02 19 2009 by The University Star

Home Opener Flesh Art

Famed tatto artis Andrea Elston relocates to San Marcos

The softball team defeats Texas A&M at first game in new stadium

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february 19, 2009

Thursday

Volume 98, Issue 53

Texas State students advocate for construction funds at Capitol City Council

debates graffiti punishment By Theron Brittain Senior News Reporter

Alyssa Scavetta/Star photo LUNCHEON LEADERS: Student leaders gather around at the Omni Hotel in Austin for the Texas State University System Luncheon on Wednesday.

By Amanda Venable News Editor Texas State University System leaders congregated at the Capitol Wednesday with a specific goal in mind — lobbying for construction funds. Administrators and students joined forces, speaking to legislators about higher education priorities during the Texas State University System day. Eleven Texas State students visited House and Senate members, delivering gift bags and discussing the need for tuition-revenue bonds, a priority item for the university this legislative session. Tuition Revenue Bonds are used to improve or create new campus facilities. The bonds are funded from the state general appropriations and repaid by tuition increases University administrators hope legislators will appropriate the necessary funds to build a musical recital hall and theater center and health professions building. The buildings are projected to cost $60 million and $73 million, respectively. The Texas Legislature appropriated $1.86 billion in 2006 for tuition revenue bonds. Texas State received $42.7 million and $36 million for an undergraduate academic center and a Round Rock higher education center, respectively. The System requested $222 million in tuition revenue bond funding in

2006. It received $96.9 million. Chancellor Charles Matthews said he expects this year to be a “tuition revenue bond session,” but decisions will not be made until May. “This is the year they do it, if they do it,” Matthews said. “The body is split, some don’t want to do them because there is so much outstanding state debt, some want to. Probably, we are going to get some money from the federal government in the stimulus bill. But I am very optimistic about the revenue bonds — some will be done.” System Chairman Bernie Francis said prudent expenditure requests are being made, because he suspects it will be a “relatively modest to perhaps low tuition-revenue bond year.” “The times are strange right now,” Francis said. “I think the legislature is going to have a difficult time balancing what I call the ‘coming economic tsunami’ because it hasn’t hit us whole yet.” The “economic tsunami” has already hit other parts of the nation, which President Obama hopes can be energized with the economic-stimulus package enacted Tuesday. Matthews said the package will likely bring the system federal funding, however, it is not expected to be enough to cover the universities’ increasing growth. “If we freeze tuition, where is the money going to come from?” Matthews asked in regard to proposed

regulation bills. “We are just sharing those numbers with the Texas Legislature. We hope it’s enough money that we don’t have to raise tuition. God bless us if it comes to that.” Tuition relief was put on the backburner by some of Texas State student representatives Wednesday. Michael Flowers, ASG chief of staff, said rising tuition costs are on campus leaders’ “radar,” but are not a primary focus from “the Texas State University standpoint.” “At Texas State our bullet points are that we are concerned about the growing price of college tuition, and we are concerned about making college as affordable as possible,” Flowers said “We are also concerned with the future of our university and growing and expanding our university at the same time. It is very hard to balance both, though.” Flowers, alongside fellow ASG executives, is part of the Texas Student Association, an organization composed of campus leaders from universities statewide who come together in support of similar legislation. “We are pushing for the tuition-revenue bonds to get more funding from the state, so we don’t have to increase the costs allocated on the students,”

Police officials found themselves at odds with the City Council Tuesday over tackling graffiti crimes in San Marcos. An amendment proposed by the San Marcos Police Department would make possession of a graffiti implement illegal under certain circumstances. Officers would have the authority to issue citations for possession of spray paint cans, felt-tip markers, etching tools and other graffiti implements. “The act of graffiti takes a few seconds,” said Howard Williams, San Marcos police chief. “The possession carries on for a long time. This gives us the opportunity to intervene before they affix the graffiti or as they are moving from place to place to affix graffiti.” Williams said state law punishes the crime of affixing graffiti, but does not give officers authority to prevent the combination of circumstances leading to a graffiti crime. “We have no way to intervene until the damage is already done,” he said. The amendment would make it illegal to posses a graffiti implement on any public grounds, facilities or buildings when those areas are closed to the public. A person in possession of a graffiti implement within 10 feet of an underpass, overpass, bridge abutment, storm drain or similar type of infrastructure could be cited under the ordinance if an officer determines the person had intent to affix graffiti. Prohibitions against the possession of graffiti implements exist in Dallas, San Antonio, Rowlett and Bryan. Williams cited these examples, calling the amendment “the next step” in beefing up enforcement. “This gives us permission to find someone, under circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to believe they were there for the purpose of affixing graffiti, and (the person) has the implements in hand to do so, to issue that person a citation and confiscate those implements,” he said. The ordinance revision met with opposition from council members concerned the new power would do more harm than good. Councilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1, questioned the ability of police to establish intent. “We are required to demonstrate intent,” Williams said. He said officers would have to rely on their training to determine what constituted a permissible search. Councilmember Chris Jones, Place 4, was unconvinced the amendment was necessary. He said police have the power the enforce graffiti prohibitions. “I think our chief makes a huge assumption when he says an officer can walk up on individuals about to do this with a paint can and not do anything and they keep their paint can and come back another day,” Jones said. “If the education process is working and the police presence is there, I do not think this becomes a problem.” Daniel McCarthy, political science senior, spoke in opposition to the ordinance during the citizen comment period. “If there is no graffiti, there is no crime,” McCarthy

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See CITY COUNCIL, page 4

Program participants work toward decreasing tension between students, nonstudent residents By Brigette Botkin News Reporter

A program is working to restore the meaning of neighborly love. Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Affairs, presented the slogan “We are Texas State, We Are San Marcos” to the City Council Tuesday evening. Smith, Achieving Community Together co-chair, said she hopes the motto will help instill the idea “everyone is in this to-

gether.” Kim Porterfield, director of Texas State Community Relations, said Achieving Community Together is a collaborative project working to decrease tension in San Marcos. “This (program) is focused on fostering good relations between non-student residents and students,” Porterfield said. “We want students to be seen in a positive light and have an overall better community experience.” The program, a combined ef-

fort by the City, San Marcos Police Department and Texas State, is designed to educate all residents on how to co-exist. Grievances lodged against students by non-student residents include excessive noise and latenight disturbances, overcrowded parking on streets, lawns and sidewalks, litter issues and overall poor upkeep of rental properties. The program is designed to

EVOLVING PRESS: New York Times editor, Aaron Pilhofer speaks about new media within journalism at the LBJ Teaching Theater Wednesday. SEE FULL STORY PAGE 4

See ACT, page 4

Texas State may be first in state to offer learning disabilities teaching certification By Jordan Gass-Poore News Reporter

Alyssa Willis, pre-music freshman, plans on switching her major to special education in hopes of getting a certificate in autism education. “The portable (buildings) at Westlake High School in Austin serve as a reminder that there is a real need for teachers specialized in autism,” Willis said. Willis’ sister, Megan, is autistic. She attends school in a portable building beside Westlake

High School so she can be next to a bus stop. She rides the bus to and from school, because she will never be able to get her license. “Megan’s 22 years old. This will be her last year at Westlake because she doesn’t like the school,” Willis said. “It’s not necessarily the teachers. … It’s just she, and I, feel like she’s not getting the education she deserves.” The school helps intellectually and physically disabled students adapt into the world by teaching them life skills to ultimately help

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Two-day Forecast

Today’s Weather Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 29% UV: 6 High Wind: NE 13 mph

them obtain a job. “Megan wants to be an author, songwriter, singer. She wants to do it all,” Willis said. “She writes all the time, I mean, journals filled. She wants to be so many things and she should have teachers who know what they are doing when it comes to autism, so she can achieve her goals.” Willis is in luck because Faculty Senate discussed at Wednesday’s meeting how Texas State will be

Friday

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Inside News......... 1,2,3,4 Opinions............. 5 Trends........... 6,7,9

Diversions............10 Classifieds..........10 Sports............11,12

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

PageTwo

2 - Thursday, February 19, 2009

Calendar

starsof texas state

Today in Brief

Freshman pitcher Chandler Hall, pre-fashion-merchandising freshman, won Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week for softball. This is the first honor by a Texas State Bobcat this season. Hall

went a perfect 3-0 on the week to lead Texas State to a 3-1 weekrecord over two Big 12 teams and Houston. —Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

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

COOLING OFF

CRIME BLOTTER

THURSDAY Veterans Support group from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans can help veterans to cope with the stress of transition and the demands of college lives. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208.

University Police Department

Coping with Grief and Loss Group from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. It is a source for students who have experienced the death of a loved one. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208.

Feb. 8, 1;13 a.m. Medical Emergency / San Marcos Hall A student informed a police officer she was feeling ill. The student was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for a medical evaluation.

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting on at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, room 320. Enjoy contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Contact 512-557-7988 or mail@texasstatechialpha.com for more information. There will be a meeting of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at 5 p.m. in LBJ Student Center, room 3-14.1. Cost is $25. Learn how to get rid of debt and build wealth by using the principles Dave discovered after the hardship of bankruptcy that have now turned him into a millionaire. Contact Krista at 512-353-4414 or bsm4jesus@centurytel. net for more information. FRIDAY There will be an AA meeting from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in LBJSC, room 3-10.1. The Ensemble Series Presents: Symphonic Winds and Wind Ensemble Joint Concert, Dr. Caroline Beatty and Dr. Rod Schueller, Conductor at 8 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens. SUNDAY Every Nation Campus Ministries invites you to join us at Christ Community Church, meeting at Travis Elementary (by TXstate golf course). We will have a 1-hour service starting at 10 a.m. with contemporary worship and an encouraging message. The Student Recital Series Presents: Jasmine Crist, Senior Voice Recital at 4 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free. MONDAY Sexual Assault and Abuse Survivors Group is from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It is a support group of the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center for Texas State Students. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208. The Ensemble Series Presents: Jazz Orchestra Concert with Dr. Keith Winking, director at 8 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens. TUESDAY “Say What You Need To Say” is from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Become a pro at direct, open, honest communication. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208. WEDNESDAY LGBQ Pride Group is from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is open to students wanting to discuss the impact of their sexual identity on crucial aspects of their lives in a safe and confidential place. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208. Anger Management Group is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Learn simple, innovative techniques for managing anger and developing healthier ways of relating. Prescreening is required by calling the Counseling Center at 512-245-2208.

Kayla Hartzog/Star photo Kellyn Airhart, exercise and sports science junior, and Annie Lozano, studio art senior, jump into the San Marcos River in Sewell Park Wednesday.

Library Beat

Library offers resources to help research needs

Stay connected, learn something new and discover information resources by clicking “Community” on the Alkek Library’s homepage: www.library.txstate.edu. There are links to the library’s Facebook, MySpace and Flickr pages. There is also a link to our del.icio. us page, a social bookmarking site with links to helpful Web sites including campus services. Subject areas range from agriculture to web design, and, of course, Texas. The bookmarks are sorted by tags, which make it easy to highlight interesting subjects. The community page also links to the library’s blogs. The Alkek Library News Blog contains library and reference related news, includ-

ing updates about resources, hours, search tips and other useful information. Posts can be read via the library homepage and on our Facebook and MySpace pages. The Information Literacy Blog includes news about Alkek Library’s Information Literacy Instruction Program and current information literacy news in general. Charles Allan, the business librarian, posts useful tips on business and marketing-related research to Charles’s Chockablock Business Blog. The Wittliff Collections’ Ashes of Waco Blog documents the digitization and online presentation of materials Dick J. Reavis gathered in writing The Ashes of Waco: An Investigation, his book about the

1993 raid, siege and burning of the Mt. Carmel Center near Waco. Art and Design Inforama, curated by librarian Tara Spies, provides links to new art resources in the library and on the web in a blog geared toward art and design students and faculty. The last link on the community page is to the library’s YouTube channel. The librarians post video tutorials that explore the features of the library catalog, databases and other tools available to students, faculty and staff. Be a part of the library’s online community. We are here to help with all research needs. —Courtesy of Alkek Library

Hospice care program holds fundraising event Reckless Kelly, voted the Best Roots Rock Band three years in a row by The Austin Chronicle, is scheduled to perform at the fifth annual Hats Off For Hospice fundraiser event from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 29 at Texas Old Town in Kyle. The special door prize is a four night and five day vacation for six in a Ruidoso, N.M condo. Ruidoso is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of southern New Mexico, and towering above the village of Ruidoso is the Sierra Blanca and the Ski Apache Ski Resort. Door prize tickets are $25 for one ticket or $50 for three. Door prize tickets can be purchased by calling 512-754-6159 or by sending a check to CTMC Hospice Care, 1315 Interstate-35 North, San Marcos, TX

78666. All proceeds are donated to CTMC Hospice Care. “Hats Off For Hospice is a fun family event to raise funds for CTMC Hospice Care Dream A Dream Program,” said Lisa Adams, public relations coordinator for CTMC Hospice Care. “We have fulfilled wishes, such as family portraits, special dinners and transportation, for visiting family members. No matter how big or small the wish, the smile that shines on a patient’s face when their dream is fulfilled is priceless.” Silent and live auction items will include autographed cowboy hats from Grammy Award winning artists, sports memorabilia signed by star athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, John Elway and Troy Aikman. Additional auction items are luxurious spa trips, west-

ern jewelry, fine dining, golf trips and more. Children’s entertainment includes a wagon hayride, The Kiddie Express, face painters and moonwalks. Hats Off For Hospice tickets, including the meal, are $40 for one ticket, $75 for two tickets and $300 for a private table for eight guests. Tickets for children 6 to 17 years old are $10 each. Concert tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the door. Call CTMC Hospice Care at 512754-6159 or visit www.hatsoffforhospice.com for more information. Call 512-754-6159 or 866-754-6159 for more information about the work of CTMC Hospice Care or to make a donation. — Courtesy of CTMC Hospice Care

Texas State ring connects students, alumni The Texas State Alumni Association and the University Bookstore will host the annual Ring Days, Feb. 24 to Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the bookstore at the LBJ Student Center. The Texas State ring represents a connection with classmates as well as alumni and serves as a symbol

of a student’s achievements. The official ring of Texas State is embellished with engravings of the Texas Star, Old Main and “tubers” on the San Marcos River. Students who have earned at least 75 credit hours are encouraged to stop by the bookstore to speak with

one of the Balfour representatives and order their custom ring. Pictures of the official Texas State ring can be found at www.bookstore. txstate.edu. Contact Lauren Williams at 512-245-9231 for more information. —Courtesy of University News Service

Feb. 8, 3 a.m. Theft-Under $500 / Campus Colony Apts A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. Feb. 8, 10 a.m. Disturbance / Bobcat Village Apartments A police officer was dispatched to the location for a disturbance call. Upon further investigation, two students had gotten into a verbal argument. A report was made of the incident. Feb. 8, 1:45 p.m. Theft-Under $500 / Student Recreation Center A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. Feb. 8, 4:33 p.m. Property Damage / Jackson Hall A staff member reported to a police officer university property had been damaged. The case is under investigation. Feb. 8, 8:32 p.m. Criminal Trespass Warning / Bobcat Village Apartments A police officer made contact with two nonstudents engaged in suspicious activity. Upon further investigation, two nonstudents were issued criminal trespass warnings. Feb. 8, 10:30 p.m. Criminal Mischief-under $500 / Alkek Library A staff member reported to a police officer university property had been vandalized. The case is under investigation. Feb. 9, 11 a.m. Disturbance / Centennial Hall A police officer was dispatched to the location for a verbal disturbance call. Upon further investigation, a student was arguing with a faculty member. A report was made of the incident. Feb. 9, 12:03 p.m. Medical Emergency - Endzone Complex Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer she was feeling ill. The student was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for a medical evaluation. Feb. 9, 8 p.m. Theft-Under $1500.00 / Student Recreation Center A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. —Courtesy of University Police Department

News

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Stimulus plan stirs controversial opinions By Rachel Nelson News Reporter The $787 billion economy stimulus plan signed into law by President Obama Tuesday caused relief and concern among politicians, economists and taxpayers. William Chittenden, associate professor in the department of finance and economics, said the short-term effects of the plan will benefit the economy but long-term results depend on the actions of elected officials. “Are they going to have the discipline to cut back once the economy starts rolling again?” he said. “It’s very difficult for politicians to let go of money once they start spending it.” Chittenden said the government cannot continue to spend vast sums of money without detrimental consequences. “Although this might not be the perfect plan, doing nothing is not an option,” he said. Chittenden compared the economic condition of the United States to a recession that took place in Japan during the 1990s. The period is referred to as “the lost decade” because it took the country 10 years to climb out of economic turmoil. “The economy would eventually work itself out, but it would take years and years,” Chittenden said. “It’s unacceptable.” Fidencio Leija, international studies and geography senior, said he followed the progress of the economic stimulus bill as it made its way through the legislature. Leija is in favor of the bill because it appears best for the country, he said. “No one has a crystal ball to know if this is going to fix it or not, but we have to make a decision right now for the people that are suffering,” Leija said. Leija, a member of College Democrats, believes it is important for members of both parties to work together and make compromises to relieve the financial crisis. “Only three moderate republicans came on board to support the bill,” Leija said. “There were no republicans who voted for it in the House. In my opinion, we’re still having issues on the whole philosophy and ideology each party has, rather than looking at it as a United States issue.” Steven De La Cerda, public relations chair of College Republicans, said the stimulus package saw little support from the right. “Republicans finally came to their senses and remembered they are fiscally conservative, and spending billions of dollars isn’t the answer to solving this crisis,” he said. De La Cerda, public administration junior, said government

action is necessary at this time, but the bill contains excessive spending that will not benefit the economy. “I do believe an economic stimulus package of some sort is necessary, but without all of the pork spending, that will do little to stimulate the economy,” he said. “Bad business by banks and automakers should be reason enough for failure. Government intervention with taxpayer money and excessive spending that will increase our debt is not what will solve this economic crisis.” Instead, tax cuts, less government spending on special programs and raising consumer confidence would be means of progress for the economy, De La Cerda said. Chittenden called the stimulus plan a good use of debt, but acknowledged it is still risky. He said it is like college students who finance their education with loans. The end result is good if the students take steps to pay the money back, but will remain in debt if they continue to borrow. The bill’s amount is several billions of dollars less than the original package called for, but it still stirs controversy. “This amount is ludicrous, mainly because it does a lot for special interests and government programs that do not have a direct stimulate to the economy,” De La Cerda said. “It is one of the biggest spending programs since World War II, which encompasses down payments for Obama’s healthcare, energy and education initiatives. This does not stimulate the economy nor put us on the road toward prosperity.” Chittenden said he feels the sum is good as long as the money is spent fast. “That definitely can get the economy stimulated,” he said. “If we spend it all in the next year, it’s definitely going to have a (great) impact on the economy.” De La Cerda said he does not believe this is the last stimulus plan Obama will introduce. He was proven right when Obama proposed a $75 billion forclosure package. “This is very dangerous for our country because our grandchildren will have the burden of paying off our debt,” De La Cerda said. “Obviously the government plays a vital role on the economy, but staying true to our capitalist values and staying away from Obama’s socialistic views would better suit America and its economy.” The outcome of the stimulus bill will not be known until the money is spent and time passes. “We’re all crossing our fingers,” Leija said. “We really don’t know what’s going to happen.”

The University Star - 3

Iraqis praise shoe thrower as he faces trial By Trenton Daniel McClatchy Newspapers BAGHDAD — Iraqi journalist Muntathar al-Zaidi has emerged as a folk hero, poetry muse and minor irritant in the two months since he chucked a pair of shoes across a crowded Baghdad room and narrowly missed former President George W. Bush. Since that throw, al-Zaidi has received job offers, a residency invitation from U.S. foe Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and even a wedding proposal on behalf of an Egyptian woman. A local artist built a monument in his honor, Iraqis have rallied in his defense and gadflies have carried out copycat protests worldwide. The 30 year old is scheduled to go to trial Thursday in the Central Criminal Court on charges of assaulting a foreign head of state. Conviction could lead to 15 years in prison. Al-Zaidi’s attorney, Dhiyaa al-Saadi, said his client was beaten while in custody, evidenced by the cuts and bruises on his body and by a missing

tooth. In court, al-Saadi plans to argue the journalist meant only to humiliate Bush — not to attack him — and that the case should be dropped. An earlier effort to reduce the charges was lost on an appeal. “He didn’t mean to kill Bush,” said al-Saadi, the head of the Iraqi Bar Association. “The shoe was not a criminal tool to kill someone.” Showing the bottom of one’s shoe is an insult in the Arab world. Throwing shoes is an expression of grave distain. The trial is certain to test the strength and independence of Iraq’s public institutions as the U.S.-led occupation cedes authority to Iraqis and American troops plan to withdraw by the end of 2011 after newfound security gains. The shoe-throwing incident Dec. 14 is legendary, the beneficiary of more than a million views and reviews on YouTube. Winding down his unpopular presidency on a farewell visit, Bush spoke at a news conference in the Green Zone, central Baghdad’s heavily guarded

compound. Al-Zaidi attended as a reporter with the al-Baghdadiya satellite-television channel, based in Cairo, Egypt. Bush ducked when al-Zaidi tossed the first shoe, and then al-Zaidi hurled the second. Neither hit Bush nor Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who stood at the side. Another Iraqi journalist wrestled al-Zaidi to the floor. Bodyguards piled on top of alZaidi. Al-Zaidi called Bush a “dog.” Bush shrugged and resumed the news conference. “It’s a way to draw attention,” he said at the time. “It’s like driving down the street and have people not gesturing with all five fingers.” He joked that the shoe was a size 10. The event, televised around the world, unleashed an outpouring of reaction. Iraqis rallied for al-Zaidi’s release. Some wanted him to run for office. Sunni Muslim Arabs found the Shiite Muslim journalist worthy of praise. Outside Iraq, a thousand attorneys from Morocco to Jordan

volunteered to help al-Zaidi, his lawyer said. “He responded to the insults and attacks against Iraqis,” said Sumeya al-Adhemi, 38, an Iraqi government employee. “I can say that he was a real hero.” Al-Zaidi has built up a border-transcending fan club. Thousands of “fans” have joined multiple al-Zaidi Facebook pages, which feature photos of his face, Bush’s duck and the thrower frozen in action, arm extended. The shoes have fans: A Facebook page for “Al Zaidi shoes” has 46 members. The shoes themselves were brown, heavy-soled “Model 271s,” according to a Turkish manufacturer. A Saudi man reportedly offered $10 million for them, but it was not possible to buy them. Iraqi security agents destroyed the shoes after testing them for contraband. “They were cleared of material used for chemicals and explosives,” said al-Saadi, who is leading a team of 25 attorneys on the case. “They should’ve been kept (as evidence) in this case.”

News

4 - The University Star

Thursday, February 19, 2009

New York Times editor explains relationship between journalism, programming By Lora Collins News reporter Aron Pilhofer, editor of Interactive News Technology at The New York Times, stirred his audience with stories of news technology Wednesday at the LBJ Teaching Theatre. Cindy Royal, assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, said Pilhofer was chosen because of his background at The New York Times. “The New York Times is doing some of the most innovative applications of datadriven interactive content on the web, so they are definitely the most forwardthinking,” Royal said. “I have a huge interest in how journalism and programming relate.” Pilhofer began his career in journalism

as a sports writer and he said the experience sparked his interest in the field. “It was at that moment that I became hooked on reporting,” he said. Pilhofer now works with a small team of specialized computer-science journalists. “The idea was to build a group that would deepen and broaden the interactivity on The New York Times’ Web site,” Pilhofer said. Pilhofer said he was surprised how quickly his team has developed. “We built a team,” he said. “We are now 10 people including myself, and it is the most amazing job I have ever had, because it’s not often you are allowed to work at your dream job and are given some of the smartest people to do it.” Pilhofer said the only setback was his lack of knowledge in the computer-sci-

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promote projects already in effect such as Bobcat Build, Community Welcome and an up-coming Housing Fair Wednesday. A Sophomore Transition Workshop will take place in March and April. It is a new project intended to educate eligible sophomores about off-campus living. Porterfield said the focus is on “beefing up existing programs” and educating student residents on how to have a successful off-campus living experience. The program provides positive interaction between student and non-student residents, and it serves as a reference to ensure community connectedness. ASG President Brett Baker said the project is providing community members with new perspectives. “Some students don’t realize the impact their actions have on their neighbors,” Baker said. “This project is helping to educate students on what they can do to be better neighbors as citizens in not just this community, but future communities they may live in.” Lisa Dvorak, assistant chief of police, is working along side Smith as program co-chair. Dvorak said it is too early to tell the degree of change the program will have, but Porterfield said Sagewood has seen a noticeable transformation. A Community Welcome for Sagewood residents in 2008 was the first project supported by the program. The welcome back, previously performed by city officials, was done by students. Baker said students went door-to-door welcoming Sagewood residents, answering questions and beginning the communication process. “We were able to answer questions like ‘why is such-and-such an issue,’ and let both student and city residents know that we care about them,” Baker said. Porterfield said having students work

ence field. “I am most entirely self-taught,” he said. “Most of my group has a background in computer science, and I do not.” One of the first applications the team published was a Super Bowl Web site where users could reconstruct games’ play-by-play. Pilhofer said the project gave rise to larger projects. “We learned a lot from this piece, because it wasn’t particularly interactive,” he said. Pilhofer focused on bringing readers into the Web site with interactive news feeds. He said the creation of such a feed is a “more engaging and much easier to get people into than a traditional format.” Pilhofer explained how the application was used.

“You put in your address, and then it gives you a view that tells you all of the people in government who represent you,” Pilhofer said. He said the team wants to continue the increase of interactivity on the Web in the future. “One of the areas we know least about is what makes the Web the Web,” he said. Pilhofer said the group needs to focus on expanding two main ideals. “One is to support the work we are already doing, and allow us to do quicker turn around things,” Pilhofer said. “The other part is to do more applications.” Royal said students need to pursue information to prepare for media changes. “I think students need to have a strong curiosity for this stuff,” Royal said. “It is something that is constantly changing.”

SENATE on the project made it more successful than it had been in previous years. She said the community welcome, and increased efforts by San Marcos Police, helped the mixed-residential area settle noise and parking concerns. “The lines of communication have been opened,” Baker said. “People now know they can come to us and talk issues out.” Community Alert is a feature of the program targeted at providing a clear communication channel for residents. It was developed to resolve concerns between non-student and student residents and ensure compliance with local and state regulations. The program allows concerns to be lodged online, which are addressed within two to four working days. Porterfield said she hopes the Alert program is the final avenue taken in neighborly concerns. The next step is enabling neighbors to talk out problems on their own, she said. “That’s what Achieving Community Together was designed to teach,” Porterfield said. “We hope to educate people enough so they can live with one another and work out their differences.” She said she believes neighbors should open a line of communication and understanding early on. “When you move in, go over and introduce yourself,” Porterfield said. “Leave your phone number or e-mail in case they need to get in touch with you. This way, you know each other, which typically makes for a more relaxed, neighborly experience.” Smith said the program will have a positive effect if residents take on a new mindset. “This will be a culture change,” Smith said. “It’s a slow process that’s intensive, and must be a joint effort of all residents. We need to be in this together.”

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the first in the state to offer teaching certificates in autism, learning disabilities/inclusion, and behavioral disorders/positive behavioral if approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The department of curriculum and instruction, housed in the College of Education, will implement the new programs fall 2009, if approved. “These programs are mainly designed for teachers who already have a degree and have a background to go back into the school district to meet the need of students,” Faculty Sen. Barbara Melzer said. “The intent wasn’t to take teachers out of the classroom, but to have them come back and help others in the district.” Jo Webber, professor in the department of curriculum and instruction, said the certificate would show the student has completed a set number of graduate courses in autism and applied behavior analysis. Webber hopes students will get certified in all three disciplines, because each program requires the same kind of core classes. The set number of courses can also lead to a master’s degree in special education with a concentration in autism and applied behavior analysis. The program for teaching certification will require 18 to 24 credits, and is designed for students to learn about the different kinds of learning disabilities. Webber will teach and manage the certification for all of the programs, along with curriculum and instruction faculty members Larry Wheeler and Amanda Boutot. “Special education does not have sufficient depth to need a degree,” said Melzer, professor in the department of physical therapy. “That’s why there’s a need for this type of specialization.” The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant program was implemented this year, Feakes said. The program provides grants up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach special education or other high-needs fields. The fields include math and science, and grants are given to people entering public or private elementary or secondary schools serving students from low-income families.

Pilhofer said his experience getting to The New York Times was rough, but paid off. “I got into journalism reporting at, maybe until now, what was the worst job market we have seen in 25 years,” he said. “This is also a great thing about being at The Times. It is by far the most collaborative news room I have ever been in my life.” Sarah Garcia, mass communication graduate student, said Pilhofer’s ideals were insightful. “I thought it was really interesting to get a perspective from someone who knows what he is talking about firsthand,” Garcia said. “(He) saw the newspaper industry being a difficult area to enter into when he did it and us being in the same situation now.

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Flowers said. “We don’t want tuition regulated, because we want the flexibility that deregulation supports.” The Texas Student Association is in favor of tuition deregulation. Member Chris Covo, ASG executive assistant, said placing restrictions on tuition will make state universities less competitive and stifle growth. Lisa Ahrlett and Drew Surprenant, Texas Student Association members, spent the day visiting legislators about tuition affordability. “I want to go and talk to most of

the representatives and senators, find out more information and hold a public forum with the students,” said Ahrelett, who is the ASG legislative liaison. “I want to find out what the students want as far as tuition goes.” Ahrlett said she hopes to hold a public forum with students to discuss bills regarding tuition relief. “I didn’t come here thinking it was my job to push tuition-revenue bonds,” Surprenant said. “I thought my job was to be here as a student to see what was going on at the capitol with the legislators that represent me, but I can feel in the back of my mind I’m wanted to push the need for tuition-revenue bonds.”

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said. “Individuals who may be well within their rights who rub the officer the wrong way and happen to be found with a marker are now going to be under the penalty of ‘thought crime.’” Jones said he would like to see more statistical data proving graffiti prevention could be accomplished by expanding laws to include possession. “I understand graffiti is an issue, but we are making policy on hypothetical situations,” Jones said. “There has been no data presented to council. I do not like the precedence we are setting that we have to pass ordinances on specific issues, that may not fully address the issue, in order for it to be our priority.”

Councilmembers Porterfield and John Thomaides, Place 6, suggested city staff look at how other cities handle graffiti issues. The councilmembers present voted unanimously to table discussion on the measure. The amendment will go under review by the police department and the city beautification committee. “I am not in favor of over regulating and making people feel their rights are being taken away,” Mayor Narvaiz said. “At the same time, the offenders of (the ordinance) are the ones who should have a problem with what is in it.”She said if the council received enough complaints from the community about graffiti, the city could consider putting the ordinance into effect and collect data for a 90day or six-month period.

Opinions

onlineconnection Check out www.UniversityStar.com in the following weeks for continued News, Sports, Trends and Opinions coverage.

CAMPAIGN

5 - The University Star

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu

The Main Point

n uprising of ASG presidential campaigns for the 2009-2010 academic year is already being planned, according to the Feb. 12 issue of The University Star. However, considering how the spring 2007 and spring 2008 elections went, there is a notable trend for the wise: Don’t break the rules or you will lose. Former ASG President Reagan Pugh’s campaign was faced with a disparaging e-mail advertisement the day students casted votes. The e-mail was deemed as not in violation of ASG election codes, but remains in memories of recipients and readers nonetheless. According to the April 18, 2007 issue of The University Star, the e-mail was sent anonymously and then disappeared from faculty and students’ inboxes later in the day. Pugh later received 61.3 percent of votes while opponent, Chris Anderson, received 37.4 percent (April 19, 2007 issue). Last year’s election reeked with broken rules. According to the April 23, 2008 issue, the election commission found Courtney Strange and his running mate CJ Morgan had made “multiple violations of the ASG election code.” An e-mail had been sent to students promoting their campaign and solicitation of election material in a residence hall took place. The election commissioner had to resign for leaking information. Students were petty and removed opponents’ “campaign paraphernalia” in Jones Dining Hall. Petty politics are unavoidable on any level of elections: local, state or federal. Candidates in those elections tend to stoop to name-calling and the voting public becomes annoyed at the immaturity and juvenile behavior broadcasted from their televisions. The student body is nearly 30,000 enrolled who vote on who will represent them to the city and university administration. The ASG executive positions come with perks and look nice on a résumé, but the responsibility is crucial. Petty tactics are a cry for votes at the end of a campaign when a candidate is not highly ranked in the polls. Spiteful tactics are not an indicator of the maturity students expect and deserve of the student government leaders who write bills and approve legislation. Instead of rule breaking and schoolyard fights, how about focusing more on ideas and the plans to carry them out and for candidates to make their platforms the strongest they can without hindering the others’ campaigns. Elections and campaigns are political games at any level, and like sports, they have rules, winners and losers. The game should not be dirty. It should be a fair fight. The ethics of good sportsmanship can be applied here. Losers should be gracious and be proud they played their personal best.

COMMOTION

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

Kate Siscoe/Star Illustration

Concealed handguns can confuse patrons, crazies By Garrett McSpadden Opinions Columnist

There has been talk of the necessity to bring concealed handguns into our school buildings. Michael Guzman is a student at Texas State and member of ASG. He also holds a more prestigious title as President of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, a national grassroots organization comprised of more than 34,000 college students. Michael has been pushing legislation backed by more than 180 local charter members that would advocate concealed handgun licensees to bring their firearms into our university buildings. State law already permits them to carry them in The Quad. The obvious motivation for the pistol-pumping nation is self-defense. Their Web site states the horrible massacre at Virginia Tech could have easily been neutralized had the students been armed against such an attack. This is a well founded notion, the threat of a psychopath entering

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our campus bent on destruction has crossed all of our minds at least once I’m sure. However, the question really lies at this: Would our campus be a safer place if our students, roughly one in seventy-four, were carrying loaded firearms? Few believe it would and many are opposed. Sgt. Daniel Benitez of the University Police Department figures it to be a misguided move toward safety. Officer Benitez has been an officer here on campus for six years and is also a student. He presented ideas at the ASG meeting pertaining to this legislation, and expressed his reluctance toward the bill stating: “It would be difficult to do our job if people with handgun licenses were allowed (in class rooms). It would be difficult to work on the same page with these people.” Hypothetically, if a deranged maniac were to open fire on the student body who, thanks to passed legislation, had the means to start firing back, how would an officer know who was the hostile and who was firing against them?

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We have all seen this dramatic situation played out in movies; “Shoot him!” says the student with the gun drawn as the twisted psycho replies, “I’m not the one, shoot him!” pointing to the well meaning patron. The officer is standing with his gun drawn looking back and forth between the two wondering, “which gunslinger do I shoot?” It is unreasonable to assume all crazies pushed over the proverbial “edge” come for their attack dressed in a black trench coat and dark sunglasses, or that the student with the concealed weapon is wearing blue jeans and a button up. The truth is, it is impossible to prevent against an attack on campus. However, as Benitez stated at the ASG meeting, “This is one of the safest universities we have around.” Students with concealed weapons are simply more bullets flying when the brown stuff hits the fan. I, like the majority of the student body, think it is wise to let the professionals do their job. Murder is already a tricky enough situation to handle.

Students should focus on more than good grades By Ammie Jimenez Star Columnist Building meaningful relationships in college is as important as maintaining good grades. The people you meet have the potential of becoming lifelong friends and also a network of useful connections. These connections can be helpful when it comes to finding a future job or internship. Making friends may seem obvious as an expected and encouraged practice of becoming a successful college student. However, there is an entire group of students who might forget to include faculty in the circle of acquaintances . It might seem a bit out there, but it is still important to consider. Establishing any kind of connection with faculty members may be difficult in classes with 300 or more students. Nonetheless, meeting and getting to know these individuals is vital. University teachers have gone through the whole college process already and are the perfect people to answer questions. It is always beneficial to extend support systems and connections as far as possible. I realized this while looking at job applications and seeing the importance of letters of recommendation. The scary thing was discovering that if I were asked to provide letters right now, I don’t think I could. Not that I have no merit, but the only teachers I am close with are from high school. I do not know any faculty members who could possibly vouch for my college level work, which is not good. One important thing to remember is the end of the first four years of college comes with the seemingly impossible task of securing a good job. We have to remember great résumés, solid connections and recommendation letters are imperative. Getting to know faculty on a more personal level allows students to gain the opportunity of communicating with them about future letters of recommendation. By no means should students go after their professors for that purpose alone. Their experience and wisdom can prove to be invaluable in our careers. We need to gather every resource available to us to have a fighting chance in the world outside of college. We should take no shortcuts when taking advantage of opportunities. It is the responsibility of all college students to not merely focus on grades alone, but to actively keep in mind everything required for landing the perfect job.

LettersL2E to the editor Senate has done great things As senate pro tempore of ASG, I feel there should be some clarifications and explanations regarding Mr. Reed’s article “ASG senators fall short of expectations.” The first point I would like to make is that we are a student governing body and are no different than anyone else on this campus. Though it is a hard fact to swallow, we senators are not perfect and we make mistakes. Some members join ASG with no idea of what they are getting into, but they join with every intention of serving the student body to the best of their ability. The lack of activity should not overshadow the great things that have been happening in ASG. During the fall semester the senators pushed the students to register to vote. That campaign resulted in registering thousands of students to vote in the 2008 election. Senator Guzman authored a great bill for Bobcat veterans that made their payment for tuition due after they receive their G.I. Bill

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funds rather than before. Another milestone piece of legislation was the “Albert’s Hours” bill which opened up the library doors for a 24 hour pilot run this semester. While Mr. Reed focused on the number of bills passed (not total number of bills proposed) I feel it is better to focus on the quality of the bills. Is it not better to do a day’s work and earn $50 than 500 pennies? In the same sense isn’t it better to pass 5 bills that institute great change rather than 50 bills that do very little? I will let you decide, but please know that ASG is here for the students first, last and always. Please, if you have any concerns visit www.asg.txstate. edu, stop by the ASG office (LBJ Student Center, room 4-5.1), or attend one of our weekly meetings. Sincerely, Justin Collard Senate Pro Tempore

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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 Thursday, February 19, 2009. 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.

Trends the university star

6 - Thursday, February 19, 2009

breakingbarriers

The 2008 presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain saw unprecedented emphasis put on the Latino and Spanish-speaking people of the United States. The strategists responsible for the campaigns Latino-direction will be speaking at Texas State this weekend along with about 60 other Latino media experts. The International Conference on Spanish-Language and Other Latino-oriented Media will run from Feb. 19 to 21 at Texas State. The first session will be today at 5 p.m. on the 11th floor of JCK. The celebration will honor the 200th anniversary of Spanish-language press in America.

Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu

New York tattoo artist welcomes San Marcos as ‘home’ By Erica Rodriguez Senior Features Reporter New York artist Andrea Elston found her medium of choice 24 years ago — human skin. She recently found the venue to renew her career. Elston survived a dizzying career of tattooing everyone from Ozzy Osborne to Rod Stern and commuting into New York City in a Ford truck, but the blonde, 43-year-old artist had enough of the big city burnout. So, she left it all behind to start over in Texas. “I think people are happier here — way happier,” Elston said. “This is the best thing in the whole world and it is that simple.” Nine months ago Elston packed her belongings and two dogs in the truck and headed south. She arrived in San Marcos with a portfolio that landed her a job and an “instant family” at Classic Tattoo. Her workspace is a collage of full-color designs, sketches and pictures of her dressage horse Betsy. “The thing about getting tattooed is mind over matter,” she said, wiping her gun with her black latex gloves. The Buddhist prayer tattoos on her forearms ripple as she maneuvers the tool like a paintbrush. Elston hovers above her client with relaxed eyes and a focus on the charcoal treble clef she inks on a student’s abdomen. “It’s more ticklish than actually painful,” said Joan Kiel,

exercise and sports science sophomore who is getting her first tattoo. Elston said tattooing is her artistic calling. She entered the art world as a student doing illustrations, but gave it up for something more permanent. “When you tattoo somebody and they’re happy, they’re going to feel like that for the rest of their lives,” Elston said. Elston has traveled the world sharing her passion with artists everywhere from South Africa to Russia to a Buddhist temple in Thailand. The art of tattooing has been

he thing “T about getting tattooed

is mind over matter.”—Andrea Elston, tattoo artist for Classic Tattoo

changing. The days of catalogue biker designs are gone, and now decorative tattooing is finding a following. The acLindsey Leverett/Star feature photo ceptance of tattooing as an art movement is something Elston INKED WITH PASSION: Tattoo artist, Andrea Elston, has inked people in New York such as Ozzy Osborne and Rod Stern who now has gladly witnessed. works at Classic Tattoo in town. “It’s so much more acceptable now,” she said. “At this point, you sive. They range from $1,500 the kind of person you aspire to fan and a cowgirl at heart, so to call home. can’t be a tattoo artist and not be to $2,000 and can take weeks be like,” said Rebecca Basma, fel- it was a painless transition to “In the eight to nine months an artist before that.” to complete. low artist. “To be able to stay in small-town life. She goes riding I’ve been here, I have not for Tattoos, like all fine arts, Business is buzzing as Elston the business and be successful every morning and has a Tex- one day wished I was back in come at a price. Full-body continues to leave her mark in for 24 years is an extreme accom- as-sized space for her truck, New York — not one day homeoriental, floral or religious the tattoo scene. plishment.” something nonexistent in New sick,” Elston said. “This is the designs are trendy, but expen“As a female tattoo artist, she’s Elston is a country music York. Elston found a new place new home.”

TRENDS

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The University Star - 7

Friday the 13th movie goes back to basics By Rene Rodriguez McClatchy Newspapers

(John P. Johnson/MCT) FRIGHT FEST: Derek Mears stars as Jason in Friday the 13th. The movie broke the box ofﬁce record for best opening weekend for a horror movie by making $42.2 million during the weekend.

It has been almost 30 years since the hockey-masked killer Jason Voorhees first leapt out of Crystal Lake at the end of 1980’s Friday the 13th. He has since spawned 10 sequels, been struck by lightning and become a zombie, been to hell and back, visited Times Square and flown into outer space. Off-screen, Jason received an MTV Lifetime Achievement Award, graced lunchboxes and video game consoles and became so recognizable he is known the world over on the same first-name basis as Madonna, Mickey and Bruce. One of the first challenges facing the makers of the new Friday the 13th picture that opened Friday was how to take what had become a larger-than-life icon and bring him back to his humble roots, hacking and slashing his way through vanloads of horny teenagers on the infamous grounds of Camp Crystal Lake. The eventual solution was to trust the hunter-with-a-machete bluntness that made Jason so popular in the first place. The makers also chose to forget about all the self-reflective irony, pretzel-like plot twists and extreme depictions of lovingly rendered torture and suffering that permeated the horror genre since the release of 2004’s Saw. “The Exorcist is my favorite horror movie of all time, and I would never dare try to remake it,” said Friday the 13th director Marcus Nispel, who also helmed a redo of 1974’s classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre in 2003. “But then there are movies that people want to see again and again, and there are some characters people just can’t get enough of. And Jason Voorhees is one of them. When I worked with the screenwriters, they kept referring to Jason as our anti-hero. It was really the kids who were their villains. We empathize a little bit with this character, because he expresses the Freaks and Geeks outcast in all of us.

Organization renders aid to local musicians By Leigh Morgan Features Reporter

Texas has been known for its beckoning views, unique residents and strong musical traditions. According to Austin City Connection, Austin was named the Live Music Capital of the World in 1991. Researchers found the city contained more live music venues per capita than Nashville, Memphis, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or New York City. Austin hosts productions like South by Southwest, Austin City Limits and the Austin Reggae Festival. The music industry brings in millions of dollars annually to the Austin area, but it is not immune to the declining economy. Twelve law students at the University of Texas run Property, Preservation and the Legacy of Texas Live Music, an organization assisting artists in their survival. Professor Daniel Rodriguez and the community support the group, which offers free legal services to musicians in the area. Joel C. Boehm, law student at the University of Texas, feels passionate about his participation in the organization and what he can do for the music industry. “The University of Texas has an elite law school and the state of Texas, including a concentration in Austin, has an elite music community. It seems a natural marriage to use the resources of one to benefit the other,” Boehm said. “It fills a gap in the music community’s needs, at the same time giving students valuable experience.” Lindsay Smith, law student at the University of Texas and member of the organization, is certain musicians are in need of their services. “This region has a huge market for music that is underfunded in almost every aspect,” Smith said. “The music industry as a whole is in a critical state and a lot needs to be done on many levels. To be successful, it will require a very strategic organization.” The City of Austin recognized this need and authorized a Live Music Task Force last year to address concerns. The group confronts issues and challenges facing members of the music community. Law students of the University of Texas are taking a personal approach, working one-on-one with musicians. “Contracts many times go unread, rather than taking action to ensure an artist’s concerns are addressed and protected,” Smith said. “The group of musicians we would help does not have the income to seek legal assistance on these issues. We would be saving them money offering useful legal services at no cost.” Nicole Bennett, pre-theater junior and lead singer of band When Pandas Attack, shares similar concerns. “Free legal services would be a fantastic advantage for any band. There are many issues a band deals with that require legal counsel such as copyright laws, contracts with record companies or venues, as well as someone to nail out the legal details when you are traveling or interacting with fans,” Bennett said. “As a local artist and college student in a new band, it would be otherwise impossible to afford legal services.” Smith said she wants Property, Preservation and the Legacy of Texas Live Music to be a lasting organization for musicians. “Austin’s music scene is a gem in the city’s crown,” Smith said. “We hope to establish a permanent entertainment law clinic that would continue to offer free legal services to musicians.”

He’s like Carrie at prom night.” Rob Zombie’s 2007 revisionist remake of the classic Halloween delved into the tortured psyche of the murderous Michael Myers to explain his actions. The new Friday the 13th also makes it clear that Jason, played by Derek Mears, does not kill for the thrill: There is a purpose to his madness, no matter how twisted it happens to be. However, Friday the 13th, unlike Halloween, is devoted to giving the audience a haunted-house ride instead of sending them home with nightmares. It was the top film at the North American box office during the weekend, reportedly setting a new record for a horror opening with estimated sales of $42.2 million, according to Warner Bros. Pictures. Producer Brad Fuller, an executive at Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes Production Company, which caters exclusively to cranking out horror pictures, said he wanted Friday the 13th to be a throwback to the slasher-film heyday of the 1980s. He said the horror genre did not take itself quite so seriously then. “We started working on Friday the 13th right after we finished Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, and we looked back at the movie and felt we had gone too far,” Fuller says. “It was just too sadistic. We told Michael Bay we couldn’t make another movie where we’re sitting in a basement killing people for two hours. We have to make them more fun.” The recent My Bloody Valentine remake, the upcoming reimagining of A Nightmare on Elm Street, with Billy Bob Thornton set to play the dream-demon Freddy Krueger, and the new Friday the 13th all embrace the clichés of the popcorn-horror flick instead of trying to go beyond them. The movie marks a return to a gentler, kinder brand of horror, one that is not entirely concerned with reflecting the mood and fears of the popular culture. Instead, Friday the 13th — right down to the gratuitous sex and nudity — is specifically designed to be enjoyed best in a crowded movie theater on a Friday night.

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Trends

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The University Star - 9

Scholarship gives recent Drunken friends need help graduates opportunity to make world better place Crystal Davis

By Mayra Mejia Features Reporter Rock stars are helping others make the world a better place. The Fulbright-mtvU Awards are now accepting applications. The award encourages each winner to make a creative project with music in order to make a difference in the winner’s chosen host country. The international educational program is well known throughout the world and is sponsored by the U.S. State Department. The Fulbright Program is teaming up with mtvU for the award. Death Cab For Cutie, Santogold, Vampire Weekend and My Chemical Romance’s lead vocalist Gerard Way will determine the winners. Valentina Glajar, Texas State’s Fulbright program, said the program was established in 1946. Its main focus is increasing understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. “The student program is designed for recent Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences graduates and master’s and doctoral students who are interested in studying, doing research or teaching overseas,” Glajar said. “There are two kinds of grants: the full grants, which entail a research project, and the ETA grants, the English teaching assistantships. The program is highly competitive and receives thousands of applications every year.” Professors Sandhya Rao, and Ann Brooks were chosen from Texas State as Fulbright Scholars last year.

Rao, professor in the School of Journalism an Mass Communication, said the award has been a family tradition. “The Fulbright scholarship is a very well-known scholarship worldwide. My father was a recipient of this award many years ago,” Rao said. “He came to the United States to (University of CaliforniaBerkeley) from India, and so I grew up on stories he told me about his experience here.” Rao said she was fortunate she was from India, because she already knew the culture and language. “My Fulbright scholarship experience was phenomenal,” Rao said. “It couldn’t have been better. I got an opportunity to go back to India, where I am from originally, and give back to my country. I have two homes— America and India, and so I established a research center in the school that I went to, Manipal University in Karnataka state.” Rao said she is working to bridge the gap between the two countries. “I am in the process of establishing a relationship between Texas State and Manipal University,” she said. “The center I established is for mass media research. I also taught two classes there. In one of the classes, which was on new media, my colleague in Texas State and I set up a Web site where our students could interact with each other. It was tremendous.” Brooks, professor in the department of educational administration and psychological services, traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia last year as a Fulbright Scholar.

“I’ve known about (the Fulbright Program) ever since I started my career, so I’ve always known about the scholarships,” Brooks said. Brooks enjoyed her time at Phnom Penh and its university. “It was wonderful. I loved it. It was just an incredibly good experience,” she said. “I got to work closely with the people at the university. I got to get involved in the challenges they were facing and do what I could to help them. I love Phnom Penh. It was really a fun city to be in, so I can’t think of anything that wasn’t outstanding about it.” Applicants must meet requirements to be considered for the award. “As Fulbright program adviser, I can only refer to the requirements for the student program,” Glajar said. “The program is open to U.S. citizens in all fields of study. One important but often overlooked aspect is the proficiency in a foreign language. Some ETA grants do not require a strong proficiency in the language of the host country, but most countries require at least a basic understanding. For full grants, knowledge of the language of the host country is essential for successfully completing the proposed research project. Compelling essays, great reference letters and a remarkable GPA would greatly increase the chances of any Fulbright applicant.” Applications for the FulbrightmtvU Awards are due March 1. More information can be found on www.us.fulbrightonline.org.

Polaroid releases instant-print camera By Eric Benderoff Chicago Tribune Polaroid has been stepping up its game lately, introducing products that are rekindling the magic of its pioneering instantprint technology — including the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera, which hits shelves in March for $199. However, Polaroid is not done, and perhaps sometime later this year, we will see other “instant print” products with larger paper (the PoGo prints 2-by-3-inch images, not the old 4-by-5-inch style of yesteryear) or perhaps a mobile phone with picture printing capabilities. John Pollock, vice president of digital imaging at Polaroid, said the company is looking next at the commercial market. The two PoGo products — last year’s standalone printer and now the camera — are targeted at consumers. “There’s a lot of commercial products we will be looking at,” he said during a recent interview. “A lot of people have been schlepping around printers.” The people work in fields where instant prints can come in very handy, like insurance, real estate, law enforcement and medicine. “As we talk to more people, they tell us printing has become so cumbersome,” he said. “With the PoGo camera, there is no thought process involved.” Indeed, you just hit the print

button when you see an image you want. (You can do minor cropping and red-eye fixing first.) Seventy-five percent of the units go to consumers of the hardware Polaroid sells, based on the old cameras and the PoGo printer. However, 60 percent of the photo paper is bought by commercial users. “The burn rate is so high for commercial,” he said. That segment also wants larger paper — like the old Polaroids — so there is a good bet that is what consumers will see next. As for phones with a built-in printer, “that’s not part of our road map right now,” Pollack said. Of course, there is a big issue clouding these plans: Polaroid filed for bankruptcy protection

in December, the second time in seven years. The first time was because the company was not ready for the digital transition. This one is because the company that bought Polaroid got itself into a financial fix. “Polaroid’s financial condition was compromised by the apparent fraudulent acts perpetrated by the founder of Petters Group Worldwide, Polaroid’s parent company, and certain of his associates,” the company said in a December statement. “The Chapter 11 process will provide Polaroid with the opportunity to restructure its balance sheet and reduce its debt to ensure the future health and sustainability of the business.”

(Polaroid/MCT) Photo-On-The-Go: Polaroid has been introducing products that are rekindling the magic of its pioneering instant-print technology including the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera, which goes on sale in March for $199.

Trends Columnist

Alcohol is the only drug in America readily available and coveted by most who are not yet 21. It is available in more varieties and whatever quantity an individual could desire. It is a part of mainstream culture on large and small scales. There are at least 25 different venues and restaurants in San Marcos that sell alcohol, including convenience and liquor stores. The substance is so accessible, so what are we, as a community, going to do to be more responsible about our alcohol consumption? I’m not going to say the things most of us have heard

repeatedly about drinking then driving, binge drinking and alcohol poisoning. However, I am concerned about some practices I’ve seen among the more “pickled” side of humanity lately, and would like to offer some advice. The first thing that needs to be addressed is not only drinking and driving, but also texting, drinking and driving. Texting while drunk is usually not a good idea anyway, but combining a buzzed driver who is also texting can have unfavorable outcomes. There is always a slight pang of fear that creeps up late at night when I’m driving next to someone whose head is down and whose face is glowing from the light on their cell phone. Secondly, people need to be more accountable and assume some level of responsibility for their drunken friends who are about to do something stupid. The sauce doesn’t always make people as suave as they would like to believe. No matter how entertaining it may be to a more sober person, situations

can always escalate into bad and worse when drunk friends are left unattended. Try to think of it like looking after a baby. They might cry, throw up or poop their pants if left alone too long. Last, there is always a way to stop a drunk person from driving. Classic tricks to get a tanked friend home safely include the “look over there” car keys swipe, calling a cab or SWAT then delaying the friend till transportation arrives or, if the drunk friend is especially stubborn, say, “I have no doubt you can drive, but can you pass a breathalyzer?” Even drunk people can’t argue with that logic. Coming up with creative ways to keep friends from driving drunk can be fun and can ensure the person will be alive to laugh about it later. Whether it is a friend or complete stranger, it is the responsibility of the people of San Marcos to make sure our roads and our loved ones are safe.

Entertainment Calendar Thursday Brigitte London, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Noel McKay, 6 p.m., BB Aeroplane, Toast, 10 p.m., Triple Crown Josh Grider Trio, 6 p.m., Gruene Hall Sideshow Tragedy, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Ryan James, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Friday The Slow Rollin’ Lows, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Mark Jungers, 6 p.m., Spank, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Joe Ely with Joel Guzman, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall Firewater Sermon, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Nakia & His Southern Cousins, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Saturday Jeff Hughes & Chaparral, 9 p.m. Riley’s Tavern Zlam Dunk, Driver F, Clubs, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Ted Russell Kamp, 1 p.m., Bob Schneider, 9 p.m., Gruene Hall Amber Lucille, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Lucky Tomblin Band, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Sunday Open Mic with Glenn Allan, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Open Mic, with Pat Pankratz, Holly Aiken and Nate Hinds, 8 p.m., Triple Crown Rod Picott, 12 p.m., Paula Nelson, 4 p.m., Gruene

Hall The Ash Family, 4 p.m., Cheatham Street Monday Beth Lee, 6 p.m., Smarty Pants Trivia Contest, 8 p.m., Triple Crown Bret Graham, 6 p.m., Gruene Hall Matt Begley’s Song Swap, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Battle of the Bands, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Tuesday Forest Wayne Allen, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Everdays a Hollyday, 6 p.m., Lonesome Heroes, Shotgun Party, Leo Rondeau, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Chip Dolan & Marvin Dykhuis, 6 p.m., Gruene Hall Midnight River Choir & Jordan Minor, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Wednesday 3 Way Street, The Nashville Reunion, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Erickson, 6 p.m., Trippin Out West, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Texas Renegade, 6 p.m., Gruene Hall Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street

Diversions

10 - The University Star

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Solutions for 2/18

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

Solutions 2/18

Classifieds E-mail Classifieds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu

rates and policies

Cost - 25¢ per word (1–6 days); Cost - 20¢ per word (7+ days); Deadline - 2 business days prior by noon All classified ads must be paid in advance, unless credit is established. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. We do our best, but please check your classified ad for accuracy. Any corrections to your ad must be made by the second day of publication. As a free service to you, all classified ads will be published on-line on our web site at www.universitystar.com. However, 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.

AUTOMOTIVE $400 1992 TOYOTA CELICA! $500! POLICE IMPOUNDS! Hondas/Chevys/Jeeps, etc. For listings (800) 544-1092 ext. 7462

FOR RENT 1 BEDROOM FULLY FURNISHED. Cable, internet, water, and w/d included! GL, (512) 878-2233. ALL BILLS PAID, W/D INCLUDED, ROOMMATE MATCHING, PETS WELCOME! $375/month. GL, (512) 878-2233. BRAND NEW PROPERTY! Wood floor, black appliances. Huge closets. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. CHEAP RENT! 1BD/1BA, $425, 500 sq. ft. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. LUXURY 1, 2, 3, 4 BEDROOM. Private shuttle to TxState, most bills paid, furnished w/ TV! GL, (512) 878-2233. MOST AFFORDABLE! 4BD/2BA, $350 pp. Other floorplans available too! Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. PRE-LEASE NOW FOR FULLY FURNISHED 1, 2, 3, 4 BEDROOM. Most bills paid, w/d. GL, (512) 8782233.

FOR RENT

FOR RENT-APTS

REMODELED! 1 & 2 BDs Available. Cable/ Internet paid. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

CABLE & INTERNET PAID! 1BD/1BA, $607. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

RESORT-STYLE LIVING! Lease by the bed. $435pp +. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

GREAT ROOMMATE FLOOR PLAN! 2BD/2BA, internet paid, $795. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

RUSTIC HILL COUNTRY VIEWS. Some bills paid! W/D included. 1, 2 & 3 BD’s. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

ONE SANCTUARY APARTMENT. All bills paid: water, electric, cable, internet, phone. Will help with $200 rent per month. Call (432) 448-3249.

FOR RENT-APTS $199 TOTAL MOVE-IN! 1BD $510, 2BD $600+. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. $199 move-in special includes application/deposit/1st month’s rent! GL, (512) 878-2233. 1-3BD APTS. NEXT TO CAMPUS MOVE IN FOR MAY and AUGUST. $340-$630/mo. Includes internet, cable, gas, water, garbage, beautiful wooden floors. Roommate matching available. (512) 618-1843. 4BD/2BA $199/MO 1-4 Bedrooms Available! 5% dn, 30yrs @8% Start Saving Money! For Listings (800)-544-6258 ext. T595 BRAND NEW LUXURY APARTMENTS 1, 2 & 3’s. Gated community, granite countertops, ALL DOGS WELCOME! GL, (512) 878-2233.

FOR RENT-CONDOS/ TOWNHOMES $800 PRE-LEASE TODAY FOR 5/20 OR 8/20/09! 2BD/2.5BA townhouse 1,000 sq.ft., 3 blocks from TxState, small, clean & quiet community. Free HBO, free internet, W/D. www.windmilltownhomes.com or (512) 396-4181. 1 & 2 bedroom townhomes, cable/internet paid, ? month rent FREE! $533/month. GL, (512) 878-2233. 2 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES! No more neighbors above or below. Flexible lease terms! $99 application/deposit. GL, (512) 878-2233. 2BD/2.5BA TOWNHOME. Cable and internet paid, w/d included, walk to campus. May move-in. GL, (512) 878-2233.

FOR RENT-CONDOS/ TOWNHOMES TOWNHOMES AVAILABLE! $625+ w/d included. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

FOR RENT-DUPLEX WANT A DUPLEX IN MAY/JULY? PRE-LEASE NOW! $1,200. ALL DOGS WELCOME! GL, (512) 878-2233.

FOR RENT-HOUSES 1417 FRANKLIN. Brand new 3BD/2BA home for $1,075 per month. Oversized 1 car garage and large bedrooms. Near nature trail. Call Legacy Real Estate for a showing (512) 665-3321.

HELP WANTED WE PAY UP TO $75 PER ONLINE SURVEY! WWW.CASHTOSPEND.COM CALAHAN’S PUB - Now hiring waitstaff and cooks. Please apply after 4pm. 194 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. (830) 609-9782. EARN EXTRA MONEY! Students needed ASAP! Earn up to $150 per day, be a mystery shopper. No experience required. 1-800-722-4791. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day. No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800)965-6520 ext. 157.

HELP WANTED

PERSONALS

NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH is hiring friendly & outgoing Visitor Center Personnel and Restaurant Staff Positions. Apply in person, 7 miles west of IH35, exit #175.

$5,000 PAID. EGG DONORS. +Exps. N/Smokers, ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ ACT>24/GPA>3.0 Reply to: info@eggdonorcenter.com

Teachers needed! Now hiring part-time, afternoon teachers. Experience and bilingual preferred but not required. M-F 2:30-6:30 PM. Quality Child Development Center in Kyle. (512) 405-3700 or fax (512) 405 3701. www.rockinghorseacademy.com STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in San Marcos. 100% FREE to join. Click on surveys. UTSA PREP is seeking college students majoring in Mathematics, Engineering, Science, or Technology to provide 6th-11th grade students academic counseling, tutoring, group supervision & activities. These are security sensitive positions. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Temporary full-time employment: June 10 - July 31. Application deadline: March 31. To apply call (210) 458-2060 or visit www.prep-usa.org UTSA is an EEO/AA employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

LOST & FOUND LOST YOUR PET? If your pet is lost anywhere in Hays County, please check the San Marcos Animal Shelter at (512)393-8340.

WANTED ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN FOR CALENDARS, GREETING CARDS, ETC. $100-200/hr., up to $1,000/day. No exp. needed, (512)684-8296. USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condition, running or not. If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell, (512)353-4511.

THE UNIVERSITY STAR IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH MULTI-MEDIA PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE. We are specifically looking for students with skills in web development and graphic design. For more information email Media Specialist, Matty Lynch, at matty@txstate.edu

SPORTS

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The University Star - 11

Men’s golf begins season Promotion program gives free prizes for game attendance with ‘good tournament’ By Javier Gonzalez Sports Reporter The men’s golf team emerged from hibernation with a third place finish. The Bobcats traveled to TexasSan Antonio Monday and Tuesday to play in the Roadrunner Intercollegiate. They finished third out of 14 teams behind Texas-Arlington, which placed second with 844, and Texas Tech, which took first with 824. Oklahoma shot 866 an Illinois State had 867 to round out the top five teams. Texas State finished with a team score of 860 after the two-day event. Corey Roberson, exercise and sports science senior, led Texas State in the individual competition. Coach Shane Howell said the tournament was ideal to start off 2009. “Our goal was to win, but we give Texas Tech credit,” Howell said. “They played great. We didn’t play to our potential (Tuesday), though. All in all, it was a good tournament for us.” Howell said the team played in bleak weather conditions. “The conditions were obviously tougher (Tuesday),” Howell said. “There was fog and drizzle all day long.” Howell said the greens were hard for the team to read and gave his players the most trouble in putting. According to the Texas State athletics Web site, Roberson

finished his first round with a career-best 66 in the opening round of play and shot a 72 and 74 in the second and third rounds, respectively, giving him a total of 210. He finished tied for sixth in the top 10 at 6-under-par. Howell said Roberson played well despite the greens. “Corey is a great player,” Howell said. “He is a little disappointed in the fact he probably hit it good enough to win but just didn’t make enough putts to win.” Jeff Gerlich, mass communication senior, tied tor 11th, and Philip Krebsbach, accounting sophomore, finished 1-over-par with a total score of 217 and the best first and second round scores of 70 and 71. Krebsbach tied for 19th place. Michael Carnes, history junior, tied for 24th place. Alastair Jones, undecided freshman, followed with his total score of 229 after hitting 73, 79 and 77. Howell said Jones should come back from his first tournament with the Bobcats. “Alastair played solid in the first round, then struggled over the following two rounds,” Howell said. “As it was his first tournament, he handled it quite well. I expect him to bounce back just fine.” Texas Tech’s Chris Ward won the individual title. The Bobcats will tee off again Monday and Tuesday in Houston for the All-American Intercollegiate.

By César G. Rodriguez Sports Reporter

Zackary Bartel, exercise and sports science junior, could be considered the No. 1 Bobcat fan. Bartel has attended enough sporting events to earn a variety of prizes, thanks to the Texas State Athletics-sponsored Promise of Pride promotion. “I have won a Texas State T-shirt and hat. I’m really just aiming for the sweatshirt so I can wear it during the cooler months,” Bartel said. “The best thing is receiving free Texas State items just for watching sporting events.” According to Bryan Miller, director of athletic marketing and promotion, Promise of Pride is a program where students receive reward points for attending athletic games. The promotion serves as incentive for students to attend games and support athletics. “It’s also a way to reward your most faithful fans, the ones that are always there, always supporting, always coming to the games,” Miller said. “It’s a chance to reward them a little something for their dedication and supporting Texas State athletics.” Aaron Villalobos, athletics intern, said the program promotes Texas State pride. “All the incentives we give out for Promise of Pride are Texas State hats, shirts and sweatshirts, all speciﬁc to promoting the Texas State identity and brand of the program,” Villalobos said. Promise of Pride began August 2008 and will run throughout the academic year ending in May 2009. Some schools do a complete fan rewards programs, but the athletics department

decided to test their program with students. Fifty percent of attendance could be attributed to students, Miller said. He said the program has been successful. Expectations were to have 500 students participating. “Year one, not knowing how students were going to be receptive to it, we were thinking, ‘If we got 500 students signed up for the program, it was going to be a good first year,’” Miller said. “But to get more than 800 is definitely something we’re excited about.” Miller said students previously needed to sign a sheet committing them to attend a certain number of pre-selected games. However, now the available technology allows students to swipe their IDs to earn points. Miller said the athletics department spent about $10,000 between goods and services, scanners and software and prizes and publicity. “Now with the technology we were able to find cost-effective ways of doing it with the scanners. Now, all the games you can come to, you get points,” Miller said. Miller said sports for the promotion include football, volleyball, soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball. Bartel said he enjoyed attending sporting events since last semester and hopes to continue his streak. “I’ve attended all of the conference champion fall sports including football, volleyball and soccer, and I’m currently attending men’s and women’s basketball games as well,” Bartel said. “I enjoy going to volleyball and basketball games the most. Because the games are indoors, you know the opposing teams can hear you when you yell something at them.”

Villalobos said a fan media-relations booth is available for students to swipe their ID cards. Registration forms are available if students are not in the system. It is the ﬁrst year with Promise of Pride, so the department focused on these “revenue sports” because they attract the students, Miller said. Students can earn extra points for attending special events. One point is awarded per game and two points for selected events. Tennis and track and ﬁeld are not included in the promotion. Prizes start at 12 points and can reach a maximum of 60 points. A T-shirt is given with 12 points, a hat with 24 points, a sweatshirt with 48 points and an autographed item, such a ball or jersey, with 60 points. “I have received a lot of free stuff,” Bartel said. “Also, receiving free prizes for attending sporting events, does it get any better?” Students can check their points on www.txstatebobcats.com by clicking on the Promise of Pride link. Points do not rollover to the next academic year. Another promotion in progress is the Hardwood Edition, which targets the men’s basketball team. Villalobos said the Hardwood Edition was developed in conjunction with alumni to support the program and attract students to the basketball games. The promotion began in January and ends March 4 when Texas State hosts Texas-San Antonio in the I-35 Rivalry Game. Students who attend a certain amount of games will enter raffles with prizes like San Antonio Spurs tickets, round trip airline tickets and other paraphernalia from the team. The drawing will be held during halftime of the game.

Baseball plays in tournament with conference honorees By Joseph Garcia Sports Reporter The Texas State baseball team will begin the season participating in the UTA Hilton Invitational in Arlington Feb. 20 to Feb. 22. The field includes Texas State, Texas-Arlington, Arkansas State and Siena. Texas State and Siena are the 23rd and 24th teams to participate in the tournament. Arkansas State is making its seventh appearance in the tournament, marking the most turnouts by any opponent. Siena, a school in Loudonville, N.Y., will be the first team from the state of New York to compete in the UTA Hilton Invitational. Twenty-three teams from 13 states have traveled to Arlington to compete in the tournament. This year the Bobcats are led by five preseason

All-Southland Conference honorees, including three first-team members. Paul Goldschmidt, junior infielder, was named to the 2008 All-SLC first team. He earned the honors after hitting a league-best 17 home runs and finished in second place with 69 RBIs. Goldschmidt had a slugging percentage of .689 and 157 bases last season. He finished the year with a .360 batting average, a team best and a 10th ranking in the league. Joining Goldschmidt are Adam Witek, senior second baseman, and Zach Tritz, senior pitcher. The three players were automatic selections after claiming spots on the 2008 postseason all-league teams. Witek concluded his junior campaign batting a career-high .342 after playing in 53 games. Tritz tied the No. 7 single-season tally for most wins in a season with a 9-4 record and ranked second in the SLC.

Lance Loftin, senior third baseman, and Laurn Randell, junior outﬁelder, were named to the second team. Texas State had an overall record of 30-27 last season and a league mark of 19-11. The Bobcats ﬁnished second in the SLC West division. Texas State is ranked second in the SLC head coach preseason poll. The team has 16 returning players this year and welcomes 18 new players. Coach Ty Harrington is entering his 10th year at Texas State. He said he expects the team to win, even with the acquisition of new players. “My expectations for us are to go out and discover what we do well,” Harrington said. “I want to win. I expect us to go out and approach each game in an attempt to win.” Harrington said at this point in the year, the main focus is on development.

“The reality this early in the year is that it is a discovery thing and a development part of the game, also,” Harrington said. “We have so many new guys, on the mound in particularly, that discovering good and bad is going to be important and certainly part of the expectations for this weekend.” According to Harrington, the starting pitching rotation for this weekend will be Michael Russo, junior, followed by Tritz, Kane Holbrooks, senior, and Brian Borski, sophomore. “They are very anxious,” Harrington said. “They are ready to play games. They are anxious, interested and excited about playing this weekend.” The Bobcats open league action at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27. The Bobcats will play Texas in their home opener 6 p.m. March 3.

Sports the university star

footballfunction

The Texas State athletics department will hold its annual football banquet 6 p.m. Saturday in the LBJ Ballroom. The event will honor the 2008 Southland Conference Championship football team that finished the season with an 8-5 overall record. Call 512-245-2587 to purchase tickets.

12 - Thursday, February 19, 2009

Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

Bobcats seize narrow victory against Aggies By Lisa Carter Sports Editor

Austin Byrd/Star photo GRAND OPENING: Leah Boatright ,junior first baseman, drives in the game-winning runner, Alex Newton, senior shortstop, as the Bobcats defeated Texas A&M 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The Texas State softball team held its 2009 home opener Wednesday in front of 1,353 fans in its newly-renovated stadium. The Bobcats defeated Texas A&M 3-2 after Leah Boatright, junior first baseman, hit the gamewinning run. Boatright said she tried her best to make a contribution to the team. “I just wanted to go up to the plate and wait for my pitch and hit the ball hard and make something happen,” Boatright said. The game marked the second time since 2007 in which Texas State hosted A&M. The Bobcats are now 6-5 on the season. The Aggies are 5-6. Chandler Hall, freshman pitcher, began the rotation for the Bobcats. Hall said she was excited about throwing the first pitch in the new stadium. “It (the stadium) was a whole lot bigger than what I thought,” Hall said. “But once I got out there, (I had) a lot of fun.” Coach Ricci Woodard said Hall is one of the team’s key players. “(Hall’s) going to be one of those kids that’s going to help us in the outfield,” Woodard said. “Obviously, we need her in the offensive lineup, so she’s going to have to still be able to produce offensively, even if things aren’t working for her.” Boatright made a third-base hit with two outs in the bottom of the first inning. However, Mackenzie Baack, sophomore first baseman, finished the inning with a strikeout. Erin Glasco, A&M catcher, was first at bat for the Aggies in the top of the second inning. Glasco hit a home run after hitting two foul balls, putting the Aggies up 1-0. Taylor Hall, senior outfielder, stole second base in the bottom of the third inning. Boatright sent Hall home to tie the score at 1. Baack made a hit her next time at bat, putting her on first and Boatright on second. However, Jenna Emery, sophomore utility, hit straight to first, making it the last Texas State out for the inning. Holly Ridley, A&M outfielder, hit a home run in the top of the fourth inning, putting the Aggies up 2-1. Katie Garnett, senior pitcher, came in for the Bobcats, while Chandler Hall stayed in the game playing left field. Macie Morrow, A&M shortstop, got a walk in the fourth inning, but Rhiannon Kliesing, A&M right-side hitter, struck out, ending the Aggies’ run in the fourth. Chandler Hall fouled twice in the bottom of the fourth inning before making what looked to be a good right-side hit, but was instead, called a foul. She made it to second base on her next hit. Hall made a run to tie the score at 2. Baack hit a single in the bottom of the fifth, but it was the only time any Bobcat got on base in that inning. Glasco hit to first in the top of the sixth. Bailey Schroeder, A&M outfielder, pinched hit for Glasco. Alex Reynolds, A&M infielder, made a right-side hit, but struck out and ended the Aggies’ run for the sixth. Garnett struck out three Aggies at the top of the seventh inning. Kelly Spittler, A&M outfielder, hit the ball right into Garnett’s hands, who tossed it to first base for the Aggies’ final out of the seventh. Kristina Tello, junior utlility, attempted to bunt, but got out at first base. Alex Newton, senior shortstop, hit to the left side and got on first. Taylor Hall walked, putting herself on first and Newton on second. Newton stole third off a wild pitch, and Hall moved to second. Boatright made the final hit of the game to drive Newton home. Woodard said Newton’s and Hall’s play made a big difference in the game. “We’re doing a good job of picking up change-ups and running on it,” Woodard said. “To me, that’s the game-winning play right there, the change-up that Alex Newton and Taylor Hall picked up when we run on it.That’s one of the things we’ve been working hard on. They both did a great job.” Woodard said Boatright’s hard work paid off in the game. “Leah called me earlier today and wanted to come out and take some extra catches, because she wasn’t happy with her play this past weekend,” Woodard said. “That’s the benefit of a kid who worked hard and it paid off for her. You can’t ask for anything else.” Texas State will play in the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge Friday to Sunday in Baton Rouge, La.

02 19 2009

Published on Feb 19, 2009

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