooks and supplies in the TTC Bookstores.

Returning students should refer to their advisor for more information on any of the deadlines, requirements, or any other questions. First-year students should direct any questions to the admissions office. The admissions office and TTC advisors should be able to lead you on the right path if they are unable to assist you directly.

In closing, I want to stress that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to start the enrollment process. Your award package will be better the earlier you begin the process. There are plenty of different resources on campus for the prospect, the student, or the alumni. Don’t hesitate to ask for more information at the Academic Resource Center, Scholar’s Network, Educational Opportunity Center, learning centers (math, reading, writing, and more), tutoring, librarian, information desk at library, computer labs, an instructor’s office hours, plus several more avenues to explore while on campus.

The War on Addicts

By: Mary Kiser

Google.com

I write about addiction because it is my story, and so many young men and women can relate to this disease. Lives are in ruin because the aftermath is always prison or death. Even if an addict lives, his or her soul no longer breathes. In the United States, there are hotlines, clinical care, rehab facilities, and communities like AA and NA to assist any alcoholic or abuser. I cannot speak for other countries, though. With narcotics as king, the Philippine president is under pressure to perform. His sweat is showing.

The New York Times reports on President Rodrigo Duterte and his callous remarks towards addicts and the Jewish. After he returns from his Vietnam trip, he states “Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now there is three million, there’s three million drug addicts. There are. I’d be happy to slaughter them.” The Holocaust did not kill three million people. The Holocaust is responsible for six million deaths. Before Duterte slices courtesy with his thoughts, he needs to sharpen his knife first.

He believes that no more addicts means no more addiction. He can entertain that sick fantasy from sun to moon, but the eradication of a generation will not solve the problem. Drugs will always lurk behind the shadows of normality, but drugs are not the main culprit. Environment, genetic predisposition, and life experiences are the three factors in question. Genocide is not the answer to that question. Forget Vietnam. Duterte should visit Germany.

Source:

Duterte, Citing Hitler, Says He Wants to Kill 3 Million Addicts in Philippines by Felipe Villamor http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/01/world/asia/philippines-rodrigo-duterte-hitler-drugs.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Grades!

By: Mary Kiser

The product of a student's sweat, blood, and tears.

bing.com

 

People attend Trident Tech for a variety of reasons. Some classes are available to high school students, it is more affordable than state university, and there is a melting pot of resources. Any student here knows that grades are the key to graduation, even if said grades are difficult to manage in between work, kids, and/or daily activities. However, teachers, guidance counselors, and staff can assuage the burden.

The Learning Center is one of the best outlets a student can utilize. Tutors and workshops can assist any person that struggles with several subjects like Spanish, Math, and/or English. The volunteers and employees are there to guide anyone through difficult classes or unmanageable assignments. If this is of interest to any of Trident Times readers, then head to Bldg. 920/ Rm. 211 or call 843-574-6409 to schedule an appointment. Go to “Student Resources” on Trident’s website for more information about other locations for other campuses other than Main.

The Library is another viable option. It’s located at the Main Campus in Bldg. 510, and it is open between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and it is also open Friday and Saturday. Novels and magazines are not the only valuables there. Librarians can guide a student to important books that pertain to his or her field of study, and they can answer questions about the website, how to navigate it, and cardinal links through the Databases/Articles section of Trident's website.

School can act as a second job, but it does not have to be the onerous one of the two. The work can be a meandering road to dullsville, but that A on a finished paper or essay will be worth the travel.

“There are strategies to score or to be ahead but there is one strategy to learn which is curiosity.”
― Ronald Tudu

Creative Writing

By: Lori Zeth

"I'm looking at his chips in my palm and I can't do it, can't even take the chance. Not here, not out in the open. I avoid looking at Riot."

Choices. As humans, we all have the right to make choices according to how we prefer to live.

I am all too experienced in domestic abuse. I have been on the receiving end more than I care to admit. The words she thought about Bruise before leaving the casino are still stinging me, in an uncomfortable yet familiar place. She can't even make a mistake, or fail at a casino game, without being afraid of what Bruise is going to do to her, against her, about her. What is she afraid he will do? As I read her story, I can feel the fear she has of Bruise, and the disgust she carries deep down inside for herself. I don't think she can leave Bruise, although she is having an affair with his brother.

She says they can see the scars on their walls, but it's easier to drink. Their drinking cannot be helpful to their marriage or their communication. Bruise seems to want to work all day and drink and party all night. I don't see this as a healthy life or relationship. I can feel that she wants more out of life than just empty whiskey bottles on the table and more scars on the walls.

If Bruise loved her, he never would have let her subjectify herself by becoming an exotic dancer. Why would you want your wife to be dancing erotically and within reach of other men? All the "Hallelujah money" in the world wouldn't be enough to have me parading myself in front of men. The first time my husband would have called my employer to double check that I had arrived for work, would be the last time I went home to said husband. I know what it is like not to be trusted, with information or men. I know how it feels to have someone tell me they care about me, then act as if they do not.

Riot shows an interest in her, a real interest. She imagines what it would be like to be with him. Riot respects her, listens when she speaks, offers her a ride to her car when it is cold; and he follows her to her special spot, on the bleachers of the baseball field.  Riot doesn't judge her, isn't rude to her, and doesn’t press her for information. Riot sits with her in silence.

Though she seems not to love Bruise and is falling in love with Riot, she is paralyzed in her marriage. Paralyzed by the right to choose. Even with the right to make our own choices, we sometimes cannot decide for ourselves which is best.

 

 

 

1,782 Miles Closer

By: Terry Beyer

A short 1,782 miles across the country from our main campus is Cannon Ball, North Dakota, the latest front in an ongoing protest between the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Dakota Access Pipeline, an underground crude oil transport pipe. The Native Americans protest is grounded in the argument that the pipeline infringes on their rights granted by the US Government and will desecrate both burial sites and historical mounds. The Tribe also states the oil pipeline puts water and land resources at risk as it runs through the Missouri River, less than a mile outside the reservation’s boundary and water source. There have been hundreds to thousands of individuals on site at the building location in protest, despite it being off Indian Reservation property. Faceoff’s with private security has led to media reports of mace and K-9 dogs being utilized against protesters for trespassing. Do the legal rights of the oil company preside over what the Native American tribe believes is both right and their rights?

The protection of our natural resources has been a hot topic the past couple years as we come out of the Flint, Michigan water crisis and the Silverton, Colorado mine leak. There is no guarantee that can be given that our grasslands would be 100% protected. On the other hand, in light of these two recent events and others such as the gulf oil spill of 2010, environmental protection is now at the forefront of policy considered by the companies that mine, dig, and drain. What’s more, the company behind the pipeline states it had given the Indian Nation notice and time to raise objections and none were received. This has been backed up by no less than one of the Senators of North Dakota.

Since the protest began, thousands of other individuals, both Native Americans and otherwise have voiced their support or gone in person to stand in protest themselves. Their goal is to stop construction of the pipeline while the federal judge presiding over the case decides on a course of action. How much chance does a tribe with a population less than the 2015 attendance of Trident Tech have of being heard? Thanks to the First Amendment and the slow but sure support over social media, pretty good. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe may be a small percent of the Native American population and a smaller percent of the US Population but the constant fight for recognition of Native American history, values, and society has been continuous. For example, despite the birth of our nation in 1776, the indigenous peoples were not recognized as citizens until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, an astounding 148 years. The cause they are fighting for has finally reached the greater public, despite a slow start and a lot of initial name calling. It isn’t often Native Americans make headlines as a modern day sovereign peoples.

While 1,782 miles may seem like a long way from North Charleston, the results of this single case in North Dakota sets a precedent and a standard. While we all drive our cars and fill our tanks at the cheapest depot on Labor Day weekend, we mark the 139^th anniversary of Ogala Sioux Chief Crazy Horse, famed and eventually killed for his own protest and refusal to be removed from his lands and subjugated. Native American rights are American rights and while we have one American protesting in the NFL by sitting in solemnity, we have a Native American nation standing and marching for their rights.  Is 1,782 miles a long way when we think of the Wassamaw Native American Tribe that lives right here in Berkeley County? Another 400 miles and it’s as long as the Trail of Tears. Thousands of Native Americans already walked that length. In a country built on personal rights and riveted these past few years by civil rights, this case is important in our effort to maintain the sovereignty of the people over the government and its policies, and our ability to enact change when grievance is found.

22 Till None

By: Terry Beyer

Starting in 2014, the ice bucket challenge took the internet by storm; a fad with a purpose. According to the ALS Association nearly 17 million people took part in the challenge. Over 100 million dollars has been donated towards understanding ALS and, what’s more, there has been a breakthrough in research into ALS. The point is, fads work. Just as important as the donations received for the cause, ALS was the 6^th most Googled term during 2014. That is millions and millions of people who are learning about ALS, what it is, and how it affects the lives of those diagnosed with it.

 During the week of August 14, 2016 actor Chris Evans posted a video of himself completing the 22 Pushup challenge. Other well-known celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Scott Eastwood, Kevin Hart, and Ludacris have taken part. These famous names may help shed light and show a willingness to address an issue that is plaguing us as a nation. Nationally, 13 out of every 100,000 people commit suicide each year. A 2014 Veterans Administration showed an average of 35.3 out of every 100,000 veterans will commit suicide. Out of the 41,425 people to take their own lives in 2014, 7,403 were veterans. Today an estimated 22 veterans will take their lives each day.

 These numbers may not seem high compared to the 318.9 million people in the US and approximately 21.8 million veterans, until you consider that veterans are among the higher demographics committing suicide each year. The 22 Pushup Challenge was started by the Honor Courage Commitment Inc. as a method to bring awareness of the rising veteran suicide rate. With the simple action of posting a video and hashtag doing 22 pushups, the challenge has taken an issue that is not spoken about into common place. The thousands to millions of people participating in the challenge are creating a platform where a sensitive subject like suicide can now be addressed. With the platform of the 22 Pushup Challenge it is possible to highlight the causes and signs that can precede a suicide. With the public support for the campaign, it is becoming less taboo to ask for help when someone is dealing with problems.

  One of the tragedies of suicide is the stigma attached to it. It isn’t that people want to commit suicide, they are driven to it. Asking for help is often considered a sign of weakness, of not being able to cope. In a statement from 22Kill, the campaign leaders behind the 22 Pushup Challenge, they have said “In order to prevent or ‘fix’ a problem, one must first learn and understand the problem itself and its causes.” With the public support for veterans and the campaign, I hope that people are looking it up to see what it is about. I hope they are trying to find out why this campaign matters and why it should be shared. It takes a very serious problem in our society, which is not limited to just veterans, and provides the opportunity for us as a society to improve our view towards asking for help. As a veteran myself, I can say we are generally very prideful in our self-reliability. Sometimes we need help and sometimes everyone else does too. Asking for it shouldn’t be so hard.

 22 Kill Campaign can be found at : https://www.22kill.com/22-honor-pushups/

Honor Courage Commitment INC: http://www.honorcouragecommitment.org/

 

The Most RACES Show On Earth! is the Show to End All Racism

Popular comedic showcase promoting diversity returns to Charleston, SC for one night only  – Tickets on sale now!

CHARLESTON, SC – August 15, 2016 - North America’s most defining, multicultural stand-up comedy showcase is set to return to the Charleston Music Hall for a third year in a row!

Ending racism is a monumental task, but one that creator/producer Neil Bansil has been working toward for over 10 years. “In 2004, I created “The Most RACES Show on Earth!” to not only showcase some of the funniest stand-up comics, but I also wanted to use it as a platform to create dialogue about race and culture,” says Bansil, creator and producer of MRSOE!  “It’s important to me to be able to give audiences access to comedians from many different cultural backgrounds in an effort to show that no matter who is on stage, their perspectives on life are not that different.”

If there is one goal that MRSOE! would like to accomplish, it is as simple as getting people from as many different backgrounds to hang out together.  Racism stems from the fear of the unknown, including different cultures and customs.  

On Thursday, September 8^th, The Most RACES Show on Earth! will unabashedly put the topic of race front and center.  Comedians will be uncensored and free to speak their truths about race, culture and everything in between.  The truth may shock some, but Bansil says, “There is shock value in the truth, but it’s that initial shock that helps us to better understand one another.” Comedy has the ability to tackle relationships between different cultures head on.  

America is a melting pot of different cultures, and its beauty is deeply rooted in diversity. With many of the racially fuelled conflicts that have recently occurred, and racial discourse continuing to be an issue in the current Presidential campaigns, the issue of race and racism seems increasingly relevant. And with Charleston enduring recent tragedies like the Mother Emanuel Church and Walter Scott shootings,  The Most RACES Show on Earth! may be needed now more than ever.  We may not end racism completely, but we are going to do our part to make a difference and hopefully make people laugh along the way. 

MRSOE! will be hosted by:
Cory ‘Zooman’ Miller – Atlanta, GA (Comedy Central, NBC’s Tonight Show) (African-American)

The hilarious line-up also includes:
• KT Tatara – Los Angeles, CA (NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central) (Japanese-American)
• Dave Merheje – Los Angeles, CA (Just for Laughs, NBC’s Stand-Up for Diversity) (Lebanese-Canadian)
• Dino Archie – Vancouver, BC (Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central) (African-American)
• Amir K – Los Angeles, CA (MADtv, Comedy Central, CBS’s Comics Unleashed) (Iranian-American)
• Rob HaZe – Brooklyn, NY (Comedy Central, Laughing Skull Festival) (African-American)

Music by: DJ Sparkbox

Also...Beatboxer Chance Rine and Breakdancer Delma Rahming performing LIVE!

The Most RACES Show on Earth! takes place on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 8:00pm at the Charleston Music Hall.  Tickets are $15.00 adults; $10 Military & students (with ID – at box office only).  For tickets, call (843) 853-2252; online at www.mrsoe.com or visit the Charleston Music Hall box office at 37 John St. Charleston, SC 29403. 

About MRSOE!

Founded in 2004, The Most RACES Show on Earth! is North America’s premier stand-up comedy show that aims to create dialogue about race and culture through laughter.  

For more information, please visit; www.mrsoe.com

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Media contact:

Neil Bansil
neil@mrsoe.com
(843) 714-3855