03 20 2007 by The University Star

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Texas State football takes the ﬁeld for the start of spring practice SEE TRENDS PAGE 12

Student attempts to break world record in beer pint chugging SEE TRENDS PAGE 5

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

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MARCH 20, 2007

TUESDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 65

Mother of deceased student demands justice for her loss By Alysha Mendez The University Star The driver who killed Texas State student Tommy Harmeyer in a motorcycle accident Feb. 4 has yet to be charged, which mother Cynthia Harmeyer finds offensive. “It’s been a month and still no charge has been filed,” she said. “That’s not right. I lost my life that day.” Wade Parham, San Marcos police officer, said they have not

wrapped up the investigation yet. “I will finish investigating and present my findings, and in a case like this, the district attorney makes the final decision,” he said. Parham said he has no reason to believe the driver, who made an illegal left turn into the parking lot in front of Alvin Ords, was intoxicated. “It is unlikely that the driver will be charged,” he said. “In other cases like this, unless there is intoxication, it appears that this

is nothing more than a tragic accident.” Parham said there has to be enough evidence against the driver to present in a trial. “After we determine if there will be any criminal charges, the district attorney has to convince a jury to find an individual guilty,” he said. While the police handle the investigation and make the decision on whether or not to arrest the individual, the final decision regarding charges being filed is

up to the district attorney. William Stone, criminal justice professor, said one thing to remember in a case like this is in the legal system, accuracy is much more important than speed. “The entire legal system is designed to take complex situations and analyze them for the truth,” he said. “That is one of the reasons that it is so slow and complex.” Stone said just because the driver made an illegal turn does

not mean he will automatically be charged. “It will hinge on the degree of recklessness that was involved, and it could also consider such factors as, ‘Was the motorcycle operator speeding or did he in some way contribute to the accident?’” Harmeyer said the police department in their hometown of Rockwall is outraged no charges have been ﬁled. “He was a cautious young man,” Harmeyer said. “He had

Pumped up at SXSW

jacket, he had a helmet, the weather was clear. It just doesn’t make any sense.” The driver’s Nissan Sentra turned against eastbound trafﬁc to enter the parking lot and Harmeyer’s motorcycle struck the right side of the car. Parham said it could be a matter of days or weeks before the investigation is oﬃcially over. “It’s not good enough for the only punishment the driver to have is living with the fact that he killed my son,” Harmeyer said.

ASG must come to decision about Grad House by next meeting By Clara Cobb The University Star

Emily Messer/University Star Damian Abraham, also known as Pink Eyes, for the Toronto punk band F**cked Up participates in a mosh pit Saturday at the Austin venue Red 7 during South by Southwest. For more SXSW coverage, see TRENDS, Page 6.

Survey results show citizens San Marcos Police Department satisfied with city services year-in-review shows trends in crime By Ashley Gwilliam The University Star San Marcos citizens are generally satisfied with their involvement in city affairs and with the level of service they receive, according to the 2006 annual Community Outreach Survey. “This survey that we had was our highest rating in citizen’s feedback on overall city government,” said Mayor Susan Narvaiz. The survey identifies various demographic groups’ attitudes toward 34 major services provided by the city and on several other issues, such as growth and development. Narvaiz said the surveys are significant because they give citizens the opportunity to tell the city government how they are doing and what they would like them to place importance on in the future. About 9 percent of the 3,346 randomly selected residents responded to the anonymous mail survey.

Hassan Tajalli, political science associate professor and survey cocreator, said response rates to these types of surveys is generally low because citizens think no one will really listen to their concerns. The 2006 survey delivered the lowest response rate ever. Tajalli said the low rate could be connected to a number of things, including its proximity of the November elections and Christmas break to the surveying time period. “Another reason that might have contributed is that when people are satisﬁed they do not see any reason to bother themselves,” he said. “If they are angry, they are more eager to get their frustrations out.” There has been no noticeable decline in the city’s quality of service delivery since last year’s survey. The service categories receiving the highest levels of citizen satisfaction were library programs, ﬁre

Today’s Weather

Partly Cloudy 78˚/61˚

Precipitation: 10% Humidity: 72% UV: 5 Moderate Wind: SSE 17 mph

See SURVEY, page 5

By Molly Berkenhoﬀ The University Star San Marcos saw a general decrease last year in the rate of crimes against a person, including murder, robbery, rape and sexual assault. The rate of crimes against property, including auto theft, residential burglary and non-residential burglary, declined in 2006 as well. These were among statistics made available to the public during the San Marcos Police Department’s brieﬁng Wednesday at City Hall. The session, which was the fourthannual year-in-review conference for the department, provided information on trends in crime in San Marcos as well as information about SMPD’s projects and accomplishments. Police Chief Howard Williams invited the public to attend the briefing, which was broadcast live on the city of San Marcos’ cable channel. “We believe that the police department should be accountable publicly to the community we serve,” Williams

Two-day Forecast Wednesday Windy Temp: 77°/ 61° Precip: 10%

Thursday Cloudy Temp: 79°/ 61° Precip: 10%

said. Last year’s statistics did not differ much from 2005’s. “A majority of the statistics in relation to crime trends have very little change from the previous year,” said Assistant Chief Warren Zerr. “The community has remained very similar in its crime patterns.” The police department issued 296 citations to minors possessing alcohol in 2006, along with 90 driving while intoxicated arrests. Sixty-five minors were arrested or given a citation for driving under the influence. Crimes involving drugs, primarily marijuana, comprised much of the conference’s agenda. Cocaine and methamphetamines were also among the top narcotics seized last year. Police noted that the seizure of Adderall has significantly increased. The abuse of the prescription drug is a growing trend, particularly among students. The department highlighted grants See REVIEW, page 5

The fate of the Associated Student Government Graduate House of Representatives will be decided next week. ASG Vice President Amanda Oskey dissolved the Graduate House March 5. The issue was reintroduced to the Senate In legislation sponsored by ASG Sen. Megan Titus, College of Health Professions. Some senators called for a resolution Monday because the legislative body had two weeks prior to the Monday meeting to come to a consensus. The ASG Supreme Court is reviewing Oskey’s decision to dissolve the House. ASG President Kyle Morris urged senators in his President’s Report to give the referendum issue more time for research and consideration. ASG Sen. Ryan Clay, College of Liberal Arts, moved to table the graduate referendum. The senate will continue the referendum discussion next week. A decision will be made April 2, as April 3 is a timesensitive deadline for the referendum to be added to the ASG general election ballot. Elections are April 17 and 18, and if the referendum passes, it would be added to the election ballot. The referendum must be filed 10 school days prior to the election. Legislation that did pass included nominations for committee positions. Scholarship Selection Committee nominee ASG Sen. Amanda Magel, College of Liberal Arts, and San Marcos/Texas State Liaison Committee nominee Clay were voted into the respective positions unanimously. Other legislation including “Giving Greeks On Campus Housing” and “Recognition of Bobcat Build” were passed. The campus housing legislation would allow for Greek underclassmen in leadership positions to live off-campus in their respective organization’s housing. The Bobcat Build legislation confirmed the ASG support for the annual event. “Endorsement of the ‘Gay? Fine by Me’ T-shirt Campaign” passed as well, despite more opposition. Tyler Ferguson, advocate of the “Gay? Fine by Me” proposal, said backing from ASG would make Texas State the first university in Texas to show student-government support for the program. “We have a chance now to show all other Texas schools we don’t just have tolerance in our diversity policy,” he said. “We live out our policies. This is the kind of change we are wanting to make.” The program began at Duke University and includes more than 200 campuses nationwide. Approximately one-third of the ASG senators voted against or abstained from voting on the legislation. Legislation to provide carpool permits to students residing together also was addressed. Guest speaker Rick Bishop, director of Network Operations, informed senators about on-campus surveillance. Bishop said surveillance was not a life safety issue. Rather, cameras increase safety and security while reducing possible crime. “What you don’t want is a camera taking a picture two-seconds too late,” he said. “Now and for the next few years money has been set aside for this. This campus is going to grow, and cameras are a good way to watch it.”

Inside News ..............1-5 Trends .............6-8 Crossword ......... 8 Sudoku .............. 8

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

Comics .............. 8 Opinions ............ 9 Classiﬁeds ....... 10 Sports ......... 11,12

PAGE TWO Tuesday in Brief

March 20, 2007

starsof texas state Walt Trybula, director of the Nanomaterials Application Center, has been named a SPIE Fellow for 2007 by the International Society for Optical Engineering. Fellows are members of distinction who have made significant scientific and technical contributions in the multidisciplinary fields of optics, photonics and imaging. They are honored for their technical achievement, for their ser-

vice to the general optics community, and to the International Society for Optical Engineering in particular. Trybula was honored for speciﬁc contributions to the semiconductor industry including driving technology to accelerate emerging lithography development. —Courtesy of Texas State Public Relations

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

TUESDAY

There will be a free lunch for all students 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Catholic Student Center lobby. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be 6 to 9 p.m. in the CSC chapel. The Language of the ASG Referendum will be voted on. Lambda Omega Alpha will sponsor night prayer 9 p.m. in the CSC chapel. The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “Freedom, Determinism, and Responsibility,”11 a.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “Biochemistry and Freedom,” 12:30 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “Who will Save the People of Darfur?” 2 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. An orientation and training session will teach attendees to use the Freeze-Framer biofeedback program to reduce the negative effects of stress. The session will be 1 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, Room 3-11.1. Facing the Fear: Anxiety and Panic Group will meet 3:30 to 5 p.m., and offer a supportive way to cope. For more information or to register, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208. Every Nation Campus Ministries is meeting 7:00 in Centennial Hall, Room G-02. There will be free food, fellowship and a relevant message. There will be a CEO Meeting 5 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 127. Overeaters Anonymous will meet 12:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St. For more information, call (512) 3572049. The Tennis Club will meet 6 to 8 p.m. at the tennis courts on Sessom Drive, behind Joe’s Crab Shack. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, e-mail Chris Harris, tennis club president, at ch1282@txstate.edu. San Marcos Toastmasters Club will meet 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lone Star Café at the Prime Outlet Mall. Visitors and guests are welcome to attend. For additional information, call Ren Linér at (512) 353-0217; e-mail smtoastmasters@yahoo. com or visit www.sanmarcos. freetoasthost.org

faith will be 7 p.m. in the library of the CSC.

On this day... 1616 — Walter Raleigh was released from Tower of London to seek gold in Guyana.

The language of the ASG Referendum will be voted on.

1627 — France & Spain signed an accord for ﬁghting Protestantism.

The Association of Information Technology Professionals will hold a chapter meeting 5:00 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 127. Eric Long, software engineer, will discuss his experiences at IBM. Pizza and soda will be provided. All majors are welcome.

1760 — The great ﬁre of Boston destroyed 349 buildings. 1792 — In Paris, the Legislative Assembly approved the use of the guillotine.

The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents “On Daniel Dennett’s Elbow Room and Freedom Evolves,” with Philosophy professor Paul Wilson, 12 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132.

1815 — Napoleon Bonaparte entered Paris after his escape from Elba and began his “Hundred Days” rule.

The Earth First Organization will meet 4 p.m. in Evan Liberal Arts, Room 314. For more information, e-mail Bogan Durr at bd1132@txstate.edu.

1816 — The U.S. Supreme Court aﬃrmed its right to review state court decisions. 1865 — A plan by John Wilkes Booth to abduct Abraham Lincoln was ruined when Lincoln changed his plans and did not appear at the Soldier’s Home.

The Tennis Club will meet 6 to 8 p.m. at the tennis courts on Sessom Drive, behind Joe’s Crab Shack. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, e-mail Chris Harris, tennis club president, at ch1282@txstate.edu. The Alcohol and Drug Resource Center will hold “The Network” meeting 5 to 7 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3-6.1.

THURSDAY

1868 — Jesse James Gang robbed a bank in Russelville, KY, of $14,000. Monty Marion/Star photo Josh Cavazos, music performance junior, plays the piano keys as he practices Monday in the Music Building for his April 14 recital.

The Stations of the Cross will take place 6 p.m. in the CSC chapel

University Police Department

The Rock - Praise & Worship will be 7:30 p.m. in the CSC chapel. The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents, “Atlas Shrugged: 50th Anniversary,” with Andrew Bernstein, visiting philosophy professor from Marist College, 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. The Philosophy Dialogue Series presents, “Human Freedom: Burden or Gift?” 11 a.m. in the Psychology Building, Room 132. Meditation and contemplation will be 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. Overeaters Anonymous meets 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

WEDNESDAY

Texas State tennis will play A&MCorpus Christi 10 a.m. at the Tennis Complex.

A student-led rosary will be prayed 6:25 p.m. in the chapel of the CSC. An inquiry class about the Catholic

SUNDAY

Texas State tennis will be play

1883 — The Unity treaty of Paris was signed to protect industrial property.

CRIME BL TTER

The Catholic Student Organization will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the CSC lounge.

Students in Free Enterprise will hold a meeting 4:15 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 113. Students interested in becoming involved with the community, making business connections and learning leadership skills are encouraged to attend.

Texas State softball will play Texas A&M 6 p.m. at Bobcat Field.

On Key

March 7, 1:55 p.m. Criminal Mischief under $1500/Strahan Commuter Lot An officer was dispatched for a report of criminal mischief. A student reported his car had been vandalized. This case is under investigation. March 8, 12:02 a.m. Disturbance/Jowers Parking An officer was dispatched for a complaint of an irate driver. Upon further investigation a student was found to have been argumentative with a staff member. A report was made of this case.

March 8, 12:17 a.m. Medical Emergency/LBJ Student Center An oﬃcer was dispatched for a report of a student feeling ill. EMS arrived. The student refused transport to Central Texas Medical Center, but requested transport to the Student Health Center for further evaluation. March 8, 12:41 a.m. Theft under $500/UPD Lobby An oﬃcer was dispatched to the lobby for a theft report. A student reported an item had

been taken without consent. This case is under investigation. March 8, 3:58 p.m. Information Report/UPD Lobby An oﬃcer was dispatched to the lobby for an information report. A student reported property damage by an unknown person. A report was made of this case. March 8, 4:23 p.m. Fire Call/Aquarena Conference Center An oﬃcer was dispatched

when a non-student reported smelling smoke. Upon further investigation by oﬃcers and San Marcos Police Department, a blown electrical component was found. A report was made of this case. March 8, 8:19 p.m. Medical Emergency/ Intramural Fields An oﬃcer was dispatched for a report of a medical emergency. A student reported having fallen and injured herself while playing. She refused transport to the CTMC for further evaluation.

‘More exotic locales’ draw study-abroad students Move over England, France and Italy. More students are investigating places like Malaysia, Ghana and Israel for studying abroad over the more traditional European locations. A recent report found that ﬁve countries — Malaysia, Ecuador, Ghana, Thailand and Israel — were among the more popular inquiries for study abroad locales. “There is a particular trend toward more exotic locales when it comes to summer study abroad options,” said John Duncan, advisor to StudyAbroad.com. “Students typically seek these

diﬀerent options when considering opportunities that don’t require them to transfer a full semester’s worth of credits.” In the past quarter leading into this summer’s study abroad application deadlines, StudyAbroad.com, an online resource for overseas education opportunities, has seen an increase in the number of students searching for study abroad programs in these typically less popular places. “Many students will end up studying in Western locations because they’re familiar, and it’s easier to assimilate into the culture,” Duncan said. “There are a

Health Beat Unhealthy relationships diminish self worth, independence

Romantic relationships require work and commitment for success. Sometimes maintaining a healthy relationship is easy, because both partners are working together. However, relationships can be unhealthy and even damaging when one or both people do not have each other’s best interests in mind. Because of this, it is important to understand the diﬀerence between a healthy and an unhealthy relationship. Healthy relationships involve several factors, including respect. This means both partners accept each other’s in-

dividuality and differences. Another component is trust, which allows both individuals to have independent relationships and activities. Honesty is also necessary; it enables the sharing of feelings, needs and desires. In a healthy relationship, partners must be able to resolve conflicts in a rational, peaceful and mutually agreed-upon manner. In addition, they must share sexual histories, practice safe-sex methods, respect each other’s boundaries and be able to say “no” to sex. Finally, a healthy relationship signifies that both people are having fun and being themselves. In any unhealthy relationship, one may feel pressured to agree with a partner’s opinions or

number of benefits, however — not often thought of — to choosing a more unusual location.” Duncan said advantages of exotic locales can include: - Cost: living and educational program costs are generally less expensive - Culture: a greater cultural difference can lead to a more immersive experience - Unique study and program opportunities: more exotic locations typically offer more varied, hands-on educational programs such as anthropology, biology or sustainable development For students who want in-

formation on studying abroad, country requirements and other international educational opportunities, Duncan suggests visiting the following resources: - StudyAbroadFunding.org for scholarships, grants and ﬁnancial aid - The study abroad oﬃce at your university; talk with your advisor - Three Web resources to begin research: - www.IIEPassport.org - www.StudyAbroad.com - www.nafsa.org/secussa

feel they must have a partner’s validation for any independent activities and friendships. In addition, both must be able to make decisions without asking for the other person’s input. Unhealthy relationships are often dishonest; both partners may lie to each other or make excuses for the other person. People in relationships may also keep sexual histories or an STD a secret. They might be afraid to ask a partner to use protection, or be forced to have sex even though they have said “no.” Unhealthy relationships can also lead to violence. Partners may yell, hit, shove or throw things during an argument. Finally, an unhealthy relationship means participants are

unable to be themselves; they may feel restricted, confused, scared, guilty, uncomfortable, humiliated or trapped. For more information about healthy relationships, contact the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208 or visit www.counseling.txstate.edu. To ﬁnd more information about sexual violence or STDs, contact the Health Education Resource Center at (512) 245-2309 or visit www. healthcenter.txstate.edu/healthed. These services are available to help address concerns and to aid in the formation of successful and beneﬁcial relationships.

—Courtesy of Collegiate Presswire

—Courtesy of Texas State Health Center

NEWS

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

The University Star - Page 3

American GI Forum celebrates 59 years of serving Hispanic veterans By Patrick Ygnacio The University Star The San Marcos chapter of the American GI Forum celebrated its 59th year of service to Hispanics and veterans of the community Sunday at Cuauhtémoc Hall. U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett, D-TX, was on hand to deliver the opening speech and answer questions about the condition of veterans’ health administration hospitals within the district. “It seems to me that given its history of involvement of fighting discrimination at home, the attitude of the American GI Forum has not been, ‘my country, right or wrong,’ but the higher patriotic calling of, ‘my country, I will right the wrongs that I see within it,’” Doggett said. The San Marcos GI Forum was one of the first chapters established in 1948 dedicated to “addressing problems of discrimination and inequities endured by Hispanic veterans.” Mayor Susan Narvaiz was among those attendees who publicly voiced their support for the organization. Both Doggett and Narvaiz arrived early to exchange greetings with various members and officers of the GI Forum. The ceremony began with a brief prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, given by Augustin Lucio Jr., longstanding forum member who earned a Silver Star for his service on the beaches of

Normandy. Prior to Doggett’s speech, University President Denise Trauth expressed her support for the forum and Narvaiz read an official statement proclaiming March as American GI Forum Month. In his speech, Doggett briefly touched on the current military conflict in Iraq and discussed the needed support for the thousands of troops currently serving abroad. “To me, ‘support our troops’ means listening to sound military advice and not sending our troops off unless they have the equipment, the number of troops and all that they need in order to be successful,” Doggett said. In response to the recent discovery of the lack of proper care at veterans’ health administration facilities nationwide, Doggett discussed the importance of the healthcare, not only for those currently serving, but also for those who have returned home. Doggett said providing consistent follow-up care for returning soldiers is crucial to offering genuine support for American troops. Following a brief questionand-answer session over the legislative progressions aimed at addressing this problem, attendees were invited to stay and enjoy refreshments and meet with one another. Mendez encouraged anyone interested in joining the GI forum to pick up an application and made note of the need

for younger members. Mendez said it was a dream of the original founder, Hector P. Garcia, to have chapters at every major university in the country. Sylvia Garza, chairwoman of the women’s section of the GI forum in San Marcos, said families of veterans should become proactive in the ongoing work of older members of the forum. There is a lot of work to be done, Garza said, and there is a need for younger generations to work toward taking over the leadership of the organization in the near future. “The younger generation can promote the cause by joining and by taking the leadership because men that are already in the forum are too old and they are ready to retire,” Garza said. “Some of them are close to 80.” In addition to providing support and recognition of war veterans and their families, the San Marcos chapter of the GI Forum conducts various community events. These include fund-raisers to help the organization’s scholarships that are given out every year. With matching grants from diﬀerent organizations, the San Marcos GI forum awards approximately $14,000 in scholarships to local students every year, Garza said. Lucio, Hays County’s most decorated veteran, is still an active member in the GI forum. Lucio said his time in the military provided him with many educational

Jon Clark/ Star photo 59 YEARS STRONG: U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett, D-TX, (left) greets Celestino Mendez, GI Forum ofﬁcer, during a celebration honoring the organization Sunday at Cuauhtémoc Hall.

experiences, but an education achieved in school should still be a priority for anyone interested in military service. “People can educate other people by being educated themselves,” Lucio said. Aside from providing educational assistance to college students, the GI forum is actively involved in addressing concerns that are presented on a national level. Just recently, the National

American GI Forum initiated a boycott of the Public Broadcasting System in response to a yet-to-be-aired World War II documentary. According to a press release from the national forum, producers of the Ken Burns documentary, The War, failed to acknowledge the “Latino WWII experience” and the major contributions the Hispanic community provided during the war. The oﬃcial press release calls for support from various organi-

zations by “demanding that PBS correct this injustice” and asks donors to “question the discriminatory practices of the present administration of PBS.” The San Marcos chapter of the American GI Forum conducts meetings on the second Wednesday of each month and is currently accepting applications for membership. The local headquarters for the San Marcos chapter are located at 415 S. Mitchell St.

Former student sees his Texas State enrollment go up in smoke By Alex Hering The University Star

After his second arrest for drug possession at Brogdon Hall, Winston Bennett now waits for a decision on his last appeal to the Vice President of Student Aﬀairs. Bennett, former chemistry freshman, was arrested Feb. 18 by the University Police Department for the possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He stood in The Quad February asking students to listen to his story and sign a petition requesting he remain enrolled at Texas State. The petition proved to be ineﬀective because the policy on drug possession in the student handbook, said Ismael Amaya, coordinator of student justice. Even with the 750-plus signatures Bennett collected over the

course of February and March, his first appeal was reviewed and denied March 9 by the hearing committee. “Basically, I (went) up there and presented my case, and they reached a verdict,” he said. “They said that I was in violation of school policy and I had to be expelled. It all took less than an hour. It didn’t matter who I was or what I did, all that mattered was what was on paper. That’s all that mattered.” Bennett, who has started to pack up his belongings, said, “I don’t think it will work but I want to appeal again to (Joanne Smith), the vice president of student affairs.” Amaya said he is not aware of the difficulty a student might encounter in pursuit of acceptance to another institution, but

he encourages students who have been expelled to seek out an education whether it may be at Texas State, if possible, or at another institution. “There is little we can do for them, but we encourage them to look at their options,” Amaya said. “We encourage them to look at what is close to home. When they chose to come to Texas State, they may have been between this university and another university. They may have an opportunity to look at the other one.” Bennett said he plans to go back home to Austin. “I’m going to get a job until the summer,” he said. “Then start to go to Austin Community College. Since I’m permanently expelled from Texas State, I’ll have to go somewhere else. I got accepted to UT San Antonio and UT Ar-

lington, so maybe I’ll go there.” Amaya said students exhibiting risky behaviors should look to the university resources for help. “I would remind them that it is illegal behavior and inform them of the possible cons and let them know of the policy of the university system and encourage them to take advantage of the resources here,” Amaya said. “We have the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, the counseling center — just depending on the behavior being addressed.” David Gabler, assistant vice president for university communications at The University of Texas-San Antonio, said in a situation involving expulsion, a student’s application would go under review with the admissions committee. “This is a pretty standard with

most institutions,” Gabler said. “The admissions committee generally looks at students with fairly low grades or low academic performance but they will look at anything that is relevant to the application.” Travis Reeder, accounting junior, said his brother was expelled from Southwest Texas State 10 years ago for drug possession. “He was a freshman or sophomore and he was living in the dorms and somehow they ended up finding drug paraphernalia and he was expelled from school,” Reeder said. “They had a zero tolerance rule, and it was his first offense. He came back home that year and about a year later he went to ITT Tech and graduated valedictorian of his class. After that he moved to Denver and now he’s about to graduate this

semester from an international school with a business degree.” Reeder said he knows people who exhibit risky type behavior regularly. “My best friend got a ticket for possession and had to go to court,” he said. “The judge ordered random drug tests for six weeks, and he just had his last one. He’s not going to stop smoking. I pretty much tell him to quit being stupid.” Bennett said he will accept the decision of the VPSA and he now knows the rules and acknowledges the consequences. “College has been the best time of my life and it sucks that now that I’m leaving it,” he said. “That’s what happens sometimes though. Rules are rules. Once you break them, they’ll kick you out.”

Page 4 - The University Star

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

NEWS

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

The University Star - Page 5

REVIEW: SMPD honors former officer killed in Iraq CONTINUED from page 1

received throughout the year, including $39,000 for victim’s services and $16,800 for additional body armor. With continued large numbers of calls for service and phone activity in the communication center, SMPD looks forward to the creation

of the Dispatcher Regional Training Academy by the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG). This training center will utilize a six- to eight-week course, reducing the current dispatcher training time by half. Candidates will have the opportunity to receive degrees in multiple areas of emergency response. “In this day and age it is very diﬃcult to hire

capable people as dispatchers,” said Rosanna Wisener, SMPD records and communications manager. “CAPCOG is taking on a huge responsibility by building this center. There is much training required for these positions and the course will include training in many areas including ﬁre emergencies.” The conference gave the department an op-

SURVEY: Results may effect city’s budget CONTINUED from page 1

services, garbage pickup, recreation programs and parks/facilities/open space. Services that have had the sharpest improvement in their ratings within the last year are financial management of the city funds and assets, traffic control, electric services, fire services and wastewater collection and treatment. Respondents identified their top five priorities as economic growth and job opportunities, taxes, road maintenance, growth management and affordable housing.

Narvaiz said she was greatly pleased the No. 1 priority cited across all types of demographics coincided with her personal priority: the need for economic growth. “The statistics say we have the lowest paying wages in our county,” she said. “I am not proud of those things.” Before someone can be concerned about issues such as the environment, they have to have a good standard of living, Narvaiz said. The survey found the respondents’ ages, marital status and incomes sometimes inﬂuence their attitudes toward various

city services. According to the survey, Texas State students and residents who are 40 years old or younger are significantly less satisfied with police services and environmental protection than those who are older than 40. Students are also less satisfied with downtown renovations than other residents. “It could be that the younger generation is more idealistic or environmentally active,” Tajalli said. “Statistics does not tell us why things happen, just if they happen.” He said the student demo-

graphic was not originally included in the survey, but was added later to improve the relationship between the city and the university. The survey found married residents to be significantly more satisfied with environmental protection, garbage pickup, library programs and police services than non-married residents. Narvaiz said the city council plans to utilize the information from the survey and the feedback from Thursday’s Citizen Summit to help formulate the budget policy statement for the upcoming fiscal year.

Alberto Gonzales’ replacement already being sought out By Ron Hutcheson and Greg Gordon McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON — The White House began floating the names of possible replacements for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Monday as the Justice Department released more internal documents related to the firings of eight U.S. attorneys last year. One prominent Republican, who earlier had predicted that Gonzales would survive the controversy, said he expected both Gonzales and Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty to resign soon. Another wellconnected Republican said that White House officials have launched an aggressive search for Gonzales’ replacement, though Bush hadn’t decided whether to ask for his resignation. Support for Gonzales appeared to be collapsing under

one of us knows what’s “N going to happen to us over the next 21 months .” .

— Tony Snow White House spokesman

the weight of questions about his truthfulness and his management ability. White House spokesman Tony Snow oﬀered a tepid defense when asked if Gonzales would stay on the job until the end of President Bush’s term. “We hope so,” Snow said. “None of us knows what’s going to happen to us over the next 21 months.” The moves toward Gonzales’ ouster were ﬁrst reported by www.politico.com, the online version of The Politico newspaper. “The sands have been shifting pretty dramatically,” one

of the Republicans said. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid offending White House officials. Possible replacements for Gonzales include Michael Chertoff, homeland security secretary, Chris Cox, security and exchange commission chairman, Fran Townsend, White House anti-terrorism adviser, Larry Thompson, former deputy attorney general, Theodore B. Olson, former solicitor general. Gonzales’ hold on his job has been in doubt since he was forced to acknowledge last week that he and his advisers

have given Congress incorrect information about the dismissals of eight U.S. attorneys. Internal administration documents collected by congressional investigators contradicted Justice Department assurances that the White House played no role in the firings. The documents also indicated that Gonzales might have known more about the plan for dismissals than he’d acknowledged. Congressional Democrats said they’re increasingly convinced that at least some of the ousted prosecutors were fired because they either investigated Republicans or declined to prosecute Democrats. Administration officials have repeatedly denied that politics played any role in the firings. Congressional investigators took delivery of a new batch of Justice Department documents late Monday. Their release wasn’t expected to help Gonzales keep his job.

portunity to say a ﬁnal farewell to former SMPD oﬃcer Rudy Mesa, a 12-year veteran who died in Iraq May 8. “He was killed by a roadside bomb while serving,” said Assistant Chief Lisa Dvorak. “He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. A scholarship has been established at Texas State University in his name.”

Shaved clean to help those in need By Karen Little The University Star Fifty onlookers filled the professional development office March 9 in J.C. Kellam to watch five people get their heads shaved. Complete with razors and shaving cream, Texas State participants raised almost $3,000 to help support St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s fight against childhood cancer. St. Baldrick’s is the “world’s biggest volunteer-driven fund-raising program for childhood cancer,” according to their Web site. It’s name is a play on the words bald and St. Patrick’s Day. This is Texas State’s second year to participate in the fund-raiser. Scott Erwin, director of sponsored programs, presented the St. Baldrick’s program to Texas State in 2006. He was the first and only person to shave his head at last year’s event. “There have been people not only in our office, but people we work with on a daily basis dealing with cancer,” he said. “It is near and dear to the staff as a whole.” Erwin said he was asked after presenting the idea of starting the fund-raiser if he would shave his head. He said it was an inferior issued compared with facing a problem as daunting as children’s cancer. The event began as a team effort, Erwin said. More than $800 was collected last year in the office of sponsored programs. As more people became involved, it was moved to the more spacious office of professional development. This year, Erwin raised almost $1,000 completely on his own. “We felt like making the event with staff as a whole so we brought

it over here,” he said. After Erwin’s head was shaved, cashier Leigh Schuller was next in line. Schuller said a co-worker’s participation initially sparked her interest. “I read about it and wanted to take part,” she said. “It’s all about the children. Any opportunity to help kids I want to participate in.” Schuller said she raised $310 from the St. Baldrick’s Web site and from people who personally delivered the money. She joked with the surrounding women as she stepped up to the barber’s chair. “I’ve had short hair before, but not that short,” she said. The last person to be shaved was Valerie Anderson, professional development assistant, who raised more than $800. Anderson put her red hair in small ponytails so she could keep them as a souvenir. “I have a lot of family and friends who have cancer,” she said. “Once I got the idea in my head, I had to follow through.” Each participant was given a “survival kit,” complete with a bag of Airheads, Coppertone sunscreen, Mr. Bubbles, a camouﬂage do-rag and a wig. Anderson received a red wig similar to the shade of her own hair. Anderson’s sister and niece came to witness the shaving. She said her husband was away on business, so she decided to tell him via the Internet. “I e-mailed my husband to tell him,” Anderson said. After each volunteer was cleanshaven, they were asked to put on a green plastic top hat and pose for a photograph. “(My) hair will grow back,” Erwin said. “It was a small sacriﬁce.”

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - Page 6

releasesof the week dvd

music

Rocky Balboa — (PG) Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young Blood Diamond — (R) Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou Eragon — (PG) Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons

We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank — Modest Mouse Sound of Silver — LCD Soundsystem Last of the Breed — Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price

SXSW

Trends Contact — Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Authority Zero showcases style-blending rock By Jessica Sinn The University Star

Searching for an Authority Zero album in a record store can be challenging. The band fuses reggae, ska, punk, flamenco, surf guitar and Irish ballads, making it almost impossible to squeeze them into a single category. Mesa, Ariz.-based Authority Zero performed at the Dirty Dog Bar Friday during ReverbNation’s official South by Southwest party. The band showcased new music from their latest studio album 12:34. According to lead vocalist Jason DeVore, over the course of the 1990s, the band gradually transitioned from fast skatepunk to slower emotion-driven sounds. DeVore attributes these changes to life experiences and genuine personal thoughts. “We’re still writing from the heart and writing about the same things that are affecting us on a daily basis,” DeVore Maira Garcia/Star photo said. “We feel music differently at certain times in our lives and ROCKIN’ THE MIC: Authority Zero Lead vocalist Jason DeVore shows off his lyrical skills during the that’s how it comes out. If it’s band’s set Friday afternoon at the ReverbNation South by Southwest party. forced, it’s going to sound fake and stupid, so it kind of came what began as a hobby resulted flow. and to keep it flowing.” out naturally — we’re really in his full-length solo album “Sometimes it just feels borBill Marcks, guitarist and proud of it.” Conviction. ing and kind of empty,” DeVore backup vocalist, said the new DeVore said he tapped into DeVore said the band still said. “I feel there needs to be album features an assortment his emotions as he sporadically continues to create hard-hit- something else to go along with of different musical styles. wrote and recorded a series of ting punk rock songs. He said the rhythm of the beat. It’s a lot “We slowed some things down intimate acoustic songs while he likes to spice up the music of fun to bounce the words off touring. According to DeVore, by infusing a fast-paced lyrical the beat as it’s going through See AUTHORITY ZERO, page 7

Buffalo Killers light up South by Southwest By Todd Schaaf The University Star Two brothers home-schooled in rock and roll, a childhood friend and a whole lot of hair are stirring things up in the Midwest’s rock scene. Brothers Zach and Andrew Gabbard and friend Joey Sebaali make up the shaggy-haired Ohio rock trio Buffalo Killers. Buffalo Killers were one of the many bands featured at this year’s South by Southwest music festival. The band played Friday at Beerland on Red River in downtown Austin as part of the Blackout Booking Showcase. Lead guitarist and vocalist Andrew Gabbard said he felt the band was meant to be together. “We were just playing around together, we had been in different bands and then started playing together,” Andrew Gabbard said. The Courtesy of buffalokillers.com group “turned into one big family unit. It was bound to happen.” MIDWESTERN ROCK N’ ROLLERS: Buffalo Zach Gabbard, big brother, bass Killers, a rock trio from Ohio, played a South by player and vocalist said the band Southwest showcase at Beerland Friday. The was born after paring down the band cites influences such as Neil Young and line up of their previous bands. The Grateful Dead. The music of the Buffalo Killers

“W

e grew up in a small little town, sitting around, smoking pot and listening to old records — there’s nothing to bother you there.” —Andrew Gabbard lead guitarist, Buﬀalo Killers

is a blend of 70s-style southern rock, blues and psychedelic guitar solos. Zach Gabbard said several musicians inﬂuenced the band. “I mean we grew up listening to Neil Young, New Riders (of the Purple Sage), The Grateful Dead and all these groups that our dad turned us on to,” he said. “And our dad, he taught us guitar.” Andrew Gabbard said he started playing guitar as a child. “I’ve been playing since I was See BUFFALO KILLERS, page 7

Midlake’s grooves reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac By Laura Jamison The University Star Midlake’s throwback sound, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, was a style developed over time, according to the group. The Denton-based band played Saturday at a South by Southwest showcase at Buffalo Billiards, featuring their 1970s folk music sound. Drummer McKenzie Smith said the music evolved to its current sound, which incorporates guitars, keyboard and flute. “Our influences were modern at first, like early 2000 stuff. Then it was a complete shift to older music,” he said. Smith said the band absorbed the music they were listening to. “I think it was because whatever music you’re around you

become a sponge to it. When you write, it just comes out like that,” Smith said. “Although people say that this is not true, it really is. Like if you go on MySpace right now, there are probably nine million bands that sound like Blink 182, and that is because that is what they were listening to.” Signed to Bella Union Records, the band has gathered an international fan base by playing festivals such as Wintercase and Les Inrockuptibles. The band is now headed to Europe to greet audiences in Liverpool, London and several other cities. Each of the band members were jazz students at the University of North Texas, channeling their understanding and love for music into albums like Bamnan and Slivercork and The Trials of Van Occupanther. However, their

formal music training doesn’t necessarily reﬂect their sound, according to Smith, who said he has mixed emotions about the education he received. “Learning a lot about something can make it good but it can also make you too analytical,” he said. “We want to be aggressive, sloppy and soulful. And music school can take the soul out of a lot of things.” Smith said he a distinct type of love for his bandmates, as he joked about how he hated them, but then laughed. “I love them. It is like marriage times ﬁve,” Smith said. Guitarist Eric Nichelson said he shared similar feelings. “We all laughed together and we all cried together,” Nichelson said. “You have to work at it just like with your mom or dad. It takes energy to work at it.”

With a constant touring schedule, Nichelson said not everyone can deal with the complexities of having a family and job requiring him to be on the road. However, he said he remains optomistic. “I am married with two kids. You have to be a certain type of person to understand our life,” Nichelson said. “It is a lot about just not being around.”

WEDNESDAY Pete Townshend, bassist of The Who, was the Keynote Speaker at the South By Southwest 2007 Music Conference. Townshend spoke Wednesday evening at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Austin. Paul Hamilton/ Special to The Star

THURSDAY

Paul Hamilton/Special to The Star Austin band I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness was featured in the Secretly Canadian showcase Thursday night at the Mohawk. The band is currently working on a new album.

TRENDS

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

The University Star - Page 7

New technologies could render record companies obsolete By Jeﬀery D. Hooten The University Star The development of digital media may have ushered in a new era for music, but the change has left many in the industry wondering about their future. The revolution in music distribution that began with the surge in popularity of MP3s in the late 90s gained a new dynamic with the creation of social networking websites such as MySpace. This shift in the music industry was a topic on the mind of many artists at South by Southwest last week. Many suspect that CDs and other forms of physical media may soon disappear. “This is a very scary time because CDs are not sold like they used to be,” said Brazilian vocal-

“I

t’s crazy because these dinosaur companies kind of have a strangle hold and they’re afraid to accept the change and try to work with it.” —Luke O’Malley Guitar player, Antibalas

ist Tita Lima. This shift away from conventional forms of music distribution has left many artists exploring new directions. “(It seems that) CDs will be less and less a part of the deal

and it’s more and more about distributing your music in smaller chunks through the internet and staying on digital formats almost exclusively after a while,” said Shane Endsley, trumpet player for the Los Angeles-based band Kneebody. By far those most aﬀected by these changes are the record labels. With distribution and publicity increasingly shifting into the artists’ hands, many foresee the possible death of traditional record companies. “It’s crazy because these dinosaur companies kind of have a strangle hold and they’re afraid to accept the change and try to work with it,” Luke O’Malley, guitar player for Antibalas, said. “It’s the same thing that happened with (the development

of) FM radio; same thing that happened with CDs… they’re afraid so they’re trying to control it rather than letting it grow and seeing how the market will emerge afterwards.” O’Malley said that the Internet has given musicians power they never had before. “If you’re smart and work hard you can market yourself with MySpace or all sorts of social networking groups,” O’Malley said. “There’s a million ways to do-it-yourself now and I think that’s very scary for (record companies) because there’s no distribution media anymore and that puts them out of a job.” For some, the demise of corporate record companies would be a welcome occurrence. “The death of the record label – that’s probably a good thing,”

SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST, continued AUTHORITY ZERO CONTINUED from page 6

and kept about three songs as fast as the first album,” Marcks said. “Then, just to throw a wrench in the machine, we threw in a couple dub songs in there, and kept the traditional songs that we’re trying to do for every album.” Marcks said their music is influenced by Spanish and Portuguese rhythms. “I believe the different influences affect the stylization of guitar work and rhythms,” Marcks said. “The flamenco that appears spreads through the songs because we’ll use minor chords and diminish cords that are reminiscent of music from Portugal and Brazil.” As the band performed a sampler of songs, a handful of fans swarmed the stage and

belted out the lyrics. DeVore said he’s ﬂattered when he sees that fans know the words by heart. “It’s an awesome feeling when people take the time to listen to our music, obviously numerous times to get it down, and that it means something to them a well as to us,” DeVore said. Megan Turbeville, Austin resident and Texas State alumna, said she was pleasantly surprised by Authority Zero’s energetic stage show. “It’s much harder than the type of music I usually listen to, but I really dig their eclectic mix of punk and reggae,” Turbeville said. “I think it’s really impressive when a band can get a small crowd going — I would deﬁnitely go see another one of their shows.”

Endsley said. “It hasn’t always been the most helpful thing for artists.” In addition to the record companies that support them, some feel professional studios may become obsolete with the emergence of widely available and inexpensive home recording equipment. “Everything is going to be so much more in-house,” Endsley said. “I think that’s going to affect music on a whole in an interesting way because it’s going to change the format, like not releasing whole albums all the time and maybe just (putting) up a track a week from something I made at my house because home studio gear is so much cheaper.” Because it is now cheaper to make and easier to distribute,

many feel that people are being exposed to music they may have never heard otherwise. “There’s so much more music and you can share so much more,” Endsley said. “Everyone’s spectrum of music that they’ve heard has completely opened up.” Kaveh Rastegar, bass player for Kneebody, said he believes the music industry will be fine so long as there are music fans willing to spend money. “People who are businessmen will always find ways to market music and it might not be in that conventional sense that we know,” Rastegar said. In general most seem confident that whatever the future holds for the music industry, music is not going anywhere. “I’ll adapt, I’m very good at adapting to things,” Lima said.

FRIDAY

BUFFALO KILLERS CONTINUED from page 6

about five years old,” he said. “We’re a very musical family, our dad was really open-minded.” Andrew Gabbard said the music the Buffalo Killers makes is a result of its members’ environment. “Growing up in Ohio, you don’t have anything to bother you,” he said. “We grew up in a small little town, sitting around, smoking pot and listening to old records — there’s nothing to bother you there.” Although the Gabbard brothers have been to SXSW before, it was their first time as the Buffalo Killers. They said they plan to come back. “We tour all around the country and we make friends and it gives us a chance to see all these people we don’t get to see and

hang out with, because everyone’s here,” Zach Gabbard said. Zach Gabbard explained even though his band wasn’t playing one of the larger venues in the festival, he is pleased with the exposure. “You go to a new place for the first time, and there might be 10 people there, but those 10 people tell 50 of their friends. That’s how it works,” he said. The Buffalo Killers signed with Alive Records, and said they had momentum from the start. “We sent (Alive Records) five songs, and they called us back in a couple days. Two months later, our record came out,” Zach Gabbard said. Zach Gabbard said he anticipates much more music to come from the Buffalo Killers. “We’re gonna keep making records for the rest of our lives.”

Paul Hamilton/Special to The Star Politically-charged rap group Public Enemy headlined the free SXSW Dew Music Festival Friday night at Town Lake on Auditorium Shores with Ozomatli and X-Clan.

SATURDAY

Student chooses St. Patty’s day to break beer-drinking world record By Todd Schaaf The University Star If all goes according to plan, a Texas State student could soon be a world record holder. Casey Williams, exercise and sports science senior, said he broke the world record for drinking a pint of stout beer faster than any person previously recorded, which is pending official review. Williams attempted the feat at the Tap Room on St. Patrick’s Day. The old record was 2.1 seconds, according to Williams. Williams finished his pint in a time of 1.5 seconds. His time was averaged from two digital stopwatches, one reading 1.47 seconds and one at 1.53 seconds. “I was shooting for 1.3. But it’s a pint, and I normally do just a 12-ounce can. I mean I broke the record. So yeah, I’m pleased,” Williams said. Monty Marion/Star feature photo Williams said there are strict NO TIME TO SAVOR: Casey Williams, exercise and sports science senior, throws back a pint of Guinrequirements from the Guinness World Records for the pint ness Monday at the Tap Room. He unofficially set the record time for drinking a pint of stout during St. chug. Patrick’s Day celebrations. “(The timer) starts whenever I start, and it ends whenever was Guinness Draught. chug a pint of the traditionally Williams said it was no shock the glass hits the deck,” WilThe unofficial record-setting Irish Guinness beer. that her son was attempting to liams said. event was the brainchild of WilThe chugging was witnessed break the record. Williams attempted the chug liams, one of his friends and a by anyone in the bar who could “I thought it was crazy. It’s twice at the request of onlook- Tap Room bartender. get a good view, and it was pho- just him; it’s his personality. I ers at the Tap Room. His first “What happened was me and tographed and video-taped for wasn’t surprised,” Becky Wilpint was the attempt recorded my buddy Jason came up here official reasons. The video and liams said. “He takes every opat 1.5 seconds, with only a sliver for lunch one day and we were photographs will be sent to portunity he can to show me he of beer remaining in the glass, just kind of talking about it,” Guinness World Records for ver- can still do it.” which Williams said is allowed Williams said. “I hadn’t done it ification. If any doubt remains, a Although Becky Williams said by Guinness World Records. in a while, so the manager of representative of Guinness will she is proud for her son, she The second attempt, Williams the bar poured one up, and I put come to witness Williams chug compared his talents over the failed to finish the whole pint, it down. It was just like ‘bam!’” the beer first hand. years. but had already recorded his Williams said the bartender Casey Williams’ friends and “Instead of being our little 6winning time. suggested attempting to break family were on hand to cheer year-old that we asked to come in The stout beer chosen by Wil- the record at the Tap Room on him on and wish him good luck. and sing a song for our friends, liams to break the world record St. Patrick’s Day, a fitting day to Casey William’s mother, Becky we ask Casey to chug beer.”

Emily Messer/Star photo Tim Heidecker from the Adult Swim animated series Tom Goes to the Mayor, performs a bike stunt at South by Southwest. Heidecker was in town to promote his new show Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

Page 8 - The University Star

Exhibit’s juxtaposition between violence, innocence stirs emotional connection So, despite the fact look like you want to go that I’m your average eat campus food with busy/anxious/disme.” tracted college student “Huh?” — and I usually “enter“C’mon.” tain” myself by sleep“But I’m at work. Obing, eating, staring at viously.” dust motes, vacantly “Yeah, well. I’m gonna GEORGIA FISHER consuming cheese and pop in the gallery real Star Columnist altogether slowing the quick.” ol’ heart rate down I had a few minutes, to nothing — I happened upon max, before my tram came, with a culture-enhancing event that an hour’s wait if I missed it, but merits real recommendation. didn’t leave the building or look It’s the campus art exhibit, at my watch for twice that long. entitled LOYAL OPPOSITION, I was hooked, and about which will come down Wednesseven-eighths of the eye candy day. wasn’t even pretty. LOYAL OPPOSITION, which The exhibit was effective, I’ve not shut up about for days, though, and that got me. Pieces is in keeping with this year’s regarding war and racial identity Common Experience theme of and gender and death and sexu“Protest and Dissent.” It’s stunality — and in a skinny minute ning and effective and uncommy usual internal dialogue about fortable in all the right places. dating and zits and kittens and I’m an art minor, for the reTV fizzled into nothing. Or, the cord, but I am of the unschooled thoughts evolved into something sort who buys art for decoration socially conscious. more so than anything profound One work in the exhibit, a or sociopolitical. text-ridden photograph of a Weak? Probably. But I assure goofy little boy (perhaps a young you, at least, that I know quality version of the artist himself, when I see it and can steer clear with freckles, buck teeth, and a of Hallmark angels, babies in 50s-looking burr haircut), lists a flowerpots and whatever other series of things the subject will heinous imagery has activated endure as he gets older — stress the hormones and pocketbooks and pain, being ostracized and of more than a few nice women so on. my age. It’s relatable at first, reads Anyway. likes the rites of a standard, sad I happened by the gallery adulthood, but creates a lump in in part to see a painting by my the throat as the events become teacher and also to say “hi” to violent. my gallery-monitor friend and Like, “Oh, ‘immobilization by whine about being hungry. fire?’ ‘Decapitation?’ Wow. This “Dang, Matt,” I said. “You person’s life is outright tragic.”

The list continues, at which point you infer (or I did) that the hyper-eyed kid represents victims of war, maybe human suffering in general. You read on, in a manner of “Oop, here we go. Reachin’ capacity for disturbing information about stuff I’ve thank-God never witnessed. Ho-de-hum.” Then you reach the last sentence, and with one calm little knife’s-edge flick, you are totally disemboweled. Surprise. The boy, it turns out, is just gay. He’s not a martyr or a savior or an icon — or didn’t ask to be. He’s simply your cousin, neighbor or friend who played cops n’ robbers as a frecklefaced kid. And who simply grew up. His stories, you now recall, are ones you’ve read in the paper. And in one fell swoop you’re more educated than you ever asked to be. Ouch. Understand I don’t enjoy being depressed — OK, duh — and don’t wallow in dark or morose things for the sake of wallowing. But, I love a good jolt. And when something’s unique enough to nab my attention (rare) and well-founded enough to leave a blazing mark on my memory and perspective — hence, make me feel connected, alive for a second — I welcome it with open arms. I think we all do, and I figure we all could benefit from a little protest and dissent, whatever the flavor. © Pappocom

Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively. March 8 solutions:

March 8 solutions:

✯

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - Page 9

THE MAIN POINT

he University Star asks all Texas State students to participate in the student referendum Tuesday and Wednesday. The Associated Student Government is holding the referendum to amend its Constitution. We at The Star realize many students are not interested in ASG. Please remember this is not a student council. ASG exercises significant influence on the Student Service Fee Committee, the body that recommends to the university president how hundreds of thousands of our dollars should be spent. Student government represents us to the state legislature, as well. By voting in this referendum, students can affect who chooses how our money is spent and who represents our interests to lawmakers. The Star would like to offer recommendations on this referendum. The last, but most important initiative on the ballot would change the qualifications for ASG president. Currently, the president must serve two years in the ASG Senate or in an ex-officio position. The Star recommends students vote “yes” to remove this qualification, allowing any student with a 2.75 GPA to run for ASG president. The only other ballot initiatives of importance are items III, IV and V. Item III changes the number of Senate seats from 40 to 60. Fewer than half the Senators are elected. Most were appointed to fill vacant seats by a committee headed by ASG Vice President Amanda Oskey. For some reason, the Senate thinks adding more seats means fewer Senators will have to be appointed. The Star does not understand this logic and asks students to vote “no” on item III. Items III, IV and V would change the apportionment of the Senate. Senators represent the academic colleges they attend. These initiatives would decrease the number of Senators who represent those colleges and add off-campus, oncampus and at large seats. The Star thinks this will remove the last vestiges of a connection between ASG and its constituents and we ask students to vote “no” on items IV and V as well. The first two initiatives on the ballot are the most useless. Item I adds a paragraph to the Constitution’s preamble reserving ASG the right to “legislate, take up, and act upon any issue affecting any student of Texas State University for any reason.” This is an unnecessary addition to the preamble. Item II is in the same vein. It amends the Constitution so it refers to ASG as the “official,” rather than the “primary,” forum of student opinion for Texas State. Both these initiatives are useless, and The Star asks students to vote against them and send a message to the ASG Senate: Don’t waste your time, or students’ time with this silly rhetoric.

onlineconnection Should Amanda Oskey, Associated Student Government vice president, have dissolved the ASG Graduate House of Representatives? Go to www. UniversityStar.com to vote in our online poll. Results will be published in Thursday’s issue of The University Star. *This is not a scientiﬁc poll

REFERENDUM

RHETORIC Students can use opportunity to influence ASG

Letters to the Editor Pot problems call for revision of law Kudos to The University Star for a balanced story on House Bill 758, which seeks to reclassify possession of less than one ounce of marijuana from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class C misdemeanor. According to state arrest data, more than 95 percent of all Texans arrested on marijuana violations are charged with possession only. Moreover, among those arrested for pot possession, some 75 percent are under 30 years old. Passage of HB 758 will assure that these tens of thousands of otherwise lawabiding citizens, mainly young people, will not have to suﬀer the lifelong indignity and lack of opportunity that accompanies a criminal record. Texas lawmakers have tried being “tough on crime.” It’s time to be smart on crime. Paul Armentano NORML Foundation senior policy analyst Washington, D.C.

Marijuana should be decriminalized There is a lot of literature, studies and opinions floating around about the supposed benefits and downfalls of marijuana. Never having smoked marijuana but having plenty of opinions, let me say that from a medicinal standpoint, nearly all medicines have a toxic, potentially deadly effect. Aspirin for example, a commonly used over-the-counter drug, causes hundreds of deaths each year. Furthermore, searching the Internet and other references, I cannot find one instance of a proven, documented cannabisinduced fatality. But cannabis is a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD. A synthetic drug containing the same THClike substance found in marijuana is a Schedule III drug, which can be administered by your doctor. I have to ask why? Currently, 11 states have legalized cannabis for medical use (that’s upwards of 60 million people), and six others have decriminalized their polices towards its use. Also I’ve read that something like 37 percent of people currently incarcerated are locked up because they had less than an ounce of the drug in their possession. I’m of the opinion that we just release these individuals, slap them with a fine if need be, but free up those beds for the more dangerous elements of our society.

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.

Pat Stark/Star illustration

Bob Thompson Residence Life, construction contract administrator

Commuter rail plan should remain top priority in Central Texas I wanted to take commuter rail line in the a minute and thank country. Several other lines The University in California and Florida Star for its March reach the 90-mile length. 1 editorial “Cross The current tracks and County Connecright-of-way are owned by tion.” I think the the Union paciﬁc Railroad. editorial board has It is their property and has done a service for JOHN THOMAIDES been since the late 1800s, Guest Columnist the students and so we must negotiate the all residents of the transfer of ownership of the Interstate-35 corridor by keepland as well as the relocation of ing the issue of the Austin-San the freight rail system. Antonio Commuter Rail plan in I thank the Texas State Assothe forefront. ciated Student Government for Let me say that I also share passing legislation last year in both your enthusiasm and with support of the Rail Relocation the plan as well as your frustraFund, as well as Texas citizens tion over the perceived lack of for passing a statewide rail reprogress on its implementation location initiative in 2005. This so far. Several things I think we allows the state to sell bonds should keep in mind as we profor the purpose of relocating mote the plan are the enormity existing freight rail systems of its scope. such as the UP lines. The commuter rail line that The third challenge once the would extend from Georgetown ROW is acquired is the operato San Antonio would have 16 tions and maintenance of the stops along the 110-mile route system. Each city along the and would make it the longest route will be expected to pay

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

about $2 million per year for the right to have the service and help operate the trains. This would be made possible using a ﬁnancing strategy known as a TIF, or tax increment ﬁnancing. This essentially draws a circle around the proposed rail stop at LBJ and MLK drives and captures a percentage of the increase in taxable value of the development that would occur because the station is located there. All of the proposed stops on the line were extensively evaluated with this funding strategy in mind and were selected based on the location with the highest possible increase in taxable evaluations. Without the TIF funding it is doubtful that San Marcos could come up with $2 million annually needed for our share of the costs. Even with that money, we will still need substantial state and federal involvement to implement what is expected to be a $600 million project.

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

Wisely, the city and county governments along the route recognize the need and potential of the system. San Marcos has been a leading voice of support and joined the rail district very early, investing $50 thousand annually to have a seat at the table, and has encouraged other governmental bodies such as the county to participate. The city also invests a substantial sum of money each year to employ lobbyists to help advance the project in Austin and in Washington, D.C. I will be traveling there next week with some of my colleagues to meet with our senators, congressman and lobbying team to promote the plan. We are also asking the other jurisdictions to invest some of their tax dollars in this way to provide a uniﬁed front to our elected oﬃcials. I am very excited that our newly elected county judge and commissioners are “on board” with the idea and have

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publicly expressed support and assured me of their long-term commitment. Tell them thank you if you communicate with them. Texas State has helped to advance the effort through enthusiastic support of elected officials who promise to work towards turning this vision into reality. In addition, the university has provided office space for the ASA rail district staff in San Marcos. Make the commuter rail effort one of your top legislative priorities here in Texas and in Washington, and promote it to the legislature as much as other ideas. Do not underestimate the impact students and university administration can have in helping to transform this city and region by accomplishing the goal of commuter rail service. In a future column, I would like to detail some of the progress made and challenges ahead for making San Marcos the most bicycle and pedestrian friendly

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city in Texas initiative. Linking the rail and pedestrian initiatives is a seamless way for our citizens to travel easier, reduce air pollution and protect our natural environment and stay healthier. We have a long way to go, but as with most worthy ideas involving the city, state and federal government, it takes will power, patience and money. Thank you for your commitment to improving our great city with your energy and involvement. Together, we must remain passionate about these plans and continue to make steady progress. As always, I welcome any questions or comments, and if you would like to help join the eﬀort, just let me know. John Thomaides is the Place 6 councilman for the San Marcos City Council. He can be reached at thomaidesjohn@ ci.san-marcos.tx.us 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 March 20, 2007. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

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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.

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FEMALE LOOKING FOR NONSMOKING FEMALE for Fall 07-08 to share 2BD/2.5BA apart. at 109 Windmill Dr. Approx. $370/mo. + 1/2 elec. Includes internet, cable, w/d, close to campus on bus route, no pets. Call (512) 796-9236 or email sanari20@yahoo.com NOW PRE-LEASING FOR MAY ‘07 AND AUGUST ‘07. Call Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123. 1BD/1BA AVAILABLE! Water paid. GL, (512) 878-2233. 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 2BD/2.5BA townhouse, 3 blks. from TSU. Free HBO, free Road Runner, full size w/d, SMALL, CLEAN AND QUIET COMMUNITY. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans and prices. (512) 396-4181. AUGUST AVAILABILITY! 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms. GL, (512) 878-2233. LARGE 1BD WITH HUGE WALK IN CLOSET! GL, (512) 878-2233. ASAP MOVE-INS. Call GL, (512) 878-2233. $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 and quiet community. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans and prices. (512) 396-4181. 2BD/1BA. $750, walking distance to campus! GL, (512) 878-2233. 2BD/2BA WITH W/D AVAILABLE NOW. $575/mo. Park North (512) 353-7644. 3 ROOMMATES??? No problem! Duplexes available. GL, (512) 878-2233. APARTMENTSTOGO.COM. Free list of apartment prices and amenities or visit our office on The Square! (512) 353-FREE. BEST PRICE! Large 4BD/2BA with wood floors. GL, (512) 878-2233. 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. FURNISHED 4BD/4BA STUDENT PROPERTY. Great price! GL, (512) 878-2233. PERFECT ROOMMATE DESIGN, bus route, includes w/d. GL, (512) 878-2233. AFFORDABLE GATED SECLUSION, cable/internet paid. GL, (512) 787-2233.

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FOR RENT-DUPLEX 1628 POST. 2BD/1BA for $425. Immediate move-in. On the shuttle. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy (512) 665-3321.

FOR RENT-DUPLEX ROOMMATES NEEDED for 3BD/3.5BA duplexes. (512) 587-2660 or (210) 324-0285. $765 2BD/2BA 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 and prices. (512) 396-4181 2BD/1BA fourplex with w/d connections. CLEAN. Only $500. GL, (512) 878-2233. SPACIOUS 3BD/2.5BA! Garage, w/d included. GL, (512) 878-2233. AVAILABLE NOW! 3BD/3BA, w/d included, cable and trash paid. PRIME PMC, (512) 878-2233. 3BD/3BA AVAILABLE NOW! Quiet complex, $650/mo. PRIME PMC, (512) 878-2233. DUPLEX-3BD/2.5BA/2 CAR GARAGE on bus route, w/d, $1,050/mo., pets ok. Call (512) 587-7559. PLAN JUNE 1 MOVE. Duplex: Beautiful 3BD/2BA near W. Campus & Crockett Elem. Quite Neighborhood, Crown Mold, Fireplace, Tile, Fans, Drapes, w/d, DW, Microwave, Huge Storage, Courtyard, Deck, Walkins, Garage. Fenced Wooded Yard. Exceptional at $785 WOW! Nonsmoking, No dogs. (512) 353-8384. AVAILABLE NOW! 3BD/3BA, cable, w/d included. GL, (512) 878-2233. 3BD/3.5BA ON TSU BUS ROUTE, w/d included, big backyards. PRIME PMC, (512) 878-2233. SPACIOUS 3BD/2.5BA WITH GARAGE AND W/D. PRIME PMC, (512) 878-2233. 2BD/2BA DUPLEX AVAILABLE NOW! Large living area and backyard. PRIME PMC, (512) 878-2233. DUPLEX. 2BD/1BA. Fenced yard, peaceful neighborhood, near campus. (512) 558-1445.

FOR RENT-HOUSES 3BD/2.5BA AVAILABLE IN KYLE AREA, NEW HOUSE! PRIME PMC, (512) 878-2233. 3BD/2BA HOME AVAILABLE ASAP! Great neighborhood, 1,600 sq ft. PRIME PMC, (512) 878-2233. 2BD/1BA, CENTRAL AIR AND HEAT. Fenced backyard. $625/mo. Available now. (512) 396-1717

HELP WANTED NIGHT PROCTOR-Female night proctor needed to supervise girls’ dorm at San Marcos Academy, a private Christian school. Must enjoy working with 7th-12th grade students in a Christian environment. Needed 3-4 nights per week with shifts every other weekend. Contact Mrs. Paul at (512) 753-8098 or e-mail Kris Spillers at spillersk@smba.org. RESPONSIBLE SUMMER HELP FOR RESORT IN WIMBERLEY. Weekends now to train, full-time summer. Morning and afternoon shifts. Various jobs available. Call (512) 847-2517 for applications or directions. GOOD VB PROGRAMER NEEDED TO HELP WITH A PROJECT. Good pay. Call (512) 989-7840 or e-mail vu8682@sbcglobal.net. SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39. For application go to www.123donate.com. EARN $250+MONTHLY AND MORE to type simple ads online. www.DataAdEntry.com

HELP WANTED

SUMMER CAMP COUNSELORS POSITIONS-ON CAMPUS INTERVIEWS APRIL 3RD Camp Counselor positions available at Camp Weequahic, a co-ed children’s sleepaway camp in northeastern PA, about 21/2 hours from New York City. WE WILL BE AT THE UNIVERSITY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 3 TO CONDUCT INTERVIEWS AT THE LBJ STUDENT CENTER; PLEASE CALL (512) 245-2645 FOR INFORMATION. YOU CAN SIGN UP ON LINE AT JOBS4CATS, THROUGH CAREER SERVICES. WALK INS ALSO WELCOME. Positions are available for all areas of sports, including tennis, gymnastics, baseball, softball, roller hockey, golf, basketball, soccer, lacrosse and others, as well as waterfront, including swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. We will pay for training and certifications where required. Other positions may be available in hobby areas such as archery, dance, aerobics, theater, piano accompanist, rocketry, woodworking and ceramics. Salaries start at $200 per week, plus room, board and travel expenses. Please visit our website at: www.weequahic.com for more information and to FILL OUT AN ONLINE APPLICATION. We will get back to you as soon as we have received your application and look forward to meeting with you on the 3rd of April. You may also email us at newsweeq@aol.com to set up an appointment or with any questions. ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc. $75-200/hr. No exp. needed, (512) 684-8296. UPSCALE RESTAURANT IN KYLE hiring experienced server, dishwasher and busboy. Call (512) 268-3463, Bordeauxs.net PART-TIME WORD PROCESSING 15 to 20 hrs. per week. Saturday, 9am-1pm required in office. Other hours based on employee schedule. Start $6/hr. This job was designed for a student, we need year round attendance. Call (512) 392-8900. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day. No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800) 965-6520 ext. 157. GRUENE OUTFITTERS NOW HIRING motivated, hard-working individuals. FT and PT positions available. Call (830) 625-4440 or apply in person at 1629 Hunter Rd. New Braunfels, TX. PART-TIME MERCHANDISER/ROUTE SALES Resumes are being accepted in the New Braunfels or San Marcos area. Looking for a talented individual to assist with our rapid growth. This individual will be responsible for writing orders for HBC, general merchandise and snacks. Must have reliable transportation. Two days per week. $10/hr. + mileage. Reply no later than Friday, March 23, 2007. Send resumes to: Grocery Supply Company P.O. Box 33850 San Antonio, Texas 78265-3850 Attn: Human Resources Or Fax to (210) 532-6128 E.O.E. TEACHERS NEEDED: NOW HIRING PT TEACHERS. M-F 2:30- 6:30 p.m. Education major/experience/bilingual preferred, but not required. Quality Child Development Center in Kyle. (512) 405-3700 or fax resume to (512) 405-3701. AUDIO OUTLET OF SAN MARCOS is looking for an energetic & outgoing Salesperson to help educate our customers on car audio & video. Spanish speaking a PLUS!!!PLUS!!! Must have resume. Call (512) 392-2886. GRUENE GENERAL STORE Now hiring mature, energetic individuals to work full and part-time. Apply in person at 1610 Hunter Rd. in Gruene. No phone calls, please. MARKETING POSITION AVAILABLE: PT work 5-10 hours per week. Contact Jackie at (512) 644-1610 for pre-interview information.

HELP WANTED AT IMPERIAL GARDEN. Please apply in person. Call (512) 805-0880. LOCAL BUSINESS LOOKING TO FILL SEVERAL FT/PT POSITIONS. Duties include light oﬃce work. Please call (512) 805-0208. FAMILIAR WITH FACEBOOK AND MYSPACE? Real estate related positions available $6+hr. Call (512) 665-3306. Dorm residence preferred. LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENTS WANTED for the #1 apartment locating service in San Marcos, Apartment Experts. Full and Part time available. Call Greg at (512) 805-0123. MAKE UP TO $75 each taking online surveys. www.CashToSend.com UNCLE BILLY’S SMOKE HOUSE AND BREWERY is the newest addition to Barton Spring’s restaurant row. Uncle Billy’s is now accepting applications for all positions. No exp. required. Please apply in person at 1530 Barton Springs (next to Austin Java), Monday through Friday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER $9/HR. Lockhart Correctional Facility has immediate openings for persons seeking a career in corrections. Paid beneﬁts and training. Must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid TDL. Must pass drug screening, physical, and background check. Apply in person at: 1400 Industrial Blvd. Lockhart, TX EOE/m/f/d/v. ENGLEBROOK APTS. HIRING PT leasing agent and maintenance assistant to begin in April. Experience preferred. Contact (512) 353-7274. WIENERCHNITZEL NOW HIRING. Immediate openings for all areas. Must have food handlers card. FT/PT. Will work around schedule for students. (512) 392-7077. LOOKING FOR LEAD CARETAKER. Must have medical experience, seeking female with trusting and respectable disposition. M-F possibly some weekends. $9/hr., 20-30 hr. weekly. Please call Melissa at (512) 557-6113. ONLY SERIOUS APPLICANTS NEED APPLY.

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SERVICES MATH TUTOR. 1st hour free unless satisﬁed. Rates range from $18-$40/hr. Modest dress and responsible adult present required. David at (512) 659-0623 or davidmcy@io.com WWW.STUDENTATTORNEY.COM

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WANTED USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condition, running or not. If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell. (512) 353-4511. THE UNIVERSITY STAR IS NOW HIRING! •NEWS REPORTERS Must be able to gather information, conduct interviews and come into the newsroom to have stories edited. •SPORTS WRITERS Must be able to attend games, interview coaches and players and come into newsroom to have stories edited. •ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS Must be able to report on arts and entertainment events on campus and in Central Texas, conduct interviews and come into newsroom to have stories edited. •OPINIONS COLUMNISTS Must be able to write well-organized and thought-provoking columns about on-campus and local happenings. •ILLUSTRATORS Must be able to work with the editorial staﬀ to create editorial cartoons and story illustrations as well as bring original ideas to the table. •ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Create revenue by selling display ads and classiﬁed line ads. Includes servicing and renewing existing accounts as well as prospecting new accounts. Pick up an application at the Trinity Building, or download one at www.universitystar.com.

SPORTS

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

The University Star - Page 11

Nicholls State takes final three weekend games against Bobcats By Carl Harper The University Star The softball team won four of eight games over the weekend, ending Spring Break with three straight losses to Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La. The Bobcats, 15-16, kicked off the break with a three-game weekend sweep over Central Arkansas. Leah Boatright, Karen Taylor and Amy Krueger each hit homeruns in the series with the Bears. Taylor, sophomore catcher, slugged her first homer of the season in game two to tie the game at 1-1, prior to Krueger, senior outfielder, jolting a grand slam to put away Central Arkansas for good, 7-1. “The homerun felt good, but we all broke out with our bats during the series, including Krueger’s grand slam,” Taylor said. “I love it when we are hitting as a group like that. It’s always good to pick up a homerun, but seeing the ball well has been a relief at the plate for me. I’m more relaxed when I am hitting well.” Krueger continued to swing the bat well and is currently leading the team with a .320 batting average and 14 runs. Texas State won the first game 2-0, in a pitching duel between Bobcat junior starter Ragan Blake and Lyndsey Harris. Blake, 11-8, reCotton Miller/Star file photo corded 11 strikeouts in the game to go with the complete game two-hit shutout. BREAKING EVEN: Texas State softball sits at 15-16 after going 4-4 over Spring Break. The Bobcats started the Boatright blasted her second homerun break with three straight wins over Central Arkansas, winning by a combined score of 17-1. of the series to cap off an 8-0 shutout in

game three. Central Arkansas is now 0-9 in Southland Conference action. Senior pitcher Sarah Lancour, 4-7, grabbed her fourth win of the season in game two of a doubleheader against Texas Tech Thursday, giving up one run on one hit. Texas State won 6-2 after losing 1-0 in the first game against the Red Raiders. Texas Tech pitcher Ashly Jacobs gave up one hit in her complete game victory. The Bobcats will now look to rebound after dropping the final three games of the break to Nicholls State. “It’s always frustrating to lose a series, but I have confidence in my teammates to come back next week and do our job,” Taylor said. Nicholls State pitcher Jessica Barksdale threw a no-hitter in the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader. The Bobcats failed to cross the plate in both games, suffering 3-0 and 8-0 shutouts. Freshman pitcher Megan Mikeska started her first career game in the 8-0 loss in game two, lasting a third of an inning while giving up one run on three hits. Boatright picked up her team-leading third homerun of the season in game three Saturday, but Texas State still came up short 6-4. The freshman first baseman also leads the Bobcats with 16 RBIs. After the week of games, the Bobcats now sit in the eighth slot of the Southland Conference at 5-7. Nicholls State moved to first in the league with a 7-1 SLC record. Texas State faces Texas A&M 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bobcat Field.

Hockey fans beside themselves after Dallas’ dramatic win By Mike Heika The Dallas Morning News (MCT) DALLAS — The smorgasbord of scintillating moments was so bountiful Sunday at American Airlines Center, no fan could have gone home hungry for more. Especially when you mix in a 5-4 overtime victory for the Dallas Stars over the Phoenix Coyotes. But while the win helped keep Dallas (43-24-5, 91 points) in a tight mix for ﬁfth place in the Western Conference, the entertainment value was what people were talking about as they exited. “It was intense,” a smiling captain Brenden Morrow said. “It was the kind of game we needed.” Morrow, playing in his second game since missing 33 with a wrist injury, scored a goal on a beautiful drive to the net where he had to deﬂect in a Stu Barnes pass with a defender hanging all over him. Mike Ribeiro scored the game-winner in overtime on a rebound at the net, but many of his teammates were chattering about the third-period goal in which he showed inhuman patience, faking Phoenix goalie Mikael Tellqvist with a fore-

hand, then going to his backhand around Tellqvist and then back to his forehand to stuff the puck just inside the post. “That’s the kind of goal people might try in practice,” said Niklas Hagman, who scored his 17th goal of the season. “I mean, he waited and waited and waited. … And that move. It was something.” And those were the plays that made it into the net. Mike Modano, who was honored during a stoppage in play for becoming the most prolific American-born goal-scorer in NHL history, rang two beautiful chances off the goal iron, bringing fans out of their seats momentarily. Phoenix captain Shane Doan, meanwhile, pulled off one of the rarest feats in the NHL in the third period. He broke into the open and drew both a penalty and a penalty shot on the same play. Doan was hooked by Sergei Zubov early in his breakaway and then had his legs taken out by a sliding Philippe Boucher. But Marty Turco was otherworldly in throwing three strikes at Doan. Turco first poke-checked Doan on the original scoring chance, then he got a piece of the penalty shot. Finally, he shut down the power play.

Turco, who came on in relief after Mike Smith surrendered three goals on 10 shots, was on top of his game until his own unsportsmanlike conduct penalty contributed to a 6-on-3 Phoenix situation in the final two minutes of regulation. Turco shot a puck at Doan on purpose. The puck never got off the ice and Turco said it wasn’t a dangerous play. “If I wanted to get it up high and really shoot it at him, I could have,” Turco said. “I thought it was a bad call.” Nonetheless, it added to the drama. Doan scored with two Stars in the penalty box and the Coyotes goalie pulled to tie the score with 1:33 remaining. Adding to the night’s intrigue, former Stars center Niko Kapanen assisted on the tying goal, and fellow former Star Mathias Tjarnqvist also scored against his ex-teammates. Former Phoenix winger Ladislav Nagy, meanwhile, had two assists against his previous team. It all combined in a goulash of action that was pretty hard to define but still tasted pretty good. “The bottom line is we found a way to win,” Ribeiro said. “Every game is important from here on out.”

Khampha Bouaphanh/Fort Worth Star-Telegram SMOOTH SHOOTING: The Dallas Stars’ Mike Ribeiro (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mikael Tellqvist. The Stars defeated the Coyotes, 5-4, at the American Airlines Center Sunday in Dallas.

SPORTS

tracktakeover

THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Texas State track and ﬁeld brought home nine titles over the weekend at the UTSA Relays Friday and Saturday. The individual honors included a sweep of the shot put event; senior Abby Ruston won for the women, while sophomore Robert Melin grabbed the men’s title. The Bobcat men won both hurdles events, with junior Gatis Spunde winning the 400m hurdles with a time of 51.85 seconds, good for sixth-best in school history. Texas State returns to action Saturday at the SFA Dogwood Invitational.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - Page 12

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

New Beginning

Brad Wright holds practice for the first time as head coach

Jon Clark/Star photo SPRING TRAINING: Members of the football team participate in the ﬁrst spring practice Monday afternoon at Bobcat Field.

By Nathan Brooks The University Star It would be an understatement to say Brad Wright was excited when he woke up Monday morning in preparation for his first practice as the Bobcats’ head football coach. “I was a little excited,” the firstyear Coach joked. “I woke up about three-thirty (Monday) morning and really couldn’t get back to sleep.” Of course, the Bobcats didn’t hit the turf until the afternoon, but Wright was ready to get on the field and put the whirlwind of the past few months behind him. “This is what we live for — to be out here with these guys working,” Wright said. “It was fun to watch because everything is new for everybody: terminology, defensive philosophy and pretty much everything across the board.” While Monday’s two-hour workout was limited to helmets, jerseys and shorts, action and teaching still took place for a program basically starting

over from scratch. Only Co-Offensive Coordinator Travis Bush and Co-Defensive Coordinator Kyle Tietz join Wright from last year’s staff. And with all the new faces on the staff come a lot of changes. On defense, Wright wants to implement a scheme focusing on pass coverage more than Texas State has in the past. “We’re going to play a little bit more zone defense than we’ve played in the past,” Wright said. “I think it is more sound. I hate to use the word ‘safe’ but there’s a lot less chance at getting beat over the top when you know you have one or two guys back there.” New Co-Defensive Coordinator Casey Horny will help install a defense and hopes to produce the same results he had at Division III Trinity University in San Antonio. Horny coached a Tigers defensive backfield surrendering only 112 yards through the air and 11.7 points per game last season. Prior to joining Trinity,

Horny worked with defensive backs at Sam Houston State during the Bearkats’ National Semifinal run in 2004. On offense, Wright looks to move the ball more efficiently on the ground, using a talented core of running backs returning from last year’s squad. Junior Stan Zwinggi is the early favorite amongst a group including sophomore Alvin Canady, junior Mitch Odom, and redshirt freshman Karrington Bush. Zwinggi led the team with 735 yards rushing last year, averaging 5.6 yards a carry. “We’ll be running the rock a lot more, which I obviously like,” Zwinggi said. “But the biggest change will be that we’re not getting the ball at a dead stop, it’s more downhill. It’s not as complicated as it was last year. They’re just letting us run.” Despite all the philosophical changes, Wright will use this spring to focus on what he looks to make the staple of his program. “Our focus is going to be disci-

pline and fundamentals,” Wright said. “And as long as I’m head coach here that’s what we’re going to hang our hat on.” Wright also wants to use the next four weeks of spring practice to showcase what he feels Texas State football is all about: the players. “I’m not looking to make a mark,” Wright said. “I could care less whether I’m interviewed by any of you people. I’d rather you talk to and look at our guys. I want them to know they’re what it’s all about.”

✯FYI Monday was the first of 14 scheduled practicing for football, leading up to the annual spring game April 14. The Bobcats are also to conclude the second week of practice with a March 31 scrimmage.

Pitcher breaks school strikeout record in Nicholls State series By Jacob Mustafa The University Star Southland Conference play could not have begun any better for Texas State baseball, which completed a three-game sweep of Nicholls State with a record-breaking performance by Justin Fiske. Fiske, a converted-reliever starting for only the third time this year, recorded 17 strikeouts in Sunday’s 8-1 victory over the Colonels, coming on the heels of 8-1 and 8-2 wins Friday and Saturday, respectively. The 17 strikeouts set a school record for a Bobcat pitcher in one game, breaking a 16-year-old mark by William Brunson, who struck out 14 Texas A&M batters in 1991. Fiske tied the school-record for a full-team performance, which was set in 2003 against California. The team record was later broken in the same game, when reliever junior Eric Weaver struck out two batters in the ninth inning Sunday. “I actually had no idea I had 17,” Fiske said. “We didn’t score until the fourth inning, so I was more concerned with keeping us in the game.” The senior’s work was not the only high point of the weekend, as sophomore starter Mike Hart had nine strikeouts of his own Friday in eight innings pitched. The two starters combined to allow only two earned runs and six hits. “You know, the wind was helping me out, the change-up was moving a lot and a lot of pitches were going for strikes,” Fiske said. “So everything just came together.”

Cotton Miller/Star photo RECORD BREAKER: Senior pitcher Justin Fiske broke both Texas State’s single player strikeout record as well as the team record, with 17 against Nicholls State Sunday afternoon at Bobcat Field.

Coach Ty Harrington was among those who heaped on the praise for Sunday’s stalwart performance by Fiske. “Justin Fiske was out of this world today,” Harrington said. “Striking out 17 guys is hard to do.” The senior was scheduled to start Saturday, but due to family matters, his start was pushed to Sunday. According to Harrington, the Saturday role will be a familiar one to Fiske. “I hope (he’ll be the Saturday starter for the rest of the season),” Harrington said. “I certainly expect him to since the expectations for Fiske have always been very high

because he’s a great performer. He’s been a tremendous competitor here at Texas State.” The 3-0 winning streak to start conference play was the Bobcats’ ﬁrst since 2002. Perhaps more importantly, the wins helped add to the Bobcats’ undefeated record at home, which stands at 10-0. “When you get a chance to win three games in this conference at any time, it’s hard,” Harrington said. “I’m proud of our guys for doing that.” Nicholls State came out of the weekend having lost 12 of its last 13 games. The Colonels have dropped their last ﬁve by a combined score

of 39-9. Nicholls State was plagued by poor hitting the entire weekend, batting .116 in the series. Where the Colonels hitting failed, the Bobcats took over and controlled every game by leading after the first inning. “I thought we were good at times, but we also got undisciplined at times and gave up some at bats,” Harrington said. “But I was very pleased and I want it to be clear that I’m very pleased with them.” Leadoff hitter Thomas Field was one of the biggest parts of the offense’s weekend, delivering two hits in each game, including a three-run home run in the finale. “I’m not a power hitter,” the sophomore said of his second home run of the year. “We’ve got guys who are (power hitters), so whenever I hit one, it’s just a plus.” After the start of conference play, the Bobcats will look back to Austin, where they will face the Texas Longhorns 6:15 p.m. Tuesday for the second time this season. Texas State’s last game against the Longhorns did not go well, as Texas scored seven earned runs off senior starter B.J. Boening in just 1.2 innings pitched. Boening will have another chance to start against Texas, currently ranked 10th in the nation, according to www.baseballamerica.com. Harrington said he hopes his team will get its third win against a ranked opponent this season. “I’m excited (about playing Texas),” Harrington said. “I like our team and there’s just something about them.”

We could all learn a thing or two from March Madness Every March, the entire nation is enamored with madness. The little guy finally has a chance; names are made, legends are born and claims are staked as kids have a chance to make history. Take note, college football fans. SCOTT STRICKMAN After watching the NCAA Star Columnist basketball tournament this weekend, there is no greater opportunity to bash the ridiculous Bowl Championship Series rankings used to determine which two teams will vie for the college football title and bowl games in general. It’s time to scrap the massive heap of bowl games and take a logical, rather than scientific, approach to a postseason format. Instead of computers and polls determining the national championship, it’s time to let the players decide. Currently, the fate of title contenders lies in the hands of subjectivity. The championship series applies statistical methods generated by six computers to determine the two top-ranked teams in the country, used in conjunction with the Harris Poll. The Harris Poll consists of votes from the coaches’ poll and more than 100 former coaches, administrators, players and media members. Since when were championships won on paper? It’s always been the old adage of sports that they play the game for a reason. Anything can happen. No one cares who looks better on paper. What matters is how they fare against competition. So why should the top two teams be determined by anyone else other than those two teams? Simply put, the best way to determine a national champion is by way of a playoff system. Even here at Texas State, we were privy to this well-known secret. I witnessed, as did many of you, the buzz that surrounds a playoff-format when the Bobcats advanced to the Division I-AA NCAA Football National Semifinals before losing to Northern Iowa 40-37 in overtime. The city was alive with energy and school spirit. Attendance records were shattered. The success of the Bobcats that season not only advertised and endorsed Coach David Bailiff, but also propelled the Bobcats into the national limelight. Better recruits, a stronger fan base and nationally televised games. Isn’t this the picture the NCAA wants to see painted at every school across the nation? If the students of Division I-AA can be expected to acclimate to the rigors of a playoff, why can’t the same be expected of the supposedly bigger, faster, stronger Division I-A players? College football wants to emphasize the importance of the regular season. Well, that’s fine, but that importance can be left intact even with a playoff system. Each conference champion could earn a bid to the tournament, with bye weeks handed out to the bigger schools if they still feel the obligation to appease these giants. Additional playoff berths could be handed out to teams deserving of a national title shot that competed in more demanding conferences. It’s not an unreasonable expectation to ask the NCAA to configure a playoff postseason; just look at what’s been done in college basketball. The urgency of a one-and-done tournament is what drives sports. Every season, the same conference foes are battled, the same rivalries are staged. While familiarity does breed happiness, so too does originality. Match-ups pitting teams that seldom play one another or the sudden uprising of nontraditional powerhouses add another variable to the equation of sports: the element of surprise. Playoffs provide the ideal form of shaking up regularity by offering opportunities to new, different contenders with complete disregard to subjectivity. Playoff berths are earned based on performance, not opinion, whereas participation in bowl games comes by way of invitation. Without the opportunity for each and every school to be crowned national champion yearin and year-out, a severe case of indifference sweeps across the most vital people in sports: the fans. The truth is, bowl games represent an archaic form of postseason competition. Who really cares about all these corporate and dot-com Bowl games? It just presents another opportunity for universities and businesses to exploit the college student-athlete, who receives and expects nothing but the pure elation of victory. The true delight of athletics is the Cinderella story, the upstart team that surfaces every season. That story isn’t anywhere in the chapters of Division I-A college football, and the fans suffer. A playoff system would create much greater interaction with the fans. Each game would provide meaningful entertainment, with fans checking their playoff brackets in search of the next big upset. Parity is always a more enticing competitive environment. So while beholding the NCAA Basketball Tournament in the coming weeks, envision the wonders a similar system could do for college football. Opportunity is what American dreams are made of. College football needs to find a way to give to its constituents, the players and fans alike their American birthright: opportunity. Scott Strickman is a psychology senior and can be reached at ss1118@txstate.edu

03 20 2007

Published on Mar 20, 2007

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