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Former contestant from ‘The Voice’ performs at UTSA pg 6 UTSA’s Joanna Lambert has been named a fellow of the AAAS for her work with primaes pg 5
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Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
{SINCE 1981}
{San Antonio}
Volume 48
February 5, 2013
Issue 4
{WWW.PAISANO-ONLINE.COM}
Autism treatment center opens at UTSA
San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro announced Saturday, Feb. 2, that he would seek a third term in City Hall.
File Photo
{Texas} State District Judge John Deitz ruled that the state’s school finance system is unconstitutional, ending months of litigation.
Erin Boren/The Paisano
Women enrolled in UTSA’s ROTC program will now be able to apply for combat positions
Lee Mason developed a curriculum that enables students to earn credit while helping children with autism
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl XLVII.
{UT System}
The UT Board of Regents will review its policy on inappropriate relationships between students and employees. This comes in the wake of reports that UT Assistant Coach Major Applewhite had a relationship with a student in 2009.
{History} Lars Faaborg-Anderson, the Dutch ambassador to the United Nations, paid a visit to UTSA 5 years ago this week.
{World} Multiple sources reported an Israeli air strike inside Syria, the most recent development in a conflict that has lasted nearly two years.
{Basketball} UTSA’s teams will take on UT-Arlington Saturday, Feb. 9. The women face the Mavericks on the road and tip off at 7 p.m., while the men play in the Convocation Center at 6 p.m.
Erin Boren Intern
news@paisano-online.com In America, one in 88 children is diagnosed with autism— a neuro-behavioral disorder with an unknown genetic cause. Most children are diagnosed around the age of three, when autistic characteristics first become noticeable. “That’s when we really start to notice kids are falling behind,” said Lee Mason, assistant professor of special education and a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). To meet the needs of the growing autistic population, the Behavior Analysis Certification (BAC) Board partners with over 170 universities with approved course sequences to prepare future BCBA therapists. Recently, UTSA joined the list, in large part because of Mason, also a BCBA therapist. After Mason graduated with his master’s from Stephen F. Austin University, he accepted a job teaching special education students in the area. His students ranged from age six to 21 and needed individualized instruction. Looking back on his undergraduate and graduate special education studies, Mason noticed one common thread—the excessive and ineffective use of impractical, theory-based lessons. “It was a broad range of experience for me all at once. I think that got me thinking about how to better educate teachers that are going into the field,” Mason said. Shortly after accepting his position at UTSA, Mason began to design a five-course program
that would allow UTSA graduate students hands-on experience with autistic children. To finalize the program, Mason teamed up with UTSA Associate Professor Maria Kaylor, a specialist in the early education of special education teachers. In fall of 2011, the BAC Board approved the five-course program sequence for UTSA. Graduate students in the program will learn applied behavior analysis principles and techniques in order to be prepared for the BCBA exam. Students seeking certification in behavior analysis with the BAC Board must also complete 1,500 hours of supervised field experience. To aid students, Mason and his team established an on-campus autism center, the Teaching Education Autism Model (TEAM). “We wanted to standardize things and make it a little bit better,” said Mason. “We thought that if we could somehow provide a controlled experience for students to begin accruing those hours, then we can make sure when we talk about something in class, they can come down here in the clinic and have the opportunity to practice some of those techniques.” The TEAM Center will be available to students enrolled in a five-course program who are seeking to earn the field hours required for BCBA certification. The five-course program, which is separate from the TEAM Center, can be embedded into either the educational psychology degree or in the Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ILT), special education concentration. It is also available as a certification program for those students who have completed
their graduate coursework. “It’s great to have a hands-on opportunity to learn, and I think students get a lot more out of it when they have applied experience behind it, not just the textbook readings,” stated Mason. A full year of planning and physical renovation was a necessity for Mason and his team in order to create the program and the TEAM Center. Grant funding from Impact San Antonio aided to remodel the autism room at UTSA’s downtown campus. Opened to the public on Jan. 28, 2013, the TEAM Center facilitates Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for families in need. Children can receive care for a nominal fee of $50 per semester for up to seven and a half hours per week, versus the private rate of about $50 per hour. ABA therapy at the TEAM Center is specialized to each student’s needs. “We look at the problem behaviors the individual is displaying, whether that be tantrum-ing, aggression, property destruction, self-injury, whatever else—what does it do for that individual, what function does it serve?” said Mason. “And based on our analysis, we come up with an individualized plan to develop more socially appropriate replacement behaviors.” Because the center is operated by volunteers, child enrollment will change on a per-semester basis. Two UTSA graduate students currently support the center, allowing a four-child capacity; however, the TEAM room has the capacity for up to 10 children. The center is currently focusSee AUTISM, Page 2
Janae Rice Intern
news@paisano-online.com Defense Secretary Leon Panetta stated on Wednesday, Jan. 23 that the Pentagon is removing its ban on women in combat. Some positions will now be open, according to defense officials, but not all. Panetta and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey will “initiate a process whereby the services will develop plans to implement this decision,” a senior defense official said. “The special operations command will continue to access, develop and validate gender neutral standards so that we can start assigning personnel to previously closed occupations,” Dempsey said at the announcement Jan. 24. Service leaders will have a trial period between now and a goal of January 2016 in which they can suggest “exceptions” or areas that should remain male-only according to a memo jointly released by Dempsey and Panetta. Former Air Force Reserve Staff Sergeant and UTSA senior Michelle Palmer agreed with Panetta’s decision. “I know many female troops that have already served overseas and in combat,” Palmer said. “If a female soldier is able to hold her own in training and meet all the same requirements as the male troops, I don’t see any reason why the female soldier should be denied the same opportunities.” Panetta opened his announcement on Jan. 24 by saying, “One of my priorities as Secretary of
Defense has been to remove as many barriers as possible for talented and qualified people to be able to serve this country in uniform.” According to Panetta, for over a year, he, Dempsey and the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been exploring the possible expansion of women’s crucial role in the armed services, on and off the battle field. Panetta went on to say that women make up 15 percent of the armed services, yet many positions prohibit women to serve. These changes will impact the Army and Marine Corps the most. Both branches are to examine physical standards and gender-neutral arrangements within combat units and report their progress every 90 days according to CNN. In a prepared statement, President Obama shared his support saying, “Earlier today, I called Secretary of Defense Panetta to express my strong support for this decision, which will strengthen our military, enhance our readiness and be another step toward fulfilling our nation’s founding ideals of fairness and equality.” Panetta made the announcement following his plans for resignation from the Pentagon. Former Neb. Senator Chuck Hagel has been nominated to replace Panetta and is currently going through the nomination process according to Politico. com On Jan. 24, Panetta said, “There are no guarantees of success. Not everyone is going to be able to be a combat soldier, but everyone is entitled to a chance.”
Washington group investing millions to turn Texas blue Amanda Dansby Intern
news@paisano-online.com Last month, a grassroots organization called “Battleground Texas” was formed in order to shift the political momentum of the state toward a Democratic vote, just months after Barack Obama lost to Mitt Romney by 16 points in the Lone Star State. Battleground Texas is in the beginning stages of the push attempting to turn Texas into a
swing state. Although Texas has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994, Battleground Texas has recognized the state’s shifting demographics—a shift that suggests a more liberal electorate than in recent years. Jeremy Bird, former national field director for President Obama’s reelection campaign, is spearheading the organization. In a statement to Politico, Bird referred to Battleground Texas See BATTLEGROUND, Page 2
Will Tallent/The Paisano
{Sports}
Pentagon to allow women in combat roles for first time
NEWS
2 February 5, 2013
AUTISM: Center offers course credit while helping San Antonio youth From Page 1
something Mason called a “luxury.” “The great thing about that is that our graduate student population does bring such a diverse and localized set of skills,” Mason said. “For instance, many of our students are first-language Spanish speakers, so we can provide therapy in Spanish, if needed.” In the midst of its first semester, Mason said, “We’re just excited to be here to provide services to the community and provide experience for the students and promote research to the field of special education and applied behavioral analysis.” For more information, visit www.utsa.edu/autism.
Erin Boren/The Paisano
ing on children under five years old; however, long-term expansion goals may change that focus. “We know there is a lot of need, and we plan to address some of those other stages of life through the program as we continue to expand,” said Mason. In addition to providing care to local children and offering the experience for graduate students, the TEAM Center will also facilitate autism research at UTSA. “If we have research coming up and we need to bring in a class of middle-school students that we can focus on something
like social skills, we have the ability to do that,” Mason said. “Hispanics are currently the fastest-growing population to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders,” stated Christi Fish, UTSA associate director of Media Relations. “It compounds the need for services here in San Antonio,” Mason stated. “San Antonio is a phenomenal place to be working in this particular field, since it’s such an underserved community.” While San Antonio consists of a majority Hispanic population, parents seeking to enroll their children in the program at TEAM do not have to worry about the language barrier—
The TEAM Center has the capacity to treat up to ten children with autism each semester
BATTLEGROUND: Democrats seek to make Texas competitive within two election cycles From Page 1
as “a[n] organization that will make Texas a battleground state by treating it like one.” Texas has 38 electoral votes (the second largest number next to California’s 55 electoral votes) in upcoming presidential elections, making it a sizeable prize for anyone seeking the presidency. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the Hispanic population in Texas is the second largest in the nation, while the African-American population has maintained its proportion with the overall growth of Texas. Additionally, the Texas State Data Center projects that by 2020, Hispanics will make up the majority of Texas’ population, while Caucasians will fall to the second-most-populous ethnicity. According to a Gallup poll released before the election, non-whites preferred Obama to Romney by a more than 4-1 margin, making the demographic shift in Texas a beacon of hope for Democrats seeking statewide office. “Republicans need to solve this issue, politically, if they wish to win national elections, and they know it,” said Matt Mackowiak, a Texas-based political consultant for the Republican party, according to the Washington Post. “With its diversity and size, Texas should always be a battleground state where local elections are vigorously contested, and anyone who wants to be our Commander-in-Chief has to
compete and show they reflect website. Texas values. Yet, for far too “Do I think we’re going to turn long, the state’s political leaders, Texas in two years? Probably both in Austin and in Washing- not,” Annise Parker, Houston’s ton, D.C., have failed to stand for mayor and a registered DemoTexans,” said Bird, according to crat, said to Politico. “Do I think Politico. we can turn Texas in four years? “Over the next several years, Absolutely, because I think the Battleground Texas will focus Republican Party in Texas is goon expanding the electorate by ing to drive itself off a cliff.” registering more voters—and Dave Carney, a Republican as importantly, by mobilizing who served as a top political Texans who are already regis- strategist for Rick Perry’s presitered voters but who have not dential run, told the Texas Tribeen engaged in the democratic bune that “the more money they process,” Bird told Politco. “Can- spend on [Battleground Texas] didates who represent Texans the better, because it will basishould have to fight hard for the cally lead to continued conserhonor—and Battleground Texas vative dominance of the state.” will help make sure they do.” Carney added, “It’s their mesBattleground Texas notwith- sage that hurts [Democrats]. standing, there are many other It’s their inability to articulate a organizations whose main goal message that the vast majority of is to raise the voices of Demo- Texas voters agree with.” cratic voters across the state. Senator Wendy Davis (D-Ft. Worth) and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention PRIVATE PILOT GROUND in September, went to SCHOOL, 3/5 – 4/11, Only Washington D.C. last month to raise funds $799: Course fee, textbooks, for the Lone Star Projand testing fee included! 1st ect, a group which is flight lesson FREE if you “designed to help inattend all sessions and pass dividuals, organizations and the press see the FAA written exam on the beyond the rhetoric first attempt! and misinformation www.academytx.com typically provided by the current Republi(830)629-1700 can State Leadership in Texas and Texas Republicans in Washington,” according to its
NEWS
3 February 5, 2013
OPINION
4 February 5, 2013
{The Paisano} Editorial Managing Editor: Stephen Whitaker
News Editor:
Matthew Duarte
Paseo Editor: Sarah Gibbens
Arts Editor:
Jennifer Alejos
Sports Editor: Sheldon Baker
Photo Editor: Will Tallent
Web Editor: Natalie Frels
Business Manager: Jenelle Duff
Senior Copy Editor: Alyssa Torres
{Staff Writers} Daniel Crotty, David Glickman, Corey Franco, Valeria Rodriguez, Magalieh Acosta, Amanda Dansby, Valeria Perez, Bridget Gaskill, Christina Coyne, Randy Lopez, Lictor Prianti, Alex Camacho, Shelby Hodges, Delaney Marlowe
{Staff Photographers} Ruth Olivares, Alyssa Gonzales
{Contributing Writers} Julian Montez, Ethel Asberry, Leann Acuna, John Poplawski, Council Royal, Eliana Briceno, Marialuisa Bianchi, Ross Hutchinson, Erin Boren, Rachel Corbelli, Philip Taele, Eric Mondragon, Jasmine Rodriguez, Wilfredo Flores, Mario Nava
{Contributing Photographers} Scott Cochran, Katherine Kish
{Interns} Amanda Dansby, Janae Rice, Erin Boren, Sheldon Baker, Marcia Perales
The rise of microbreweries in San Antonio Branchline Brewing Company is the newest microbrewery to open in San Antonio, Texas and while some are excited about the new change, others are left with a bitter taste. Branchline, formerly known as Old Boxcar Brewing Company, joins Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling as the second microbrewery in San Antonio. Microbreweries, which are small scale breweries, are sprouting up in areas all around the country. Another notable brewery in San Antonio is Freetails Brewing Company, located a few minutes from UTSA. Craft beer is not disappearing any time soon. Experts project
that the craft beer industry is roughly 1 percent of the current market in Texas and will rise in the years to come. Along with Branchline Brewing Company, two new breweries are expected to open in 2013: Busted Sandal Brewing Company and Alamo Beer Company. Last year, Fredericksburg, Texas opened the doors of Pedernales Brewing Company, a brewery that takes pride in its German traditions. It only makes sense that San Antonio should cash in on the craze. The brewery is located in downtown San Antonio, an area marked off by the Alamodome and San Antonio’s east-
side. Some may contend that the brewery will revitalize an area with low property value and high crime while others argue that the business will disrupt the balance in an already fragile area of town. Those opposed to the brewery argue that the business will lead to more DUI’s in San Antonio along with an increase in underage drinking. However, the two ideas are not necessarily connected to one another. Underage drinking has always been a problem but it is the responsibility of the adult to make cautious decisions on their behalf. The brewery
should be applauded for giving the San Antonio public more options for beer, as we’re constantly bombarded with Anheuser-Busch propaganda around the city. It is important to look at all of the factors in this decision. The construction will bring a new round of businesses and retail stores into the area. Therefore those who reside in this district will most likely be forced out of their homes by the rising cost of rent along the potential gentrification of the area. Many fear that those who live in the area will be forced to move to a poorer side of town. This is not the first time such
an event has happened in San Antonio. In the mid-’80s, Blue Star Contemporary Arts Complex was once located in a neglected part of town. Now, the area “Southtown” serves as a mecca for arts and culture in San Antonio. Branchline will not only bring new jobs to Texas, but it may also improve the crime rate and promote tourism. This change should be welcomed with open arms instead of being given the cold shoulder. Yes, people may have to relocate and some will be outraged with this decision, but the overall results will improve the city.
but there is the danger of the threat becoming reality at some point. The United States has offered to talk with Iran about the nation’s nuclear program. Germany has offered to mediate the bilateral talks. Though the past negotiations between the two have not gone well, these conversations might be the most critical. These talks may determine whether there is a war between Iran and the Western world. Even as we, in this country, continue to debate over our freedom to bear arms, we should continue to be thankful that we live in a country where the laws are not rooted in authoritarian ideals.
It may be a stretch, but there is the possibility every day that a war will break out in the Middle East, and if or when that happens, it will undoubtedly draw the United States into a war with consequences we cannot fathom. It is important that we, as a nation, remain aware of what is going on in the world around us because, as with the case of the Middle East, notably Iran, it has the potential to affect us within our borders. Maybe peaceful negotiations will succeed and a few regional disagreements won’t evolve into a large-scale war.
Commentary
A chaotic week in the Middle East In the United States, we are in the middle of a heated debate over gun c o n trol. It seems there isn’t a week that goes by without a nationally publicized shooting. Meanwhile, in the rest of the world (namely the Middle East), there is violence that makes our shootings seem tame in comparison. In the past week alone, in the region of the world known as the fertile-crescent, there has been a suicide bombing at
the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. Israel launched an air attack on a military convoy in Syria that was purportedly taking advanced anti-aircraft guns to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Syrian government didn’t have a military response against Israel, as it has been embroiled in a civil war for two years with rebel forces trying to overthrow President Bashar al Assad. While all of that was going on the Islamic Republic of Iran unveiled their version of a stealth bomber called the Qaher, or “Dominant” 313. The unveiling of their stealth bomber came during a 10-day celebration of 34 years since the Islamic Revolution in Iran overthrew the Shah in 1979.
Iran has also shown no signs of slowing down the development of its nuclear weapons’ program. The Iranian government has recently began supporting the nuclear program of North Korea in what could be the first step toward an alliance of two authoritarian nations diametrically opposed not only to the United States but also to the entire Western world. A stealth bomber and a nuclear warhead program in Iran are the biggest dangers our country has faced in a generation. It means that, if left to their own devices, Iran will be able to do to American cities what the Soviets never chose to do: launch a nuclear attack. That threat is small right now,
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PASEO
5 February 5, 2013
A planet of the apes:
what primates tell us about our bodies and our environment
Courtesy of Joanna Lambert
from other animals can impact how primates move in the forest and how they interact with other species.” Being on site and living in the same habitat as these primates provides up-close opportunities for research that could not have been experienced in simply a classroom setting. For 23 years, Lambert has been working at the Kibale National Park, a high altitude rainforest in Uganda that borders the Congo Basin. “When I first started going there, there wasn’t any sort of infrastructure and it didn’t have national park status; I basically stayed in a tent,” she says “It’s amazing to do what I do but also not glamorous,” explains Lambert regarding her work in the rainforest. This sort of research involves braving the elements and facing potentially dangerous situations. Studying primates means “getting up really early in the morning when it’s pitch black and often pouring down rain, filling up a backpack with food and water and snakebite pack, getting raingear and heading off into the forest where my study subjects will most likely be,” she says. “I go through swamps, run from elephants, nearly step on snakes. Last year, the rainy season never stopped and leeches would come into my research house. For many years, there was no electricity and water, and I slept on a little cot with a mosquito net because there’s a lot of malaria in the area.” These research expeditions into Africa can be done individually or with a team. Lambert serves as the principle investigator and has, on occasion, gone with graduate and PhD students to study primates. When Lambert is not available to work at the field site, Ugandan field assistants, usually natives from surrounding villages, stay with the animals to maintain their willingness to let people follow them. Lambert describes her research methods and the fieldwork involved in studying primates. The Ugandan rainforest is utilized because of the species richness it provides and because it is home to abundance Courtesy of Joanna Lambert
Chimps (shown above) often spend their day looking for food. Their diet consists mostly of fruit.
Lambert (middle) has spent 23 years researching at the Kibale National Park in Uganda.
Sarah Gibbens Paseo Editor
paseo@paisano-online.com For many years, primates have mystified and intrigued us with their similarities to humans. Movies such as “Planet of the Apes” sensationalize the idea of primates evolving with human-like intelligence. While these primates may not work side-by-side with people, the way in which they interact with their environment can give us valuable insight into anatomy, biology and ecology. At UTSA, research done inside the classroom and out in the field helps give a better understanding of our primate cousins. Dr. Joanna Lambert, a professor of anthropology, has made significant contributions to understanding how the biology of primate feeding affects evolution and ecology. Recently honered as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Lambert has devoted more than two decades of her life to research. Work done in the field of primate feeding biology has also been useful in their applications towards human anatomy and ecology. Lambert’s research focuses on how the feeding habits of different primates influence the forest and plant species they’re consuming.
Studying the intimate relationship between primates and the plants they consume can offer understanding, not only of primates, but of the delicate rainforest they live in. “What we’re realizing now is that, because we’re losing primates from hunting, the forest isn’t regenerating.” Lambert explains that, from a conservation standpoint, understanding seed dispersal is vital to comprehending the implications that primates have on their surroundings. Lambert also studies aspects of primates relating to the evolution of their feeding habits. Events such as major climate shifts can have profound effects on animal and human eating habits. “Looking at what happens in drought years, for example, what primates are doing differently and what food they fall back on has been useful for evaluating and answering questions about our own species,” she says Working in the fields of Uganda has given Lambert a first-hand understanding of how primates go about getting the food they need. “We all take it for granted that we can get the calories and nutrients we need in five minutes,” explains Lambert. “That’s extraordinarily different from any other animal on the planet. “Predators and competition
and variety of primates. “Because I’ve been working there for so long, there are groups of primates that are habituated to the presence of humans,” explains Lambert. “This means we can get really good viewing conditions that allow us to see what exactly these primates are putting in their mouths.” While the primates living in the park have become accustomed to the presence of humans, they are extremely vulnerable to viruses humans may carry such as the common cold. Researchers maintain their distance and never physically interact with their subjects. One of the most interesting discoveries that can be made from studying a primate’s eating habits involves gaining a better understanding of human dietary habits. Debate has arisen on what is the most beneficial to the human body. These arguments center on whether a meat or plant based diet is the biologically sound way to fuel the body. For primates, a vast majority of their calories comes from plants; however, chimps occasionally hunt, even eating other primates. Lambert explains, “Even in those populations, it never makes up more than five to 12 percent of their total annual diet. If you look at our gut and our teeth, we have evolved to consume plants; but, having said that, at some point in recent evolutionary history, hunting and consuming meat became important to humans.” Lambert elaborates by explaining that consuming cooked meat allowed early humans access to energy that they might not have had otherwise. This access was important to fuelling the human brain, which is energetically expensive.
“ W e have the adaptations of a plant eater,” says Lambert, “but things shifted about a million years ago when eating cooked meat became important in our evolutionary history, which fueled the evolution of our brain.” The debate over whether humans should eat meat has many sides and cannot be easily settled. “I can say that our gut is the gut of a vegetarian, but at the same time, we have an ext r ao rd i n a r y amount of flexibility.” Lambert explains that while primate digestive systems are not directly comparable to humans, understanding what they eat can give us a comparative understanding. “We know that eating a mostly plant-based diet makes sense,” Lambert says of human eating habits. However consuming enough protein, whatever the source, is also essential.
More important than eliminating meat from one’s diet is understanding the detrimental effects that preservatives and synthesized fats have on the human body. “There’s a disjuncture between what we’re eating and what we were evolved to eat,” explains Lambert. Modern eating habits have led to the epidemic of diabetes and obesity that many Americans face today. “Primates that consume this sort of diet are very ill.” Currently, work is being done with primates in captivity that analyzes the effects this diet has on their health. The South Texas Primate Research Center has found that primates subjected to these conditions become very unhealthy, gain wait easily and show signs of adverse health effects as indicated by the blood. Primates and their eating habits can offer a clear reflection on our own eating habits; however, feeding habits can also be studied for the effects they have on the environment. Lambert explains that regions where these primates and other animals have been over-hunted have seen significant structural shifts. Primates help maintain a natural balance to their environment and are essential to seed dispersal.
“ I t ’s increasingly common to go into a forest but with no animals in it,” says Lambert. “It’s like an empty church. The structure of t h e s e plants are there, but the animals are gone.” Loss of primates has cascading effects. These regions have plants that are adapted to having the pulp of their fruit eaten by primates and rely on primates to disperse their seeds. Without primates, the forests cannot regenerate; the extent of their loss is still not entirely known.
“People that study primates spend a lot of time thinking about these issues and coming up with solutions,” explains Lambert. With upwards of two thirds of all primates labeled as endangered, it is imperative that national parks be created and loss of habitat limited. With the insight that primates allow into something as intimate as the human body or as widespread as the world’s ecosystems, it is
easy to see why many conservationists are concerned. Currently, Lambert is writing a book that synthesizes more than 20 years of data she has collected in the field. She plans to continue her research at the Kibale National Park studying primates and their feeding habits.
ARTS&LIFE
6 February 5, 2013
{Local Events} Tuesday, Feb. 5 10 a.m. Exhibit: “Aphrodite and the Gods of Love”
N e l l y ’s E c h o
The San Antonio Museum of Art (200 W. Jones St.) presents “Aphrodite and the Gods of Love,” an exhibit featuring 125 statues, vases, jewelry and other valuables organized by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Admission is $3-$8.
‘The Voice’ contestant shares his experience on the hit-TV show and gives advice for apsiring artists. arts@paisano-online.com
On Saturday, Jan. 26, as part of the CAB and UCPC collaboration ‘Beat Out the Semester,’ UTSA was graced with the musical presence of Nelly’s Echo. Founder, Nelson Emokpae was born in Nigeria but has lived in Baltimore, Md. for over 16 years. Originally a full-time physical therapist, Emokpae invested in following a path he had always known was meant for him. “I realized I wanted to be a professional musician three years ago, but I’ve always had the passion for music,” Emokpae said. “It was definitely a challenge and a step of faith, but no risk, no reward.” Nelly’s Echo consists of Emokpae and his percussionist Mog. However, as their blog states, Nelly’s Echo is neither a band nor a solo project but rather an experience. “It’s based off the premise that music is a two-way street; it’s give and take,” Emokpae said. “Nelly refers to the musicians—whoever may be on stage—and Echo refers to the audience’s appreciation of the musician.” If the name sounds familiar, it may be because Emokpae, under the Nelly’s Echo name, was a competitor on the third season of NBC’s reality talent
show “The Voice.” Emokpae grabbed the attention of both Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine with his performance of Bill Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine.” Thus, Emokpae caught the country’s attention in an audition that seemed to be set up by fate. “A friend of mine who used to book shows for me in Baltimore called me up and said ‘Hey they’re having auditions for ‘The Voice’,” Emokpae said, “I was actually on tour then, and I said, ‘You know what? I’m busy right now on tour, and I cannot go, but it so happened that the two days I was off from my tour were the two days they were holding auditions in New York, so, I auditioned and the rest is history.” Based on the decision that he would choose whoever turned his or her chair first, Emokpae joined Aguilera’s team with the belief the artist’s vocal prowess would take him to “the next level.” Emokpae went on to “The Battles,” where he faced off with fellow contestant and team member De’Borah Garner in their cover of “Message in a Bottle” by “The Police.” The performance was Emokpae’s last on the show due to Aguilera’s decision to move Garner on to the next round. “It wasn’t the outcome I wanted, but it was a learning experience for me as a musician, as a singer, as a profes-
sional to be gracious in defeat because I’ve had a lot of victories in my life,” Emokpae said. “It was definitely character-building.” Despite the undesirable outcome, Emokpae worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, an opportunity not many receive and one he has not taken for granted. “They were Nelson Emokpae of Nelly’s Echo performs for UTSA students at the “Beat Out the Semester” event. all very respectful, helpful and gave construc“I had seen him when he a passion for what you do betive feedback,” Emokpae said. came to campus like a year or cause in this business, some “It was an amazing experience two ago, and he was really good days you’ll feel like it and some to get validation and feedback then. I bought his CD and ev- days you won’t, and the only from my idols and peers.” erything,” UTSA student and thing that will keep you going With a humble heart and the fan Joshual Robinson said. “I is that passion for what you do,” benefits of TV exposure, Emok- really enjoyed him because he Emokpae said. pae continued doing what he encourages them [audience] to “Once you’ve gotten past that does best—playing shows and talk to him and that’s why ev- and you want to become a proproducing music—until the erybody enjoys themselves so fessional musician, there’s two launch of his “I Love You” tour much, because he gets them things I would suggest in develin January and is only a contin- involved in it. He’s really cool.” oping your character: persisuation of the coffeehouse-style While gaining the instant tence and discipline.” career path Emokpae want a feedback and gratification of With the passion and dedipath where the connection connecting with the audience cation the musicians of Nelly’s to his music, his fans and his (which is Emokpae’s favorite Echo hold, the name can be faith are most important. The part of performing) he also expected to inspire musicians Nelly’s Echo tour has expanded offers advice to aspiring musi- and connect with listeners evto performances for students cians. erywhere. across hundreds of universities “If you’re starting off as a including UTSA. musician, I would say develop Shelby Hodges/ The Paisano
Jasmine Rodriguez Contributing Writer
E v e r y t h i n g Yo u W a n t To H e a r David Bowie, Justin Timberlake and Vampire Weekend are back in 2013. Here’s a preview of the artists to look for in the new year. Wilfredo Flores Contributing Writer
arts@paisano-online.com
David Bowie:
David Bowie fans have something to look forward to in March: the release of a fulllength album. Titled “The Next Day,” the album was announced on Bowie’s birthday, Jan. 8, as a gift to his many fans and is set to release on March 13. A preorder and the first single, “Where Are We Now.” is avaialble on iTunes. The album will have 14 new, original tracks, along with three additional songs on the deluxe edition. While Bowie wrote about 29 songs for the album, only 14 will appear on “The Next Day.”
Depeche Mode:
“Delta Machine” set to release March 25 will be the band’s 13th studio album. The band appears in every list describing the “Top 100 Electronic Artists,” and they have the sales and songs to prove it - over 100 million records, along with hits like “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence.” Dave Gahan, lead singer of
Depeche Mode, said that, while the writing for the new album was difficult, fans should expect “Delta Machine” to be very modern. “I want people to feel good about listening to this record, to get some kind of peace. It’s just got something magical about it,” said Gahan on the band’s website.
set release date yet and is known as “The Electric Lady.” But since she’s been playing the two new songs in live sets, it’s only a matter of time. Keep a look out, electric sheep.
Justin Timberlake:
pire Weekend is back with their album, “Modern Vampires of the City.” Its U.S. release date is slated for May 6. Fans everywhere can expect to start humming and singing the undoubtedly catchy new songs. The band is set to headline in My Bloody Valentine: 2013’s Coachella Music Festival Never before has there been along with the Red Hot Chili a bigger tease than My Bloody Peppers. Valentine. After receiving critical praise for their first album, “Loveless,” in 1991, the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs: took a long hiatus of two deThe Yeah Yeah Yeahs have cades while rumors of a new been busy since the release of album have been circulating. their first album, “Fever to Tell,” Front-man Kevin Shields re- back in 2003 and now, they’re cently got the band back to- set to release their fourth stugether and now fans can expect dio-album, “Mosquito,” on April a new album soon. My Bloody 16. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are also Valentine is often credited with headliners for 2013’s Coachella the creation of modern-day Music Festival, alongside ModShoegazing. est Mouse and Blur.
Get ready for some R&B crooning because J.T. is back with another album. It’s been six years since the platinum-selling “FutureSex/LoveSounds” was released, during which Justin Timberlake has pursued other endeavors including SNL comedy skits and drama films. He recently announced the album in an open letter to fans, and the release date, March 19, was The Flaming Lips: cryptically released at the end The Flaming Lips have been of the music video for the lead the odd guys in rock since 1983, single, “Suit and Tie.” and their new album, “The Terror,” is turning out to be anything but conventional. The Flaming Lips have had the mainstream prestige of being Grammy-winners and have toured with the likes of Modest Mouse, Cake and The Black Keys. “The Terror” is set to release worldwide, April 1 and April 2 The Knife: Vampire Weekend: in the U.S. Grammy-winners, The Knife, The indie-rock group Vamwill be releasing a new album on April 9, according to Pitchfork. Janelle Monae: The Swedish duo has already While Janelle Monae has released a 10-minute video for been busy preforming at Coach- the first single, “Full of Fire,” and ella, touring with the Red Hot the teaser has fans anticipating Chili Peppers and supporting yet another otherworldly alObama’s re-election, she’s man- bum. Although the previews for aged to record two new songs all of the songs on iTunes have - “Electric Lady” and “Dorothy been removed, critics are saying Dandridge Eyes.” “Shaking the Habitual” is sure to She’s given the internet some- be another award-winning althing to buzz about, as her bum - a shame, since the band is last album, “The ArchAndroid notorious for refusing to accept (Suites II and III),” left us all any awards. wanting more of Cindi Mayweather and Anthony Greendown. The album doesn’t have a
Photos courtesy of David Bowie, Depeche Mode, The Flaming Lips, The Knife, My Bloody Valentine and Vampire Weekend.
Wednesday, Feb. 6 9 a.m. Exhibit: “Texas Contemporary Artist Series: Luisa Wheeler” The Institute of Texan Cultures (801 E. Caesar Chavez) presents work from artist Luisa Wheeler as part of its Texas Contemporary Artist Series. Wheeler, an Eagle Pass native, explores the bold and the beautiful in her work of photographs and sculptures. Admission is $6-$8.
Thursday, Feb. 7 10 a.m. Exhibit: “Tal Palo Tal Astilla Artists” UTSA Art Gallery (Main Campus) presents “Tal Palo Tal Astilla,” an exhibit that chronicles the work of artists working within and outside the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Admission is free.
Noon Exhibit: “Transitios” Artpace (445 N. Main Ave.) presents “Transitios,” a group show that highlights the themes of culture, economy and miscommunication. Artists showcased in the exhibit include Ricardo Cuevas, Miguel Monroy, Jose Antoni, Vega Macotela and Maximo Gonzalez. Admission is free.
Friday, Feb. 8 9 p.m. UCinema Night: The Man with the Iron Fists Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, Jamie Chung, RZA and Rick Yune star in the action flick about a village blacksmith and his companions who are fighting to save their home village. The feature will be shown in the Retama Auditorium (UC 2.02.02). Admission is free for all UTSA students.
Saturday, Feb. 10 9 a.m. Exhibit: “Art in the Garden” The San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston) presents “Art in the Garden,” an outdoor installation that features work from members of the Texas Sculpture Group. Admission is $5-$8.
8 p.m. Theatre: “Red” The San Pedro Playhouse (800 W. Ashby) presents “Red,” a drama that follows painter Mark Rothko, a New York City artist. Admission is $10-$25.
Sunday, Feb. 11 10 a.m. Exhibit: “Fiesta, Fete, Festival” The historical roots of “Fiesta” are celebrated throughout this exclusive exhibit that commemorates the origin of the cultural phenomenon. The McNay Art Museum (6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.) presents “Fiesta, Fete, Festival,” as part of its Tobin Collection. Admission is $5-$10.
For the week’s full calendar, visit: paisano-online.com
Sports
7 February 5, 2013
Jeff Huehn / UTSA Athletics
The UTSA women’s basketball team has won five out of eight games. The ‘Runners are currently ranked fifth in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). UTSA’s next home game will be Feb. 7 against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Shelby Hodges Staff Writer
sports@paisano-online.com
record for points and blocked shots. After graduating high school, Thorman signed a letter of intent to play for Western Illinois University. During her first season at Western, she made the starting lineup four times and was presented with the team’s Block Party Award for defense. However, because of personal circumstances, midway through her sophomore season, Thorman stopped playing basketball for the Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks. “You know, it was a tough time for me. A lot was going on, and I just needed to get away. Luckily, KC ( UTSA assitant basketball coach) was already
San Antonio lost a bid to host the swimming trials in 2005.
Olympic swimming trials coming to SA? Mario Nava
Contributing writer sports@paisano-online.com The city of San Antonio is a finalist to host the USA Olympic Swim Team trials, which would select the 2016 USA team who competing in the Rio de Janairo Summer Olympic Games. The official bid has been submitted and the evaluation process is underway, which includes a site visit to San Antonio and the Alamodome by USA Swimming. The Alamodome will build an Olympic style swimming pool where the San Antonio Spurs and NCAA basketball courts were located. San Antonio Sports, a nonprofit organization who led the charge to bring in a variety of important sporting and cultural events to the city, has a bid posted on their website with a greeting for USA Swimming by San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro. George Block, a former USA swimming coach and current Chairman of the Board for San Antonio Sports, emphasized the impact and significance of hosting this event. “This is as big as the Final Four except the Final Four is two days and this is eight days of prime time television,” Block said. Block has been an advocate for bringing attention to youth drowning in San Antonio, especially in the Hispanic community. San Antonio is a major market for sporting events, and the ability to bring in a diverse
audience with a large Hispanic population is important for the sport of swimming. “San Antonio is your gateway to the Hispanic market,” Block said. “Were interested in lasting community benefit not just get an event in get an event out how did the tax receipts go.” What’s valued to many with this opportunity is the lifesaving effect the event might bring to a younger generation of swimmers in Texas. “The big events are like dogs on the dog sled, they are what pull the sled and what’s on the sled is youth,” Block said. “The first lessons a child should have should be swimming lessons,” Block said. “In Texas, with our coastline and rivers and lakes and pools, you need to be a strong swimmer. USA Swimming’s tagline is saving lives and building champions… first is saving lives.” As a finalist this year, swimming is already becoming a buzz word at UTSA. “Anytime the city has a major event like an Olympic trials, that always elevates all of the sports in San Antonio to a new level of visibility, so that’s always helpful to have those events in town,” said UTSA Athletic Director Lynn Hicky San Antonio could benefit immensely from hosting in 2016 on various levels. “What sporting events do is they let you see the opportunities for everything else be it the arts, or music, or business, or education, sports ends of sort of being the tip of the spear,” Block said.
Katherine Kish / The Paisano
Being a student athlete means early morning practices, late night homework, night games with class the next day and lots of traveling. So how does Lyndi Thorman, UTSA women’s basketball senior forward, balance her commitment to the game and graduate level course work – hard work on the court and dedication in the classroom. Thorman, who previously played a year and a half at Western Illinois University in her home state, graduated with a degree in criminal justice
from UTSA and is now a graduate student at UTSA’s College of Public Policy all while she plays her final season. “I’ve been playing since about fourth grade, I started in the little YMCA league back home,” said Thorman. Her dad is the one who pushed her into all sports, and basketball just happened to stick. “My favorite part about it is probably just the competitiveness. Once you get to this level, it is [not just] about being a team, but really just the whole atmosphere of the game,” she said.In Illinois, Thorman attended Macomb High School where she played basketball as well as volleyball; she holds the school’s all-time
at UTSA, and she recruited me to play there. It’s worked out great,” said Thorman.“I feel like I know her pretty well, and we talk quite a bit. I know where she’s from; I know her family, and it kind of gives me a different glimpse into her life,” UTSA women’s assistant basketball coach KC Cowgill said. Both Cowgill and Thorman were originally at Western Illinois University together, Thorman a player and Cowgill an assistant coach. Since her arrival in 2010, Thorman has played in 74 games and has averaged 4.2 points in 14 minutes of play. “I think she accepts her role, whether it be as a starter, she has started for us, or when she comes off the bench,” said UTSA women’s basketball Head Coach Rae Rippetoe-Blair. “You like a player that accepts her role, somebody who does whatever it takes to help the team,” Blair continued. “She shoots the 3 really well, and she has had some pretty good games for us this year, she is very steady and very consistent,” added Cowgill. Thorman, whose parents visit on a regular basis to attend her games, was described as being family oriented and as a very caring person. Cowgill also added that she “is very motherly in a way, and she cooks for the team.” So, with all this success on and off the court, how is her performance in the classroom? Coach Blair said that “she’s a very smart girl, but she’s always a little bit pessimistic; she always says she’s going to fail and then she makes an A.” Thorman is currently pursuing a master’s degree in justice policy. “At times it’s been really hard; I don’t have classes much…but the content, the coursework, and the amount of papers I have to write can get pretty difficult.” You can catch Thorman on the court on Feb. 7, when the Roadrunners play against Louisiana Tech at the Convocation Center. The game tip offs at 7 p.m.
Photo File / The Paisano
Lyndi Thorman: a master on and off the court
The Harlem Globetrotters hold the longest winning streak in sports history with 8,829 consectuive victories.
Globetrotters: still bringing joy and amazement to families after 87 years Mario Nava
Contributing Writer sports@paisano-online.com The world famous Harlem Globetrotters brought their style of basketball to the AT&T Center Thursday Jan. 31, defeating the Global Select team, 110-107, extending their long streak of family fun and entertainment. “As far as preparation, we can’t really prepare like we
would like to and it makes it more interesting for us. We have to depend more on our skills and it’s really fun because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Globetrotter Jet Williams. The Globetrotters 2013 “You Write The Rules Tour,” presented a new element in San Antonio where fans vote for different in-game basketball additions. Voting happens via Twitter for the first, second, and third quarters and the final quarter is
decided by the live crowd. During the first quarter, fans voted to add a 4-point shot set 35-feet from the basket. The entire quarter both teams shot from the mark, leaving fans gasping every time the ball left a player’s hands and erupting every time a player scored. Global Select, the funny evolution of the old Washington Generals team, took advantage of the rule by out shooting the Globetrotters, 7-2. Fans from Twitter and the
San Antonio crowd chose to have double basketballs, both pink, in support of breast cancer awareness, added in the third and fourth quarters that resulted in the worlds’ first ever double jump ball. The second quarter was a scoring frenzy as every basket was counted double for each team, leaving the gentleman at the scorer’s table a little flustered, but all in good fun. “That’s one thing that the Harlem Globetrotters have al-
ways been about is creativity and innovation and we have a blast doing it,” Williams said. There was plenty of Globetrotter humor throughout including possibly the funniest free throw ever attempted. During the second quarter, Kevin “Special K” Daley, Globetrotter player and on court MC, substituted the game ball for a beach ball balloon, resulting in the most literal example of an “air ball.” Williams believes the fan
votes will create more interest in the already popular game and is a big fan of one particular rule. “I honestly like the double the points because I want to make it to 200.” In their 87 years of existence the Harlem Globetrotters continue to mesmerize children and adults with their artistry of the basics of basketball.
Sports
8 February 5, 2013
