02 22 2006 by The University Star

FANTASTIC FOURSOME

COMING UP SHORT

Kudzu Karnival is gaining popularity in local music scene

Despite major points, Bobcat track and ﬁeld ﬁnishes indoor season dissapointed

SEE TRENDS PAGE 4

SEE SPORTS PAGE 8

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS

www.UniversityStar.com

WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY 22, 2006

County approves tax abatement for CFAN expansion By Kathy Martinez The University Star

The

when he initially made his proposal to the city. Judge Jim Powers said the court’s decisions usually mirror city decisions. However, he and the other commissioners were unaware of the additional proposed tax abatement for three years at 50 percent. Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, 1st Precinct, supported the seven-year tax abatement, which she said can only beneﬁt San Marcos. “I feel very excited about the expansion,” Ingalsbe told the court. “This will bring job opportunities to the community and provide a salary outside the minimum wage bracket.” CFAN employees will start out at $10 an hour, including beneﬁts and on-the-job training. Baeumel added that 90 percent of CFAN’s employees have never worked in manufacturing, and the company can provide employment opportunity to everyone. Baeumel said expansion plans for CFAN are already in process and will proceed without the extra three-year tax abatement. “It’s going to cost me some money for those last several years, but we are in too far now and turning back is not an option for us at this point,” Baeumel said. Baeumel said he anticipates breaking ground sometime in early March. During the meeting, the court also approved hiring Byrn & Associates to perform survey work on McCarty Lane.

Bobcat genome project A.D. Brown/Star Photo

The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a tax abatement between Hays County and CFAN Company on Tuesday for a manufacturing facility expansion in San Marcos, which owners promise will bring in hundreds of new jobs. CFAN Company will receive a sevenyear abatement at 100 percent for the expansion. CFAN, a manufacturer of composite fan blades for commercial airlines, was created in 1991 by two aerospace companies, GE Aircraft Engines and SNECMA. CFAN, which is located off of Interstate 35 in San Marcos, manufactures the wide chord composite fan blade for the GE90 engine, which powers the Boeing 777 airliner. CFAN President Bob Baeumel spoke before the court to request the approval of a tax abatement for the facility expansion, which currently stands at 160,000 square feet. Baeumel said the larger facility will bring in 500 jobs to the San Marcos area. Discussion regarding the amount of tax abatement for the expansion concerned some of the commissioners, who were unaware that city ofﬁcials approved a seven-year, 100 percent tax abatement, plus three years at 50 percent tax abatement for the expansion. Commissioner Will Conley, 3rd Precinct, and Commissioner Russ Molenaar, 4th Precinct, expressed reservation in regard to the city approval numbers; supporting, instead, only the sevenyear abatement at 100 percent. “It was assumed by CFAN that the county would approve this abatement because the city did, but I’ve never seen these numbers before,” Molenaar said. Baeumel responded that he understood the county knew of the amount of the abatement

VOLUME 95, ISSUE 55

IN SEQUENCE: Aquatic resources doctoral graduate student Lauren Lucas prepares a DNA sample from San Marcos salamanders before utilizing the biology department’s new Beckman Coulter CEQ 8800 DNA sequencer.

Texas State departments gain advantage in DNA research By Ashley Richards The University Star Professors and students at Texas State now have an edge over the competition thanks to the addition of two of the most advanced deoxyribonucleic acid automated capillary sequencers available, doubling the productivity level of genomics work. Since the end of the Spring 2005 semester, the biology department has been using its Beckman Coulter CEQ 8800 sequencer and recently phased the machine in as the only DNA sequencer being used. The biology department acquired its sequencer as part of a grant from

For more information on the San Marcos Commissioners Court or to watch the video recorded meeting, visit www. co.hays.tx.us/commissioners/commissioners.php.

Beckman Coulter to Mike Forstner and Dittmar Hahn, associate biology professors, and Chris Nice, assistant biology professor. The department had to complete partially started projects on older sequencers before discontinuing the use of the obsolete machines. The university also contributed to the purchase of the new sequencers. Forstner said the joint decision to purchase the sequencer was made by the biology department, the College of Science and the Ofﬁce of Sponsored Projects, all of which he said agreed to commit to investing in the high-tech genomics hardware. “Effectively, the university stepped

Local primary candidates slated to debate By David Rauf The University Star Candidates for local races in the upcoming primary election will debate at the San Marcos Area League of Women Voters Candidate Forum today at the San Marcos Activity Center. Approximately 20 candidates from different races and political parties will participate in the event. Residents will have the opportunity to learn ﬁrsthand about the candidates and their stances on key issues. Once the voting public listens to the different candidates, they can go to the polls and make a more informed decision on who to vote for, said San Marcos League of Women Voters President Dorothy Evans. “You get a feel for the candidates. You get to see them, you get to hear them talk, and you get to see how they respond to the question,” Evans said. “What we want to do is educate the citizens of San Marcos about issues that will affect the way we live.” Only candidates who appear on the ballot and have opposition in the upcoming primary election will participate in the question-and-answer sessions of the debate. Unopposed candidates will be recognized and will pass out literature but will not be allowed to speak in the debate. The debate itself follows tra-

ditional guidelines. Candidates running for the same ofﬁce will be presented in tandem and have one minute for opening remarks. The moderator will direct a question, prepared by the league’s voter service committee, to the candidates in rotating order. Each candidate will have one minute to answer the question. “Our job is to present the reasons for a certain issue and the

25,298

Number of registered voters in San Marcos

75˚/53˚

18.45%

Percent of registered voters who participated in Nov. 8 election

1,835

Number of early votes cast

962

Number of early votes cast at LBJSC

Temporary Voting Branch LBJ STUDENT CENTER TUESDAY, FEB. 28: 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1: 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Today’s Weather

A.M. Drizzle

reasons against a certain issue so that it’s a balanced presentation,” Evans said. To help inform the voting public, candidates will set up booths and distribute campaign literature. The league, a nonpartisan political organization, will also make a voters guide available at the debate. Kim Porterﬁeld, editor of the league’s local newsletter and vice president of organizational af-

Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 71% UV: 4 Moderate Wind: SSE 9 mph

Thursday Showers Temp: 65°/ 49° Precipitation: 40%

Friday T-Showers Temp: 64°/ 50° Precipitation: 50%

By Jason Buch The University Star Peter Koechley, managing editor of The Onion, was supposed to write the headline for this article. Unfortunately, Koechley, whose Onion is a humor newspaper printed in eight metropolitan areas in the United States and a popular Internet destination, fell through, and the headline the story did get is probably not as funny as it could have been. Koechley said he would try to write a headline before joining online humor columnist Andy Borowitz, co-creator of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and professor of political science at Brown University Darrel West for a panel discussion about infotainment at the Politics and Media in the New Millennium Conference in Dallas on Saturday. He said he was too busy thinking of funny things to say in his panel discussion to write the headline. The New Politics Forum presented the conference, held in the Belo Mansion in down-

Inside

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS

See GENOME, page 3

New Politics Forum hosts politics and media conference in Dallas

fairs and publicity, said the voters guide contains three questions for each candidate. The league has a voter service committee, Porterfield said, that studies the issues and comes up with these questions. Those questions are sent to all the candidates, who return the responses to the league. The answers are then compiled and published, she said. “The first question always asks the candidates to list their experience, education and training that qualify them for the position,” Porterfield said. “The next two questions vary by the race.” The voters guide will be made available at the debate, the San Marcos Public Library and as a San Marcos Daily Record insert. The candidate forum begins at 7 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center, located at 501 E. Hopkins St. Admission is free. “The main purpose is to make sure the voting public is educated,” Porterfield said “The league is expecting many San Marcos residents who want to learn more about the candidates.” County and state primary elections are on March 7. Early voting has begun and will continue through March 3. Locations, dates and hours of early voting polling places, including the LBJ Student Center, can be found at www.elections.co.hays. tx.us.

Two-day Forecast

up,” Forstner said. “At the highest levels of the administration they are looking ahead, they are committing to a future that is better.” The biology department uses the new technology in both graduate and undergraduate courses as well as in faculty research. The second DNA sequencer was purchased at a later date for the College of Health Profession’s clinical laboratory science program as part of a grant to Rodney Rohde, CLS assistant professor. It is the ﬁrst sequencer available to the CLS program. Rohde also praised the university

News ..............1-3 Trends ............. 4,5 Comics .............. 5 Crossword ......... 5

Sudoku .............. 5 Opinions ............ 6 Classiﬁeds ......... 7 Sports ................ 8

think what “I was really exciting was we had over 100 students from 32 universities across Texas in one room.”

— Emily Balanoff NPF project manager

town Dallas. NPF invited students from all colleges and universities in Texas to attend the event. “I think it was a real success,” said Emily Balanoff, NPF project manager. “I think what was really exciting was we had over 100 students from 32 universities across Texas in one room, not only getting a chance to talk with experts from around the country, but getting a chance to meet each other.” Ashley Harris, political science senior, said this is the ﬁrst See FORUM, page 3

PAGE TWO The University Star

Wednesday in Brief

February 22, 2006

starsof texas state Sandra West, associate professor of biology and science education, has been honored by the Science Teachers Association of Texas with the Skoog Cup Leadership Award. West has a sustained record of leadership in science education, strong advocacy for quality K-12 science education for all students, contri-

butions to STAT and other professional science organizations and development of effective programs for pre-service and in-service teachers of science. West taught science for 18 years in public school, eight years in a Montessori school, and joined Texas State in 1990.

News Contact — Kirsten Crow, starnews@txstate.edu

Calendar of

Practice makes perfect

STARS OF TEXAS STATE POLICY Do you know someone at Texas State who has recently celebrated a great achievement? Nominate your choice to appear in The Star as a “Star of Texas State.” Write an e-mail to starletters@txstate.edu with the subject line “Stars of Texas State,” and include your nominee’s name, his/her relationship to the university, contact information for yourself and your nominee, and a brief description of the achievement. Also include a photo of your nominee if available. Accepted nominees will be featured at the top of Page Two.

EVENTS Clubs & Meetings Wednesday ACOA/Dysfunctional Families Group will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. For information, call the Counseling Center at (512) 2452208. The Science Fiction & Fantasy Society will meet 8 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, Room 311.1. Thursday Facing the Fear: An Anxiety/ Panic group will meet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. For information, call the Counseling Center. The Rock Praise & Worship will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Catholic Student Center chapel.

Journalists will host Etgar Lefkovits, Jerusalem correspondent for The Jerusalem Post, at 6 p.m. in Old Main, Room 232. Mr. Lefkovits will discuss the upset Hamas victory, covering suicide bombings and the security barrier under construction.

Arts & Entertainment

A free seminar is being sponsored by Economic Development San Marcos. Thursday The Society of Professional

1865 - Tennessee adopted a new constitution that abolished slavery.

Danny Rodriguez / Star Photo Wednesday

Wednesday

Higher Ground will have its “Shrove Tuesday on Wednesday Pancake Supper” beginning at 6:15 p.m. Food is free, and all are welcome. Meeting at St. Mark’s Church, across from Tower Hall.

1860 - Organized baseball’s ﬁrst game was played in San Francisco, Calif.

Campus Sports

2-for-1 student green fees at the Texas State Golf Course.

There will be a student-led Bible study at 8 p.m. in the CSC.

1819 - Spain ceded Florida to the United States.

The second annual Latina Social hosted by Latinas Unidas will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in George’s on the ﬁrst ﬂoor of the LBJSC. There will be food, door prizes and lotería. Celebrate your gender and heritage at the 2nd Annual Latina Social. Come, make friends, meet Latina faculty, staff and students. Everyone is welcome.

Events

The American Marketing Association presents Marilyn Carter, vice president of marketing for Texas Monthly magazine at 5:30 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3-14.1. Open to all majors. Free food and drinks.

On This Day...

Thursday Texas State Symphony will play at 8 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. Tickets are $2 for general admission and $1 for students.

CALENDAR SUBMISSION POLICY Calendar submissions are free. Send submissions to Calendar of Events at starcalendar@txstate.edu or call (512) 245-3487 for more information. E-mailed press releases will not be accepted. If using e-mail, please submit as a simple bulleted list of essential information. Submissions are on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served basis and notices for weekly meetings need to be submitted every week they will take place. The University Star reserves the right to refuse entries or edit for libel, style and space purposes. Deadline: Three working days prior to publication.

The Texas State women’s basketball team practices on Tuesday night at Strahan Coliseum in preparation for Thursday night’s game against Southeastern Louisiana.

1889 - North and South Dakota, Montana and Washington were admitted to the Union. 1973 - The United States and Communist China agreed to establish liaison ofﬁces.

CRIME BL TTER ASG Beat University Police Department

Feb. 16, unknown hour Failure to Comply: Striking Roadway Fixtures/ Bobcat Village Apartments Parking Lot A non-student reported to a police officer that university property had been damaged. Upon further investigation, police discovered that a student damaged the property with his vehicle. A report was made of the incident. Feb. 18, 12:52 a.m. Warrant Service/North LBJ Drive A police officer made contact with a vehicle for a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, a non-student was arrested for a warrant service and trans-

ported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

Feb. 18, 1:21 a.m. Public Intoxication/ Lindsey Lot A police ofﬁcer made contact with a student who appeared intoxicated. Upon further investigation, the student was arrested for public intoxication and transported to HCLEC to await magistration. San Marcos Police Department Feb. 17, 2:13 p.m. Theft Under $500/3939 S. Interstate 35 A woman went into a store and stole an article of clothing.

Crime stoppers: UPD: 245-7867, SMPD: 353-TIPS

ASG to hold grievance session in The Quad ASG would like to remind the Texas State student body that there will be a grievance session in The Quad Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is designed to allow students to speak directly to ASG senators and voice their concerns regarding Texas State. ASG realizes that not all students’ schedules allow them to attend the weekly ASG meetings and voice their concerns during open forum. ASG is focusing on

reaching as much of the student body as possible, and this is one way to accomplish that. Another reminder is the early primary voting will be held on campus this year. People can vote in the LBJ Student Center Feb. 8 and March 1 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The student vote made a huge impact on the city council elections, and ASG hopes to see the same voter turnout for this round of voting. — Courtesy of Associated Student Government

www.UniversityStar.com

NEWS

Page 3 - The University Star

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

GENOME: Premier DNA tools to pair FORUM: Infotainment the focus of students with double-helix technology media and politics panel discussion CONTINUED from page 1

for stepping up and agreeing to match the Beckman Coulter grant so the second sequencer could be purchased. The second DNA sequencer was set up on Monday in the Health Science Center and was ready for use by Tuesday. “It’s just a fantastic opportunity for both departments because it allows our students to get into the state-of-the-art genomic technology,” Rohde said. Forstner and Rohde said the new technology is an important asset to the students in each department because they are now being exposed to the most advanced genomics and sequencing technology. Biology students will use the sequencer in a variety of courses, beginning at the undergraduate level in genetics courses. Graduate students are also able to input more information and complete their projects more efﬁciently. “It can do more (sequences) at once and because you don’t have to spend all the time with preparation; it pretty much does things faster,” Nice said. Forstner said when students complete school they will be more competitive in the job ﬁeld because they were exposed to the most advanced sequencing technology available. “We actually get students that go through the class and are able to get jobs in biotechnology because they’ve been taught these skills,” Forstner said. Rohde said the technology will improve the molecular diagnostics class he teaches because the laboratory work will be upgraded. “It’s great because it allows the students exposure to the technology and it allows us to use it for research,” Rohde said. “It’s the best of both worlds.” The new DNA sequencers are different from previous models in that they do not require a prepared lab gel to carry out sequencing. Instead, the sequencing products run through capillary tubes. About 100 samples can be run through the machine at one time. Because there are now two advanced sequencing machines available at the university, Forstner said there is an agree-

ment between the departments that they can be shared if one machine is full of samples and the other is not. To complete a sequence, each amino acid base pair making up DNA is labeled with a different

“U

ltimately science is driven by questions, and we can address questions that we might not have been able to with older technology. Having the right tool provides you with the means to do the science that we all want done.”

— Mike Forstner associate biology professor

ﬂuorofor, a marking agent, so when the laser runs through the capillary tube each base emits a separate wavelength. The information from the sequencing is transferred to a computer for analysis. It is the same technology that was used for the Human Genome Project, Rohde said. “The new hardware allows investigation of DNA sequence, genotypes and advanced forms of population markers, or gene discovery markers,” Forstner said. Rohde said the advanced machine is useful not only for sequencing, but also for analyzing speciﬁc fragments and for identifying mutations. Not only will students have a more competitive edge when entering the workforce, but the laboratories in each department are more competitive when applying for funding or research grants, Forstner said. He said because they have the best tools available, it increases the level of achievement possible. “Ultimately science is driven by questions, and we can address questions that we might not have been able to with old-

er technology,” Forstner said. “Having the right tool provides you with the means to do the science that we all want done.” Rohde’s research focuses on viruses and bacteria, and he has been using standard microbiology techniques to study antibiotic resistance, such as that acquired from the overuse of antibiotics. With the DNA sequencer he will be able to use different methods in his research. “This is just a very unique way of looking at the genetic level of each organism and how they are acquiring resistance,” Rohde said. Rohde said he looks forward to using the technology with his students because they will eventually be working in clinical labs with patients. It will be helpful in teaching them how DNA sequencing can identify different genotypes in human immunodeficiency patients or recognizing specific viruses in infants, he said. Being able to identify these markers, Rohde said, can help determine the appropriate therapy to use on patients. Forstner said much of the research Hahn, Nice and himself work on involves conservation genetics. He works with the Houston Toad, which is an at-risk species, by describing its genetics. He is then able to make conservation recommendations to people with the toads on their private land. “We’re also doing work on using the machine to characterize bacteria and even fungus that are potentially important in how people use fresh water in Texas,” Forstner said about the research on which he and Hahn collaborate. Nice said he uses the machine for his projects on threatened species such as the San Marcos Salamander, the Comal Springs Riffle Beetle and the Karner Blue Butterfly. Much of the machinework for these projects is completed by Nice’s graduate students as well as the three undergraduates he has working on the butterfly project. “It’s a state-of-the-art machine. It is really very modern, which makes us competitive in the sense that we can attract students and maybe potential faculty if they know we have the machine,” Nice said.

CONTINUED from page 1

NPF event she attended, and she plans to go to more. “I went to the convention wanting to learn more about politics and media and where it is going in the future,” Harris said in an e-mail. “I have become frustrated with television news’ portrayal of politics and its lack of substance. I wanted to understand why TV news has become like this and if it will get any better.” Politics and media experts from around the country participated in four panel discussions throughout the course of the day. Notable participants included The Nation’s Eric Alterman and former CNN Whitehouse Correspondent Charles Bierbauer. Court TV’s Catherine Crier gave the keynote luncheon address. “I thought Catherine Crier was awesome,” said Melissa Lefkof, English senior. “She was clearly probably the best speaker; I mean, except for the comedians.” Crier and the panel members took questions after their presentations. She agreed with many of the panel members that the news media are under siege from many quarters but, like most of the panelists, failed to offer any suggestions

as to what students could do to help. Lefkof was not as complimentary of West. “I thought he was trying to make an argument that it is the fault of satire for why people are cynical about the media,” Lefkof said. “It’s like one of the comics said, ‘Satire is the product of the cynicism, not the making of it.’” Balanoff, a Texas State alumna, said the NPF tries to hold one event every semester. She said they offer three types of events: summer campaign training programs, campaign training at the Texas Legislature in Austin and a special event like the one on Saturday, all intended to provide college students an opportunity to get involved in politics. “We try to be a door opener,” Balanoff said. “We try to be a bridge to get them involved in politics and give them a handson experience.” Along with Borowitz’s, Koechley’s and West’s discussion, which Borowitz, managed to turn into a stand-up act and used it to plug his online humor column, The Borowitz Report, panels discussed news coverage of the president, local television news coverage of politics and bias in the media. Harris said she beneﬁted

from the discussions. “I look at the news in a very different way now,” she said. “I think if I gave up watching the news on television, I would have a better sense of what is going on in politics and have a better understanding of what I believe concerning politics. Television has become the worst outlet for people to get their views on politics. With the negative and lack of good political coverage on TV, it is no surprise that the American people are so apathetic in political participation.” Almost all the panelists seemed to think the media are facing huge problems, but only one panelist, Director of the Media Policy Program Meredith McGehee, offered any sort of solution. In the discussion about local television coverage of politics, McGehee said her organization ﬁles license challenges with the Federal Communications Commission against broadcasters who do not provide adequate coverage of local elections, something the FCC requires them to do. When asked what those in attendance can do about attacks on journalism by the government, Crier offered one solution for students who feel helpless. “Jump,” she said.

www.UniversityStar.com

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

weekendbox ofﬁce 1. Eight Below ($25M) 2. Date Movie ($22.3M) 3. The Pink Panther ($21M) 4. Curious George ($15.3M) 5. Final Destination 3 ($12.5M)

6. Firewall ($10.3M) 7. Freedomland ($7M) 8. Big Momma’s House 2 ($5.8M) 9. When a Stranger Calls ($5.8M) 10. Nanny McPhee ($5.1M)

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - Page 4

Trends Contact — Kyle Bradshaw, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Sound of Kudzu Karnival takes audience for ride By Vanessa Lau The University Star His hands ﬂy over the neck and body of his Alvarez acoustic guitar, and a mind-blowing melody pours forth. Whether it’s a cover of Sting, the Goo Goo Dolls or an original composition, the audience is irreversibly captivated. Like a trance has enveloped them, they are rooted to their chairs for the entire set, daring to move only during the short break he takes after about an hour of soulful playing. No doubt an expert at his craft, Brian Lee puts himself and his talent on display numerous times each week, sometimes gaining only tips and a meager fee in return for such entertainment. It seems an incredibly uneven exchange for someone with so much to offer to give so freely of himself. But for avid consumers of live music, it’s an offering we reciprocate with enthusiastic appreciation. Lee and his bandmates, electric/acoustic guitarist and vocalist Monte Montgomery, keyboardist and vocalist James Speer, and drummer and background vocalist Phil Bass, collectively known as Kudzu Karnival, are quickly becoming a staple on the Austin-San Marcos live-music scene. A kudzu, by deﬁnition, is a vine of rapid and luxurious growth, which is an accurate way to describe the escalating

popularity and appeal of this eclectic quartet. Their accomplishments, separately and as a group, read like the résumés of a generation’s best musicians, and it’s incredulous to learn all four of these talented men are without major label representation. But a little thing, like the lack of a major record deal, will never stop any of the band members from ﬁnding an outlet of their music for their fans. From their diverse backgrounds and experiences, these four men merge on stage to become a tour de force of the best music has to offer. Montgomery has become the man to watch when it comes to the acoustic guitar. In his twodecade career, Montgomery has garnered such honors as being listed by Guitar One magazine as one of the “Top 10 Best Undiscovered Guitarists in America,” and the only musician ever to win an Austin Music Award for “Best Acoustic Guitar Player” seven years in a row. As Acoustic Guitar Magazine notes, “Monte Montgomery is not your typical up-and-coming guitar god. His exquisitely crafted, melodically and rhythmically sophisticated pop songs suggest the best of Fleetwood Mac, Squeeze and The Police, while just happening to integrate the most mind-boggling guitar work in the state of Texas.” Fans of Montgomery repeatedly come to solo and group

Go fetch!

shows not only to marvel at his lightning-speed guitar playing, but also for his original compositions, with vocals and lyrics that touch the soul of the human experience. “Moonlight Tango,” highlights the euphoria of romance and the sensuality of a stolen moment underneath the moon. Inﬂuenced by the music of such greats as Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham, Mark Knopﬂer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Lee, Steve Vai, Steve Morse and Larry Carlton, Montgomery’s star shows no sign of peaking any time soon. Lee has been one of Austin’s exemplary singer/songwriters for over a decade. Audiences are captivated by his powerful voice and incredible guitar playing skills. Lee’s live performances attract a substantial and loyal following of locals that enjoy his sophisticated rhythms united with soulful lyrics. More than a performer, he is a writer, composer and producer as well. Similar to Montgomery, people gather not just to listen to Lee’s astonishing voice and guitar playing but to hear his lyrics. Songs like “Personality” and “Best Thing That’s Happened to Me” haunt the listener with poignant lyrics and memorable melodies. After his success in the Austin music scene, Lee founded his own multimedia production company. Lee’s desire to produce his own unique sound is the driving force for 635 Productions.

Bass has been a professional drummer for over 30 years, gaining his start in show business at the age of 15, playing drums for a dinner club six nights a week. “It was a great experience not only for the amount of playing, but the many diverse musical styles I had to play,” Bass said. In addition to his gigs as part of Kudzu Karnival, Bass regularly backs Montgomery at his solo shows, as well as contributes to a number of independent projects, including loop libraries and incidental production music for Web sites, ﬁlm and multimedia applications. Highlights of Bass’ career include working with Gatemouth Brown, Bo Diddly, and Long John Baldry. Although fans of more recent generations are unfamiliar with some of the legends Bass has worked with, his talent underscores and supports the talents of his band mates when they hit the stage together. Speer’s voice can be accurately described as Gavin DeGraw’s gritty sensualism meeting Ray Charles’ soul. The power of his voice is not evident from a physical perspective; however, a stripped-down rendition of “Georgia (On My Mind)” will make a believer out of any skeptic. A songwriter in his own right, Speer’s voice lends an amazing force to thoughtful lyrics in songs like “Fourth of July” (“Kissing you is like lighting matches/Sets my soul on ﬁre”) and “End of the Year.”

Tiffany Searcy/Star photo SWEET SOUNDS: Brian Lee of Kudzu Karnival performed in front of an attentive audience at the Adobe Verde in New Braunfels on Feb. 12.

When he’s not showcasing his vocal talent, his ﬁngers ﬂy over the surface of two electronic keyboards, providing another dimension to the songs of his band mates. All four pieces of this puzzle combine to create a whole that makes for at least two hours’ worth of stunning musical entertainment. Although it might seem that Monte Montgomery, as the most notable member of the group in his solo career, is the clear leader of this band, the setup of Kudzu Karnival show proves this idea false. Each of the three main vocalists takes a turn with lead vocals on a song before starting the rotation

again. This steady revolution of lead singers creates diversity, and at the same time, harmony. Each vocalist has a different sound and a different tone to lend to their songs, which is a treat for the audience to hear in such rapid succession. But also, by sharing the mic and the spotlight so equally, these three create more of a co-frontman position than just a vocalist and his accompaniment. Regular gigs at Antone’s in downtown Austin and the Cheatham Street Warehouse here in San Marcos provide plenty of opportunities for music fans to catch this one-of-a-kind show from four stellar musicians.

Freedomland more like chiller than thriller By Sam Ladach-Bark The University Star Columbia Pictures, in association ✯✯ with Revolution StuFreedomland dios, released Dir.: Joe Roth Stars: Julianne Freedomland Moore, Samuel L. last Friday as Jackson this spring’s Rated: R edge-ofyour-seat thriller. Based on true events and a novel by Richard Price, the ﬁlm takes you into the projects of Dempsy, a poor neighborhood largely populated by African-

film review

Americans. When bloodied Brenda Martin (Julianne Moore) stumbles into a Dempsey hospital, she is confronted by Detective Lorenzo Council (Samuel L. Jackson). We learn that she is the victim of a carjacker who drove away in her car with her son asleep in the backseat. From there, the ﬁlm takes you through an arduous escapade to ﬁnd the missing 4-year-old boy. During the search for the missing child, a sub-plot develops between the black residents of Dempsey and the neighboring white-collar district of Gannon where Brenda resides. Gannon Police put the neighborhood on lockdown in hopes of

forcing the kidnapper to reveal himself. The storyline deﬁnitely has potential, but poor dialogue and constant recounts of Brenda’s narrative of the abduction create a movie that is painfully boring to watch. Although, knowing that Price wrote the screenplay from his own novel, the root of the script’s problems becomes clear. Eventually, after all hopes of ﬁnding the boy alive have passed, Council enlists the help of activist Karen Collucci (Edie Falco). She heads an organization composed entirely of volunteer parents that, eerily enough, specializes in the recovery of abducted children’s corpses. Of course, their search leads them to Freedomland, an abandoned children’s asylum. It is there that all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. The key plot twist comes and goes without any impact; and for some reason, after the audience understands the mystery, the movie unnecessarily continues for another 45 minutes. The

subplot is revisited with an obvious outcome as the racial conﬂict between Dempsey and Gannon erupts into a full out riot. Instead of delivering an edgeof-your-seat thriller, unlikely director Joe Roth (America’s Sweethearts, Christmas with the Kranks) delivers a movie that creates a restless audience. I will say that Moore gives a believable portrayal of a young mother with obvious pre-existing mental and emotional issues, and while Jackson’s performance is strong, it is a very typical role for him. Also, while I’m handing out small doses of praise, I’ll give props to cinematographer Anastas N. Michos. The ghostly use of shadows and light suitably set the mood for a scene before the dialogue ruins it. At its base, this is a movie trying to capitalize on twist-ending thrillers that have gained in popularity since The Sixth Sense. I don’t blame the actors for this one; they did the best they could with poor direction and even worse screenwriting.

DIVERSIONS

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

✯Star Comics

The University Star - Page 5

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

Tuesday’s solutions:

Puzzles by Pappocom

Tuesday’s solutions:

Go to www.UniversityStar.com for today’s answers.

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - Page 6

quoteof the day “They’ll look at the facts and understand the consequences of what they’re going to do. But if they pass a law, I’ll deal with it with a veto.”

”

—President Bush, in response to statements from lawmakers that they would try to block the administration-backed deal to give a United Arab Emirates-based company control of operations at major U.S. ports.(Source: The Associated Press)

Opinions Contact — Joe Ruiz, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

Getting to know candidates a must for student-citizens

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

What do you think needs to be done to get more students to vote in the primaries?

“More awareness about what is going on.” —Leannena Mcmillin pre-theater freshmen

“Students need to get involved. They don’t have time to learn all the facts.” —Chris Jones computer science freshman

“Be more out there, and have more people involved in telling everybody.” —Tiffany Benson biology junior

Compiled by Armando Sanchez

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

Kelly Simmons/Star illustration

The League of Women Voters Debate is tonight — and judging from the last contested election’s debate, nary a student will be in sight. The League of Women Voters Debate held between Bill Taylor, Moe Johnson and Chris Jones for a City Council seat on Oct. 17 drew about 30 residents, but no students. Despite the fact that the student voice was heard when a record number of students cast their ballots in early voting at the LBJ Student Center, the marked absenteeism of more than 27,000 students from the debate sends a message to both the candidates and permanent residents of San Marcos — students don’t care. Judging from last election, it seems that the sleeping giant that is the Texas State population may be waking. This election, however, may be a better litmus test, since a student is not running for any office this time around. Without this minor, the interest in voting may noticeably wane. It shouldn’t wane. The candidates slated to debate tonight are running for local and national offices, including Hays County district attorney, U.S. representative, 428th district judicial judge, county judge, county clerk, county commissioners and justice of the peace. If you think these matters are of no relevance to you, think again — these are your policymakers. If you commit a crime, the district attorney will prosecute you. If you get married, it’s the justice of peace who will recognize the union. If policies in Washington, D.C., such as the legalization of marijuana, same-sex marriage, cuts to financial aid or the Iraq War concern you, the U.S. representative is responsible for communicating his or her constituency’s demands. If you want more — or fewer — businesses and jobs to come to San Marcos, county commissioners and judges play a hand in these decisions. Don’t like how you’ve been represented? Then it is your responsibility to learn the issues and address misrepresentation with your vote. It’s understandable that between juggling classes, work and student organizations, many students will be unable to physically attend the debate tonight. This is no excuse. The debate will not only be broadcast on Time Warner Cable tonight, but will be rebroadcast on Friday and March 3 at 8 p.m.; Sunday and March 5 at 8 p.m.; Monday and March 6 at noon; Tuesday at 9 p.m. and March 1 at 6 p.m. on Channel 22. Never received your voter’s registration card or lost it? This is still not a sufficient excuse. If you are registered in San Marcos to vote and show up at the correct voting precinct location with your driver’s license, you can vote. The student body’s voice was heard last election — but the primaries will give students who educate themselves on the issues and take the initiative to express their opinions an opportunity to roar.

Deal puts ports at risk In a post-9/11 being racist. world, I find it Our government, hard to underwhich justifies warstand why the rantless wiretapping U.S. government because of its conwould support a cern for our safety, $6.8 billion sale forgets about the that would al9/11 Commission’s low Dubai Ports STEPHANIE SILVAS findings that the UAE World, a statewas home to two of Guest Columnist owned company the Sept. 11 hijackers in the United and had significant Arab Emirates, to control the financial ties to the Sept. 11 operations of major American terrorists. These terrorists ports. According to the Dubai came in our airports and on Ports World Web site, the our planes operated by our company will be in charge of people. Are we seriously ex“port terminal operations and pected to trust another coundevelopment, logistics and try to operate our ports? related services.” I hate to put so much New York City, New Jeremphasis on the UAE, but I sey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, think turning over commerMiami and New Orleans will cial operations to any foreign now all have ports operated by company, not just the UAE, an overseas company. is a ridiculous and highly This isn’t a partisan isdangerous idea. It’s not that I sue; this is a national secufeel that any Middle Eastern rity issue. Republicans and country is likely to support Democrats alike are outraged al-Qaida (I absolutely don’t that the Bush administrabelieve that), but neither do tion would approve of such a I believe that just because a deal. The opposition comes country may be our ally today, from the fear of another we can be sure it will be our terrorist attack. The Bush ally tomorrow. camp has spent the last 4 Why can’t we find a compa1/2 years pumping us full of ny here in the states to control fear of terrorism, and when those port operations? Haven’t we get scared, they say we’re we outsourced enough of our

nation’s jobs? Perhaps if a thorough investigation had been done, people would feel more comfortable with this company coming into our ports. The entire investigation was completed in 30 days. Do you really feel comfortable with a huge company like Dubai Ports World being reviewed in only a month? This a $6 billion deal on a 30-year lease; at the very least, more time needs to be spent reviewing the details. Why wasn’t there any warning before the Bush administration approved this deal? Now, it’s nearly impossible to reverse this turnover. The sale closes March 2. As a concerned citizen, I want to know what my government is doing and why they are doing it. I consider myself as an open-minded person; why not convince us that this is OK before it goes down? I know it was approved by several of our national security agencies, but why not tell us why it was approved? I deﬁnitely could use some reassurance. I realize that our ports will continue to have security set in place by our government through the Coast Guard, but

with the threat our ports face today, why should we relinquish any control to a company that may pose any threat whatsoever? A 2005 news release from the American Association of Port Authorities states just how important keeping our ports secure is: “Adequate protection for ports is essential, both from an economic and a national security perspective. Ports handle 95 percent of America’s overseas cargoes and serve as departure points for an estimated 10 million cruise passengers annually. They also enable deployment of U.S. military vessels, personnel and cargo to support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, while ensuring the ability of relief organizations to ship critical supplies to areas of the world hard hit by man-made and natural disasters, such as the tsunami catastrophe in Southeast Asia.” The U.S. government doesn’t give our port authorities the ﬁnancial support they need to secure our ports; and now with an outside company coming in to operate them, I’m not convinced that we are safer today than we were ﬁve years ago.

Let children learn to dodge on the playground Do you ever feel this chance to that you cannot exercise and burn sit through one off some energy. more minute of This necessity class without going is becoming ininsane — like you creasingly clear are going to pull as policymakers a Jerry Maguire recognize the RACHEL ANNE and “just flip out” epidemic of childin the middle of hood obesity. FLETCHER your lecture hall? However, there is Star Columnist We have all expea growing trend to rienced it. We’ve regulate recess and known since we were fidgnot let kids be kids. ety little kids in elementary The restrictions come in school that sometimes you the form of recent bans on just need a break. traditional children’s games Unfortunately, as college such as dodgeball, chase and students facing reality, we tag. These regulations foldon’t often get that break. low recommendations of But think back to elementary the National Association for school when this break came Sports and Physical Educain the glorious form of retion, an influential nonprofit cess — that one brief ray of organization that develops light in the dreary school day and supports sports and when children can do what physical education programs they want and teachers can for schools. Many schools, have a moment of sanity. like Moffitt Elementary in Most young children are Springfield, Ill., and Franklin naturally energetic and need Elementary in Santa Monica,

Calif., have banned games such as these during recess. Many schools will not even let children run with a football because they may injure themselves. The NASPE claims — and it seems the schools agree — that these games can be physically and emotionally damaging to children. They believe there is the potential for injury and that these games make some children feel like losers. I think these bans are more damaging to children than a game of tag. To prohibit children from running encourages laziness and just feeds the obesity epidemic in America. According to the surgeon general’s Web site, about 14 percent of American children are overweight, and these children have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults. Part of the problem is that kids stay inside for hours

and watch TV and play video games rather than go outside and get exercise. To forbid them to run during recess, the one time of day they are guaranteed to be outside, is ridiculous. The bans also discourage competition, which gives these kids a false picture of the real world. Competition is part of our world; we compete in school, in sports, in almost every aspect of our lives. To prepare these children for the real world, we should promote healthy competition in school. Discipline bullies and those who are too rough, but let children have fun. These bans impair childhood. Let children run so they grow up healthy. They are not fragile, so let them scratch a knee. Most of all, let kids be kids and have their recess. They only get a break for a few years. At least let them enjoy it.

Letters policy: E-mail letters to starletters@txstate.edu. Letters must be no longer than 300 words. No anonymous letters will be printed. We reserve the right to edit for grammar, spelling, space and libel. We reserve the right to refuse obscene, irrelevant and malicious letters. All e-mails must include the name and phone number of the letter writer. Students should also include their classiﬁcations and majors.

Editor In Chief..................David Michael Cohen, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor..................................Joe Ruiz, staropinion@txstate.edu News Editor......................................Kirsten Crow, starnews@txstate.edu Assistant News Editor.........................Jason Buch, jb1163@txstate.edu Trends Editor.................Kyle Bradshaw, starentertainment@txstate.edu Photo Editor......................................A. D. Brown, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor...................................Miguel Peña, starsports@txstate.edu

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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 other Wednesday of Summer I and II with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright February 22, 2006. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR RENT-APTS

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

TRAVEL

DO YOU LIKE SOCCER!? Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Like working with kids? Come out and get involved with your community! Contact Michael Colca (512) 847-5238 or e-mail colca@io.com.

APARTMENTS NEXT TO TEXAS STATE now leasing for May and August. Beautiful wooden ﬂoors, no shuttle or parking worries. Rooms, 1B, 2B, 3B and roommate matching. Free internet, cable and some utilities. $300 - $605 per person. 392-2700 APARTMENTS FROM $371/MO. Near stadium. Gas, water paid. 353-5051.

FOUR ROCKFORD FOSGATE 10” HX2 SUBS, and Audiobahn A1500HCX 2000 watt RMS amp, all new $1200 obo. (830)305-2268. DELL INSPIRON 8200 LAPTOP CDRW DVD-R with Windows XP, Ofﬁce Suite, Photoshop, wireless ability, and lots of accessories. Email rory@txstate.edu for more information. 3/2 MOBILE, Nice, extras, fenced rented lot, Hunter Rd. $29K 512-3962374

MANAGED SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE -teleNetwork is currently seeking applicants for positions in the dynamic and fast paced field of Managed Application Services Support. Full and Part Time positions are available with flexible scheduling at our Austin and San Marcos call center locations. Apply online today at http:// www.telenetwork.com/careers STUDENTS NEEDED for part-time retail positions at locally owned mail center. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. shifts and 1-5 p.m. shifts available. Bilingual a plus! Call Information, Etc. at 512-393-5454 for information. TECHNICAL SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE - teleNetwork is currently seeking TSRs to provide technical support for dialup and DSL customers. Full or Part Time positions available with flexible scheduling at our Austin and San Marcos call center locations. More information and online application available at http://www. telenetwork.com/careers SEEKING WAIT STAFF & ENTERTAINERS with a fun loving attitude who enjoys working in a party atmosphere. AM/ PM, PT/FT, flexible schedules. Great $$$! Apply Sugar’s 404 Highland Mall Blvd. E., Austin (near Highland Mall) 512-451-1711 BOBCATSNEEDJOBS.COM WE NEED Paid Survey Takers in San Marcos. 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day. No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ ok. 800-965-6520 x 157. NOW HIRING happy, energetic, fun waiters and kitchen personnel.Apply in person from 2 to 4 p.m.; MondayFriday at 500 River Road in Wimberley. STUDY BREAK MAGAZINE is now hiring account executives/advertising sales. Great pay flexible hours 512-4800894. PROMOTE AND SELL IDENTITY THEFT SOLUTIONS. Advanced commissions paid daily. Free information available at www.collegejobmania.com/32051.

NANNY POSITION FOR FOUR CHILDREN. Christian woman to work part time during school year and full time during summer. Must be English speaking and have own transportation. Excellent references required. Call 7548659 for more information. MOTEL FRONT DESK WANTED. Perfect job for students. Flexible hours. Duties include: answering phones, reservations, handle cash & credit card transactions & guest services. Will train. Basic math skills necessary. Need hard working, computer literate, motivated, enthusiastic. Apply in person at Best Value Inn, I-35, Exit 221, Buda.

SPRING BREAK Mazatlan Party bus $399 with hotels and meals. http://www. mazatlanexpress.com 1-800-366-4786. LEARN SPANISH FOR LIFE. 4-week highly recommended Intensive Spanish Immersion Program in Mexico. All levels. Receive 6 Spanish University credits. www.SpanishForAll.com

FOR RENT $0 DEP. $0 APP. Large Condo 1 & 2 bdrms available. Some bills paid. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123 or check out more apartment specials at www.sanmarcos-apartments.com $0 DEP, $345 MOST BILLS PAID. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123. 1 BEDROOM 670 SQ FT $420. 2 bedroom 835 sq ft $495/ For more info call Apartment Experts 805-0123. $99 INCLUDES DEP. App. and 1st month rent. Beautiful property! 1, 2, 3 bedrooms. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123. 1/1.5 LOFT, 700 SQFT. Backyard and w/d included call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123 WALK TO CAMPUS. $99 total movein 2-2 $599. 1-1 also available. Call Apartment Experts 805-0123. $149 TOTAL MOVE IN! $420, 2bdrm $525. On TX State shuttle. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123. TOWNHOME 4-2.5, all bills paid, W/D included call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH with w/d $550 per month. Park North Condos. 3537644 LARGE T-HOME, $99 total move-in free cable, internet, and phone. W/D included. Call Apartment Experts 8050123. $350 FULLY FURNISHED cable, internet, water paid, W/D included. Call Apartment Experts 805-0123. NEED LOW RENT? Roommate matching could be the answer. Call and we’ll set you up. Apartment Experts (512)805-0123. BIG 2 BDROM 900 SQFT. $585! call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123. $1-1 $375 500 SQFT! call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123 CHECK OUT OUR current apartment specials online at www.sanmarcosapartments.com or call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123.

FOR RENT-APTS ROOMS NEXT TO CAMPUS free internet, cable, and other free utilities $325-$375 call 392-2700. SUBLEASE 2BD APT. $600/mo. Begin Feb. w/Feb. paid by owner. Near School. Contact Wessam 878-6224.

FOR RENTCONDO/TOWNHOMES 3 BEDROOMS WITH 3 FULL PRIVATE BATHS. Extra large kitchen, washer/dryer, fridge, dishwasher, 3 carports, storage building, and FREE phone-cable-high speed internet. $845. Agent, (512)665-8788. 1/2 MO FREE & FULLY LOADED, like new 3/2.5 townhome, roommate plan, fenced, double garage, all appliances and W/D. $995. 850 Sagewood Trail. (short lease ok) 512-342-9567, 512-8266208 Prime Properties. $785 2/2.5 TOWNHOUSE. 3 blks from TXState. Preleasing for 5/20 and 8/20. Free HBO, Road Runner, full-size W/D. www.windmilltownhomes.com for ﬂoor plans & prices. 396-4181.

FOR RENT-DUPLEX FOR RENT DUPLEX 3br/3.5ba 107 Cedergrove (on bus route). Fenced backyard/pets ok. $1050 per month. 512-351-7499. SAGEWOOD DUPLEXES pre-leasing for 6/1 &8/1, bus route, 3/3.5 garage, W/D inc., Call 512-699-9759 1B/1B NEAR WEST CAMPUS. $385 per month 512-396-1717.

FOR RENT-HOUSES LARGE HOUSE OFF N. LBJ - Excellent condition; 5 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 3 bathrooms, tile & wood ﬂoors. For faculty, family or graduate students. Free parking next to campus. $1600/mo. (512) 757-0399. HUGE 3/2, W/D, ETC. 1600 sq ft. $950 per mo. 713-774-5953. 4B/2B HOUSE NEXT TO CAMPUS. Hardwood ﬂoors, 2 car garage converted to game room, large kitchen & dining room. Excellent condition. Free internet & cable. 392-2700. LARGE 1B/1B, newly-remodeled house in country surroundings. Free parking next to campus. Available May. Free deer lease, internet, cable, water & garbage. $680 per mo. 392-2700

HELP WANTED TEKA MARKETING INC. is adding two new divisions. We are looking to fill several F/T and P/T positions. Very flexible hours and casual work environment. For more information call 805-0020. LOOKING FOR A FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE? Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch hiring outgoing enthusiastic and ambitious visitor center personnel with opportunity to instruct educational programs. Apply in person, 7 miles west of IH 35 on FM 3009. GET PAID TO DRIVE a brand new car! Earn $800-$3200 a month to drive! www.freedriverkey.com HELP WANTED! Adobe Cafe in New Braunfels is now hiring experienced Wait Staff, Hosts, and Bussers for all shifts. Please apply in person M-F between 2-5 pm @ 124 S. Business IH 35. Adobe Cafe is now offering Tuition Reimbursement to employees who qualify. SAN ANTONIO MEN’S CLUB. Largest club in south Texas is now hiring entertainers. Full and part-time positions available. Apply @ 8244 Interchange Pkwy (behind Cowboy’s Dance Hall). (210) 590-7088. “NANNY NEEDED.” Weekday mornings 6:00-8:30; occasional evening/weekends possible. Hours work for you? Good with kids? Reliable transportation? Contact Jody: 512-3534316 rjcshaff@thrifty.net. HEALTH CLUB open Monday thru Saturday. Part-time positions, front desk and training with athletic background required. must be working on a related degree. 512-560-6761. Email resume to fitnessdoctors@aol.com. PART TIME FEMALE BARTENDERS NEEDED. Please apply @ Riley’s Tavern. Must love live music. 512-393-3132 for directions.

MISCELLANEOUS TAKE OVER LEASE ASAP! 1br/1bath available in four bedroom at Ex2, now until Aug. 1, fully furnished, all bills paid except electricity, $424/mo carport included; will pay ﬁrst-month rent for fast move in. Contact Christina at (817) 454-3003 WE PAY UP TO $75 per online survey. www.cashtospend.com TANCO TANNING MEMBERSHIP - 17 mo.; $225 or best offer. Call (254) 292-0926. ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc $75-200/ hr, no exp. needed, (512)684-8296.

SUBLEASE SUBLEASE - Two 1 br/1 bath available at the Ex2; May 22-July 31; fully furnished; $399 plus electric. Contact Lauren at (214) 542-1467 or Stefani at (214) 277-4579.

WANTED NEEDED! A capable website and programming type for design and implementation work. This person should have a moderate to strong skill level in website architecture and design, MS Access/SQL, MS Word, integration of third party plug-ins, web payment processing, internet security features, and the coordination and implementation of all of these. He/she should also know their way around hardware layout and integration. A moderate skill level in some of these areas is acceptable, a high skill level in all these areas is appreciated, but a STRONG willingness to find and learn some needed skills on the fly will compensate. You will need to sign a confidentiality/non-compete agreement. You must be able to work under limited supervision, and meet reasonable goals. Pay is $20/hour during development with the opportunity to participate as a limited partner later. Expect to work 10 hours weekly. Call (512) 878-1052 or 800-409-9972. WANTED: USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condition. Running or not. If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell. 512-353-4511.

SPORTS

sports snortsquotes from the sports world

THE UNIVERSITY STAR

“She came in in a panic. She was obviously in shock. She was saying, ‘Bear, bear.’ I just took her over to our nursing station and I asked where and if the bear was dead.” — Nelson Conn, constable with the Kativik Regional Police Force in Quebec, on the commotion caused after Lydia Angyiou fended off a polar bear from attacking her 7-year old son when he was playing a street hockey game on Wednesday Feb. 8. (Source: The Associated Press)

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - Page 8

Sports Contact — Miguel Peña, starsports@txstate.edu

Bobcats finish dissatisfied

Individual efforts not enough to win indoor championship By Carl Harper The University Star Texas State finished the indoor season Saturday at the Southland Conference Championship in Houston. There were many individual accomplishments throughout the meet, but with the women ranking third and the men ranking ninth, the team was ultimately disappointed with the end results. “We should have won the meet; we let it slip away,” assistant coach Blaine Wiley said. “We didn’t do everything we were supposed to get done; yet we were still in the fight, and it was promising.” Sarah Stultz, who has consistently put up impressive stats her senior season, set a SLC record on Friday, when she placed first in the weight throw with a mark of 18.29 meters. The mark set by Stultz was

Armando Sanchez/Star photo KICKING IT OUT: RaShandra Harris ﬁnished in the top 10 in three events during this past weekend’s indoor track and ﬁeld championships. The women’s team totaled 102.33 points, just under Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State.

a full meter greater than second place Natalia Clark of Sam Houston State. Clark’s throw was marked at 17.06 meters. Stultz has now extended her title run in back-to-back seasons building upon her 2005 performance with a throw of 17.27 meters. “She did great, she smashed everybody in the conference,” Coach Wiley said. Also on Friday, freshman Robert Melin, who was battling with a throat infection, placed second with a throw of 17.73 meters in the men’s competition. His best performance of the season came at the Houston Invitational on Feb. 3 to 4, when he captured a third-place ﬁnish with a throw of 17.93 meters. “I’ve been exhausted, and it was a rough week. I wanted to

perform better in the indoor season overall, but I can’t help that I got sick,” Melin said. “I’m ready to get back to training because I am not satisfied with my results.” “Sarah has committed to a brand new technique this year that has made her stronger, faster and better. She has also worked on her confidence,” he said. “It was pretty awesome to see Robert come out and get second when he has not thrown in over a week. This just shows that he can do bigger and better things in the outdoor season.” In the 5,000-meter race, Yuliya Stashkiv placed third with a time of 17:36.07, and Tenley Determan placed seventh at 18:07.29. Stashkiv placed fourth in the qualifying round for the one-mile run at 5:09.92. In addition to placing fourth in the semifinals of the 60 meters with a time of 7.61 and qualifying for the finals of the 200 meters, Camilla Davis finished third in the finals of the women’s long jump at 5.91 meters following her season best time of in the 60 meters last week in Albuquerque. “I felt good after the first day because things were going the way I had hoped; placing third excited me,” she said. “I was upset that we, as a team, placed third because the talent on our team represents a higher standing. I think we have great potential for Armando Sanchez/Star photo the outdoor season.” SWELLIN MELIN: Robert Melin came in second place in the men’s Camilla went on to say what she felt was necessary for her im- weight throw with a distance of 17.73 meters. The men’s team provement. finished ninth overall with 34.16 points. “I’m going to work on everything because you will need ev- Kostetskaya was teammate Lit- grabbed a third-place finish in erything to win the conference vinova, who placed third with a the one-mile run with a time of title in the outdoors,” she said. time of 55.51 for the 400 meters. 5:04.34. Her best time of the seaKatya Kostetskaya received However, Texas State placed third son came last week in Albuquerthe top qualifying mark of 55.70 in the meet with 102.33 points as que when she put up 5:02.40 in in the 400-meter — this being Stephen F. Austin State won with the finals. the second straight year she has 105.33, and Sam Houston State Stultz continued her mulwon the event. She also qualified came in second at 104 points. For tigame efforts on Saturday as for Saturday’s 200-meter finals the men’s side, UT-San Antonio she placed seventh in the shot where she placed eighth. Along won the title, and Texas State fin- put with a throw of 12.64 meside of Kostetskaya in the 400 ished in ninth place. ters while senior Ashlea Byrom meters was junior Mila Litvinova After capturing the SLC record snagged a fourth-place finish in coming in second place for the for triple jump last week in New the same event at 13.10 meters. qualifying round at 56.60. Mexico with a mark of 12.85 me- In addition to Stultz, this was her “Katya had a good meet. She ters, Jacque Iwuchukwu jumped first shot-put throw all season. was defending champion coming to a first-place finish on Saturday For the men’s events, sophointo the 400 meters, and she won at 12.74 meters. more Kemuel Morales found his it again as expected,” Wiley said. When asked about her way into third place with a throw During the men’s champion- thoughts on this positive season of 16.71 meters in the shot put. ship on Friday, freshman Dmitri she replied, “I feel really blessed. He had proven each meet that he Kabakov, along with Casey Cum- Hopefully I get a chance to go to was getting better in this event mings and Paul Turner, scored nationals.” and threw his strongest throw for points in pole vault. Kabakov tied She went on to talk about the the season in the SLC Champifor fifth with a vault of 4.77 me- team and their expectations for onship. ters while Cummings and Turner the outdoors. Wiley, along with the other tied for eighth. “We need to focus on the events coaches and players felt they After a successful Friday in because we don’t have a big team. should have won the SLC this Houston, Saturday came with Overall, I am proud of them and weekend but have found confimore superb numbers as Kostets- what they have done,” she said. dence as they now enter the outkaya won the women’s 400-meter Landing in fourth place for the door season. for the second straight year. This event was sophomore Tamequa “All we can do is just look to year with a time of 55.29, and Poole at 11.67 meters on her last the future and get back to work helped Texas State win the 4 x jump of the meet. on Wednesday. We will get stron400-meter relay with runners’ In pole vault, Rebakah Vick- ger and perform better in the Courtney Baker, Mila Litvinova ers finished the indoor season outdoors,” Wiley said. and Courtney Fischer at 3:45.56. with her best vault at 3.70 meters The outdoor season will begin This posted time broke the Bob- and found the second-place slot. March 10 when the Bobcats will cats’ old record of 3:47.60, which Stashkiv, who placed third on host the Texas State Invitational was set in 2004. Close behind Friday in the 5,000-meter, also at Bobcat Stadium.

Former Athletic Director to be remembered for strengthening Texas State athletic department By Miguel Peña The University Star On Monday morning, the Texas State community lost one of its most beloved members when former athletic director and football coach Bill Miller passed away at the age of 74. According to Sports illustrated.com, a school official said that Miller died of natural causes. Miller was born on April 17, 1931, in Goldthwaite, Texas, and moved to San Marcos in the summer of 1954 as a student on the then-Southwest Texas campus. Miller earned his bachelor’s in 1957 and later his master’s. During his time as a student, Miller played fullback for the Bobcats under then-head football coach Milton Jowers. In 1961, he was hired on as an assistant coach and was later named head coach by Jowers upon his retirement. In 1975, Miller was promoted to athletic director for SWT, a position in which he served until 1992. According to a Media Relations press release, most of SWT’s advancement through the ranks of collegiate athletics is because of the perseverance of Miller and the individual leaders he assembled throughout his tenure. The late Bobcat football coach Jim Wacker and current volleyball head coach Karen Chisum, who just this year captured her fifth conference or conference tournament title in 25 years, are among those individuals. Miller took SWT from competition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to NCAA Division I competition while claiming titles in the Lone Star Conference and all-sports trophies for five consecutive years. He later led the program to the Gulf Star Conference, and finally landed SWT in the Southland in 1987. Thirty-one conference titles were claimed by Bobcat sports programs during his leadership, along with back-to-back national football titles in 1981 and 1982, a golf championship and a national runner-up title in tennis.

In his letter of resignation in 1992, Miller wrote, “Special people make up this university. Our students have been beautiful, our faculty resourceful and talented, and our administrators dedicated. I am proud that I have been a part of this ﬁne university and I will always remain loyal.”

Bill Miller Miller is enshrined in the Texas State Athletic Hall of Honor, was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award given by the university’s department of health, physical education and recreation and is a member of the Southland Conference Hall of Honor. In 2005, he received the Alumni Achievement Award from the Texas State Alumni Association. He was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Daniel Baker College in 2003, which Miller attended before coming to SWT. Miller is survived by his wife, LaRue Miller of Burnet, brother James C. Miller and his wife, Billie Jean of Burnet; brother LeRoy Miller and his wife, Catherine, of Goldthwaite; brotherin-law Jerry Hopkins and his wife, Jackie, of Roosevelt. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today at Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, in San Marcos. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coach Billy Miller Football Scholarship Fund in care of the Texas State University Development Foundation. — Information from Media Relations was used in this report.

Bobcat titles from 1971-1992

Football Titles 1971 LSC co-champs (head coach) 1980 LSC champs 1981-82 National Champs Div. II 1983 LSC co-champs Men’s Basketball Titles 1974,79-80 LSC champs Volleyball Titles 1979 AIAW state champs 1986 GSC champs 1991 SLC champs

Tennis Titles 1984 LSC champs 1987 GSC champs 1988 SLC champs

Track and Field Titles 1986 GSC Men’s and Women’s outdoor champs 1988,89-91 SLC Women’s indoor champs 1989 Men’s SLC Indoor champs Golf Titles 1982-84 LSC champs 1989,1992 SLC champs

Air Force Academy falls to Texas State tennis team in final matchup of weekend series By Chris Boehm The University Star The Bobcats (1-5) dropped their first two matches at the Falcons’ Cadet Gymnasium in Colorado Springs, Co., to Army and the Northern Colorado on way to their first win of the season over the Air Force Academy on Sunday. “It was a very successful weekend for us,” said Coach Tory Plunkett. “We cleared a lot of obstacles.” Texas State defeated the Falcons 4-3 behind a strong showing in the doubles matches, winning two of three contests.

Freshmen Ashley Ellis and Lainy Chafitz scored an 8-5 victory over Kat Bushey and Christine Abayan in the No.1 match, with seniors Leja Sirola and Jana Cucciniello taking the second 8-2 against Lauren Wilson and Meghan Kiser. “Air Force was probably the best team we faced out there,” Plunkett said. “I’m proud of the way we didn’t get down after the first two losses and were able to pull out a win Sunday.” Lighting could not strike twice for the Bobcats in the singles competition, as Bushey and Abayan turned around to defeat Ellis and Chafitz 6-3, 6-2

“A

ir Force was probably the best team we faced out there. ” — Tory Plunkett,

tennis coach.

and 6-2, 6-2, respectively. “The No.3 team had lost, so Kat and Christine knew it was important to get those doubles points,” Plunkett said. “But Air Force is used to that altitude,

how the ball ﬂies in the air; and their players knew how to come back strong (in the singles matches).” Sirola, sophomore Sumarie Muller and Christina Amo picked up singles wins for Texas State. Amo, who on Sunday won 6-0, 6-1 over Kiser, notched three wins during the weekend. The freshman teamed with Sirola to defeat Army’s Kristin Flach and Amanda Paluch 8-5 Friday, and a day later picked up a 6-1, 6-3 win over Northern Colorado’s Christina Shelly. “Christina was very good in singles competition,” Plunkett said. “In her ﬁrst two wins, she

did a good job keeping things simple in the different altitude.” Texas State fell 5-2 versus Army in the opener, picking up two singles victories to go with a lone singles win from Chafitz, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 over Flach. Aside from the Sirola-Amo triumph, Ellis and Chafitz won 9-7 over Megan Noble and Sarah GilesMadden. The duo was 2-0 on the weekend. Saturday the Bobcats narrowly missed their first victory, a 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Bears. Northern Colorado swept all three doubles matches, as Texas State could muster

just three singles victories, from Ellis, Amo and senior Margaret Potyrala. The Bobcats return to action Thursday at the Texas State Tennis Complex to face St. Edward’s University. “We were looking at the St. Edward’s match as a last chance to get ready for conference, but after this weekend it should just be a check-up,” Plunkett said. “They’ve been a strong in the past, and you don’t always know what to expect with a Division II team. They can be very unpredictable.” Doubles play begins at 3:30 p.m.

The University Star

Published on Feb 22, 2006

02 22 2006

Published on Feb 22, 2006

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