Tru jan 27 2015 tru

nmsuRoundUp.com

The Independent Student Newspaper of NMSU since 1907 • Tuesday, 1.27.2015 • Volume 116 • Issue 17

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DETAILS PAGE 11

SPORTS

take me out to the ball game Aggies predict powerful season, B ASE BALL TO COMMENCE

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pr epar e fo r W A C C ha m p i o n s hi p

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Photos by Luis Miranda, Jr.

STUDENT LIFE

ONLINE

EVENTS

INTERNSHIPS;

FEMENISM CLUB

NYC B-Twist

WHY YOU SHOULD

DISCUSSES FUTURE PLANS

NYC BALLET IN EL PASO

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pawnbrokers & title Loans

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TITLE

LETTER

THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27 .2015

ADVICE FROM THE

STUDENT LEGAL AID ATTORNEY

Volume 116 | Issue 17 | Jan. 27, 2015

Administration Executive Director Dustin Chavez

Comptroller

Jessica Chenoweth

Administrative Assistants Tatiana Miyazaki William Peck Maylynn Padilla

Editorial Managing Editor Anthony Albidrez

Online Editor

Christopher Allan

News Editor

Dawn Franco Copy Editor Sports Editor Allison McCollister Cedric Wilson

Staff Writers

Online Edition Story

by Karl Rysted, Student Legal Aid Attorney I moved here from my hometown of Oklahoma City at the beginning of the school year, and one of the first things I noticed is that there aren’t a lot of pawn shops in Las Cruces, especially compared to OKC. Then I figured out why. There are plenty of title loan companies ready to “help” you in your time of financial need. Oklahoma doesn’t allow those, which is the majority rule. I researched the law for pawnbrokers here and found that although they charge extremely high interest for loans, at least they have some regulation whereas title loans don’t Don’t use pawn shops or title loan companies! NMSU has a great financial literacy program: http://careerservices. nmsu.edu/red-to-green/ If you use it, you should be able to avoid troublesome loan businesses.

Loan sharks are a different matter and are regulated by New Mexico criminal law. A loan shark is defined as someone who loans you money with the understanding that if you’re late paying it back or can’t pay it, they will use violence or other criminal acts to induce you to find a way. If you get an offer from a loan shark, you need to report it to the police so the District Attorney can consider prosecution.

How do pawn shops work? You take some property of yours that is worth something and give it to them. They pay you part of its value. You can get your stuff back (the legal term for this is “redeem”) by paying a higher amount, usually a short time later. If you don’t redeem it, the pawnbroker keeps and sells it.

New Mexico law limits the amount you can borrow from a pawn shop to $2,000 at one time. The law limits the amount of interest to the larger of $7.50 or 10 per cent of the amount lent for the first month of the loan. After the first month, the pawn shop can charge no more than 4 per cent per month until the loan is paid off. A borrower can negotiate with the pawn shop for an interest rate that is lower than the maximum allowed by law.

Remember, 10% for the first month is 120% APR and 4% per month after that is 48% APR! Under New Mexico law, there is no specific deadline to pay back the loan.

That means that the pawn shop and the borrower work out the due date. The due date must appear on the pawn ticket that the shop gives the borrower. If the borrower can’t pay the money back by the due date, the pawn shop has to carry out a series of steps. First, it must wait 90 days before the item left there becomes the property of the pawn shop. Then, before the property is sold, the borrower is entitled to written notice that he or she has 10 more days to pay off the debt and get the item back. If the pawn shop sells the item for more money than the borrower owes the pawn shop, the pawn broker must tell the borrower in writing that money is due to the borrower. If the pawn shop sells the item for less than the amount still due on the loan, the borrower still owes the balance even after the item is sold. Now can you see why this is a bad deal?

How do title loan companies work?

READ MORE AT: NMSUROUNDUP.COM

Billy Huntsman Brynn Herndon Merrit Peterson Isaac Morales

Julian Martinez Jesse Moya Kelly O'Connor Efrainn Hernandez

Design Design Specialist

Heather Nichole Miller

Graphic Designers Valentin Guereque Kimberly Rodriguez

Photographers Olivia Baker

Sales Advertising Manager Jonathan Johnsen

Advertising Representatives Director of Marketing Sonia Diaz

Circulation Specialist Submission Policy The Round Up welcomes submissions for publication. Submissions can be dropped off, faxed or emailed.

Submissions become property of The Round Up and will not be returned.

The Round Up reserves the right to edit articles and cannot guarantee publication.

Advertising Policy The Round Up welcomes paid advertisements for legal products and services. The Round Up does not accept ads deemed discriminatory by the editor. Any advertisement that might be confused with editorial content must be clearly labeled (paid advertisement.) Positions of ads cannot be guaranteed. The Round Up reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement.

About Us: The Round Up is published during the academic year by the students for the university community. Corrections of the print edition will be made of www.nmsuroundup.com. Editorial content of the newspaper is independent of advertising content. Opinions expressed in The Round Up are not necessarily those of the staff, New Mexico State University or the Associated Students of NMSU. Box 3004, Dept. CC New Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 Phone 575-646-6397 Fax 575-646-5557

TITLE STUDENT LIFE

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Tuesday, 1.27.2015

AN I N T E R N SHI P CAN SPICE UP YOUR RESUME

By Merrit Peterson Staff Writer More than ever before, employers are valuing professional experience over performance in school. Fortunately, New Mexico State University offers the Cooperative Education Program to students seeking internships and work experience.

Established in 1929, the Cooperative Education Program has helped thousands of students find internships, discuss the process of hiring and find work in their area of study to help students transition from school to work.

Kevin Andrews, Coordinator of the Cooperative Education and Internship Program, said internships, also called cooperative education, offer several advantages.

Interns often make valuable contacts with active practitioners in their field. In the future these contacts can prove to be extremely valuable as many internships often turn into job opportunities.

Many employers look to their past employees or interns to become full time employees when the positions are

available. Given that, the interns are already familiar with the company they worked for.

The company is often interested in hiring them again to shortcut the learning progress necessary when hiring and training new employees.

Students who find themselves with jobs using their degrees immediately after

ence often confirms if what they’re studying is the right field for them Andrews said it’s never too early to begin looking into internships. “Once a student decides on his or her major, their next step is to look into internships or cooperative education opportunities. Positions of all length, includ-

“I was able to watch professionals who were committed to their work and learn from the passion, dedication and knowledge..” graduating are often the ones who actively held professional work positions such as internships while still in school.

Other benefits include overall experience, skill development, resume building, gaining college credit and honing in on their abilities and interests in the professional work field.

During internships, students are given an invaluable opportunity to “try out” their field. Whether or not they enjoy their internship experi-

ing summer positions and semester positions, ultimately help achieve career goals after graduation,” he said.

NMSU graduate David Maestas held an internship for senator Tom Udall during the summer of 2014. He heard of the position from a coworker who believed he would be interested in it based off his interest in going into government affairs after graduation.

During his time at work for senator Tom Udall, he conducted research and gained

valuable insight into education issues, the economy and agriculture, which can be applied to his future career path.

“I was able to watch professionals who were committed to their work and learn from the passion, dedication and knowledge,” said Maestas. “The fact that it was so applied and firsthand really helped me appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes within the political world.”

When asked with what he took away from his internship, Maestas reports gaining a deeper understanding of what politicians do and how much they depend on those around them, something that will be invaluable to his future involvement in government.

The job market after graduation is extremely competitive, but NMSU’s Cooperative Education and Internship service is available for all current, full-time students.

The office is located on the second floor of Garcia Annex in Room 224, and they can be reached at (575) 646-4115 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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CAMPUS NEWS

THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27 .2015

CORBETT’S CONTINUING

M A K EOV E R

By Billy Huntsman Staff Writer Construction continues on the second floor of Corbett Center Student Union after the recent completion of a new student lounge on the first floor.

This new lounge occupies the southwestern corner of Corbett, which used to house the Aggie Bookstore (the sign of which still hangs over the entrance to the lounge). “(The lounge) is intended for students to drop in, study, relax,” said Julie Weber, Director of New Mexico State University Housing and Campus Life, during a tour of the construction she gave “The Round Up.” At the back of the lounge is the new Campus Activities Office, relocated from the second floor.

Within are clusters of cubicles on one side and a wall of lockers on another.

“This is all workspace for student clubs and organizations that don’t have offices,” Weber said.

“They’ll work with Campus Activities to get assigned a cubicle and they can request a locker and it becomes theirs for as long as they need.”

Weber said the only remaining additions to be made to the first floor are decorative, such as a floorto-ceiling Pistol Pete super graphic that will cover a bare white wall in the lounge. Such decorations will be added to the renovated areas at the end of all construction.

Weber said the renovations to Corbett Center are divided into three phases, one for each floor.

Phase one is practically done; the second phase is currently underway and is to be completed by late April; and the third phase has not yet started but is to be completed by the end of February.

The completed renovations to the second floor, though still part of phase one, are the new offices for Associated Students of New Mexico State Univeristy, Greek Life and Aggie Activity Council.

“All the offices are built around the concept of private workspace, as needed, but then shared workspace to bring people together,” Weber said.

The carpets are streaked with crimson, gray and black; Weber said the renovation plans incorporated Aggie colors as much as possible.

“By the time we’re done, you’ll see a lot of Aggie imagery all throughout the building,” Weber said, “which we were severely lacking.”

Separated from the completed space by a wall is phase two, the most disruptive phase, said Weber: The lounge area in front of the old ASNMSU office has been stripped to its bones and is being rebuilt.

Steel beams and wooden frames are hidden from view of the downstairs food court by black tarps.

Once the renovations are completed, Weber said, the Student Success Center, Student Accessibility and the Office of the Dean of Students will

take the place of the old ASNMSU Office and Art Gallery.

The second floor is open from the information desk eastward; passersby are encouraged to write on the white wall that closes off the construction zone.

“That was my idea,” Weber said. “When we first put up that temporary wall, it was a big plain, ugly, white wall, so we just decided to let people draw on it.”

Pieces of paper have been taped to the wall by one of Weber’s staff, “Write what you love about being an Aggie; share your favorite memories; congratulate someone; give a shout out to your favorite administrator or faculty member.”

People have done all of this.

“When my boyfriend proposed,” wrote someone.

“When I first donated blood…I threw up! #skinnygirlprobz,” wrote another, to which someone else replied, “Eat a sandwich.”

Caricatures and cartoons have been drawn; while other inscriptions seem out of the blue, but which are interesting nevertheless, such as “Taos is the worst, but everything else is aight,” and “The Chamber of Secrets have (sic) been opened, enemies of the heir beware.”

Additionally, the pieces of paper say, “Do not use profanity,” which was ignored by someone who wrote “When I finally made some friends…like, seriously that s—t is hard to do,” but which, Weber said, has been abided fairly well.

Further changes to the second floor, Weber said, will be the computer lab Pete’s Place relocating to within Corbett, across from the Housing and Residential Life Office; the space will be replaced with a game room with pool, ping pong, foosball and, Weber’s favorite, air hockey.

“Some people say that game rooms are a thing of the past,” Weber said. “But if you’ve ever visited UNM’s student union, their Lobo gameroom is never empty.”

Phase three will include major renovations of the ballrooms, new flooring for the third floor, a new roof on the building, and can be completed independently of phase two.

Weber said the renovation plans started developing in Fall 2012 and construction commenced in April 2014. Funding comes from ASNMSU bonds, which will be paid back by student fees.

“Every year ASNMSU was telling us that the student union was really not acting like a student union,” Weber said.

Student unions are supposed to be the heartbeat of the student life on campus, Weber said.

“It’s really important that we stay current,” Weber said. “We need to make sure that our student union especially is one that students feel comfortable in and one that positively represents New Mexico State.”

Photos by Olivia Baker

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Tuesday, 1.27.2015

ts n e v E e r u Fut s s u c s i D s,' e u g o l o n na Mo

i

g a V e h T ' l Cance

By Anthony Albidrez Managing Editor

A group known for their organization of the controversial SlutWalk on campus, Aggies for Feminism continues to exist to enlighten the student body on what feminism means.

The chartered student organization promotes equality in the community, focusing on topics such as gender, sexuality, race, sexual violence, etc.

“A goal of mine is getting people more involved in feminism and trying to get rid of misconceptions about feminism, such as ‘feminists hate men,’” said Daisy Lopez, co-leader of AFF. “Feminism is about equality for women, men, transgendered. . . everyone.”

AFF organized for the first time for the 2015 spring semester, harboring much plans for students and the rest of the community.

The organization transitioned into the New Year with two new co-leaders, Daisy Lopez and Kimberly Rodriguez, predecessors of Rainy Estrada, who graduated in December.

During the meeting held in Garcia Hall, AFF announced the cancellation of their version of this year’s “The Vagina Monologues,” an episodic play focusing on the feminine experience, due to the lack of

funds and theatrical personnel. They planned on setting the performance in Spanish.

The play touches on sex, love, rape, mensuration, birth, orgasms and the multiple terms used for the vagina. The play represents the vagina as a tool of empowerment and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. “The Monologues” are also criticized by some feminists and critics.

The performance originally premiered in 1996 at the HERE Arts Center in New York City.

Campaigns, local volunteers and college students across the country produce annual benefit performances of “The Vagina Monologues” and creations of the like on V-Day. V-Day, a successful worldwide non-profit movement, has raised over $100 million for organizations whose mission it is to end violence against women. V-Day marks the celebration of “The Vagina Monologues” and other performances across the globe which is usually held on Valentine’s Day or around that date.

On V-Day, local benefit productions are staged to raise funds for local groups, shelters and crisis centers who aid in the fight against violence toward women.

In place of “The Vagina Monologues,” AFF discussed hosting a poetry reading, multiple film screenings, open discussions on various topics and future meeting

schedules. AFF also briefly discussed future planning for the SlutWalk.

The SlutWalk is an act of solidarity challenging victim-blaming language and sexual violence.

Last year was the organizations second annual SlutWalk at the New Mexico State University campus.

During the fall 2014 semester, AFF participated in the prochoice counter protest for the opening of Whole Women’s Health, a clinic providing women’s healthcare and abortion services, in Las Cruces.

Presently, AFF meets Wednesdays, 8 p.m., La Vista Learning Center, 2nd floor of Garcia Hall. The group will meet every week until March.

On Wednesday Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., members will be tabling on the I-Mall across from the Speech Building. Baked goods and coffee will be sold during this event.

Other ideas AFF are discussing is a poetry slam, a one act play fest in April, feminist movie nights and discussions, more fundraising through craft and goods sale New member Jazmin Harvey will be leading a discussion during this week’s meeting “Feminism is the fight for equality for all genders,” said Aggies for Feminism collectively defining the term.

AFF’s meetings are open meetings and welcome new members.

Photo by Anthony Albidrez

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SPORTS

THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27 .2015

Men’s

B A S K E Photos by Luis Miranda, Jr.

NM State conquer UVU, injured player returns to the court

By Efrain Hernandez Staff Writer After starting off the season 6-9, your New Mexico State University men’s basketball team is 6-1 in their last seven games played bringing their overall record to 12-10 while going 4-1 in conference play.

Returning from a two-game road trip making stops in Seattle, Wash. and Bakersfield, Calif., the Aggies returned home to defeat the Antelopes of Grand Canyon University (11-10, 2-2 WAC) on Jan. 22 and continued on to defeat the Wolverines of Utah Valley (7-11, 2-2 WAC) on Jan. 24.

With 14 minutes remaining in the first half of this past Thursday’s game, the Antelopes of Grand Canyon University pulled within one point until the Aggies offense went on a 24-6 run to close out the half and took a 42-27 lead into the half.

Not letting up one inch on offense and defense, the Aggies defeated GCU 85-63 who were led by Pascal Siakam finishing the night with a team high 18 points and 11 rebounds, followed by the return of All-American Daniel Mullings, who finished second in scoring with 17 points after missing the team’s last 12 games dealing with an injury.

“My mentality coming into today was to create intensity and to bring a lot of effort on defense,” Mullings said.

“We all just came together and put a big emphasis on dribble-penetration and getting the ball into the middle of their defense.”

Just a couple of days later on Saturday’s game, the Aggies easily dismantled UVU 69-44 led by center Tshilidzi Nephawe, who finished the night leading the team in scoring with 14 points and eight rebounds. In his last two games, Nephawe has combined to score 29 points along with 18 rebounds after returning from a recent injury.

“Our goal every game is to get the best shot we can get,” Nephawe said. “We have to make sure we stay poised and run everything right.”

With the score being tied at 7-7, guard Daniel Mullings knocked down a three-pointer to give the Aggies a lead in which they would not give up throughout the entirety of the game.

The offense played tremendously as five players scored in double figures including Nephawe, Mullings, Remi Barry, DK Eldridge and Ian Baker.

“We just wanted to come out with a lot of energy,” Menzies said. “I think (Eldridge) did what we knew he could do especially in the first half.”

Defensively, the Aggies allowed the Wolverines to score only 44 points while holding them to a shooting percentage of 34 percent and forcing 14 turnovers.

“The lack of turnovers and our overall energy and defensive execution were key tonight,” said Marvin Menzies, head coach, in a news release.

“Our overall rhythm and tempo (on offense) were keys for us. We continue to get better and we need to attack each conference game a game at a time.”

The Aggies will look to close out their home stand strong as they host the Broncos from the University of Texas-Pan American (813, 2-3 WAC). The Aggies hit the courts of the Pan American Center Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m.

TITLE SPORTS

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Tuesday, 1.27.2015

Women’s

T B A L L Women’s Basket Ball ignites:

Eight Consecutive Wins

By Efrain Hernandez Staff Writer

Photos by Olivia Baker.

The New Mexico State University women’s basketball team has ignited in recent weeks after starting the season 0-5 by bouncing back to win 12 of their last 13 games and going 5-0 in conference play.

The Aggies started off their three game road trip by winning two of the team’s first three games after defeating the Antelopes of Grand Canyon University and the Wolverines of Utah Valley University just a couple of days later.

“I’m really proud of the girls on this road trip,” said Mark Trakh, head coach, in a news release. “We didn’t play well at times, but we go home with two road wins in two places that are difficult to win, so I’m proud of them.”

The Aggies defeated GCU 74-62, on Jan. 22, by forcing the Antelopes to commit 22 turnovers in the process. According to NMSU Athletics, this was the 13th game which the Aggies have forced 20 or more turnovers.

“The kids played hard, it’s always good to win a tough road game,” said Trakh. “Anytime you win by 12, it’s a good night.”

Shanice Davis led the Aggies offense by scoring 24 points while also handing out seven assists. Davis was previously named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week after averaging 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game for the week of Jan. 12 through the 18.

Just a couple of days later on the 24th, they defeated UVU 68-58 to extend their winning streak to 8 games and for the first time since 1990, the Aggies are 5-0 in conference games played.

“We defended, made free throws and rebounded, and got great games out of Brianna and Sasha,” Trakh said. “We had trouble inbounding the ball, we just got to get better at the end of the game, but it’s OK, we’re learning.”

Guard Sasha Weber moved into fifth place all-time in the record books for New Mexico State in three-pointers made. According to

NMSU Athletics, Weber has made 160 career threepointers moving past Madison Spence. Weber is just 12 shots short of moving past current assistant coach Cecilia Russell-Nava who is currently fourth all-time.

Forward Brianna Freeman recorded her third double-double of the season after scoring 12 points and collecting a career-high 13 rebounds.

Over the course of their winning streak, the Aggies offense has averaged 73 points per game while allowing a measly 57 points per game defensively.

“We’ve got five home games and only three on the road in the second half of the (WAC) season,” Trakh said. “So I like where we are sitting, I think we’re just going to get better and better.”

The Aggies (12-6, 5-0 WAC) will look to extend their winning streak to nine games as they travel to Edinburg, Texas, to take on the Broncos (11-9, 4-1 WAC) from the University of Texas Pan-American.

Game time is scheduled for Jan. 31, 1 p.m. and is being broad- casted on Aggie Access with subscription.

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SPORTS THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27 .2015

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME

ra nd a, Mi by Lu is ot os ph all se b

Moving past the recent winter storms in Las Cruces, the weather is returning to normal, spring is within shouting distance and the New Mexico State Aggies baseball season is on the verge of commencing.

After making it to the NCAA Tournament the previous two seasons, last year was not what the Aggies would have wanted from the team.

The team finished 23-31 (13-14 in Conference) and lost in the Western Athletic Conference tournament to Sacramento State University.

The disappointing season prompted the NMSU to make a change by terminating the contract of longtime coach Rocky Ward.

"We thank Coach Ward for his contributions and support in serving our baseball program over the past 18 years," former Athletic Director McKinley Boston said.

In order to fill the vacancy left by Ward, the Aggies hired a familiar face in Brian Green.

Green a graduate of NMSU in 1995 became only the 10th head coach in the history of the program.

Green, prior to his return to Las Cruces, was the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats fielded an offense that led the SEC in 10 major categories including batting average (.299), runs scored (472) and homers (60).

“We have a lot of talent and we are excited about it. Quinnton Mack has had a great fall and continues to get better. Kevin Carswell is really up and coming right now. On the mound, Billy Conard came back yesterday after a year off of having surgery and was very good on the mound. Bob Kraft the left handed pitcher. Those are some guys right now that we think are on track to have good seasons,” said Green.

Mack, a senior left fielder from Las Vegas, provides the Aggies with a solid combination of power and speed. In his first season with the

Aggies, following a transfer from the College of Southern Nevada, he was able to swipe 17 bags which was good enough to rank him second in the WAC and hit five homers.

Conard, who will also be in his senior season, started 12 games for the Aggies last season and finished with a 4-3 record and a 4.66 earned run average. Conard showed heart in the WAC tournament pitching 5.2 innings of one run ball against Seattle in a must win game and all this happening well he himself was dealing with an injured ankle.

The baseball team has various goals this season.

“We have three goals that we talk about.

In terms of those, number one is to establish a culture amongst the team, and that's really my primary goal to create and establish a culture where we put New Mexico State baseball ahead of ourselves,” Green said. “We recognize that is a privilege to be a member of the team and we are going to place the need of the team above our own and that is something we've done a very good job of.”

Green has baseball specific goals for the season. He wants to create an approach both at the plate and on the mound and a specific position approach by knowing what they are doing at the box mechanically and the same thing on the mound.

“We want to be proud in terms of if you're in the stands watching us play then we've established a work ethic that says we are going to play hard for New Mexico State University,” said Green.

The team’s first game will be Friday, Feb. 13 in Beaumont, Texas against the Illinois Fighting Illini and Lamar University in the Lamar tournament, lasting until Saturday Feb. 14.

They will have the opportunity to face the Oregon Ducks in Eugene, Oregon Feb. 19 to Feb. 22. They will be on the road the majority of the month aside from a brief three game set against Incarnate Word University Feb. 27 to Mar. 1 at Presley Askew Baseball Field.

Ba

By Julian Martinez Staff Writer

Jr.

BASEBALL TO COMMENCE

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SPORTS

THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27.2015

" W e h a v e s p e e d, we have short game, we have power, and basically have everything we need to win the WAC Championship.”

Softball photos by Olivia Baker

Aggies predict powerful season, prepare for W AC Ch am pio ns h ip

By Julian Martinez Staff Writer Softball is right on the verge of happening as the Aggies prepare for what is sure to be an interesting set of contest early on.

The team is set to be a high tempo group of individuals with high athleticism. This group has been noted

by Head Coach Kathy Rodolph to be the Rugrats for their ability to push the tempo and be on base for the run producers in the lineup.

This group is led by not one but two Western Athletic Conference Players of the Year in both Staci Rodriguez and Lacy Rother taking home the honor in 2013 and 2014 respec-

tively.

The senior catcher Rother, on her way to grabbing that title last season, had a .376 batting average with eight home runs.

The only thing more impressive than that was her stats in conference play where she compiled a .462 batting average with four home runs. She was also named to the NFCA All-Region Team.

The equally talented Rodriguez hit for a .397 batting average and 15 long balls. She had an incredible stretch where she reached base 37 consecutive times and coupled that with 20 multi-hit performances throughout the year.

One of the better dynamics of the team is it has a solid mix of veterans and young players. There are several seniors throughout the lineup such as left fielder Malena Padilla who

expect a lot of this team this year.

Padilla said: “Basically we have everything that we need to get through this season and move forward into the Nationals. We have our pitching, we have new freshmen that came in who are really good and will help us out tremendously. We have speed, we have short game, we have power, and basically have everything we need to win the WAC Championship.”

One of the new freshmen who continues to excite and was noted during fall play by Rodolph is left handed power pitcher Dallas McBride.

McBride from Scottsdale, Arizona certainly can bring in the heat as her fastball has been clocked at 68 mph. She dominated batter after batter in her high school senior season

stifling them on her way to an absolutely ridiculous .177 opponent batting average.

The team will start out their season at the Hotel Encanto Invitational starting Thursday, Feb. 5 – Sunday, Feb. 8 in Las Cruces.

The team on Thursday, Feb. 5, day one of the tournament, will play a day-night doubleheader against Montana at 2 p.m. and then conclude Thursday’s activities at 6 p.m. against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Moving into Friday, Feb. 6, their only game of the day will be Nebraska at 4 p.m., the University of Texas – San Antonio on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m., and they will close out the tournament against Colorado State at 12 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 8.

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TITLE

EVENTS

THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27 .2015

NYC's B-Twist to Pirouette into El Paso

By Brynn Herndon Staff Writer Martinis on the rocks spark up an impulse to dance for most people; Ballets with a Twist infuse their New York flavor into their revue-style production “Cocktail Hour: The Show.”

“The concept behind Cocktail Hour — dancing drinks, groovy music, outrageous costumes — is so naturally American to me,” Marilyn Klaus, artistic director and choreographer, said. “The show is more than just something you watch; it's this totally glamorous entertainment experience that everyone can relate to."

B-Twist’s “Cocktail Hour” is a suite of dances each reflecting the distinctive nature of well-known alcoholic refreshments, transmuting the cocktails from purely taste sensations into visual ones. Cocktails that will be performed include the Martini, Gimlet, Manhattan, Shirley Temple, Sputnik, White Russian and Zombie.

"Performing is just what I was

meant to do. When I'm on stage, I'm creating a whole different world with these other wonderful dancers and it's the most amazing feeling,” said Aengus Ortiz, soloist. “The funny part is that we work so hard to perfect everything in rehearsal, but when the curtain goes up, all bets are off. Anything could happen, and I love that!"

Klaus’ signature show, “Cocktail Hour,” became a mixed beverage experience with her collaboration with talented personnel and first premiered in 2009. “Cocktail Hour” is an endless, rotating collection of cocktail-themed vignettes mixed with fresh choreography, music, costumes and ideas.

The performance features Stephen Gaboury’s original music.

Gaboury received a Grammy nomination along with Cyndi Lauper. He contributed as a co-writer for selections in Lauper’s musical “Kinky Boots,” which was nominated for multiple Tony Awards and won one Grammy award. Gaboury leads the B-Twist Orchestra, an ensemble of New York musicians who perform along with the company.

“Cocktail Hour” features the costume designs of Catherine Zehr that express the essence of each spirit with vivid color and elegant embellishments.

This performance is presented by El Paso City Ballet, the only professional, world-class ballet company in the nation’s largest border community.

"El Paso's arts community has been unbelievably supportive, and we are so grateful to El Paso City Ballet for presenting us,” Klaus said.

“A gorgeous theater, an enthusiastic audience, incredible dancers and crew... as a director, I really couldn't ask for anything more."

Two of Ballets with a Twist’s soloists grew up and trained in New Mexico and Texas before their careers led them around the country.

"I'm from New Mexico and one of my fellow soloists is from El Paso, so this is a very exciting tour for us,” Ortiz said. “We'll be leading workshops for young dancers throughout our trip, and we're really looking forward to giving these kids a taste of what it means to be a professional artist."

Some features of the “Cocktail Hour” include quintessential quaffs of famous spirits such as the “Mint Julep,” “Gimlet” and “Margarita.” There will also be special guest a p pearances by young dancers from El Paso’s D’ansa Jazz Stage. Cocktails and other beverages will be catered through the concession stand at the venue.

The upcoming production will be staged at The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center in El Paso, Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary from $20-$60 based on seating location.

Student discounts will be available at the Box Office with proof of ID. Parking is available in the Convention Center Parking Garage.

“We would be delighted to see the NMSU community at the theater,” a representative of Ballets with a Twist said.

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TITLE CONTEST

| page 11 | THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27.2015

Think you can predict the winners of the 87th Oscars?

Send your predictions for the following 6 CATEGORIES to truprint@nmsu.edu for a chance to win AMAZING PRIZES.

Best Picture Best Director Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress

By Billy Huntsman Staff Writer Think you can predict the winners of the 87 Oscars?

Send in your predictions to The Round Up’s Oscar Predictions Contest. Great prizes will be announced soon via The Round Up’s online entity.

While the contest will only score predictions in six of the 24 categories, participants are encouraged to cast predictions for the remaining 18 categories, in the event of a tie.

The six judged categories and my guesses (IN BOLD) are: Best Picture: “American Sniper,” “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” “Boyhood,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Imitation Game,” “Selma,” “The Theory of Everything” and “Whiplash.

My favorite movie of the year was “Grand Budapest,” but Wes Anderson’s aesthetics are not for everyone. The sheer ambition of Richard Linklater’s “Boy-

hood,” his and the film’s actors and the rest of the crew’s 12-year dedication, make it unbeatable.

Best Director: Wes Anderson, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”; Alejandro González Iñárritu, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance,”; Richard Linklater, “Boyhood”; Bennett Miller, “Foxcatcher”; and Morten Tyldum, “The Imitation Game.”

By virtue of past nominations, the winner should be Bennett Miller, who was previously nominated for 2005’s “Capote” and 2011’s “Moneyball.” Iñárritu would be the dark horse for his previous nomination for “Babel.” But, for reasons discussed in the Best Picture category, first-time Best Director-nominee Richard Linklater will win.

Best Actor: Steve Carell, “Foxcatcher”; Bradley Cooper, “American Sniper”; Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Imitation Game”; Michael Keaton, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”; and Eddie Redmayne, “The Theory of Everything.”

I’d love for Carell to win simply because

of his career-shifting performance in “Foxcatcher.” I’d also love Cooper to win, because his was the most nuanced performance of the year. Keaton could very well win because of his energy and enthusiasm in his role. But my gut tells me Redmayne will win, with his performance as Stephen Hawking, eerily similar to Daniel DayLewis’ performance in “My Left Foot.”

Best Actress: Marion Cotillard, “Two Days, One Night”; Felicity Jones, “The Theory of Everything”; Julianne Moore, “Still Alice”; Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl”; and Reese Witherspoon, “Wild.”

I’d like for Witherspoon to win, because her performance in “Wild” was unlike anything she’s done before. The role was unflattering, humbling and required total immersion. However, though I haven’t seen it, past nominations, winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, the Critics’ Choice Award, the National Board of Review Award for Best Actress and the fact that she’s the best actress in this category will earn Moore her first Oscar.

Best Supporting Actor: Robert Duvall,

“The Judge”; Ethan Hawke, “Boyhood”; Edward Norton, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”; Mark Ruffalo, “Foxcatcher”; and J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash.”

In whatever role he plays, I always find Duvall compelling. However, even though I haven’t seen the film, Simmons earned both the Golden Globe and the Critics’ Choice Awards for “Whiplash,” and so is likely to win the Oscar.

Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood”; Laura Dern, “Wild”; Keira Knightley, “The Imitation Game”; Emma Stone, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”; and Meryl Streep, “Into the Woods.”

I’m glad Stone has finally gotten some recognition for her acting, and that Knightley, who was previously nominated for Best Actress for 2005’s “Pride & Prejudice,” is earning further acclaim. Streep has a fourth Oscar coming to her, but it isn’t for “Into the Woods.” Arquette’s performance as a struggling mother and wife will win her the Oscar.

CONTEST GUIDELINES • Whoever predicts the most winners will win the prizes.

• If only one person sends in predictions, he/she will win by default.

• If two or more persons’ guesses tie with each other on the six categories above, the tie will be broken with guesses in the remaining 18 categories.

• If a tie cannot be broken, the gift certificate will be given to whoever sent in his/her predictions earliest.

• All New Mexico State University students, undergraduate and graduate, are eligible, excluding “Round Up” employees.

• Send in name, predictions and preferred method of contact to truprint@nmsu.edu.

• Predictions will be accepted until 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on February 22, 2015. The Round Up is planning an Oscar screening night, where winners must be present to accept their award.

More information will be released soon via The Round Up’s online presence.

| page 12 |

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FILM

THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27 .2015

Read This, Watch That:

American Sniper

By Billy Huntsman Staff Writer Discussing my one qualm with “American Sniper” is going to be difficult, because it comes at the end of the film, and God help the review that breaks the cardinal rule of all film criticism: don’t give away the ending.

First of all, it must be said that “American Sniper” is a good film. It falls short of the greatness of fellow Best Picture nominees at the 87th Oscars “Boyhood” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” but is no worse than “The Theory of Everything” or “Birdman” (I have yet to see “The Imitation Game,” “Selma” and “Whiplash.”)

“American Sniper” could have been awful.

Had Uwe Boll gotten hold of the rights, the film could have targeted fanatical devotees of “Call of Duty” and “Halo” as its main audience.

But it’s a good thing Clint Eastwood got there first because the story of Chris Kyle is one that requires the sensitivity and occasional sentimentality Eastwood has displayed in previous directorial efforts, such as “J. Edgar,” “Gran Torino” and, his magnum opus, “Million Dollar Baby.”

Despite what such critics as Michael Moore or Seth Rogen and liberal commentators have criticized as being politically conservative, “American Sniper” is not a political movie; it is a psychological movie.

Bradley Cooper in the lead role of Chris Kyle makes the film shine. He enters the Navy in response to 9/11, intending to be, as his father says, a sheepdog, which protects sheep from wolves.

Through four tours of duty in the Middle East, he is credited with 160 kills, making him the most lethal sniper in United States military history. Forever in the forefront of Kyle’s mind is the notion that each kill results in the saving of one or more innocent life.

There’s an interesting parallel here between Cooper’s Kyle and Liam Neeson’s Oskar Schindler in 1993’s “Schindler’s List”: Schindler tried to accumulate as much money as he could

in order to hire on more Jews to work in his factories, thereby saving them from concentration camps. Eventually, for Schindler, the saving of lives wasn’t so much rooted in benevolence as much as it was an obsession.

The same is true for Kyle.

Neither Schindler nor Kyle is a hero; nor do they do what they do for the sake of admiration or praise; they do it because they are psychologically incapable of not doing it.

Further, what makes “American Sniper” a good film, and Cooper’s performance especially memorable, is its introspection. Had the film not examined what consequences the killing of so many people had on Kyle’s psyche, “American Sniper” would be little better than 2005’s “Doom.”

It changes Kyle, and we’re shown that. He’s called a hero and a legend throughout the film, yet he never feels as such. During a phone call with his wife at a bar, Kyle stifles his crying, praying she won’t notice; the weight of repression is crushing him.

Now that the film’s good qualities have been examined, I’d like to discuss my one problem with “American Sniper,” and it may not be one that other viewers have.

If you are not familiar with the story of Chris Kyle, I’d encourage you to see the movie before reading anything about him, and then decide as to whether you agree.

“American Sniper” has the same problem that “Foxcatcher” had, in my mind: both movies tell only half or perhaps three-quarters of their whole stories.

Both would have benefited from being exhaustive biopics, such as Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” or Oliver Stone’s “JFK” or “Nixon.” Such an approach would have entailed both “Foxcatcher” and “American Sniper” shifting in tones to courtroom dramas but would have told their respective stories in their entireties.

But that just may be my own taste. It’s a moot point, anyway; we’ve already established “American Sniper” is a good movie and worth your time.

TITLE OPINION

| page 13 | THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27.2015

ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS:

Easier to maintain than Academic Scholarships?

By Kelly O’Connor Staff Writer

Do athletic scholarship recipients have an easier time maintaining their funds than academic scholarship recipients? This controversial topic has been on the minds of many students.

Athletes at New Mexico State University sometimes receive a negative reputation of having special treatment and are seen as not having to work as hard.

Those rumors are just that, rumors.

“We can lose our scholarships just as easy and have to work hard like everybody else,” Eli Chuha, student athlete, said.

Regardless of any minimum grade point average, many student-athletes at NMSU strive for academic success just as ambitiously.

According to the 2014-2015 NMSU Athletics Student-Athlete Handbook, all 17 of men’s and women’s athletic sports team for the past 18 consecutive semesters have a combined grade point average of 3.000 or higher.

What some might not know is that athletic scholarships have requirements that are not only based on grades or athletic performance. They can find themselves in a situation where a team just needed a player to play a different position. Athletes have to depend on a decision made by the institution on whether or not they have renewal of a scholarship. These renewals are done yearly.

Also mentioned in the Student-Athlete Handbook, athletes have academic policies and procedures to abide by. One of them includes a class attendance and academic appointment policy. The responsibilities of a student-athlete force them to miss class so this makes sure they are not missing unnecessarily.

The academic appointments are for tutoring sessions, mentoring ses-

sions, major advisor appointments and more. The goal of procedures like this is to prevent athletes from having poor academic performance to begin with. In the grand scheme of things, athletes are not getting any second chances to maintain their scholarships.

“Second chance would imply the student-athlete violated the criteria of the scholarship and was allowed to keep the scholarship,” said Braun Cartwright, associate athletics director for compliance.

Much like the academic scholarships, athletics have their own system of appeals in place. Violations of said scholarships are taken seriously and dealt with accordingly.

Athletics aside, athletes don’t have an easier time, rather they have an academic program designed to require them to seek academic help. In contrast, New Mexico State Lottery scholarship recipients are not required to seek tutoring unless they have already lost their scholarship and have successfully received an appeal.

When speaking with students, the main argument brought up with the purported unequal scholarships is the lack of support for academic scholarships. This could have to do with students not being aware of what is available to them. Students have many free services offered to them on-campus like the writing center, math success center and other tutoring centers. Students even have a cross-campus advisor to point them in the right direction if they can’t seem to find what they are looking for.

“All students, both non-athlete and athlete have the same opportunities when seeking academic help,” Lisa Kirby, Academic Success Support Center Coordinator, said.

If you are having trouble maintaining your course load or need tutoring help, seek the services of the Student Success Center located on the first floor of the Corbett Center Student Union, Room 148.

| page 14 |

TITLE

OPINION

THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27 .2015

PNM Seeks to Raise

Electricity Rates

By Jesse Moya Staff Writer New Mexico power suppliers, PNM are asking the Public Regulations Commission for a 12 percent rate increase in order to obtain more revenue for the company. The company says they need to raise the rates for their customers in order to provide more power plants as well as other buildings to keep their business running smoothly.

A 12 percent increase means that residential users of the company’s energy services could be facing a $9.75 raise on their

monthly bill, a significant amount seeing as the company has not filed to raise their rates in five years.

Charges like this, if approved, will affect all of PNM’s customers throughout the state. In addition, PNM is calling for a raise in their solar customer’s rates as well. After January 1, 2016, the proposal will require customers who install solar panels to pay extra for the usage of electricity when the sun isn’t shining. This solar fee could reach $21-per-month for new residential customers.

PNM’s proposal may be shut down by the Public Relations Commission due to its fluctuation across the levels of users.

For residential users, the rates are proposed increase and for those small businesses that use slightly more power, they are going to see an increase as well, however PNM’s larger accounts will have a cut in their monthly bills as the company will be decreasing their rates with this proposal.

This means that the more power one uses from ONM, the less their rates will increase. For major accounts or big businesses, this proposal will benefit their monthly bills and save them some money, but for the average household, this proposal will increase their monthly bills, even if solar has been installed in the house.

If this proposal is passed, many people are likely to see their 2016 power bills increased and will have to pay it since PNM is largely the only power company in most of the northern part of New Mexico. The issue in southern New Mexico is that El Paso Electric could take the same initiative and possibly model PNM’s proposal.

However, due to the controversy of the issue, it is highly unlikely that this will get passed or even

influence other companies to increase their rates as such.

The rate hike will likely be pushed for lower increases if it is to pass at all and PNM will face challenges along the way to getting this approved. In the meantime, rates are set as they have been and an increase will not be expected for some time. *PNM could not be reached for comment.

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10/1/14 8:04 AM

TITLE PHOTO MOMENTS

| page 15 | THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27.2015

The Organ Mountains dusted white with snow.

Photo by Anthony Albidrez

THE RARE DESERT SN W Two students on a stroll during class cancellation in the housing community at NMSU. Photo by Dawn Franco.

Unexpected snow coverage when previous temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday ranged in the 60’s. Photo by Dawn Franco.

Mesilla, a small New Mexican community up the street from NMSU see’s inches of snowfall.

Photo by Dawn Franco.

Jan. 22 Las Cruces received a snow storm in the early morning, public schools were released early and classes at the university were cancelled. Photo by Dawn Franco.

THE ROUND UP

Tuesday, 1.27 .2015

Letter from the Editor In “On the Road,” intimately and adventurously written by Jack Kerouac, words are printed that speak true to this time in your life: “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so jus…

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