PICKIN’ ’BOUT POLITICS
RAGE IN CAGES
Austin Lounge Lizards bring satirical fold music to Texas State
Renegade Extreme Fighting premiers in Central Texas at Frank Erwin Center
SEE TRENDS PAGE 4
SEE SPORTS PAGE 10
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS
www.UniversityStar.com
FEBRUARY 15, 2006
WEDNESDAY
TEXAS STATE TRIPLE THREAT
JAQUE IN THE BOX: Senior Jaque Iwuchukwu runs box drills during track practice Tuesday afternoon at Bobcat Stadium. Jaque won first place in the triple jump and eighth in the long jump at the Albuquerque Invitational.
VOLUME 95, ISSUE 54
Newer HPV tests available at Student Health Center By Magen Gray The University Star
More than 100 types of HPV exist. Candice Schwab, graduate assistant at the Health Education Resource Center, said that symptoms of HPV can include genital warts, but HPV can also exist without visible symptoms. Although not an actual test for the virus in women, if a Papanicolaou smear, or Pap test, returns abnormal results, HPV could be the cause. Most HPV cervical cell changes return to normal as the body’s immune system rejects the virus. However, if this does not occur, cell abnormality increases over a period of years, possibly developing into cervical cancer. “Cervical cancer is the changing of cells, which is shown in a Pap smear,” Schwab said. The Student Health Center now offers an advanced Pap test called ThinPrep Pap Test. According to a press release from Schwartz Communications, Inc., a public relations agency for technology and healthcare, it is common for women younger than 30 years of age to produce abnormal Pap test results due to the presence of HPV. If the ThinPrep Pap Test finds abnormalities, an HPV test can be conducted from the same Pap sample, saving the patient from a repeat visit to the gynecologist.
Feb. 14 was Valentine’s Day, the day celebrating love, and National Condom Day. According to ABC News, National Condom Day serves to remind the public about the importance of sexual protection. The American College Health Association’s 2005 National College Health Assessment found that only 43.2 percent of sexually active Texas State students used a condom the last time they had vaginal sex. According to sexually transmitted disease information produced by the Health Education Resource Center, two-thirds of all STDs occur in people 25 years of age or younger. Condoms greatly reduce the risk of contracting an STD. Texas State’s Health Education Resource Center estimates that the human papilloma virus, more commonly known as HPV, is one of the top-three sexually transmitted infections diagnosed at the Texas State Student Health Center. The other top two infections are chlamydia and herpes. According to pamphlets produced by the American Social Health Association, HPV is a virus that causes skin infection.
“The ThinPrep Pap Test is a liquid-based test. A sample is taken and put into a liquid to pull out abnormal cells. A Pap smear is an annual test, and if abnormal results come back to the patient, then the doctor has noticed a change or something in the sample looks different,” said Jasmine Fielding, assistant account executive at Schwartz Communications, Inc. Fielding said that patients must request the ThinPrep Pap Test. May 2006 marks the 10-year anniversary of Food and Drug Administration approval for the ThinPrep Pap Test as “significantly more effective” than conventional Pap smears. According to the press release, although HPV is primarily a benign disease, about 80 percent of sexually active people contract the sexually transmitted infection at some point. Health Education Coordinator Michael Wilkerson confirmed the current use of the ThinPrep Pap Test at the Student Health Center. Wilkerson said that studies show HPV may be linked to cancer in men, but it is only suggested. However, men need to treat HPV so they won’t spread it to their sexual partners. The SHC Women’s Clinic opened its doors in July 2004.
Internship fair offers students career opportunities
Armando Sanchez/Star photo
By Magen Gray The University Star
Track team flies to the top in Albuquerque By Carl Harper The University Star
A
t the Albuquerque Invitational, the biggest story of the meet and possibly of the year, involved senior Jacque Iwuchukwu, as she placed first in the triple jump and eighth in the long jump. She flew just .01 meters farther in the triple jump than San Diego State’s Decontee Kaye, with a jump of 12.85 meters. “It was her last jump, so it was really just a clutch deal,” assistant coach Blaine Wiley said. “She was focused and landed a huge
jump.” Iwuchukwu now leads the Southland Conference for this event. After placing second in the weight throw last week in Houston with a mark of 17.21 meters, Sarah Stultz continued that streak as she placed second with a throw of 17.80 meters. Wiley talked about Stultz’s performance last week and his expectations for her to throw farther as the season progresses. “She’s getting stronger each week and is getting closer to a NCAA provisional,” Wiley said about Stultz’s performance in Albuquerque. More exciting news broke out later in the running events as sophomore Katya Kostetskaya See THREAT, page 10
offer internships and jobs that won’t be at the fair,” Garrott said. Up to 10 documents, including résumés and cover letters, can be uploaded onto the student’s Job4Cats account. According to a Career Services press release, although some internships are unpaid, other potential employers may offer scholarships, academic credit and salaries. Vanessa Lee, mass communication junior, said that she has interned with the Lance Armstrong Foundation since September. “I want to work in nonprofit (public relations). You have to love a nonprofit organization because it’s not about the money. Since I’m working there now, I will appreciate it more later,” Lee said. According to the press release, along with a college education, internships make graduates more
Students will find spring, summer and fall internships offered to all majors at the Career Services Internship Fair on Thursday in the LBJ Student Center Ballroom. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., students are encouraged to speak with a variety of companies offering internships to all classifications. “The benefit of an internship over a job is that the internship is career related. It says to the employer that the student has experience in that field of study,” said Josie Garrott, associate director of Career Services. “The key in all of this is Jobs4Cats on the Career Services Web site. It probably takes about five minutes to register, and there are employers on Jobs4Cats who
marketable. The undecided students can try out potential career paths through internships. Karen Julian, assistant director of Career Services, coordinates internship opportunities and job shadowing, which allows students to follow companies in major Texas cities and Central Texas during Spring Break in March. The job shadowing application deadline is Feb. 17. Garrott said when attending the internship fair, students should dress business casual, have copies of their résumé and research their companies of interest ahead of time. A list of companies with background information and Web site links is posted on Jobs4Cats. For more information, visit www.careerservices. txstate.edu.
ASG collaborates with Auxiliary Services on bus contract By Clayton Medford The University Star
The Associated Student Government is working with Texas State Auxiliary Services on the details of a new service contract with Cognisa Transportation, the current provider of bus service to Texas State students. If ASG approves the renewal of the seven-year contract, which will increase the student transportation fee from $52 to $78 per long semester, then it will go to a student referendum for final approval. Currently, the aging fleet of maroon buses is not only unpleasant to the eyes and ears of students, but service disruptions have caused problems beyond aesthetics. Repetitive breakdowns and other mechanical problems with the nine-year-old buses led to the purchase of five new buses in August 2005, and a $10 increase in the student transportation fee. Manager of shuttle services at Auxiliary Services Paul Hamilton said the reason for what he calls “possibly the biggest increase we’ve ever seen” in the student transportation fee is not only for the purchase of new buses, but to ensure predictability and stability in cost and service. If the contract is renewed in the fall of 2007, when the current contract ex-
pires, Cognisa will immediately purchase 23 new buses for the Texas State routes. The new buses will be the same white Blue Bird XCEL models purchased in 2005 and will have approximately the same rider capacity as the current maroon buses, Hamilton said. An added bonus of the new buses is their capability to run on ultra-low sulfur diesel. The Environmental Protection Agency will require all diesel powered road vehicles to use the ultralow sulfur diesel by September 2006. Illnesses like chronic bronchitis and asthma have been attributed to particulate matter released by sulfur in diesel fuel. Hamilton said he was unsure when the cleaner diesel will become the standard for operation, but he said the university wants to buy it directly to avoid paying a federal tax. Once the new buses are put into rotation, Cognisa will reserve the 10 most able of the old buses. One purpose of keeping so many vehicles in reserve is to provide more buses during peak hours of service to compensate for demand increases throughout the length of the contract. Buses from the reserve fleet can also fill gaps created when newer buses undergo routine maintenance. ASG senators involved with the con-
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tract renewal have been addressing the problem of higher student fees from several angles, one of which is to increase the overall efficiency of the bus service. Hamilton said increased efficiency would also ensure the stability of the fee. “That is the one biggest reason for us to be more efficient than we are now,” Hamilton said. “We must increase efficiency in order for the $78 fee to be good for seven years.” Before their Feb. 6 meeting, ASG members and Hamilton discussed investigating parking lot utilization at certain hours, reducing hours on underused bus routes and encouraging students who live near a route to use their neighborhood buses instead of the commuter lots as ways to increase efficiency. During the discussion, communication studies senior and Sen. Cat Reed asked Hamilton how to “sell” a higher fee to students who are already struggling to pay for school. “The higher fee means new buses, new air conditioning, fewer breakdowns and it’s good for seven years,” Hamilton said. The possibility of the higher fee resulting in a surplus would be a positive outcome for students, Hamilton said. This “cushion” would cover a number
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of services, including any unexpected maintenance, an increase in fuel costs and possible integration with the Capital Area Rural Transit Service in Hays County. According to statistics compiled by Auxiliary Services through counts conducted at all heavy flow stops on campus, the maroon buses completed almost 2.5 million trips in 2004. One trip is defined as one rider boarding the bus and one rider exiting the bus. Additionally, the buses have driven between 175,000 and 200,000 miles each, according to the statistics. Zachery Cleghorn, account manager at Cognisa, said the relationship between Texas State and his company benefits the students. “This company knows the university, and we’ve always had a working relationship,” Cleghorn said. “Cognisa aims to please the university.” ASG President Jordan Anderson said the increase in the student fee would not hurt most students. “Holistically, the average student isn’t going to look at the individual fees, they are going to look at the sticker price — how much does it cost for them to go here,” Anderson said. Anderson said he plans to present legislation supporting the fee increase at the ASG meeting next Monday.
Inside
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS
News ..............1-3 Trends ............. 4,5 Diversions .......... 6 Opinions ............ 7
Classifieds ......... 8 Sports ........... 9,10
David Racino/Star photo WHEELIN’ AND DEALIN’: ASG is looking into a new service contract with Cognisa Transportation that would increase the student transportation fee from $52 to $78 in order to improve the quality of the tram transportation at Texas State.
To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.UniversityStar.com © 2006 The University Star
PAGE TWO The University Star
Wednesday in Brief
February 15, 2006
campushappenings Student Affairs collaborates with university departments for success plan The importance of faculty and staff interaction with students outside the classroom has been demonstrated to enhance a student’s engagement in the classroom and influence the choice to stay on campus. To assist with creating opportunities to engage with students, the Division of Student Affairs has collaborated with departments
throughout campus to develop the Texas State Student Success Plan. The TSSSP provides activities it believes students should participate in to experience success while in college. In addition to the activities, Web resources are also provided. You can review the TSSSP by going to www.studentaffairs.txstate.edu/studentsuccess/. For additional information contact the Vice President for Student Affairs Office at vpsa@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2152. — Courtesy of Student Affairs
News Contact — Kirsten Crow, starnews@txstate.edu
Calendar of
STARS OF TEXAS STATE POLICY
Love is in the air
Do you know someone at Texas State who has recently celebrated a great achievement? Nominate your choice to appear in The Star as a “Star of Texas State.” Write an e-mail to starletters@txstate.edu with the subject line “Stars of Texas State,” and include your nominee’s name, his/her relationship to the university, contact information for yourself and your nominee, and a brief description of the achievement. Also include a photo of your nominee if available. Accepted nominees will be featured at the top of Page Two.
EVENTS Clubs & Meetings Wednesday There will be a student-led Bible study at 8 p.m. in the Catholic Student Center. ACOA/Dysfunctional Families Group meets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208. The Network, a peer education team dedicated to promoting healthy attitudes and behavior in the student body, is holding a meeting at 6 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, Room 3-10.1.
will be free pizza, and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Jay Arnold at j-arnold@txstate.edu.
Activists for Sexual Minorities is hosting a panel discussion from 7 to 9 p.m. in the LBJSC Teaching Theater.
The Pre-Medical/Dental Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Supple Science Building, Room 116. For more information, visit www.studentorgs.txstate.edu/ pre-med/.
The department of theatre and dance presents Opening Door Dance Theatre Reminisce: A Choreographic Eulogy Honoring Karen Earl today and Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. Admission is $10 for general admission and $5 for students with ID. All proceeds are donated to the Karen Earl Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Wednesday Want to work in media? Career Services will show you how to get there from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3-14.1. For more information, contact Karen Julian (512) 245-2465. Sigma Tau Delta, an English Honor Society, is hosting an open mic night and poetry and short fiction at 5:30 p.m. in Flowers Hall, Room 108. There
1842 - Adhesive postage stamps were used for the first time by the City Dispatch Post in New York City. 1903 - Morris and Rose Michtom, Russian immigrants, introduced the first teddy bear in America.
Arts & Entertainment Thursday
Events
1758 - Mustard was advertised for the first time in America.
“Courage in Religion & Science,” a forum that is part of the university’s Common Experience program, will be presented from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the CSC.
Thursday
Facing the Fear: An Anxiety/ Panic Group will meets from 4 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call the Counseling Center.
On This Day...
Thursday
CALENDAR SUBMISSION POLICY Calendar submissions are free. Send submissions to Calendar of Events at starcalendar@txstate.edu or call (512) 245-3487 for more information. Emailed press releases will not be accepted. If using e-mail, please submit as a simple bulleted list of essential information. Submissions are on a first come, first served basis and notices for weekly meetings need to be submitted every week they will take place. The University Star reserves the right to refuse entries or edit for libel, style and space purposes. Deadline: Three working days prior to publication.
Armando Sanchez/Star photo Joe Garcia and his girlfriend, Bobbie Dearing of Austin, enjoy a Valentine’s Day afternoon in Sewell Park with their dog.
CRIME BL TTER San Marcos Police Department Feb. 13, 9:53 a.m. Fraud/909 Sturgeon Drive Fraudulent use of another’s identifying information. Feb. 13, 10:37 a.m. Criminal Mischief/ 1400 Aquarena Springs Drive The side mirror on a vehicle was damaged by a male subject. Feb. 13, 4:21 p.m.
Driving While License Suspended/102 N. I35 Suspect was involved in an accident and left the scene. Feb. 13, 6:00 p.m. Theft Under $500, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity/4015 S. I-35 Three females went into two different stores and stole clothing. One female got away, and two were arrested. Feb. 13, 9:26 p.m. Runaway/827 W. MLK Drive Juvenile female runaway.
Crime stoppers: UPD 245-7867
SMPD 353-TIPS
www.UniversityStar.com
1932 - George Burns and Gracie Allen debuted as regulars on The Guy Lombardo Show on CBS radio.
City Beat Parents and youth encouraged to stay SAFE Parents and youth in San Marcos and Hays County are invited to the First Annual Youth Safety And Fun Expo Feb. 25 at the San Marcos Activity Center. SAFE will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 25. Participants will be able to visit with public safety officials, summer camp directors and many agencies that serve families and children. The goal of the event is to teach children, teens and families how to improve their safety through hands-on demonstrations and discussions, as well as to inform participants about many of the educational and recreational summer camps and year-round programs available to them. Participants will be able to talk with officers and attend short
presentations to learn about underage drinking, Internet predators and water safety. The parking lot will be filled with safety and law enforcement vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, motorcycles, mounted patrol horses and a Star Flight helicopter. Free hot dogs will be served, and door prizes will be given away for bicycles and skateboards, along with many other free giveaways. Event organizers include the San Marcos Police and Parks and Recreation Departments, Hays County Sheriff ’s Office, MetLife Insurance and San Marcos Advocates for Gifted Education. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (512) 393-8400. — Courtesy of the City of San Marcos
NEWS
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The University Star - Page 3
Cheney’s issue-skirting could be harmful for White House publicity
Companies under fire for aiding censorship in China
WASHINGTON D.C. — Vice President Dick Cheney turned a tragic hunting accident into a public relations disaster by maintaining his business-asusual approach to his life: that it’s nobody’s business. His refusal to announce his involvement in the shooting irritated an already suspicious press corps and even prompted some Republicans to complain. And his failure to make a more public show of his regret over his friend’s injury might have enhanced his image among many as an aloof and remote man, according to experts in political public relations and corporate crisis management. To weather the political storm now, some experts said Cheney should show more candor, perhaps by taking questions at a press conference. Yet at least one expert said that wouldn’t help. Others advised patience, saying that the story and the uproar would fade if and when George Bridges/KRT the victim, Texas attorney Harry UNDER FIRE: White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan faces tough questioning on Tuesday at Whittington, recovers. “The temptation is to say his daily press briefing for the second day in a row about a shooting accident by the vice president. there is a textbook way to handle this sort of thing. There play that to its advantage.” isn’t,” said Peter Mirijanian, a This White House has shown corporate public relations conit can wait out a political storm. sultant who specializes in crisis Mirijanian recalled the pressure management and has worked last year for President Bush to for several Democrats in the meet with anti-war protester past. Cindy Sheehan outside his TexMost experts agreed, howas ranch. ever, that Cheney should have “They took a beating,” he said. announced the shooting Satur“And after a while, it subsided.” day evening when it occurred A veteran Republican public and that he should have issued a relations consultant, who spoke public statement of his concern on condition of anonymity for for his friend’s well-being. fear of alienating the White “I am appalled by the whole —Dan Gerstein House, said Cheney erred first handling of this,” Marlin Fitzby not announcing the shootDemocratic public relations consultant. water, who served the elder ing, then by allowing it to be President Bush as White House announced to a local Texas press secretary, told Editor and for the hunting trip wasn’t an- ton and his family.” newspaper rather than to the Publisher magazine Tuesday. nounced. Mirijanian said he didn’t ex- national press. He recalled that when the “Their bunker mentality pect Cheney to hold a press con“That fed a lot of mistrust elder Bush once collapsed at hurts them at a time like this,” ference. “I don’t think he’d be a that was already there. It raised the Camp David presidential said Dan Gerstein, a Demo- great asset,” he said. “It wouldn’t the story to a level it might not retreat, “the statement was on cratic public relations consul- help the situation.” otherwise have reached,” the the wires before the helicopter tant. “Cheney should go out He said Cheney had already consultant said. had left to take him to the hos- publicly and take responsibility. decided that it’s not necessary Then the White House erred pital. I can’t believe they didn’t He should say, ‘There was no to “feed the media beast every by trying to ease the tension have a similar plan here. It is all wrongdoing, but I made a mis- day.” If that makes the news me- with humor early Tuesday. That Cheney; he is the key that has to take, and I will do everything dia angry, so be it. was a mistake even before it was start this.” I can to help Whittington.’ I “The fact that the White announced that Whittington Cheney is secretive to the haven’t seen any expression di- House press corps is very had suffered a minor heart atpoint of defiance about his pub- rectly from the vice president.” hungry for information isn’t tack, the Republican said. lic and private life. He refused Cheney hasn’t appeared pub- necessarily a negative to the Now that the damage has to say, for example, which en- licly since the shooting. His of- supporters of the president and been done, the consultant said, ergy industry representatives he fice issued a statement Tuesday vice president,” Mirijanian said. it’s best for Cheney and the met with when drafting the ad- that didn’t quote Cheney di- “This White House is very good White House to ride it out. ministration’s proposed energy rectly but said, “The vice presi- at triangulating the press. If the “They’re almost over it now. policy. He often doesn’t release dent said that his thoughts and media can be seen as overly ag- I don’t know that they need to his schedule. His trip to Texas prayers are with Mr. Whitting- gressive, the White House can say much more about it now.”
WASHINGTON D.C. — It’s called the Great Firewall of China — a barrier constructed with the help of Silicon Valley companies to block China’s Internet users from information about taboo topics such as human rights and democracy. The participation of U.S. technology giants Google, Yahoo!, Cisco and Microsoft in the Chinese government’s online censorship and surveillance programs is drawing increasing criticism. Officials from the four companies were scheduled to appear at a congressional hearing on Wednesday. But what can be done to helpdismantle China’s constantly evolving firewall? And can technology, which helped erect it, be used to tear it down? Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a longtime critic of China’s human rights record who convened the House subcommittee hearing, is drafting a bill that would boost funding for counter-censorship technologies. More money would help small firms like Dynamic Internet Technology, a North Carolina company founded by Chinese expatriate Bill Xia that constantly changes the addresses of U.S. servers to keep the Chinese government from blocking access to restricted sites. “They keep upgrading their technologies. Still, I think we’re staying ahead of them,” Xia said in an interview over his cell phone, declining to give the company’s exact location for fear of being tracked down by the Chinese government. More than 100,000 users in China access the company’s Web sites, which help providers such as the Voice of America, get information into the country, Xia said. “But to maintain such a large network with good performance, we need funding,” said Xia, who has a volunteer team and can only afford to run the company because his wife
By Steven Thomma Knight Ridder Newspapers
“T
heir bunker mentality hurts them at a time like this. Cheney should go out publicly and take responsibility. He should say, ‘There was no wrongdoing, but I made a mistake, and I will do everything I can to help Whittington.’ I haven’t seen any expression directly from the vice president.”
By Jim Puzzanghera Knight Ridder Newspapers
has a full-time job. Smith said additional public or private funding for such companies can help combat China’s sophisticated Internet censorship and surveillance, which uses automated filters and thousands of “cyber-police” to monitor Web sites for banned content, which can be anything that the Chinese Communist Party deems a potential threat to its rule. Smith said small companies such as Dynamic Internet Technology have a tough task up against huge companies such as Yahoo! that help China adapt their Internet filters. “It’s an active partnership with both the disinformation campaign and the secret police, and the secret police in China are among the most brutal on the planet,” Smith said. “I don’t know if these companies understand that or they’re naive about it, whether they’re witting or unwitting. But it’s been a tragic collaboration. There are people in China being tortured courtesy of these corporations.” Smith’s legislation also would impose restrictions on U.S. companies in China — federal licensing requirements for the export of Internet censorship technologies, mandating that email servers be located outside the country’s borders to prevent police from tracking down dissidents, and a code of conduct for doing business in repressive countries. Yahoo! is accused of turning over information that led to the jailing of two dissidents. Microsoft has removed a blog at the Chinese government’s request, and Google introduced a search engine in China that won’t provide links to sites the government finds sensitive. Cisco has sold routers to China that the rights group Reporters Without Borders said are being used for its surveillance system. The four companies say they are required to follow Chinese law, and that the democratizing force of the Internet will lead to more openness.
ahoo is Y accused of turning over
information that led to the jailing of two dissidents ... and Google introduced a search engine in China that won’t provide links to sites that the government finds sensitive.
Popular Turkish movie portrays American soldiers as brutal killers By Matthew Schofield Knight Ridder Newspapers BERLIN — A Turkish-made film that portrays American soldiers in Iraq as brutal and callous killers is setting attendance records in Turkey and has just opened throughout Europe. From the opening seconds to the dramatic conclusion, the movie, The Valley of the Wolves — Iraq, portrays Americans as wearing the black hats. In one scene, an American doctor, played by actor Gary Busey, is furious because troops keep killing Iraqi prisoners before they reach the Abu Ghraib prison. The doctor’s problem? If the Iraqis are dead, he can’t harvest their organs to send to Israel. The movie, the most expensive production in Turkish film history, has been a runaway success in Turkey since it opened Feb. 3. Would-be viewers must wait weeks for tickets. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to Turkish press reports, recommended the film to friends after a private screening. His wife noted, “It’s a beautiful film.”
It’s not clear how well the film will do in its Europe-wide release. No weekend box-office figures are available. Theaters showing the film in Berlin were packed, managers said, but much of the crowd was of Turkish descent. The fact that the film carries subtitles will discourage Germans, who prefer dubbing. American military officers have advised troops in Europe to avoid theaters showing the film and not to discuss it with strangers, though interviews with filmgoers here found little anti-Americanism. “This movie isn’t about how horrible Americans are,” said Beyhan Haci, 60, a Turk who’s lived in Germany for years and has seen the film twice. “It’s about the horrible mistakes the American government has made in Iraq.” Analysts in Turkey say that attitude isn’t prevalent there. “American soldiers are the bad guys around here, no question,” said Sedat Laciner, the director of the International Strategic Research Organization in Ankara, Turkey’s capital. “But we are not so different in our attitudes than much of
the rest of the world. And remember, Turkey is far less antiAmerican than any country in the Middle East besides Israel.” The movie is standard Hollywood action-adventure fare, but with the villains wearing the Stars and Stripes. The heroes are dapper and kind; the Americans are slovenly, sadistic and stupid. An American who questioned why a smiling comrade is spraying a metal container full of Iraqi prisoners with bullets is quickly killed. Some of the incidents in the film draw on actual events, though they’re portrayed in such a way as to impose the worst of motives on the Americans: American soldiers guffaw as they set dogs on prisoners at Abu Ghraib, lie in wait so they can target wedding guests when they celebrate with gunfire and open fire on a mosque just as the call to prayer is sounded. Other scenes portray Americans as cartoonishly evil. When confronted by the Turkish hero, the main U.S. villain, played by American Billy Zane, surrounds himself with little children, saying he knows the hero’s “weak spot.” Yusuf Kanli, the editor in
chief of the Turkish Daily News, said the film is grounded in a real event known as the “bag incident,” which cemented the movie’s popularity in Turkey. “Abu Ghraib is a deep wound, but it’s war, and war is never clean,” Kanli said. “But what happened in July 2003 can never be forgotten by any Turk.” In that incident, U.S. troops arrested 11 Turkish specialforces officers in northern Iraq and walked them from their headquarters with bags over their heads. It was considered a bitter betrayal by a trusted ally. Turkish newspapers dubbed it the “Rambo Crisis.” Recent opinion polls rank it as the most humiliating moment in Turkish history. After this scene, the film portrays the suicide of one of the Turkish officers. Just before committing suicide, the officer writes a letter to Polat Alemdar, a fictional Turkish secret agent from a popular television series who’s a cross between James Bond and Rambo, and asks him to “restore Turkey’s honor.” The remainder of the film is about Alemdar’s efforts to do so by confronting U.S. evil in Iraq.
Fadi Hakura, who studies Turkish politics and culture in London for the British research center Chatham House, said that while “the bag incident” continues to rankle in Turkey, most Turks believe in improving relations with the United States. He noted that many Turks attend college in the United States, including the children of Erdogan, the prime minister. “There is a noticeable shift in attitudes since the start of the war in Iraq,” he said. “But I wouldn’t call it anti-Americanism as much as a reflection of a great deal of anxiety about what the United States is doing in the region.”
Others agree, noting that attitudes aren’t so much antiAmerican as they are anti-Bush administration or even antiWestern. Several people pointed to the protests throughout the Islamic world over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad that were first printed in a Danish newspaper as further evidence of poor relations between traditional Western and Eastern cultures. Still, as an older man leaving the film told the British Broadcasting Corp. in Istanbul on Monday, “If I see an American when I get out of here, I feel like taking a hood and putting it over their head.”
TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - Page 4
trendythoughts
Have you been tuning in to the Winter Olympics?
“I’ve been watching highlights of it. I like snowboarding, the luge and the long jump is my favorite.” — Patrick Shimek political science senior
Trends Contact — Kyle Bradshaw, starentertainment@txstate.edu
“If I run across it on TV, I might watch it. But, I don’t have a passion for it.” — Jessye Hipp interdisciplinary studies freshman
“I’ve been watching a little bit of it. I enjoyed watching the snowboarding events and downhill skiing.” — Caleb King engineering technology senior Compiled by Kyle Bradshaw
Lounge Lizards use musical expression to convey political ideas By Andrea Short The University Star With an innovative style of satirical folk, country and ✯✯✯✯ bluegrass, the Austin Lounge Lizards perAustin Lounge formed for a small Lizards audience Sunday at Performing Arts the University PerConference Center forming Arts ConSun. Feb. 12 ference Center. The show was part of the Jerry and Cathy Supple Folk Music Series held at Texas State, of which all of the proceeds will benefit the Reed Parr Music Endowment. The Lizards formed and grew out of Austin, and since 1980, they have morphed their music into an art form and their show into a truly entertaining experience. Middle-aged men in Hawaiian shirts belted out satirically political songs that were, in a way, educational and amusing at the same time. The Lizards’ musical style features four and five-part vocals and instrumental mastery, particularly from Conrad Deisler on guitar, Korey Simeone on fiddle and mandolin and Tom Pittman on banjo, dobro and pedal steel guitar. Rounding out the group are Hank Card on rhythm guitar and Boo Resnick on bass. Their music often includes odd harmonies and instrumental parts that are themselves a spoof of the conventions of bluegrass, country, rock and pop music. Hearing this, it’s no surprise that the group counts Frank
concert review
Zappa, George Jones, Spike Jones, Flatt & Scruggs, Tom Lehrer and Steve Goodman among its influences. The Lizards’ songs are highly intellectual, with sharply pointed lyrics that exaggerate and expose different aspects of politics, love, religion and the American culture in general. Among some songs on their latest CD, Strange Noises in the Dark, is the title song about a lover obsessed with his ex, “Phil and Jesse,” a political reference to retired Senators Phil Gramm and Jesse Helms; the self-explanatory “Why Couldn’t We Blow Up Saddam?” and “We Always Fight When We Drink Gin.” The songs are humorously theatrical and aimed at a liberal audience. I found myself perplexed by what I was witnessing at first: five seemingly crazy and obnoxious men, flailing their arms and singing songs about killing Saddam, but after a while I gave up trying to figure it out and just laughed at the Lizards’ sarcasm and weird songs. Not only did they contribute to this event, but the Lizards have also made attempts, through the Web plays of their consumer awareness songs, to raise support for the environment and influence the national drug administration. The Lizards’ several consumer awareness songs such as “Go Ahead and Die,” “Toast the Earth” and “The Drugs I Need,” are available to the public on various Web sites, and the more play they get, the more the Lizards’ influence on social issues grows. Their goal is to inform consumers about the various environmental and political issues out there today, while doing so in their own comical way. The Lizards originally played Austin
he Lizards’ T songs are highly intellectual, with sharply pointed lyrics that exaggerate and expose different aspects of politics, love, religion and the American culture in general.
and various Texas dates while keeping day jobs as bailiff, construction foreman and administrative law judge, but the band has been touring nationally since 1987. The music of the Austin Lounge Lizards is played on bluegrass and Americana-themed radio shows as well as some independent broadcast stations. While I won’t say I will hurry out and purchase a CD for my own listening pleasure, for $5 on a Sunday night, the Austin Lounge Lizards were certainly a unique encounter. It is definitely refreshing to see a group of crazy guys doing what they love and serving a good cause.
REPTILIAN ROCK: The Austin Lounge Lizards play at the University Performing Arts Center on Sunday night.
Danny Rodriguez/Star photos
TRENDS
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Eight Below scores above freezing By Maira Garcia The University Star
Truman, Shadow, Buck and Old Jack, bring life into the film with their charismatic personalities. The dogs end up becoming the true stars of the film. The movie is being promoted as a family film. Be wary, however, of some of the graphic content that could frighten young children, such as a scene where the dogs find a whale carcass and encounter a sea leopard within it. Despite a few intense moments, the film manages to keep both adults and children enter-
tained. Biggs’ humor is right on target with no innuendos like recent family-oriented movies. But, Walker and Bloodgood lack chemistry and give lackluster performances. Eight Below features beautiful scenery, an inspiring story and acting that may not be top-rate, but nevertheless provides entertainment for the young and old. The film was shot well and captures the beauty of animals and their environment, which is one good reason to see Eight Below on the big screen.
The gorgeous backdrop of icy ntarctica ✯✯✯ Acoupled with Eight Below eight charmDir.: Frank ing MalaMarshall mutes is just Stars: Paul the start of Walker, Jason the story beBiggs hind Disney’s Rated: PG Eight Below. This inspiring story portrays courage and awe at the willpower of eight intelligent dogs that survive peril to be with their loving trainer. Eight Below, which was directed by Frank Marshall (Alive, Congo), is an adaptation of the Japanese film Nankyoku Monogatari (Antarctica), which is based on a true story. The story is set in 1993, the last year sled dog teams were allowed to work in Antarctica. Paul Walker plays Jerry Shepard, an Antarctic guide and musher, whose love for his sled dogs leads him on a mission to rescue them after he and his team are forced to evacuate a research facility during a record storm. The dogs are left behind because of the lack of room on the team’s tiny aircraft. Jerry finds out that all missions are canceled and any return to the facility is almost impossible. Jerry’s sidekick and Antarctic cartographer Cooper, played by Jason Biggs, helps with the mission and provides much needed comic relief. Katie, played by Moon Bloodgood, a bush pilot and former love interest of Jerry’s, provides support and hope to the overwhelmed Jerry. The pack of dogs is led by the nurturing and noble Maya, a beautiful silver dog. Maya gets help from Max, a young but courageous dog with bright blue Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures eyes who is in training to become a leader. These dogs, along DOG SHOW: Paul Walker plays Jerry, a trainer who goes on a miswith Shorty, twins Dewey and sion to rescue his sled dogs in Antarctica, in Eight Below.
film review
The University Star - Page 5
Let’s hope it’s a final Final Destination By David Hiltbrand Knight Ridder Newspapers
film review
✯✯
Final Destination 3 Dir.: James Wong Stars: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ryan Merriman Rated: R
Fortunately for us, they number these Final Destination scare fests. Otherwise, it would be impossible to tell
them apart. The premise never varies: a group of young people manages to avoid a splashy, mass fatality, only to discover that once the grim reaper has your name, sugar, you’re going down. In Destination, Wendy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) has a terrible premonition during her high school’s senior class trip to an amusement park: Don’t eat the funnel cakes! No, that’s not it. A frantic Wendy gets off a demonicthemed roller coaster with Kevin (Ryan Merriman) and a
handful of acquaintances just Not that you mind. The charbefore a bloody crash. But, as acters are so loathsome, you’re we know, that only delays their glad to see them go. Except for funerals. two: the Goth couple Ian (Kris All we can say is: Death be Lemche) and Erin (Alexz Johnnot proud. If you have to work son). He’s a cynical know-it-all, this hard to take down these like Dennis Miller with black dimwitted kids, you don’t de- fingernails; she’s like Parker serve to be a cosmic force. Posey with raccoon mascara. The black hand operates like The good news for Destian elaborate game of Mouse nation is that director James Trap in this film. A screw Wong and writer Glen Morgan, comes loose, causing a picture the creative team from the first to swing down, nudging a ta- installment, have returned to ble, tipping a pitcher, dripping work their voodoo. These guys, water onto wires, sparking a who cut their fangs on The X fire, enflaming some curtains, Files, are experts at foreshadweakening the floor joists, etc. owing and at making the munWhatever happened to the old dane seem sinister. lightning bolt: classic, elegant, Those talents, however, are efficient? largely blunted in a film where We don’t want to give you the plot is so completely preorthe impression that Destina- dained. tion’s deaths are trifling, gentle affairs. One of the conventions movies rating key of this fright series is that the No stars – Must skip circumstances of each kid’s ✯ – Bad, fails overall demise must grow increasingly gory. By the end of this ✯✯ – Mediocre, wait for DVD go-round, the young hapless ✯✯✯ – Good, few flaws victims are getting brutally at- ✯✯✯✯ – Outstanding, must see omized.
Creepers sure to send tingles up your spine book review
✯✯✯✯
Creepers David Morrell Publisher: CDS Books
By Jessica Tenery The University Star
the thought of snooping around Iinfunknown, condemned buildings the dead of night causes shivers
to jolt down your spine, or if you have a slight case of claustrophobia, this book is guarenteed to give you nightmares.
Five legged cats, and mutated letting the readers know that rats — oh my! These are just a many horrors lie in wait at the few of the creeps that you will foreboding hotel. As the Creepencounter while reading David ers poke around, they soon Morrell’s latest novel Creepers. discover that, although the The name “Creepers” is given building may be abandoned, it to a group of urban explorers is certainly not empty. who deck themselves out in cavDesigned by a hemophilic ing gear and break into histor- eccentric, the Paragon was built ic, abandoned buildings. They to resemble a seven-story pyratreat the old buildings with mid, jam-packed with many utmost respect by not breaking hidden secrets. The characterlocks, littering izations are varied, or tampering yet authentic. Two with any of the of the primary old artifacts that characters have they find. They agendas, and things are allured by are not as they the idea of going seem. I apologize back in time as if this seems vague, they inspect the but I wouldn’t dare interiors of the spoil this very good old and moldy book. rooms. The story is remThis very fast iniscent of James read chronicles Dickey’s classic eight terrifying novel Deliverance. hours that the Just as the river in Creepers enDeliverance was to dure, as they exJennifer Esperanza/ be destroyed by the plore the ruins DavidMorrell.net construction of hyof the Paragon droelectric dams, hotel in Asbury JEEPERS: Author David the unique buildPark, N.J. Morell Morell’s Creepers, a ing in Creepers is begins the story story about a group of slated for demoliwith some excel- explorers who break into tion. If anything, lent foreshad- abandoned buildings, is the Creepers face owing by subtly his 24th novel. more life-threaten-
ing possibilities than the Deliverance crew. If the thought of snooping around unknown, condemned buildings in the dead of night causes shivers to jolt down your spine, or if you have a slight case of claustrophobia, this book is guaranteed to give you nightmares.
Courtesy of New Line Cinema BAD PREMONITION: Death has got in for Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who plays Wendy, in the third installment of the Final Destination franchise.
DIVERSIONS
Page 6 - The University Star
CAVEMAN ROCK
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
✯Star Comics
Stephanie Gage/Star photos WANNA ROCK?: Emo’s Austin was packed with Early Man fans on Saturday night eager to get a taste of the band’s heavy-metal sound and Flying-V guitars.
SU DO KU Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively.
Tuesday’s solutions:
Puzzles by Pappocom
Tuesday’s solutions:
Go to www.UniversityStar.com for today’s answers.
C �LASSIFIEDS ���������� THE ����UNIVERSITY �����������STAR ����
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Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - Page 8 Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - Page 33
All classified ads are charged 20¢ per word. Ads may be emailed to starclassifieds@txstate.edu. 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.
E-mail starclassifieds@txstate.edu Email Classifieds Classifieds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu
FOR RENT-DUPLEX
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matching could be the answer. Call and we’ll set you up. Apartment Experts (512)805-0123.
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mediate move-in. 2/1 at 1107 Marlton for $650/mo. Easy terms. Call Legacy Real Estate (512) 665-0350, and visit legacyrealestate.biz.
house in country surroundings. Free parking next to campus. Available May. Free deer lease, internet, cable, water & garbage. $680 per mo. 392-2700
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FOR RENT - 3/2 house, two rooms available. Close to campus. Call Kenneth at (210) 825-1948.
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FOR RENT $0 DEP. $0 APP. Large Condo 1 & 2 bdrms available. Some bills paid. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123 or check out more apartment specials at www.sanmarcos-apartments.com
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$650. 519 Hutchison. Easy bike ride to campus or just walk. Visit legacyrealestate.biz, and call Legacy Real Estate at (512) 665-0350.
DUPLEX READY FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN. 1802 Hunter Road. Newly remodeled. Only $450/mo. Water/waste water paid. Visit legacyrealestate.biz, and call Legacy Real Estate at (512) 665-0350
NEED A SHORT-TERM LEASE? Advance Street duplexes
with water/waste water paid. Small pet welcomed. $625 per month. Call Legacy Real Estate at (512) 665-0350.
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available with complete appliance packages including full size W/D. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths for only $750/mo. Visit legacy realestate.biz and call Legacy Real Estate at (512) 665-0305.
1 BEDROOM 670 SQ FT $420. 2 bedroom 835 sq ft $495/ For more info call Apartment Experts 805-0123.
APARTMENTS NEXT TO TEXAS STATE now leasing for
SAGEWOOD DUPLEXES preleasing for 6/1 &8/1, bus route, 3/3.5 garage, W/D inc., Call 512-699-9759
611 BRACEWOOD. Large 2/2
$99 INCLUDES DEP. App. and 1st month rent. Beautiful property! 1, 2, 3 bedrooms. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123.
1/1.5 LOFT, 700 SQFT. Backyard and w/d included call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123
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FOR RENT-APTS
May and August. Beautiful wooden floors, no shuttle or parking worries. Rooms, 1B, 2B, 3B and roommate matching. Free internet, cable and some utilities. $300 - $605 per person. 392-2700
SUBLEASE 2BD APT. $600/mo. Begin Feb. w/Feb. paid by owner. Near School. Contact Wessam 878-6224.
move-in 2-2 $599. 1-1 also available. Call Apartment Experts 805-0123.
APARTMENTS FROM $371/ MO. Near stadium. Gas, water paid.
$149 TOTAL MOVE IN! $420,
353-5051.
2bdrm $525. On TX State shuttle. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123.
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2 BEDROOM 2 BATH with w/d $550 per month. Park North Condos. 353-7644
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$350 FULLY FURNISHED cable, internet, water paid, W/D included. Call Apartment Experts 805-0123.
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FOR RENTCONDO/TOWNHOMES $785 2/2.5 TOWNHOUSE.
3 blks from TXState. Preleasing for 5/20 and 8/20. Free HBO, Road Runner, fullsize W/D. www.windmilltownhomes. com for floor plans & prices. 396-4181.
1B/1B NEAR WEST CAMPUS. $385 per month 512-396-1717.
FOR RENT-HOUSES
FOR SALE FOUR ROCKFORD FOSGATE 10” HX2 SUBS, and Audiobahn DELL INSPIRON 8200 LAPTOP CD-RW DVD-R with Windows
Benefit Package Included. Call (830) 606-4110.
XP, Office Suite, Photoshop, wireless ability, and lots of accessories. Email rory@txstate.edu for more information.
3/2 MOBILE, Nice, extras, fenced rented lot, Hunter Rd. $29K 512-3962374
HELP WANTED TEKA MARKETING INC. is adding two new divisions. We are looking to fill several F/T and P/T positions. Very flexible hours and casual work environment. For more information call 805-0020.
NEW HOUSE FOR RENT.
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3/2. 1900 sq. ft; W/D. Very good neighborhood. $1300/mo. Call (512) 554-5080 or (830) 257-4339.
Rockfish Seafood Grill, Stassney Lane in South Austin exit 228 and take a left open interviews 2-4pm M-TH.
LARGE HOUSE OFF N. LBJ -
CHARTER AIRLINE seeking part-time flight attendants. Contact Chris at (512) 353-2379, or e-mail resume to chris@berryaviation.com.
4B/2B HOUSE NEXT TO CAMPUS. Hardwood floors, 2 car garage converted to game room, large kitchen & dining room. Excellent condition. Free internet & cable. 392-2700.
HUGE 3/2, W/D, ETC. 1600 sq ft. $950 per mo. 713-774-5953.
restaurant, excellent benefits, group health insurance, 401K plan, apply in person New Braunfels Smokehouse, 140 Hwy 46, M-F anytime
FIRST PROTESTANT SCHOOL-Hiring Afternoon Staff-
port, lg yard, available, March 1. 3922443.
Excellent condition; 5 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 3 bathrooms, tile & wood floors. For faculty, family or graduate students. Free parking next to campus. $1600/mo. for August. (512) 757-0399.
WAITRESSES, CASHIERS, COOKS, ft/pt at well established
A1500HCX 2000 watt RMS amp, all new $1200 obo. (830)305-2268.
Q BAR NOW HIRING waitresses and bartenders. Call (210)341-5701, apply in person at 7710 IH-10 W, or visit www.qbarsa.com.
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HELP WANTED
GET PAID TO DRIVE a brand new car! Earn $800-$3200 a month to drive! www.freedriverkey.com HEALTH CLUB open Monday thru Saturday. Part-time positions, front desk and training with athletic background required. must be working on a related degree. 512-560-6761. Email resume to fitnessdoctors@aol.com. RANCH HAND: a jack of all trades. Efficient and dependable. Apply online at www.texasarabianhorses.com.
LOOKING FOR SOME CHANGE! OUR company has openings for 12 HIGHLY MOTIVATED STUDENTS. Fun atmosphere with great pay! Call Today 878-6172.
SEEKING WAIT STAFF & ENTERTAINERS with a fun loving attitude who enjoys working in a party atmosphere. AM/PM, PT/FT, flexible schedules. Great $$$! Apply Sugar’s 404 Highland Mall Blvd. E., Austin (near Highland Mall) 512-451-1711
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MISCELLANEOUS WE PAY UP TO $75 per online
MISCELLANEOUS SUMMER INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE: Summer Internships ($10.00/hr). Positions available in the Planning and Recreation departments of Community Associations of The Woodlands. Students should be working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism or related field. Candidates must pass an extensive background check and pre-employed drug screen. Resumes may be mailed or applications may be submitted to: Community Associations of The Woodlands, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77387, Attn: HR/SA. Fax 281-210-3970 or e-mail hr@catw-tx.org. For more information, visit our web-site at www.thewoodlandsassociations.org.
ROOMMATES LIBERAL ARTS TYPE PREFERRED. $300/month, plus 1/3 of bills and $257 deposit. 3 bed/2 bath house. I am male, my roommate female. Potential roommate will share bathroom with me. Cul-de-sac in SE Austin. Large living room and kitchen, 2 car garage, washer/dryer. No smoking except in furnished garage/lounge. Effective March 1st. Call 512-693-4244.
ROOMMATE WANTED 3/2 house, $300/mo plus utilities, call if interested 361-688-8629
SUBLEASE SUBLEASE - Two 1 br/1 bath available at the Ex2; May 22-July 31; fully furnished; $399 plus electric. Contact Lauren at (214) 542-1467 or Stefani at (214) 277-4579.
TAKE OVER LEASE ASAP. 2/1 $520/mo. no deposit. Pets OK. Contact Stephanie (512) 963-4580.
TRAVEL
survey. www.cashtospend.com
TANCO TANNING MEMBERSHIP - 17 mo.; $225 or best offer. Call (254) 292-0926.
ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc $75-200/hr, no exp. needed, (512)684-8296.
SPRING BREAK Mazatlan Party bus $399 with hotels and meals. http:// www.mazatlanexpress.com 1-800-3664786.
WANTED NEEDED!
A capable website and programming type for design and implementation work. This person should have a moderate to strong skill level in website architecture and design, MS Access/SQL, MS Word, integration of third party plug-ins, web payment processing, internet security features, and the coordination and implementation of all of these. He/she should also know their way around hardware layout and integration. A moderate skill level in some of these areas is acceptable, a high skill level in all these areas is appreciated, but a STRONG willingness to find and learn some needed skills on the fly will compensate. You will need to sign a confidentiality/non-compete agreement. You must be able to work under limited supervision, and meet reasonable goals. Pay is $20/hour during development with the opportunity to participate as a limited partner later. Expect to work 10 hours weekly. Call (512) 878-1052 or 800-409-9972.
WANTED: USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condition. Running or not. If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell. 512353-4511.
SPORTS
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The University Star - Page 9
Bobcat softball says ‘aloha’ to lead off the season at Paradise Classic By Chris Galligher The University Star The Texas State softball team’s season got underway this weekend with a trip to Honolulu, where they competed in the Hawaii Paradise Classic. The team finished 3-3 overall, splitting the six-game series with wins over Brigham Young University, Southern Mississippi and UTArlington. The ’Cats drew Southern Mississippi in the first game. Pitcher Katie Ann Trahan helped out her own cause by driving in the first run of the 2006 season with an RBI sac fly. Sophomore Jetta Weinheimer added to the lead in the second inning, scoring fellow sophomore Alex Newton, who had stolen third base moments before to set up the sacrifice fly. Kristin Gunter scored on a wild pitch in the second inning to up the score to 3-0. Ryan Kos walked to open up the fourth inning, and Amy Hromadka tacked on an RBI single. The Bobcats blew the game open later in the inning when sophomore Ashton Peters hit a tworun single to make it 6-0. The game was called due to a run rule in the fifth inning with the score 9-0. Even with all the offensive firepower, the highlight of the game may have been pitcher Katie Ann Trahan; the senior struck out seven and pitched five no-hit innings en route to her first victory of the season. Next up was Layola Marymount. This game featured what may have been the best pitching duel of the tournament. Junior Bobcat pitcher Sarah Lancour and sophomore Tiffany Pagano put on an impressive display. The two combined to allow no earned runs and seven hits between them as both pitched complete games. Kristin Slouber’s run on a Texas State throwing error turned out to be the difference-maker, as the Bobcats lost a heartbreaker, 1-0. After the hard-fought loss to LMU, Texas State had little time to feel sorry for themselves with a game against 25th-ranked and reigning Mountain West Conference champion BYU directly ahead. In the second inning, DH Ali McCormack crushed a home
scoring one run in the bottom of the inning, but Lancour shut them down, finishing another outstanding outing allowing only seven hits and one run, while striking out 13 and scoring a complete-game victory. Later that day, the ’Cats faced Hawaii in what would become another display of terrific pitching by both teams. The Bobcats trailed 1-0 heading into the top of the sixth when Jill Kloesel scored on a throwing error heading into the final inning; however, this would be as close as the ’Cats would get. Hawaii scored the go-ahead run later in the inning and held on to win, 2-1. With a 3-2 record in roundrobin play, the ’Cats earned the No. 3 seed, which meant a rematch with LMU in the semifinal game. In contrast to the first 1-0 defensive struggle between the two teams, this time around was a slug-fest. Despite several early opportunities with runners in scoring position, the Bobcats found themselves in a 2-0 hole in the bottom of the fifth inning when Jill Kloesel scored to cut the lead in half. LMU stretched the lead back to 3-1 with an RBI single in the top of the sixth. Texas State would rally in the bottom of the inning when McCormack connected for a dramatic gametying home run to force extra innings; however, Texas State could not find a way to generate a run against LMU reliever Samantha Lavino, and eventually A. D. Brown/Star photo fell 3-2 in eight innings. NO-NO: Senior Pitcher Katie Ann Trahan went 1-0 with a 0.78 ERA Next, the ’Cats travel to Denton to take on the North Texas during the Hawiian Paradise Classic, including a no-hitter in the Mean Green. UNT is 2-2 on the Bobcats’ season opener against Southern Mississippi. year with two wins over Louisirun over the fence in left-center closed the door for the Bobcats ana Tech and two losses to SLC field to make the score 1-0. in the eighth with an almost Sam Houston State. The Mean The Bobcat power surge con- flawless relief appearance. Mc- Green won the only previous tinued in the third, when Trahan Cormack’s home run earlier in matchup with the Bobcats, hit a two-run blast, scoring Alex the game was the first of her ca- which occurred in 2005. Newton to make the score 3-0. reer and came in only her thirdUNT has been involved in In the bottom of the sixth, ever college at-bat. some high-scoring affairs so far BYU shortstop Jodi Norton The ’Cats found themselves this season, scoring six runs per notched the first two earned in another pitchers’ duel on Sat- game and allowing 8.25. Kristiruns of the season against the urday against conference rival na Fowler, and Jessica Smith are Bobcats with a two-run homer. UT-Arlington. With the game expected to get the starting nods In the bottom of the seventh, scoreless through the regulation in the double header. the Cougars forced extra innings seven innings, Newton was able Fowler has posted a 4.11 ERA when Monica Gonzalez scored to finally put the Bobcats on the with 11 strikeouts, while Smith on a Texas State error. The ’Cats scoreboard in extra innings with has an 8.13 ERA with four would rise to the occasion in the a two-run RBI double. strikeouts. The starting time eighth, by taking advantage of Catcher Karen Taylor added for game one is scheduled for Cougar mistakes to score three an insurance run with an RBI 3 p.m. today, while game two is runs on zero hits. Lancour then single. UTA would threaten, scheduled for 5 p.m.
A.D. Brown/Star photo SPLITTING DEFENDERS: Junior forward Charles Dotson goes in for a lay-up during Saturday’s 69-58 loss to McNeese State. The Bobcats lost again Monday night 66-46 to Southeastern Louisiana.
Loss against SLU drops Bobcats in SLC By Erika Hailey The University Star The Texas State men’s basketball team was defeated Monday night as they faced Southeastern Louisiana University at the Lion’s University Center. The meet with the Lions was the 12th straight loss for the Bobcats, forcing them to drop to 0-11 in Southland Conference play. The two teams faced off earlier this month, with Texas State coming up eight points shy, allowing the Lions to clinch a 6860 victory over the Bobcats. Ricky Woods led the Lions on Monday with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Antoine Blanchard scored 18 points for the Bobcats, and Brandon Bush added another 12. Texas State came within one point of the lead, when the Lions made a 12-2 run in just 4 minutes. The Bobcats were off to an 11-2 lead within the first 3 minutes of the game. The Lions soon made a comeback with a 9-0 run on the Bobcats to tie up the game. The Bobcats won rebounds in the first half, pulling down 19 compared with the Lions’ 16. The Bobcats also made two assists on nine made field goals. History between these teams seemed to repeat itself in the second half as the Bobcats and
Lions were tied 26-26 at the half. Coming back into the second half, Texas State got as high as a three-point lead over SLU before the Lions made a 19-4 run. The Bobcats went as long as five minutes without a basket until Lance Burroughs hit a shot at the 11-minute mark to put an end to the drought. “They started to spot the open guys, and got inside the perimeter. Unfortunately we had to foul and they went to the free throw line quite a bit, and they made their free throws,” Coach Dennis Nutt said. The Bobcats got into foul trouble early in the game. The team reached a season high of 28 fouls, allowing the Lion’s leading scorer, Woods, to make 11 of his 15 game points. Both JuShay Rockett and Charles Dotson had three fouls in the first half, eventually sending Rockett out of the game with 8:40 still left in the second half. Langhorne led the Bobcats with 14 points, and Dotson adding 11. Guards Burroughs, Bush and Langhorne all had five rebounds. Micheal Cyprien and Chris Lee contributed 12 points each for the Lions. The Bobcats will head back into action at 7 p.m. on Saturday against UT-San Antonio at Strahan Coliseum.
THREAT: Bobcats turning heads at Albuquerque Invitational CONTINUED from page 1
placed third overall in the 400meter with a time of 54.94 seconds, while Yuliya Stashkiv captured a third-place finish in the women’s one-mile run with a time of 5 minutes, 02.40 seconds. Additionally, Camilla Davis was showing off her speed skills as well. After claiming a second-place spot in the SLC last week in Houston with a time of 7.64 for the 60-meter, she posted a third-best qualifying time of 7.54 and placed fifth in Albuquerque with a time of 7.60, which now makes her the leader in the conference for the season. “Camilla had a great meet. She’s pulling together at the right time and has great potential to win the conference,” Wiley said. Davis displayed great speed in
the 200-meter by posting a time of 24.74 and placing eighth, resulting in another SLC best for 2006. Also breaking out in the 60-meter was RaShandra Harris, who put up her lifetime best of 7.62 and placed seventh. “We had a great meet. This weekend was a confidence booster for our team to go into the championship next week in Houston,” Wiley said. “We believe we’re in a position to bring home some conference champions. We’re ready to fight.” As the Albuquerque Invitational was underway, there were other teammates competing in Houston at the All-Comers meet on Saturday. Freshman Casey Cummings came in second in the men’s pole vault with a mark of 4.70 meters; sophomore Eric Williams finished fourth with the same mark. Britni Lawrence, who was
jumping unattached, and Rebekah Vickers placed in the top three in the pole vault with marks of 3.65 and 3.35 meters, respectively. In more airborne events for Texas State, junior Lindsey Smith posted a mark of 5.38 meters for the long jump and fifth overall. This mark also gave her the third-best among collegians for the women. Finally, in the women’s games, Sara Olaywiola finished fourth in the women’s triple jump with a mark of 11.30 meters. For the Bobcats’ speed game, senior Javier Prado hit the second spot in the men’s one-mile run with a time of 4:21.38, and freshman Eric Sheppard completed the 800-meter in third place with a time of 1:59.28. The track and field team now Armando sanchez/Star photo looks ahead to next weekend’s KNEALING KATYA: Sophomore Katya Kostetskya practices while head track coach Galina Bukharina competition in Houston for the instructs her on Tuesday afternoon at Bobcat Stadium. Kostetskya placed third overall in the 400-meSLC Indoor Championships. ter at the Albuquerque Invitational.
SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR
sports snortsquotes from the sports world “You’re only doing this because you’re a Jeff Gordon fan.” —Kurt Busch’s comments to an officer when he was pulled over the night before the Checker Auto Parts 500. On Feb. 8, Busch was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service as part of a plea agreement over a reckless driving citation he received near Phoenix International Raceway. (Source: ESPN News)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - Page 10
Sports Contact — Miguel Peña, starsports@txstate.edu
Exreme fighting hits Central Texas By Chris Boehm The University Star It’s official: Rock girls, guttural death metal and body blows are a match made in heaven. Mixed martial arts came to Austin on Friday night in the freewheeling form of Texasbased Renegades Extreme Fighting, making its first appearance in the state capital. Six months ago, the Texas Legislature passed a law allowing closed-hand fighting in the niche sport, and over the weekend droves of blood-thirsty fans came out to support the newly approved carnage. “It went great; I can’t lie,” promoter Saul Soliz said. “It went better than expected, and all the fights were great. The guys from Austin were killer.” The Frank Erwin Center fans remained electrified most of the night, with the show’s high point coming in the seventh fight, a back-and-forth battle between Nick Gonzales and Adam Arrendondo that went the full three rounds. Gonzales, the Freestyle Fighting Championship title holder, opened the match with spinning back fists and kicks before Arrendondo responded with an arm bar that forced officials to check his opponent for injuries. After making sure Gonzales could continue, the fighter finished strong to take the contest by unanimous decision. “The fans were into it, and that’s awesome,” Soliz said. “They stuck around for the 10th fight on the card, and a lot of times that doesn’t happen. They were supportive to the end.” As a feeder league to bigger acts such as Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride Fighting Championship, Renegades looks to find a local audience within the Lone Star State. “We’re the No. 1 show in Texas,” Soliz said. “This is the next wave as far as combative sports goes. It’ll be surpassing boxing in attendance very, very soon.” Renegades opened in 2000 but its inspiration came earlier when Soliz, a former professional fighter himself, began working with other warriors at his Houston Metro Fight Club. “Saul was a fighter before he got injured,” said Steve Jimenez, a fighter who works at the Fit and Fearless school in Austin. “Once he started working with these fighters, he needed a place to showcase the new talent.” Since then the promoter has made an effort to support local pros in various venues; Friday the fight card featured a num-
Armando Sanchez/Star photo INSERVICE: Ashley Ellis, undecided freshman, plays a match against North Texas on Saturday morning at the Tennis Complex. Texas State lost to UNT, 3-4.
Chris Boehm/Star photo CAGE FIGHTER: Steve Carl of Austin (white shorts) tackles and holds Henry Buchanan during a Renegades Extreme Fighting match at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin on Friday night.
ber of Austin residents, including Devon Miller, fighting for Gracie Barra, Texas. “I began training in boxing, kick boxing and tenchu almost eight years ago and moved to mixed martial arts about two years ago,” Miller said. “At Gracie Barra, we’ve produced more Brazilian jiu-jitsu champions in MMA than any other school in the world.” Throughout the night, fans quickly chose favorites within the nine-minute-maximum fight lengths, and afterward, combatants were stopped by their new supporters for photographs. “This is a grassroots sport,” Miller said. “One of the things fans enjoy so much is the different personalities, so it’s good to key into that.” While seven of the fighters were making their professional MMA debuts, including Austin’s Adam Suave, the card also featured competitors such as Ricco “Suave” Rodriguez, a former UFC Heavyweight champion. Initially scheduled to take part in the 10th and final bout of the night, Rodriguez pulled out of the lineup and spent the night on crutches. Rodriguez stepped into the ring to address the mostly-University of Texas crowd, namedropping Vince Young to no avail. The fans reacted with a smattering of boos. “It’s a rough sport, and unfortunately guys get injured all the time; they get injured in
Mean Green lives up to name on the tennis court By Carl Harper The University Star
Chris Boehm/Star photo KING OF THE RING: Nick Gonzalez is awarded a win after a match against Adam Arrendondo.
training,” Soliz said. “I can understand the disappointment, but people have to realize he’s just a man. He breaks like everybody else.” Meanwhile, the younger and greener Suave could not live up to the name either, suffering a knockout in the first round courtesy of two brutal right hooks from Vince Libardi. Suave crouched down against the ring’s chain link fence at fight’s end as doctors checked the damage caused by the final shot to his jaw. Three fights later, Jimenez entered the ring 3-0 and the current heavyweight titleholder for the International Fighting Championship. The Chicago
native defeated Corey Salter in the eighth fight of the night. “The venues are smaller than what UFC and some of the others do,” Jimenez said. “But my experience with Renegades is that they always sell out their shows.” Jimenez teaches Krav Maga self-defense classes at his school and said he welcomed the opportunity to prove the style’s usefulness to his students — some of whom reside in San Marcos. “It’s a reality-based self-defense,” Jimenez said. “I started working with Renegades four years ago, and this allows me to show that what we teach works, even in a controlled setting.”
On a windy Saturday morning in San Marcos, the Bobcat’s tennis team dropped its third match of the spring season against the University of North Texas. The team of Sumarie Muller and Jana Cucciniello started the ’Cats off with a fast win in the first doubles match of the day, 8-1. Soon after, Leja Sirola and Christina Amo collected a doubles win with a score of 8-6. The team of Lainy Chafitz and Ashley Ellis battled in a tight game that was once tied at 4, but eventually lost 5-8. During the singles games, Margaret Potyrala began her season with a sweep as she beat walk-on Ashley Davis of UNT, 6-0, 6-0. “She took care of business. She knew she needed to go out and work hard against her opponent, and that’s what she did,” coach Tory Plunkett said. “She kept her feet moving through out the match.” The momentum did not stick around too long, though, as Cucciniello dropped her match 6-3, 6-3, and then Sirola, 6-1, 64. Sirola is making her way back this season after fighting with injuries in the fall. “She will be fine. I believe she is finding a way to win again,” Plunkett said. “She really hasn’t played competitively in three months.” Ellis, the leader of the singles matches for the team in the fall season at 9-5, dropped her
spring record to 1-2 as she lost a hard-fought battle to freshman Lynley Wasson of UNT, 6-4, 63. “Ashley has played exceptionally well for this team. She has definitely earned the No. 1 spot,” Plunkett said. In Amo’s first set, she was frustrated with a 2-6 lost. She found a way to fight back in the second set but fell just short, 7-6. “Amo executed in the second set but couldn’t close it out. She’s gaining experience each week and will get better,” Plunkett said. Chafitz ended the day on a good note for Texas State, winning in a third-set tiebreaker, 7-2. When asked who has the strongest serve on the team, Plunkett answered “Lainy” without hesitation. “Due to the fact of her kick, Lainy has the best serve at this point in the season,” Plunkett said. So far in the season, the team has a stronger record in doubles matches than singles matches. Plunkett talked about this progress: “Well, I was a strong doubles player myself, and since doubles comes first, I think it’s important to start off good. Singles will come around; it just takes experience.” Texas State fell with a score of 4-3 to UNT and is now preparing to take on the University of Northern Colorado, Army and Air Force, in Colorado Springs, Colo. this weekend. The tennis team is still winless in 2006 with a 0-3 record.
