CHEAP THRILLS

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The new Red River Pass can get you into shows all month long for a few bucks SEE TRENDS PAGE 5

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

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JANUARY 18, 2007

THURSDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 42

Winter blitz

Tornado touches down in San Marcos By Paul Rangel The University Star

Icy conditions warm the hearts of oncampus residents By Alex Hering and Paul Rangel The University Star

Christen Motz said being cooped up in her dorm this week because of icy weather has reminded her of snow days in elementary school. “It feels like snow days when we were younger and we didn’t have to go to school — except this time we have all our friends around and no parents,” said Motz, pre-interdisciplinary studies junior. “Everyone is running around having fun and smashing the ice off cars.” Since Saturday, San Marcos residents and people nationwide have experienced freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions in what is being called a “Winter Blitz” by the National Weather Service. With temperatures dropping to freezing levels and the area receiving a mix of rain, sleet and snow, the National Weather Service has issued several winter storm and flash flood warnings since Saturday, causing the campus to be closed for two days. “Last Saturday, a strong low pressure (trough) system from the West, combined with an arctic cold front from the North, produced heavy rains, thunderstorms and the apparent tornado in San Marcos,” said Rebecca Brown, doctoral instructional assistant and instructor of a meteorology and climate class. For students, the freedom from school and work is a big factor in the happy morale around the dorms, Motz said. “Nobody has to work, nobody has school and nobody has any worries yet,” Motz, who is in her first year at Burleson Hall, said. “We are all just relaxing.” “When I walked outside this morning, there were about 20 people picking the ice off all the cars in the parking lot,” she said. “They were all pretending to destroy property, but really they were just having fun.” The icy road conditions have posed a hazard for those wanting to purchase groceries, said Ana Lisa Alvarado, who has not bought any groceries since her arrival Sunday night. “I kind of want to buy some food, but

Danny Rodriguez/Star photo PUSH OFF: Former student Cody Foster sends alumna Jackie Davis sliding down the iced-over ramp on the top level of the Pleasant Street parking garage Tuesday afternoon. PAST ICE BLAST: Students play in the snow on the then-South West Texas State campus Jan. 12, 1985. Seven inches of snow fell in San Marcos, causing the school to cancel the first day of classes for the spring semester. According to the Jan. 17, 1985 University Star, four inches of snow fell in Austin and 17 in San Antonio, a record for the region.

it’s dangerous to leave,” said Alvarado, industrial technology freshman. “If you walk outside you’re going to fall, and if you drive on those roads you’re going to crash.” Alvarado, an El Paso native, has never seen conditions like these. “Where I’m from, we have never had to cancel school because of weather,” she said. “We don’t have ‘snow days’ in El Paso.” The slippery ice and close accidents have caused residents at Burleson Hall to attempt to remove the ice from entrance steps. “My hammer just broke; that’s how thick the ice is,” Motz said. “We were trying to pick the ice off the stairs out front. We only got like half off.” Not having access to grocery stores is

an inconvenience when cooking in the dorms is an imperative, Motz said. “The first night of the ice a bunch of friends and I tried to order pizza, but every place we tried was closed due to the weather,” she said. “We were forced to eat a lot of oatmeal and sit around and complain about our hunger all night.” Driving is out of the question for Motz, but not because she’s not acclimated to driving on icy roads. “Of course I don’t want to drive to get food — not because I don’t know how to drive in this weather — it’s because I know other Texans are out there,” Motz, an East Coast native, said. “I don’t want them to freak out and crash into me.” Kelly Price, communication design sophomore, said she has found ways to stay busy.

“We went to the hill behind Alkek Library and Arnold and we made these sleds out of plastic and slid them down the hill,” Price said. “We also slid down the hill by San Marcos Hall. It doesn’t sound too exciting, but it really was. It was really cool being on campus when everyone else was out there having fun.” Motz said the extended holiday break was relaxing, but she is looking forward to class resuming its regular schedule. “I was excited about school,” she said. “It was nice not having work or school, but at the same time, it’s time to get the ball rolling.” Jonathan Mabrito, undecided sophomore, found the ice to be an excuse to See ICE, page 3

Proposed bill would freeze tuition at first-year rate By Bill Lancaster The University Star As the new Democratic-controlled Congress plans to reduce the interest rates on student loans, the Texas legislature will vote on a bill that could relieve some of the financial pressure students face. State Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, has introduced a bill in the Senate that, if passed, would freeze the price of tuition for incoming college freshmen during the first four years of their

higher education. “Right now tuition is extraordinarily high,” said Katherine Tims, pre-mass communication sophomore. “Your scholarships and grants don’t go up in relation to your tuition so it really isn’t fair.” State Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, said he supports the bill, because it would allow students and their families to plan college budgets for four years, which has been difficult to do ever since the state legislature deregulated tuition in 2003.

“I voted against regents setting tuition rates in 2003,” Wentworth said. “It was our understanding they wouldn’t raise tuition significantly, but I think it’s gone up an average of forty percent.” According to a report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, tuition rates at public universities have increased an average of 40 percent since deregulation in 2003. Between Fall 2003 and Fall 2006, Texas State’s designated tuition increased by 52 percent.

Josh Smith, studio art senior, said the freeze on tuition sounds great. Smith is enrolled in 12 hours, has just gotten engaged and is trying to work more hours at Blockbuster Video. “Tuition seems to be rising and rising,” Smith said, “and (it) doesn’t seem to be slowing down.” Jeremy Hellums, history senior, also enrolled in 12 hours, has to plan class choices around his work schedule. “I needed to get a job,” he said. “I

San Marcos residents along the 700 block of MLK and Centre Street awoke Saturday to the sound of a tornado in their backyard. “(My husband and I) woke up and could hear the wind making a roaring sound,” said San Marcos resident Priscilla Medrano. “It was a noise that you have never heard before.” It was a fight or flight situation that the couple faced as one dashed for their two young daughters and the other went for their son. “I was just worried about getting the kids,” Medrano said. “We grabbed them from their beds and put them in the closet near the middle of the house.” No damage was done to the Medranos’ property. However, the carport was torn from the small apartment complex behind the house, said Saul Medrano, Priscilla’s husband. The carport landed on top of several cars parked underneath, severely damaging some of them. “It happened so fast,” he said. “At 7:08 I was watching this happen, then at 7:15 I was running outside to make sure that everyone was OK.” The storm hit the San Marcos area around 7 a.m. Dispatch had called Howard Williams, San Marcos police chief, at 7:08 with reports from local residents that a tornado had hit a neighborhood, the police department and a few businesses along Interstate 35 South. “I’d been woken by the storm and was watching the rain when my phone rang,” Williams said. “It was dispatch calling to inform me that something had happened. I was worried that it was something severe.” An officer was parked at the police department logging into his computer preparing to begin his shift when the winds picked up, Williams said. As objects began to hit the cruiser and the winds increased, the officer called in to dispatch. “We were lucky that this wasn’t any worse than it could have been,” Williams said. “My heart goes out to all the people that may have lost their homes, but the situation could have been much worse and we were grateful there were no fatalities or major injuries to citizens.” Police cruisers parked behind the station were damaged by pieces of roof coming from the Thermon building next door. An estimated 12 to 15 cruisers sustained some type of damage — some more than others, Williams said. “This is going to be costly to fix, and an inconvenience,” Williams said. “But we can work around it. This is not going to stop us from doing our jobs. If we have to relocate some workers then we’ll do that, but it won’t shut us down.” Along IH-35, little signs of the storm are left. Cleanup crews quickly restored power to the station and have cleared the mess left behind on MLK and Centre Street. Residents who were unable to return to their homes Saturday had help from Red Cross along with the Dunbar Recreation Center, Williams said. Western Cowboy Furniture, a busi-

See TUITION, page 3

See TORNADO, page 3

Police arrest vending-machine thieves holding $18,700 in quarters By Christina Kahlig The University Star The phrase, “Got any change?” took on a new meaning Jan. 8 when two men were arrested at Englebrook Apartments while robbing the vending machines in the laundry room. After responding to the call at 12:14 p.m. from apartment managers, police found approximately $18,700 worth of quarters in the van along with apartment guides from Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina and Louisiana. $18,700 translates to 74,800 quarters, weighing about 935 pounds. “They probably had more but

Boyadzhiev

were probably spending it along the way to stay in hotels and for food, but we can’t be sure exactly how much they spent,” said Sgt. Byron Mobley of the San Marcos Police Department. Tracy Yanta, Englebrook Apartments employee and in-

Today’s Weather

PM Showers 45˚/36˚

Ivanov

Precipitation: 30% Humidity: 84% UV: 3 Moderate Wind: N 5 mph

terdisciplinary studies senior, caught the two men. “I was eating my lunch in here and when I heard noise on the screens that the cameras were picking up, I called 911,” Yanta said. “They just put the quarters in a black Adidas bag.” She said this is the second time the Englebrook Apartment laundry room has been robbed, but vendors will get their money back this time. The suspects arrested were Plaman Ivanov, 31, from Clearwater, Fla., and Ilko Boyadzhiev, 27, from Myrtle Beach, N.C. Police are looking for a third suspect identified as Ivylin Ivanov, age 23.

Two-day Forecast Friday Showers Temp: 48°/ 35° Precip: 80%

Saturday Showers Temp: 41°/ 36° Precip: 70%

“We have not made the third arrest yet but are in the process (of getting a warrant),” Mobley said. “(We) have good leads.” The two men are charged with burglary of a coin-operated machine, a Class A misdemeanor, and engaging in organized criminal activity and possession of a criminal instrument, both state jail felonies. To break into the vending machines, Mobley said the robbers used burglary tools like keys and lock-picking type instruments. Brett Baldwin, vending manager of the Waco Dr. Pepper Company, said breaking into a vending machine is no easy

task. “Vending machines have locks and bolts so they’re pretty hard to break into,” Baldwin said. According to Amonline.com, a vending MarketWatch Web site, “these are no run-of-themill vending burglars.” “The vending industry needs to address ways to combat external theft more aggressively,” said site editor Elliot Maras. “A national initiative is needed.” He said local police departments do not make vending machine theft a high priority because it is a seemingly victimless crime, but that vending operators are losing money due to the expensive equipment that is

installed into the machines. “Fighting machine burglary should be on the agenda of every local vending organization since it’s an issue that requires action at the local level,” Maras said. Baldwin said vending machine robberies are a bigger problem than most people think. He said the Dr. Pepper Company has talked about it on numerous occasions, and he has pointed it out to some local police. “People who rob vending machines usually tear them up pretty bad,” Baldwin said. “Our company loses the money because it is our products being stolen out of these machines.”

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To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.UniversityStar.com © 2006 The University Star

PAGE TWO

starsof texas state

The University Star

Thursday in Brief

January 18, 2007

Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, announced that Ryan Clay of Arlington has been selected for the Speaker’s Internship Program. “It is my pleasure to welcome Ryan to my office,” Speaker Craddick said. “I hope that he will enjoy the exciting experience of working in the Speaker’s Office during the legislative session.” Clay will be concentrating on tax policies under the tu-

telage of Darlene Brugnoli. Clay is a senior at Texas State where he is pursuing a degree in public administration. “I am very excited about the upcoming legislative session and the chance to work with Ms. Brugnoli,” Clay said. “This is a great opportunity for young individuals to gain a valuable insight into the legislative process.” — Courtesy of the Speaker’s Press Office

News Contact — Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu

Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

NOTICE:

Winter tubing

Delayed opening Thursday

THURSDAY An on-campus Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at (512) 245-3601. The Rock - Praise & Worship will be at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Catholic Student Center. Overeaters Anonymous will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St. For more information, call (512) 357-2049. Men’s basketball will play A&MCorpus Christi 7 p.m. in Corpus Christi. Women’s basketball will play A&M-Corpus Christi 7 p.m. in Strahan Coliseum.

FRIDAY The track team will compete in the Leonard Hilton Memorial Meet in Houston. Schedule changes end at 3 p.m.

SATURDAY Men’s basketball will play Texas-San Antonio 6 p.m. at Strahan Coliseum. Women’s basketball will play Texas-San Antonio 6 p.m. in San Antonio.

An on-campus Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, call the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at (512) 245-3601. Rise ‘N Shine Toastmasters Club meets from 7 to 8 a.m. at Cabela’s in Buda. Please use the employees’ entrance on the South side of the building. Visitors and guests are always welcome. Practice your speaking, listening, and thinking skills; boost self-confidence and develop leadership skills. For additional information, call Clark Lyman at (512) 295-7777, e-mail clyman2059@aol.com or visit risenshine.freetoasthost. info.

TUESDAY Overeaters Anonymous will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St. For more information, call (512) 357-2049. An on-campus Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at (512) 245-3601. Go to www.UniversityStar.com and click on contact to view calendar and Stars of Texas State submission policies.

University puts freeze on athletics until Thursday With Texas State UniversitySan Marcos classes closed on Tuesday, walk-on tryouts for Texas State’s football team, also slated for Tuesday, have been postponed. A new time and date for tryouts will be announced at a later date

Offices at Texas State University will open 10 a.m. Jan. 18 and first classes will begin at 11 a.m. Texas State employees should report to work at 10 a.m. and students should plan to attend classes scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and later. This applies to Texas State’s San Marcos campus and to the Round Rock Higher Education Center.

MONDAY

through the university Web site. There are no other athletic events slated for Texas State until Thursday when the Bobcat women’s basketball team plays host to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, while the men travel to Corpus Christi to take on the Islanders.

On this day... 1778 — English navigator Captain James Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands, which he called the “Sandwich Islands.”

Cotton Miller/Star photo WOO-HOO: Students take advantage of the slick conditions Tuesday afternoon by being pulled behind a friend’s truck in inner tubes near the corner of N. LBJ Drive and Craddock Avenue.

1886 — The Hockey Association was formed in England. This date is the birthday of modern field hockey.

CRIME BL TTER University Police Department Jan. 11, 4:30 p.m. Medical Emergency/ Student Recreation Center An officer was dispatched to a call of a medical emergency. A non-student injured his shoulder and was transported to the Central Texas Medical Center for further evaluation. Jan. 11, 1:27 a.m. Alcohol: Minor in Possession/Coliseum Lot An officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation a non-student passenger was found to be a minor in possession and was issued a citation. Jan. 10, 12:32 a.m. Driving While Intoxicated & Criminal Mischief Under $1500/ Clear Springs Apartments An officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation a student was arrested for driving while intoxicated. The student damaged the rear window of the

police vehicle. He was transported to the Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

a picnic table was stolen from the yard. This case is under investigation.

Jan. 9, 11:29 p.m. Driving Under the Influence Minor/Recycling Center, Moore St. An officer was dispatched to assist the San Marcos Police Department with an intoxicated person. The individual identified a person to pick him up; however the student who arrived was arrested for driving as a minor under the influence of alcohol. The student was given an MIP citation for alcohol and an open container. The student was transported to HCLEC to await magistration.

Jan. 5, 8:51 a.m. Burglary of Motor Vehicle/ Bobcat Village An officer was dispatched for a report from a student that her vehicle had been broken into. Upon further investigation the vehicle was determined to be damaged with items stolen. This case is under investigation.

Jan. 9, 10:26 p.m. Theft Under $500/ Clevenger House An officer was dispatched for a report from a staff member that

1788 — The first English settlers arrived in Australia’s Botany Bay to establish a penal colony. The group moved north eight days later and settled at Port Jackson.

San Marcos Police Department Jan. 11, 6:13 p.m. Runaway/ 120 Bert Brown Road Seven runaways from the San Marcos Treatment Center. Jan. 11, 12:35 p.m. Fraud/1015 Highway 80 A store reported receiving two counterfeit $100 bills.

1896 — The x--ray machine was exhibited for the first time. 1911 — For the first time an aircraft landed on a ship. Pilot Eugene B. Ely flew onto the deck of the USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco harbor. 1939 — Louis Armstrong and his orchestra recorded “Jeepers Creepers.” 1943 — U.S. commercial bakers stopped selling sliced bread. Only whole loaves were sold during the ban until the end of World War II. 1957 — The first, non—stop, around-the-world, jet flight came to an end at Riverside, CA. The plane was refueled in mid-flight by huge aerial tankers. 1975 — “The Jeffersons” debuted on CBS—TV. 1985 — Mary Decker broke a world, indoor record when she ran the women’s, 2,000-meter race in 5:34.2. She also ran the outdoor mile in 4:16.7.

Bobcat Day acclimates students, family to New documentary to examine Texas water resources campus, admissions Walter Cronkite to lend his voice to Texas the State of Springs Crime stoppers: UPD: 245-7867, SMPD: 353-TIPS

The Texas State UniversitySan Marcos Office of Admissions will host the first Bobcat Day of the semester beginning at 9 a.m. on Feb. 3. Check-in will be on the third floor of the LBJ Student Center. Bobcat Day is open to all students and parents who wish to learn more about Texas State and will last until 3 p.m. During the day, sessions will be conducted on admissions, financial aid and scholarships, residence life, transfer credit and multicultural student affairs. A browse area called University Exchange allows guests to visit with faculty from all academic departments and staff from student service

offices. Guests will also have an opportunity to take a campus tour, tour the residence halls and meet with current Texas State students. There is no registration fee to attend Bobcat Day, and guests do not need to R.S.V.P. in advance. Guests may purchase a meal ticket to The Lair for lunch that day. Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at check-in. For more information or for special accommodations, please contact April Barnes, admissions counselor and Bobcat Day coordinator, at (512) 245-2340 or via e-mail at ab47@txstate.edu. — Courtesy of Media Relations

AUSTIN — In parts of Texas, springs have ceased flowing. Once-mighty water sources like Comanche Springs in Fort Stockton have run dry from over pumping. Aquifers are increasingly scrutinized by regulators and irrigators who nervously watch well pumps and water tables. Against this backdrop, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will air its latest video documentary about water resources. Texas the State of Springs will air at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations statewide. The one-hour TV program is part of a broader public information initiative of the department that began with a special water resource issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine in July 2002 and continuing every July since. The initiative also includes radio and Internet, among other components.

Broadcast news anchor Walter Cronkite will again lend his distinctive voice to this latest project, as he did for the departments last water resource TV documentary Texas: the State of Water—Finding A Balance in 2005. Texas the State of Springs will examine the historical decline of springs across the state and explore current groundwater and land use issues that impact spring flow. It will look at how groundwater pumping and water marketing in rural areas can affect springs, along with how proper land management can enhance and even restore spring flow. It will show how conservation easements and land acquisitions are used to protect key elements of watersheds. It concludes with how urban homeowners can have a positive impact and dramatically reduce their water bills through native plant landscaping and

other water conservation measures. The documentary is made possible in part by funding from Shell Oil Company, with additional support from patron sponsors The Partnership Foundation and supporting sponsors the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and Lower Colorado River Authority, plus support from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and public television viewers. PBS stations based in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Lubbock, Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Midland-Odessa, Harlingen, Killeen, Waco and Austin have all committed to air the documentary Feb. 15. See local listings for station cable and broadcast channel numbers. —Courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

NEWS

Thursday, January 18, 2007

The University Star - Page 3

TORNADO: Twister leaves no fatalities, major injuries CONTINUED from page 1

ness owned locally by Diane and Derrick Flack, was also severely damaged by the storm. The small business has been established in San Marcos since 1994. The store roof – damaged earlier in 2006 from the hailstorm — was only recently repaired, said Jennifer McCoy, early childhood education junior and store employee. “These are some great people with a small family business,” McCoy said. “Instead of just the roof, we now have water damage, insulation and some of our more expensive pieces are warped and damaged from the water and humidity.” Residents affected by the storm received no warning from the National Weather Service or from the county. “The NWS had not recognized this as a tornado and it was such a small-scale event that we were lucky it wasn’t worse,” Williams said. The City of San Marcos does not have sirens to warn residents of impending danger, but if the situation were to arise an automated calling system is in place. “What we have is a system that has a pre-recorded message that calls all land lines in a specific area or the entire city,” Williams said. “This system will call until the phone has been picked up and the message is received.”

CONTINUED from page 1

Monty Marion/Star photos BATTLE SCARS: The back window of a San Marcos Police Department cruiser was broken by high winds and flying debris caused by Saturday morning’s tornado. The tornado hit Interstate 35 at the Wonder World Drive area, causing heavy damage to nearby cars and buildings.

ICE: Extreme weather a new experience for some CONTINUED from page 1

stay home from work as well as a reason to become closer to other residents at Hornsby Hall. “I have been getting to know some of the people in this dorm that I never got to meet from last semester.” Mabrito said. “I was supposed to work today but I’ve been using the ice as an excuse not to leave.” The ice, Mabrito said, has made San Marcos separate from the rest of the world. “I like the ice … it keeps me here,” he said. “I’m stuck here on my little island in Texas State - San Marcos.”

TUITION: Nay-sayers argue bill would only hurt university growth

Texas State offices are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Thursday and classes are slated to resume at 11 a.m. Brown said what is interesting about this winter storm is the influx of Pacific moisture from the Southwest that was continuously riding with the jet stream. The system continued to bring the arctic air mass and produce a mix of icy conditions in the south central region of Texas, she said. “A wintry mix of snow, sleet and ice does occur in south central Texas,” Brown said. “And the NWS states that it does occur every two to four years.” There is one reported tornado

of an F0 magnitude that is similar to the apparent one that touched down in San Marcos Saturday. Tornados in January are rare occurrences, but the one from this past weekend was associated with the arctic cold front, Brown said. “We didn’t receive a significant buildup of ice until about 12:30 p.m. (Tuesday)” said Police Chief Howard Williams. There were several minor accidents and two fatalities on Interstate 35, he said. The Buda accident included two semi trucks and three passenger vehicles around 7 a.m. Tuesday, resulting in the two fatalities.

“(The Texas Department of Transportation) is covering the highways and we’re covering city streets,” Williams said. “There has only been one low-water crossing closed since Saturday, but none because of ice.” Provost Perry Moore said such inclement weather has not been typical in his three years at Texas State, though the school has closed early due to flooding and ice. With two days of cancelled classes, he said, there will be more pressure on professors and students to catch up on course materials, however the semester will not be extended to make up for lost time.

got a Tuesday-Thursday schedule so I could work the rest of the time substitute teaching. I think something like this (Senate bill) would work because of the longterm planning you could do.” Hellums said freezing tuition will give students a better idea of how much money will be needed to cover financial expenses. State Rep. Patrick Rose, DDripping Springs, said he supports the initiative but prefers legislation that also gives needed funding to colleges and universities. “I would like to see tuition frozen across the board,” Rose said, “contingent on the state fully funding and increasing funding for the institutions.” Rose, who is also a member of the Texas Higher Education Committee, plans to introduce legislation in the House before the middle of March that will end deregulation, freeze all tuition at present rates and increase state funding for higher education. “Tuition deregulation is not the future of education funding in Texas,” Rose said. “We have got to make tuition more affordable.” Wentworth and Rose have discussed Texas State’s new engineering, nursing and river programs in detail, but Rose said they have not yet discussed tuition issues. The bill, filed by Shapiro in mid-November, would freeze tuition for first-time freshmen who are Texas residents. Students would only qualify for the freeze, if they are continuously enrolled in a state institution of higher learning, have transferred from one state school to another, or have a valid reason, such as severe illness, for interrupting their education. “It seems like it could work,” Smith said. “If they could get by a year ago, why couldn’t they get by this year? I just don’t see how

they need so much more every semester.” At October’s tuition and fee increase hearing, Provost Perry Moore and William Nance, vice president of finance and support services, told students the hike was necessary because of the increasing cost of the Texas higher education marketplace and the need to stay competitive with universities like UT Austin, Texas Tech and Texas A&M-College Station. They said the tuition increase would be used to raise the salaries of university employees in addition to increasing the number of faculty. Tims said she hopes they pass Senate Bill 100. She said she does not think it will help her but would work well for future students, like her younger sister. Tims said a tuition freeze would be an attractive feature for state universities when compared to private institutions where tuition is not regulated by the legislature. A potential negative aspect, Rose said, is that the universities do not get the funding they need. “It puts the universities in a precarious place,” Rose said. “I plan to file a bill that would end deregulation contingent on legislation, increasing state funding for the institutions.” It’s not all bad for the universities though, Wentworth said. “Universities will have firm numbers they can depend on. They can still affect the freshman class as it comes in,” Wentworth said. Jennifer Ransom Rice, a Shapiro spokesperson, said the committees have not yet been named to consider the bill. “The committees will meet probably in early February,” Rice said. “So, it is still in the early stages.” The text of Senate Bill 100 can be accessed through the Texas Senate Web site.

NEWS

Page 4 - The University Star

Thursday, January 18, 2007

New troops already experiencing heavy violence in Baghdad By Leila Fadel and Zaineb Obeid McClatchy Newspapers BAGHDAD — The Iraqi capital suffered its worst day of carnage in more than a month Tuesday as car bombs, roadside explosives and gunfire killed more than 100 people throughout the capital. Coming one day after a botched execution severed the head of Saddam Hussein’s half-brother and on the ninth day of a joint U.S.-Iraqi assault that has decimated the Sunni Muslim Haifa Street neighborhood, the violence heightened the already tense mood of a city wracked by war and girding for the arrival of more U.S. and Iraqi troops. Fewer than 4,000 of the 17,500 additional troops President Bush has ordered to Baghdad have arrived in the capital, U.S. officials said Monday, and Tuesday was a reminder of how difficult their job of reining in sectarian violence will be. Bombs hit a crowded university area, a marketplace and a central Baghdad neighborhood. Gun-

men later opened fire on pedestrians on a market in an eastern Baghdad district. Mahdi Army militiamen, who’d become scarce in recent days, were back in force on the outskirts of Sadr city, setting up dozens of checkpoints. Ambulances streamed into Sadr City, the militia’s stronghold. Militiamen said the vehicles were carrying weapons, not wounded, to prepare for any U.S.-led military assault. U.S. military convoys could be seen throughout the capital. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite, blamed “terrorists” and “Saddamists” for the violence, but there was no way to know for sure who was behind the bloodshed. Most of the attacks took place in Shiite-controlled neighborhoods, but at least one was in a predominantly Sunni area. The worst bloodshed came at Mustansiriyah University in a Mahdi Armycontrolled area near Sadr City. A car bomb drove up to the main gate as students gathered to board minivans home following afternoon classes.

The blast ripped through the crowd, triggering a raging fireball and black clouds of smoke. As wounded and frightened students fled, a suicide bomber walked into the terrified crowd and detonated himself. Body parts littered the streets, and minibuses filled with students who’d been on their way home were charred beyond salvage. Young men picked up bodies as women wept. “Save me,” bleeding victims in the streets begged passersby. “I saw that innocent blood on the ground and I thought ‘This is judgment day,’” said Israa Hussein, 27, who’d been buying toys from a street vendor when the first bomb detonated. “I turned to see what happened and all I saw was fire and black smoke.” One man searched for his son and finally found his head and torso but no legs. “Where is his other half?” he asked and then shook with violent sobs. The bombing killed 70 people and injured 169, according to the Ministry of Interior. State television issued an

urgent plea for blood donations. Abu Hayder al-Fraiji, an official who works for the social service wing of anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s sprawling organization, said he believed the attack was a Sunni response to the Shiite-led government’s U.S.backed assault on Haifa Street, where residents say snipers have prevented them from going for food or evacuating their wounded for nine days. Haifa Street is on the west, or Karkh, side of the Tigris River, which divides Baghdad between predominantly Sunni west and Shiite east. “The government has gone too far in Karkh and with its security plan in Haifa,” he said. “It was expected they’d move to our neighborhoods ... it’s intentional and it is against the Shiite.” The university bombing occurred at 4:30 in the afternoon. But violence had begun hours earlier. In the Shiite area of Karrada, in central Baghdad, a roadside bomb exploded at 10:30 a.m., killing one police officer and two bystanders. At 1 p.m. two bombs exploded near

Cold as ice

a motorcycle shop in the mostly Sunni neighborhood of Bab al Sheikh, killing at least 15 people and injuring 70 others. At 3 p.m., a bomb in a minibus exploded in Sadr City, a vast Shiite slum, killing six and wounding 11. The explosion took place a few hundred feet from an office belong to Muqtada al-Sadr. The last major attack came at 4:45 p.m., when gunmen opened fire on a market in the Binog neighborhood of eastern Baghdad, killing 12 civilians and wounding 17. Maliki condemned the university bombing. “They committed a shameful stain upon humanity,” he said in a statement. “Those who did it will not escape from punishment and the hand of justice will chase them no matter how long it takes.” The mayhem came on the same day the United Nations announced that 34,452 civilians died in violence in Iraq during 2006. The U.N. report said the “root cause of the sectarian violence lie in revenge killings and lack of accountability.”

Israel’s prime minister pressured to resign By Joel Greenberg Chicago Tribune

Cotton Miller/Star photo Jacob Guinn, interior design senior, pours water on his windshield to remove the ice at Bishop’s Square apartments. Students had Tuesday and Wednesday off of school due to ice and bad weather.

JERUSALEM — The resignation of the Israeli army’s chief staff over failings in last summer’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon brought renewed calls Wednesday for the departure of his superiors: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz. The announcement early Wednesday that the army chief, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, was stepping down ratcheted up the pressure on Olmert, whose popularity has plunged since the war and who now faces a criminal investigation, announced Tuesday, into his role in the government’s sale of a major bank. Severely weakened domestically, Olmert appears unlikely to take bold steps in a revived peace effort pushed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during a Middle East visit this week. Olmert said he was “very sorry” to see Halutz go, and that the general had rejected his request to reconsider. Halutz submitted his resignation letter to Olmert on Sunday, but delayed the announcement until the early hours of Wednesday morning. On Tuesday a former chief of staff, Dan Shomron, who investigated the conduct of the war by the army command, presented his findings to a parliamentary committee and said the campaign was waged without an overall goal. The report was one of a series of internal inquiries by the army that have uncovered serious flaws in the military’s performance. Olmert and Peretz have

been widely blamed along with Halutz for what many Israelis consider to be an inconclusive outcome of the 34 days of fighting that ended Aug. 14. The army was unable to stop Hezbollah from firing thousands of rockets at northern Israel, the guerrillas proved a more stubborn adversary than expected, and two Israeli soldiers seized in a cross-border raid that set off the fighting were not returned. Halutz, who also drew criticism from inside the military for his management of the war, wrote in his resignation letter that he had decided to step down after the army had completed its inquiries into the fighting and drawn up a plan to apply the lessons learned. “For me the word ‘responsibility’ bears great meaning: It is everything, from A to Z,” Halutz wrote to Olmert. “My sense of responsibility has led me to remain in my position until now, and it has led me to put this letter on your desk today.” The resignation was welcomed by critics of Halutz, who said that though it was long overdue, it showed a measure of accountability rarely seen in Israeli public life. The critics said Peretz and Olmert should go next. “If we take examples from the past, it ultimately didn’t stop at the chief of staff,” said former Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom of the opposition Likud party. “I don’t see how this can be any different, and we may see a snowball here. Undoubtedly this decision significantly shakes the prime minister, defense minister and the whole government.”

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

weekendhappenings

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - Page 5

Thursday Lucy’s San Marcos – The Bernie Calcote Band/Gold Cure Triple Crown – Motion Turns It On/MC Eats/Spirit Things Cheatham Street Warehouse – Mickey and the Motorcars

Friday Lucy’s San Marcos – Meatwood/Iatan/ Them Shakes Triple Crown – Kallisti Gold/Robbie and the Robots Cheatham Street Warehouse – The Ryan Turner Band

Saturday Lucy’s San Marcos - Eleven Fingered Charlie/The Raspas Triple Crown – Bloodshot Pyramid/ Subtle Creeps/Soloist Cheatham Street Warehouse – Max Stalling

Trends Contact — Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Spike and Mike deliver the sickest, most twisted films at the Drafthouse By Jeffery D. Hooten The University Star Fans of the sick, bizarre and unruly will have a chance to enjoy the strangest parts of the animation world starting Thursday. Spike and Mike’s Festival of Sick and Twisted Animation opens at the downtown Alamo Drafthouse in Austin. Founded in 1990 by Craig “Spike” Decker and Mike Gribble, the festival is a collection of animated films that tours more than 50 cities in North America every year. The festival has been the launching platform for cartoons such as Beavis and Butthead, South Park and The Happy Tree Friends. “I usually tell people it’s like Adult Swim on crystal meth,”

G

et ready to paint the town red with UnlockAustin. com’s Red River Pass. For a one-time fee of $20, concertgoers can sample Red River’s expansive buffet of live music without breaking the bank. The music Web site has kicked off the New Year with its first Red River Pass. Pass holders can forgo pesky cover fees for an entire month at three Austin venues: Emo’s Lounge, Beerland and Mohawks in January. To sweeten the pot, Club DeVille will even throw in some drink specials. Danielle Thomas, regional brand manager for UnlockAustin.com, said the pass could easily pay for itself in just one night alone. “Club DeVille is offering dollar Lone Stars all day long; it’s essentially a permanent happy hour and a permanent guest list,” Thomas said. With its extensive list of band profiles, live music calendars and personalized recommendations, UnlockAustin.com is a veritable music search engine. Thomas, who is also a band manager for White Ghost Shivers, said many bands struggle to build a steady fan base in Austin’s music scene because people tend to only see bands they’re familiar with. This free Web site is designed to tailor to the member’s needs by recommending new bands that match their interests. “Unlock Austin provides people with great information on new bands and new music,” Thomas said. “There’s enough connection in our technology which allows us to match your preference with local live music.” UnlockAustin.com CEO Ryan Pitylak said the Red River Pass enables bands to attract a larger audience because more people will be able to test out new music. “Bands want to play to a packed house, so we are giving bands an opportunity to let potential fans hear their music,” Pitylak said. Pitylak said the Red River Pass greatly benefits participating music venues because it makes live music more accessible for everyone. “With so much live music going on in Austin, we are a great partnership for these venues,” Pitylak said. “We provide access to live music, and they’re interested in taking part in that.” Don’t fret if you missed out on January’s round of passes. Unlock Austin will continue to sell passes for the month of February. Pitylak said the list of venues may vary in the future. “We’re playing with the pass right now to see what the people want,” Pitylak said. “The venues might change — it all depends on what the people who buy the passes want.”

Henri Mazza, who is in charge of organizing this year’s festival at the Drafthouse, said. “Adult Swim has a line they can’t cross, being on television, but Spike and Mike don’t have such a line, so they don’t mind crossing it.” This year’s festival contains 18 animations, including new appearances from old favorites such as Dr. Tran and The Happy Tree Friends. Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League said that the festival has been a part of the Drafthouse’s January schedule for nine of the 10 years it has been open. “(The festival) is something of a tradition at the Drafthouse,” he said. “It’s definitely not something to take your mom to.” While the Alamo Drafthouse is known primarily as a theater,

it also has a food and beverage menu. They are also the only independently owned and operated movie theaters in Austin. “There aren’t very many theaters left in the country that do the kind of things we do,” League said. The Alamo Drafthouse is also known for showing rather bizarre short films before their movies, and the Festival of Sick and Twisted Animation is the clearinghouse for the weirdest parts of their archives. “If we see something and say, ‘This is brilliant, but we can’t show it to our general audience,’ we’ll save it for Spike and Mike,” Mazza said. Daniel Strange, computer science sophomore said that he is a fan of the Happy Tree Friends

and is considering attending one of the festival’s showings this year. “It looks really interesting,” Strange said. “It’s definitely something different.” Spike and Mike’s Festival of Sick and Twisted Animation runs every Thursday through Sunday at the Alamo Downtown until Feb. 3, and at the Alamo Village Feb. 9 to 10 and 16 to 17. Tickets are $8.75 for general admission or $6.75 for Heroes of the Alamo members. All showings are 18 and up. Children six and up will be allowed with a parent or guardian, but no children under the age of six will be admitted. For tickets or more information visit www.originalalamo. com or call (512) 476-1320.

Photo courtesy of Sick and Twisted Film Festival SICK & TWISTED FESTIVAL OF ANIMATION: Spike & Mike’s makes an appearance Jan. 18 to Feb. 3 at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, and Feb. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at the Alamo Drafthouse Village.

Austin Web site marks new haven for art patrons

ONE TICKET...

four venues

By Laura Jamison The University Star

UnlockAustin.com touts exclusive music at inexpensive rates By Jessica Sinn The University Star

Monty Marion/Star photo

✯FYI Passes are sold at End of an Ear, Waterloo Records, Mohawk, Beerland, Club DeVille and at www. UnlockAustin.com for $20.

A LITTLE JACKSON GOES A LONG WAY: With the purchase of a $20 Red River Pass from UnlockAustin.com, revelers can gain free access to Mohawks, Beerland and Emo’s Lounge in downtown Austin through the end of February.

The search for local entertainment is over according to NowPlayingAustin.com, a new Web site and directory for theater, music, dance and art events. Recently launched, NowPlayingAustin.com is already attracting the attention of art patrons with its comprehensive and user-friendly art listing. The new site enables users to review productions, to tell a friend about an event and to bookmark. For artists, the site contains information on auditions and a way to promote and list events. Technology met the arts in Silicon Valley, where the idea for the site originated and flourished. This led to the creation of the Artsopolis Marketing Partnership. This network has empowered other communities, including Austin, to promote local art events. Latifah Taormina, executive director of Austin Circle of Theaters, the organization that initiated the new site, said she hopes the entire central Texas region will use this resource. “It is for the central Texas area, like Round Rock, Georgetown and San Marcos. Think of it as Austin and Austin metro,” Taormina said. Taormina said the site is especially valuable to students. “I think it is a good way to find out what’s going on. Students are constantly being asked to check out this kind of stuff,” she said. David Wyatt, marketing coordinator for Austin Circle of Theaters, said the site features deals on tickets and is a good way for new students to get involved in the arts. “They offer half-price tickets when performing arts tickets sell through ACoT. They also have a free events section,” Wyatt said. Janice Bishop, senior lecturer for the department of theatre and dance, said the Web site sounded like a great idea. “We have classes at the university like introduction to fine arts, where the students write critiques. This would help them out,” Bishop said. Wyatt said the advantage of NowPlayingAustin. com over other art listings is that it is not too general but not too specific. “The problem with the (Austin) Chronicle or the (Austin-American) Statesman is the events take a backseat to the editorials and other stuff. This means the events don’t get enough square footage,” Wyatt said. Austin Circle of Theaters encourages people to send in their events and bring the community together. “One area Latifah wanted to help with was marketing and promoting artists’ events and then the patrons could find these events. For young and upcoming theater producers, this is a good way to get them to promote themselves,” Wyatt said. Taormina said the Texas State drama department should send in its events. “You need a good image and a press release, although not everyone gets an image put up,” she said. There is also a lag time between submission and posting to make sure the listing is legitimate. Taormina said the reasons people do not go out are time, money and lack of clear information. “You can not go if you do not know,” she said.

If it didn’t look good on you then, that sweater won’t flatter you now By Niki Sullivan McClatchy Newspapers TACOMA, Wash. — Some immutable facts: The size (insert impossibly small number here) jeans in the back of your closet will never again be in style — even if you do get back down to your middle school weight. The horrendous sweater you paid lots of good money for, then never wore because it was utterly unflattering … well, you’re never going to wear it. And the same is true for the other 80 percent — yep, a full 80 percent — of things in your closet. The good news is, if you get

rid of the stuff you don’t wear, you’ll actually feel like you have more. To prove this, we talked to experts in the field: two professional organizers and a certified clotheshorse. Meet Steve Webber of Steve’s Organizing LLC. His own closet is pretty basic, but he’s not out to pare your closet down to two shirts and a pair of pants. “What typically happens is you wear 20 percent of what you own. The 80 percent just sits there and collects dust and causes clutter,” which only leaves you dreading getting dressed, Webber said. Identify and get rid of the clutter and you’ll feel like you’ve got a new

wardrobe, he says. Maggie Gardner, also a professional organizer with Simplify, believes in stocking high-quality basics that flatter, and adding seasonal pieces to accent them. Her top rule: “If it doesn’t look good or fit, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on it. You need to get rid of it.” Last but not least, Rebecca Dashow, owner of Dame Lola clothing boutique in downtown Tacoma, Wash. She estimates she has 150 pairs of shoes, but she still manages to keep her closet in good shape. She believes in the oft-cited golden rule of closet cleaning: “If you’ve had it for more than

a year and haven’t put it on, get rid of it.” Exceptions, however, can and should be made with coats, vintage pieces and things you’d wear only occasionally, such as cocktail dresses. Here’s our experts’ advice — in not-too-overwhelming bits (and a list of buts) — on how to clean out your closet and get it in working order. What’s the payoff? You’ll go into your closet every time knowing that everything in it fits and flatters. The organized space will also cut down on dressing time, they said. Plus, if you donate your castoffs, you can walk away from the palazzo pants knowing that

someone else’ll put them to good use. Write down your goals: Gardner recommends making clear goals — such as having a clean, well-organized closet with a functional wardrobe — and referring back to them when there’s a dilemma. An important goal for Gardner is having clothes only that are flattering to your figure. “It starts with knowing what looks good. Ask friends about specific outfits they really like,” Gardner said. She also recommends books such as What Not to Wear (based on the TV show of the same name). Once you do find out, she said, it’s empower-

ing. For someone like Dashow, with limited closet space and (seemingly) unlimited clothes from trendy to vintage, it’s crucial to stay organized: In-season clothes are in the closet; outof-season clothes are stored in well-organized plastic bins, zipup plastic wardrobe protectors and boxes. Once you’ve got your goal, start editing: “When making decisions, if it doesn’t support your goals, you must get rid of it,” Webber said. “Look past the emotional part and come from a functional See CLOSET, page 6

TRENDS

Page 6 - The University Star

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Doors of the LBJ museum open after 10 years in the making he response from the community “T has been overwhelmingly positive. If the community did not support it, it By Maira Garcia The University Star

San Marcos is remembering the late President Lyndon Baines Johnson by recognizing his time and contributions to the area with a new museum. The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos opened its doors in early December in a renovated building on The Square. The museum had been a project of the city for nearly 10 years before it opened. Ed Mihalkanin, associate professor of political science, served as president of the board of directors for the LBJ Museum from 1997 until this month. He said the idea of creating an LBJ museum was initially proposed by the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Tourism Development in 1996. Mihalkanin said the city embraced the idea and has been working hard ever since to get the museum up and running. He said the community was largely responsibly for its existence through donations from business and individuals. “The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. If the community did not support it, it would not exist,” he said. Nora Linares-Moeller, the new president of the LBJ Museum board of directors, said the museum has an extensive inventory of artifacts on a wide variety of topics.

Thursday, Jan. 18 Lonesome Dove Revisited This exhibit gives a close-up look at props, costumes, photographs and other items from the filming of the CBS miniseries. The exhibit is located in the Southwestern Writers Collection in Alkek Library, 7th Floor. Exhibit hours: Monday/Tuesday/ Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday/ Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.,

would not exist.”

-Ed Mihalkanin, former president of the board of directors for the LBJ Museum

“The first exhibit is to introduce the community to the museum and to get an overall perspective of LBJ. Our focus is on LBJ and his life in this region from the time when he taught in Cotulla and when he was at (then-Southwest Texas State Teachers College),” she said. The museum contains items such as newspaper clippings, a copy of his Great Society speech, his trademark cowboy hat and election campaign materials. There are also boards listing his achievements as president such as creating financial aid for higher education and the Civil Rights Act. “We have been collecting artifacts since 1998. We would get calls from people saying ‘I have a letter from Sen. Johnson or Johnson when he was in Congress,’” Mihalkanin said. “The existing Johnson museum would also have items directed to us when someone called them.” Mihalkanin said the LBJ Library and Museum in Austin was also helpful in gaining items for the San Marcos museum. Linares-Moeller said the

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact (512) 2452313 for more information. Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide The exhibit includes self-portraits, portraits, famous works and neverbefore-exhibited images by one of Mexico’s greatest photographers from the Wittliff Gallery’s major collection of Iturbide’s work. This show coincides with publication of the ninth volume in the Wittliff

board of directors plans to open other exhibits showing different time frames in his life, but those decisions will be made as the year progresses. The museum also plans to open a gift shop in the future. Currently, the museum is open from Thursday through Sunday, but group tours can be arranged through the San Marcos Visitors and Convention Bureau. Linares-Moeller said there are plans to expand the museum to the second floor of the building once renovations are complete. “There is lots more to accomplish and we are very excited about it,” she said.

Monty Marion/Star photo LEDGENDARY TOP: A Resistol hat, often given by LBJ as a gift, sits under glass in the corner of the new LBJ Museum, located on the east side of The Square.

✯ FYI The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos is at 131 N. Guadalupe St. in on The Square. It is open to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Gallery Book Series from the University of Texas Press. The exhibition is located in the Witliff Gallery of Southwestern and Mexican photography in Alkek Library, 7th Floor. Exhibit hours: Monday/Tuesday/ Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday/Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact (512) 245-2313 for more information.

Spring 1928 – Johnson serves as editor in chief of The College Star

1930 – Johnson receives his bachelor’s degree

Nov. 22, 1963 – Johnson sworn in as 36th U.S. president

LBJ Timeline 1927 – Johnson entered then - Southwest Texas State Teachers College

1928 – Johnson received his elementary teacher’s certificate

The Core Essentials of Wellness: Conscious Breathing and Structural Awareness Lauren Robins will demonstrate how conscious breathing and structural awareness support can enrich a healthy lifestyle at the San Marcos Public Library. This workshop will offer an important focus for enhancing the wellness of your daily life. Robins is the author of The Palette of Breath: Facts About Breathing. Time: 7 p.m.

Jan. 20, 1961 – Johnson sworn in as 37th U.S. vice president

Friday, Jan. 19 Lonesome Dove Revisited Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide

Saturday, Jan. 20 Lonesome Dove Revisited Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide

Sunday, Jan. 21 Lonesome Dove Revisited Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide

Monday, Jan. 22 Lonesome Dove Revisited Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide Faculty Exhibition Galleries I and II in the Joann Cole Mitte Art Building will be featuring work by current Art and Design

Dec. 2006 – Doors to Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos open

faculty. It is free and open to the public. Exhibit hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 23 Lonesome Dove Revisited Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide Faculty Exhibition The Clarinet All Alone: Great Compositions and Their Stories Faculty artist David Pino will perform the clarinet at the Music Building Recital Hall. Contact (512) 245-2651 for more information. Tickets are $2 for the general public and $1 for students. Time: 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 24 Lonesome Dove Revisted Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide Faculty Exhibition

CLOSET: Experts suggest goal setting to simplify life CONTINUED from page 5

standpoint.” You’ll feel better in the end, and likely won’t notice that something’s gone. Don’t think you have to do it all that day: Take baby steps. After a cleaning-out session, Gardner recommends putting the bagged clothes out of sight. She follows this rule with wardrobes and offices and finds that people often go back through old things if she doesn’t. Take the clothes to Goodwill, or give them to friends. Either way, the bonus is that you know your trash (and we mean that in the nicest way possible) will be someone’s treasure. “My sister-in-law loves it when I go through my closet,” Dashow said. If you and your similar-size friends are ambitious, you could even host a clothes swap. Just be careful not to stock your closet with all the same kind of ill-fitting, out-of-date things you

just got rid of. Got that? But, but … what if it comes back in style? “If you’re waiting for it to come back in style, I think you’re using space not wisely,” Webber said. Gardner said that when items do come back in style, they typically have updated details. Translation: “You’d want the newer one anyway.” So no use taking up closet real estate with such “investments.” The exception is with timeless pieces, Gardner said. A client with family in India had beautiful tunics that Gardner had to convince her not to throw out. She said they were so well-made and beautiful, it didn’t matter that they weren’t of-the-minute. (And, what do you know, tunics were everywhere this year.) If you insist on keeping those tapered-leg, high-waist jeans around, “Put it in a container, and get it out of your working closet space. Who knows? Styles do unfortunately come around,” Webber said.

Got dirt? Send your news tips to us at starnews@txstate.edu

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

Thursday, January 18, 2007

RIX’S

TECHNOLOGY FIXES

The University Star - Page 7

✯Star Comics

Wii craze does not surpass the value of older, classic games If you were lucky enough to get a Wii or PlayStation 3 this year, congrats. There’s nothing better than BILL RIX ignoring friends Columnist and family during the holidays to get to “pro” level in Wii Sports. However, if you or your loved ones weren’t able to snag a console this year, it’s not the end. The PlayStation 2, GameCube and Xbox will be around for a while longer. And until they start to phase out, you’ll still get a slew of fresh games, many of which will be less graphically and mathematically intensive versions of games made for the newer consoles, so you won’t miss out on too much. If money — not locating a console — is an issue, now could be the best time to look into other,

older consoles you don’t have. If you’ve always wanted to play Halo but never found another reason to purchase an Xbox, now would be an optimum time to grab one. Same thing for the PS2. GameStop offers the basic system for about $130, and will undoubtedly run much cheaper if you opt for a used model. Now you’ll have a good excuse to play Kingdom Hearts. Don’t forget to check Craigslist.org if you’re looking for a bundle and would like to avoid eBay and the like. If you can’t get the thought of a new console out of your mind, remember this: As far as the PlayStation 3 goes, things are kind of shaky at the moment, what with it still being almost prohibitively expensive and lacking a lineup of games worth purchasing. The Wii, on the other hand, has an impressive lineup but nothing really grabbing (I say this after playing the new Legend of Zelda, mind

you) and the virtual console only has a few games worth downloading. Hell, the Wii can’t even play CDs or DVDs! Taking these things into consideration, you’ll see that in a way, you aren’t really missing much (yet). Anyway, back to what you already own: Now is a prime time to stock up on any peripherals you might need later on. I wish I had bought an extra Super Nintendo controller and an additional N64 memory card. Sure, I can purchase them online, but it’s not really the same. They are likely to get cheaper as their time draws near, so some waiting might be in order, but stay on the lookout. All in all, now is a good time to take stock in what you already have and perhaps nab extras and soon-to-be hard-to-find items while you still can. In any event, it’ll help pass the time until you can locate a Wii (and it’ll give the PS3 time to find its legs).

SU DO KU Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively.

Wednesday’s solution:

www.UniversityStar.com © Pappocom

Wednesday’s solution:

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - Page 8

onlineconnection What do you think the Texas State Associated Student Government should lobby for at the 80th Texas Legislature? Go to www.UniversityStar.com to vote in our online poll. Results will be published in next Thursday’s issue of The University Star.

‘LARGER THAN LIFE’ Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

A

t 6-foot-3, Lyndon Baines Johnson was the second tallest president. He towered above his peers in the classroom and in the nation’s capital, especially when it came to preserving higher education.

*This is not a scientific poll

Despite ramen creator’s death, pot will boil on

New museum of President Johnson long overdue

Justin Jackley/Star illustration

We at Texas State love to make a big deal about our presidential alumnus, but the little statue in The Quad only goes so far. The University of Texas at Austin may have had the money to build LBJ’s presidential library, but now San Marcos is honoring its most famous son. It’s only fitting that the city of Johnson’s college alma mater pay tribute to him, and the new Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos, which opened its doors in December, is long overdue. Johnson is the only president to graduate from a Texas university. San Marcos and Texas State should be honored to be host to him. The idea to pay homage to the 36th president originated about 10 years ago, Ed Mihalkanin, associate professor of political science, told The University Star. Mihalkanin served as president of the board of directors for the museum from 1997 until this month. Johnson’s most notable act as president was when he signed the Higher Education Act of 1965, which increased money given to universities, established a National Teachers Corps and established scholarships and low-interest loans for students. Johnson was involved in politics during his years as a college student. He also served as the editor in chief of The College Star in Spring 1928. Johnson served as president from Nov. 22, 1963 to Jan. 20, 1969. It’s a shame the city took 37 years to dedicate a building to him and the university the same amount of time to give him a statue. Last year marked the 40th anniversary of Johnson signing the Higher Education Act of 1965. Johnson traveled to San Marcos to sign the bill on then-South West Texas State College’s campus. He understood that his education at this institution was what allowed him to climb the ladder to the presidency. At Texas State we always need to remember not just that we have a famous alumnus, but an alumnus who made a difference. Without the legislation Johnson pushed through Congress, many of us would not be able to attend college. By signing the Higher Education Act, he guaranteed many people the same opportunities he had. At the LBJ statue dedication student regent Frank Bartley said Johnson was a “larger-than-life figure.” This is true, but Johnson was also a reallife figure. He really did walk this campus. He ate here and slept here. He’s not a mythical figure, and now we have a way to remind ourselves of that. Texas State students and San Marcos residents can have the opportunity to learn about LBJ and his time here in our town and on our campus. The Star’s editorial board is filled with great pleasure to have one of our former editors honored so. The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

We can all do something to help combat global warming By Ashleigh Steele U. Nebraska/ The Daily Nebraskan LINCOLN, Neb. — I hate snow. I prefer sweating profusely to freezing. So it’s rather funny that I spent the holiday break surrounded by 27 inches of the stuff. In my home state of New Mexico it was a rarity. Since the beginning of the written record there has not been that much snow in a single snowfall in the state. I had to escape. So a friend and I took a much-needed trip we had previously planned to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Here we ate, drank, swam and watched An Inconvenient Truth on the side of our hotel. And we realized most of our current weather-related problems are because of global warming. We didn’t expect to spend our vacation pondering global warming and what might happen to the world in 50 or so years, but that’s what we did. The most frightening thought that crossed our minds was, what if these changes actually continue

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without our government taking any actions to stop them? Global warming is affecting us right now, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. What’s more, this most recent warming up of the earth is considered by the scientific community to be a result of human activity. Since we traveled to Costa Rica to escape the freak amount of snow, back home it was odd we were being told that because of global warming, precipitation worldwide will increase in areas where it has never been abundant before. According to the always-reliable Wikipedia, higher levels of evaporation will cause increased levels of precipitation in areas where precipitation is now scarce. Inversely, a decrease in precipitation in areas such as Africa will cause deforestation, which will lead to the eventual desertification of the region. Such drastic changes are already taking place today; we all remember Katrina and its devastating effects. The destructive force behind tropical storms has in fact doubled over the last 30

years. The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has also doubled since the 1970s. The global mean surface temperature has increased about 1.1 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900. The sea-ice extent in the Northern Hemisphere has decreased somewhere between 10 and 15 percent since the 1950s. All the while, the global sea level is between 3.9 and 10 inches higher than it used to be. And while some may believe this increase in temperature is just part of the cyclical warming of the earth and we have no responsibility to reduce emissions, the scientific consensus proves otherwise. Currently carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are the highest they have been in more than 650,000 years. The bulk of what causes these carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere to increase is heat-trapping emissions, aerosol pollution and ozone depletion, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. These are all human activities contributing to

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the problem. Clearly the consequences of global warming are going to affect us all, and the catastrophic effects of an event such as a hurricane are clear. But what other effects will be brought upon us by global warming? As we saw after Hurricane Katrina, there will be a vast number of negative effects from tropical storms ranging from a loss of property to loss of life, but there will also be negative effects in the economic sector. The agricultural, insurance, transportation, energy and automotive industries are just a few of the economic areas expected to be affected negatively by global warming. Millions of people will be forced to leave their homes because of global warming. Many governments are unsure as to whether or not they will be able to take in the number of displaced people when the time comes. Heat waves within the last decade have already claimed the lives of many in the United States and Europe. The Union

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of Concerned Scientists also believes that global warming will increase the spread of deadly diseases into regions where they have been eliminated or were never present. Why, then, is it so hard for the U.S. to address this problem? The president still has not accepted the Kyoto agreement on global warming. Considering the U.S. is one of the largest emitters of the greenhouse gases contributing to global warming, it is important that we take measures to prevent global warming, even if it is just on an individual level. There are individual steps you can take to address the problem. Use your student bus pass instead of driving, try to keep your shades open during winter months to let the heat in or simply turn off the lights when you aren’t home. It can be that simple. We should all do our part to slow down global warming. I know that I am going to try. After all, I want to keep the desert snow-free for a couple hundred more years.

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The holiday break was not bad at all, despite the deaths of former President Gerald Ford and James BRANDON SIMMONS Brown, the Star Columnist godfather of soul, putting a damper on things. Brown’s death was especially sad, since he died Christmas morning, but that was not as somber when I found out the creator of ramen noodles, Momofuku Ando, passed away Jan. 5. Ando died at age 96 of a heart attack in Japan. I could not even find the words that described how I felt. Since its origins are in Japan, ramen has become the bread and butter of anyone who is broke, especially college students. There are even so many ramen flavors out there that could put bread and butter to shame. Ramen noodles have to be the greatest creation since sliced bread. What used to be an item on the Japanese black market during World War II, according to a Jan. 6 CNN.com article, has now become a necessity to satisfy hunger. Considering the fact that ramen was at a luxury price of 35 yen when it was introduced to the public in 1958, according to the article, it is ironic that ramen has become the symbol of the broke person’s cuisine. It is also quite ironic that there are so many different flavors for the uncomplicated package of noodles. Some of the more popular flavors are chicken, pork, roast beef and my personal favorite, shrimp. All of these aforementioned savory treats would usually require a boatload of money to get and take almost forever to prepare, not to mention going through the whole kitchen using the correct pot and destroying the pantry for the correct seasoning. Thus ramen noodles answer the prayers of mislead meal makers and penny pinchers in peril. All you need for ramen is around 10 cents for a pack, one pot of boiling water and a measly three minutes of your time. Then you can eat as if you are dining at a four-star restaurant. It could be five-star, but ramen noodles tend to be a little salty; however, that also means they pack a lot of flavor that satisfies for a long time. Just because ramen noodles are a certain size does not mean that they quench a certain hunger. They can take away any hunger pains just as good as any regular can of soup. Sure, chicken noodle soup is good, but who can find it during the season where cold and allergies are rampant throughout? What about a bowl of chicken ramen noodles, which is cheaper and also abundant on the shelf? Not only can ramen noodles stop hunger of all sizes, but they can also be used to make alternative dishes. A dish someone told me about which I have yet to try involves pouring ketchup into ramen and calling it “spaghetti.” But this is not the only alternative way to fix up ramen noodles; people have been known to add other foods such as sausage, and some eat it as a side dish. It is no secret that ramen noodles are a better replacement for soup. There are a number of reasons this is true, including price, but size is also good to consider. Sometimes people do not want to walk out of the store with those heavy cans that feel like they weigh almost a ton when they can probably carry ten packs of ramen in one arm instead. This will come in handy when you are trying to push your way out of a crowded H-E-B, especially when preparing for a winter storm such as this current mess we are having. The future of ramen noodles is unclear for now. I am pretty sure its company, Nissin Foods, will continue to make the product, but I shall salute the creator of one of the greatest assets to this world. Surely my pot will boil on for him. Brandon Simmons is a pre-mass communication junior The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright January 18, 2007. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

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FOR RENT $495, 1BA/1BD, ON TSU SHUTTLE. FREE internet. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. 1BD/1BA, $450. 4-PLEX, 500 SQ. FT. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. $410 EFF., DOWNTOWN & CLOSE TO TSU. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. $0 APP. $0 DEP. $199 total movein. 1bd/1ba, $475; 2bd/2ba, $570. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. WALK TO TX STATE! Lg Rm, separate entrance, Rogers St. $150/mo., plus light chores. (512) 353-3224. 4BD/2BA, $279 P.P. Most bills paid. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

FOR RENT-APTS BISHOP’S CORNER AT 1409 BISHOP HAS 1BD FOR LEASE. Water/waste water and trash paid. $405/mo. Privacy Plus. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy, (512) 665-3321. NOW PRE-LEASING FOR MAY ‘07 AND AUGUST ‘07. Call Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. AWESOME DEAL! 2BD/2BA, 974 SQ. FT. $696. W/D included. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. ALL BILLS PAID! 1, 2, 3, 4 bedrooms available. W/D included. Walk to school. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. 4BD/4BA, $350 A MONTH. Internet/ cable w/ HBO/phone/trash pd. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. $575, 2BD/2BA, 810 SQ. FT. $200 OFF 1st month rent. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

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FOR RENT-HOUSES WALK TO TX STATE. Rogers St., 2BD, lg yard, pets ok, $700/mo. (512) 353-3224. FOR RENT: 3BD/2BA HOUSE in Kyle at Prairie on the Creek. (512) 422-0903 FOR RENT: NEW 3BD/2.5BA HOUSE in Kyle at Plum Creek. (512) 422-0903. 2BD/1BA, CENTRAL AIR AND HEAT. Fenced backyard. $650/mo. Available Jan 1. (512) 396-1717.

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FOR SALE 1995 CREST RIDGE MOBILE HOME - One owner, 16X80, 3BD/ 2BA, split bedrooms. Open concept. Covered porch, lg storage unit. $18,000. (512) 357-1403. LARGE, UPDATED 2 STORY CONDO 2/2. Tile flooring, fresh paint, newer carpet, fireplace, large closets, patio, fenced, appliances recently replaced. Close to campus! EXCELLENT CONDITION. Call Brenda (512) 393-4752. Randall Morris Real Estate.

HELP WANTED ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc. $75-200/ hr. No exp. needed, (512) 684-8296. HAVE THE SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE at a prestigious coed sleepaway camp in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, 2 1/2 hours from NYC. We’re seeking counselors who can teach any Team & Individual Sports, Tennis, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Mt. Biking, Theatre, Tech Theatre, Circus, Magic, Arts & Crafts, Pioneering, Climbing Tower, Water Sports, Music, Dance, Science, or Computers. Kitchen and maintenance positions also available. Great salaries and perks. Plenty of free time. Internships available for many majors. On-campus interviews on Feb. 7. Apply online at www.islandlake.com. Call (800) 869-6083 between 9 and 5 eastern time on weekdays for more information. info@islandlake.com. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day. No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800) 965-6520 ext. 157. CHILD CARE NEEDED. Afterschool in Wimberley. Pick up 10 yr. old from school and transport home. 12-15 hours per week, 2:45 - 5:45 pm each day. $7.00 per hour. Please call Karen Gordon-Sosby at 557-5655.

HELP WANTED JOHNNY ROCKETS “THE ORIGINAL HAMBURGER” located at Prime Outlet Mall is now hiring for all positions! Have fun at work and be apart of the team that serves fun food with a 50’s flare. Food service experience desired, but not necessary. Please apply in person Monday-Thursday, 3 p. m.-8 p. m. JOIN CAMP SOUTHWOODS AND HAVE THE BEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE! Southwoods is a co-ed residential camp in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Southwoods is seeking ENTHUSIASTIC, ENERGETIC, AND FUN-LOVING individuals to make an impact on a child’s life. Positions are available in the areas of Counselor, Activity Coaches, Waterfront Staff & others. Benefits include salary, room, board, laundry, & the best summer of your life! For more information & to complete an application visit our website www.southwoods.com or please contact us at 1-888-449-3357. ASSOCIATE VP FOR RESEARCH, National Hispanic Institute, PhD, EdD or completing doctoral candidacy in educational research, min. 2 yrs. of field experience, strong analytical and writing skills. Submit resume to PO BOX 220, Maxwell, TX 78656 or fax to (512) 357-2206. (512) 357-6137 BE YOUR OWN BOSS! PT-$6,000-$8,000/mo. plus $800-$1,000/mo. Mercedes car allowance. 26 year old business. Beauty, Skin care, Weight-loss products. Contact Brooklynn at (210) 912-3113. www.brooklynn.myarbonne.com LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENTS WANTED for the #1 apartment locating service in San Marcos, Apartment Experts. Full and Part time available. Call Greg @ (512) 805-0123. PT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED. Flexible hours-data entry, phone, etc. Call (512) 357-0015.

HELP WANTED OFFICE ASSISTANT NEEDEDNational Hispanic Institute, 30 hrs/Wk, $10 per hr. Requirements- HS diploma, bilingual, computer knowledge. Submit resume to (512) 357-2206 or PO BOX 220 Maxwell, TX 78656 DO YOU LIKE ATTENDING SPORTS EVENTS? Do you like free movies and pizza? Do you like challenges? Do you like knowing you’re making a difference in someone’s life? If so, ResCare Premier is looking for you. We provide rehabilitation services to persons with acquired brain injury. You eat, work, and play together. Sometimes a tough job. Always a rewarding experience. Absolutely a great career. The hardest job you’ll ever love! Applications available at 220 W. Hutchison, San Marcos. EOE, M/F/D/V. ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED. FT/PT, experience required. Call (512) 842-2233. UPBEAT, DEPENDABLE BARISTA FOR EARLY MORNING SHIFT at Heartland Coffee Shop in Wimberley. PT/FT positions available. (512) 847-7799. MOTEL FRONT DESK WANTED. Perfect job for students. Duties include: answering phones, reservations, handle cash & credit card transactions & guest services. Will train. Basic math skills necessary. Need hard working, computer literate, motivated and enthusiastic person. Apply in person at Americas Best Value Inn, I-35, Exit 221, Buda. EXPERIENCED SERVERS AND HOSTS WANTED AT PALMER’S RESTAURANT. Apply in person between 2-4 p.m. daily. EOE. No phone calls please.

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WANTED THE UNIVERSITY STAR IS NOW HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS!! Assistant Trends Editor: Job pays $250 per month. Must be proficient in AP style. Duties include assembling weekly Trends calendar, writing six stories a month, helping edit Trends stories and helping run meetings. Contact Trends Editor Maira Garcia at (512) 245-3487 or starentertainment@txstate.edu. Assistant News Editor: Job pays $250 per month. Must be proficient in AP style. Duties include overseeing Page 2, writing six stories per month, helping editing News stories and helping run meetings. Contact News Editor Nick Georgiou at (512) 245-3487 or starnews@txstate.edu. Columnists: Job pays $15 per published column. Must be proficient in AP style and able to meet deadlines. Duties include developing original column topics, attending weekly meetings and working with editor to develop succinct columnwriting skills. Contact Opinions Editor Emily Messer at (512) 245-3487 or staropinion@txstate.edu. Copy Editors: Job pays $5.15 per hour. Must be proficient in AP style. Duties include editing editorial content, writing headlines and attending weekly meetings. Contact Opinions Editor Sydney Granger at (512) 245-3487 or starcopychief@txstate.edu. The University Star is the 2005 and 2006 winner of Division II best in show, best overall paper and sweepstakes at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association’s annual convention. The Star is a student newspaper, created and edited entirely by students. Employment at The Star provides you with an opportunity to work with motivated and creative students who are interested in journalism and newspapers. This is a must for anyone interested in a career in journalism, and it is an excellent opportunity for students who want to get involved with the university and learn about the world around them. Pick up an application at the Trinity Building or download one at www.universitystar.com.

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

roadrash The Bobcat men’s basketball team will conclude a three-game road trip Thursday vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Texas State lost its first two road games in Southland Conference play to Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls State, after starting 2-0 in league contests. The Bobcats return home Saturday to face Texas-San Antonio. Game time is 6 p.m.

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - Page 10

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

Bobcats aim to ice Islanders By Gabe Mendoza The University Star

With consecutive road contests on the horizon, the Texas State women’s basketball team will look to close out a threegame home stand with a victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Thursday night. The Bobcats followed their first home loss of the season last week with a 72-64 win over conference-rival Nicholls State. The 10th win of the season for the ’Cats also improved their conference mark to three wins and one loss, with the lone defeat coming in a late-game stunner against Southeastern Louisiana. “That loss against Southeastern was heartbreaking,” said forward Joyce Ekworomadu, whose 18 points led the Bobcats in scoring against the Lady Colonels Saturday. “It feels great to get back on track because there’s the East and West divisions (in conference), so it’s going to be a tight race going to the end and every game matters.” A strong finish to the brief home stand would be a welcome sight for Coach Suzanne Fox’s squad, as it will hit the road after the game against the Islanders. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi heads into Thursday’s contest coming off a 53-48 loss to TexasPan American that snapped a four-game winning streak. The Islanders fell to .500 on the season at 8-8, but remain in second place in the West division with a 3-0 conference mark. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. at Strahan Coliseum. The Bobcats will head to San Antonio Saturday to take on the Roadrunners of Texas-San Antonio, followed by a trip to Nacogdoches Jan. 25 to face the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks. Fox’s approach to game day won’t change, whether at home or on the road,

as the Bobcats look to climb up the standings in the Southland Conference West division. “You have to be prepared for all the games in this league,” Fox said. “Anybody who comes in here or we go into their gym — they’re capable of beating us because it’s a very challenging league. Regardless, we have to come out and understand what needs to be done and get it done game-in and game-out.” The Islanders will be an exciting match-up for the Bobcats, whose scoring defense is ranked second in the conference, allowing just over 57 points a game. They will face the third-best scoring offense, which is led by guards Nicole Duncan and Kirbria Lewis; each player is averaging a team-high 14.3 points per game. Texas State’s successful defense to this point in the season has hinged on one aspect. “I would say that it is overall team defense that is at the root of it,” said senior forward Erica Putnam. “It’s basically just getting up in their jerseys, trying to pressure them (and let them) know someone behind you is going to be there. We just rely on each other.” The win against Nicholls State over the weekend was a total team effort, as four players reached double figures in scoring. Putnam dropped in 10 points and tied a career-high with 15 rebounds, while Marie Moser came off the bench to contribute 11 points and 11 rebounds, both career-highs. “We got good looks at the basket because there was constant movement,” Moser said. “If our guards move around then it’s more likely that someone is going to come up and double-team from behind and basically spread the floor, making sure everyone gets some space to work with.”

By Chris Boehm The University Star

Cotton Miller/Star photo POWER MOVES: Junior guard Joyce Ekworomadu powers her way to the hoop in the Bobcats’ win Saturday. Ekworomadu led the Bobcats with 18 points against Nicholls State.

Rec Center gears up for spring intramurals By Jacob Mustafa The University Star In preparation for warmer times, Texas State’s intramural sports department intends to bring in the spring semester with revamped versions of spring mainstays and old classics. The department added inner tube water polo, a take on the water sport that is played exactly like the name sounds. Players will take part in the game while in inner tubes, a modification David Arndt, intramural sports graduate assistant, thinks will help bring in students looking for something new to do on campus this spring. “It is new, but I think a lot of people will really come in and enjoy that,” Arndt said. Along with the department’s

newest sport, it brings back some of the most popular intramural sports, including basketball, softball and soccer. While they may be sports almost everyone is familiar with, even sports like these are going to deal with changes this spring. Basketball and outdoor soccer are the first sports up for the spring, with entry deadlines set for Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, respectively. Those familiar with intramural basketball at Texas State may notice a few differences, the first being the cancellation of the sixon-six basketball league. In its place will be the traditional fiveon-five leagues, divided into separate divisions due to the level of competitiveness in each. “It leaves room for those who are not as athletically gifted but still just want to have a good

Frank Erwin Center to host Chuck Norris’ World Combat League

time,” Arndt said. The A league will be for those looking for more of a challenge, and the B league will be available for those who are not as competitive. There will be more changes still for intramural basketball players, as the co-rec league’s strict rules that disallowed men to enter the paint will be removed and simply changed to make men blocking women’s shots illegal. “We wanted to try and make it fairer for the men,” Arndt said. “But we don’t want the guys overpowering the females.” The other major change to basketball, the most popular spring intramural sport, is the inclusion of a “Prove It” week that will have leagues compete against each other prior to the playoffs. It will be the first time

inter-league play has been used in intramural basketball at Texas State. Where basketball may look slightly different this spring, the sport of softball will remain the same. The only important change the intramural sports department plans for this sport is an even higher turnout this year, changing from the usual 95-100 teams to a new high of 120. Also returning are nine-onnine soccer and dodgeball, the latter a sport that is still in its infancy at Texas State, here for only its third year. It has clearly been popular enough to survive and Arndt said he thinks that the sport is successful for the same reason most people find intramural sports enjoyable. “It is a lot of fun and pretty competitive,” he said.

The Hill Country is ready for a second round with Chuck Norris. The famed actor and martial artist brings the World Combat League to Austin’s Frank Erwin Center once again, this time for the inaugural season championship. The event starts at 8 p.m. and features teams from Houston and Miami vying for the league title. “It will probably be bigger, because now the word’s out,” Norris said. “We’re excited. It’s been an incredible season.” Tickets range from $25 for upper-level seats to $150 for floor sections. Norris said the $150 tickets were already sold out and 2,000 seats total had been sold as of last week. Norris and company have decided to use the event as a tribute to the military as well. The veteran martial artist recently went to Iraq after getting a call from the United Services Organization. “We may have more than we can handle,” Norris said. “When I got back from Iraq I went to Brooke Medical Center (in San Antonio) and met with amputees and burn victims. For this I contacted Brooke, and invited them to the championship. I was thinking maybe 20 would want to go, but it’s more like 150.” Fight night features the Houston Enforces against the Miami Force for the championship, with the Los Angeles Stars taking on the Philadelphia Fire in the thirdplace competition. The Enforcers earned the right to fight for first place after defeating the Oklahoma Destroyers at the Frank Erwin Center in September. The WCL marks Norris’ return to a 30-year-old idea, one that began with his formation of the National Combat League. Fighting for a different Los Angeles Stars team back then, Norris traveled to major cities in the U.S. until Hollywood came calling. “I thought, ‘I’m on to something here (with the NCL),’ but then I was offered a film role — Good Guys Wear Black. Film of course won out,” Norris said. “But I always had it in the back of my mind. Then after eight-and-ahalf years of Walker, Texas Ranger, I thought about getting back to my roots.” This time around the fighting has been trimmed down, as no holds or grapples are allowed during the fight. Norris wanted to keep the action fast-paced compared to other mixed martial arts leagues such as Ultimate Fighting Championship. The competition consists of six

Cotton Miller/Star file photo BIG HIT: The World Combat League will return to Austin Saturday at the Frank Erwin Center.

✯FYI For more information, contact the Frank Erwin Center or Texas Box Office. match-ups. Each person fights the same opponent twice, for a total of 12 rounds. After one season the league has been picked up by Versus, a cable sports channel that at one time specialized in outdoors content. Norris said the new season starts Jan. 25, after the league earned high ratings during four shows that aired in December. “They aired the shows with no promotion just to see what the buzz would be. And they got their highest ratings ever,” Norris said. “They said, ‘We didn’t expect this.’” Saturday’s festivities also include halftime performances by members from KICKSTART, a program for middle-school-aged children that Norris started 12 years ago in Houston. The WCL’s proceeds aid the organization in teaching moral and physical conditioning in an effort to prevent the use of drugs and involvement in gangs. “That’s the main reason (for the WCL),” Norris said. “I’ve talked to the mayor of Austin (Will Wynn) and he said he’s interested in starting a school there. But I have to come up with the money and way to finance it.” Norris said he eventually wants 500 schools in Texas. The organization has graduated more than 40,000 children. “We have people working for us for $30,000 because we can’t pay them the money they deserve,” Norris said. “One of my instructors turned down an $80,000 computer job (to stay with KICKSTART). They’re saints. These are my heroes.”

Texas State hosts meeting for Society of American Baseball Research By Chris Boehm The University Star Members of the Society of American Baseball Research will host a six-hour meeting Sat-

urday at the LBJ Student Center to discuss the most storied of all professional sports. “No one was more popular than Babe Ruth during his time. The only thing close in magni-

tude was Seabiscuit — a horse,” said Texas League president Tom Kayser. “That’s what there was in those days — baseball and horse racing.” “People can name names in

football, but more can tell you who was the last person to hit .400, or the number of no-hitters Nolan Ryan has thrown.” The event begins at 10 a.m. in room 3-10.1 for the Austin-based Roger Hornsby chapter, named after the seven-time batting champion inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1942. David King, a SABR member and reporter for the San Antonio Express-News, opens the discussions with the day’s first presentation. “David’s done a lot of research on the Negro Leagues in San Antonio,” said Kayser, who cowrote Baseball in the Lone Star State: The Texas League’s Greatest Hits with King. The Double-A Texas League includes teams in San Antonio, Frisco, Corpus Christi and other cities in the Lone Star State. Kayser will give a presentation Saturday on various aspects of baseball history. One story describes a tale about Gene Moore, a college pitcher from Lancaster, who in 1910 went to a tryout in Dallas. The pitcher was roughed up through two outings, then asked for a third chance. Moore threw a one-hitter the next time out, prompting a Dallas writer to lead off the story, “Now is the winter of distrust made glorious summer by this son of Lancaster.” The writing was a twist on a line from the Shakespeare play, Richard III.

“Many people there were farm folks, and weren’t even high school graduates,” Kayser said. “(The writer) used this line assuming people would get it. People wouldn’t even get it today. I don’t even know which play it’s from. Sportswriters today wouldn’t use a line like that.” Other speakers include longtime scout Al LaMacchia and Carl Scheib, who began playing professional baseball at age 16. Scheib finished his 11-year career with a 45-64 record, his best season (11-7) coming in 1952. LaMacchia pitched in the majors for the St. Louis Browns during World War II, but spent most of his time in the minors as a player for San Antonio in the Texas League. The veteran scout has worked for the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays and most recently the Los Angeles Dodgers. His signees include David Wells, the San Diego Padres pitcher, and Dave Stieb, the only player to throw a no-hitter in the history of the Blue Jays. “Al was instrumental in putting some clubs together in Toronto and Atlanta. He’s got to be in his upper 80s, but he’s so knowledgeable and still vital. They’ve put together a nice list of speakers.” SABR was started in 1971 in Cooperstown, N.Y. The society has grown from 78 members in

✯FYI Anyone interested in attending can contact William Gilbert at billcgilbert@sbcglobal.net. its first year to approximately 7,000. William Gilbert started the Austin chapter three years ago and said this will be the first event of its kind for the division. Gilbert previously spent 15 years at the chapter in Houston. He also currently works under Tal Smith, President of Baseball Operations for the Houston Astros. “(SABR’s) an informal organization,” Gilbert said. “We plan a get-together once a month at a barbecue place in Austin. Every year we have a national conference in July. We usually have about 600 people there.” The organization distributes publications to members, focusing on both historical and quantitative areas of baseball history. SABR research includes player biographies, statistics, and different eras of the game. “It’s a great opportunity to meet people,” Gilbert said. “I’ve been to about 13 conventions and found people who enjoy baseball all over the country. If not for SABR, I wouldn’t have gotten into the salary arbitration that I do now (for the Astros). I wouldn’t have gotten to publish any articles.”