2011-10-20

The East Texan STUDENT NE WSPAPER OF TE X AS A& M UNIVERSIT Y- COMMERCE SINCE 1915

XCVI, No. 6, 8 pages

www.theeasttexan.com

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

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news Page 3

entertainment Page 6

sports Page 7 and 8

Stay up to date with everything going on this Homecoming week, and read more about the Mane Event Preview Day.

A ‘Footlose’ with no Kevin Bacon may

Find out how freshman Breanne Snyder

sound like blasphemy, but editor Savannah

is fairing in her first season on the Lions

Christian seemed to still enjoy the remake.

volleyball team, plus game recaps.

Prices not only factor in on-off campus housing debate Adam Troxtell Nick Bailey The cost of living on or off campus has been a topic of interest over the years for students at A&M-Commerce.

Students trying to find the most economical option can find themselves drowning in information and numbers. According to research by The East Texan, living on campus is more expensive in certain cases, but the cost of utilities for off-campus housing can make the two costs much more even.

The average cost for a traditional student with one roommate to live on campus works out to be $615.25 per month and a total cost of $4,922 in an academic year. Rent, not including utilities, in Commerce apartments and rentable homes averages about $620 per month. This would require a student to pay only $310 per month in rent, and that would come out to $3,720 for a year-long stay before including utility costs.

For most upperclassmen, one of the more comfortable living space on campus is New Pride. A two bedroom suite costs each student $2,650 per semester, which balances

out to roughly $530 each month. This could be a beneficial option for students since this includes the costs of water, electricity, cable, and internet. But to other students this isn’t worth the hassles that come with living on campus.

“I chose to move [off campus] because I didn’t want to deal with rude RA’s and random room inspections,” junior DaiJah Williams said. “I would rather have my own spot a little further away from campus and be able to decorate how I’d like to and not have to worry about some roommate that I don’t even know. Plus, even though I do have to pay bills, I feel like I’m getting a better deal.”

Sheri Embro, owner of American Eagle Properties said she believes her apartments are offered at a competitive rate and that it is important to keep the price low for students wishing to live off campus.

“We’ve moved into this office six years ago, and I’ve probably upped my rent one time on every tenant,” Embro said. “With college kids going to school here, you can’t always just up the rates. They have a hard enough time.”

Embro currently offers multiple living spaces with the prices ranging between $550 and $700 a month, not including electricity, cable, and internet.

For incoming freshmen, the requirement to live on campus could be more of a financial strain than they would like. With the new freshmen hall costing $2,950 per semester, and freshmen being required to have a meal plan, these students will be paying close to $5,000 before they even pay for their books.

Some freshmen feel that this is just another way for the university to work their way into their wallets.

“I feel that it is too much,” freshmen Gloria Jimenez said. “I’m on the unlimited meal plan, and for these prices this is unfair because there are so many small problems here and there. That’s a car plus more. We had no choice but to get the unlimited meal plan. All freshmen were required to get the unlimited meal plan, or at least that’s what I was told.”

Director of Residential Life Dennis Koch recognizes that there are cheaper options than A&M-Commerce residence halls, but he said it was all about what the student

ultimately wants.

“You can always find something cheaper, but there’s that expression you get what you pay for,” he said. “If you’re looking to find the absolute cheapest place to live, you are going to find some place whether it is somebody’s back bedroom they are renting out or whatever it may be.

Those are the choices you have to make.

The bottom line for some folks is the financial part of it all. So, then you have to make choices; am I going to live in some place that’s smaller, am I going to live in some place further away from campus and I’ll try and compensate with gas and whatever else?”

The process of placing price rates on residence halls involves considering many factors, such as utilities, Residential Life staffing, and even paying off the building.

“Especially for a number of buildings right now, we still hold debt service,” Koch said. “So, we’re still paying on those buildings. So, we have to cover debt service, we have to cover utilities, we have to cover laundry, all of those things that students get. Of course, we have to add in some extra

•See Koch Page 3

Future Lions get ‘Mane’ preview

faith wenbourne / the east texan Attendees discuss the Sound and Fury documentary while an interpreter signs after the showing on Oct. 11.

Documentary shows students deaf culture Campus Life Editor Nick Bailey

Student Disability Resources and Services held a screening Oct. 11, for “Sound and Fury” on the Texas A&M UniversityCommerce campus to raise awareness of deaf people and deaf culture.

The documentary follows a family’s debate over whether or not to provide two deaf children with a device that would give them the ability to hear, called a cochlear implant. Much of the focus of the documentary is on the deaf 6-year-old, Heather Artinian, and her family, who are divided on the issue of the hearing device.

While Heather explains that she wants the implant because she wants to communicate like other people and hear the world around her, her parents struggle with making the decision to give her the cochlear.

“English is just moving lips, it has no meaning for me,” Heather’s father Peter explained. “But sign is so visual, it has emotion.

I could communicate for the first time. My fear is that if Heather were implanted she wouldn’t be a part of the deaf world or the hearing world; she’d be part of

cochlear implant world.”

Director of Student Disability Resources and Services Rebecca Tuerk chose this film to bring more knowledge to the subject because of the number of deaf students on campus.

“I felt like there needed to be better sensitivity to the deaf culture,” Tuerk said. “We have some hearing impaired students on campus and I felt like it was important that people gain a sensitivity to them.

In the past, we’ve shown some movies in The Club that were focused on disabilities, more on the entertaining side, but I thought maybe to go the educational angle here and change it up a bit.”

Students that came to the screening were able to see the life and reality of deaf people and the deaf community. After watching the documentary, some viewers discussed the conflicts of the film.

“The father is afraid of losing his daughter to another culture, the hearing culture,” audience member Laura Cordova-James said.

“But that can’t be further from the truth. She would become a bilingual person, being able to live comfortably in both worlds.”

kristie card / the east texan Potential A&M-Commerce students line up at tents outside of the Sam Rayburn Student Center as they get an inside look at what the university has to offer during the Mane Event Preview Day last Saturday, Oct. 15.

Staff Writer Jordan Wright The Mane Event Preview Day of the Fall 2011 semester occurred Saturday, October 15. from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The day held several festivities as student volunteers, educational staff and department representatives gathered to welcome the visiting prospective students from high schools and other colleges.

General arrivals for attendees were held from 8:30 – 9:30, during which, guests were greeted by student

ambassadors and university staff at the Sam Rayburn Student Center.

After registering on the first floor, the guests were invited to continental breakfast in the second floor conference rooms for a formal welcoming by the staff. The breakfast was then followed by a series of general information sessions, covering topics such as residence living and learning and financial aid.

After the welcome, several smaller academic information sessions were held throughout the course of the day. One prospect has admitted to

being very impressed by the warm welcome.

“Everyone has been really friendly and helpful,” Santa Fe High School student Hannah White said. “It’s been really great.”

The academic information sessions were held to illustrate the requirements and opportunities of different educational departments, as well as help students to decide from a list of possible majors. Erick de la Garza from Richland College said these information sessions assisted

•See Prospects Page 3

OPINION

Page 2

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

www.theeasttexan.com

Opinion: aspects of Greek organizations not up to par Campus Life Editor Nick Bailey If you know me, then you know that I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with the Greeks on campus, but despite that fact, I still consider some of them friends. However, when I look around at many of the Greeks here on campus, it’s kind of disappointing to see that more times than not, they favor other students because of their

swag, or because they “were cool back in high school.”

It really shows me that many organizations would rather have the “cool kids” instead of looking at the character of prospective members. I know a number of individuals who have decided that they would rather not go Greek here because of the overwhelming social politics among the Greeks on this campus. One friend of mine stated that while she would love to join a

specific sorority, she would rather join a grad chapter because if she were to ever do something notable she wouldn’t want it to be accredited to the chapter here.

Not too long ago, a Greek actually approached me with a backpack – with the fraternity crest – full of weed, and asked me if I wanted to buy some. Is this really what Greek organizations look for?

But then again, he does have swag, so I guess they can overlook him selling drugs.

People should make more efforts to try new things

Sports Editor Justin Cheatham Growing up my mom always stressed the importance of being a well rounded individual, meaning that

to understand this mixed up “melting pot” of a society we live in requires that we walk a mile in another persons shoes, eat things you can’t pronounce, and trying everything at least once.

Take sushi for example; sushi is known by most people as raw fish, which is not an appetizing thought at first. But most of sushi contains cooked crab and some even has fried shrimp. That is something I would have never known had I not gone to a Japanese restaurant and tried it for myself. Now sushi is my favorite food and I even worked up the nerve to try the rolls with raw fish, something I never would have done if I didn’t try everything once (try the rainbow roll, it’s awesome).

We are at a unique point in our lives where this amazing institution worries about culturing us, and all we have

to do is show up to countless events that you pay for in tuition anyways. Last year there was Mardi Gras, Holi Fest, Chinese New Year, Salsa Night, and the cafeteria even had a guest chef come in to make sushi. The sad fact of the matter is that only a small percentage of students actually go to these events, with the largest ones maybe topping 300 students.

If more students attended campus functions then it is only logical to think that the next year the university would allocate more funds to make the event larger and more fun. Part of this low attendance could be partly because this university has such a large number of students who commute from Dallas, Paris, Tyler, etc. I also commute 30 minutes every day, and I know first hand how boring it can be wait-

ing around for hours after class just to come to an event.

The difference is that I love experiencing new things, meeting new people, tasting new foods; you cannot do that for free when you get out into the real world.

I’m not telling you to go out and try everything that anyone offers you; that would be naive. Don’t do something stupid like drugs and blame it on me. You need to learn about what you are trying so you understand what makes it interesting and unique. Do go to concerts, plays, pretty much any event put on by the campus recreation or The Club. Not knowing is not an excuse, open your eyes to the world around you.

I am sick and tired of people saying that there is nothing to do in Commerce. That is completely wrong, you just are not doing anything.

Editorial: Homecoming festivities provide multiple opportunities for students to participate in tradition Homecoming is a time for alumni to return to campus and observe the college lifestyle A&M-Commerce students have the chance to enjoy, and yet we feel from our past experience covering these events that attendance will be dismal.

There are going to be events held all over campus covering the entertainment spectrum completely and we want students to show up in droves this year. For sports fans there is, of course, the

homecoming football game, and expect this to be the most attended event of the week. Not only will alumni be coming back to watch their old school in the same stadium they used to watch football in since the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, but they will be roaming the campus checking out the advances their annual alumni membership helps pay for. These former students expect to see current students at these events making memories that they have

cultivated from years ago.

For movie buffs, The Club’s homecoming movie will be a fun animated movie fit for all ages. For those concerned with helping the world the Rayburn Student Center is hosting Penny Wars, an event where student organizations compete to raise money for the Susan G. Koman Foundation. We think this is a great opportunity to show others just how much the students of this university care about people other than themselves.

For foodies, there will be a Hot Dog Spirit Rally serving hot dogs and a potato bar.

We want the Super Hero Costume Competition to look like a hilarious representation of the Justice League brought to campus; we want the Club to look like an actual club for Club Kamikaze.

This university celebrated 11,000 students enrolled and we want every single one of them to come out and watch our football team at the homecoming game.

THIS WEEK’S ‘PLAN B’

by Arielle McMahon

The East Texan, official student newspaper of Texas A&M University-Commerce, is published 12 times per semester during the Fall and Spring by students in reporting and editing classes. Content is solely the responsibility of the student editors and writers. The comments and views expressed in The East Texan do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of other students, staff, faculty, administration, or the Board of Trustees. The East Texan is located inside the Journalism building on the east side of campus in room 113.

Single copies are available in Journalism 113 for an additional 25 cents.

Letters to the editor are welcome and should be limited to 250 words. They will not be edited for spelling, grammar and libelous or malicious statements. We reserve the right to refuse publication. Letters should be typed or e-mailed and must include a signature, legal name, classification (grade level) and telephone number. Mailing address is The East Texan, P.O. Box 4104 Commerce, Texas 75428.

For many students, myself included, there’s often a level of frustration when it comes to deciding between the “black Greeks” and the “white Greeks.” It’s easy to see that there is a racial divide among the Greeks, and I find that sad. I’ve seen many black students be ridiculed for wanting to join predominantly white Greek organizations, and I’ve seen multiple white students be pushed away from the idea of wanting to join black Greek

organizations. I’ve considered both sides since I came to college, and honestly, I feel like each side has their pros and cons, but I won’t say which side I would prefer.

Ultimately, I don’t understand some organizations’ recruiting methods, or why it is so important to stay with your own race. Greeks have often told interested students to “get in where you fit in,” but I guess some students just don’t “fit in” anywhere.

Letter to the Editor Dear East Texan Editors: I am writing in response to Chancellor Mills’ editorial in today’s East Texan titled “Life would be easier if society were slightly gayer” While I am sure the intention Mr. Mills had was to argue for more tolerance and less homophobia, the column unfortunately manages to reinforce a number of heterosexist, homophobic, as well as racist and sexist stereotypes that exist as well as showing a lack of knowledge about the work done the last fifty years or more about civil rights and alternative sexualities.

I am a queer woman (who did not come out on this campus until after I got tenure); I am the co-advisor of the ANGLS student group (which is often led by straight allies because the gay, lesbian, and bisexual students are afraid to identify publicly with the group), and I, along with my co-Chair Cyndi Matthews (Counseling Center), am trying to get a Safe Spaces program started on campus.

I would like to suggest that the current and future editors of the campus newspaper make an effort to attend one of the training sessions, starting in November, not only to better serve the campus community but to be better journalists in the future.

Some of the problems with this column: an implication that “gayness” and Entertainment go together (would such a claim

ever be made about sports reporting?); the surprise at the “gay spectrum,” a concept that is hardly new; the focus entirely on men (i.e. gay men, homophobic men, straight men (ignoring women of all sexualities); the problematic assertion that “gays are kind of like their own race of people who don’t date outside that race” (a concept which is racist); the naïve claim that gay couples are somehow superior to heterosexual couples because of having the same “equipment;” the slur about “flaming” used with regard to heterosexuals; and even the flippant “straightest gay guy” on staff (which raises the question of whether or not the East Texan has any gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, or transexual reporters— you may, but given the probably environment, I doubt any of them are out).

And, most problematic, is the fact that by the end, the reason for challenging homophobia and heterosexism in the culture is so that “gay-straight” guys (technically, straight men who do not necessarily perform gender in a way that is considered ‘traditionally’ masculine) have it easier. Congratulations— you more or less managed to wipe out the realities of the oppressions that GLBT people face every day.

Cordially, Robin Anne Reid Professor of Literature and Languages

This Letter to the Editor has been edited for space.

The East East Tex Texan an The Established 1915 Adam troxtell Editor Savannah christian opinion editor

Chancellor mills Entertainment Editor

Justin Cheatham Sports Editor

nick bailey CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

Cliff Gibson assistant sports editor

ARIELLE MCMAHON STAFF CARTOONIST

CONTACT

903-886-5985

theeasttexan@gmail.com facebook.com/pages/The-East-Texan-Online twitter.com/TheEastTexan ADVERTISING:

Jessica Martin Graphics editor

www.theeasttexan.com

903-436-9307

Fred Stewart Faculty Adviser fred_stewart@tamu-commerce.edu

news

www.theeasttexan.com Homecoming Schedule Thursday-Saturday Wednesday, Oct. 19

• A Super Powered Talent Show, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m., RSC Conference Rooms Thursday, Oct. 20 • Club Kamikaze, 10 p.m., The Club

Friday, Oct. 21

• Music Building Dedication, 10:15 a.m.

• New Residence Hall Dedication, 1:30 p.m.

• Powderpuff Football, 2 p.m.- 6:30 p.m., Cain Sports Complex • Women’s Soccer v.

Midwestern State, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 22

• Parade, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Alumni Center • Football v. Angelo State, 2 p.m., Memorial Stadium • Athletic Hall of Fame Reception and Banquet, 6:15 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., RSC 2nd Floor

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

Page 3

Student involvement key for homecoming week Opinion Editor Savannah Christian In an effort to achieve student inclusion, tradition and spirit, the university will present various events revolving around the “Super” Homecoming next week.

Assistant Director for Student Activities and Special Events Deepti Vanguri said involving the students in the homecoming planning process was important.

“We really wanted the students’ perspective on what the theme would be this year,” she said. “So, this summer what we did was we kind of came up with a list of a few potential themes that could go really well and actually got some students to vote on them.”

An assortment of events has been planned for students, faculty and alumni to attend in order to get everyone excited for the big game.

“We are really excited about all of the events,” she said. “Last year was the first time we did Homecoming

Kick-off to get people excited. That will be Monday. There will be a fun-filled atmosphere by the BA walking mall area.”

There will be music, food and competitions for students to partake in at the Kick-off. The Hot Dog Spirit Rally took place Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. outside of the Sam Rayburn Student Center.

The winners of spirit competitions were announced in addition to the six homecoming nominees who comprise the homecoming court, a spot that was harder to achieve this year.

“We have never done an interview portion,” Vanguri said. “This year we interviewed each applicant and those applicants who did exceedingly well became candidates.”

Graduate student and running back for the A&M-Commerce Lions Marcus Graham is one of the candidates for this year’s homecoming court. Although he has experienced many homecomings at A&MCommerce, this year presents a new perspective for him.

“As a football player, I always look forward to playing another game on Saturday and coming away with a win,” he said. “This year is a little different though since I am running for homecoming king. There is added excitement to the whole week and festivities; however, the game is still first on my mind.”

Graham said he wants the students and alumni to experience the same spirit of homecoming he does as a football player.

“I would hope for alumni and students to get somewhat of the same excitement we get as football players before a game,” he said. “With all of the events going on throughout the week leading up to the game, I would hope that it would be a built up anticipation for the game that will follow with a heavily spirited game and a win.”

According to Graham, the players “feed off of the excitement of the students and the crowd” and want to make them proud.

“With all of the spirit and pride

flowing around campus, I would think we would want to add on to the spirit and show everyone that they are cheering for all the right reasons,” he said.

Vanguri also mentioned the importance of school spirit, something that should be harvested during the festivities of homecoming.

“We want to make sure that everyone is pumped up and amped for homecoming and of course the big game Saturday,” she said.

Vanguri said she loves homecoming because of the interaction between students and alumni as they come together to show support and pride for their institution.

“Last year at the tailgate, the Inside Out Band brought students out there and some of our alumni and they were all doing the cupid shuffle together and I was like that’s what it’s about,” she said. “It’s just connecting our current students to our history so they are able to learn what life was like on this campus before they got here.”

Prospects get university preview Continued from Page 3...

kristie card / the east texan

The Physics Department had visual components to their presentation for potential students at the Mane Event Preview Day last weekend. Many departments were on display in the Student Center ballrooms.

greatly in the understanding of the college.

“This school has a very good education program,” Garza said. “I’m looking forward to attending next Fall.”

Garza’s positive feelings have been echoed by several another visitors.

“It’s nice that everybody is open to talk to me when I go around places,” Maggie Hammac, a Royse City High School student, said.

In addition to the academic information sessions held between 10:00 – 11:40, the student ambassadors were also conducting tours of the campus for the prospects and their parents. These tours ran regularly throughout the entire event from

9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

As the morning came to a close, noon came, and with it free lunch along with the Information Fair held on the second floor of Sam Rayburn Student Center. The Information Fair allowed numerous department representatives and extracurricular communities to showcase what their fields of study entail in an effort to persuade the visitors to pursue a major or interest on campus. Several organizations were on the floor, advertising to catch the attention of prospects such as the Physics Department, Department of Social Work, and several Greek Life organizations.

“So far, this has been the biggest Mane Event that

I’ve seen,” Wildlife Society representative Leslie Green said. “Hopefully we can get our name out and get some people interested in us.”

The Women’s Agricultural society claims to be among the successful organizations in terms of turnout during the fair.

“We’ve gotten three times as many people interested here than we did the entire summer,” Women’s Agricultural society representative Haley Griffin said.

“Things have been hectic and loud, but we’re having fun.”

As the Information Fair came to an end, the event neared its conclusion with scholarship drawings at 1:30 p.m. Visitors began to make their departures near the end of the drawings at 2 p.m.

graphic by Jessica martin

Koch: No ‘dollar value’ on security, convenience Continued from Page 1... money to pay for staffing. Our department does not receive any tuition money, nor do we receive any student services fees. What we generate has to run the department.”

Residential Life does take local prices into consideration, but their main concern is what other universities are charging for their on-campus housing.

“One of the other things we look at is our competition. We look at the area as well as the other universities. That’s our competition as well. When you’re looking at it and someone says ‘well, I can live at Tarleton cheaper than I can live here, and it’s the same kind of community. Or I can live cheaper at North Texas, Arlington, or SMU.’ Well, no you can’t, because we beat all of their prices when it comes to that.”

Koch said there are many things that come along with living on campus that cannot be priced.

“You live in an apartment off campus or rent a house with a group of friends, your circle of people is really small,” he said. “When you live in a residence hall, you get connected. You’re getting to meet all kinds of folks, you’re expand-

ing your horizons, you’re expanding your network. How do you put a dollar value on that? How do you put a dollar value on security, how do you put a dollar value on convenience?”

He also said the level of safety and security offered in campus halls is something students living off campus may not get.

While the cost to rent out an apartment may end up being cheaper than staying on campus, utilities can become a problem for students on a fixed income or using financial aid.

“You’ve got all these bills that, when you live off campus, you’re checking on money left and right,” Koch said. “Financial aid pays for a lot of what happens when people live on campus. So, all those bills can get paid for through your financial aid.

When you live off campus, sure, that same thing can happen, but we all know how students are with finances.

You get the difference check from your financial aid at the beginning of September, but those bills keep rolling in October, November, December. All of a sudden, you’re like ‘oh, I spent that money.’ You haven’t saved it up to pay because those bills come in

every month as opposed to just once at the beginning.”

Students who live off campus will also say they find themselves with more freedom than they would normally have in the residence halls.

Kelly Sweet, landlady for Corners at Commerce apartments and duplexes, said she hears this from her residents.

“Most of my tenants are students, and a lot tell me it’s cheaper off than on,” Sweet said. “They also tell me they get more privacy in their rooms than on campus, as well.”

Koch said he understands this feeling, but defended Residential Life policies as regulations that follow state guidelines.

“I think what people forget is this is state property. We have to follow the laws that the state of Texas has put up on us,” he said. “When we say you can’t have candles, incense, or a hot plate, that’s not the university; that’s the state of Texas saying it’s a fire hazard and you can’t have it in a residence hall. You can have those things in an apartment building, because the state of Texas regulates that differently. Sometimes those freedoms that they talk about are just state laws we have to follow because we are on state property.”

Nick Bailey / the east texan

Oak Meadowns Town Homes was the scene of a reported kidnapping on Oct. 13. Police have since taken a man into custody.

City police aprehend kidnapping suspect Campus Life Editor Nick Bailey On Oct. 13 shortly after 9 a.m., officers from the Commerce Police Department responded to a domestic dispute call at Oak Meadows Town Homes in the 100 block of Maple Avenue.

Once at the location, Officer Paille of the Commerce Police Department saw a woman being taken in a car away from the apartment complex by force. According to the officer, the woman was clearly distraught and was attempting to get the officer’s attention. Officer Paille told the driver of the vehicle to pull over, but the man drove away. Officer’s then began a search for the vehicle.

While officers were

attempting to locate the vehicle, the man released the woman unharmed and left the car. She was able to drive herself to the Commerce Police Department where officers made sure she and the young infant with her were safe.

A manhunt was started to attempt to locate the suspect, and after a brief foot pursuit and a search of a wooded area, he was found and taken into custody. At this time, the man faces charges of kidnapping, unlawful restraint, child endangerment, evading arrest using a vehicle and evading arrest on foot. In addition, the man is being held on a Commerce Police Department Warrant for an unrelated charge.

Page 4

Ca mpus Life

www.theeasttexan.com

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

Students host campus wide lock-in, most students opt out before ending Campus Life Editor Nick Bailey Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated in collaboration with Kappa Delta Chi Sorority and Kappa Alpha Order hosted the Campus-Wide Lock-In Oct 14 at the Morris Recreation Center. Students were able to come out and enjoy the various events, attractions, and free food.

The lock-in kicked off with outside entertainment, where students could swim and play basketball while listening to music. Students gathered around the outdoor basketball courts for watch an impromptu slam dunk contest before the fashion

show started.

“There are four categories that you’ll see,” Alpha Phi Alpha Parliamentarian Justin Smith said. “You have the business casual, what we call the club hoochie – that’s what the ladies call it – but it’s basically a club outfit, and then you have just casual wear.

For the finale we have the swimsuit contest. I over the fashion show, so I want that to go smoothly.”

Many students were excited to come out to the event, and looked forward to the different attractions the night had to offer.

“Later I expect it to get better,” freshman William Robinson said. “I think its pretty

NICK BAILEY / THE EAST TEXAN Students that came out to the lock inwere able to enjoy free food outside during the events.

fun so far. There’s going to be competitions and stuff like that going on and I guess more basketball. I’m looking forward to playing some video games and dancing at the party.”

Sophomore Alex Thornton was a bit skeptical about the event, but came to the event to “get out of the house,” but held out hope for a good evening.

“It doesn’t suck yet,” Thornton said. “So far they’ve done pretty well – really well actually. It would have sucked if nobody came. We thought [the doors] locked at ten, so we rushed over. We’re going to be here until 3:00am, so I really hope they can entertain us.”

NICK BAILEY / THE EAST TEXAN While some students Freshman Devontrius Farmer took his came out to support their turn during the slam dunk contest on friends within the orga- the outdoor basketball court.

Smith was hopeful for a nizations, others such as freshman Gloria Jimenez better turnout as the night came out to see what the progressed, but he also showed concerns about event had to offer.

“I wasn’t expecting much the level of attendance and because of the flyer,” Jime- marketing.

“I hope a lot more people nez said. “They did alright. are going to come,” Smith I mean they’re trying to find said. “I know I sold a good 50 different ways to keep the tickets to people who aren’t people entertained, but I’m here already. They just betpretty sure that by the end of ter get here before the doors the night people are going to shut. But I think we could wish they could go home in- have done a better job pubstead being locked in.” ing it, publicity-wise.”

Homecoming stepshow canceled due to lack of planning, showcase planned as alternative Campus Life Editor Nick Bailey Tradition fell to the wayside this year as the National PanHellenic Counsel decided to cancel this year’s homecoming step show and after-party due to lack of planning.

“NPHC decided that instead of doing a lackluster show, they would rather not do one at all,” Assistant Director of Greek Life Zach Shirley said. “Because of lack of planning, the show may have been thrown together, and NPHC does not represent that at all.”

Shirley explained that to plan such an event there is a lot of work that should have been done in advance, but because of lack of organization and communication many responsibilities went unmanaged.

“To plan an event as massive as the homecoming step show and after-party, venues need to be booked well in advance, teams need to be secured well in advance, and contracts need to go out to these teams to be signed and returned to us,” Shirley said. “You’re dealing with other people’s time tables and scheduling, so all of this has to be like a fine song and dance that you do correctly so you can get all of this aligned in a row.”

This is not the first time that the NPHC has canceled these traditions. Shirley noted that the step show was canceled before in 2008. While Shirley hopes to have the event next year, the decision to cancel the event this year does not sit well with some alumni, who point the blame at the current members of NPHC organizations.

“From my experience, it seems that as people have joined organizations, they have also forgotten why their founders

NICK BAILEY / THE EAST TEXAN This year, in an attempt to offer a consolation to the step show, there will be a Greek Showcase featuring NPHC Greek letter organizations on the A&M-Commerce campus.

felt it important to begin the organization in the first place,” a Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni said. “I don’t have anything against any Greek letter organization, but I have seen the face of all [NPHC] Greek Letters on [the A&M-Commerce] campus change as years passed and it seems people were just joining to be joining. NPHC use to be strong, and organizations use to stick together to ensure things went down. After a while, homecoming won’t be the only thing that’s canceled.”

Plans are being made to provide some NPHC entertainment, with a Greek showcase, which is scheduled for Oct. 20.

The showcase will feature A&M-Commerce Greeks performing instead of outside chapters.

Don’t forget to check out Word on the Street each Wednesday at: www.theeasttexan.com/ campus-life

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SGA fills more seats, discuss crosswalk Staff Writer Cole Leonard Large student turnout lined the walls of the conference room in the new freshman residence hall for last week’s SGA meeting. The senate session was held in the unnamed building in an effort to increase campus visibility of the student organization. Increasing student outreach has been on the SGA agenda for several weeks, sparking Wednesday’s satellite meeting to rejuvenate publicity.

Recruitment efforts proved to be successful in the crowded room as SGA President Adria Green announced the nomination of four new candidates for Senate membership. The nominees introduced themselves and fielded questions from members about what they would offer to the campus as new senators. Senate candidate Andrea Potter answered, “I wish to get involved with the Academic Affairs committee because my experience working in the One-Stop Shop enables me to identify main problems and help refocus attention.”

Many of the candidates expressed their interest in becoming involved in student government and look forward to introducing new ideas. Candidate and Radio and Television major, Elijah Thornton, concluded with proposing a partnership with the Radio and Television Department to use multimedia to increase publicity and strengthen student awareness initiatives. After a closed-session vote all four nominations were confirmed bringing the total number of senators to 18 with 12 seats still available.

Over the semester SGA has been working with the Texas Department of Transportation and the city of Commerce in establishing a cross-walk so that students no longer have to jay-walk

to do their shopping at WalMart. TxDot provided an estimate of the project totaling approximately $80,000 with a time-table of two years before construction begins.

However, an alternative option exists with a potential partnership between the university, the city of Commerce, and Walmart to independently fund the project.

This option would advance the time projected to as little as 8 months to begin, but the intensive collaboration could make the project difficult to organize.

Sen. Sarah Cunningham, chair of the Food and Housing Committee, was met with student applause as she announced the return of drinking straws to the cafeteria.

In an effort to increase ecofriendly initiatives, Sodexo removed straws due to their potential harmful effects on the environment. Student discontent prompted the food-service provider to restock the lunchroom putting an end to the ordeal.

Sen. Wahaj Mandavia addressed previous student concerns regarding the Financial Aid office’s slow performance.

“They are understaffed and will be hiring two new staff members,” Mandavia said. “Budget cuts are hurting them.”

Mandavia mentioned that the financial aid website will be updated with more information. By making the website easier to navigate, the administration hopes that it will make staff members better available to address more complicated student concerns.

The meeting concluded with a proposal to create a public Facebook page for SGA. The organization hopes that this will allow better interaction between senators and students and will also serve as an efficient platform for news, updates, and student response.

Secretary serves diverse student crowd Staff Writer Sara de la Rosa

The Department of Computer Science at Texas A&M University – Commerce welcomes hundreds of new students each year, many of them international, and supports programs for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Vicki Heath Anderson, administrative secretary, has been with the department about 12-and-a-half years and is responsible for the organization of some of the department’s most crucial functions.

“I greet visitors, students, supervise graduate assistants for the lab, assist and help faculty members, do payroll, and just general office management,” said Anderson.

“My job is never done.”

When registration for a semester rolls around, Anderson said she is often swamped with student “problems” and difficult questions all at the same time.

“Sometimes they come at the last minute, wanting me

to do something right then worked out. and there,” said Anderson.

“At one time I was permit“But I have to be profession- ting every single student, al and just let them know it’s everything was department not going to work that way.” approved,” Anderson said.

She said she has learned “So, I had to permit every some “tricks” to make regis- single international student tration easier and quicker for into classes. It can be hecthe students. tic from time “I create my to time.” own form, and A large mawe usually do jority of the early registracomputer scition because I ence graduate know it’s going students withto be crazy,” in the departAnderson said. ment are from “We just stick other nations, the forms on making it one the table, and of the most they come in, i nt e r n at i o n fill out the regally diverse istration form, programs. and I take them “It’s very COURTESY VICKI ANDERSON up. After look- Vicki d i f f e r e nt Anderson has served the ing at them, if Computer Science Department for from some I have a ques- over 12 years. other departtion about them, I give it to ments on campus because the advisers and they look it there’s one me and probably over and say, ‘It’s okay, you close to 300 of the internacan permit them.’” tional students,” Anderson Despite the processes she said. “Their customs are has organized, Anderson very different.” said that registration still According to Anderson, has problems that have to be the department’s many in-

ternational students may need assistance because of the cultural differences.

“The international students are not from here, so they’re not used to the way we do things around here,” said Anderson. “They can be persistent when it comes to registration issues.”

Anderson said the best thing about her job is getting to meet different people each day.

“I’m a people person,” Anderson said. “I like dealing with people, just talking to people, and getting to know about them. You learn a lot.”

She said if she could be doing anything else, it would be volunteer work in Greenville, where she resides with her husband, Robert. Anderson has one daughter, two step-children, and two granddaughters.

“It would be a choice,” Anderson said. “If I didn’t have to work but wanted to work, I would just love to do volunteer work without actually having an eight-to-five job.”

COLE LEONARD / THE EAST TEXAN In an attempt to raise publicity for the organization, SGA held the weekly meeting in the new freshman hall.

www.theeasttexan.com

Ca mpus Life

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

A&M-Commerce students, professor work towards beating breast cancer Campus Life Editor Nick Bailey

The battle against breast cancer comes to Texas A&M University-Commerce as Assistant Professor Dr. Venugopalan Cheriyath and six undergraduate students continue breast cancer research to find new ways to treat and prevent breast cancer.

Dr. Cheriyath and his team have been working throughout the school year to study specific genes in the human body in an attempt to understand what causes breast cancer and how it can be treated with a gene that is already inside the human body.

“I’m looking at a gene called G1P3,” Cheriyath said. “Every human being has a system called the innate immune system, and it protects us from viruses, bacteria, and pathogens…an important part of these systems are something called interferons. In the late 70’s they came up with interferon therapy for treating cancer. So everybody thought that now we can cure cancer because we have a system that’s already work-

ing inside our body and we are using it as a therapy.

Cheriyath has been working on this research for the past five years, and in that time he has seen some resistance within the scientific community.

“We faced a lot of resistance in the beginning with this research because of the dogma of the SUSAN Dagenais / THE EAST TEXAN interferon, “Cheri- DR. Cheriyath and his team of undergraduate students are working hard to yath said. “What find a cause and cure for breast cancer.

– blah blah blah – but still we have to we are coming out and saying is that ‘hey look, here are debate about it.”

For the six undergraduate students genes that can regulate interefons and cause cancer. That’s basically against working alongside Cheriyath, this all the prevailing theories, so we had could be a pivotal point in their careers, a lot of resistance. We just published as Cheriyath explains that these stua paper in Oncogene and it took six dents could graduate with their names months for them just to accept. They on published research that could make said that ‘all your experiments are great an impact on the scientific community, and the world.

Homecoming holds records for Lions Assistant Sports Editor Cliff Gibson There has always been a rich history of homecoming events at Texas A&M University-Commerce, dating back to the first-ever spirit festival in 1892. Even though the homecoming football game may not be as old, it has stood the test of time, making history on its own along the way.

The first-ever homecoming game played at A&M-Commerce was 83 years ago, when the Lions defeated North Texas 13-12 on Oct. 27, 1928. Since then, A&M-Commerce fans have celebrated homecoming on the football field 74 more times, and the Lions will play in their 76th homecoming game this weekend against Angelo State.

For those alumni who participated in football, cheerleading, or marching band over the years, homecoming is special for obvious reasons, but President Dr. Dan Jones believes that homecoming has special meaning for even the most casual of students.

“The homecoming game is special for so many reasons,” Jones said. “For our alumni, it’s a time to remember and reflect upon an extraordinary time of their lives when – as players or fans – they were part of a university community that helped mold them into the people they have become. It’s also a time when everyone who is part of the university, past and present, can come together to celebrate and reaffirm what it means to be a Lion. It’s an opportunity for all of us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves – a university with a 122-year legacy of transforming lives and shaping futures.”

The Lions will be hoping a large homecoming crowd can help the team reach its first victory of the season, and add to the program’s winning tradition in homecoming games.

“Both coaches and players want to win, whether it’s homecoming or any other game. The crowd will be larger for the homecoming game, and the ceremonies going on throughout the week leading up to the game help create excitement,” Jones said. “The coaches are certainly aware of all that’s going on, but at 2 o’clock Saturday, when the ball is kicked off, their focus is on the game.”

The homecoming game at A&M-Commerce has had its share of memorable moments, as 12 individual and team records have been established in front of homecoming crowds.

The most recent, in 2005, when Roger Daly set the schoolrecord for longest rushing play on a 91-yard carry against Northeastern State. In 1952, former All-American Marvin

Brown set school records for points scored (30) and touchdowns (5) in a single game. Brown, a member of the A&MCommerce Hall of Fame and former All-American, accomplished both feats in a 57-33 homecoming romp over Sam Houston State.

Homecoming may be more important for the Lions in 2011 than any other season before, since the team is entering the contest with an 0-6 record, the worst start in program history since 1926, when the Lions finished the season with an 0-7 record.

Although the Lions have stumbled in all six games this season, they’ve played their closest games at home losing to Ouachita Baptist by three points (36-33) and to Incarnate Word by a single point (23-22). Dr. Jones believes the Lions’ home-field advantage could be a deciding factor this year.

“Players can’t help but play better when they see and hear cheering fans in the stands,” Jones said. “They’re playing for the university, and they want to be part of something great.

It’s not called home-field advantage for nothing.”

historicalfacts

First Homecoming Game......Oct.27,1928 (A&M-C 13, North Texas 12) Overall Homecoming Record..............................44 wins, 30 losses, 1 tie Most Points Scored by A&M-C.....57, Sam Houston State, 1952 (57-33) Most Points by Opposition..................59, by North Texas in 1949 (6-59) Largest win margin................52, in 1958 (def. Sam Houston State, 52-0) Largest loss margin.......................53, in 1949 (lost to North Texas, 6-59)

Record Setters

••• Individual records set during a homecoming game

200-Yard Rushing Club Donald Lee vs. Eastern New Mexico

238-Yrds

Touchdown Receptions

James Epps vs. Eastern New Mexico

4-TD’s

1985 1996

Kickoff Return Yards James Epps vs. Abilene Christian

156-Yrds

1997

Longest Rushing Play Roger Daley vs. Northeastern State

91-Yrds

2005

Individual Points Scored Donald Lee vs. Eastern New Mexico Marvin Brown vs. Sam Houston State

30-Pts 30-Pts

1985 1952

5-TD’s 5-TD’s

1985 1952

Touchdowns Donald Lee vs. Eastern New Mexico Marvin Brown vs. Sam Houston State

Doctor Doctor shows professors are people too Staff Writer Susan Dagenais The band ‘Doctor, Doctor’ is still performing for crowds nine years after it was created. The original band of all faculty members was created to perform at Texas A&M University–Commerce.

According to Director of the Center for Applied Leadership Rick Miller they were trying to make a point for first year students to see what it would be like for people to get out of their comfort zone.

“At that point ‘Doctor, Doctor’ was very out of their comfort zone, they only knew like one song,” he said. “It was a band made up of primarily professors and they were put together for basically one or two Lion Camps,” Miller said. “It was to show students if you get up and stand up and you try something you never tried before, it just might work. They were all PhDs (except one), so we said a good old song is ‘Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News’, it was spur of the moment.”

Although not all of the band members stuck, the name ‘Doctor, Doctor’ did. Miller put Dr. William Thompson, Professor and Director of Mayo College, and the only original member left in the band, in charge of assembling the band. According to Dr. Thompson, the group had not practiced before the first performance and only knew one song,

‘Old Time Rock and Roll.’ recreation center,” Thompson said.

“He (Miller) had 500 to 600 college “Students would be coming out and see freshman there,” Thompson said. “The me and be in shock. They just couldn’t kids jumped up, danced, clapped and believe I was a human being and could had the time of their lives. We finished do something other than lecture socithe song and they started yelling ‘En- ology. Some of them think it’s really core, encore’, so we played the same cool.” song again.”

According to Holbret, Thompson reAccording to Thompson, they aver- cruited her during his wife’s surprise age one performance a month. All the birthday party. Although Holbret now band members have day jobs and per- sings for the band, she started on the form for fun. The five members in the keyboard. Her first performance with band at this time are Dr. Thompson, the band was at an A&M – Commerce Joe Gilliam, Terry Harris, Dr. Robert student orientation.

Cozart, and fellow A&M – Commerce “I never sang as an adult, I was much faculty member Jency Holbret, Ditoo shy. I always regretted not having rector of Educator Certification and sang and been in a band,” Holbret said.

Academic Services.

“I had the opportunity to join a band, Many of Thompson and Holbret’s and I did.

I have been singing and playstudents know they are in a band and ing ever since.”

Thompson will occasionally bring up the band in class to use as an example, but said he doesn’t talk about it very much. According to Thompson, a lot of his students have seen him perform on campus, but some don’t know and some don’t even put it together.

KRISTEN KELLY / THE EAST TEXAN “We just played Doctor Doctor performs to show students that stepping out of one’s comfort last week at the zone can be a good thing.

Page 5

Counseling Corner Time management Special Contributor Rick McCraw Time pressure is a major source of stress for many people. Getting organized doesn’t make more hours in the day, but it can reduce stress by making it easier to get done what needs to get done and freeing up time for other things. In addition, chances are good you’ll feel better as you accomplish things and increase your sense of personal control.

Listed below are some tips to improve your organizational skills: -Use one calendar to track all important reminders, notes, tasks, tests, assignments, and even social events. Review your schedule at the start of each week to make sure you have allocated enough time to do what needs to be done that week.

-List what you need to do each day, balancing work and fun.

-Allocate time for each subject.

Cramming is stressful and usually produces poorer performance and results.

-Break large tasks into small steps, scheduling each step into your planner. This strategy makes those difficult tasks less overwhelming.

-Prioritize your tasks by what is most important.

Rank tasks from “necessary to do” to “can wait for later.”

-Schedule in breaks so you don’t burn out or work inefficiently because you are too fatigued to do your best. Never work on a task more than 45 or 50 minutes without a break.

-Use time between classes to study so your evenings will be free for fun.

-Spread your work out, doing a little each day. You’ll get more accomplished as well as avoiding last minute crunches.

Avoid time wasters during your work time. (You know what yours are -we all have them.)

Reward yourself for accomplishments (buy yourself something, catch a movie, tell a friend who will pat you on your back).

Procrastination can rob you of precious time that you will never get back.

Don’t wait until you are “in the mood” to study. There is no perfect time, so stop waiting for it. Be realistic and don’t aim for perfection.

Write down the basic information needed for the task.

Plan to revise and fine tune it later. Schedule regular down time for recreation, exercise, and socializing with friends and put it on your calendar. Eat healthy foods and get enough sleep. Students function best on 8-10 hours of sleep nightly. Getting less than 6.5 hours nightly impairs your memory and ability to concentrate. If an assignment doesn’t seem relevant to you, remember your life goals. They can provide motivation and help you to prioritize. Pay continual attention to your balance of work and fun. Doing so will pay off substantially in the long run.

Do you have an idea or question you would like addressed in the Counseling Corner? Would your organization like assistance with a project or be interested in participating in any of our programs? Drop us an email at: counselingcornertamuc@gmail.com.

Mass same-sex wedding ceremonies celebrate equality among Texans Campus Life Editor Nick Bailey Oct. 11, was National Coming Out Day - a day that highlights the progress made by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) Americans and the inequality that remains. On Oct. 15, to highlight one of the many ways in which LGBT Texans are still lacking in equal civil rights, cities throughout the state of Texas performed mass wedding ceremonies for those same-sex couples who would legally marry if they could.

Activists in Dallas gathered at Founder’s Plaza at 4:30pm with a sidewalk march beginning at 5:00pm.

Marchers returned to Founder’s Plaza afterward, where there was a rally and mass same-sex commitment ceremony in front of the Dallas Records Building, where heterosexual couples legally obtain marriage licenses.

Participants will call for a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibits the federal government from recognizing marriage as anything but between one man and one woman and allows states like Texas to refuse recognition of same-gender marriages from other states. Activists will also advocate for a repeal of the Texas state constitutional ban on same-gender marriages.

“The time has come for Texas to extend protection to all families,” Daniel Cates, North Texas Coordinator for GetEQUALsaid in a press release. “More than 17,000 children are being raised by same-gender parents in our state. The time has come to lay fear and discrimination to rest. Texas is better than that.”

The Dallas event is organized by GetEQUAL TX, a grassroots, LGBT civil rights organization.

903-886-2710 There’s A Little Superhero In Everything We Do! w w w. l a t s o n s . c o m

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Entertainment Entertainment

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

www.theeasttexan.com

Remake modernizes classic film Fromage du Jour Opinion Editor Savannah Christian

Remakes are always a toss up. Will it be the same with different cast members? Will the plot be too much like the first film, or will it be too different? These were the questions running through my mind when I went to see the new “Footloose.” I wasn’t sure what to expect from the film, but let it be known that it exceeded anything I ever imagined.

The revamped “Footloose” was so much better than the original ever thought about being. Between the cast, the not-too-over-the-top dancing and the emotional storyline, “Footloose” was a top-notch film.

Julianne Hough perfectly played the part of the preacher’s daughter rebel child Ariel Moore, lost in the remnants of the tragic death of her brother. Kenny Wormald flawlessly carried out the role of the new kid in town, Ren MacCormack, ready to stir up everyone’s peaceful living. When five high school students, including the brother Bobby, were killed in a collision coming home from a dance, the town went crazy trying to prevent such accidents in the future. Laws were created prohibiting public dancing of anyone under the age of 18 and curfews were put in place. Needless to say, the youth of the town were miserable.

The kids would sneak off anywhere they could to just listen to some music and dance with one another, a thrill that gave them so much more since dancing was prohibited. The elders and parents in town saw the changes

A weekly look at film cheese

STOCK PHOTO ACESHOWBIZ.COM

Much of the humor in “Footloose” came from the interactions between Ren (Kenny Wormald) and his friend Willard (Miles Teller), Savannah Christian writes.

that began to occur as soon as Ren decided to make his mark on the town.

With motivation from his late mother and the help of his peers, he decided to take a chance, petitioning the town law.

I was pleasantly surprised at the hilarity of the film, as I figured it might be a somewhat cheesy film filled with song and dance. However, the dancing was incorporated so smoothly into the movie that I wouldn’t categorize it as a “dance movie.” The plot allowed for the producers to integrate dancing as an idea and an activity without letting it be the sole subject of the film.

The best raw humor was found within the dialogue of the characters.

Ren came from Boston flaunting what

was called yankee sarcasm, sticking out like a sore thumb amongst all of the southern folks of Bomont. As he made friends with Willard (Miles Teller) and took it upon himself to teach him how to dance, tears of laughter filled my eyes. Their two contrasting personalities kept me on my toes throughout the film. When they interacted with each other, making fun and being typical boys in a podunk town with nothing to do, I got the feeling they were often just acting like themselves, improvising the script. It was a natural flow that made it seem more real.

Overall, there is nothing I would change about this film even if I was given the chance.

Dark comedy ‘Colorado’ brings laughter, tears Graphics Editor Jessica Martin Three days after seeing Peter Sinn Nachtrieb’s “Colorado” at the University Playhouse and I am still unsure of how I feel about it. In no way, shape, or form am I saying that it was a bad experience because the play was phenomenal, but there were so many changes in my emotions that I’m surprised that my heart didn’t finally just give up and put me in a comatose state.

The play revolves around the Ackhart family: Tracy (A’Mari Rocheleau), Travis (Micah Haynes), Grace (Denise Buckels), and Ron (Storm Adams).

In the play, Tracy had just been named Miss Late Teen Colorado at the age of 17, and was advancing to the national competition until she went missing.

The play utilized flashbacks in order to truly unveil Tracy’s true form, which was, for lack of better wording, a psychotic bitch. Despite the fact that her family has given everything to better her future, Tracy does nothing but take

complete advantage of them, and even goes so far as to exploit her family in order to win her title.

The saddest part of the show for me was the dysfunctional relationships in the family. Ron and Grace had kids and got married at a young age, not even out of college, and because of that they are still kids themselves. They both had big dreams that they never got to fulfill and are now trying to live vicariously through their talented, beautiful daughter, while taking no notice of their son.

Travis is a young boy on the verge of puberty, who is all but completely ignored by his family. When they do show him the smallest bit of attention it is usually degrading or critical. Because of this they don’t realize that he is struggling with his transition into manhood, along with his newfound discovery, more by his parents than himself, that he is homosexual.

While this is all happening they find Tracy’s body underneath the floorboards in the den, where Travis hides his tapes of the show “Maury.” However, rather

than calling the cops and going through the normal procedures of a homicide investigation, they decide to bury the body in the yard, and go about living their lives. I never understood why this was even an option, but then again, the Ackhart family was far from normal to begin with.

Grace decides to go to Hollywood to pursue her long forgotten dreams of an acting career, Ron goes off to Cuba to be a beach bum, and Travis begs his parents to let him stay in the house in Colorado, forge all of their signatures and raise himself. Grace and Ron, being the wretched parents they are, agree because of their own selfish ambitions.

This leads on to a heart-wrenching monologue by Travis that is guaranteed to make even the toughest lumberjack cry, thus making a 20-year-old woman sob like a small child.

Overall the play was wonderful, though dark, and all of the characters were cast perfectly. They effortlessly pulled you in to the story and immersed you in their grief, horror and pleasure.

New William Shatner album signals end of days Entertainment Editor Chancellor Mills I was going to do a review of a band I actually like called “Mayday Parade.” However, when I stumbled upon an album by William Shatner called “Seeking Major Tom,” I could not pass it up. I mean, we do a weekly column where we use Shatner heads as a rating system for God’s sake.

Before I say anything else, I must say this: This album was far worse than I could ever have imagined. I knew it was going to be brutal, but holy crap, it was awful.

For those of you who didn’t know, William Shatner sings. In all fairness though, you probably still wouldn’t know if you heard one of his “songs.”

In his newest album, I got to listen to the “Shats” speak-sing through over a dozen space-themed ditties.

It wasn’t completely awful at the start. I made it through the first few songs without too much trouble. With songs like “Major Tom,” I couldn’t fault “Ol’ Shat-head” too much (that’s not really a great song to begin with).

But I think he really hit his stride somewhere around his song “Space Truckin’,” because I think that was the point when I got a nosebleed and passed out.

Before I continue, I want to assure you readers that this album is not JUST Shatner speak-singing

though 20 songs about space. Apparently, through sheer force of will, Billy was able to enlist a bunch of established country artists who evidently have been out of the spotlight long enough to think that teaming up with William Shatner was the ticket back to fame and fortune.

Cong rat u lat ion s, Willy, on bringing them down to your level.

For those of you who really are just pleased as punch STOCK PHOTO: AMAZON.COM to listen to an alWilliam Shatner “speak-singing” a cover of Queen’s beloved “Bohemian Rhapbum that is chock sody” was the final straw, according to Entertainment Editor Chancellor Mills. full of spacerelated songs, Shatner is go- inducing cover of that song. “Boheing to disappoint you as well. He mian Rhapsody” is arguably one of does a few covers. (Did you feel my favorite songs that Queen has that? That was Willy destroying ever produced. And William Shatner ruined it. your innocence.)

I could not continue after that.

Now, I have never heard a good But, hey, if you’re reading this and cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapall that sounds appealing to you, sody.” But I was actually surprised by all means, come find me. And when Shatner went after it. Until I’ll put you out of your misery, you that point, I thought that I would poor soul. never hear such a laughable, vomit-

For more news, video and polls, visit us at theeasttexan.com

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According to reviewer Jordan Wright, “RoboGeisha” has restored his faith in Japaneseproduced B-movies.

‘RoboGeisha’ delivers unintentional laugter Staff Writer Jordan Wright After about a month of watching whatever schlock comes my way, I’ve begun to have a serious discussion with myself on renaming this column “When in Doubt, Go Japanese.” It seems that whenever I hit a movie that’s Japanese in origin, it instantly earns a two out of four Shatner rating based on sheer what-thehell factor, although I will give credit where credit is due in that both “Alien vs. Ninja” and “Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl” were genuinely entertaining in their own right. While viewing “RoboGeisha,” I had to consistently argue back and forth with myself on how genuinely entertaining the movie was. Sure, I laughed but I can’t help but shake the feeling that what I ultimately did laugh at may not have been intentional.

“RoboGeisha” tells the story of Yoshie, a geisha attendant who is propositioned into joining the Kageno Steel Manufacturing Company’s private army of mechanical geisha warriors. Kageno believes that sex is the secret weapon to ruling Japan and is thus using these entertainers as a means to assassinate business men at a point when they least expect it. Upon the revelation that what she is doing is wrong, Yoshie turns against her employers, fighting to stop them from taking over Japan.

The synopsis that I have given you is tame compared to the actual insanity of the movie. This is both good and bad. At its best, RoboGeisha is comparable to the aforementioned “Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl” in pleasurable enjoyment.

Moments such as these are highlighted by scenes in which Yoshie transforms her entire lower body into a high speed

tank which she uses to track down a giant robot composed of Kageno Steel Manufacturing’s President’s castle. The opening scene alone sets up a lot of promise. Unfortunately, the movie loses steam from there.

The low point of the move is undoubtedly the shoehorned relationship that Yoshie has with her older sister. She is introduced to the audience as stuck up, obnoxious, selfish and even abusive toward Yoshie. She is set up from the second that she comes on screen as an unlikeable and irredeemably cruel character.

So why is it that no less than two scenes later, she is seen reflecting on their childhood together and wishing Yoshie good fortune? These interactions dominate a significant portion of the film that never feels genuine and can never decide quite what direction the relationship should take. As such it drags the movie down pretty badly.

On top of that, not all of the insanity of the movie is entertaining.

For every moment that you have an old man with a gun surgically implanted into his knee, you get scenes of the elite members of Kageno’s army, quite literally pulling swords out of their asses and using apparatuses attached over their breasts that fire acid. Moments like this, in addition to the mountains of CGI blood used in favor of practical effects come off as forced and are thus less interesting.

For the mountains of problems that I had with RoboGeisha, I can’t say I wasn’t entertained by it.

It’s the classic insanity of a very unique culture on display that prevents me from giving it any less than two Shatners.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat disappointed by its inability to live up to its full potential.

Verdict: Two Shatners

Page 7

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

numbersgame 2

hotshot 704

The number unbeaten and number of winless football teams remaining in LSC play

Total offensive yards by Midwestern State in the Mustangs’ 68-20 rout of Angelo State

I SOCCER

Hafele honored by LSC for stellar play lscstandings

Team Abilene Christian Midwestern State A&M-Commerce Eastern NM Angelo State West Texas A&M Incarnate Word Texas Woman’s

LSC Overall 9-0-1 13-0-1 6-3-1 8-3-2 5-4-2 7-6-2 4-3-3 6-5-3 4-5-2 5-8-2 4-5-1 7-6-1 2-6-3 4-6-4 1-9-1 1-11-3

This Week’s Games Oct. 21 *Abilene Chr. @ Texas Woman’s *Incarnate Word @ Eastern NM *Midwestern @ A&M-Commerce *Angelo State @ West Texas Oct. 23

Individual Leaders Points Player Andrea Carpenter, ACU Brionna Minde, A&M-C Kelsey Hill, MSU Lesley Briggs, WTAMU Brandie DeBacker, ASU Jade Bell, TAMUC

Goals Player Andrea Carpenter, ACU Brandie DeBacker, ASU Brionna Minde, TAMUC Lesley Briggs, WTAMU Jade Bell, TAMUC

Assists Player Kelsey Hill, MSU Lindsay Pritchard, MSU Sam Johnson, IWU Leslie Briggs, WTAMU Jade Bell, TAMUC

Total 25 19 18 18 18 16

Total 11 8 8 7 6

Total 6 4 4 4 4

*Midwestern @ Texas Woman’s *Abilene Chr. @ A&M-Commerce *Incarnate Word @ West Texas *Angelo State @ Eastern NM *– LSC matches

Saves Player Beatrice Soto, TWU Randi Hafele, TAMUC Victoria Puentes, IWU Sierra Cardenas, ENMU Morgan Harrison, ASU

Total 79 69 58 51 43

Senior goalkeeper Randi Hafele led the A&M-Commerce soccer team during a three-game stretch in which the Lions sported a 2-0-1 record, and her play on the pitch was dominant enough to raise some eyebrows around the conference.

Hafele made 10 saves while allowing just a pair of goals over a span of 290 minutes, including a clean sheet in the Lions’ recent win over Incarnate Word.

With her performance, Hafele was named Goalkeeper of the Week by the Lone Star Conference as the Lions maintained their position in the top half of the conference standings.

Hafele has 69 saves to just 24 goals allowed for the season, and an impressive 1.78 goals against average with

three shutouts.

The senior from Clearbrook High School wasn’t the only Lion to be recognized.

Brionna Minde picked up another LSC weekly honor, after notching four goals and an assist during the same three-game stretch.

Minde, a sophomore from Richardson, recorded seven points against Angelo State, finishing with a hat trick, including the game-winner, while adding an assist against the Rambelles.

She also gave the Lions an insurance goal during their win over Incarnate Word.

Her four goals came on just six shots and she currently leads the Lions in points and goals and ranks second in assists and gamewinning goals.

DANICA EASTERLING / THE EAST TEXAN

A&M-Commerce goalkeeper Randi Hafele was recently named Keeper of the Week by the Lone Star Conference.

I VOLLEYBALL

Lady Buffs earn conference trifecta

FAITH WENBOURNE / THE EAST TEXAN

Kayla Bond (left) and the A&M-Commerce Lions face two more LSC road matches before returning home Oct. 25 against Texas Woman’s.

The West Texas A&M volleyball team is not just leading the Lone Star Conference, they’re also doing so with some of the top individual performances in conference play.

The Lady Buffs are ranked 14th in NCAA Division II and boast the LSC’s top record at 12-1 with an impressive overall mark of 21-2.

Recently, a trio of players helped West Texas A&M to another unbeaten week in LSC play as Stormi Lancaster, Erin Dougherty and Lacy Hayes were named Offensive, Defensive and Setter of the Week, respectively.

Lancaster, a junior from Mobeetie, had 10 kills against Eastern New Mexico,

15 against A&M-Commerce and 14 in a win over Texas Woman’s, compiling a .347 hitting percentage to go with 12 block assists.

Dougherty, an Omaha, Neb. native, registered 19 block assists and one solo block to go along with 32 kills and a hitting percentage of .368.

Hayes, a junior from Cypress, continued to lead the conference in assists, and dished out 128 helpers during the week for an 11.6 average per set while registering nine kills and 32 digs.

West Texas A&M will face Cameron and Tarleton State in conference play this week, plus a non-conference match against Lubbock Christian.

lscstandings Team West Texas A&M Angelo State Abilene Christian Texas Woman’s Tarleton State Incarnate Word Cameron A&M-Kingsville Midwestern State A&M-Commerce Eastern NM

LSC Overall 12-1 21-2 11-1 22-2 7-4 13-10 8-5 10-12 7-5 13-11 6-8 10-11 5-7 11-9 5-9 11-10 4-8 12-9 3-9 7-12 1-12 4-17

Individual Leaders Kills Player Kelle Carver, CAM Jennie Hutt, ACU Adrienne Lawson, CAM Rachel Robertson, TAMUC Viktorija Jablonska, TWU Ashley Davis, WTAMU Flynn Harrell, TSU Amber Durand, ENMU

Avg./S 3.97 3.79 3.56 3.54 3.33 3.31 3.28 3.20

Assists Player

Avg./S

Lacy Hayes, WTAMU Alex Woolsey, ASU Jenna Risoli, CAM Jordan Neal, TAMUC Haley Rhodes, ACU Kennedi Catano, ENMU

11.07 10.98 10.44 9.81 9.00 7.94

Points Player

Avg./S

Rachel Robertson, TAMUC Kelle Carver, CAM Jennie Hutt, ACU Adrienne Lawson, CAM Viktorija Jablonska, TWU Flynn Harrell, TSU

4.38 4.30 4.17 3.99 3.66 3.65

Digs Player

Avg./S

Kiara Jordan, MSU Lauren Beville, WTAMU Julisa Ocasio, CAM Ali Insell, TAMUK Lydia Werchan, IWU Kelsie Edwards, ACU

6.17 5.07 4.89 4.84 4.76 4.67

I FOOTBALL

10th-ranked ACU upends Buffaloes The 10th-ranked Abilene Christian Wildcats put on an impressive defensive showing, recording eight sacks and limiting 17th-ranked West Texas A&M to just 46 rushing yards in a 28-18 victory over the Buffaloes at Shotwell Stadium.

ACU entered the game with the LSC’s worst pass defense, and although the Wildcats allowed Dustin Vaughan to throw for 314 yards, he completed just 27of-53 attempts.

Mitchell Gale completed 18-of-31 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns, leading his team on scoring drives covering 99 and 98 yards. Gale’s touchdown passes covered 19 yards to Jamaine Sherman and 53 yards to fullback Justin Andrews.

The loss dropped the Buffaloes to 4-2 overall and gave them their first LSC loss.

ACU improved to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in LSC play, setting up a huge conference showdown this weekend as the Wildcats travel to Wichita Falls to face LSC-leader Midwestern State, who is 5-0 in the LSC and 6-0 overall.

lscstandings

Team LSC Overall Midwestern State 5-0 6-0 Abilene Christian 4-0 5-1 West Texas A&M 4-1 4-2 A&M-Kingsvillle 2-2 4-3 Tarleton State 2-3 2-5 Incarnate Word 2-3 2-5 Eastern NM 1-3 2-5 Angelo State 0-4 3-4 A&M-Commerce 0-4 0-6

Other scores from the LSC include:

A&M-Kingsville 41, Incarnate Word 38 Texas A&M-Kingsville withstood a late rally by Incarnate Word to register a narrow 41-38 win.

Jonathan Woodson led the Javelinas with a historic night in which he became the first player in team history to have 100 yards rushing and receiving in the same game.

Woodson gained 162 yards on the ground and had five catches for 106 yard. He also had 94 return yards and scored three touchdowns.

Daniel Ramirez passed for a career-best 373 yards and four touchdowns while directing the A&M-Kingsville offense.

Midwestern State 68, Angelo State 20 The 15th-ranked Midwestern State Mustangs gained 704 yards of offense and scored the most points

This Week’s Games Angelo St. @ A&M-Commerce Eastern NM @ West Texas A&M Tarleton St. @ A&M-Kingsville Abilene Chr. @ Midwestern St. Incarnate Word - bye

Individual Leaders Passing Player

KRISTIE CARD / THE EAST TEXAN

The A&M-Commerce Lions fell to 0-6 overall with Saturday’s 54-27 loss at Tarleton State last weekend. The Lions will host Angelo State this weekend for homecoming.

against and Angelo State team in the 47-year history of the program in a 68-20 drubbing of the Rams.

The Mustangs (6-0 overall, 5-0 LSC) led 52-7 at halftime and had already accumulated 533 yards at that time.

Angelo State (3-4 overall, 0-4 LSC) was limited to 330 yards of offense, the Rams’

lowest total of the season, and dropped their fourth straight contest.

Brandon Kelsey led MSU with 237 passing yards and four touchdowns. Jimmy Pipkin ran for 141 yards and two touchdown on just five carries, while Kelsey added 134 yards and another touchdown on the ground.

Sheldon Galloway led the Mustang receivers with two touchdown receptions.

Tristan Carter paced the Rams with 108 rushing yards and a pair of scores.

The Rams are on the road this weekend to face A&MCommerce while Midwestern State will host Abilene Christian.

Yds TD

Wesley Wood, ENMU Mitchell Gale, ACU Nick Stephens, TSU Blake Hamblin, ASU D. Vaughan, WTAMU

1697 1610 1478 1443 1387

Rushing Player

Yds TD

Receiving Player

Yds TD

Woodson, TAMUK Trent Rios, IWU Tristan Carter, ASU Keidrick Jackson, MSU Lester Bush, MSU

C. Rhodes, TSU Rob Armstrong, TAMUK B. Golden, WTAMU Darian Dale, ENMU C.J. Akins, ASU

Tackles Player

471 452 384 374 346

12 12 8 9 11

4 6 4 10 7

530 530 448 426 420

2 8 3 3 2

Total

M. Wadley, TSU Cory Whitfield, TAMUC Aguilar, TAMUK Juan Asencio, IWU Da. Jackson, TSU

72 51 50 49 44

sports

Page 8

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

Lions losing streak reaches six Sports Information

DAVID GROTE / THE EAST TEXAN

With the loss to Tarleton State the Lions drop to a 0-6 overall record and 0-4 in the Lone Star Conference.

FAITH WENBOURNE / THE EAST TEXAN

Sophomore Jordan Neal sets the bar high with 44 assists on Oct. 13.

Lions exact revenge on MSU 3-1 Sports Editor Justin Cheatham The Texas A&M Un n i v e r s i t y- C o m m e r c e volleyball team dominated the Midwestern State Mustangs 3 sets to 1 Oct. 13, in the Fieldhouse. This win brought the Lions overall record to 7-11 with 3-8 being in conference.

The match began looking like a repeat of the Sept. 8, 3-1 defeat the Lions suffered at Midwestern. The first set the Lions committed twice as

many errors as Midwestern and swinging the momentum their way. The second set was not much better for the Lions; again they committed twice as many errors as the Mustangs but were able to hold on to the lead once they got it for a 26-24 victory. This set the teams got more of a feel for each others habits which resulted in both teams blocking the ball 4 times.

“The first two games were really boring and nobody was excited and if you’re

KRISTIE CARD / THE EAST TEXAN

Breanne Snyders second double-double was Oct. 4, against Dallas Baptist.

Freshman Snyder asset at the net Sports Editor Justin Cheatham The Lions Volleyball team has made significant additions to their team this year, with the most notable being the “Waco Kid,” freshman Breanne Snyder.

Success is not new to the Woodway, Texas (outside of Waco) native. Not only was she named the team’s MVP as a junior and senior, but she was also named district MVP. Snyder has quickly become a

staple to the Lions offense.

“It is a lot tougher than high school and what I was used to,” Snyder said. “It is a lot faster so I have had to become quicker, jump higher, play better and focus on every point.”

The move from Woodway to Commerce, like any new student, has presented the freshman with new challenges.

“I think the upperclassmen have helped me become a better teammate and athlete,” Snyder said. “They

www.theeasttexan.com

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – A&M-Commerce trailed Tarleton State by just six points at the half, but a handful of second half miscues did in the Lions as they drop a 54-27 decision to the Texans at Tarleton Memorial Stadium in Stephenville.

A&M-Commerce drops to 0-6 on the year and 0-4 in Lone Star Conference play while Tarleton State improves to 2-5 overall and 1-4 in conference play.

Quarterback J.J. Harp had an impressive night for the Lions, completing 32-of-56 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns with just one interception. Harp completed passes to seven different receivers, led by Tyler Rawlings’ best night in a Lion uniform, hauling in six catches for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

not excited then it’s hard to play well,” sophomore Jordan Neal said.

“He [Coach Case] came out after the intermission and said that we need to find the intensity so that’s what we did. Maybe I delivered the balls better, I don’t know. There really was not much said but ‘You need to go out and play with more intensity.’”

The Lions came into the third set much more focused, committing only 3 errors to Midwestern’s 13.

They also out blocked the Mustangs 9-0, leading to a 25-17 win for the Lions.

“The big difference tonight when it was on the line was that Jordan was making better decisions than anybody on the court,” Head coach Craig Case said. “She did a lot to disrupt what Midwestern wanted to do defensively and they are a great defensive team. When you can disrupt what they are doing because of decision-making then you’re really playing at a high level.”

For the fourth and final set the Lions struggled to put the nail in the coffin with 11 tie scores and 4 lead changes. However, their momentum at the net carried over from set 3, earning 7 blocks to the Mustangs 2.

The Lions walked away narrowly ahead 25-22.

“We figured out at what level we could go over their blockers and once we figured that out and Jordan started putting the ball there we started hitting it hard and that’s how we want to play,” Case said. “That is what we are built to do so once we were able to do that it was a lot more fun.”

Freshman Breanne Snyder showed what is quickly making her a valuable asset to this team with 14 kills and 17 digs. Jordan Neal also had a notable night earning 39 of the teams total 44 assists.

“We just worked our butts off all week long and did our jobs and as long as we do our jobs then everything is good,” Sophomore Dakota Crockett said. have helped me grow as a person and as an athlete; they have made me better. I am in the middle and outside but I try to work with Rachel [Robertson] and try to learn from her because she is amazing.”

Snyder has constantly topped the offensive leader board this season, with the help of junior Rachel Robertson. She says that the adjustment to her schoolwork schedule is still a work in progress.

“I have had to get a planner and stick to that planner everyday because it is hard to manage time but it is worth it,” she said.

As the season progresses so do her numbers, starting the first two games with 5 and 7 kills each and culminating with her season high 22 kills on Sept. 10.

“Anytime you can get somebody on the team that can literally do anything you are that much better for it,” Head coach Craig Case said. “The nice thing with Bre is you never know when she is in a good or bad mood.

She just comes out every night and makes plays, and that is what a good volleyball player does. She is special, and we are very lucky to have her on the team not only because of how she plays but what she does off the court and the type of person she is; we couldn’t be happier with her.”

Taylor Fore pulled in seven receptions for 72 yards, pushing his career total to 106 receptions as he became just the 10th player in program history with 100 career catches and now sits eighth all-time in the Lion record books.

But once again, it was the lack of a running game that doomed the A&MCommerce offense. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Lions had rushed for -29 yards before finishing on the plus side with 15 total rushing yards. Jamar Mosely was the top rusher for A&M-Commerce, finishing with 22 yards on three carries with Graham able to generate just 14 yards on seven attempts.

Once again, the Lion defense was led by senior Cory Whitfield’s 11.5 tackles.

Fellow linebacker Danny Mason added eight

tackles for A&M-Commerce with Marcus Fore and Marlin Terrell each adding 4.5 tackles in the backfield.

Joel Wren posted four tackles for the Lions including a 21-yard interception return in the third quarter.

Both A&M-Commerce and Tarleton State came into the game eager for a win as it was a closely contested game early on.

It continues to be a rough season for A&M-Commerce as the Lions drop to 0-6 for the first time since the 1926 season. They will be looking to end that skid at home, hosting Angelo State on Saturday, October 22.

The game against the Rams marks the annual homecoming tilt for the Lions as a number of festivities are planned throughout the weekend. Kickoff against the Rams is set for 2 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.