02 22 2007 by The University Star

RUGGER WEEKEND

Texas State’s undefeated rugby club to host playoff game against TCU SEE SPORTS PAGE 14

LUNAR NEW YEAR

Fashion, food and dance ring in the Chinese New Year SEE TRENDS PAGE 6

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

WWW.UNIVERSITYSTAR.COM

FEBRUARY 22, 2007

THURSDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 58

White House political adviser will speak at Communication Week By Alysha Mendez The University Star

Kyle Morris, Associated Student Government president, in a presentation at noon titled “Breaking the Barrier.” “This is a great opportunity to share the experiences of the civil rights movement and how it transformed Texas State University with the current generation of students,” Morris said. “It’s important to remember the past as we look to the future.”

Karl Rove will come to Texas State next week when the department of communication studies hosts its 19th annual Communication Week, starting Monday and ending March 2. Monday’s kickoﬀ event will feature Helen Franks, the university’s ﬁrst black student, and

All the events are free and open to the public including the week’s three Spotlight Events. Rove, deputy chief of staff to President Bush, will give a public lecture in the first Spotlight Event 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday in Evans Liberal Arts Auditorium. Rove has served as the head of several White House offices, including the Office of Political

Aﬀairs. “The department of communication studies is home to a minor in political communication and Mr. Rove is speaking to highlight this,” said Steven Beebe, communication studies chair. “How to Make the Most of Your Communication Studies Major” is the title of the second Spotlight Event, which will be presented by the Communica-

A day for the devoted

tion Studies Advisory Council in addition to a Communication Networking Reception hosted by Career Services. “Our students will certainly reap the beneﬁts from listening to these gifted speakers as they oﬀer advice, share their experiences and identify the challenges of today’s Franks

See COMM WEEK, page 4

City council approves tax exemptions for local manufacturers By Zach Halﬁn The University Star

“S

an Marcos may be the only city in our county without this exemption, but we hold the lion’s share of manufacturers.”

The Freeport Tax Exemption passed its ﬁnal reading Tuesday at the San Marcos City Council in a 4-3 vote. The measure allows property tax exemptions that are directed toward local manufacturers and will cost the city an estimated $202,000 in tax revenue. The decision rescinds a previous city ordinance that prevents manufacturers from taking advantage of property tax exemptions passed by the Texas Legislature in 1989. At that time the city council passed an ordinance that allowed the city to continue collecting those property taxes. The tax break allows for the exemption of property taxes on items known as Freeport property, meaning goods that are used in manufacturing or goods that are stored in the state, which are then distributed out of state within 175 days or less. The tax exemptions are intended to attract new manufacturers and distribution facilities to San Marcos, and are considered a prerequisite for some site selectors seeking manufacturing locations. About 40 citizens attended the meeting to voice their opposition or support for the tax exemptions. Daniel Palomo, former University Star columnist and premass communication junior, spoke to the council during the citizen period to voice his concern that local manufacturers are going to cause a ﬁnancial burden for the school district by requesting these tax exemptions.

Cotton Miller/Star photo ASH WEDNESDAY: Parishioners pack the St. John’s Catholic Church Wednesday evening for the 7 p.m. Mass in observance of Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Worshippers receive a cross onto their foreheads made from the ash of palm leaves as a sign of their repentance before God. Monty Marion/Star photo illustration DEEP IN THOUGHT: A Rosary, which can be used during traditional prayer, contains beads that represent a series of meditations concerning the mysteries of redemption.

Rove

— John Thomaides city councilman, Place 6

“I find it very interesting that the proponents of the Freeport Tax Exemption place a strong emphasis on what manufactures have given back to the community especially with regards to education,” Palomo said. He said some supporters of the exemption argued it will bring in businesses that will, in turn, put money into local education programs, possibly in the form of scholarship donations. “As the proponents put it last week, (the businesses) are ultimately here for financial reasons,” he said. “The scholarships they give are tax writeoffs and the money goes right back to them. If enacted to its fullest degree Freeport tax exemptions would take away $215, 830 away from the school district.” John Thomaides, Place 6 councilman, has voted against the ordinance on all three readings, continued to voice his opposition of the tax exemptions. “I rise to speak in opposition to this tax break,” Thomaides said. “This may be the final time that this, or any other fuSee COUNCIL, page 4

Faculty Senate opposes Proposed budget plan cuts trillions from lending program textbook legislation By Paul Rangel University Star

By Scott Thomas The University Star The Faculty Senate unanimously voiced opposition to a pending proposed bill in the state legislature that would require professors to use the same textbook edition in a class for a minimum period of three years. Though the bill does say that if a professor provides the university’s governing board with a good cause for change before the three years pass, such as signiﬁcant improvements in the knowledge or technology affecting the subject matter, the Senate feared the law would infringe on a professor’s right to choose textbooks and have

unintended consequences. “This strikes me as being pretty horriﬁcally bad,” said Faculty Sen. Richard Warms, anthropology professor. The intended eﬀect of the legislation is to help students spend less money by providing more used textbooks in stores. However, Senators expressed fears that this legislation would inadvertently raise the cost of textbooks by creating less competition. “It works against the free market,” said Faculty Sen. Michel Conroy, art and design professor. The Senate also expressed doubt concerning the governSee SENATE, page 4

Today’s Weather

Partly Cloudy 79˚/55˚

Precipitation: 30% Humidity: 43% UV: 6 High Wind: S 10 mph

President Bush’s $2.8 trillion 2008 fiscal year budget proposes cuts to the private sector student-lending program, which may lower the availability of student loans from the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. “The competition provided by the dual existence of the Direct and FFEL program has been good for all students,” said Harold Whitis, associate director of financial aid at Texas State. “Since the creation of the Direct Loan Program, private lenders providing funds for the FFEL program have continued to find new benefits to students that have decreased the overall amount that students have to repay and have greatly enhanced their default prevention efforts.”

Two-day Forecast Friday A.M. Showers Temp: 74°/ 61° Precip: 30%

Saturday A.M. Clouds Temp: 73°/ 42° Precip: 10%

Approximately 80 percent of students receive aid from the Federal Family Education Loan Program, which is funded through the private loan sector. Concerns are not about Sallie Mae, a private lending company, but more so the student borrower, said Conwey Casillas, director of public aﬀairs for Sallie Mae. “The payments to the lenders are largely a subsidy of the borrower, these lenders essentially providing access to loans at less-than market rates,” Casillas said. The way payments are made to lenders creates a mechanism where lenders charge 6.8 percent, or lower, interest versus the higher market rates. “There are always two sides of the story,” Whitis said. “Proponents of the Direct Loan Program, such as Senator Edward Kennedy, would argue that the

federal government is spending as much as $3 more per $100 of loans to pay subsidies that support the FFEL program.” Whitis said cuts to the Federal Family Education Loan Program may decrease services for students, but may provide opportunities for student federal grants. “This is a situation where government scoring models are insuﬃcient, there are a number of issues that are not captured,” Casillas said. “Those projections aren’t based on reality. In any given year, one program may be better than another, but that’s all based on the interest rate environment.” Projections made by the government are an attempt to predict what interest rates will be in the next ﬁve or ten years, he said. Generally the government will contribute something, but it usually never reaches what they predicted.

The 2008 budget also creates cuts to several different federal grants such as the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. “It’s not a good idea in our view to put funding from one program and moving it to another,” Casillas said. “Increases in the Pell Grants and decreasing the costs for student borrowers are good, but lets not do it with other aid programs.” He said the U.S. needs a loan system that’s efficient, reliable and provides services that students and families need. Sallie Mae, with other lending programs, offers counseling for students taking out loans to pay for college. “Money loan obligations have a dramatic impact on students,”

Inside News ..............1-5 Trends .............6-9 Crossword ......... 9 Sudoku .............. 9

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

Comics .............. 9 Opinions .......... 10 Classiﬁeds ....... 12 Sports ......... 13,14

See CUTS, page 4

PAGE TWO Thursday in Brief

February 22, 2007

starsof texas state Kimberly Burgess-Taylor, Southwest Texas alumna, has officially released her first Christian nonfiction book, Babes in Christ: a Handbook for Motivational Enlightenment. Babes in Christ is a personal account of Burgess-Taylor’s experiences. The book charts the author becoming a Christian in her 20s and follows her through her search for a church-home, marriage, childbirth and general life

experiences. The chapters reﬂect the author’s personal experiences and the areas of life she feels are fundamental for learning and growth. Burgess-Taylor is a business professional and an adjunct instructor with the University of Phoenix. She is a devoted wife and a loving mother of three children. —Courtesy of Sherman Taylor III

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

Break ‘em up THURSDAY

SATURDAY

Texas State’s women’s basketball team will play Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m. in Strahan Coliseum.

Texas State’s men’s basketball will play Sam Houston State 4 p.m. at Strahan Coliseum.

A Women in Leadership Series discussion panel, “The History and Future of Women in Leadership,” will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the LBJ Ballroom.

MONDAY

The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “Philosophy and the Brain,” with Andy Trevino, philosophy and psychology senior, 11 a.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “Prohibited States of Consciousness,” with Sean Batura and the Freethought Society, 3 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. The Stations of the Cross will be at 6 p.m. in the chapel of the Catholic Student Center. Meditation and Contemplation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Campus Christian Community Center. For more information, e-mail Micah Robbins at mr1235@txstate.edu, or call (512) 878-2036. The Catholic Student Organization will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the lounge of the CSC. Overeaters Anonymous will meet 5:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St. Call (512) 3572049 for more information. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, Room 320. There will be contemporary worship, relevant teaching and prayer. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call (512) 557-7988, or e-mail mail@texasstatechialpha.com

FRIDAY The Latino Student Association will host Poker and Game Night at 7 p.m. For more information, e-mail LSA at lsa_txstate@yahoo.com. The Association of Information Technology Professionals will host a Halo 2 Tournament at 4 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-9.1. Deadline for entry is Thursday. For more information, call Justin Ploof at (214) 458-6527, or email JP1370@txstate.edu.

1630 — Quadequine introduced popcorn to English colonists at their ﬁrst Thanksgiving dinner. 1819 — Spain ceded Florida to the United States. 1860 — Organized baseball’s ﬁrst game was played in San Francisco, Calif.

The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “The Players and Their Role,” with philosophy professor Vince Luizzi, 12:30 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “Memes the Media Mediates,” with Sean Batura and the Freethought Society, 3 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. The Sexual Assault and Abuse Survivors Group will meet from 5 to 6:15 p.m. For more information and screening, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208. Bobcat Build registration will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in The Quad. An on-campus Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, call the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at (512) 245-3601. The Alcohol and Drug Resource Center will hold the Men Against Violence meeting 5 to 7 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3-6.1. Alpha Lambda Omega Christian Sorority will hold its weekly Bible study at 8 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 313.1. Everyone is welcome to attend. Rise ‘N Shine Toastmasters Club will meet from 7 to 8 a.m. at Cabela’s in Buda. Practice speaking, listening and thinking skills; boost self-conﬁdence and develop leadership skills. Use the employees’ entrance on the south side of the building. Visitors and guests are welcome to attend. For additional information, call Clark Lyman at (512) 295-7777, e-mail clyman2059@aol.com, or visit risenshine.freetoasthost.info. The Latino Student Association will hold its weekly meeting 6 p.m. in the LBJSC USAC Ofﬁce, Room 4.9-1. All cultures are welcome to join. For more information, visit www. studentorgs.txstate.edu/LSA\.

On this day...

1865 — In the United States, Tennessee adopted a new constitution that abolished slavery. 1879 — In Utica, NY, Frank W. Woolworth opened his ﬁrst 5 and 10-cent store. 1924 — U.S. President Calvin Coolidge delivered the ﬁrst presidential radio broadcast from the White House.

Monty Marion/Star photo Paul Flanigan (left), education sophomore, watches as Rene Castillo, political science graduate student, breaks a rack of balls Wednesday at George’s, located on the bottom ﬂoor of the LBJ Student Center.

1954 — ABC radio’s popular “Breakfast Club” program was simulcast on TV for the ﬁrst time. 1969 — Barbara Jo Rubin became the ﬁrst woman to win a U.S. thoroughbred horse race.

CRIME BL TTER University Police Department Feb. 14, 4:29 a.m. Reckless Driving/Post Office An officer initiated a traffic stop. A student was found to be driving recklessly. The student was arrested and transported to the Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration. Feb. 16, 10:34 p.m. Possession of Fictitious ID/ MIP/Jackson Hall An officer observed students in possession of alcohol. Upon further investigation, one student was issued a citation for MIP and possession of fictitious driver licenses and two other

students were issued citations for MIP. Feb. 17, 10: 30 p.m. Medical Emergency/Arnold Hall An officer was dispatched for a report of a medical emergency. A student reported a knee injury and was examined by EMS. The student refused transport to the Central Texas Medical Center. Feb. 18, 7:38 p.m. POM/PODP/Brogdon Hall An officer was dispatched for a report of a fire alarm. Upon further investigation, two stu-

dents were issued citations for possession of drug paraphernalia. A third student was found in possession of marijuana, arrested and transported to HCLEC to await magistration. Feb. 18, 11:11 p.m. Mischief/UPD Rear Lot An oﬃcer observed a vehicle that had been vandalized. This case is under investigation. Feb. 19, 11:44 p.m. Fraudulent Use of Handicap Placard/Aqua Sports Center An oﬃcer observed a vehicle displaying a handicap placard belonging to another. A student was issued a citation.

Feb. 19, 3:32 p.m. Property Damage/Sessom Guard Booth An oﬃcer was dispatched for a report of property damage. A student drove her vehicle through a closing-gate arm, causing property damage. A report was made of this case. Feb. 19, 7:33 p.m. Medical Emergency/Student Recreation Center An oﬃcer was dispatched for a report of a medical emergency. A student was injured while playing basketball. The student refused transport to CTMC.

Alkek Library celebrates Antone’s: Home of the Blues The Southwestern Writers Collection will host a celebration Wednesday to thank Lucky and Becky Tomblin and Silver Star Entertainment for the gift of interview and production materials from the documentary Antone’s: Home of the Blues. The documentary is about legendary Cliﬀord Antone and his Austin nightclub. From humble beginnings to its current place as one of the premier showcases in the world for blues and other roots music, Antone’s has been home to legends and newcomers alike. Opening night featured zydeco king Clifton Chenier. Over the years, the club has hosted a liter-

al “who’s who” of blues, including Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Fats Domino, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Jimmy Reed, Buddy Guy, Eddie Taylor, Sunnyland Slim, Hubert Sumlin, Luther Tucker, Jimmy Rogers and Big Walter Horton. Antone’s also became a school for such Austin locals as Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Charlie and Will Sexton and Angela Strehli. Laced throughout Antone’s: Home of the Blues are rare interviews and previously unseen performance footage. There are interviews with many of the local and national people who helped nurture and support Antone’s

throughout its history, as well as testimonials from such special guests as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Billy Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Joe Ely, Marcia Ball and Kim Wilson. More than 300 tapes of raw footage are included in the Tomblins’ gift to the Southwestern Writers Collection. Lucky Tomblin, executive producer of the ﬁlm, is founder and owner of Silver Star Entertainment. He founded the Fire Station recording and ﬁlm studio in San Marcos, where he recorded such artists as Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Texas Tornados. Tomblin, a Texas State alumnus, helped start the university’s sound technology

recording program. The event will feature highlights from the documentary, remarks by Lucky Tomblin and Cliﬀord Antone’s sister, Susan Antone. The event will feature live music from Lou Ann Barton, Derek O’Brien, Scott Nelson and Jay Moeller. The event will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the seventh ﬂoor of the Alkek Library. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free and open to the public. Please e-mail an RSVP to southw esternwriters@txstate.edu or call (512) 245-2313.

The annual Texas State Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 6 in the LBJ Ballroom. The purpose of the fair is to increase awareness of local health and wellness services available to the Texas State community. This year’s fair, themed “Check Ya Self Before Ya Wreck Ya Self,” will feature 46 health and wellness information

booths. The fair will cover an array of health topics including nutrition, stress management, sexual health, skin care and many more. Free health and wellness screening will be available. Screenings oﬀered will include vision, hearing, body fat, blood pressure, blood glucose, strength and lung function. The event will feature a live DJ

and a performance by Hip Hop Congress. Free food and drinks donated by Coca Cola, Mamacita’s and H-E-B will be available, as well as a grand-prize drawing for a MP3 player. The fair is free of charge to all Texas State students, faculty and staﬀ with a valid Texas State ID card. Sponsors of the event include Student Resources, Student Health Center, Campus Recre-

ation and Hip Hop Congress. Last year, more than 2,000 people attended the health fair. Many faculty members oﬀer students extra credit for attending. For more information, call Michael Wilkerson with the Health Education Resource Center at (512) 245-2309 or email jw53@txstate.edu.

— Courtesy of Alkek Library

‘Before Ya Wreck Ya Self,’ attend the health fair

—Courtesy of Texas State Student Health Center

NEWS

Thursday, February 22, 2007

The University Star - Page 3

Tonkawa leader Placido will be immortalized in City Park Zach Halfin The University Star Long before any of Texas’ six flags were flying, the Tonkawa Nation was the steward of the Texas plains. The Tonkawa inhabited the San Marcos Springs area for around 600 years before Europeans arrived in 1687. The tribe’s territory stretched east from the plains of West Texas to the Edwards escarpment. The Tonkawa were a diplomatic band formed from several smaller tribes including the Cava, Catona, Emet, Sana, Toho and Tohaha Indians. The San Marcos Springs served as a trading camp for many tribes and provided them

with water during the hot summer months. Leadership San Marcos, a program that trains citizens to become city leaders, has commissioned local artist Eric Slocombe to sculpt a brass statue of Chief Placido, a Tonkawa leader. The statue will stand in City Park near the Old Fish Hatchery Building. The statue depicts Placido from the waist up and will sit on a three-foot granite block, placing it at around seven feet tall. It will weigh in at more than 3,500 pounds. Rodney Van Oudekerke, participant in Leadership San Marcos class of 2007, said the organization wanted to highlight Placido because he represented some of the area’s forgotten his-

tory. “He was known as the greatest Indian ally to Texas,” Van Ouderkerke said. “Historians can tell you who Jack C. Hays or Edward Burleson is, but not who Placido was. He has become forgotten in history.” Placido and his Tonkawa warriors were instrumental in General Edward Burleson’s ability to defend the Republic of Texas against Comanche and Apache raids. Placido led a group of 85 men, including Texas soldiers and 13 Tonkawa warriors, in an ambush against ﬁve to six hundred Comanche raiders who were on their way back from attacking Victoria. “There are written historical quotes that speak of the ferocity

and bravery of Placido and his Tonkawas,” Slocombe said. “He was quite a ﬁghter.” Slocombe said Placido was a great asset to Texans who were in constant fear of raids from Comache, Apache and Kiowa. “Placido and his warriors scouted for the Texas Rangers, General Burleson and Sam Houston,” Slocombe said. “These gentlemen trusted Placido completely. He was very highly thought of as a conﬁdante. They had complete trust in his advice on how do deal with the Comanche.” Chief Placido and the Tonkawa were already enemies with the Comanche before Europeans arrived and quickly allied with their new neighbors.

“He saw the writing on the wall. Instead of fighting whites, he joined them in fighting his enemies,” Van Ouderkerke said. “Because of his help to the early settlers it made life for them much easier.” The plans for the permanent artwork have been approved by the San Marcos Area Arts Council and City Council. The plan currently sits in the hands of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which is working out the details. The plans for the statue have been scrutinized by institutional experts and local history buffs. There are no actual pictures of the chief, so details of his appearance have been estimated based on what historical infor-

mation is available. The current plans for the statue show the buﬀalo robeclad chief facing the San Marcos River with one arm at his side and the other holding a ceremonial pipe. “I’ve beat myself up trying to produce the best, most accurate sculpture I can. I want to make the people of San Marcos proud of their Tonkawa history,” Slokombe said. Leadership San Marcos is currently collecting the needed funds, an estimated $15,000 to $20,000. Anyone interested in donating to the project can contact Ann Frugoni, fundraising chair. The organization plans to install the statue in November.

Arrested twice for marijuana possession, student petitions to stay in school Alex Hering The University Star Winston Bennett said he loves Texas State, but after his arrest Sunday, the chemistry freshman from Austin faces possible expulsion from the university. “When the cop came into my room, I saw everything in my life taken away from me in that moment and it killed me. I want to do better for myself, and for me that is to remain here,” Bennett said Tuesday in The Quad while attempting to get students to sign a petition requesting that he remain enrolled at Texas State. Sunday was Bennett’s second night at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center this month for possession of marijuana. Bennett said the total amount of marijuana found both times of arrest is less than one-quarter of an ounce. He was also found with paraphernalia. Ismael Amaya, coordinator of student justice, said a student’s transgressions are evaluated and offenders are asked to tell their side of the story. But if a student is responsible for possession, student justice will take further action. “We look at the circumstance of each case, but on drug offenses we have a university system policy that states when a student is found responsible of a drug offense it typically results in expulsion from the system,” Amaya said. University Police officer Otto Glenewinkel said UPD files charges like this one with the district attorney. The policy for possession of drugs on campus used to be different, Glenewinkel said.

“It used to be automatic that if someone was caught with some kind of drug the student would automatically be suspended,” Glenewinkel said. “For example, if a student was found with a small amount of marijuana, (he or she) was suspended from school, if the student was caught with a large amount of cocaine, same suspension.” “No matter what the student was caught with (he or she) was still suspended from school. Now it is addressed on a case by case basis,” he said. Amaya said anytime that a student comes through the student justice on a first offense an emphasis is placed on what a second offense could lead to. Since cases are dealt with on a case by case basis, sanctions are varied. “We try to use the educational process, like a drug and alcohol awareness course,” Amaya said. “That course is the one that is typically included. They typically get to see some community service. If the student is found responsible and under the age of 21 we send a notification to the parents on drug or alcohol violations.” According to the Texas State Student Handbook, other sanctions Bennett might face if he is not expelled are special projects like writing an essay, attending a class or lecture or visiting the Counseling Center. Amaya said students also have the option to appeal the decision of the hearing committee after an investigation and disciplinary

review. The student handbook states a ruling can be appealed to the vice president of student aﬀairs. In that case, the president or the board of regents may review the case and may remand the decision. Bennett said that although his attorney advises him that any actions he is taking would be in vain, he still asks that students hear his plea. “All I’m asking is for them to show their support for my cause,” Bennett said. “I tell them what exactly happened, I tell them how much it was, which was less than one-quarter ounce total, and I tell them what I want. All I want is to stay.” Nathan Jaeb, marketing freshman, said the possibility of expulsion is too extreme. “I know the school is trying to change its image and I can appreciate that, but you don’t want to go too far and start violating people’s rights and stuﬀ,” Jaeb said. “There is a difJeannie Yamakawa/Star photo ference between a slap on the hand and going so far as to make it hard for Winston Bennett, chemistry freshman, pleads for student support Tuesday afternoon in someone to get an education in the The Quad. Bennett has been charged twice with possession of marijuana and has formed a petition to remain enrolled at Texas State. future.”

NEWS

Page 4 - The University Star

COUNCIL: Thomaides remains vocal against Freeport tax break CONTINUED from page 1

ture council discusses Freeport tax exemptions, but it will be part of our budget discussion for years to come and will, in my opinion, be the prime cause of any increase in property taxes that we will have in the near future and will make us even more dependent on our sales tax revenue.” Thomaides said manufacturers are already receiving several tax incentives and that these incentives already bring in employers. “Manufacturing in our city has been treated very well, with many of our manufacturers receiving additional tax abatements or incentives,” he said. “San Marcos may be the only city in our county without this exemption, but we hold the lion’s share of manufacturers.” Gaylord Bose, Place 2 councilman who has also voted against the exemptions, said that in order to recoup the loss of Freeport property taxes, the city will have to grow in other ways. “The Freeport tax income for our city is, I ﬁgure, around $200,000. For every $1 million of (property) evaluation in this city, brings in $4,700 in property taxes,” Bose said. “So if we’re going to pick it up in property taxes you’re going to have to gain roughly about $43 million of evaluation in property. “That means you are going to have to build 330 houses at $130,000 a piece to get that $200,000 that is lost in property

tax revenue,” he said. “If you go on sales tax, $1 million in sales brings in $15,000 in sales tax. To make up for the $200,000 we are going to have to increase sales by $13.5 million.” Mayor Susan Narviaz said that the city has built its budget to have the funds available to cover the loss in revenue. “Where are we going to get this money?” Narvaiz said “Well, just last year, when after we met all of our obligations in the budget, the city manager came back to us and said, ‘because we budget so conservatively, we have this much more in our fund balance, our saving account.’ “So we went shopping, our favorite word in San Marcos, and we allocated $300,000 on that list for a one-stop permitting shop,” she said. “That is a onetime expenditure that won’t be needed in this upcoming budget cycle. So I think we have a place to ﬁnd the anticipated loss while we are very close to some other very big things for our community.” Narvaiz thanked the citizenry and council for having such an open debate and reaﬃrmed her support for local business incentives. “We have always been a community with great debate. In fact, the outlet mall wasn’t wanted by almost a majority of the citizens,” Narvaiz said. “But those who saw it as an opportunity made it happen. What do we have today? The major revenue source for our city.”

CUTS: One-third of Texas State

students receive federal loans CONTINUED from page 1

Casillas said. “It’s not a matter of price rather than service.” Approximately one-third of Texas State’s students are receiving federal guaranteed loans. Five thousand students are from the Federal Family Education Loan Program, which accounted for approximately $29 million in the 2005 school year. This is compared to about 10,000 students borrowing

about $66 million through the Federal Direct Loan program at Texas State. The Federal Direct Loan has been the choice of Texas State for student borrowers since the 1990s, Whitis said. “Those who support the FFEL program would say that students are given better access to education and a choice in determining the source of the loan funding,” Whitis said. “The competition is better for students.”

Thursday, February 22, 2007

SENATE: Administrator surveys also discussed CONTINUED from page 1

ment control and added level of bureaucracy passing the bill would entail. “It’s a little uncomfortable having an external committee decide when the text should change,” said William Stone, Faculty Senate chair and criminal justice professor. Though the cost of textbooks is an issue many feel needs to be addressed, the Faculty Senate was highly skeptical that this legislation would alleviate the problem. “If (the students) just look at

questioned the bill’s chances at passing. “It’s way too early to get excited about this,” McGee said. “Only about two percent of these things make it anyways.” Stone responded by saying that after talking to his contacts in Austin he believed there was about a 75 percent chance of it — William Stone passing, and Texas would probFaculty Senate chair ably be seeing a number of bills like this. it fast it looks good,” Stone said. “It’s not uncommon for the “But if you look at it in detail it legislature to pass bills that look doesn’t looks so good.” good, but have unintended conFaculty Sen. John McGee, ﬁ- sequences,” Stone said. nance and economics professor, Faculty Sen. David Wiley,

“I

t’s a little uncomfortable having an external committee decide when the text should change.”

health, physical education and recreation professor, suggested the bill might be useless because universities and professors are moving away from textbooks with greater emphasis on technological resources. “With a little luck this will die,” said Stone. The Faculty Senate also discussed the annual survey of the perceptions of administrators, in which the faculty is surveyed anonymously to gauge how the university president, provost and deans are perceived. “We think it’s beneﬁcial,” Stone said.

COMM WEEK: Event welcomes students, community CONTINUED from page 1

real-world communicators,” Beebe said. The third Spotlight Event is convocation at 3:30 p.m. March 1 in Centennial Hall, Room GO1. “Communication and Deception,” the convocation address, will be presented by Mark Knapp, Jesse H. Jones Centen-

nial Professor in Communication from the University of Texas. At convocation, Richard Cheatham, dean of communication studies, will present the Golden Apple Award for undergraduate teaching and the Graduate Faculty Teaching Award. Tina Cheatham, chief communication spokesperson for the Department of Health in

Washington D.C., will receive the department’s Outstanding Alumni Award. English professor Teya Rosenberg will be speaking on the topic “Understanding Intercultural Communications through Literature: A Canadian Studies Approach.” “I will discuss the history of Canadian literature, the connections between literature and the culture from which it

comes and how understanding literature may help us understand communication between cultures,” Rosenberg said. Beebe encouraged anyone at Texas State or in San Marcos who is interested to attend the events. “Its purpose is to not only bring knowledge to our communication studies majors but to the entire community,” he said.

NEWS

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Presidential Party

Environmental filmmaker will headline Lovell Distinguished Lecture Series By Ashley Gwilliam The University Star

Monty Marion/Star photo The LBJ Statue between Flowers and Centennial Halls is decorated Wednesday afternoon with a transparent visor and Mardi Gras beads in celebration of Fat Tuesday’s passing.

The University Star - Page 5

Marshall Frech said he became interested in floods after seeing pictures of the 1930s Central Texas flooding. The award-winning producer and flood expert will speak Tuesday on some of the affirmative policy issues, leadership problems and profiteering that occur in the wake of flood catastrophes. The speech will be 7 p.m. in Flowers Lecture Hall, Room 341, and is the headlining event for the ninth-annual Lovell Distinguished Lecture Series. Entitled “The Water’s Edge: Profits and Policy Behind the Rising Catastrophe of Floods,” Frech’s speech is based on his most recent documentary, “The Water’s Edge,” a multi-part series that chronicles the experiences of central Texas residents during the floods of 1998. Frech will discuss the many problems flooding creates for a community. “I hope that I can illuminate some of the connections that are enabling so many people to be living in harm’s way,” Frech

said. “There is a whole series of things that allow us to rebuild tens of thousand of homes in areas where we know are going to flood. In the Hill Country and Central Texas we are talking about flash flooding; the consequences are quite dire.” Research in the area of hazards, disasters, flood planning and management is very important in Texas, said Denise Blanchard-Boehm, director of the James and Marilyn Lovell Center for Environmental Geography and Hazards Research. “(Students) can expect an exciting and informative event on flooding,” Blanchard-Boehm said. “They may not be studying flooding or disasters, but it effects all of our lives no matter what our career direction is.” Blanchard-Boehm said she appreciates Frech’s focus on Texas and invited him to deliver the Lovell lecture after learning about his work at a hazards conference last summer in Boulder, Colo. In addition to covering flood occurrences in Central Texas, Frech is concerned with what happened in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina.

In “The Water’s Edge” Frech interviewed an expert who predicted New Orleans’ fate ﬁve weeks before Hurricane Katrina happened. “A number of people have laid out these predictions in the past few years,” Frech said. “It wasn’t a question of whether it could happen. It was a question of time.” The general public doesn’t realize that government and business interests perpetuate ﬂood catastrophes, he said. “It seems to be something people don’t think about in the highly emotional aftermath of the disaster,” Frech said. “There are various facets of industry that are making a lot of money

hope that I can illuminate some “I of the connections that are enabling so many people to be living in harm’s way.”

—Marshall Frech ﬁlmmaker, ﬂood expert

oﬀ of cleanup and rebuilding.” The Lovell Distinguished Lecture is an annual event to present the student body, faculty, staﬀ and general public with different disciplinary perspectives and to increase interest in the geographical world. The lecture is a free event.

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Thursday, February 22, 2007 - Page 6

weekendhappenings Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Lucy’s San Marcos – Cari Hutson Band/ Robbie & the Robots

Lucy’s San Marcos – Clap!Clap!/ This Will Destroy You/Oceanus

Lucy’s San Marcos – Ryan Bales Band/ Jackson Parten

Triple Crown – The Murdocks/The Tingles/ The Foodstamps

Triple Crown – Bloodshot Pyramid/ Green Mountain Grass

Triple Crown – Hognose/Chief Fuzzer/ Backwater Gypsy

Cheatham Street Warehouse – Jeremy Miller Band

Cheatham Street Warehouse – Keith Davis

Cheatham Street Warehouse – John Arthur Martinez

Trends Contact — Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Bobcat Bicycle Co-operative rolling onto campus

Ninth annual new year festival celebrates Eastern Culture By Hayley Kappes Special to the Star

In celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Asian Student Association of Texas State will be sponsoring the ninth annual Lunar New Year Festival this Friday at the LBJ Ballroom. Eunice Quijas, Asian Student Association president and English senior, said she hopes the festival will be a success. “The Lunar New Year Festival began with a simple performance by the Austin Lion Dance Team near the Fighting Stallions statue in The Quad,” Quijas said. “Gradually it has become a festival for the Texas State faculty, students, staff and the San MarMonty Marion and Mark Decker/Star photo illustration cos community to participate in and enjoy.” DIY: The Bobcat Bicycle Co-operative aims to increase bike traffic and lower road congestion by helping students with repairs that may This year’s festival will host otherwise keep many off their bikes. With a headquarters close to campus, students could learn to make their own repairs through the an array of events including a guidance of volunteers. fashion show, traditional Asian food dishes and performances By Jeffery D. Hooten bikes by making it easy for them “We need people who are will- ways are keeping cyclists from from the Love of China School The University Star to fix simple problems. ing to help us out — volunteers doing their daily activities. of Chinese Dance of Austin and “Sometimes a bike with some- committed to the project,” Pow“I’d like to see more people rid- the Jones Korean Dance Group In order to advocate the use thing as simple as a flat tire will ell said. ing bikes,” Howitt said. “I find it of San Antonio. of bicycles as a means of alter- just sit there (on campus),” Akins According to Powell, the co-op liberating to ride a bike — I don’t For the second year in a row, native transportation, a group said. “Our goal is to have some- is currently setting up headquar- have to worry about parking and the fashion show is being coordiof students are taking steps to where really convenient (to re- ters on the corner of North and I can ride right up to class.” nated by Brittany Wendl, a junior establish a bicycle cooperative at pair bikes).” Vista streets and plans to move Howitt also said that he feels at the University of the IncarTexas State. Akins said the co-op plans to to a campus location. people should be more aware of nate Word in San Antonio. It will The Bobcat Bicycle Co-opera- make education a big part of the The co-op would be another their environmental impact. showcase an array of clothing tive, which will work in conjunc- project. step toward making San Marcos “In a town like this, you don’t from traditional to modern Asian tion with auxiliary services, will “Everyone who comes to the more bike-friendly, along with need to drive as much as people attire as well as designs featuring eventually provide basic bicycle shop will have the opportunity to other measures — such as an in- do,” Howitt said. “This is a pris- Muslim influences. repairs in addition to training cy- learn how to repair their bike,” creased number of bikeways and tine area, and we should help to Brian Emanuel, communicaclists how to do repairs of their Akins said. the addition of bike racks to more preserve that.” tion studies senior, is one of the own. Akins said the co-op hopes to tram buses — which are planned The Bobcat Bicycle Co-opera- makeup artists for the models in Matt Akins, nutrition and food set up a tent in The Quad some- for the near future. tive, which had its first meeting the fashion show. It is Emanuel’s senior, is one of the organizers time in the near future to distribCo-op volunteer Cameron Feb. 8, will meet 7:30 p.m. Thurs- first time volunteering for the of the co-op, said the project has ute information and do repairs. Howitt, a pre-geology resources day in the LBJ Student Center, Lunar Festival, though he has been three years in the making. “We’ll be out in The Quad and environmental studies sopho- Room 3-5. been working as a make-up artist “We wanted to have a bike shop sometime in the next few weeks,” more, said he sees such changes for over a year. FYI on campus so that all students Akins said. as improvements. “It’s the most amazing job to would be able to repair their Taylor Powell, international “I know it’s not the co-op’s see a complete transformation of For more information on the bikes,” Akins said. “Our goal is to studies senior and co-op orga- place, but I’d like to see more someone and the look on their co-op, e-mail bicycle@txstate. get people on bikes, reduce the nizer, said the group hopes to bikeways,” Howitt said. “Every face when it’s complete. I love edu or visit www.aux-srvcs. number of cars, and reduce traf- establish a bike rental program time I ride on (Aquarena Springs) what I do,” Emanuel said. “The fic congestion.” as well, but will need more volun- I feel unsafe.” girls are going to look hot.” txstate.edu/tram/Spring07/ Akins said the co-op would teers before such programs can Howitt said that he feels that Doors open at 6 p.m. and the BicycleAlternatives.htm. encourage people to ride their be put in place. the inadequate numbers of bike-

✯

“T

he Lunar New Year Festival began with a simple performance by the Austin Lion Dance Team near the Fighting Stallions statue in The Quad. Gradually it has become a festival for the Texas State faculty, students, staff and the San Marcos community to participate in and enjoy.”

— Eunice Quijas, president, Asian Student Association

event is free. However, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to donate at least $2. The proceeds will benefit the Austin-based organization, SAHELI, support, advocate, heal, empower, listen, inform, which supports and increases awareness about pan-Asian families who have been affected by domestic violence. ASA’s mission is to increase awareness about Asian cultures at Texas State, and the group welcomes people from any cultural background to attend and enjoy an evening with a slice of culture from the Far East. Quijas said she hopes the festival will raise at least several hundred dollars for SAHELI and encourages any faculty, staff, and students to attend. “The Asian Student Association members are proud and fortunate to continue with this tradition and see how this festival — from its simple beginnings — has grown,” Quijas said.

Ryan Bales Band moving from local, independent status By Lauren Davis Special to the Star

Danny Rodriguez/Star photo MAKING IT BIG: After an informal beginning, Ryan Bales Band has grown quickly and now tours the U.S.

Ryan Bales Band, a southern rock, guitar driven-band, is hitting the ground running with no chance of stopping anytime soon. The band was founded in San Marcos when Cody Brown, construction science senior and lead singer Ryan Bales met three years ago at a friend’s house and decided to start playing gigs. “One ‘Cody Brown Thursday’ at Blake Stribling’s apartment, me and Bales got together and jammed. He needed a guitarist to form a band and we got along over a bottle of Kentucky Deluxe and started what it is today,” said Brown, lead guitarist of the band. Since then, the band has added two other members — Clay Oliver, business management sophomore, on drums and bassist Jeremy Chambers. “The camaraderie between everyone in the band, the great music that is produced and the all

around great times is my favorite part about being in the band,” Oliver said. The world has blown up for this once independent band since last fall, partnering with Smith Distribution and releasing their album Revival at retail stores all over Texas. The album earned a spot on the www.lonestarmusic.com Top 25 Sellers List from April to October 2006. Their first single, “Heartbreaker,” was played on the radio in Texas, Oklahoma and southern Kansas. Currently, the band is touring venues from Iowa to Oklahoma. They have shared stages as supporting acts with Pat Green, Randy Rogers Band, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Reckless Kelly and more. “We would definitely have to say that the show we are most proud of is the time we played with Lynyrd Skynyrd,” Bales said. “First off, (we) would agree that they are one of the most influential bands to the Southern rock movement.” However, the band hasn’t for-

gotten where they come from and they play Texas shows frequently, particularly for their fan base in San Marcos. Bales said one of his favorite venues is Lucy’s San Marcos, where they draw big crowds. “We want to have a good time at all of our shows because that translates to the crowd, and then everyone has a great time,” Bales said. Even though touring across the country and playing gigs has been a thrilling experience for the band, Oliver said it was tough being on the road, especially while attending school. “It is tough sometimes, but many of the professors at Texas State have been willing to oﬀer a helping hand in order to further pursue our goals and dreams. Often times when on the road you can ﬁnd Cody and I at a Denny’s on a laptop trying to reach deadlines on time,” Oliver said. “I try to tell my professors at the beginning of the semester

bed and laid the child into Mr. Goldberg’s arms. The child sneezed, putting a smile on the man’s face. “Look at her,” he marveled as he ran a hand over the little girl’s head. “You’re so beautiful, my darling Cecilia. I just wish I could be there as you grow up, but I won’t be able to. Just remember, even though I’m gone, I’ll still be there for you.” A tear rolled down his cheek as he leaned back against his pillow with the baby against his chest. “I’ll always be with you…” The heart-rate monitor strayed from its steady beat and slowed from 64 to 60, from 60 to 50, from 50 to 40, and ﬁnally

to a steady tone at 0. The nurse glanced at her watch and wrote the time on the clipboard that she had set on top of the monitor. “Time of death — 2:03 p.m.” The nurse wiped away a tear of her own as she placed the clipboard under her arm and picked up the child, carrying her out of the room. “What was that about, honey?” asked the nurse’s husband as the two of them drove home. “Here I thought I was just gonna pick you up from work, and then you come and take Sarah and run back oﬀ.” “I had to take care of one

See BAND, page 7

SOULSPEAK: Where the dead live By David Conrad The University Star Editor’s note: Soulspeak is the ﬁctional prose and poetry writings of David Conrad, math sophomore. In an eﬀort to promote creative writing and the arts, Soulspeak will be a regular section in The Star. These are not news stories. Lawrence “Larry” Goldberg 1916-2001 The room had become eerily silent. All that could be heard was the gentle humming of the machinery in the hospital room and the nurse’s pen clacking against her clipboard scribbling

notes as she walked past the patient’s bed. She paused for a moment to look at him as he lay still on the bed; very still, she noted. He isn’t… no, he still has a pulse. The heart rate monitor beat on at a steady 64 beats per minute, but no one would know looking at the patient. It was almost as if he was trying to trick Death into passing over him. With a sigh of relief, the nurse walked over to a monitor next to him and continued her scribbling. “Cecilia…” the man whispered. The nurse looked over at the man, who stirred in his bed. “Mr. Goldberg?”

“I want to see Cecilia one last time. Please, bring me my greatgranddaughter.” The nurse checked her watch. It’s just about two. He should be here by now. With a smile and nod of her head, the nurse set down her clipboard and walked out the door. “I’ll be right back, Mr. Goldberg.” The man took another deep breath as he attempted to sit up. He could feel the air ﬁll up his lungs and stretch out his body, but then came the pain. His elbows buckled beneath him and he fell back to the bed, letting his body go limp. He knew that his time was coming soon. Every breath was a little harder

than the last, a little shallower than the last, a little more painful than the last. But he wasn’t going down just yet, not until Cecilia was in his arms. Anytime he felt like he couldn’t stand the pain any longer, he thought of her, his tiny great-granddaughter. This time, however, he knew even the thought of her smiling face wouldn’t bring him back from the brink, and he needed to say goodbye. As he thought about what he would tell her, the nurse walked in with a child not more than a year old in her arms. “Here she is!” she said in a high pitched, yet soft voice as she approached the bedside. Carefully, she reached over the

See SOULSPEAK, page 7

Thursday, February 22, 2007

TRENDS

The University Star - Page 7

Tungsten Coil returns BAND:ACCRUES MORE THAN 100,000 TOUR MILES ✯ after long-awaited break CONTINUED from page 6

By Jessica Sinn The University Star After a prolonged hiatus, industrial rock band Tungsten Coil said they are determined to take on Austin’s music scene with a vengeance. The band is scheduled to play Saturday at Red Eyed Fly in Austin. Lead vocalist Eric Oberto said Tungsten Coil combines an assortment of instruments to produce melodic and encompassing music. Oberto said he is confident the audience will be amazed by the band’s spellbinding stage presence. “We rock better than everyone — when we put a show together, we put a lot into it and a lot of time,” Oberto said. “We can tell that everyone is in their own world, it’s just intense, visually exciting and I can tell the crowd is really getting into the vibe. If you don’t recognize it or feel it when you’re there, you’re not listening.” After creating their first independent full-length record Reactive, the original band members went their separate ways. In 2005, Tungsten Coil picked up where they left off, recruiting four new members and experimenting with new sounds. Oberto attributes the changes to keyboardist Dimitri Hammond, a Texas State alumnus. Courtesy Tungsten Coil “Everything is live now, so basically all the electronics are A NEW SOUND: After reforming in 2005 with four new members, crammed into Dimitri, and the industrial rock band Tungsten Coil aims to use its revamped music base has gone live instead of being on a backing tape,” Oberto style to win more central Texas fans. said. “We’re doing the old songs, but we’ve revamped them and — you can’t miss it — if you hear can tell if something doesn’t fit.” modernized them to the current the ocean surf you’ll know what’s Oberto said Tungsten Coil’s musical revolution.” going on.” eclectic musicians are like a Oberto said the band’s hardNine Inch Nails, Primus, De- mixed and matched puzzle. He core industrial music is high- peche Mode, old 80’s metal and said the band’s mix of genres oflighted with a distinctive mix of Yanni are just a few of the band’s fers something for everyone. techno beats, high-voltage guitar musical influences. Hammond “The cool thing is that we’re riffs and pulsating electronic said their diverse taste in mu- all coming from different specsound effects. sic genres allows them to create trums,” Oberto said. “Comprised “Dimitri takes the instruments, new, innovative sounds. together, we make this sound runs them through an effects “It’s all pretty collaborative, we that just gets inside your soul. processor, makes sounds from all work on our own ideas,” Ham- That right there is a musical revit and crazy tones come out,” mond said. “Even though we all olution. If you can roll someone Oberto said. “When he plays it have different musical tastes, we over in their soul, you’ve got it.”

that I am in a band and rock people’s faces oﬀ on the weekends and that I will have to make up a lot of work. It mainly boils down to keeping your priorities in line,” Brown said. Bales said they are working toward an ultimate goal, but are still taking the time to enjoy themselves on the way up. “We all get along and we play great music. Everyone has the right attitude about what we are doing,” Chambers said.

The band’s partner agent and owner of Insane Entertainment, Texas State alumnus Brandon Hodges said the band has a strong work ethic. “These guys are not scared to go out and tour, play shows for very little money and then play some more,” Hodges said. “They are one of the hardest working bands in the industry and did 100,000 miles last year and hopefully we double that this year. I am glad the guys are starting to see some positive progression from their hard work.”

FYI

See the Ryan Bales Band 10:45 p.m. Saturday at Lucy’s San Marcos as it helps celebrate the venue’s ﬁveyear anniversary. To hear the band’s music visit, www.myspace.com/ryanbalesband.

SOULSPEAK: CECILIA IS CLOSURE CONTINUED from page 6

more thing,” she said, looking back at the child who slept in the child seat behind them. “I had a patient on his last hours.” “So you took our child and ran into his room because?” “He told me that he wanted to see his great-granddaughter one

last time, and I couldn’t tell him that wasn’t possible.” “Because they were too far away?” the husband asked. “No, because Cecilia is dead. He had Alzheimer’s, and his memory was breaking down. Cecilia was his great-granddaughter, but she died two years ago when she fell into a pool and

drowned. I guess he didn’t remember that she died young.” Another nurse came into the room to take Mr. Goldberg’s body to the morgue. He looked peaceful as she covered him with a white sheet and wheeled the hospital bed out the door.

Hip-hop artists take part in VH1’s Sierra Leone diamond documentary By David Hinckley New York Daily News The jewelry that drips oﬀ bigtime hip-hop artists too often comes from exploited African workers who live anything but large, argues the troubling new VH1 documentary, Bling’d. This connection isn’t quite as lurid as that premise might sound. The show doesn’t suggest hip-hoppers buy more Sierra Leone diamonds than, say, Park Avenue society. It doesn’t suggest hip-hoppers know about their jewelry’s history and blithely buy it anyhow. But it does suggest that because many black American artists have ancestors who were exploited as slaves, they should be concerned when ornaments of their success come from a system built on similar exploitation. It makes this point by traveling to Sierra Leone with three hip-hop artists — Paul Wall, reggaeton star Tego Calderón and Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan — and tracing diamonds back to a muddy stream in a mine. While many products are created by exploited workers, this show suggests Sierra Leone diamonds have a particularly sordid back story: They were used as

frican A mercenaries who helped beat the insurgents were rewarded with lucrative mine leases.

currency to fund a bloody rebellion that left thousands dead or mutilated before it ended in 2001. That’s how they came to be called “blood diamonds,” which is also the title of a current Leonardo DiCaprio movie. Bling’d touches on some of the politics of the war, including strong indications that South African mercenaries who helped beat the insurgents were rewarded with lucrative mine leases. But its focus is on the human side, and the most powerful footage comes at an amputee camp, where it’s explained that one of the rebels’ signatures was cutting oﬀ children’s limbs. When the group visits this camp, Raekwon at ﬁrst stays on the bus, saying he’s got sympathy, “but I just can’t look at my

people this way.” Since many folks would feel the same about an 8-year-old with a stump, it’s a strong moment. It’s also juxtaposed nicely with footage of a much happier Raekwon doing a guest rap at a Sierra Leone music club. The trip has a sobering effect on the participants that should extend to viewers as well, and the producers clearly hope it will help put pressure on the diamond miners to channel more of their profits into helping Sierra Leone’s people recover. The implication for hip-hop, specifically, is that since rappers are on the cutting edge of the bling biz, their help would be invaluable in spreading the word. Like all good documentaries, this one speaks in a strong voice that knows exactly what it wants to say. It’s not always pleasant to watch, but it’s hard to turn away.

✯FYI Bling’d: Blood, Diamonds and Hip-Hop airs at 7 p.m. Thursday on VH1.

Strange, but informative.

TRENDS

Page 8 - The University Star

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Piano Nostalgia brings old-time hits to Texas State By Laura Jamison The University Star Renowned pianists Joe Stuessy and Valeri Grohovski want to take their audience back in time with songs like “Yesterday,” and “Memory.” Piano Nostalgia, which is part of the Encore Series, will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Evans Auditorium. The Texas State Symphony, Wind Ensemble and Chorale will accompany the pianists. Stuessy, director of the school of music, said he learned piano at an early age. “Since I was ﬁve years old, I have played the piano. I went to dancing lessons where we danced to a little bit of everything, but mainly tap. I seemed to like the piano better than I liked dancing,” Stuessy said. Stuessy has performed as a soloist with the Houston and San Antonio Symphonies. Several orchestras have performed his work, including Houston, San Antonio and Moscow State. Stuessy will play with Gro-

THURSDAY Lonesome Dove Revisited The exhibit is located in the Southwestern Writers Collection on the seventh floor of Alkek Library. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call (512) 245-2313 for more information. Hecho en Tejas: Celebrating Texas Mexican Literature The exhibit is located in the Southwestern Writers Collection on the seventh floor of Alkek Library. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call (512) 245-2313 for more information. Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide The exhibit is located in the Witliff Gallery of Southwestern and Mexican photography on the seventh floor of Alkek Library. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call (512) 245-2313 for more information. Carole Maso Reading The author will read as part of the English department’s Therese Kayser Lindsey and Katherine Anne Porter Series. A book sale and signing follows. The reading begins at 3:30 p.m. in the Southwestern Writers Collection on the seventh floor of Alkek, followed by a question and answer session at 5 p.m. LOYAL OPPOSITION: an exhibition of protest and dissent

hovski, with whom he has been friends for 15 years. Grohovski has won numerous competitions and has performed throughout Europe, the former Soviet Union and as a soloist in prominent U.S. orchestras. He is labeled as a versatile pianist, having produced over 20 commercial recordings. Stuessy said they played together once as the University of Texas-San Antonio in 1999, but have not rehearsed together for Piano Nostalgia. “We have not practiced for this performance, but we are getting together later this week,” Stuessy said. The music selection hopes to awaken memories with songs like “Exodus,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Beer Barrel Polka,” “Yesterday,” “Somewhere in Time” and “Memory.” “The last piece is my favorite because it is a melody of somewhere in time. I also like the last two excerpts by Rachmaninoﬀ,” Stuessy said. Stuessy said many of the songs they will perform became

popular by pianists more than 50 years ago. “It’s just a fun, festive idea from the ‘50s and ‘60s,” Stuessy said. John Pacheco, music junior, said it is important to support good music. “It is certainly a diﬀerent outlook for the creative mind and supporting something like this is for a good cause,” Pacheco said. Donna Nall, music junior, said it provides students with an opportunity to learn. “It gives you a sense of other instruments and you get to listen to others people’s pieces and how they should really be executed,” Nall said. General admission at the door is $10 and $5 for students, but reserved seating is available. All proceeds will go to the Billye and Clarence Stuessy Memorial Endowment in Piano. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ﬁnearts.txstate.edu under the Encore Series link, or by phone at (512) 245-2030.

This exhibit in Gallery I of the Joann Cole Mitte Art Building is relevant to the Common Experience theme “Protest and Dissent.” Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday though Friday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

students; reserved seating is available. Tickets can be purchased at www. ﬁnearts.txstate.edu under “Encore Series,” at the door or by phone at (512) 245-2030.

Split Second — Linnea Glatt This exhibit features work by mixed media artist Linnea Glatt. It is located in Gallery II of JCM. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday though Friday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

SATURDAY Lonesome Dove Revisited Hecho en Tejas: Celebrating Texas Mexican Literature Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide

Move Over Mrs. Markham The play will be held at 7:30 p.m. on the Mainstage in the Theater Center. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students.

LOYAL OPPOSITION: an exhibition of protest and dissent

Faculty Artist Owen Lovell Lovell will perform the piano at 8 p.m. in the Music Building recital hall. Tickets are $2 for the general public and $1 for students. Call (512) 245-2651 for more information.

Brandon Kelly - Graduate Trumpet Recital Kelly, student of Keith Winking performs at 2 p.m. in the University Performing Arts Center, This is a free event. Call (512) 245-2651 for more information

FRIDAY Lonesome Dove Revisited Hecho en Tejas: Celebrating Texas Mexican Literature Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide LOYAL OPPOSITION: an exhibition of protest and dissent

Split Second – Linnea Glatt Move Over Mrs. Markham

SUNDAY Lonesome Dove Revisited Hecho en Tejas: Celebrating Texas Mexican Literature Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide

Split Second – Linnea Glatt

LOYAL OPPOSITION: an exhibition of protest and dissent

Move Over Mrs. Markham

Split Second – Linnea Glatt

Piano Nostalgia – A Music Extravaganza Duo pianists Valeri Grohovski and Joe Stuessy will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. General admission is $10 and $5 for

Move Over Mrs. Markham The play will be held at 2 p.m. Guest Artist Ruth Morrow Morrow will play the piano at 8 p.m. in the Music Building recital hall. Tickets are $2 for the general public

Jeannie Yamakawa/Star photo SONGS OF YESTERDAY: Joe Stuessy, music director, graces the keys of a grand piano while Rod Schueller conducts the student accompaniment for Piano Nostalgia in a practice Tuesday afternoon. Piano Nostalgia will feature Stuessy and European pianist Valeri Grohovski performing musical hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Evan Liberal Arts Building Auditorium.

and $1 for students. Call (512) 245-2651 for more information.

free.

Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Lonesome Dove Revisited

LOYAL OPPOSITION: an exhibition of protest and dissent

Hecho en Tejas: Celebrating Texas Mexican Literature

Ojos Para Volar/Eyes to Fly With: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide

LOYAL OPPOSITION: an exhibition of protest and dissent

Split Second – Linnea Glatt

Communication Week 2007 “Breaking the Barrier” — 12 to 1:15 p.m. Centennial Hall, Room 410. “Building Organizational Identity: The Changing Face of Northwest Airlines” — 2 to 3:15 p.m. Centennial Hall, Room 402. “Understanding Bush’s Brain: An Analysis of Political Communication” — 7 p.m. Centennial Hall, Room G02

Communication Week 2007 “The UIL and Speech & Debate Activities in Texas” — Centennial Hall, Room 400, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. “Spotlight Event — A Public Lecture Presented by Karl Rove” – Evans Auditorium, 11 a.m. to noon. “Final Conversations: Helping the Living & the Dying Talk to Each Other” — Centennial Hall, Room G02, 2 to 3:15 p.m. “Communication Careers in Higher Education” — Centennial Hall, Room 400, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Sigma Alpha Iota Recital Members of the music sorority will perform at 6 p.m. in the Music Building recital hall. Admission is free. Call (512) 245-2651 for more information. Jazz Orchestra The jazz orchestra will play under the direction of Keith Winking at 8 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. Tickets are $2 for the general public and $1 for students. Call (512) 245-2651 for more information. Eyes on the Prize Series - Part IX & X Eyes on the Prize, a 14-episode documentary on the American Civil Rights Movement, aired in two parts on PBS. Episode IX, titled “Power! (19661968)” and episode X, “The Promised Land (1967-1968),” will be screened. The ﬁlms will be shown at 7 p.m. in Alkek Teaching Theater. Admission is

Phi Mu Alpha Membership Recital The music fraternity will have a recital at 8 p.m. in the Music Building recital hall. Admission is free. Call (512) 245-2651 for more information. Poetry Slam The Student Association for Campus Activities will host a poetry slam at LBJ Amphitheater. The event begins at 7 p.m. This is a free event.

WEDNESDAY Lonesome Dove Revisted Hecho en Tejas: Celebrating Texas Mexican Literature

Split Second – Linnea Glatt Move Over Mrs. Markham The play will be held at 2 p.m. Antone’s Home of the Blues: A Legend Every Night The Southwestern Writers Collection celebrates the Lucky and Becky Tomblin gift of film materials from the Silver Star Entertainment documentary about the legendary blues club. The film will show at 6:30 p.m. in the Southwestern Writers Collection on the seventh floor of Alkek. Communication Week 2007 “Spotlight on Graduate Communication Research I & II” — Centennial Hall, Room 402, 9 to 9:30 a.m. and Room 102, noon to 12:30 p.m. “Graduate Papers in Rhetorical Criticism” — Centennial Hall, Room 400, noon to 12:30 p.m. “Spotlight Event — How to Make the Most of Your Communication Studies Major” — Centennial Hall, Room G02, 1 to 3 p.m. “Communication Careers in Corporate America” — Centennial Hall, Room 103, 5:30 to 7 p.m. “Exploring & Understanding Transgenderism: Putting a Face to Who Transgendered People Are” — Centennial Hall, Room 103, 7 to 9:15 p.m. A Night of Chick Corea Jazz Faculty Artist Series and Hank Hehmsoth present “A Night of Chick Corea Jazz” with The Hehmsoth Project at 8 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall. Tickets are $2 for the general public and $1 for students. Call (512) 245-2651

Thursday, February 22, 2007

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

The University Star - Page 9

Microsoft’s pirate hunting invades privacy of innocent If there is anything on the surface, but for Microsoft hates, it’s most Windows users, pirates. Especially it’s just another headthose living in China ache in a long series of and Brazil, among other headaches. countries. Right after The foremost probpirates, though, comes lem with the software, Microsoft’s (seemingly) in my estimation, is BILL RIX next biggest target of that it means Windows Star Columnist ire: its very own cusdoesn’t trust its customers. tomers (this should come as no This is what one can only assurprise to long time Microsoft sume after hearing Microsoft OS users). By assuming a “guilty CEO Steve Ballmer’s latest plan until proven innocent” position to stymie use of the Windows on the issue of pirating, they Vista operating system. This was send a strong message not just right after he caused a tank in to the pirates, but also to the Microsoft’s stock price by his people who actually went to a lower-than-expected-sales comstore and purchased a legit copy ment. The whole world would of the software. love to have been a fly on the It doesn’t stop there, though, wall when Brother Bill got a because not only is the software piece of his hide for that comintrusive, it’s also somewhat ment. poorly created and acts a bit While speaking with Wall like spyware. For some reason, Street analysts, Ballmer suggest- Windows Genuine Advantage ed that in order to get revenue sometimes incorrectly identifies from the “high piracy” countries completely legit keys are being of the world, Microsoft will stolen. Luckily, for those caught “dial up” the Windows Genuine up in this sort of false-positive Advantage software present on behavior, Microsoft has a bulletin most Windows-based PCs (you board designed to help. That’s probably have it if you’ve downnot too bad, though, compared loaded any Windows Updates). to the checking procedures The Windows Genuine Adthe software engages in every vantage tool checks the license two weeks or so. Originally, the key against a database and then software would check in with determines whether or not the Microsoft every startup, reportkey being used is “genuine” or, ing file settings and whatnot back well, stolen. It sounds benign to home base. Which is good, I

guess, because Microsoft truly needs to know how often I listen to the new Clipse album or visit Digg. Totally not Big Brother. Orwellian software aside, I feel I must point out to Mr. Ballmer perhaps another reason for Vista to be selling poorly. Could it be — just maybe — that Vista isn’t all that? No, perish the thought. Maybe it’s me. I was looking forward to a new file system, perhaps better RAM handling, but instead I got a goofy GUI (not an OS X rip-off at all) complete with gadgets (not to be confused with widgets), shockingly bad Digital Rights Management (I hate listening to music and watching movies anyway) and User Account Control that was evidently made with children in mind. Perhaps, though, I bought the wrong versions — I mean, there are six editions — so that could be my bad. Maybe the next release of Windows (“Vienna” is tentatively scheduled for 2009-2011, so expect it around 2014) will fix some of these, ah, oversights. I’d love for Microsoft to gravitate away from some of the more enmeshing ideals of trusted computing; it would be neat to actually have complete control of the system. It’s a shame, though, that Microsoft isn’t really in that business. Bill Rix is an English junior © Pappocom

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

Wednesday’s solution:

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Thursday, February 22, 2007 - Page 10

onlineconnection Chris Stacy and Rick LaFavers have followed David Bailiff to Rice University, making them the fifth and sixth staff members to join the former head coach in Houston. What do these departures mean to the football program? Go to www.UniversityStar.com to vote in our online poll. Results will be published in next Thursday’s issue of The University Star. *This is not a scientific poll

Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

he Indian name Tonkawa means “They all stay together.”

And throughout the setbacks of the Indian Nation, the Tonkawa people did manage to stay together, even as they were pushed away from their land.But the Tonkawa Nation has long since been forgotten. To honor the long-forgotten tribe, “Leadership San Marcos,” a program that trains people to become city leaders, has commissioned local artist Eric Slocombe to sculpt a life-sized brass statue of Tonkawa Chief Placido. This leader was a major Tonkawa chief during the first half of the 19th century. The 7-foot statue will be located in City Park near the Old Fish Hatchery Building. The Tonkawa Nation inhabited the San Marcos Springs area for about 600 years, long before the Europeans arrived in the late 17th century. Their territory stretched from West Texas to the Edwards escarpment. We hope this statue will shed some light on the little-known history of the people who once inhabited this land. According to an article published Thursday in The University Star, Placido and his warriors were an active part of helping General Edward Burleson defend the Republic of Texas against Comanche and Apache raids. He helped Sam Houston fight the Apaches and befriended Stephen F. Austin. A participant of “Leadership San Marcos” says historians know the stories of Jack C. Hays or Edward Burleson, but not Placido. The above men have long been honored with buildings, street names and statues around this area, but not Placido. Our city and county seem to have forgotten that possibly none of their ventures could have been successful with the help of Placido and his tribe. It is important the we recognize all of our great history, and we honor those who were removed from a land that was rightfully theirs. What is unsettling is Texans have not been able to learn about the original owners of our land and how they lost what was once theirs. White settlers who entered the state in 1846 invaded Tonkawa land, according to the Handbook of Texas Online. After Placido accepted a reservation on the Brazos River in 1854, the Tonkawas were removed to an Indian Territory five years later. Placido and 137 of 300 Tonkawas were killed by other Indian tribes in 1862 and the remaining survivors fled to Fort Belknap in Texas, remaining there until the end of the Civil War, according to the Handbook of Texas. Even though the early settlers pushed Placido and the Tonkawas off their land, their settlement in Texas would not have been possible without his contributions. Our history would not be possible without Placido and the Tonkawa Nation.

HONORING

THE CHIEF

Long forgotten San Marcos tribe to be immortalized

Letters to the Editor Daily Texan pertains to Longhorns, not Bobcats What exactly was the relevance of the Feb. 14 column on The Daily Texan? I don’t read The Daily Texan, and I don’t go to the University of Texas. As a matter of fact, I have never even heard of The Daily Texan. I don’t see how an article about whether or not it has been an independent paper has any bearing on my life at all. I could care less what the students at UT are reading. I read the article twice trying to ﬁnd some relevance to events at Texas State. I was unable to make any connection, except that some of the Supreme Court cases were applicable to all colleges in general. However, there was no explanation as to how those cases impact Texas State students or The University Star, or how ﬁnally having a student-run paper at UT, is a good thing for Texas State. I just can’t imagine a subject less relevant to student life than the independent nature of The Daily Texan. Chad Brown anthropology senior

‘Safe’ sex often without emotional connection Last Thursday’s Main Point claimed that “[our nation] only 60 years into having an awareness of sexuality is still lost in such matters.” It would seem that this statement was grossly shortsighted given the apparent concern our 19th-century Congress played to the moral character of society. The practice of using condoms was widely condemned in the western world before the “sexual revolution” of the 20th century. I would also like to point out to the author of Thursday’s article that progressive movements are not always “leaps forward.” Mao Zedong had his own “Great Leap Forward,” which resulted in the deaths of upwards of 14 million people. Just because something’s new doesn’t make it justified. The irony of talking about “safe sex” is that sex is inherently unsafe, if by safe we mean that it is without consequence or repercussion. While the use of condoms may prevent disease and may lessen the chances of pregnancies, this practice does not alter the character of procreation. The act of creating life is the wellspring of humanity’s existence. When a person calls sex “safe,” they imply it is free from meaning, that sex is without emotional or physical consequence. This entirely untrue sentiment seems a sad reflection of the way we’ve come to rationalize our hedonism at the expense of our virtue. With our emphasis on individual responsibility and our positivist faith in science, we have come to glorify the debasement of our character for the sake of fleeting pleasure. “Safe Sex” is a farce and not worthy of any type of celebration.

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.

Ryan Haecker history sophomore

Kelly Simmons/Star illustration

Online Poll Results HPV Vaccination

Noise ordinance allows for abuse of power D Who knew loud noises can lead to a higher electric bill, lots of lost money and even eviction. While that may CARSON GUY sound strange, Star Columnist the city of San Marcos’ noise nuisance ordinance gives the police department the authority to cut off a resident’s electrical power when a party is deemed an “imminent threat to public safety.” You can also pay heavy fines for issued citations and even be evicted from your home. Under the guidelines of the noise nuisance ordinance, you could be paying a steep fine after getting your electricity reconnected. Anyone who may have, “a planned or unplanned gathering of people,” could be liable for being a noise nuisance under Chapter 34 Article 3 Division 3 of the city code. This law came about because of a recommendation from the San Marcos Police Department that determined, “loud noise and parties in residential areas of the city disturb the area residents, detrimentally affect the integrity and livability of the areas and reduce property values.” The ordinance passed in 2002.

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

And, the number of noise complaints has been prolific. SMPD’s statistical review of 2005 indicates that 1,168 noise complaints were received, with 113 resulting in citations. At a cost of $351 per citation, the city of San Marcos potentially supplemented its income with $39,663 in fines. Police can shut off your electricity if your home is deemed an “imminent threat.” That really just means shutting off your electricity is at the discretion of the police department. Even though it applies to all residents of San Marcos, college students are usually on the receiving end of this law when it comes to violations. An example can be seen by the fact a taskforce was formed to reign in disorderly issues within the Sagewood neighborhood, which is almost entirely comprised of college students. Many students may think the danger ends at reconnection and simple court fines. However, that is not so. Students who have had two or more noise complaints within a 60-day period can have a petition filed against them in municipal court by the chief of police or his authorized representative, asking the court to declare the property a noise nuisance. And being declared a nuisance is

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

not good. If the police department does decide to pursue a petition in the municipal courts declaring your property a nuisance, you are in for a world of hurt. First, the police department notifies your property manager of a hearing scheduled to determine whether the property where you reside should be declared a nuisance. At this point, many but certainly not all landlords, would have all the reason necessary to evict a tenant. If lucky enough, you won’t get evicted — yet. Then, you will find yourself in court where the police will submit evidence of violations to the judge. If you have any exculpatory evidence, this would be the time to submit it. Seven specific criteria are mentioned in the text of the law for the judge to consider, with the last being: “Any other factors the judge deems relevant.” Finally, the judge gets to decide after a preponderance of the evidence whether your property is indeed a noise nuisance or not. If you are declared a nuisance after all this court drama, then you have fines that continually add up, as well as a possible lien to look forward to down the road. If you own your home and a lien is filed, this will clear the

lien and unfreeze your property so you can sell it. A lien on your house is just another “nuisance,” to deal with because you have been labeled a nuisance. If you do not own your home, then the police can fine your property manager. Although all circumstances are unique, I think it can be fairly assumed the city of San Marcos, like most cities, prefers to resolve any matters it possibly can outside of court. Chances are good that even though two verified noise complaints qualify you for this petition, you can avoid it altogether by trying to cooperate with police officials. Carson Guy is a political science junior. His column tackles legal quandaries. E-mail questions to Guy at staropinion@txstate.edu. This email address is protected from spam bots; Javascript is needed in order to view it.

o you agree with Gov. Rick Perry’s executive order requiring girls to get an HPV vaccination? Yes

44% No

44% Don’t know/not sure

13%

The content and opinions contained herein are in no way meant as legal advice. All information is general in nature. Do not rely on information within this article when trying to resolve a speciﬁc legal issue. All situations are unique and require speciﬁc legal advice from competent counsel.

Copy Desk Chief................Sydney Granger, starcopychief@txstate.edu Design Editor..........................Michael E. Perez, stardesign@txstate.edu Systems Administrator.............Chris Jeane, starsysadmin@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator......................Jodie Claes, starad1@txstate.edu Advertising Sales Manager....................Lindsay Lee, atlas@txstate.edu Account Executive...........................Jackie Pardue, jp1271@txstate.edu

Results compiled from The University Star Web site online poll. This is not a scientiﬁc survey.

Account Executive..........................Krystal Slater, ks1429@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................Jonathan McCoy, jm1751@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator..Linda Allen, starbusinessoffice@txstate.edu Publications Director..............Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright February 22, 2007. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

The University Star - Page 11

�LASSIFIEDS �� C THE ��UNIVERSITY ��STAR ��

�� ad policiesand costs

Thursday, February 22, 2007 - Page 12 Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - Page 33

All classified ads are charged 20¢ per word. Ads may be emailed to starclassifieds@txstate.edu. Check your classified ad for accuracy. Any changes must be made by the second day of publication. The deadline for all classified ads is noon two business days prior to publication. Classified ads must be paid in advance unless credit has been established. Refunds will only be given when a classified ad has been paid by credit card. The Star reserves the right to refuse, edit, and discontinue any classified ad at any time without prior notification. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. Classified ads that do not note heading, will be put under the appropriate heading. All classified ads are published free, on-line at www.universitystar.com. Since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance.

E-mail starclassifieds@txstate.edu Email Classifieds Classifieds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu

FOR RENT

FOR RENT-APTS

$495, 1BA/1BD, ON TSU SHUTTLE. FREE internet. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. 1BD/1BA, $450. 4-PLEX, 500 SQ. FT. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. $410 EFF., DOWNTOWN & CLOSE TO TSU. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. 2BD/1BA HOME with stove and refrigerator, on 5 acres, 6 miles from San Marcos. $600 per month plus deposit. Call (512) 357-6271 or (830) 660-0787. APARTMENTS & HOUSE NEXT TO CAMPUS: 1BD, 2BD, 3BD, house. Wooden floors, upgraded. Roommate matching available (for 2BD, 3BD, house), $275-$375 per room. (512) 757-1943. Available January, May, August. NEXT TO CAMPUS-BALCONES APTS. 1BD, 2BD, 3BD, roommate matching. Pre-lease for May or Aug. Now updated w/ wooden floors and ceramic tile. Economical with bills included. Most rooms $300-$375. 1BD/1BA with electric, cable and Internet, $620. (512) 392-2700. 2/1 WALK TO CAMPUS, $625/mo. Most bills paid. (512) 738-6882, agt. $0 APP. $0 DEP. $199 total movein. 1bd/1ba, $475; 2bd/2ba, $570. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. LARGE ROOM W/ SEPARATE ENTRANCE. $200/mo. plus light chores. (512) 353-3224. 4BD/2BA, $279 P.P. Most bills paid. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. BEAUTIFUL 2BD/2BA AND 2BD/1BA in downtown San Marcos with parking. Call (830) 609-6162 or (830) 832-4914. 4 BD, $340 pp, hardwood floors, all bills paid. (512) 738-6882, agt. 3BD/3BA, $675/mo., on the river, w/d, hardwood floors. (512) 738-6882, agt.

NOW PRE-LEASING FOR MAY ‘07 AND AUGUST ‘07. Call Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. AWESOME DEAL! 2BD/2BA, 974 SQ. FT. $696. W/D included. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. ALL BILLS PAID! 1, 2, 3, 4 bedrooms available. W/D included. Walk to school. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. MOVE-IN TODAY!!! $785 2/2.5 townhouse, 3 blks. from TSU. Free HBO, Free Road Runner, Full size W/D, Small, Clean & Quiet Community www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. (512) 396-4181. $785 PRE-LEASE NOW FOR 5/20 OR 8/20. 2/2.5 townhouse, 3 blks. from TSU. Free HBO, Free Road Runner, Full Size W/D, Small, Clean & Quiet Community. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. (512) 396-4181. APARTMENTSTOGO.COM. Free list of apartment prices and amenities or visit our office on The Square! (512) 353-FREE. 4BD/4BA, $350 A MONTH. Internet/ cable w/ HBO/phone/trash pd. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. $575, 2BD/2BA, 810 SQ. FT. $200 OFF 1st month rent. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

FOR RENTCONDO/TOWNHOMES 736 CENTRE. Extra large 2BD/1.5BA for $750/mo. Water/waste water paid. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy (512) 665-3321.

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

FOR RENT-DUPLEX $765 2/2 DUPLEX, 3 BLKS. FROM TSU. Pre-leasing for 5/20 or 8/20. Free HBO, Road Runner, Full size W/D, Small, Clean & Quiet Community. www.windmilltownhomes.com for ﬂoor plans & prices. (512) 396-4181 208 UHLAND. Recently Renovated. 2BD/1BA for $550. Water and trash paid. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy (512) 665-3321. 2BD/1BA, $500, walking distance to river, TSU, HEB and the square. Call for info (512) 353-3733. PLAN JUNE 1 MOVE. Duplex: Beautiful 2&3 BD near W. Campus & Crockett Elem. Quite Neighborhood, Crown Mold, Tile, Fans, Drapes, W/D, DW, Microwave, New Kitchens & Bath, Lg. Storage, Courtyard, Deck, Walk-ins, Garage. Fenced Wooded Yards. Exceptional at $585 & $835. Non-smoking, No dogs. (512) 353-8384. 334 CRADDOCK. 3bd/2BA REDUCED to $900/month. On the shuttle. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy (512) 665-3321.

FOR RENT-HOUSES 2BD/1BA, CENTRAL AIR AND HEAT. Fenced backyard. $650/mo. Available Jan 1. (512) 396-1717

FOR SALE GUITAR FOR SALE! Call Jen at (512) 644-5365. MINIATURE DACHSHUNDS for sale in time for Easter. (830) 708-0586. (830) 627-1000.

FOR SALE PIANO FOR SALE. Good condition. $200. (512) 353-3224.

HELP WANTED GREAT OPPORTUNITY! We are a well-established company looking for PT candidates interested in making $10 to $20+/ hr. Job entails collecting water samples in select neighborhoods. Flexible schedule and no selling involved. Great personality, professional appearance and reliable transportation a must. Contact Emma after 9 a.m. @ (210) 650-4000, M-F. www.rainsoftofsanantonio.com SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39. For application go to www.123donate.com. WANTED: SUMMER STAFF The C Lazy U Ranch in the Colorado Rockies has positions available for individuals who can work until Aug. 19 or later. Applications available online www.clazyu.com. Questions call Phil (970) 887-3344. EARN $250+MONTHLY AND MORE to type simple ads online. www.DataAdEntry.com ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc. $75-200/hr. No exp. needed, (512) 684-8296. THE TICKET SPORTS GRILL. A fantastic new restaurant in New Braunfels now hiring all positions. Apply in person at 1042 IH-35 N, Monday-Friday, 10-4. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day. No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800) 965-6520 ext. 157. WEB DESIGNER/DEVELOPER, secretarial, correspondence ﬂexible hours, decent pay. Email exp. resume: via www.texasarabianhorses.com or call (512) 353-3477 or (210) 367-7842. CRAIG O’S PIZZA NOW hiring day/nighttime delivery drivers. Apply within. 690 Centerpoint Rd. (512) 558-2220.

HELP WANTED SECURITY OFFICER. Hill Country Resort. FT/PT. (830) 660-5959. ATTRACTIVE, ATHLETIC, ARTISTIC models for creative photography: portrait, figure, fashion. Apply at www.nabilcronfulphotography.com. (210) 367-7842. DOMINO’S PIZZA EQUALS GREAT PIZZA, GREAT VALUE, GREAT PLACE TO WORK. We are now hiring for management positions. Looking for additional income or a career change. We have flexible hours, paid vacation, a referral bonus, and a great 401 retirement plan. Please call (512) 392-3030. EARN MONEY OVER SPRING BREAK and potentially secure a Summer Job. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is HIRING Outgoing, Enthusiastic, and Motivated applicants for Visitor Center Positions which can include Tour Guides. Apply in person, 7 miles west of IH-35 on FM 3009. LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE WORKING WITH CHILDREN, CDA preferred or working on child development courses. P/T and F/T employment M-F only, hours will vary. Call (512) 351-7280 or e-mail mcdirector_25@hotmail.com. DORMITORY RESIDENT ASSISTANTS. Need male and female Dormitory Resident Assistants at San Marcos Academy, a private Christian school. Must enjoy working with 7th-12th grade students in a Christian environment. Positions may include room and board plus an hourly wage. Contact Kris Spillers at (512) 753-8004 or spillersk@smba.org. COLORADO DUDE RANCH SEEKS SUMMER WRANGLERS. We are looking for individuals with an equestrian background, western riding skills and outgoing personalities. The job includes room/board, monthly salary and post-season bonus. Contact Megan Dugan at info@tumblingriver.com or www.tumblingriver.com CLEAR SPRINGS CAFE is now hiring Grill cooks, Fry cooks and Line servers for night and weekend shifts. Must have great communication and organization skills and experience in fast-paced, high-voume cooking. Starting wage from $8.50-$11.50/hr. Insurance and vacation pay avail. Apply in person at: 1692 Hwy. 46 S. (3 miles off IH-35) New Braunfels, TX. SPANISH TUTOR NEEDED FOR SPANISH 1420. Will pay. Call (858) 232-7868. WEEKEND DISCIPLINE COORDINATOR. Need Weekend Discipline Coordinator to supervise weekend work/discipline details at San Marcos Academy, a private Christian school. Must enjoy working with 7th-12th grade students in a Christian environment. Contact Kris Spillers at (512) 753-8004 or spillersk@smba.org. LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENTS WANTED for the #1 apartment locating service in San Marcos, Apartment Experts. Full and Part time available. Call Greg @ (512) 805-0123. CLEAR SPRINGS CAFE is looking for outgoing, energetic hostesses. Must have great communication and organization skills and know how to keep a smile going all day. Starting wage from $7.50-$9/hr. Apply in person at: 1692 Hwy 46 S. (3 miles off IH-35) New Braunfels, TX. DRIVER WANTED - Clean Driving Record, at least 25y/o, $10/hr. +, call (512) 665-3306. HELP WANTED WITH SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN, 3:30 P.M.-6 P.M., M-F. Call (512) 357-9911 or come by Second Step.

HELP WANTED DIRECT CARE POSITIONS: Are you wanting a career where you help people? Brown-Karhan Healthcare is looking for individuals to work with brain injured or psychiatric residents. Positions available in the Dripping Springs area (25 miles SW of Austin). Looking to ﬁll primarily weekend shifts. Pay begins at $8.50, but commensurate with experience and education. Candidate must be 21 years of age, have satisfactory driving record. Drug screening and criminal background check required. Beneﬁts may include health insurance, dental, vision, PTO, mileage reimbursement and 401(k). If eligible there is a sign-on bonus of $200. Please contact Kerri (512) 894-0701 ext. 219, or fax resume (512) 858-5104 or e-mail kalvis@brown-karhan.com. Please visit our website at www.brownkarhan.com. WINTER/SPRING POSITIONS AVAILABLE! Earn up to $150 per day! Exp not Required. Undercover shoppers needed To Judge Retail and Dining Establishments Call 800-901-9370.

MISCELLANEOUS GET YOUR TAX REFUND NEXT WEEK! File your taxes online at www.mytaxesnow.com anytime, anywhere. Fast and secure tax preparation only $19.95 BOBCATSNEEDJOBS.COM. Paid Survey Takers needed in San Marcos. 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys. 2007 EXPANSION Attention students Positions Available •$13 Base Appointment •Flexible Schedules •Customer Sales/Service •No Experience Needed, will train •All Ages 17+ •Conditions Apply Call today (512) 392-7377 www.workforstudents.com

ROOMMATES ROOMMATE NEEDED TO SUBLEASE at 108 Crest Dr. $310 mo. plus electricity and cable. Call (512) 618-7306.

SERVICES SPECIAL OCCASIONS SEWING. Call (830) 372-1672 or (210) 902-6130 and leave msg. WWW.STUDENTATTORNEY.COM

SUBLEASE SUBLEASE MY APT!! 1BD/1BA $365/mo. (512) 665-1916. TAKE OVER MY LEASE! $469/mo plus electricity. HUGE bedroom. (817) 689-5450. TAKE OVER MY LEASE ASAP. February paid. $400 per month all utilities included. Has pool, ﬁtness and computer lab. Call (512) 618-8136.

WANTED USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condition, running or not. If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell. (512) 353-4511. WORK ONLINE AT HOME 23 people needed immediately. Earn PT/FT income. Apply FREE online and get started! 800-807-5176 www.wahusa.com Enter Ad Code 9058 NEEDING MODELS FOR FUSE HAIR EXTENSIONS. Service is at reduced price w/ purchase of hair. Please contact The Studio Salon in New Braunfels, Tx ask for Jana or Adrian. (830) 627-1000.

SPORTS

Thursday, February 22, 2007

The University Star - Page 13

Men’s basketball squares off RUGBY: Texas State now against Lumberjacks’ defense recruiting from high school By Nathan Brooks The University Star The bus ride from San Marcos to Nacogdoches can be long and monotonous. The rolling hills of Central Texas quickly turn into hours of neverending pine trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. But the trip Thursday to Stephen F. Austin, the school that sits alone in the thick of the East Texas woods, serves as a perfect opportunity for the Bobcats to evaluate what is left of their season. The Lumberjacks enter Thursday’s contest with the Bobcats with a 14-10 overall record and 7-5 league mark, good for third place in the Southland Conference’s West Division. SFA shot 65 percent from the floor in an, 82-62, win over the Bobcats Jan. 25, something not lost on the Texas State coaching staff. “That was one of those games that was strange,” Coach Doug Davalos said. “I thought we played hard, but we had so many breakdowns late in the shot clock where they would hit a big shot.” Defense on late shot clock situations has been a focus in practice this week. “Last time, we relied on them to miss instead of forcing misses,” Davalos said. “We have to do a better job of making sure those shots are contested, and make sure they’re the shots we want them to have and not the shots they want to have.” Austin Byrd/Star file photo The Bobcats will try to keep the ball out of the hands of SFA big men Antuane Miller and Matt DRIVING IN: Chris Agwumaro, junior forward, Kingsley, who combined for 37 points on 15-of-18 drives in for a layup during the Bobcats’ Feb. 10 from the field shooting in the last meeting. win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Texas State “We need to realize we’re not going to be guard- will take on Stephen F. Austin 7 p.m. Saturday ing anyone one-on-one,” Davalos said. “We never at Strahan Coliseum. make our post players play defense one-on-one. Our post defense is an accumulation of denial, moving our feet and beating their guys to the Her memorial services are set for 10:30 a.m. spot, and ball pressure on the guy trying to feed Thursday in Corpus Christi. the post. That’s what we have to realize, that this It is unknown if Kaspar will coach against the is a team defense.” Bobcats. Miller, a 6-foot-5-inch, 255 pound forward, punished Texas State for 23 points on 10-of-11 Baafi no longer with team shooting in just 18 minutes off the bench, while Kingsley scored 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting last Texas State reserve forward Nana Baafi is no time around. longer a member of the basketball program. Texas State also needs a better offensive perforAccording to Ron Mears, director of media relamance after shooting 37 percent from the floor in tions, Baafi left the team Feb.12. That is all the the first meeting, something easier said than done information the Texas State athletic department when going against the will release at this time. top defense in the conBaafi, a junior from Ghaference. na, played in 15 games this The Bobcats will try season, averaging just 3.9 to combat the Lumminutes a game in his only berjacks’ defense with year at Texas State after offensive aggression transferring from Monroe and purpose. College in New York. “If we don’t set a ball screen really meant to Texas State closes out free our teammates, home slate Saturday then they don’t have to play hard,” Davalos The Bobcats will play said. “When it became their last home game of — Doug Davalos the season 4 p.m. Saturday a more even game in coach, men’s basketball against rival Sam Houston the second half last meeting, we were State. more aggressive and it The Bearkats (10-2) in led to better execution.” league play, enter Thursday’s contest against TexTexas State enters Thursday’s contest two as-Arlington in second place in the SLC West, one games out of the final spot for the Southland Con- game behind Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. ference Tournament, with only three contests reTexas State dropped its first meeting with the maining on the regular season schedule. Bearkats, 88-74, Jan. 27 in Hunstville. “It’s our last chance to get to play at home,” SFA coach loses mother Davalos said. “I want us to leave the fans, the students, and our team with the great feeling that Frances Kaspar, mother of Lumberjack bas- every time a team comes into our building, if ketball head coach Danny Kaspar, died Sunday in they were going to leave with a win, it was well Corpus Christi. deserved.”

“O

ur post defense is an accumulation of denial, moving our feet and beating their guys to the spot, and ball pressure on the guy trying to feed the post.”

CONTINUED from page 14

each team has 15 players: eight forwards numbered one through eight and seven backs numbered 9 to 15. Points are scored by successfully kicking the ball through the goal (worth three points) and by grounding the ball in the area behind the goal posts (ﬁve points). The team is then given a free kick at the goal, worth two points. The

ball can only be passed laterally or backwards and once a player is tackled, he must give up the ball. While a thin layer of padding is allowed, most players opt not to wear any because of the heat. Rugby is becoming more like football in one way. With more high schools incorporating the sport, Texas State is beginning to actively recruit players. “Traditionally, college is where U.S. athletes learn the game,”

Courtney said. “Just in the last three or four years has there been a need for recruitment.” Thursday’s practice will be a little lighter than usual, due to the upcoming playoﬀ game. Mutschler feels the team is well prepared going into Saturday. “We’ve got players in the right places, our rookies are coming along and we are really hitting our stride right now,” Mutschler said.

WEB SITE: Department critic finds site source of checks and balances CONTINUED from page 14

no conﬁdence in the current AD’s ability to right the ship.” According to O’Brien, the Web site is integral to having an athletic department that will have checks and balances. “I think without a site like (BobcatFans), the department would run with whatever ideas they had, without anyone telling them when bad ideas are bad,” O’Brien said. Davalos said the site should be allowed to host whatever it wants, but that does not mean he or other people in the athlet-

ic department need to read it. “If you spend a lot of time reading a lot of that stuff, you’re going to be an unhappy individual,” Davalos said. That kind of speech, which does not always speak favorably of the teams and administrative figures, is what hurts the department, Teis said. “The only things I get from them are student-athletes showing me stuff they saw written about them or recruits saying they thought about not even coming here because they think no one likes this university,” Teis said. According to Koch, Bobcat-

Fans is a meritocracy and what is said on the board is a reﬂection of how the fans feel about the department. “They don’t have to worry what we have to say about them, unless they’re doing a bad job,” Koch said. The entire issue boils down to intent, according to Davalos. “I think it comes down to what the main motivation is for the people who are posting and starting these sites,” Davalos said. “If they’re interested in supporting their school and helping it being the best it can be, then it’s a great resource for the school.”

Judo team takes home honors at championships Five members of the Texas State judo team traveled to Texas A&M Saturday to compete in the Texas State Collegiate Judo Championships, and came back with two medals: a silver and bronze. An A&M female competitor with three years of experience underestimated Jennifer Hepker, English freshman, and found herself flat on her back in the first round. That experience paid off in the long run, as the two met again in the finals of

this double-elimination tournament. The second time Hepker came out on the short end, losing twice to take home the silver medal. Texas State’s most experienced player, Ryo Ishibashi, was caught in an arm bar while his other arm was trapped under his body, preventing him from tapping out. Ryo was injured and unable to continue in the tournament. The lightest competitor on the Bobcat team, Frank Wa-

zeter, undecided sophomore, lost his ﬁrst match, but fought his way back to win the consolation round. With only three competitors left, Wazeter was slated for another match. However, due to a bout with the ﬂu, he was too weak to continue. Wazeter won a bronze medal. The team has one meet before spring break, and two afterward. — Courtesy of Dann Baker, judo team adviser

SPORTS

switchoff

THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Texas State football coach Brad Wright announced two additions to his football staff Wednesday, in an effort to replace a pair of former members. Mike Barela joins as the Bobcats’ tight end coach and director of football operations, while Terrol Dillon has been named linebacker coach. The two coaches respectively replace Chris Stacy and Rick LaFavers, the fifth and six coaches from the 2006 staff to join former head coach David Bailiff at Rice University. Tuesday Rice announced Stacy and LaFavers as part of Bailiff’s staff. — Compiled from other news services

Thursday, February 22, 2007 - Page 14

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

Athletic officials voice concern with Web site By Jacob Mustafa The University Star Sports fans and athletic oﬃcials are not always in agreement with each other, as history can attest to. And the rift between www.BobcatFans.com and some Texas State faculty members illustrates just that point. The Web site, devoted to Texas State athletics, gets more than 3 million hits a month and 100,000 unique IP addresses, said co-owner Rick Koch. However, the athletic department’s relationship with BobcatFans is far more complex than simply recognizing the abundance of traﬃc it receives. Athletic Director Larry Teis said he has yet to visit the Web site and never will because of its negativity towards the department, while adding a much more serious charge. “We’ve had recruits sit across here and asked about that Web site,” Teis said. “They’ve thought about not even coming on a recruiting trip because everything’s so negative.” Koch, who also owns the site’s companion magazine, disputed the idea that the site would try to do anything

“I

f you want to make a point and you care about it, sign your name to it.” — Brad Wright coach, football

to hurt the university or the athletic department. “I love this school and I love our athletics,” Koch said. “But the site is the voice of the fans and they need to be willing to take that into account.” Koch also disputed the idea that the site has in any way hurt recruiting. According to him, basketball Coach Doug Davalos and former football Coach David Bailiﬀ both handed out copies of the magazine to recruiting prospects while they visited the campus. Davalos said the magazine is a useful tool in projecting a good image of the program. “Bobcat Fans have written some great articles to help recruiting,” Davalos said. “And if a recruit was on

campus and picked up a copy, he would think there were some great things happening with the program.” Bailiff’s replacement, Coach Brad Wright, has a much different relationship with BobcatFans, which stems from comments he heard were written. “The one thing I did hear was that I was accused of being a racist,” Wright said. “And I am a racist in that I hate ignorant people, people who don’t know what they’re talking about.” Koch is familiar with this particular incident and claims although it did happen, it was a comment deleted upon notification, and the site will not support any kind of libel being posted. However, Wright’s issues with the site may boil down to whether the idea of a message board is a good one in the first place. “I’ve never liked any type of a situation where you don’t have to sign your name,” Wright said. “If you want to make a point and you care about it, sign your name to it.” Not all members of the department are opposed to the site. Davalos has had a great deal of interaction with the

magazine and his thoughts on the fan’s ability to criticize are a little diﬀerent. “Fans have the right to do whatever they want,” Davalos said. “They have the right to gripe about things, but if their intentions are to help Texas State, then I think it’s a good thing. Is everything 100 percent positive? No, but I think they’re doing a good job promoting the program.” Although Koch mostly does not post on the site, he has not seen eye-to-eye with the athletics department on multiple occasions. One of Koch’s main contentions has been what he perceives as the university shutting BobcatFans out of any sort of coverage of any of the team’s games, particularly at home. “We have to ﬁght tooth and nail to get any kind of credentials,” Koch said. “They’re making special rules to keep us out.” One of the rules was that no publication could get press credentials for games if they had a message board attached to the site. Koch countered, saying that publications like the Austin American-Statesman do have message boards and are still allowed credentials.

According to Teis, fan message boards need to contribute to the team in a quantiﬁable way. “Those (message boards) don’t do anybody any good unless they’re out raising money or selling tickets or promoting,” Teis said. Koch claimed Bobcat Fans has done exactly that, as they helped make 1,000 hamburgers for a Bobcats Fandemonium that kicks of the basketball season. “The point of the site is to build pride for this school,” Koch said. “We volunteered our services like that and they still continue to shut the door in our face.” Casey O’Brien, athletic department critic and Texas State alumnus who frequents BobcatFans.com, wrote a letter to the magazine with his name attached to it. His criticisms were mostly directed at Teis. “I think Coach Bailiﬀ left for the same reason that many die-hard Bobcat fans are questioning their loyalty to the program,” O’Brien said. “The Athletic Department has no vision and I have See WEB SITE, page 13

Bobcats seek strong February finish Women’s basketball enters contest with half-game lead over Ladyjacks By Gabe Mendoza The University Star The regular season is winding down to its final two weeks, and the Texas State women’s basketball team is looking to enter post-season play with a strong February finish. The Bobcats will try to maintain their second place position in the Southland Conference West standings when they face the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks at 7 p. m. Thursday at Strahan Coliseum. Texas State holds a half-game lead over SFA with a 10-3 conference mark, and is looking to avenge a 63-47 loss in Nacogdoches last month. In that game, the Bobcats blew a 10-point halftime lead, and were outscored by 26 in the second half. “Our preparation this time around has actually been pretty much the same as any other game,” coach Suzanne Fox said. “In the second half (of the first game), we went away from the things that we have to do to be successful. Against a team like (SFA), we have to get back in transition; we have to guard them; and we have to block out.” Fox’s team certainly hasn’t forgotten how things finished in Nacogdoches. “It kind of hurt our pride a little bit, going in there and losing the way we did,” said freshman forward Aimee Hilburn. “So, we really want to come back and show them what we’ve got this time, and hopefully, we can play a little better this time.” Forward Joyce Ekworomadu continues to lead the team in scoring, averaging 13.6 points per game, while senior Erica Putnam has put together a quality season, averaging more than 11 points and nearly eight rebounds a contest. She leads the conference in field goal percentage, shooting 52 percent from the floor. Texas State is coming off a 63-60 victory over Texas-San Antonio last weekend, and is enjoying a four-game winning streak. So far, the Bobcats are 4-1 during their February stretch. With two of the final three games at home, the Bobcats have put themselves in position to make a strong push into the postseason. The Bobcats are 10-1 at home, and plan on making SFA No. 11. “We always have the support of the fans (at home). So, we feel like we have a boost behind us,” Hilburn said. “Plus, they

Austin Byrd/Star file photo NO PADS HERE: Players grapple for control of the ball during the Texas State club rugby game against Texas Tech Sept. 9, at the West Campus practice ﬁeld. The Bobcats will face TCU in their ﬁrst-round playoff game 2 p.m. Saturday.

Renegade Rugby Club faces playoffs with a perfect record By Travis Atkins The University Star

Cotton Miller/Star file photo OVER THE TOP: Brooke DeGrate, junior guard, puts up a shot over Texas-San Antonio’s Vivian Ewalefo during the Bobcats’ game Saturday. Texas State will take on Stephen F. Austin 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Strahan Coliseum.

are traveling and having to stay over night in a hotel, so we feel like we have an edge playing on our home court.” The Ladyjacks, 9-3 in confer-

t kind of hurt our pride a little “I bit, going in there and losing the way we did.” — Aimee Hilburn freshman forward

ence play, have won three in a row and beat Sam Houston State Friday night, 82-71. SFA has been one of the better teams thanks in part to senior forward Charity Egenti. Egenti, who transferred from the University of Memphis, ranks second in the conference in scoring at 16.6 points per game, and ﬁrst in rebounds with 9.4 a contest. “(Egenti) is a terriﬁc player, and is one of the best players in the league,” Fox said. “If we can take her transition buck-

ets away, and try to limit her second chance opportunities, I think we can at least control her a little bit.” With little time left in the season, both Texas State and SFA are both trying to position themselves for postseason seeding. “We’re going to just treat this like a regular game,” said freshman guard Victoria Davis. “There’s more importance to this game, and it determines a lot, but it’s (just) another game.”

On a rainy day, with West Campus drenched in water, Chris Mutschler finds himself buried under a pile of men, struggling for air. “It’s disgusting,” said Mutschler, psychology senior. “The only thing that might stop us from playing is lightning.” Mutschler is a rugby player for Texas State’s Renegade Rugby Club. He played in high school while living in California, has eight years of experience altogether and is looking into playing professionally when he graduates. The team is built from both veterans and newcomers to the sport. Chris Farias, health and wellness promotion sophomore, decided to join the club two weeks ago and has already seen some game action. “I knew nothing,” Farias said. “I joined because it is a contact sport and a good way to get in shape.” Mutschler is the team captain, while Farias qualifies as a rookie. Both have played a role in getting the rugby club to a perfect record and on the verge of their first-round playoff game 2 p.m. Saturday against TCU, at the West Campus Field. The Renegade Rugby Club is ranked No.1 in Division II, according to Mutschler. He talked about the upcoming playoff game with the confidence one might expect from the captain of an undefeated team. “I don’t think it will be a problem,” Mutschler said. “It will be a pretty easy game.” If Texas State finishes first or second in its upcoming state tournament, the team will advance to the Western Playoffs in Colorado. Mutschler said the club shouldn’t have a problem with that either. The majority of the players had no prior rugby experience before joining, and were taught the game by fellow players, coach James Summers and assistant coach Scot Courtney.

Summers played rugby at Texas State as a student, then played for a San Antonio men’s club. During his time with the San Antonio club he saw a need for a coach at Texas State. Courtney was a player and coach as a student at Texas State and moved back to San Marcos two years ago to volunteer as an assistant. He currently budgets his time between coaching the team and practicing law. “Law school got in the way of my rugby career,” Courtney said. The club is open to anyone and there is no tryout process. At the start of the year, the club had about 60 players and now there are around 40 who come out on a regular basis. The others quit. Rugby is very popular in Australia, England, Canada and France. Although there is a U.S. national team, rugby is overshadowed by football. “I see rugby as having a little more potential than soccer in this country, but it will always be a foreign game,” Courtney said. “In other countries, rugby is comparable to what football is here.” Because not many Americans grow up playing rugby, the newcomers to the team have backgrounds in diﬀerent sports. “We get a lot of football players and a lot of soccer players and they kind of have to meet in the middle,” Mutschler said. “The soccer players don’t want to hit people and the football players just want to hit people and don’t care about the rules of the game.” Those who survive the transition practice with the club every Tuesday and Thursday at the West Campus Field, working on basic fundamentals and team-oriented drills. “We alter practices slightly based on what our weaknesses were from that week’s game,” Summers said. The club plays according to rugby union rules, meaning See RUGBY, page 13

The University Star

Published on Feb 22, 2007

02 22 2007

Published on Feb 22, 2007

universitystar

Go explore