04 07 2009

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April 7, 2009

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Volume 98, issue 69

Bill enforces Bobcat tradition

Senate urges harrasment policy revisions

By Teresa Wilburn News Reporter

By Kosaku Narioka News Reporter The Faculty Senate will suggest university officials consider revising part of sexual harassment and consensual relationships policies.

The suggestion came as the senate reviewed the university policy about prohibition of sexual harassment last week.

Debra Feakes, Faculty Senate chair, said she will send a summary of discussion to the Provost Perry Moore’s office, saying senators were concerned the current sexual harassment policy lists “consensual relationships” under the definitions and examples. Feakes said the examples only describe subor subordinates as victims, when in fact superiors could be targets of sexual harassment.

“It (a consensual relationship) is not inherently sexual harassment,” Faculty Sen. Joey Martin said. “It only becomes sexual harassment when there is a pressure to sustain (the relationship from one party to the other).”

The university has a different policy stipulating consensual relationships. Martin proposed the consensual relationship policy, not the harassment policy, deal with such relationships.

He said the policy should state the relationships could later cause sexual harassment.

Feakes proposed to use a phrase “conflicts of interest arising from consensual relationships” under the definition of the sexual harassment to make the intent of the section clear.

Martin said the examples only describe circumstances where the person in the senior level sexually harasses a subor subordinate, and that sexual harassment can actually go the other direction.

“Right now, I don’t see (how) I’m being protected at all,” Martin said.

Faculty Sen. Richard Warms, however, said the listed circumstances exemplify “legitimate concerns.”

Faculty Sen. Bill Stone said he does not like parts of the policy, but he is not sure if they should play with words without understanding the issues.

“This is a real tricky area of law,” Stone said.

Feakes said the senate could tell university officials they are uncomfortable with the cur current policy because it only goes See FACULTY SENATE, page 2

David Schmidt/Star photo TOUGH LOVE:Texas State ROTC students traveled to Camp Bullis in San Antonio during the weekend for their annual field training exercises. For a photo slide show go to universitystar.com.

Training Day

Cadets trek through obstacle course, encourage teamwork

By Travis Hord News Reporter The course is a gauntlet of wood and rope — 10 different obstacles ranging from an elaborate, 50-foot rappelling wall to the humble balance beam, each with unique purpose and lesson to teach.

Cadets from seven Army Reserve Of Officer Training Corps chapters across Texas met in San Antonio Saturday to run through the gauntlet. They participated in a cooperative, team-building field-based training exercise.

The obstacle course is designed for

reinforcing trust, courage and leader leadership skills — the core tenants of ROTC training.

The ROTC event was unique because it was organized, managed and supervised almost exclusively by Texas State cadets.

“This exercise is all about building confidence in yourself and trust in your fellow soldier,” said Lt. Col. Allen Shref Shreffler. “It’s about learning to help and trust yourself as you learn to help and trust others. We’re here today to teach you things you might not know about yourself. It might surprise you to learn what you can accomplish through team-

work and cooperation.”

Cadets scaled the obstacles as fellow soldiers supported and cheered from the sidelines. At times they playfully ribbed each other. At other times they erupted into applause as squad mates conquered the more difficult challenges.

“The course is designed to make cadets think critically and use teamwork,” said Shreffler, a graduate of Illinois State University and now a military science professor at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. “We present the cadets with

Students could soon be humming along to a familiar song.

A bill entitled, “Songs from the Bell,” read at Monday’s ASG meeting, would require the bell tower to play the university’s alma mater on a daily basis.

“They used to play the university’s alma mater during special occasions,” said Sen. Ariana Vargas, author of the bill. “So, I thought, well what if they could play it every day? I think that it would reinforce pride and traditions for students.”

Vargas said she learned the bell tower used to play songs periodically when working on another piece of legislation with the Pride and Traditions committee.

“I know a lot of people who do not know our school’s alma mat mater,” Vargas said. “By the end of this, more students will be familiar with their school song.”

Vargas said she is planning to talk with Campus Activities and Student Organizations (CASO) and Reservations to reserve the marquis in The Quad. She said having the words scroll while the song is playing would help students connect with the alma mater while it is being heard.

“I hope this can be enacted immediately,” Vargas said. “Otherwise, it might be starting in the fall semester. I want it to be the daily thing. I want this to be a tradition that lasts for years to come. When I am an alumna, I want to be able to come back and hear the alma mater playing.”

Sen. Katie McNeff said the bell tower will be impressive for new students and incoming freshmen who tour the campus. McNeff stressed the importance of know knowing the alma mater of the univer university.

“This will be something really exciting for them,” McNeff said. “It will get them pumped up about coming to Texas State.”

Sen. Justin Collard said the bell tower bill would allow students to learn the words to the alma mater, so “when they attend sporting events they will actually recognize it.” He said playing the song will instill a bigger sense of pride across campus.

“It is a big part of the campus,” Collard said. “It will also give the bell tower itself more of a meaning. We will have something on that side of campus that people can refer to.”

ASG Parliamentarian Drew Sur Surprenant called the concept a great idea, saying senators have discussed ideas like this in the past, but now it is being put into effect.

See ROTC, page 2

See ASG, page 2

Bobcat Build volunteers improve San Marcos community

By Chase Birthisel News Reporter Students sweated over more than preparing for exams Saturday.

More than 3,000 students volunteered at Texas State’s seventh annual Bobcat Build, the second largest university service project in the state.

Around 100 student organizations gathered at 8 a.m. Saturday morning in the Bobcat Stadium parking lot to receive free T-shirts and breakfast.

They then collected tools before heading to more than 150 job sites.

Texas Rep. Patrick Rose (D-45), along side city and county officials, spoke at the event.

“I have been attending Bobcat Build for seven years now,” Rose said. “This is the biggest turnout yet. The fact that all the students participate so heavily in Bobcat Build, I think it is a good testament to the types of students at this

campus.”

Rose said the event enhances the relationship between the community and Texas State.

“This community benefits from the university, and the university benefits from the community,” Rose said. “Today is a day you can see that in a real, concrete way.”

Volunteers worked on projects across the San Marcos Area. The largest job sites included Rancho Vista, Martindale and Sagewood neighbor neighborhood clean-ups, an Allen Banks River Park clean up and the First United Methodist Church.

The fraternity Lambda Omega Alpha worked at the Greater San Marcos Youth Council. The group vacuumed and washed vans alongside Nena Meadows, Youth Council residential supervisor.

“We could not do it without Texas State,” Meadows said. “I appreciate

today’s Weather Sunny

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Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 25% UV: 9 Very High Wind: WNW 8 mph

so much what these guys are doing for us.”

The Greater San Marcos Youth Council is a temporary home for abused children. Meadows said this is the third consecutive year Bobcat Build has helped.

“After these guys get done with the vans, we have basketballs and washers in the back,” Meadows said. “In the years before, the kids really like it when the college guys played with them. I’d rather see them play with the kids than clean all day.”

Isaac Zavala, management sophomore, called Bobcat Build, which is completely student-run, a fulfilling experience.

“I heard a lot of people talking about Bobcat Build and it sounded like a lot of fun,” said Zavala, Lambda Omega Alpha pledge. “I am really enjoying helping the community.”

The Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society

worked at San Marcos resident Pam Reed’s house. The volunteers painted walls and weeded gardens.

Megan Kasprzak, Phi Eta Sigma treasurer, said the organization enjoyed the experience.

“Our society does this every year.

We love it,” Kasprzak said. “We students live in this community, too, so it’s for us as much as it is for them.”

Reed said the society did an excellent job on her home.

“I think that I will just adopt all of them,” Reed said jokingly. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to feed them all, though.”

Greg Foster, Bobcat Build assistant director, said the event went smoothly and received positive feedback. Foster said the greatest shock of the day came from visiting the Allen Banks River Park in Martindale.

See BOBCAT BUILD, page 2

two-day Forecast

Lindsey Goldstein/Star Photo DIRTY JOBS: Blair salt, anthropology senior, and Kailea english, pre-mass communication junior, helped saturday to clean up pam reed’s garden during Bobcat Build.

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News

2 - The University Star

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Suspended fraternity looks Calendar for campus reinstatement TUESDAY

By Chase Birthisel News Reporter An old fraternity is looking to be revived after years of nonexistence at Texas State.

The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, also known as PIKE, was suspended five years ago for an incident of hazing and is now attempting to gain presence on campus.

The fraternity held an event Thursday night in the LBJ Student Center, in which PIKE alumni spoke and introduced new members.

Jay Carmichael and Lance Coulter, representatives from the national PIKE chapter, worked for two months to assemble together the 75 new members who will make up the fraternity’s upcoming generation.

PIKE President Myles Burnett said the interviews were a process of elimination.

“Carmichael and Coulter contacted more than 400 people, interviewed 300 and chose 75 guys,” Burnett said. “They were looking for the best men.”

The requirements put forth by the fraternity are what they call SLAG, which stands for scholars, leaders, athletes and gentlemen.

“The most important part is the gentlemen,” Burnett said. “Everyone that was interviewed was referred by a sorority member. If you want to know about the guys, just ask the girls.”

Burnett said the PIKES are doing everything possible to be initiated back on campus.

“Keeping our GPA up, having a certain number of guys by a certain time, good philanthropy and a strong alumni association are all goals we set,” Burnett said.

Burnett said the PIKES are becoming involved in greek life and the community as much as possible.

“We had almost all of us come out to Bobcat Build,” Burnett said. “We are par participating in Relay for Life and are attending all the greek functions. Although we are not formally in Greek Week, we want to make sure that we get out there and support our society.”

Alistair Laing, PIKE public relations head, said the fraternity is centered on being involved.

“We have a big brother philanthropy,” Laing said. “It is mandatory for PIKE members to be involved in two other organizations other than the fraternity.”

Laing said the organization wants to buy a new fraternity house after the old one burned down in April 2007.

“The alumni have been saving money for a while,” Laing said. “Hopefully we can build a new PIKE house.”

Stephen Brown, PIKE member, said he looks forward to being involved in the fraternity, which he said is unlike any other.

“They are concerned about having a positive image, being involved and being a gentleman,” Brown said. “They have a lot of values incorporated that I already had about myself.”

The PIKE fraternity is in the colonization stage and is not officially recognized by the national chapter or by Texas State.

They are looking to become official Spring 2010.

Every Nation Campus Ministries will be holding our weekly campus meeting at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall, room G-02. Bring your cell phone. We will be responding to hot topic questions that are texted in and giving a biblical response.

The Student Recital Series presents Saxophone Studio Recital by students of Dr. Todd Oxford and Douglas Skinner at 4 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.

WEDNESDAY There will be an Overeaters Anonymous Meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland.

THURSDAY Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, room 320. Enjoy contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Contact 512-5577988 or mail@texasstatechialpha.com for more information.

There will be a meeting of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at 5 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center, room 3-14.1.

Cost is $25. Learn how to get rid of debt and build wealth by using the principles Dave discovered after the hardship of bankbank ruptcy that have now turned him into a millionaire. Contact Krista at 512-353-4414 or bsm4jesus@centurytel.net for more information.

There will be a “Simple Silent Sitting” meditation group from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. in the Psychology Building, room 130B. All are welcome (any religion or no religion). Brief instruction can be arranged before we “sit” by contacting Colby at 512-4084544 or Sheila at 512-847-2159.

SUSHI TIME

The Student Recital Series presents Jennefer McLauchlen’s Graduate Flute Recital at 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.

FRIDAY There will be an AA meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. in LBJ Student Center, room 3-6.1 SATURDAY The Student Recital Series presents Billy Satterwhite’s Senior Jazz Studies Recital at 4 p.m. in the School of Music ReRe cital Hall. Admission is free.

The Student Recital Series presents Luis De La Cruz’s Senior Saxophone Recital at 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.

SUNDAY Every Nation Campus Ministries invites you to join Christ Community Church, meeting at Travis Elementary (by TXstate golf course). We will have a one-hour service starting at 10 a.m. with contemporary worship and an encouraging message.

ASG

CONTINUED from page 1

SUSHI TIME: Roger Lara, applied sociology senior, eats sushi on the grass field Monday next to Derrick Hall.

David Schmidt/Star photo

FACULTY SENATE ROTC CONTINUED from page 1

to one direction as opposed to both.

“I think that would be an easy thing to explain to them, and they can figure it out,” Feakes said.

The university reviews the sexual harassment policy every four years.

The section titled “Consensual Relationship” was placed under the definitions of examples of sexual harassment in the draft reviewed by the senate last week. The section said the issues of conflict of interest and sexual harass-

ment may arise between two persons, at differing levels of authority involved in a consensual relationship. It also said the exercise of power through praise or criticism, perfor performance evaluations, grades or recommendation for further study or current and future employment diminishes freedom of choice for a student or subordinate.

Feakes said the Provost’s Office often accepts senate recommendations. She said the policy would then go to the Council of Academic Deans to be finalized, and that most of the senate’s comments are “well received.”

CONTINUED from page 1

unique challenges to give them an opportunity to cooperate, and apply the variety of skills and techniques we teach here at ROTC.” The ROTC event was unique because it was organized, managed and supervised almost exclusively by Texas State cadets.

The more experienced and higher-ranking cadets provided guidance and direction for the incoming recruits.

“Because we’re going to be entering the field as officers, the Army wants us to be experienced and comfortable in leadership roles,” said Cadet Li Xu, criminal justice senior. “Most of us who graduate ROTC will become Second Lieutenants and be directly responsible for 40 troops.”

The weekend’s field training exercise was intended to familiarize the cadets with one another on a personal basis.

“Officers aren’t just there for barking orders in combat,” Xu said. “We’re taking a more active role in the lives of our soldiers.

We’re also there for advice, emotional support — everything. I might even be the guy who bails you out of jail if you get in trouble. ROTC isn’t just a job — it’s a culture and a lifestyle.”

The winded cadets of Texas State’s Bobcat Battalion gathered in a grassy clearing for lunch at noon. As the cadets opened their MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) packages, the area came to life with bargaining, negotiation and trade. The cadet who pulled a strip of beef jerky — apparently a rare delicacy — from his MRE was immediately approached with enthusiastic trade offers. The cadet who tried to trade his apple cinnamon-flavored protein bar was not as successful.

“That’s just our lunch ritual,” Cadet Xu said. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to relax and recharge.”

Cadets took the opportunity to steal a brief nap or a mo-

ments rest during the lunch break. Having begun their day at 6 a.m., the strenuous course and the Texas heat had taken its toll on some. Others passed the time talking among each other — discussing, at length, the strengths and weaknesses of the movie adaptation of The Watchmen. Others talked about reasons for joining ROTC and plans for the future.

“I want to serve my country, but the ROTC is also helping me build a foundation for success later in life,” said Dustyn Avallone, computer information systems freshman. “One day I’ll apply what I’ve learned here to being a successful business owner.”

All the cadets of Bobcat Battalion agreed ROTC was an ideal place to start planning for a successful future.

“Bobcat Battalion is a great place to forge long-lasting relationships and learn leadership skills that will be a valuable asset in America’s competitive workplace,” said Jonathan Hudson, undecided sophomore.

Cadets cited the valuable experience and leadership skills offered by the ROTC as motivation for joining. Others cited the stability of a military lifestyle.

“Army is a career that will always be there tomorrow. The kind of job security we offer is a rare thing these days,” Shref Shreffler said. “This lifestyle takes commitment, and isn’t for everyone, but it can be extremely rewarding for anyone who’s up to the challenge.”

Shreffler said he now makes more than $100,000 every year.

Shreffler has the option to retire at any time on a yearly pension of roughly half that after being with the military for 24 years. Bobcat Battalion cadets commented that they hoped to be in his position someday.

“People often underestimate the kind of life the Army can give them,” Shreffler said. “We offer very competitive pay and benefits — tuition, scholarships, housing, retirement. And we always need more soldiers.”

“We are using resources we have already paid for,” Surprenant said. “It is available and ready. It is an awesome idea for student government to implement something that is so important for the student body.”

Vargas said if the bill passes, the bell tower would play the tune every day at around 1:50 p.m. to avoid the interruption of class.

Vargas said she hopes a majority of the senate will be in support of the bill.

“I have had a lot of positive feedback,” Vargas said. “Overall, I think ASG is really trying to spread pride and traditions. I see it being passed, hopefully. Every Everybody wants to see Texas State move up and rise. Starting little traditions like these will leave an impact for the future.”

The senate will vote on the bill next Monday.

BOBCAT BUILD CONTINUED from page 1

“I went there three weeks ago before they started working on it,” said Foster, history senior.

“It was overgrown with brush,

and a lot of old trash and scrap metal was everywhere. By the end of the day, it was all cleared and it looked awesome. The transformation was crazy. I think a lot places in San Marcos have improved today.”

Lindsey Goldstein/Star Photo SPRING CLEANING: Steven Henderson, history sophomore, vacuums the inside of one of the Greater San Marcos Youth Council’s vans Saturday during the Bobcat Build.

OPINIONS 3 - The University Star

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

REMOVING

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT ouse Bill 1875 is dangerous.

H

If State Sen. Vicki Truitt’s (R-98) bill passes, thousands of Texas students will be unable to afford an education.

According to the March 31 issue of The University Star, the bill will require prospective students to have health insurance before they enroll for classes.

Twenty-five to 30 percent of Texas State students are without health insurance according to Emilio Carranco, director of the Student Health Center. Unless each and every one of them finds an extra $1,000 to $2,000 a year, they will be unable to graduate.

Multiply that figure by every public institution in the state of Texas and one can see the magnitude of the situation.

The bill is an assault on education, and on the ever-growing class disparity. It is fundamentally, logically and morally wrong.

First off, the bill penalizes the already penalized. Most agree health insurance is a good thing.

It is safe to assume the uninsured would have health insurance if they could afford it. Taking away the uninsured’s potential to “pick themselves up by the bootstraps” and better their job skills will not help them get the money to buy health insurance.

If we do not have an education, we cannot get a job that provides insurance or easily find the means to pay the cost.

Taking away the potential to educate poorer members of society will only increase the amount of uninsured and sick people. In a country with already strained socioeconomic tensions, this will further strain class divisions.

People and legislators who believe in democracy understand an educated populous equates to a healthy and functioning society.

Asha McElfish, public administration sophomore, spoke to proponents of the bill, including insurance companies on hand in Austin to lobby. She said they justified the bill by claiming college students are too reckless and senseless to take care of themselves and are a burden on society.

In reality, college students are the healthiest demographic, Carranco said.

The government should not force the public to buy a service such as health insurance. Providing it as a basic right is one thing, but mandating it creates a slippery slope.

To think those in favor of the bill do not understand the negative ramifications is a fallacy.

Like Texas Rep. Fred Brown’s (R-14) HB 103, this bill primarily benefits insurance companies at the expense of students.

One bright spot in this sordid affair has been the conduct of ASG President Brett Baker. Baker is not required by the ASG Code of Laws to represent students in Austin. He took his own time, as a student and not as president, to travel to Austin to represent his peers. Baker’s administration has been criticized for a lack of productivity. Fighting anti-student legislation is not only a chance for Baker to end his term on a good note, but to redefine his legacy at Texas State.

Rep. Truitt’s bill would not only harm college students but all Texans.

RIGHTS

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.

Russell Weiss/Star Illustration

L2E

Ammie Jimenez asserted in her March 26th column that homosexual men should be allowed to donate blood since the current ban was based on old and inaccurate data.

In a classic bait-and-switch maneuver, Ms. Jimenez then jumped to the urgent need for blood donations, discussed it at length and refused to back up her assertion that the ban is actually based on bad data.

I have no doubt of Ms. Jimenez’s sincerity in increasing blood donations; as for her

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Columnist neglects to research opinions

judgment, well, that is another matter. She fails to provide data for this issue and simply made her argument based on emotion and urgency. Perhaps her research did not provide the answers she was looking for — a cursory Google search showed numerous scientific studies showing much higher rates of HIV/AIDS in the homosexual community than in the heterosexual community — precisely what the FDA cites as its overriding concern. Or perhaps she

elected to do no research at all. If she had, she would have found one study showed 67 percent of HIV/AIDS cases were caused by male on male sexual activity, 13 percent was through drug use and an additional 5 percent was due to a combination of both activities. Only 15 percent of cases were attributed to “high risk” heterosexual activity. These numbers are based on a study of 33 states with long-term confidential reporting. The rate of transmission for HIV/

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AIDS is much higher in homosexual men than in any other group. This is the reason the FDA does not allow for homosexual men to donate blood.

What is the point of getting a life-saving blood transfusion if it only means a long-term death sentence? I don’t have a problem with homosexuals living their lives however they want, but I do not think we should make policy changes on emotion when public health is at stake. Maybe this has more to do with grandstanding for

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political correctness than public health, and if so I refuse to sacrifice innocent patients to satisfy Ms. Jimenez’s views of what she wishes the data could show.

–Matthew Barton, business management senior

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Universal healthcare would ruin quality NATHAN SELTZER

Star Columnist

We have a healthcare crisis in this country.

No, I’m not talking about the people who, according to Michael Moore and President Obama, can’t get medical treatment. I’m talking about the tiny fraction of the population who receive way too much free healthcare. Well, free for them.

The Austin-American Statesman reported last week that nine people combined for 2,678 emergency room visits in the past six years. One of these people was in the ER for 145 days in a single year.

Call me crazy, but I have a sneaking suspicion that one person didn’t have a genuine emergency every other day for the entire year.

Privacy laws prohibit hospitals from giving out details on specific patients, but of the nine patients, three are homeless, seven have mental health problems and eight have a drug addiction. These are people who are almost certainly not paying for any of their visits. They are indigent patients.

This, of course, is the problem. People who don’t have to pay for their visits to the doctor seem to be prone to go more often. Who would have guessed that there would be unlimited demand for a free service? Well, who besides every economist on the planet?

One of Obama’s goals remains to be universal healthcare.

“I actually want a universal health care system. That is my goal. Whether we do it the way European countries do it, or the way Canada does it, is another thing,” Obama said in a national press release.

The problem with a universal healthcare system is by covering everyone, it takes away the disincentive for going to the doctor — the price tag. The example of the Austin ER patients is a perfect illustration of this principle.

Universal healthcare essentially puts everyone in the same boat as the indigent patients.

People with the flu, who right now merely stay in bed and drink fluids, will go see their doctor. After all, it will be “free.”

Another factor to consider is science is constantly discovering new and more expensive treatments for diseases. Right now, expensive treatments are selfrationing, because only the rich can afford the best treatments.

Who would get them if universal healthcare was implemented?

The short answer is no one.

The rationing of health care is an inevitable result of universal healthcare. Instead of an individual being able to make a decision based on what is affordable and logical, the government will be making the decision. In many cases the decision is to put patients on a waiting list for treatment, where many die.

The idea of a waiting list to receive coronary bypass surgery or radiation treatment for prostate cancer may seem foreign, but The Canadian Medical Journal reported in a single year, 71 patients died from heart attacks while waiting for bypass surgery.

The problems of universal healthcare are much deeper than this. The New York Times reported Canadian doctors are leaving the country or retiring en masse because they are simply frustrated with the system.

Incidentally, those doctors head to the United States because of our efficient and effective healthcare system. Expect that to stop if we mimic Canada.

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Trends the university star

folkfolks

Two of the most recognizable last names in music will be reuniting this summer for a world tour.

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, of the folk-rock duo Simon and Garfunkel, will begin the reunion in New Zealand on June 13 and will run through July 2 when it will end in Perth, Australia. Fans outside of Australia and New Zealand will have to be patient as international dates have yet to be announced. Rumors of a Simon and Garfunkel reunion have been flying around since the pair played a surprise show Feb. 13 in New York.

4 - Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Water Festival attendees celebrate river, experience kayaking

By Lindsey Leverett Features Reporter The sound of rushing water, a breeze and the clear sunny weather set the perfect environment for the three-day Water Festival during the weekend.

The grassy hill on the side of the falls was covered in brightly colored kayaks, tents, tables and people catching sunrays. The river was also teeming with activity. People of all ages were testing the waters of the San Marcos River in kayaks, canoes, surfboards and tubes. But the festival was not merely about the weather and water.

“We’re celebrating the creation of Rio Vista Falls,” said Ben Kvanli, founder of the Power Olympic Outdoor Center and the visionary behind the creation of the falls.

According to the center’s Web site, Kvanli founded the Red River

Racing team in 1996. His paddling experience spans 26 years. Kvanli competed in the Olympic Games in men’s kayak in 1996, and in 2005 he was the U.S. National Champion in men’s double canoe.

As a Southwest Texas State student, Kvanli wanted a place on the river for the kayak and canoe enthusiasts, so in 2006 he created Rio Vista Falls. Since then, his center and T.G. Canoes and Kayaks has put on an annual three-day festival as a celebration of the falls.

Boaters came to enjoy the waters and rapids and participate in tournaments and competitions.

Duane Te Grotenhuis, owner of T.G. Canoes and Kayaks, was kept busy by hundreds of people taking out his kayaks on the river.

“We had a great time,” Grotenhuis said. “We sold boats, but more importantly, we gave them information on how to buy a boat.”

Pedaling for Success Bobcats participate in Bike to School Day, support local food bank

His idea of success is teaching people the ins and outs of canoes and kayaks.

“It’s about getting people out on that beautiful piece of creation called the San Marcos River,” Grotenhuis said. “And they got to have boats to get out there.”

Grotenhuis said he noticed the majority of people testing out his boats were from out of town.

“It was better this year,” he said. “It keeps getting bigger.”

Jeff Leach, undecided senior, and part of Kvanli’s staff, said a polo team came down from Nebraska to compete in the tournament. The team had never been on kayaks nor had they ever played polo.

“It’s really cool when you can get people from out of state coming down and learning how to kayak and play polo,” Leach said.

Grotenhuis described the event in just a few short words: “It was just fun.”

Star file photo SAVING GAS: Students were encouraged to ride their bikes to school or work that day to raise awareness for the environment for Thursday’s Bike to School Day.

By Leigh Morgan Features Reporter The sixth annual Bike to School Day proved to be a sensation as The Quad was nearly as packed as the bike racks.

Students with a unique appreciation for bicycles gathered Thursday to celebrate cycling and offer their knowledge to others. Bike to School Day is organized by the National Association of Environmental Professionals the first Thursday in April of each year to promote cycling to students.

Matt Akins, planner of the event and Texas State alumnus, Lindsey Leverett/Star photo said he believes the day was KAYAK TRICKS: Jeff Leach, undecided senior, does tricks on the Rio Vista Falls during the three-day successful and will continue in water festival during the weekend. following years.

“The day is meant to be a celebration of bicycles as a primary form of transportation and recreation,” Akins said. “Our hope is to get every able-bodied student to ride his or her bike to school.”

Bike to School Day was also a charitable event benefiting Hays County Area Food Bank.

In exchange for canned goods, students received event T-shirts, patch kits, tire lovers, buttons, helmets, locks, racks and tools.

The Hub, a local bike shop, was also doing free tune-ups to keep Bobcats on the road.

“The event helps give tools to people and keep bicycling in the community. The more bikes and fewer cars, the better our commu-

nity will be,” Akins said. “We are a car culture. We are far too dependent on personal automobiles as a way of transportation.”

Richard Powell, criminal justice sophomore, said he sees plenty of advantages to riding a bicycle.

“Lack of physical activity is the leading cause of obesity in adults and children,” Akins said. “Kids aren’t riding bikes anymore.”

Kathryn Gisi, electronic media sophomore, has similar concerns.

“I am all about exercise, so I think biking as a form of transportation is great,” Gisi said.

“I think obesity in America has more to do with Big Macs and French fries, but bicycles would definitely help the cause.”

Powell said he likes biking because it allows him to get around San Marcos without spending any money.

“As a multi-sport athlete, if I go somewhere on my bike, it is like training while running errands with the benefit of not using any gas,” Powell said.

— Matt Akins According to Car-AcciBike to School Day dents.com, there were nearly planner and Texas State 6,420,000 American auto accialumnus dents in 2005 and 115 people on average die a day because of “I am reliant on myself, not on an automobile accident. a system that has the potential “Overuse of cars leads to polto be late or breakdown,” Powell lution, crash fatalities, the use said. “I can zip in and out of lanes, of resources and the congestraffic and utilize the streets and tion of roads,” Powell said. “If sidewalks. Plus, stopping at red less people drove to school, we lights is not such a hassle.” would need less parking spaces According to American and this space could be used for Sports Data, the number recreational use.” of obese Americans grew Akins does not see bicycles as from 13 percent in 1962 to an a fad or trend. alarm-ing 31 percent in 2000.

“Bikes are important in the Akins said he believes bicy- future of transportation, here cles could be a solution to the in San Marcos and the entire obesity problems. country,” Akins said.

“T

he event helps give tools to people and keep bicycling in the community.

The more bikes and fewer cars, the better our community will be.”

Relatable film gives Fine Arts Calendar lack-luster performance Brent Vickers

Trends Columnist

Adventureland, which is set in the summer of 1987, features a very talented comedic ensemble and brings a nostalgic feeling similar to Fast Times at Ridgemont High or Dazed and Confused.

Starring Jesse Eisenberg (The Squid and the Whale) and Kristen Stewart (Twilight), the film is a poignant tale of two college-aged students working at an amusement park, Adventureland. The film is a quirky romantic comedy sure to be relatable to any 16 to 22 year old, but the overall outcome of the film was a little bland.

The great supporting cast, composed of Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Martin Starr and Ryan Reynolds among others, helped carry the film, but didn’t quite make it all the way. The campy feeling placed throughout made the film become boring, and in some cases extremely predictable. Eisenberg’s character was overly awkward in a way that would make Michael Cera uncomfortable, and Stewart’s

acting was no different than any other film she’d been in, only now after the fifth time to see it, it’s a little old.

The entire premise of the film, with exceptions to setting, character name’s and a couple of insignificant events, was no different than any other comingof-age film made in the past 20 years, and for that reason I feel audience members’ patience will be tried. Laugh-out-loud moments were placed strategically throughout the script, but the crowd I was a part of kept quiet and still almost the entire time.

Another disappointing aspect of the film was the marketing strategy. On every commercial I’ve seen and poster I’ve come across, the film advertises almost every scene comedian Bill Hader is in. It is a smart way to campaign the film, but Hader’s lack of screen time will certainly disappoint audiences.

Those in the mood for a movie that won’t make you think, or a cute love story will find what they are looking for in Adventureland.

However, don’t expect to see any of the gut-busting, filthy-mouthed films frequenting the box office nowadays. In fact, rivaling I Love You, Man, Adventureland may not do too hot this season. It does sport recent Twilight princess Kristen Stewart in a lead female role, but I don’t think that will be enough to save this film.

Tuesday Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka and Mimi Kato: What Isn’t Is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II National Press Photographers Association Advanced Storytelling Workshop, all day, Old Main Saxophone Studio Recital - students of Dr. Todd Oxford and Douglas Skinner, 4 p.m., Recital Hall Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma, 7 p.m., Recital Hall “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Center Wednesday Alyson Fox, Misako Inaoka and Mimi Kato: What Isn’t Is, all day, Mitte Gallery I & II National Press Photographers Association Advanced Storytelling Workshop, all day, Old Main Texas State HornCats, 6 p.m., Recital Hall Beethoven Sonatas for Violin and Piano, 8 p.m., Recital Hall “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Center Thursday National Press Photographers Association Advanced Storytelling Workshop, all day, Old Main Double-Bass Studio Recital, 5:30 p.m., Recital Hall Jennifer McLachlen Graduate Flute Recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall Justin Filor Sr. Jazz Recital, 10 p.m., Recital Hall “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Center

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

✯Star Comics

Diversions

The University Star - 5

4/2 Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively.

Solutions for 4/2

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Cost - 25¢ per word (1–6 days); Cost - 20¢ per word (7+ days); Deadline - 2 business days prior by noon All classified ads must be paid in advance, unless credit is established. Classified ads will be edited for style purposes. We do our best, but please check your classified ad for accuracy. Any corrections to your ad must be made by the second day of publication. As a free service to you, all classified ads will be published on-line on our web site at www.universitystar.com. However, since this is a free service, posting is not guaranteed. While The University Star attempts to screen ads for misleading claims or illegal content, it is not possible for us to investigate every ad and advertiser. Please use caution when answering ads, especially any which require you to send money in advance.

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Sports the university star

softballslate

The Texas State softball team will play Baylor at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Waco. The Bobcats are 25-12 overall and the Bears are 29-14. Texas State is 7-21 for all time against Baylor, but defeated the Bears 5-2 in 2004, the last game between the two teams.

6 - Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

Water polo club paddles through losses at weekend tournament

By César G. Rodriguez Sports Reporter The Texas State women’s water polo club could not stay afloat Saturday and Sunday in the Collegiate Water Polo Association state tournament at the Aqua Sports Center.

The competition served as placement for the clubs competing in the Women’s Texas Division, which include Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Rice, Trinity and Baylor.

The Bobcats lost to Texas Tech 12-1, Texas 15-2 and A&M 12-4. Texas State won from Baylor’s forfeit and moved from fourth to third place.

Kathryn Garner, interdisciplinary studies junior, said the club left the tournament with a positive experience. She said the club’s strategy was to doubleteam the main scoring player on the opposing side while on defense. Garner said the members swam faster than in any other competition this year.

“We played our best, and that’s all anyone can ever ask for,” Garner said.

Coach James Locus, philosophy junior, said the competition produced a good outcome for the club. Locus said the members did not play as a team in the first game, but they worked together in the following matches.

“With each game, their cohesion got greater and greater,” Locus said.

Lyndsey Gonzales, biology

freshman, said the club learned from its errors and managed to improve defensively.

“We learned to get back on ‘D’,” Gonzales said. “We just fine tuned a little bit of mistakes that have been killing us lately.”

Ana Vargas, pre-international studies sophomore, said she cherishes the teamwork shown during the weekend.

“It was a big opportunity to really come together because this is our first year to really have a women’s (club),” Vargas said.

“We’re really getting to know each other and polishing our skills we acquired throughout the year.”

Vargas and other experienced players were committed to involving newcomers. The club has a mixed group of 12 experienced and first-time players, she said.

“We have a wonderful group of girls who are willing to learn,” Vargas said.

Vargas hopes with the remaining days to practice, the club will continue the intensity demonstrated during the season.

Alyssa Robinson, electronic media junior, said threedays-per-week practices are not enough for the club. Robinson said members are involved in other organizations that can prevent them from attending practices.

“The fact that we even have a (women’s club) at all, it’s amaz-

ing,” Robinson said. “It’s motivated us to work harder for the next tournament.”

Robinson said the club needs to focus on strengths, like faster swimmers and endurance.

“We just need to tap into that and really work on moving around tiring out the other (clubs) who don’t have very good swimmers,” Robinson said.

Robinson said members need to work on areas like accuracy and shooting under pressure.

The club executes well during drills, Robinson said, but in tournaments, the team loses accuracy because of pressure.

Garner agreed.

“We got them down, but perfection would be nice,” Garner said.

Locus said competitions with long breaks hurt the club.

“The tournaments are spaced out — two weeks later a tournament and in a month a tournament. That just really hurts (club) cohesion and play,” Locus said. “If we could play more scrimmages (and) tournaments, we would really get the basics down: passing, shooting, moving around, ball movement.”

The women’s water polo club will play Texas and Rice in the Bracket “A” of the Division Championship April 18 in Austin. The winner of the tournament will advance to the Women’s National Collegiate Club Championship in California.

Hannah VanOrstrand/Star photo REAL TEAMWORK: While Jessica Mosholder, exercise and sports science sophomore, prepares a shot, her teammate Alyssa Robinson, electronic media junior, guarded off the opposing defenseman.

Rugby club finishes season with loss Bobcats defeat Bears in Arkansas

By Jessie Spielvogel Sports Reporter

It was a cold weekend for the men’s Renegade Rugby club team as they competed in the Western Rugby Union Semifinal.

The club lost Sunday 34-19 at Northern Colorado after winning its second consecutive state championship March 8.

The team was originally scheduled to play Saturday, but because of weather conditions, the Renegades were unable to do so until Sunday afternoon.

“On Friday it was 60-degree great weather,” said Shawn Cox, marketing junior, “but then we could see a storm rolling in over the mountains.”

Cox said the field had five inches of snow Saturday morning with 30 mph winds.

“It was beyond cold. I wanted to cry. It was so horrible,” Cox said.

Luckily, the weather was on the Renegades’ side for Sunday.

Only two of four participating teams were able to advance to the Sweet 16 in Orlando. However, after losing to Colorado School of Mines, the club was unable to continue further.

“We knew we had a good team who could play some hardhitting rugby,” Cox said. “We believed we could come out on top and advance to the Sweet 16, but we just had some minor slip ups and missed tackles that cost us a few points.

“We were playing out of our comfort zone with the weather being so bad, but we kept driving hard and had a good, fun

game of rugby.”

The Renegades scored three times. Charlie Faglie, political science senior, and Thomas Taylor, finance junior, were among two of the team members to score points. Rob Allensworth, criminal justice senior, scored a try in the second half.

“Taylor’s score was the outcome of an amazing show of teamwork with some brilliant offloads by the pack,” Cox said.

Texas State was down by 10 points at halftime. The team collected penalties toward the end of the game, including three yellow cards and one red card.

Chris Farias, health and wellness promotion senior, is one of the club’s graduating players. He participated in his last game during the weekend.

“I think everyone played their hearts out. We started off looking pretty good, but as the game went on, we started to fall apart,” Farias said.

However, the team has hopes of returning to the western semifinals next season for the win. Farias said he is confident the remaining players will carry the team to the Sweet 16 next year.

“We’re losing a lot of key players, but at the same time, we have a lot of talent to pass it on to,” Farias said. “We’ve been taking our program a step further every year for the last four years, so I am pretty confident (the club will) be making another appearance next year.”

By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter

Tina Phan/Star file photo COLD CATCH: Alex Zottarelli, biology senior, gets lifted to catch the ball at the March 8 rugby state championship. The Renegades lost 34-19 Sunday to Northern Colorado.

The Bobcats traveled north to face off against Central Arkansas and returned victorious with two of the three games. The Texas State baseball team extended its record to 1910 overall, 10-5 in Southland Conference play.

“UCA hasn’t been in our conference long, but they will always go out there and compete,” said Laurn Randell, junior outfielder.

“We didn’t go up there and expect to blow them out, but we did expect to handle them no matter how hard they fought. They put up a fight just like every team does in the Southland Conference, especially around this time of year when everybody is trying to win conference.”

Texas State still holds a share of first place with the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, despite dropping the final game of the series.

Paul Goldschmidt, junior infielder, did not hit a home run for 12 games until the second of the series, in which he hit two. The first home run tied the all-time career record for Texas State and the

second broke it. Goldschmidt now has 27 career home runs, including nine this season.

“I’ve seen some records broken in my career here at Texas State, like when Luke (Cannon) broke the home run record for a season,” Randell said. “To see Paul (Goldschmidt) have a career record like that, though, is unbelievable. He is an awesome player and teammate. He always has a smile on his face. (Goldschmidt) is a great athlete and student of the game with a bunch of raw talent.

To see him break that record was great.”

Luke Cannon, Texas State alumnus and outfielder, broke the single-season home run mark during his senior year with 18. Goldschmidt missed tying the record last season by one home run when he batted in 17.

The Bobcats took an early lead Friday in the first game and won 5-2.

The second game Saturday went into extra innings, but the Bobcats held strong and finished the game with a 12-11 victory. However, the Bobcats were trounced 11-4 Sunday in the third and final game.