02 07 2007

Year one

The football program looks to the future at National Signing Day

Comedian Roy Wood Jr. relieves students’ stress with laughter Wednesday

SEE SPORTS PAGE 8

SEE TRENDS PAGE 4

KNEE

SLAPPING

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

WWW.UNIVERSITYSTAR.COM

FEBRUARY 7, 2007

WEDNESDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 51

Faculty, staff debate course removal from core curriculum

BOBCATS TAKE DOWN NO. 1

By Ashley Gwilliam The University Star The Texas legislature mandated in 2005 that Texas undergraduate programs be reduced to 120 hours by the 2008 fall semester, unless the institution determines there is a compelling academic reason for requiring completion of additional hours.

The new law has created controversy, as Texas State faculty and staff continue to debate over which course requirements could be subtracted from the current 128-hour degree program that would be the most beneficial, or least harmful, to students.

Four faculty committees have been given the task of generating ideas and making recommendations to Perry Moore, provost and vice president of academic affairs. The committees are the General Education Council, the 120 Hour Committee, the Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Senate.

Although the ultimate decision-maker is the provost, who holds responsibility for and authority over the entire academic program, Debbie Thorne, associated vice president of academic affairs, said she wants this decision to be facultydriven.

“It is important for the committees to bring perspective because this is a highly complex process,” she said.

Moore had recommended four hours be cut from the core, requiring students to take their choice of either English literature or philosophy.

In a Nov. 28 letter addressed to Moore by four university professors, Moore was quoted as saying he “strongly recommended” that university seminar and speech communication courses be exempt from consideration.

On Nov. 28 the first assigned committee, the General Education Council, recommended leaving the core curriculum as is — but that if hours

Austin Byrd/Star photo OPENING WITH A BANG: The unranked Texas State Bobcats mob senior Jared Bunn after he crosses the plate on a two-out single to left field from freshman Laurn Randell, breaking a 2-2 tie to give the Bobcats the win in the bottom of the ninth.

See PHILOSOPHY, page 3

ASG president expects overwhelming support for Senate Reformation

By Paul Rangel The University Star As the next Associated Student Government meeting nears, senators and administrators are gathering information and seeking support for the Senate Reformation legislation, which was tabled Jan. 29.

“As we’ve been counting the votes and talking to student senators, it looks to me as if we have overwhelming support,” said Kyle Morris, ASG President.

This is after many ASG Sena-

tors engaged in discussion preceding the Jan. 29 meeting; strong opinions were expressed both for and against the proposal.

The reformation calls for adding more seats to the Senate and limiting seats to colleges.

Fourteen seats would be allocated for on-campus students and 14 for off-campus students.

The Residence Hall Association has indicated that the reformation is something they support, and student organizations are in favor of it because it will give them a voice and em-

power them, Morris said.

He said that currently the student body only has a voice in the presidential and vice presidential elections. This would create a better chance for competition and more voices to be heard, he said.

“I think that the process needs to just play out,” said Vincent Morton, ASG adviser and associate dean of students. “Being part of the student government, there are going to be a multitude of issues that are presented and should be debated.”

Joseph Prather, ASG senator

and undecided-professional junior, opposes the reformation, but he said he “could care less” if it passes.

“I don’t think it’s going to hurt (ASG),” he said. “It’s just going to add more people.”

He said there is an attendance problem with some senators and that adding 20 more will only mean more empty seats.

Amanda Oskey, ASG vice president, brought up the legislation in anticipation of voting next week. She said it was an important issue and if it did not work then the Senate could

change it next year.

It possibly may be an effort to get more students that are participatory, Morton said.

“What we’re trying to do is give more students more avenues to get involved with student government,” Morris said.

Students that run for a Senate position may only declare themselves in one classification. However, if they are not elected, those students may opt to apply through the elections committee only if there are vacant seats on the Senate.

“I think that you’ll hear a lot

of the points brought up, and the process will move forward and they’ll make the decision as a body,” Morton said.

Student government changes every year, much of which is impacted by the leadership, senators and administration, he said.

“You probably had a number of senators who enjoyed the art of debate — it wasn’t uncommon for us to be in meetings until midnight,” Morton said. “Senators and administration would do their homework and put everything on the table.”

Western Sudan crisis awareness top Smithsonian director to speak on priority for Texas State organization campus about Black History Month

By Chelsea Juarez The University Star A mass genocide is taking place in Darfur, a region in Western Sudan, and Texas State students involved in the Network of Enlightened Women have made creating awareness of the crisis a focal part of their agenda.

A philosophy dialogue entitled “Who Will Save the People of Darfur,” and a voluntary fast comprise the group’s agenda.

Laura Jamison and Annette Walker, Texas State’s NEW presidents, said the organization has merged ideas with the Common Experience and its theme, “Protest and Dissent,” to start a campus initiative toward Darfur.

“It’s amazing that nobody knows about it,” said Walker, nutrition senior.

According to the Save Darfur Web site, the region has been entangled in the conflict between the Sudanese government and two rebel groups since 2003, which has claimed at least 400,000 innocent lives and forced more than 2.5 million civilians to seek refuge. As it stands today, more than 3.5 million are reliant on international aid for survival.

The rebel groups, called the Sudanese Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement, dedicate their efforts to addressing underdevelop-

Today’s Weather

Mostly Sunny 74˚/52˚

Precipitation: 10% Humidity: 66% UV: 5 Moderate Wind: S 11 mph

ment in Sudan and political marginalization. The Sudanese armed forces and its ally, Janjaweed, have retaliated at the civilians and ethnic groups from which the rebels obtain most of their support.

“Six to 10,000 refugees die per month,” said Danielle Madsen, treasurer of NEW and mass communication senior.

In 2004, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution demanding the Sudanese government disarm Janjaweed, and in May 2006 the Darfur Peace Agreement was signed. Then on Aug. 31, the Security Council authorized a UN peacekeeping force for Darfur. Janjaweed has ignored these actions and continued to commit genocidal crimes with the aid of the Sudanese government.

NEW has made an effort to educate by speaking to political science classes, passing out flyers and contacting surrounding schools along the Interstate 35 corridor.

“We are working with The White Rose Society in Austin to push the fast on Austin and San Antonio colleges to make this a unified effort to stop the genocide,” said Jamison, mass communication senior.

She said the major goals were to have every single organization on campus involved and to See SUDAN, page 3

Two-day Forecast Thursday Partly Cloudy Temp: 70°/ 50° Precip: 72%

Friday Partly Cloudy Temp: 68°/ 48° Precip: 10%

By Karen Little The University Star Historian and educator Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, will present a lecture on “The Continuing Importance of African American History Month” at Bunch 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Flowers Hall, Room 341.

The department of history, the University Lecturers Series and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will be hosting the event. The lecture will address the significance of Black History Month and its effect on the nation.

“I think part of the notion is asking, ‘why is this month still important?’” Bunch said. “Even my daughters say we live in a world that is integrated.”

Bunch said besides being aware of the world we live in, the message will focus on the value of black culture.

“It’s about the inspiration, clarity and resilience of African Americans and why it’s more important than ever before,” Bunch said.

Jonnie Wilson, assistant director of multicul-

“B

lack history should not be celebrated in just February, but any month of the year.”

—Jonnie Wilson assistant director, multicultural student affairs

tural student affairs, said she is hoping that it will raise awareness.

“Black history should not be celebrated in just February, but any month of the year,” Wilson said.

Bunch said he believes a good lecture is comparable to a child listening to elders tell stories in the backyard.

“As a historian, I believe it is important (to lecture) because it tells who we are as America,” Bunch said.

Bunch lectures one-third of every month about the Smithsonian Museum and black history.

Bunch has published several books and magazine articles varying from black history to cultural experiences in Japan.

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PAGE TWO

February 7, 2007

Wednesday in Brief

starsof texas state Texas State students Kari Binger and Grant Georgulis, members of the LBJ Arnold Air Society, were awarded the Outstanding Active of the Year and Outstanding Squad Commander of the Year award, respectively. They received the awards in October at the Area Conclave held in Baton Rouge.

The LBJ Arnold Air Society also earned four out of

five accolades at the competition. The Air Society will compete again in April.

Upon graduation, Georgulis, finance senior, and Binger, pre-mass communication junior, plan to join the Air Force.

—Courtesy of Public Relations

News Contact — Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

A Place to Wind Down WEDNESDAY The Association of Information Technology Professionals will have a Chapter Meeting with guest speaker Griselda Bautista. She will be discussing working in IT for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The meeting will be at 5 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 124.

There will be free pizza and soda. All majors are welcomed to attend.

Latino Student Association will be having a Taco Sale 8-12 p.m. by the Quad. For more information regarding LSA log onto�www.studentorgs. txstate.edu/LSA\ or, email the organization at�lsa_ txstate@yahoo.com.

Le Cercle Francais will have their first meeting of the semester from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Reading Room on the second floor of Centennial Hall. Le Cercle Francais is dedicated to spreading the love of all things French, but you need not speak French to attend. E-mail kec@txstate.edu for more information.

A Hays County Republican Club Meeting will be held at Stonebrook in San Marcos, located at 300 S. Stagecoach Trail. A guest speaker will provide an overview of the legislative Session, discuss the changing political environment and detail the necessary steps for driving greater fiscal responsibility in state government. Social time will begin at 6:30 p.m.; meeting begins at 7 p.m. All are invited to participate.

Career Services will be holding a Summer Job Fair in the LBJ Student Center Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call Jonathan Pliego at (512) 245-2645 or email at jp55@txstate.edu.

University Police Department Feb. 1, 3:20 a.m.

DUI – Minor, Open Container/ PODP/Bexar Garage An officer initiated a traffic stop.

Upon further investigation one student was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and was issued a citation. A non-student was issued a citation for open container and another student was issued a citation for driving under the influence.

The American Marketing Association presents Ruth Verver, “Creator of Miracles” for Ad Ventures in Texas, Inc. at 5:30 p.m. in LBJSC Room, 3-14.1. Free food & drinks available starting at 5:15 p.m.

All majors welcomed to attend.

More info is at www.business. txstate.edu/AMA Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center will be holding Advocate Training for volunteers interested in helping victims of abuse. For more information, call Elizabeth Dixon at (512) 396-3404.

The Earth First Organization will be having their weekly meeting at 4 p.m. in the Evan Liberal Arts Room, 314. Any questions can be sent to Bogan Durr at bd1132@txstate.edu.

The Tennis Club will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the tennis courts on Sessom Drive, behind Joe’s Crab Shack. All skill levels are welcome. For more information contact Chris Harris, Tennis Club President, at ch1282@txstate.edu.

The Alcohol and Drug Resource center will be holding their weekly “The Network” meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, Room 3-6.1.

CRIME BL TTER

Monty Marion/Star photo Stefan Blancarte, communication design senior, works the desk Tuesday afternoon in Boko’s Living Room. Boko’s, located in the LBJ Student Center, offers students a place to study or relax in front of a television and with blankets, pillows and alarm clocks available for use.

Feb. 1, 4:20 a.m.

MIP/Possession of False ID/ PODP/Bexar Garage An officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation a student was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, a false ID and a minor in possession of alcohol. The student was issued a citation.

Ethics commissions the new fad in politics The states are far ahead of Congress in establishing independent ethics enforcement for legislators, according to a study released Tuesday by the Texas Public Interest Research Group. The report, Honest Enforcement: What Congress Can Learn From Independent State Ethics Commissions, found that 23 states have created commissions, boards or offices that operate largely free of partisan interference to oversee the ethics rules that apply to elected officials.

Responding to widespread voter concern about corruption in Congress, the Texas House and Senate passed strong new restrictions on gifts and travel paid for by lobbyists in the first weeks of the new Congress.

The report separated out states that allow legislators to review complaints and decide whether to investigate allegations against their colleagues.

Those state bodies were not determined to be independent.

“Under these basic criteria, Congress would not even make the cut,” Brooks said.

The report also reviewed oversight procedures in the private sector and found that public businesses and professional licensing boards incorporate many of the conflict of interest elements favored by independent ethics commissions.

“Congress is almost alone in choosing to police itself,” Brooks said.

In the report, states in which

a citizen’s panel is authorized to review complaints and proceed with investigations were determined to be independent.

States were further divided into four categories by the level of independence. States were scored by how well they fared under the following criteria: whether outside panelists who oversee a professional director and a staff of impartial investigators; if there are clear and mandatory conflict of interest guidelines limiting service to those who are not covered by the ethics rules or closely involved in partisan activities; if panelists serve set terms and cannot be removed for any reason other than cause; if panelists have the power to receive complaints from the general

public; if panelists have the ability to launch investigations without legislative or outside approval and recommend or enforce sanctions against those who have violated the rules; and the degree to which there is appropriate disclosure of the panel’s actions.

The report also concluded that the Texas Ethics Commission, despite its name, should not be considered a genuine ethics investigative body, as it only has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to campaign finance.It has no power to enforce ethics rules regulating the behavior of elected officials.

— Courtesy of the Texas Public Interest Research Group

NEWS

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

The University Star - Page 3

SUDAN: Information on genocide to be PHILOSOPHY: Four available in Quad; protesters plan to fast professors make CONTINUED from page 1

raise awareness.

“It’s greater than any one group or political party,” Madsen said.

The organization intends to make information accessible through flyers, bulletins, mass e-mails and tables set up in The Quad.

Faculty panel discussions may also be part of the approach, however any plans at the moment are tentative, Jamison said.

The dialogue, led by an all-student panel, will be held March 20. Jamison said the idea is to provide students an opportunity to ask questions about the genocide and learn how to take action toward the cause.

The scheduled activities will lead up to the fast April 4. NEW encourages all to participate even if not by giving up food entirely.

“If people can’t give up food for one day then we are going to ask them to give up one luxury item — like coffee, soda, or anything they would normally consume — and give that money to the Darfur cause,” Jamison said.

Reagan Pugh, Common Experience student coordinator, said the group feels the fast is appropriate for obvious reasons and believes it will draw more attention to the public.

“I’ve been to Southern Sudan and worked in an orphanage over one summer,” said Pugh, English junior. “As far as Darfur, it breaks my heart to see all the disease and watch the genocide happen.

You see videos with children with slashes

appeal to provost

“W

e are working with The White Rose Society in Austin to push the fast on Austin and San Antonio colleges to make this a unified effort to stop the genocide.”

CONTINUED from page 1

—Laura Jamison president, Network of Enlightened Women

on the backsides of their heads and you think, ‘Holy …’ There are these lines we don’t understand because we don’t have to deal with it.”

Diann McCabe, assistant director for the Mitte Honors Program, said she fasted for three days and considers it a MCT memorable experience.

“It creates awareness in the individual House, Walker said. Madsen said the three when you realize why it is you’re hungry,” felt compelled to take a step toward the efMcCabe said. “It’s a non-violent form of fort, and decided to make it their goal for protest.” the semester.

The idea for the initiative arrived after “We hope we can inspire others to take a rally in Washington, D.C., when Jamison, up this cause, and make their own group Walker and Madsen met a member of a and continue awareness about Darfur,” Darfur-awareness organization. They were Jamison said. “I want to challenge Texas intrigued by what they learned and later State students to not be apathetic and impassioned by a rally outside the White make their voices heard.”

Perry’s state address focuses on privatizing lottery

By Robert T. Garrett and Christy Hoppe The Dallas Morning News (MCT) AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry asked lawmakers Tuesday to follow him in the boldest initiative of his administration: selling the Texas Lottery to subsidize health insurance for 500,000 low-income adults and fund research to help cure cancer in 10 years.

In his biennial State of the State address, Perry detailed his shoot-for-the-stars proposal that envisions pooling the best resources of the state’s medical research network to produce breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The infusion of money also would be used to counter one of the state’s most persistent problems, its high national ranking in the share of residents without health insurance.

“We’re thinking outside the box to come up with solutions,” said press secretary Robert Black. “This plan is financially sound and begins to answer the long-term needs of the state.”

But such an ambitious plan will bring an extraordinary amount of scrutiny from the Legislature and others. Potential pitfalls include whether a private company would pay enough for the lottery, whether the state can get a good enough return on investments to provide long-term funding and philosophical questions about whether government should sell off valuable assets with no crisis on the horizon.

Plus, the lottery provides $1 billion annually to public schools, and the plan would fall $250 million short of that revenue, creating a potential long-term hole in the state budget. The money would have to be made up somewhere in the rest of the state’s budget, Black said.

The governor’s plan, described Monday to The Dallas Morning News, envisions an upfront payment of about $14 billion from a private company for the lottery.

That superfund would be used to establish three trusts: $8.3 billion to replace most of the public-education revenue lost with the sale of the lottery; $3 billion for cancer research; and $2.7 billion to expand health insurance coverage for the working poor. The interest proceeds from those trusts would fund the programs — producing an annual revenue of $1.26 billion, the governor projects.

Prior to Tuesday’s address, the scope of Perry’s plan has been detailed for only a handful of legislators, and leaders say they are still evaluating it. When the governor mentioned a pos-

sible lottery sale last week, it sparked immediate protests from some legislative leaders.

“The speaker has said that we’re still Gov. Perry taking a look at it,” said Alexis DeLee, spokeswoman for House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland.

He and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst were given a broad outline of the plan last week as they had breakfast with Perry, she said.

“We have a number of questions about it,” DeLee said.

The state would keep the initial investments safe and fund the new initiatives with interest from those trusts. That would earn more than annual lottery sales, Black said, and be a steadier, more predictable source of revenue.

The plan counts on annual investment returns of 9 percent, and it’s unclear what would happen if that fell short.

Black said the governor wants to act quickly because other states, and even other countries, are exploring selling their lottery operations, and if they act first, it could decrease the value of Texas’ lottery. None has done so yet.

The idea of selling the lottery sends shudders through some Republicans.

“I’m not sure I like the idea of selling off the lottery to a privately run entity, encouraging more and more gambling,” said Rep. John Davis of Houston, who plays a key role in writing the state’s social services budget. “I just don’t think that’s a good public policy.”

The cancer trust fund’s interest proceeds would be disbursed by a panel of experts, though Perry, Dewhurst and the speaker would have to sign off.

State universities sponsor some cancer research but “there’s no real way to determine exactly how much funding the state has provided because higher education funding has historically been allocated as a lump sum,” said Perry spokeswoman Krista Moody. “This is the first time the state would allocate money specifically for cancer research.”

Perry’s proposed subsidies for private insurance coverage of working adults drew mixed reviews from health care analysts.

Basically, the governor would take interest earnings from his proposed health insurance trust fund — an estimated $243 million a year. He then would

rake off $375 million a year from a pool of mostly federal money that reimburses public hospitals for treating a lot of uninsured people and Medicaid recipients.

With those funds, the state would pay $100 to $150 a month of the cost of individual health plans for adults, ages 18 to 64.

The individual, perhaps with help from his or her employer, would put up the other half of the premium.

Robert Blendon of Harvard University called it “a significant effort to expand coverage,” though he warned that many states have had trouble selling to the poor subsidized, private health insurance plans with limited benefits.

“Either the policies sold look so terrible to people (that) they won’t buy them, or they’re too expensive for people right on the margin,” he said.

Michael Cannon of the libertarian Cato Institute in Washington said the plan “sounds really interesting – and really problematic.” He raised questions about further government subsidies and creating another social benefit pegged to income.

Perry’s aides say Medicaid, the nation’s main health program for the poor, offers “Cadillac” plans that cover more services — and a greater proportion of their costs — than most private plans.

The subsidized plans would be more like a “Chevrolet,” they say, probably offering a leaner range of benefits and requiring substantial co-payments or deductibles — though the market would determine all of that.

To be eligible for the subsidy, an adult would have to make less than twice the federal poverty limit. A breadwinner for a family of four couldn’t earn more than $40,000.

“It’s going to increase the number of people who are dependent on the state for their

health insurance,” said Cannon.

Black, the Perry spokesman, said the uninsured are a drag on the health care system and Medicaid already consumes about one-quarter of the state budget, so officials must act.

“As the governor has said, if we don’t do something about Medicaid costs, we’ll bankrupt the state,” he said.

While the Perry plan would dip into an existing $1.4 billion pool of mostly federal money that rewards public hospitals for treating a “disproportionate share” of the poor, there would be two benefits for the safety net hospitals.

One-quarter of uninsured adults in Texas would get more preventive services and be less likely to show up in emergency rooms. Also, Perry separately will recommend that $175 million of state money be added to hospitals’ run-of-the-mill Medicaid reimbursements, which would help them draw more federal money.

Princeton University health economist Uwe Reinhardt said he fears the effects on public hospitals such as Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

“Parkland is probably the best American public hospital that we have, and you would hate to see that hurt,” Reinhardt said. “So this (disproportionate share) money diversion could hurt a hospital on which Texans rely.”

The Perry plan also would offer separate benefits packages for different subgroups in Medicaid — healthy children and adults, chronically ill children, and adults who are in nursing homes or group homes or could be soon.

Health savings accounts would be offered to uninsured adults who bought the subsidized coverage and to a small group of welfare recipients who are preparing to enter the workforce.

must be eliminated, they should come from physical fitness and wellness and university seminar courses.

Despite such recommendations, Ron Brown, committee chair and dean of university college, argued against the committee, endorsing Moore’s prior suggestion.

Concerned with the core curriculum’s future and the possible weakening of humanities courses, professors Jeffrey Gordon, Paul Cohen, Robert Gorman and James Housefield wrote Moore, asking him to seek faculty advice regarding all options and to rethink the value of philosophy and literature.

The reasons students should study philosophy today are the same as the ones given when philosophy was made a core requirement in 1983, said Gordon, philosophy professor.

“First, philosophy is in a position to introduce students to moral reasoning,” he said. “Second, philosophy is in a position to train people to think clearly, critically and logically.”

Although a definitive direction had not been taken, the professors were concerned that it could happen so quickly that it might be without adequate faculty input, said Housefield, art and design professor.

“As National Endowment for the Humanities Distinguished Teaching Professors, we feel it is incumbent on us to be outspoken in defense of the humanities,” he said. “Philosophy is essential to the liberal arts curriculum, just as literature and the visual arts are.”

In the letter the professors said, “Philosophy and Literature — teaching both skills and rich content, and essentials of any plausible conception of the educated human being — do not enjoy the indispensable status reserved for University Seminar and Speech Communication. We

are troubled by this preference.

We do not understand the rationale for it.”

Provost Moore responded to the letter saying he appreciated hearing from the professors and that “the faculty governance has and will continue to be the heart of curricular actions.”

Gordon and Housefield said they would like for the issue to be more publicly dealt with and involve more faculty and students.

Thorne said all committee representatives have been elected or appointed and that she hopes committee members are having dialogue with the faculty in their colleges.

She said a point not emphasized enough is that the individual departments have a say.

“Let’s say a department wants philosophy and literature as a requirement — there wouldn’t be anything saying the department couldn’t require both,” she said.

“There are still many other options to consider.”

Housefield said in the department of art and design, a 120hour undergraduate program could be problematic. The norm at other art schools is well above 120 hours, he said.

“If we dropped below it could raise questions about the degree of preparation students receive,” he said. “It could cause students to look elsewhere. We would have to argue, as one department among many, that the university would be better served not implementing the 120-hour rule.”

The 120 Hour Committee convened Tuesday, making it the second committee to present recommendations on the matter to the provost. The Committee voted to make no cuts in the core curriculum.

“It was a pretty substantial vote,” Gordon said.

Two additional committees will present their recommendations in the near future.

“The goal is to make a decision as soon as possible,” Thorne said.

Got dirt?

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

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Pet of the Week This female foxhound is currently available for adoption from the San Marcos Animal Shelter. Foxhounds are bred as hunting dogs, known for their kind temperament and need ample exercise and socialization.

Call the animal shelter at (512) 393-8340 for adoption information.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 - Page 4

Trends Contact — Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Comedian

Roy Wood Jr. to be laughing stock of campus

By Laura Jamison The University Star

Photo courtesy of roywoodjr.com COME FOR A LAUGH: Roy Wood Jr., famous for his prank calls, will perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the LBJ Student Center Ballroom.

Roy Wood Jr. started doing comedy as a hobby to relieve stress.

But now, “It’s like an addiction much like heroin or Krispy Kreme donuts,” Wood said.

The comedian forged a career out of his old hobby and has even graced the Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central’s Bob & Tom Comedy Tour and Premium Blend.

Wood is set to perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday in at the LBJ Student Center Ballroom. He said he hopes students will leave the show with laughter and truth.

“With laughter, I try to make people aware of the world around them and push the envelope.

They are going to get a nice dose of truth,” Wood said.

He said he hopes to offer students a unique version of comedy.

“Everybody thinks jokes about smoking weed and doing pot is good comedy, and although I have those jokes too, I want people to leave saying ‘I did not know that.’ I want them to get truth,” Wood said.

Infamous for his prank calls, Wood is heard on 40 different radio markets including stations in Canada and England. Wood said his favorite prank call involved calling a lady to tell her that her social security check was cut.

“Every curse word ever invented was spit at me and now it has been all over the world,” Wood said.

He said the art of prank calling is figuring out what makes people tick.

“If I can get you mad, then you are not thinking logically and that is how I prank call,” Wood said.

Adam Cervantez, fine arts coordinator for SACA, said Wood is a high-caliber comedian.

“When people asked who to bring first, Josh Blue or Roy Wood Jr., I said Roy Wood Jr. because that is just the caliber of comedy he does,” Cervantez said.

Cervantez attended a conference where Wood was performing and he said Wood’s comedy overcomes society’s barriers.

“When we look at race and gender with humor and laughter it reminds us of when it was never an issue — like when we were kids.

There is still a barrier and hopefully people will look at things in

DVD-release prompts Taking Back Sunday tour

By Todd Schaaf The University Star Taking a different approach to their typical live show, national recording act Taking Back Sunday is going on tour in support of its first DVD, Louder Now DVD: Partone.

Taking Back Sunday bassist Matt Rubano said fans can expect something a little different from this tour.

“We’re going a lot of places on this tour that we haven’t been to in a while, or ever,” Rubano said. “We’re playing a lot of cities we don’t ever get to go to.”

In addition to playing cities and venues it normally bypasses, Taking Back Sunday will also have a new set list.

“We always try to vary different songs from different records, play things we

haven’t played in a while,” Rubano said.

“For this tour we’ve got a new set list of old songs, from old albums and Bsides.”

The band has been touring off and on since the release of its 2006 album Louder Now. Rubano said he was excited to begin playing again.

“When we’ve been off for a while — we’re anxious. It’s like the moment at a race right before racecars start. When we play there is a frenetic energy; it’s a lot of fun. It’s hard to describe,” Rubano said.

Taking Back Sunday has dealt with lineup changes. Each album has seen the departure of a member and the addition of new ones. Rubano himself is not an original member of the Long Island, N.Y.-based screamo band.

“It’s sort of like starting a new band with songs already. Louder Now was a bit of a clean slate, and I think the record speaks to a truer sound,” Rubano said Taking Back Sunday’s popularity has grown in part to late-night talk show hosts such as Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien, who have featured the band on multiple occasions.

At the end of its upcoming tour, the band will play a European leg with a stop at London’s Wimbley Arena.

Rubano said the transition did not occur overnight.

“It was really gradual. There was no booming explosion. Slowly we went to playing arenas from shows with a couple hundred people right on top of you,” Rubano said.

Although the group has become more popular, Rubano said, Taking Back Sunday remains loyal and appreciative of its original fan base.

“We’re the kind of band that it’s important for us to be approachable. It’s not uncommon to run into us at the concert or in the parking lot,” Rubano said.

Touring the U.S. with Taking Back Sunday will be Underoath and Armor For Sleep. The tour begins Feb. 22 in Pennsylvania and will be at Sunset Station in San Antonio Feb. 27. The show starts at 5 p.m.

Rubano said Taking Back Sunday looks forward to touring.

“We put a lot into this last album, and we want to tour for it for as long as we can, we’re proud of it,” he said.

a different way,” Cervantez said.

Cervantez also directed the Josh Blue comedy show at Texas State, which so many attended last semester that students were turned away at the door. Cervantez encouraged students who could not get in last time to come early.

“If you feel like you might not get in, bring a friend and wait in line because it is worth the wait,” Cervantez said.

Cervantez said they are utilizing the largest inside venue on campus because an outside venue would dilute the comedy.

“You can’t enjoy a comedy (while) standing because you can’t slap your knee,” Cervantez said.

Chuck Johnson, Wood’s manager, said he is a good comedian because he can cross over into the mainstream audience and keep it clean.

“He is funny start to finish. He is like a rollercoaster ride of comedy,” Johnson said.

Lann Bolding, SACA president, said students need to laugh sometimes.

“College is about studying so you have got to take a break every now and then,” Bolding said.

✯ FYI If you haven’t heard of Taking Back Sunday, here are some songs bassist Matt Rubano and trends staff writer Todd Schaaf suggested you listen to: Matt Rubano’s Picks Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team) A Decade Under the Influence MakeDamnSure What’s it Feel Like to be a Ghost?

Divine Intervention Todd Schaaf’s Picks Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team) One-Eighty By Summer Spin Ghost Man on Third New American Classic

Oscar best picture category front-runner unexpected pick

By Barry Koltnow The Orange County Register Never trust anybody who smiles too much.

And you definitely should never trust an entire town that smiles too much.

I’m referring, of course, to the reaction to the upgrading of Little Miss Sunshine to front-runner in the Oscar race.

The quirky underdog comedy became the favorite in the best picture category after a one-two punch that included a surprise win at the Producers Guild of America awards on Jan. 20, and an even bigger surprise win eight days later at the Screen Actors Guild awards.

In case you didn’t know, both awards have been fairly reliable predictors in the best picture category.

Suddenly, the sweet little com-

edy about a dysfunctional family that travels to Southern California in a Volkswagen bus so its youngest member can compete in a beauty contest is an 800-pound gorilla named Oscar.

Everybody in Hollywood is acting as if they’re happy about this unusual twist. But you must never forget that this is a town populated by people who act as if they’re happy for a living.

They’re not really happy about this situation. Oh, they loved the movie. Who didn’t love that movie? But if it happens to win the big prize on Feb. 25, it would upset the normal order of things.

Dreamgirls is the type of movie that Hollywood usually loves to anoint with a best picture Oscar.

It’s a big-budget epic that has made a lot of money.

I still haven’t come up with a reasonable explanation why Dreamgirls wasn’t nominated in

the best picture category. It defies Hollywood logic. Some people have speculated that academy voters might have been put off by the intense marketing blitz. That makes no sense. Academy voters love to be blitzed.

With Dreamgirls out of the running, most of the attention has shifted to The Departed and Babel.

The former has some of the makings of a best picture winner, and the Oscar could be a long-overdue apology to Martin Scorsese. But the academy could apologize with a best director Oscar, and call it a day.

As for Babel, it does have an epic feel, and it definitely has the kind of weighty message that resonates in Hollywood.

Once you eliminate all the usual suspects, you are left with Little Miss Sunshine, one of the least likely candidates ever for a

best picture Oscar.

If it does win, it will send shock waves through the industry.

First, studios will have to rethink their long-held belief that only movies released after Oct. 1 win best picture Oscars. Little Miss Sunshine was released on July 26. Everybody knows that movies released on July 26 do not win major Oscars.

Just for the record, The Departed and The Queen were released on Oct. 6, Babel on Oct. 27 and Letters From Iwo Jima on Dec. 20.

Once Hollywood powers-thatbe come to grips with Little Miss Sunshine’s release date, they will have to consider the genre. Little Miss Sunshine is a comedy, for crying out loud. Comedies are rarely considered worthy enough for best picture consideration.

Hollywood logic boggles the mind.

Photo courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures BAD DREAMS: Dreamgirls missed out on being nominated for the Academy Awards’ best picture category despite being the type of film usually associated with the honor.

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

✯Star Comics

The University Star - Page 5

Juvenile delinquents star in their own TV show, thanks to MTV

By Danny Hooley McClatchy Newspapers Kevin Dill spent six weeks watching teenagers get shackled, cuffed and searched. He saw them enter a detention center and get sized up by peers who had done God knows what and by guards who bossed them around.

It wasn’t easy to witness what they went through when they entered the juvenile justice system. But Dill was there to bring home a message for MTV’s young audience.

“Just think before you do stuff,” said Dill, who graduated from East Carolina University.

Dill produced an eight-part series called Juvies, which premiered Thursday on MTV. It follows 18 teens through three days in the juvenile justice system in Lake County, Ind., from intake at a detention facility to an appearance in front of a judge. Some

kids needed the system’s heavy hand. Others were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The first episode deals with Sara, a 16-year-old who ran away to Texas with friends, and Cordell, a 17-year-old honor student arrested after wrecking a car.

Dill found Sara’s story heartbreaking. Her relationship with her mother had deteriorated after her stepfather left, and this was not the first time she had run away. After three days in the detention center, she was desperate to go home, but her mother didn’t think she could handle Sara.

At the end of her segment, Sara’s future is unclear. Dill hesitates to judge her mother.

“That’s a tough call,” he said.

“We don’t know all the back story about that — why Sara keeps running away. We didn’t broaden out and go way into the deep background of it all.”

Cordell was arrested after getting behind the wheel of a friend’s mother’s car. When he hit two parked cars, his passengers bolted. The friend, Lamont, lied to his mother and said Cordell stole the car.

Cordell said it is tough being locked up.

“I’m usually the guy that tells everybody else what’s wrong and what’s right,” he said.

Dill, 42, said MTV’s news and documentary division chose him to produce Juvies based on his own earlier documentaries, including UPN’s Emmy-winning series Teen Files and MTV’s Flipped, in which two people switch roles for a day.

Dill says he had little problem getting teens and parents to agree to participate in Juvies.

“Kids wanted to be on MTV, of course, and their parents saw it as an opportunity to show other kids that, hey, this could happen to you as well,” he said.

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 solutions:

© Pappocom

www.UniversityStar.com

Thursday’s solutions:

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

onlineconnection Should Texas State establish an open-air forensic anthropology facility? Go to www.UniversityStar.com to vote in our online poll. Results will be published in Thursday’s issue of The University Star. *This is not a scientific poll

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 - Page 6

Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

A

2005 Texas law has universities scrambling to cut classes from their undergraduate programs, with a deadline set for the 2008 fall semester.

The thinking goes that students should be able to graduate in a more timely fashion.

Up for consideration is making philosophy an optional course, after Perry Moore, provost and vice president of academic affairs, made the suggestion.

Such a move could not be further from what Texas State students need as the developing minds of a university setting. If students are expected to be critical thinkers, then removing a discussion-based, open-minded class from the list of required courses is a setback in every sense.

With a philosophy course, students have the opportunity to provide opinions and arguments on issues they truly care about, pertaining to the world we all live in — why we are here, what is good and evil and what responsibilities we have as humans.

Another issue especially irksome about Moore’s proposal was the recommendation that university seminar be withdrawn from consideration when cutting requirements. If Texas State is going to start cutting required courses, that is the first place to start.

Everyone has heard horror stories about a transferring senior who is stuck in a university seminar class to learn how to be a college student, three or more years into his or her career as one.

Professors Jeffrey Gordon, Paul Cohen, Robert Gorman and James Housefield wrote Moore on Nov. 28 and expressed their opinions on the curriculum. They are all recognized as distinguished professors by the National Endowment for the Humanities and are well-respected for their accomplishments. But students should know they too wield the power to preserve a class requirement.

Students can voice their opinions to Moore himself, or one of four committees that are presenting information to the Provost: the General Education Council, 120 Hour Committee, Curriculum Committee and Faculty Senate. Letting a professor know his or her efforts are appreciated can also go a long way in saving a course such as philosophy.

Today’s world is full of quick rewards, instant gratification and other factors that numb the brain to advanced thinking. Dropping a thoughtprovoking class from one’s college experience is not the way to stop this backward trend.

ARGUING FOR

PHILOSOPHY Removing core course requirement will leave students at substantial loss

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 UniversitySan Marcos.

Pat Stark/Star illustration

Who should win Senate’s tug-of-war?

By Michael Goodwin New York Daily News In the most important debate on the Iraq war since it began, the Senate will try to craft a nonbinding resolution this week that objects to President Bush’s plan to send 21,500 more troops into battle. Some critics want a far tougher approach, while the White House argues that any expression of doubt will embolden our enemies and hurt our troops.

As usual, both extremes are wrong. The challenge is to thread the needle between them so those who object to the escalation can make the point without micromanaging tactics or putting our troops in greater danger. Most important, the resolution with the best chance of passing so far will not call for a withdrawal or cut off funds.

That’s the right approach. It is the role of the Congress to be a check-and-balance on the president, and it is perverse to claim that role should diminish because the stakes are high. It is precisely because the stakes are high that Congress must have a voice while also recognizing the president’s authority as commander in chief and the practical effects on our soldiers.

The danger is that emotions over the prolonged slog, mixed with partisan politics, could turn the debate into a freefor-all that leads only to deeper divisions.

Yet for those of us who think Bush’s troop plan is a major mistake, that risk is worth taking. The president’s bungling has cost him the benefit of the doubt and his troop surge doesn’t pass the logic test. Even the latest national intelligence report argues that the growing mayhem will only get worse until Iraqi leaders stop it. Why, then, should we send more troops to die when they are not the solution?

We shouldn’t, which is what the public says by a wide margin. The only question now is whether different degrees of unhappiness can be forged into a Senate consensus. Thanks to rules that require 60 votes to break a filibuster, the battle comes down to a scrum among Republicans, who suddenly seem as divided as Democrats.

So far, as many as 12 Republicans, out of 49, could join a majority of Democrats in backing a sensible, middle-of-the-road approach. The language is largely the work of Sen. John Warner, R-Va., who has emerged as the Senate’s most important voice. As a secretary of the Navy during the Vietnam War, he is hardly a dove. And as head of the Armed Services Committee before the Democrats captured the Senate, he was a reliable supporter of Bush’s policies.

But Warner came to doubt our approach and, after an October trip to Iraq, said we were moving “sideways.” That was a turning point and, as a hawkish member of the president’s party, he has the authority and respect to lead the charge for a course change. His resolution objects to additional troops while saying Congress should not reduce funding for those already there.

It is hoped that approach will win large bipartisan support and get Bush’s attention. If it passes and he ignores it, as Cheney threatened, the president may find himself fighting Congress as well as terrorists and an Iraqi civil war.

Michael Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Daily News

Proposed repeal of Freeport Tax exemption will only harm city The notorious “all ers the tax break. In a in,” move in a poker 5-2 vote on Jan. 18, the game makes even the council passed on the most polished profesfirst of three readings sional gambler cower required to pass the in fear. It is either a repeal. Manufacturing move of desperation firms would benefit from or absolute sureness. the Freeport Tax exempDaniel Palomo But in reality, such a tion, but the city would Star Columnist drastic move would be not come out the winner, foolhardy. because the tax could cost the This is precisely why I am city more than $200,000 in colso dumbfounded over the San lected revenue from the eight Marcos city council’s decision to local companies that are eligible proceed with hearings regarding for the tax break. implementing the Freeport Tax The city of San Marcos is neiexemption. ther desperate nor completely A company that produces free- sure the tax exemption will proport goods must manufacture or duce benefits for the city. The distribute products from within city council needs to halt their a jurisdiction. In 1989, Texas proceedings on this bill until the voters approved an amendment situation truly warrants drastic to give cities the option to tax action. freeport goods. San Marcos San Marcos is not a gaping opted not to give manufacturers hole void of any economic incenthe tax break that year. tives and the council shouldn’t Now, the city council is looktreat it as such. The city’s proping into giving local manufacturerty tax percentage rates, ex-

The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

cluding the school district’s, are significantly lower than those in the selected Austin metroarea communities, according to the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Web site. Texas State provides thousands of qualified graduates entering the work force. And the cost of living in San Marcos is lower than the national average, according to the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Web site. These are all valuable assets that the city possesses.

San Marcos is also not yet a bustling high-tech job market, but it is anything but desperate.

We should not be taking desperate measures just yet. Building permits issued were valued at more $129 million, according to San Marcos’ 2006 Annual Report. Many of those permits went to apartment complexes and residential developments, which means they do not bring in the high-paying jobs that the

Editor In Chief...................................Jason Buch, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.........................Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu News Editor..............................Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor....................Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu Photo Editor...................................Monty Marion, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..................................Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

city council is seeking, but it is a sign we are attracting suitors.

San Marcos must be ready to bargain when the time comes.

If the Freeport Tax were eliminated, it would reduce the bargaining leverage of San Marcos.

If we had the tax in place, the right company could induce the council to take it away. If we take the tax away, the bargaining of the manufacturer starts to immediately dip into additional tax revenues, i.e. taxpayers’ pockets.

At this current time, the only entity that stands to gain from this is the manufacturers. This tax exemption would make a lot more sense if there were already manufacturers in negotiations with San Marcos, but the fact is there aren’t any currently. Manufacturers in San Marcos will be the only beneficiaries if this plan is implemented as scheduled. The benefits experienced by eight local manufacturers

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will be miniscule. Goodrich will stand to profit the most from the cut, keeping approximately $61 thousand in taxes, The University Star reported. Some manufacturers stand to gain as little as $280. These breaks are certainly not enough to stimulate any type of economic growth. Let us not forget, the council’s supreme objective is to serve the constituents, not the companies.

Tax incentives are not a bad thing, and neither is the Freeport Tax exemption. The problem is the city council and the mayor are using desperation tactics when the situation is calling for anything but. Rushing to push through an irrevocable bill that would cost the city more than $200,000 in tax revenue a year, when there are little to no certainties San Marcos will recover the losses, is irresponsible. I would expect the city council to treat $200,000 of taxpayers’ money more carefully.

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Anyone who possesses an elementary knowledge of business knows tax incentives are part of the game, but right now San Marcos is the only one playing.

I commend the city council for exploring avenues that could potentially provide numerous economic benefits for the future. Taking economic risks are central to success, but the meticulous calculative nature with which these decisions must be made cannot be done in haste. I would hope that they thoroughly search for new ways to spur economic growth with the same vigor they have used attempting to push this bill through.

The mayor and the council need to understand the possibly disastrous implications of their actions. I wouldn’t want San Marcos to be on the losing end of a $200,000 a year debacle.

Daniel Palomo 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 February 7, 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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Check your classified ad for accuracy. Any changes must be made by the second day of publication.

The deadline for all classified ads is noon two business days prior to publication. Classified ads must be paid in advance unless credit has been established. Refunds will only be given when a classified ad has been paid by credit card. The Star reserves the right to refuse, edit, and discontinue any classified ad at any time without prior notification. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. Classified ads that do not note heading, will be put under the appropriate heading. All classified ads are published free, on-line at www.universitystar.com. Since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance.

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AUTO 95’ HONDA CIVIC. Good condition.

For more information (210) 355-1551.

FOR RENT $495, 1BA/1BD, ON TSU SHUTTLE. FREE internet. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

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Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

ROOMMATE NEEDED. 2BD/2BA trailer in San Marcos mobile home park.

Furnished, covered parking, 10 min. from campus. $210/mo. plus half of bills. $100 refundable deposit. Call (281) 639-8048.

FOR RENT-APTS 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.

MOVE-IN TODAY!!! $785 2/2.5 townhouse, 3 blks. from TSU. Free HBO, Free Road Runner, Full size W/D, Small, Clean & Quiet Community www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. (512) 396-4181.

APARTMENT IN WIMBERLEY. Spacious 2BD/1BA, 1,000 sq. ft., built in 2002, with fireplace, large kitchen, balcony, sunset hill country views, and free health club membership, available ASAP. Ideally suited for professor, married couple or grad student who appreciates beautiful, quiet, serene surroundings. Quick easy access to Austin and San Marcos, near RR12 on RR3237. $750/mo. Call (512) 560-6761, e-mail ironsarah@aol.com. $785 PRE-LEASE NOW FOR 5/20 OR 8/20. 2/2.5 townhouse, 3 blks. from TSU. Free HBO, Free Road Runner, Full Size W/D, Small, Clean & Quiet Community. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. (512) 396-4181.

APARTMENTSTOGO.COM. Free list of apartment prices and amenities or visit our office on The Square!

(512) 353-FREE. 4BD/4BA, $350 A MONTH. Internet/ cable w/ HBO/phone/trash pd. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

FOR RENT-APTS $575, 2BD/2BA, 810 SQ. FT. $200 OFF 1st month rent. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

FOR RENTCONDO/TOWNHOMES $785 PRE-LEASE NOW FOR 5/20 OR 8/20. 2/2.5 townhouse, 3 blks. from TSU. Free HBO, Free Road Runner, Full Size W/D, Small, Clean & Quiet Community. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. (512) 396-4181.

FOR RENT-DUPLEX $765 2/2 DUPLEX, 3 BLKS. FROM TSU. Pre-leasing for 5/20 or 8/20.

Free HBO, Road Runner, Full size W/D, Small, Clean & Quiet Community. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices.

(512) 396-4181 2BD/1BA, $500, walking distance to river, TSU, HEB and the square. Call for info 353-3733 FOR RENT: 3BD/3BA DUPLEX with W/D, cable, internet & phone.

(512) 422-0903.

FOR RENT: 3BD/3BA DUPLEX with W/D. (512) 422-0903.

FOR RENT-HOUSES WALK TO TX STATE. Rogers St., 2BD, lg. yard, pets ok, $650/mo.

(512) 353-3224.

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

FOR SALE 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.

PIANO FOR SALE. Rogers St. $850. (512) 353-3224.

HELP WANTED UPSCALE RESTAURANT IN KYLE hiring experienced and professional server. Excellent income potential.

Also hiring kitchen prep/expo and dishwasher. Call (512) 268-3463 for interview, Bordeauxs.net.

STUDY BREAKS MAGAZINE is now hiring account executives/advertising sales. Great pay, flexible hours.

(512) 480-0894.

SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39. For application go to www.123donate.com.

EARN $250+MONTHLY AND MORE to type simple ads online. www.DataAdEntry.com VOLUNTEER SOCCER COACHES NEEDED for San Marcos Youth Soccer (www.smsoccer.org) - Great community service opportunity, season starts 3/1/2007, contact Michael Colca for more information - colca@io.com

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

THE SAN MARCOS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT needs energetic individuals to work Spring Break Madness Camp (March 12-16, 2007). Hours are 7:30am-5:30pm. Call Jessica Jenkins at (512) 393-8283 for more information or to set up an interview. Application deadline is Feb. 16. E-mail: Jenkins_jessica@ci.san-marcos.tx.us PART-TIME WORD PROCESSING 15 to 20 hrs. per week. Saturday, 9am-1pm required in office. Other hours based on employee schedule.

Start $6.00/hr. This job was designed for a student, we need year round attendance. Call (512) 392-8900.

ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc. $75-200/ hr. No exp. needed, (512) 684-8296. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day.

No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800) 965-6520 ext. 157.

NURSERY WORKER for Sunday mornings and occasional weekday events for Wimberley United Methodist Church. Background in Early Childhood studies preferred, but not required. Call church office (512) 847-3109, 9am-1pm Mon.-Fri. to obtain an application and to arrange for an interview.

CITY OF KYLE SUMMER JOB OPENINGS: The Parks & Recreation Dept. is now accepting applications for Summer Camp Staff, American Red Cross Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors for the Summer Day Camps and Kyle Pool. Competitive pay for all positions! Recreation and Education degree seekers preferred for Camp Staff. Applications available at www.cityofkyle.com/kyle-employment. php. Contact Program Coordinator at programs@cityofkyle.com for camp positions. Contact Aquatic Supervisor at (512) 262-3936 for pool positions.

WIMBERLEY ATHLETIC CLUB FRONT DESK POSITION. To work set schedule, 20 hrs. weekly, $6 hr. to start, in exchange for professional on the job training with clients who have health, fitness, sports conditioning, post surgical, and medical exercise needs. Ideally suited for kiniesology, physiology major looking to develop into a full time professional fitness trainer upon graduation. E-mail resume to Ironsarah@AOL.com and call (512) 560-6761.

LOCAL BUSINESS LOOKING TO FILL SEVERAL FT/PT POSITIONS. Duties will include light office work.

Please call (512) 805-0209 for more information.

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.

DIRECT CARE: BROWN-KARHAN HEALTHCARE in Dripping Springs is looking for individuals who would like a unique employment experience in the healthcare field. Our direct care positions offer opportunities to work with either brain injured or psychiatric clients. Looking to fill weekend and overnight shifts. Candidate must be 21 years of age and have satisfactory driving record. Background check and drug screening is required. Pay begins at $8.50, but commensurate with experience and education. Benefits may include health insurance, dental, vision, monthly gas allowance, PTO and 401(k). If eligible there is a sign-on bonus of $150. Please contact Kerri (512) 894-0701 ext. 219, or fax resume (512) 858-5104 or e-mail kalvis@brown-karhan.com. Please visit our web site at www.brown-karhan.com.

DOMINO’S PIZZA EQUALS GREAT PIZZA, GREAT VALUE, GREAT PLACE TO WORK. We are now hiring for management positions.

Looking for additional income or a career change. We have flexible hours, paid vacation, a referral bonus, and a great 401 retirement plan. Please call (512) 392-3030.

PAPER BEAR - A downtown gift shop hiring for the following shifts: 9-7, 9-2, 1-7. Starting pay $6.50/hr.

Pick up application in person. Must be able to work minimum 30 hrs. per week, Mon.-Sat. MOBILE DJ. Plan, Coordinate and Execute a variety of entertainment.

Design, Facilitate and Motivate, fun and dancing. No experience necessary. (210) 496-3535.

BABYSITTER NEEDED. Mon. and Wed., 8am-12pm, Tues. and Thurs., 8am-4pm. Some experience, 6 mo. baby. Contact Adriana (512) 749-2548.

TEXAS ELKS CAMP!!

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS IN A FUN SITUATION. CHECK US OUT AT www.texaselks.org. GO TO TECSI AND THEN ELKS CAMP. THIS WILL BE THE BEST SUMMER YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED!! (830) 875-2425 HELP WANTED WITH SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN, 3:30 P.M.-6 P.M., M-F. Call (512) 357-9911 or come by Second Step.

F/T MANAGER POSITION WIMBERLEY ATHLETIC CLUB, open 7 days a week. Must have exer. phys., kinseology degree. Salaried position plus additional personal training revenue. Send resume to Ironsarah@aol.com, and call (512) 560-6761.

LOOKING FOR A FUN AND EXCITING JOB THAT IS FLEXIBLE? Well, check out Wonder World Park!

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THE UNIVERSITY STAR IS NOW HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS!!

ASSISTANT TRENDS EDITOR; ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR; COLUMNISTS; COPY EDITORS Employment at The Star provides you with an opportunity to work with motivated and creative students who are interested in journalism and newspapers. Pick up an application at the Trinity Building or download one at www.universitystar.com.

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

no more Rick Helling announced his retirement from baseball Monday, leaving the game as one of only three 20-game winners in Texas Rangers history. Helling spent the past two seasons with Milwaukee, and finished his career with a 93-81 record and an ERA of 4.68.

In 1998 he went 20-7 for the Rangers, helping them win their second divisional title. The Rangers repeated the feat a year later. Helling recorded 68 wins with the Rangers, and his .571 winning percentage stands as fourth-best in franchise history.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 - Page 8

— MLB.com

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

’Cats rally past Rice, 3-2

By Jacob Mustafa The University Star The Texas State baseball team achieved the unthinkable Tuesday night, defeating the No. 1-ranked Rice Owls after freshman Laurn Randell’s walk-off single completed the 3-2 victory in front of a sellout crowd.

The Bobcats, 3-1, revived their hopes after two quick outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, with three consecutive singles that completed their comeback over the 2003 national champions.

Randell’s moment may not have happened Tuesday night, but for an injury to center fielder Kyle Jones. Jones sustained a season-ending arm injury Saturday in the UTPA Classic.

Randell said he has no doubt this is the current defining moment of his short collegiate career.

“I’m coming back down to Earth now,” said Randell.

“That’s the biggest hit I’ve ever had, on any level of baseball.”

The Owls began the game with an early 2-0 lead, supported by starting pitcher Matt Langwell’s five-strikeout, hitless performance. He left the game after three innings and ended with a no-decision.

Rice, 1-1, picked up two runs in the second and third innings.

Joe Savery and Chad Lembeck scored in separate frames on

bunt singles from Tyler Henley and Jordan Dodson.

Coach Ty Harrington said the comeback was executed as well as anyone could hope.

“You couldn’t script anything better than the way it happened out there tonight,” said Harrington.

The Bobcats’ comeback would not have been possible were it not for a fifth-inning surge of singles from second baseman Casey Guest and shortstop Thomas Field. A crucial squeeze bunt by catcher Ben Theriot with two outs drove in a run.

“We executed in a big way in that fifth inning,” said Harrington.

Despite all of the clutch hitting, Texas State pitching surrendered one earned run, given up by starter B.J. Boening. The senior right-hander ended with a no-decision, with the win going to reliever Eric Weaver.

Weaver pitched two innings of one-hit baseball and along with senior relief pitchers Jason Baca and Justin Fiske, overcame an offense that had two base runners in each of the first four innings.

Left fielder Jared Bunn hit the first of the ninth-inning hits, beginning the rally to defeat the highly ranked Owls.

“There were times people struggled throughout the game, including myself,” said Bunn.

“But everyone stepped up. No one person won this game.”

Harrington echoed Bunn’s sentiments and spoke of how important the entire team’s spirit was to the victory.

“I certainly believe in these guys and they have tremendous courage,” said Harrington.

“Each time they do something new, I’m not surprised.”

The game was played before a record crowd, with Bobcat Field filled to capacity at 1,812 fans.

The total eclipses the former mark of 1,776 in a 12-0 win over Baylor March 23, 2005.

According to Harrington, the biggest thing the game accomplishes for the Bobcats is giving the team confidence.

“Confidence means something,” said Harrington. “Hopefully we can build on this.”

Randell’s words on the game parallel those of his coach, and the comeback proved to him that the team is capable of more than people thought.

“That was a great team,” said Randell. “If we can just hang in there, we can beat anybody. I believe we can beat anybody.”

The Bobcats lost to Rice 2-1 last season in the first of three games, and returned the favor this year with a similarly tight victory at home.

“This just proves we can play with anybody in the country,” said Bunn.

Signing Day brings new players to Texas State football program

By Travis Atkins The University Star The Texas State football team is set to welcome new members to its family.

Wednesday marks the first day a player can make his fall commitment to the Bobcats official by signing a National Letter of Intent. The regular signing period for football runs from Wednesday to April 1.

The team will celebrate 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sac-n-Pac Room in the End Zone Complex.

The booster club will host the event, where attendees can partake in refreshments and watch highlights of the signees.

Coach Brad Wright said he thought the team would sign 14 or 15 players during the signing period. A typical recruiting class consists of 20 to 30 players, making this year’s group significantly smaller than average.

“The previous administration used up 65 of the scholarships, meaning there were only 14 available this year,” Wright said.

In addition to the lack of scholarships, the Bobcats were not able to sign many of the players under their recruiting radar. The staff cited previous coach David Bailiff’s sudden departure for a job at Rice University as a main factor.

“Coach Bailiff leaving had a huge impact on this year’s recruiting class,” Wright said. “When he left for Rice, he basically took with him the same recruiting list we had.”

Casey Horny, co-defensive coordinator, showed no ill will towards Bailiff, and looked at the issue as a compliment to the football program at Texas State.

“It says a lot about the great respect for Texas State that we

Cotton Miller/Star photo WINNING AT HOME: Red-shirt senior pitcher B.J. Boening contributes to the Bobcats’ 3-2 win over the Rice Owls Tuesday night. The Bobcats defeated the top-ranked Owls in front of a packed crowd at the team’s first home game.

Cotton Miller/Star file photo IT BEGINS: Brad Wright’s first big day since his hiring as head coach arrives Wednesday, when high school seniors are first allowed to sign National Letters of Intent for a given football program.

April 1 is the last day of the signing period.

are not only competing with Southland Conference schools in recruiting, but also with (Football Bowl Subdivision schools, formerly known as Division I-A),” Horny said. “There certainly are no hard feelings towards Coach Bailiff. He left this team in great shape.”

Many on that list will be signing to play football for Bailiff and the Rice Owls on Wednesday.

“There are some kids that have their heart set on Texas State, and those are the kids we want in our program,” Wright said.

“Unfortunately, a lot look at Rice versus Texas State as Division I versus Division I-AA and go to the Division I school not realizing that they have a better opportunity to be successful here.”

Wednesday will mark the culmination of nearly a year of recruiting for this class.

The process consists of the coaches going out in the spring

of a player’s junior year and gathering tape and information.

In May the coaches decide who they want to offer scholarships.

Finally, the players, who typically make a verbal commitment prior to signing day, will make it official in early February. Verbal commitments do not bind a high school athlete in any way.

Coaches make many recruiting trips during the year, but cannot be present when the player signs his letter. Nor can the letter be signed on the school’s campus, according to the National Letter of Intent program’s Web site.

Wright said the program did its best to sign “a little bit of everything,” because the team lost three starters on offense and six starters on defense.

“We went after the defensive back position pretty heavily,” Horny said. “We have a very good class that should solve our depth issues.”

The NCAA has specific rules regarding recruiting. A letter cannot be signed before 7 a.m. on signing day, nor are coaches permitted to talk about the players specifically until signing day.

A list of the recruits will be made public Wednesday when the signees are official.

The NLI program is not an NCAA national office administered program. According to the NCAA Web site, it is administered through the Southeastern Conference office.

The NLI Web site states that a signed letter shows agreement to attend a particular institution for one academic year. Merely completing the playing season is not adequate. Signing a letter also does not guarantee a spot on a team; it is used to show that an institution has agreed to provide athletic financial aid during the academic year.

Rivera, Singletary top candidates for Cowboys’ coaching position The last time I brilliant offensive mind. wrote about the DalEven Hall-of-Fame quarlas Cowboys I preterback Aikman said in dicted Bill Parcells his induction speech that would stick around he might not be in the for one more seaHall if Turner had never son despite all the coached him. This encontrary rumors. So WILLIAM WARD dears him to Jerry Jones, Star Columnist much for that. to be sure.

As a result, AmeriI am extremely doubtca’s Team is left without a head ful of Turner. He is the origicoach. The candidate search nal Mike Martz; that is, the has been nothing short of a brilliant coordinator who just bizarre rollercoaster through doesn’t seem to be able to hanNFL history. dle being a head coach no matNorv Turner, supposedly ter how much it would make the leading candidate, was the sense. Turner hasn’t done anyoffensive coordinator for the thing to prove that he should Cowboys during a couple of be leading the most important their glory years in the ‘90s. team in the NFL, but the job is Jason Garrett, a new addition already likely his. to the staff, was a quarterback Garrett may be the biggest on the team for some of those wild card of the bunch, an yet glory years behind Troy Aikat the same time, the most man. sure thing. He’s already been Two linebackers from the hired, yet lacks a defined posifamous 1985 Chicago Bears tion. He may be the offensive Super Bowl defense are in the coordinator; he may be the running as well: Mike Singlehead coach. Nobody, not even tary and Ron Rivera.

Jones, knows yet. The doubt Wade Phillips is also considconcerning Garrett comes from ered a leading candidate, and the fact that he’s never even Dallas would make his third been a coordinator before, so head-coaching stop, fourth if no one has any idea what he you count the interim head would be capable of in that coach position at Atlanta. capacity, much less head coach.

Turner has been a head The upside is that it’s possible coach before as well, with Jerry Jones has discovered one stops in Washington and Oakof the brilliant young offensive land. Neither attempt was minds in the league under successful, but to be fair it everyone’s noses. Not likely, was Washington and Oakland but possible.

— not exactly the most well The thing with Garrett is run organizations in the past that at best, he’s a brilliant decade. The idea behind hiring strategist who can wait his turn Turner is that the always-news- to be a head coach like everyworthy owner Jerry Jones has one else while keeping the familiarity with Turner and his Cowboys offense running on

all cylinders. Maybe he’ll even teach the offense some trick plays more complex than the flea-flicker. Who knows? He’s the biggest mystery, yet the first one to be hired. It is a very scary time to be a Cowboys fan.

Wade Phillips is the defensive equivalent to Norv Turner: the amazing coordinator who has never been able to show he is capable of being a successful head coach. Again, the Cowboys should avoid this retread, unless he decides to come on as the defensive coordinator.

Mike Singletary and Ron Rivera are both similar, but have a few differences as well. Singletary has yet to reach the level of defensive coordinator, but has been a linebacker coach for some amazing groups. He is also considered one of the best motivators in the league, and knows his position group inside and out. Rivera however has been a linebacker coach and is currently the defensive coordinator for Chicago.

To me, these two are the best choices out of the group, even after Rivera’s Bears let Indianapolis pound the football in the Super Bowl. Both are young, hard-nosed coaches who can keep players in line.

Rivera would be the better tactician, but Singletary has the edge when it comes to being able to relate to the players and motivate. The best chance for the Cowboys rests with these two men.

—William Ward is a political science junior, and can be reached at ww1053@txstate.edu