04 15 2009

Texas Tune Step Fourteen Finishes Texas country artists gather for a concert on campus SEE TRENDS PAGE 6

Texas State track and field teams take home 14 first-place titles SEE SPORTS PAGE 8

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

www.UniversityStar.com

April 15, 2009

Officials hope federal dollars will fund construction

Wednesday

Volume 98, Issue 72

His Legacy Continues LBJ’s daughters reminisce about their father, his pride in being an alumnus

By Scott Thomas Editor in Chief Federal stimulus money may be used to fund construction projects at Texas State, including a music recital hall and theater center and a health professions building at the Round Rock campus.

Charles Matthews, chancellor of the Texas State University System, said the federal money will probably be spent on K-12 schools before reaching universities.

“If there’s anything left after that it will be spent on higher education,” he said.

Bill Nance, vice president of finance and support services, said university administrators heard varied stories as to whether appropriations requests would be filed. However, Jim Pitts, chairman of the house appropriations committee, filed for all projects statewide.

“We were hopeful if the appropriations chair is interested,” Nance said.

The Texas House and Senate pass legislation that issues tuition revenue bonds.

The bonds fund construction projects or improvements on existing facilities. They are funded from the state general appropriations and are repaid by tuition increases.

If legislation is passed issuing tuition revenue bonds, it is not specific to any one university, but funds different projects for individual institutions.

“It’s across the board,” Nance said. “Ninety percent of all public universities get money.”

However, there is no guarantee all the projSee FUNDING, page 3

Dorm burglary suspect arrested by campus police

By Monte Ashqar Special to The Star Police arrested a Texas State student Monday evening under suspicion of theft and burglary. The student was charged with one count of burglary of a habitation-dorm.

UPD Capt. Paul Chapa said Investigator Manuel Hernandez arrested the suspect, Matthew Reynolds, business freshman, about 5 p.m.

Monday on campus.

“The individual arrested was charged with one count of a burglary of a habitation in Falls Hall,” Chapa said. “We found him in possession of stolen property from one of the burglaries reported.”

Chapa said Hernandez found three backpacks containing stolen property in the possession of Reynolds when Hernandez arrested him.

Chapa said the suspect was charged with one count but is under investigation for his

Hannah VanOrstrand/Star photo FIRST DAUGHTERS: Lynda Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson gathered Tuesday at Evan’s Liberal Arts auditorium to talk about their father’s life and how they were affected by his presidency.

By Lyanna Fuentes and Amanda Venable The University Star Luci Baines Johnson stopped and smiled.

She sat next to her sister, Lynda Johnson Robb, and reflected on the statue of her father Texas State students pass by daily. It is the symbol

of her father not as a president or a public figure, but as a young man — a student.

“One of the things that grabbed my heart strings, my sister’s heart strings and our family’s is when we came on campus and went by the statue that students raised money to put on campus — a young man in great hurry, down to the flapping

tie,” Johnson said.

Lynda Johnson Robb said she brought with her an old report card of her father’s, a 3x5 certificate from the Winter of ’29. It said he received an A minus in economics.

“Now, I might not have brought it, if it was one of those Cs or Ds that he got,” Robb said jokingly.

Johnson said her father would

appreciate the portrayal of him not as the 30th President of the United States, but as the ambitious college student with his sights set on improving the education of others and of his beloved university, then Southwest Texas State Teachers College.

See LBJ, page 3

See BURGLARY, page 3

Pedestrians endangered at Aquarena intersection

By Kosaku Narioka News Reporter Christopher Bolfing is not waiting on the university or City to protect students.

After being struck multiple times by vehicles, he has started a petition calling for improvements to the Aquarena Springs and Sessom intersection.

“If this university wants to protect its students, it needs to do so in every capacity, not just looking at the idea of allowing teachers to bring guns to school or doing these different endeavors of university safety,” said

Bolfing, anthropology and philosophy senior.

Bolfing’s petition is sitting on the cashier’s table at Korner Food Store on Aquarena Springs Drive. A few hundred people have already signed the petition asking the City of San Marcos and Texas State to establish a safe passage for pedestrians at the intersection. Employees of the store said it has been there since October.

The petition asks for calibration of the lights at the intersection to provide an all stop for the crosswalks, initiation and enforcement of a no right turn on

Today’s Weather Partly Cloudy

84˚

Precipitation: 10% Humidity: 35% UV: 8 Very High Wind: SSE 17 mph

red policy and calls for the fadedcrosswalks to be repainted.

“They (cars) still get just as mad if you get in their way,” Bolfing said. “I haven’t actually gotten hit this semester, but other people have.”

Bolfing said his neighbor had to use a cane for a month after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection.

The petition, as an ultimate solution, asks for an elevated crosswalk from Clear Springs Apartment complex across Aquarena Springs Drive.

Bolfing said a pedestrian bridge would allow students to

use the crosswalk by the Theatre Building without interfering with the Wild Rice around Sessom.

The university owns facilities near the intersection, but not the roads. Aquarena Springs Drive belongs to the Texas Department of Transportation as part of the highway system.

City Manager Rick Menchaca said the city does not have the authority to change the traffic signal coordination.

“You have to work with the TxDOT,” Menchaca said. “Anything related to their right-of-way, which is the road, you have to

get TxDOT permission. Most of the times they do the work. It’s their road. It’s their highway.”

He said the city can request projects to TxDOT, but that does not mean it will be initiated by the state agency.

Sabas Avila, assistant director of public services, said the city is not working on any project with the Texas Department of Transportation at the time.

“The biggest issue we have received at that intersection is cars turning right at the intersection are not yielding to pedestrians,” Avila said.

He said about two months

Two-day Forecast Thursday

Friday

Isolated T-Storms Temp: 83°/44° Precip: 30%

Partly Cloudy Temp: 83°/54° Precip: 10%

Inside News............ 1,2,3 Opinions............. 5 Trends................. 6

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

Diversions............7 Classifieds..........7 Sports.................8

ago the city installed signs to educate drivers that by law they must yield to pedestrians within a crosswalk.

“Very few people know this,” Avila said.

Bolfing agreed, saying he is unsatisfied and the signs are a good first step, but not enough.

“The problem is they just remind people of what they already know,” Bolfing said. “It’s not going to correct their behavior. People know that you yield to pedestrians who have the right of way. If you don’t know See INTERSECTION, page 3

To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.UniversityStar.com © 2009 The University Star

PageTwo

2 - Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Calendar

starsof texas state The Texas State baseball team shut out their second opponent this season when pitcher Garret Carruth, exercise and sports science junior, and company combined for a 4-0 victory against Houston Baptist Monday at Bobcat

Field. Carruth struck out three batters and allowed three hits in his six-inning stay on the mound.

—Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

Today in Brief

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

HOLDING PLANK

CRIME BLOTTER

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

University Police Department

The Ensemble Series presents Guitar Ensemble Recital at 6 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens.

April 7, 1:30 p.m.

Criminal Mischief-under $500 - Nueces Parking Lot A nonstudent reported to a police officer his vehicle was vandalized while legally parked.

The case is under investigation.

THURSDAY Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting on at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, room 320. Enjoy contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Contact 512-557-7988 or mail@texasstatechialpha.com for more information.

FRIDAY There will be an AA meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. in LBJ Student Center, room 3-6.1 SATURDAY There will be a performance of the Cirque D’Or- Golden Dragon Acrobats at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. Tickets will be $15 for general public and $5 for students.

Phi Alpha Delta will host the P.A.D. Classic Charity Golf Tournament at 8 a.m. at Quail Creek Country Club. The entry fee is $60 and supports the San Marcos Youth Service Bureau. Registration will be in The Quad from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 30 to April 17. Visit. www. padclassic.org for more information.

SUNDAY Every Nation Campus Minitries invites you to join us at 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.

Kayla Hartzog/Star photo Instructor Allison Leddy, recreational administration junior, helps students exercise Tuesday at CatsCrunch abs class at the Rec Center.

This day in history

1850: The City of San Francisco was incorporated.

1861: President Abraham Lincoln declared a state of insurrection and called out Union troops three days after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

1865: Andrew Johnson became the 17th president of the United States after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

1945: British and Canadian troops liberated the Nazi concentration camp Bergen-Belsen.

1947: Jackie Robinson became baseball’s first black major league

player when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers. (His uniform No. 42 was retired on the same date in 1997.)

1980: Existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre died in Paris at age 74.

1981: Washington Post reporter Janet Cooke relinquished the Pulitzer Prize she had received two days earlier for a feature about an 8-yearold heroin addict after admitting she had fabricated the story.

1986: The United States launched an air raid against Libya in response to the bombing of a discotheque in Berlin on April 5; Libya said 37 people, mostly

April 7, 2 p.m.

Failure to Comply/Striking Unattended Vehicle - Bobcat Stadium Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer her vehicle was damaged while legally parked.

The case is under investigation.

April 7, 2 p.m.

Failure to Comply/Striking Unattended Vehicle - Bobcat Stadium A student reported to a police officer her vehicle was damaged while legally parked.

The case is under investigation.

civilians, were killed.

April 7, 7:22 p.m.

Burglary of Vehicle - Blanco 1989: Students in Beijing launched Garage a series of pro-democracy protests A student reported to a police upon the death of former Communist officer his property had been Party leader Hu Yaobang. taken from his vehicle without 1998: Pol Pot, leader of the Khmer his consent. The case is under Rouge regime that killed an estimated investigation.

1.7 million Cambodians in the 1970s, April 7, 4:43 p.m. died at age 72.

Warrant Service - Other A student was arrested on 2000: Cal Ripken, Jr. of the a warrant and transported to Baltimore Orioles became the 24th Hays County Law Enforcement major league player to reach 3,000 Center and is awaiting a court hits. date. A report was made of the incident.

2002: Retired Supreme Court Justice Byron R. White died at age 84.

—Courtesy of University Police Department —Courtesy of New York Times

Health Beat Register for marrow donation to help cancer patients The National Marrow Donor Program will be registering potential donors at tables located throughout campus April 13 to 16 as part of Cancer Awareness Month.

Patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma are often young children under the age of 5 and rely on marrow donations for survival.

“Seventy percent of patients awaiting a match cannot find one in their family,” said Ashlee Dozier, health education coordinator. “They rely on the donor

registry for the chance of finding a match.”

Registration consists of completing a form and swabbing the inside of your mouth. Potential donors are added to the national registry that matches patients and donors based on DNA similarities.

If a match is found, the patient’s insurance pays for all expenses. The procedure is similar to donating plasma.

The registry relies on the diversity of potential donors to increase the likelihood of finding a match.

According to the National Marrow Donor Program, caucasians make up the largest percentage of donors in the registry with 74 percent — American Indian, Asian, African American, Hispanic/Latino and multi-racial individuals are encouraged to register.

Visit www.cancerawareness. healthcenter.txstate.edu for more information about Cancer Awareness Month events.

—Courtesy of Caleb Hudgens, Student Health Center

Director at Texas State presents seminar in Idaho W. Scott Erwin, director of sponsored programs at Texas State, will present a seminar in Boise, Idaho, April 21 to 22.

Erwin will discuss Grants Management with the Association of Government Accountants, Idaho Centennial Chapter.

The course provides a general

overview including preparation, review and submittal of proposals; negotiation and acceptance of grants; post-award financial and administrative management; closeout and audit; and relevant compliance issues. Specific topics include the differences between grants, gifts and contracts; the administrative

and legal basis surrounding sponsored programs; and identification of funding sources.

The seminar counts for 8 CPE credits. Visit www.agacgfm.org for additional information.

—Courtesy of University News Service

News

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The University Star - 3

LBJ

CONTINUED from page 1

“Daddy left Texas State physically, but he never felt like Texas State left him,” Johnson said.

It was on the university campus that President Lyndon Johnson signed the Higher Education Act of 1965, which created grants and loans for students who could not otherwise afford to attend college.

“It was his fondest dream and greatest satisfaction to see students from this university show the caliber of their potential,” Johnson said. “It was on this campus that he had the great formative lessons of the Great Society. It was on this campus that he learned about bringing groups together and trying to get agendas achieved.

And it was on this campus he was welcomed back after his presidency.”

In celebrating 100 years since President Lyndon Johnson’s birth, his daughters, Robb and Johnson, served Tuesday night as this year’s Common Experience and Lecture Series guest speakers, which was the closing to the university’s yearlong theme, “Civic Responsibility and the Legacy of LBJ.” The Johnson sisters spoke about their personal experiences while living at the White House.

The sisters reminisced about the wide range of personalities they met and special moments shared with President Johnson.

“By an accident of birth, I got to be a witness to history,” Luci Johnson said during the address to students, alumni and university friends.

In the crowd was the friend and assistant to President Johnson, Robert Hardesty. Hardesty

INTERSECTION CONTINUED from page 1

that you don’t get a license, it’s as simple as that. Just reminding somebody about the law is not a good way to keep people safe.”

Bolfing said the signs have made a difference in pedestrian awareness.

“Rather than people just completely ignoring pedestrian right-of-way, there are a very select group of people who will see the sign and obey the traffic law,” Bolfing said. “What I’ve run into is people driving even faster through the crosswalks trying to beat the pedestrians.”

He said there has been increased police enforcement at the intersection, but it is unsafe and difficult to manage.

“Last time I saw the cop pull someone over, three cars ran a red light in front of him,” Bolfing said.

“After the cop turned his lights on and pulled the last car over 10 people behind him ran the red light and five people blew through the crosswalk while someone was waiting to go. For every one that they catch, five, 10, who knows how many are breaking the law because they know they aren’t going to get caught.”

A traffic study by the City of

San Marcos, completed back in 2004 said the intersection operated an unacceptable level of service during the morning or evening peak travel hours. Avila said the city has since completed some intersection improvements: dedication of a right turn lane on Aquarena Springs, two left turn lanes on Sessom Drive and implementation of 5-feet sidewalks and a pedestrian crossing.

Yet, pedestrians are still dodging vehicles failing to stop at red lights.

Shevawn Wofford, psychology freshman, who lives on campus, said she crosses the intersection to go to the intramural fields and Bobcat Village.

“Most drivers don’t really care about pedestrians,” Wofford said.

Noe Tellez, undecided sophomore, said he crosses the intersection every Thursday on the way to the soccer field.

Tellez said drivers do not see the pedestrians.

As he walked on the crosswalk, three cars passed in front of him, making a right turn, before the forth one stopped for him.

Reporting contributed by Allen Reed.

BURGLARY CONTINUED from page 1

possible involvement in reported other incidents.

Chapa said nine habitation burglaries have been reported to the university police since Jan. 1 until April 14.

Five of those incidents were reported in Falls Hall, where Reynolds was arrested and currently resides.

Chapa said Reynolds was booked into the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Jail Monday and released Tuesday on a $5,000 bond.

The Texas Penal code lists a burglary of a habitation as a felony of the second degree punishable by imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years, and or a fine not to exceed $10,000.

FUNDING CONTINUED from page 1

ects asked for by institutions’ officials will be funded. In fact, it is unlikely.

For example, Texas State has asked for five projects to be funded, but will likely get one or two of the previously mentioned buildings this session if appropriations are issued. The Texas State University System asked for $222 million in 2006 and received $96.9 million.

Nance said Texas State will have at least one project funded if issuance is passed.

He said the university will fund the music recital hall and theater center with an $8 million gift received last year, along with regular funding, if Texas State does not get tuition revenue bonds.

“We would rather not do that because of so many other needs on campus,” he said.

The music recital hall and theater center is projected to cost $60 million.

The Round Rock campus will only have as many projects as the state funds, he said.

Nance described funding as “a constant balancing act.” He said Texas State has infrastructural needs to be taken care of, as the boiler failure last week illustrated. However, Texas State has a space deficit, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, meaning there are more students than building

space should accommodate.

“As long as we grow we will be expanding (building space),” he said. “We’re playing catch up.”

ASG President Brett Baker said the music recital hall and theater center will be more than the name implies.

“It’s a learning center,” he said. “Just like scientists need a laboratory, musicians and actors need a place to practice.”

Matthews said the budget going through the Senate treats Texas State and other institutions in the system “very well.”

“We’re cautiously optimistic,” he said.

Matthews said until the House and Senate vote and the budget goes through the governor’s office no one knows exactly how the funding will play out.

“We’ve learned to temper our optimism until it goes through that process,” he said.

The legislature will not be through with the budget until midMay, Matthews said. The governor’s office then has until June to sign the legislation. The governor has the right to veto legislation and take out parts of the funding.

“It’s too early to tell,” Nance said.

The Texas Legislature appropriated $1.86 billion in 2006 for tuition-revenue bonds. Texas State received $42.7 million for an undergraduate academic center and $36 million for a Round Rock Higher Education Center.

is a former president of Southwest Texas State University and is now president emeritus. Hardesty said he remembers his first time on campus.

It was 44 years ago when President Johnson signed the Higher Education Act into law.

“I came down, it was a miserable rainy day, but there were a lot of people here,” Hardesty said. “I didn’t know what was really going on. If I knew I was going to come back as a president, I would have paid more attention to it.”

Hardesty laughed, but said he did come back, going on to call the university “one of the most pleasant places” he has ever been.

Hardesty said when serving as president of the university, he at times allowed his mind to wonder, “what would Lyndon do?”

Harry Middleton, director of the LBJ Library and Museum and executive director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation, mediated the Common Experience discussion between the Johnson sisters.

Middleton, like Hardesty, has vivid memories of his friendship with President Johnson, one which he said had a unique start.

“I went into his office, the president greeted me very affably and we sat, practically knee to knee, and he told me about the message he wanted me to write for the Congress,” Middleton said.

Middleton realized shortly into the meeting he “was in deep water.” President Johnson was not talking about a subject Middleton anticipated.

“I kept writing. I told Joe (a

presidential aid), ‘there must be some mistake,’” Middleton said.

“Joe said, ‘no, he doesn’t make mistakes’ — which wasn’t quite true. ‘Well, if I were you, I would consider myself working for the President of the United States,’ he said. That was it. That was my introduction. He didn’t ask me to, I just started.”

Luci Johnson said a favorite story her father would tell was about a round table comprised of joint chief of staffs “people who were graduates of academies and graduates of Ivy League institutions.”

“All of these individuals of rare achievements making these decisions of states,” she said. “And then one from Southwest Texas State Teachers College, and that of course was the person who was in charge.”

President Johnson and fam-

ily members hold a legacy at Texas State. Luci Johnsons’s son, Lyndon Nugent, and her son-in-law, Brent Covert, are both alumni.

Three name changes and decades later, Johnson and Robb said their father would be proud of the direction of Texas State.

“He would say, ‘make new friends but keep the old,’” Robb said. “He would like that we are a family, and there is a feeling that we are all in this together.”

President Johnson believed students could do anything, as long as they had the resources, she said.

“Daddy really did love this school,” Robb said. “I think he was proud at the fact that someone (attended) what was then a teachers college, a small school, could have gone so far in the world. It shows the American experience.”

Environment threatened by urban sprawl

By Brigette Botkin News Reporter Growth of urban areas leads to urban sprawl, a condition where expansion continues outward from a city’s center causing “over development.” This includes large areas of paved and developed land.

San Marcos is at the center of the Austin-San Antonio metropolitan area along the Interstate 35 corridor. The area ranks among the top five fastest growing areas in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It is predicted the region will double in population by the year 2020.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, increased population is linked with increased urban expansion.

Brock Brown, associate professor in the geography department, said over development can lead to frequent and severe flooding, lower recharge rates of ground water, higher temperatures and contamination of water systems by pet excrement and other pollutants.

“A lot of these are problems

people don’t typically think about,” Brown said. “People don’t consider that an extra strip mall will cause more runoff.

They don’t think about where their trash or pet’s waste runs to after it rains. Many issues are connected to growth.”

Andrew Sansom, executive director of the River Systems Institute, said growth must be monitored to prevent the damage of natural systems.

“Continued development is something we need to be sensitive about,” Sansom said. “Any development over the Aquifer has the potential of affecting our spring and water supply. It’s a fine line to walk between development and harm.”

The City of San Marcos is in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. The zone is responsible for refilling the aquifer. Urban sprawl makes the recharging of ground water more difficult, said Brown. “(With urban sprawl), you have a large amount of impervious surfaces like asphalt, roofs and cement that deters water from soaking into the ground,” Brown said. “Instead, these sur-

faces channel runoff water directly into drainage ditches that flow to the river. Ground water is bypassed and not recharged.”

Kelly Bender, Texas Parks and Wildlife urban biologist, said parts of urban sprawl are in the hands of individuals.

“Different property owners make decisions on how they want to run their lands,” Bender said. “Those (land) management decisions impact the rest of the area.”

Brown said growth does not have to be an environmental problem.

“People can make choices to help improve things,” Brown said.

“By working to keep areas of land natural, urban sprawl can be controlled. If people understood what the problems are, they could easily work to solve them.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials encourage developers to build homes closer together.

Bender said a larger area of land can be set aside as natural open area when homes are built closer together.

“Access to open land like this increases property values, decreases the healing time for the

sick and prevents Nature Deficit Disorder,” she said.

Nature Deficit Disorder is the idea that a wide range of behavioral problems can stem from children not spending enough time in a healthy, outdoor environment, said Bender.

Brown believes the City of San Marcos is working to balance economic growth with a healthy environment.

“The city has had great efforts to protect the environment and prevent over development,” Brown said. “There has been a grass-roots effort through San Marcos. That’s what it has to be, a grass-roots effort. People have to care for it to change.”

According to Brown, developers are required to create a hydrological model determining what they will do to offset runoff caused by increased development.

Sansom said he believes growth is inevitable, but it does not have to be harmful.

“Growth will come,” Sansom said. “We’re one of the fastest growing counties in the state. We just need to be careful and deliberate in future development.”

Business students plan to open pay-per-day parking lot

By Brigette Botkin News Reporter A proposed student project may alleviate parking woes if put into action.

The project is a new payper-day parking lot planned as an on-campus alternative. It is the brainchild of five business students enrolled in an entrepreneurship course, requiring groups to create and launch a business project.

Concho Parking, the proposed pay-per-day parking lot, would add additional parking spaces said Miles Leymeister, management senior and group member.

Leymeister estimates the parking lot would serve 50 to 60 clients a day, though a specific number has not yet been determined. The group is expecting the parking fee to be $5 per day and said the service will be open to everyone.

Concho Parking will be located in the vacant lot at the corner of North Guadalupe and Concho Streets, north of Taco Bell. Leymeister said the service is named after the complex that was supposed to be built in that location.

Leymeister said their goal is to make getting to class an easy task.

Dana Regan, applied sociology senior, commutes twice a week and said she often waits 40 minutes for a parking space.

“It can take a while, but what

else can I do?” Regan asked.

“I would come early but I have work before school, so I have no choice.”

Courtney Bullard, pre-mass communication junior, said finding a parking space can be a challenge.

“I have to come extremely early to make sure I have a spot,” Bullard said. “Otherwise, I have to wait and wait and hope someone leaves so I can make it to class. It would be nice to have another service.”

The group said the lot will be entirely student operated, if implemented.

“This is going to be student employed and student owned,” Leymeister said.

Leymeister said students will be employed as attendants who will watch the lot and give permits to those entering. The group will own the company Concho Parking and hopes to pass along the business to the next generation of students.

“We’re all seniors so we’re not going to be here next year,” said Sean Smith, management senior and group member. “We’d like to see it continue.”

The group said their idea came from the success of other pay-per-day services on campus.

However, the project began as a different service, originally intended as a valet service.

Under this project, drivers would have dropped off their keys with an attendant who

would then park the car. The driver would later pay a fee to retrieve their keys.

“How nice would it be to just drop off your car and get to class?” Leymeister said. “Just knowing you can leave on your own time and not have to fight for a parking space.”

Adam Fahey, management senior and group member, said the valet service could have worked like it does at the University of Southern California, which Jeff Shields, associate director of transportation there, claims has a parking deficiency. According to him, the University of Southern California has 12,800 parking spaces, 30,000 students and 16,000 faculty members.

“It’s a great time saver,” Shield said “It’s worked wonders here to alleviate parking problems.”

The valet idea was submitted to Texas State Parking Services by the group the first week of April.

According to an e-mail sent to Leymeister by Stephen Prentice, assistant director of parking services, the university’s “goal is to reduce vehicular traffic on campus and particularly near any of the bus pick up or drop off areas. So encouraging commuters to come to central campus, enter into a gated controlled area and then add additional stacking time to the congestion by having to exit the vehicle is not an option.”

The valet idea was rejected April 3 because officials said only University Police and Parking Services are allowed to arrange parking on campus.

After rejection, the group reorganized their project into the pay-per-day idea, which would not be associated with the university.

The Concho Parking group conducted a survey to determine the student body’s opinion and need for parking services.

According to the study, 58 percent of those surveyed were commuters, 72 percent had a parking permit and 80 percent were dissatisfied with current parking services.

“There’s a need for something,” said Elvia Gonzales, management senior and group member. “There are always cars lined up waiting for people to leave so they can grab a spot. And they’ve taken out even more parking, so it’s become worse.”

The group is working to finish the paperwork necessary to rent the lot from its owners, Bobcat Investors. However, the company of Concho Parking will be owned by students.

Leymeister said the project should be finalized after insurance is purchased, a rental rate is set and a business model is presented to the owners.

The group expects Concho Parking to open May 4, if all paperwork goes through.

6 - The University Star

Advertisement

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Opinions 5 - The University Star

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

NEEDED Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu

The Main Point he lines T defining sexual harassment on our campus have been blurred.

Sexual harassment is a serious offense that can dramatically change the lives of all parties involved. Given the weight of such an issue, the policies surrounding it should be clear and sensible.

However, the current university policy regarding sexual harassment recently raised a few eyebrows within the Faculty Senate.

According to the April 7 issue of The University Star, the faculty senators, after a review of the university’s sexual harassment policy, will suggest Texas State officials consider revising part of sexual harassment and consensual relationships policies.

The policy currently lists consensual relationships under the definitions and examples of sexual harassment and, according to the article, “the examples only describe subordinates as victims.”

The more famous cases of sexual harassment have traditionally involved a student or employee harassed by someone in a position of authority over him or her, such as Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky or Clarence Thomas and Anita Hill. But that is not to say only subordinates can be victims of sexual harassment. The policy should be revised to include instances of sexual harassment inflicted upon those who are not subordinates to those who harass them.

Furthermore, it is not right for the university policy to describe a consensual relationship between two adults as sexual harassment. According to The University Star article, faculty senator Joey Martin said, “It only becomes sexual harassment when there is a pressure to sustain (the relationship from one party to the other).”

In order for our faculty and staff members to feel protected from wrongful accusations the policies should be more clear and concise with their language in determining the definitions and parameters of what sexual harassment is and what it is not. This would also enable victims of sexual harassment to defend themselves from instances that may not have been considered harassment otherwise because the current version of the policy we have is weak.

It is already difficult for the victims of this kind of crime to come forward and report what has happened to them in the first place.

By having policies with such vague definitions of these crimes, we only make the entire process more difficult for victims and thereby make it easier for more crimes of this nature to go unreported.

REVISION

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.

Zach Ashburn/ Star Illustrator

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Dangers of online dating

tristan watson

Star Columnist

Our society has become accustomed to meeting new people online, and it seems individuals aren’t concerned with the dangers associated with online dating.

Adults have led the way of finding online dates and it has caused teens to follow in the dangerous and futile trend. There’s nothing wrong with chatting online with friends or family, but it’s unsafe to meet strange people online and give out personal information.

Searching for a soul mate with a couple of back and forth e-mails or paying a membership to the latest dating Web site is hardly setting the foundation for a solid meaningful relationship. Is it possible to find love online? I say no.

The Internet is bursting with online predators looking to take advantage of naive people for companionship or sex. Women and young teens seem to be the ones most targeted.

Online dating is an effortless way for individuals to interact without having to go out in society and meet people the old-fashioned way. Meeting people at work, school, church or through community organizations is not obsolete. The traditional way of courting should not take a backseat to filling out a profile and hiding behind a computer screen.

The dangers of online dating begin when people start lying. There is no such thing as a white lie. A lie is a lie. Lying about one’s height, weight, age and interests are just a few of the various things people will lie about. Online users are subjected to misleading information from individuals who are afraid to be themselves. They lie as a result.

David Brooks, author of Love, Internet Style, said, “online dating puts structure back into courtship.” The statement is far from the truth. Online dating is dangerous and deceptive.

Dangersofdatingonline.com states, online dating statistics show nearly 40 million Americans are using adult online dating Web sites.

Why have people become fascinated with chat rooms and dating Web sites? They are unsafe and people get hurt or die every year from meeting strange people on the Internet.

Each year Internet predators commit more than 16,000 abductions, 100 murders and thousands of rapes, according to InternetPredatorStatistics.com. These days, young teens and adults seem to be the ones taking advantage of surfing through hundreds of profiles and looking at pictures of people who might be fake. Children are stalked and led into situations that might cost them their lives.

The Internet can be addictive. If an individual meets someone one night, how does he or she know the person isn’t online searching for someone else the next? The risk of being placed in a dangerous situation is minimized when people meet others in a decent environment and have one-on-one interaction.

Online dating is unsafe and can be deadly. Unfortunately, in our society people seek to harm others and one way to do this is through the Internet. Meeting people without the barrier of a computer will put structure back into the courtship process.

Legalizing marijuana would reduce drug problems

By Matthew Christ Independent Florida Alligator Stoners everywhere have been getting mixed signals lately, thanks to the Obama administration’s stance on legalizing marijuana.

Last week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Mexico for her first diplomatic tour of the country that has been rocked by more than 7,300 deaths in the Mexican government’s war on drugs. Clinton eluded to a change in U.S. drug policy after conceding America’s voracious appetite for drugs fuels the problem.

Not so fast, said President

Barack Obama when answering an online question during a town hall forum last week.

Legalizing marijuana is off the table in his administration.

It is silly to bring up the pot question during this time of crisis. However, if there has ever been a time to re– evaluate our war on drugs, Mexico’s growing drug problem and our burgeoning prison bills couldn’t be stronger signs that the time for introspection is upon us.

The classical argument against legalizing marijuana doesn’t focus on the drug itself but rather the supposed slippery slope the legalization

would promote. How could the government legalize one drug but ignore the others?

The answer is paradoxically clear. Alcohol is a drug that claims addicts and kills more than 70,000 people per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is legal for adults 21 and older. Currently more than 40 million Americans smoke, all of whom will only burden our healthcare system years down the road.

Florida’s Medical Examiners Commission released a report last year that found prescription drugs had claimed three times as many lives as

all illegal drugs combined in 2007. Rush Limbaugh and middle–aged conservative women with back problems aren’t helping the statistic. The same report found marijuana use had caused zero deaths in the state.

I cannot condone smoking pot.

The recreational user is most likely to inhale some amount of smoke, which can’t be beneficial to any person’s lungs.

However, it is inconceivable to condone the criminalization of marijuana when it has fostered the drug culture where anti–marijuana activists derive their arguments. Want to talk about a gateway drug? Ask

your friendly neighborhood drug dealer what he thinks about free samples of crack cocaine. Worried about increasing gun battles about drug deals gone wrong? No need for exceptional violence when you can pick up weed from your local convenience store.

The total money saved and raked in through taxes could quite possibly go toward education programs for students, as similar tobacco and alcohol abuse programs have shown success in curbing use of these products in recent years among teenagers. The industry created by legalization could put thousands back

to work and would take away much of the power enjoyed by drug cartels and other unsavory figures our government and others — perpetuated drug culture.

Once marijuana is taken off the list of forbidden substances, our inner Adam and Eve complex will not fall to temptation — creating an environment where marijuana use declines.

✯FYI

Want your opinion heard?

Drop us a line at starletters@ txstate.edu

Trends the university star

killermusic

Legendary music producer Phil Spector evaded a murder conviction last month when a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision in his trial, but he did not have the same luck yesterday. Spector was found guilty on Tuesday of second-degree murder, a charge that carries a minimum sentencing of 18 years in prison. The 69 year old’s sentencing is not scheduled until the end of May. Spector’s catalogues includes work with artists like the Beatles, the Ramones, Leonard Cohen and Ike and Tina Turner. Spector has produced almost 30 Top 40 hits.

6 - Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Bar One-41 ‘attracts new type of customer’ with changes

By Brittany Bemis Features Reporter San Marcos lost a live music venue but gained a posh nightclub with the opening of Bar One-41.

Brian Scofield, owner, said he is content with the changes.

“At the start, it mostly is what I expected,” Scofield said. “One of the main concerns I had was that we would just be kind of breaking crowds away from Bar Fish downstairs. “What I didn’t want to do was pull people away from Bar Fish and have them start coming upstairs, but over the past 3 or 4 weeks I’ve seen a lot of newer faces.”

Scofield said the cosmetic changes to the bar attract a new type of customer.

“It’s gone over well. I am really pleased with how the club turned out and how it looks,” Scofield said. “We’ve got a different kind of crowd or rather a new crowd coming. People have been using the VIP section, we’ve sold some bottles and we’ve had birthday parties and events.”

James Frailicks, bar manager, is hoping to cater to people searching for a club similar to those found in Austin.

“When we were re-doing the bar we were trying to use what we had, so far as salvaging equipment and the stage, then to roll that into a place where people can go to in San Marcos, and get dressed up and dance and have a good time like they do in Austin,” Frailicks said. “There really wasn’t a place here for that and

we thought we could be that place for those people.”

Both Scofield and Frailicks feel the new age restrictions are right for the business.

“Twenty-one and older is definitely better. We are a bar.”

Frailicks said. “There is less headaches for the staff since we are 21 and older every day but Wednesday,” Scofield said. “Before, with the shows we had a lot of underage kids, and 90 percent of the time they were all fine. But there were always a couple that would start causing problems trying to drink.”

The transformation from Lucy’s into Bar One-41 has left local bands playing in smaller venues.

Timothy Lormor, drummer for the local band Zlam Dunk,

said he misses Lucy’s.

“We’ve played there a couple times. It was really fun,” Lormor said. “It had good character, cool art on the walls, the stage was cool and not too high up, it fit the local music scene pretty well.”

Lormor, electronic media senior, said he did not see a need for another bar. “(There are) a few other bars close by and I think it was a bad decision,” Lormor said. “Austin is right there and now it takes away the chance for touring bands to come to San Marcos.”

Lormor said Triple Crown and other local music venues do not have the capacity to host a large crowd.

Collin Downs, manager of Triple Crown, said the loss of

Lucy’s is unfortunate.

“I hate to see San Marcos lose a live music venue, but I guess we just have to get more bands on more days,” Downs said. “It is a business decision they had to make and we are going to continue to have live music. It just gives us more opportunity to have live bands come through.”

Downs said Triple Crown faces the same booking issues that caused Lucy’s to close. “(Our booking manager) runs into a problem like every club does, trying to fill Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, because nobody wants to play on those days,” Downs said. “Everybody wants to play Thursday, Friday and Saturday, when most people go out. There is not a big crowd during the weekday. Once the

school dropped Friday classes, Thursdays became a big night.”

Despite the difficulty booking shows, Downs said they are here to stay.

“We are a live music venue first and foremost,” Downs said.

Bar One-41 still has the capabilities to host bands, but there will not be a new line-up every night.

“It’s good that we are still utilizing the stage as we did with Lucy’s but we don’t really feel the pressure to put on big events everyday,” Scofield said.

“What was so difficult before is trying to pull hese large events 3 to 4 times a week. Now we only do things a couple times a month and it is working out really well.”

Bar One-41 will host Bobcat Ball on Saturday.

Program honors, hosts Texas music, performers

By Christian Wallace Features Reporter The LBJ Ballroom transformed into a rowdy, music-drenched honky-tonk last night.

Seven acoustic guitars, a violin and a saxophone sat alone on the stage as students, teachers and members of the San Marcos community packed into the room. Tables draped in white cloths were scattered in front of the stage reserved for donors and friends of the Center for Texas Music History, the organization responsible for putting on the “unplugged” show.

Dr. Gary Hartman, a professor in the department of history, took a microphone to introduce the night’s performers and explain the purpose of the unique music organization.

“The Center for Texas Music History is the only universitybased program of its kind in the state, devoted to the preservation of Texas music,” Hartman said. “The program will turn 10 years old in September and we are happy to be hosting our ninth edition of the “unplugged” concert series.”

The artists made their way onto the stage to claim their six-strings. When all had taken a seat on their designated stools, the music began.

The Sister Morales, a brunette and blonde sibling duo out of San Antonio, opened up with the first song of the night while David Spencer accompanied their guitars with his.

“Dr. Hartman asked me to play a song that I wrote based off my experience livin’ in Texas.

Here’s one,” said Ray Wylie Hubbard, a legend in the Texas music

scene, before beginning to pluck the opening “Snake Farm.”

Hubbard paused during the middle of the song looking out into the crowd through his Jonn Lennon-esque round glasses.

“This is supposed to be a sing along,” Hubbard said. “Come on, I thought this was Texas State!”

The crowd responded and soon the ballroom echoed with the chorus, “Snake Farm, it just sounds nasty. Snake Farm, it pretty much is!”

Cody Canada, lead singer of Cross Canadian Ragweed, followed Hubbard with a new song he wrote. Shelly King, the only musician onstage not clad in jeans, sang a song entitled “Texas Moon,” and Mary Cutrufello rounded out the first set of song swaps.

A supporting cast of talented musicians accompanied the singer-songwriters with improvised beats and licks. Billy Curtis alternated between violin and saxophone while Bill Whitbeck thumped on a bass and Ponty Bone jammed on the accordion.

Hubbard reminded the crowd the core of the music being played was the writer who first penned the words.

“There have been many great Texas songwriters — Billy Joe Shaver, Guy Clark, and Townes Van Zandt. Those guys set a plateau for young songwriters to aspire to,” Hubbard said of the well-established legacy of songwriting in the Lone Star state.

Hubbard’s lips pressed against the metal of his harmonica and began another round of songs.

Cutrufello, a native of Connecticut, attended Yale University before moving to Texas to play music.

“I moved out here to learn

about country music,” Cutrufello said, her dreadlocks touching her shoulders. “This is a pretty good place to do that.”

The show continued in a similar fashion with each artist offering some tidbit of their experience writing and playing music across the state. During every song the crowd was either

stomping their feet or clapping to the rhythm. The audience became silent during one of the intricate guitar solos.

Songs continued in Spanish and English, covering topics from New Orleans and rodeos to a particularly heartfelt piece Canada sang about his son.

“I have refused to record this

song because I don’t want anyone making money off of my kid,” Canada said.

“May the Circle Be Unbroken” ended the show as every artist on stage strummed and sang along to the well-known Carter Family classic.

Canada, Hubbard and the other artists signed programs and

talked to fans after the finale.

“We’ve been on the road for about two months doing straight rock’n’roll shows,” Canada said.

“It’s nice to be able to do the acoustic thing. It takes it all back to where it began. Plus, it’s not too shabby sitting next to Ray Wylie Hubbard or any of the guys on that stage tonight.”

Kayla Hartzog/Star photo UNPLUGGED: Country artists Cody Canada and Ray Wylie Hubbard joined others from across the country for the Texas Music History Unplugged concert Tuesday in the LBJ Ballroom.

Diversions

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The University Star - 7

Solutions for 4/14

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

Solutions for 4/14

Classifieds E-mail Classifieds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu

rates and policies

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

FOR RENT

1 BEDROOM FULLY FURNISHED. Cable, internet, water, and w/d included! GL, (512) 878-2233.

FOR RENT

FOR RENT-APTS

REMODELED! 1 & 2 BDs Available.

Cable/ Internet paid. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

334 CRADDOCK. 3BD/2BA with covered parking. $985/ month. Immediate occupancy. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call (512) 665-3321 for a showing.

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

THE CLOSEST APARTMENTS TO TEXAS STATE is having a 2BD/1BA blowout!!! If you need an apartment for the SUMMER ONLY, lease now through April 21, 2009, and you get $150 off rent each month from April 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009. We are offering short-term leases for the summer! Stop by the office off LBJ or call if you have any questions. Treehouse Apartment Homes, (512) 353-7620.

611 BRACEWOOD. Newly remodeled 2BD/2BAs for $625. Immediate occupancy. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call (512) 665-3321 for a showing.

906 N. LBJ TOTALLY REMODELED. Water & trash paid.

2BD/2BA for $850 and 3BD/2BA for $1,050. Walk to campus! Immediate occupancy. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call (512) 665-3321 for a showing.

ALL BILLS PAID, W/D INCLUDED, ROOMMATE MATCHING, PETS WELCOME! $375/month.

GL, (512) 878-2233.

BRAND NEW PROPERTY! Wood floor, black appliances. Huge closets.

Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

CHEAP RENT! 1BD/1BA, $425, 500 sq. ft. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

EFF. AVAILABLE ONLY $395 PER MO. Close to downtown and campus.

Call Living Solutions right now for more information (512) 757-8900.

LUXURY 1, 2, 3, 4 BEDROOM. Private shuttle to TxState, most bills paid, furnished w/ TV! GL, (512) 878-2233.

MOST AFFORDABLE! 4BD/2BA, $350 pp. Other floorplans available too!

Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

NOW PRE-LEASING! Sagewood, Crest, Cedar Grove, and Conway Duplexes. Hundreds of homes, duplexes, and condos to choose from.

Prime Property Management, (512) 878-1792.

PRE-LEASE NOW FOR FULLY FURNISHED 1, 2, 3, 4 BEDROOM. Most bills paid, w/d.

GL, (512) 878-2233.

PRE-LEASE NOW! Tons of apartments and houses available to suit anyone’s needs. For information please call Living Solutions now and ask about our FREE GIFT CARD. (512) 757-8900.

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

WALKING DISTANCE TO CAMPUS! Large floor plan perfect for roommates, full size washer and dryer, Small pets welcome. For more information please call Living Solutions @ (512) 757-8900

FOR RENT-APTS Apartments from $425/MO. Central location. (512) 353-5051. $50 DEPOSIT & $200 off 1st month. 1BD/1BA, $550. Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

1 & 2 bedroom apartments. $199 move-in special includes application/deposit/1st month’s rent!

GL, (512) 878-2233.

1-3BD APARTMENTS NEXT TO CAMPUS. MOVE IN FOR MAY and AUGUST. $340-$630/mo. Includes internet, cable, gas, water, garbage, beautiful wooden floors. Roommate matching available. (512) 618-1843.

3BD/1.5BA APARTMENT CLOSE TO ACADEMY ST., $750 per mo for 1,062 sq. ft. Washer/Dryer included, fireplace. For more information please call (512) 757-8900.

BRAND NEW LUXURY APARTMENTS 1, 2 & 3_s. Gated community, granite countertops, ALL DOGS WELCOME! GL, (512) 878-2233.

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

GREAT ROOMMATE FLOOR PLAN! 2BD/2BA, internet paid, $795.

Apartment Experts, (512) 805-0123.

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Walk to class! 427 Lindsey St. Apts., large 1BD/1BA. Very nice, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, $685/ mo. Adjoins campus at Lindsey St. & Academy St. James K. Wise Real Estate, (512) 396-8400. jameskw@grandecom.net

VERY LARGE 1BD-1BA FOR RENT ON N.LBJ. Only $495 per mo. Walk or take the bus to campus, FREE basic cable provided. For more information please call Living Solutions @ (512) 757-8900.

FOR RENT-CONDOS/ TOWNHOMES $800 PRE-LEASE TODAY FOR 5/20 OR 8/20/09! 2BD/2.5BA townhouse 1,000 sq.ft., 3 blocks from TxState, small, clean & quiet community. Free HBO, free internet, W/D. www.windmilltownhomes.com or (512) 396-4181.

FOR RENT-HOUSES 2BD/1BA HOME FOR RENT, MOVE IN ASAP. Only $550 per mo. and almost 800 sq. ft. Quiet area. Call Living Solutions right now for more information (512) 757-8900.

2BD/1BA HOUSE UNFURNISHED ON 150 ACRES, 9 MI. FROM SAN MARCOS. Bird hunting available.

Call (830)660-0787, (512)357-6271, (830)379-9682.

HELP WANTED TEXAS LEARNING CENTER NOW HIRING FOR FULL-TIME/PARTTIME TEACHERS AND COOK. Apply within, 221 Amberwood North, Kyle. www.txlearningcenter.com McADOO’S SEAFOOD CO. in New Braunfels _ 196 N. Castell Interviewing T/W/Th. mcadoosco.com !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day.

No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK. (800)965-6520 ext. 157.

1 & 2 bedroom townhomes, cable/internet paid,1/2 month rent FREE! $533/month.

GL, (512) 878-2233.

EARN EXTRA MONEY WHILE HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE YOUR OWN BOSS. Give me 30 minutes to show you how.

(512) 557-8850.

2 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES! No more neighbors above or below. Flexible lease terms! $99 application/deposit.

GL, (512) 878-2233.

EARN EXTRA MONEY! Students needed ASAP! Earn up to $150 per day, be a mystery shopper. No experience required. 1-800-722-4791.

2BD/2.5BA TOWNHOME. Cable and internet paid, w/d included, walk to campus. May move-in.

GL, (512) 878-2233.

NEED FUN UPBEAT SWIM TEACHERS. New Braunfels. June & July. Mon.-Thurs., 3:30-6:30pm. Will certify. Email: contactus@swimcentex.com

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

FOR RENT-DUPLEX 900 Hazelton. 3BD/2BA for $950. Carport and storage. Immediate occupancy. Visit Legacyrealestate.biz and call (512) 665-3321 for a showing.

PLAN 5/21,6/1,7/1 Two exceptional 2BD duplex remodels near W. Campus/Crocket Elem. Crown Mold, Tile, Fans, Drapes, W/D, DW, Micro, Wooded Fenced Yards. $640 & $750. No Dogs. Non Smoking.

(512) 353-8384.

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

HELP WANTED GET PAID TO PLAY: TEACHERS NEEDED! Now hiring full-time, assistant teacher and part-time, afternoon teachers. Experience and bilingual preferred but not required.

M-F 2:30-6:30 PM. Quality Child Development Center in Kyle.

(512) 405-3700 or fax (512) 405 3701. www.rockinghorseacademy.com

WANTED ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN FOR CALENDARS, GREETING CARDS, ETC. $100-200/hr., up to $1,000/day.

No exp. needed, (512)684-8296.

USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condition, running or not. If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell, (512)353-4511.

NOW HIRING FOR SPRING AND SUMMER POSITIONS. Apply in person at Wonder World Park. 1000 Prospect Street. (512) 392-3760.

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in San Marcos.

100% FREE to join. Click on surveys.

WE PAY UP TO $75 PER ONLINE SURVEY! WWW.CASHTOSPEND.COM

LOST & FOUND LOST YOUR PET? If your pet is lost anywhere in Hays County, please check the San Marcos Animal Shelter (512)393-8340 which is located at 750 River Road off of east Hwy 80. All strays from the Kyle, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Uhland and some of Buda (non-city) areas are taken to San Marcos. Hours: Mon. and Fri. 11:30 to 5:30; Tues., Wed., Thurs. 11:30 to 4:30; Sat. 11:30 to 4:30. Please go in person rather than call, you are the only one who can identify and reclaim your beloved pet! Remember, an ID tag is a ticket home!

PERSONALS $5,000 PAID. EGG DONORS. +Exps.

N/Smokers, ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ ACT>24/GPA>3.0 Reply to: info@eggdonorcenter.com

ONLY 8 MORE STAR’S LEFT THIS SEMESTER! Place your ad in The Star today!

Call 245-3487!

Sports the university star

softballstandings

The Texas State softball team received votes from the ESPN.com and USA Softball Collegiate polls Tuesday, announced by the Amateur Softball Association. Florida is No. 1 in the polls, followed by Stanford and UCLA. Texas State did not place among the top 25 teams.

8 - Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

Track, field team celebrates wins, prepares for meet

By Jessie Spielvogel Sports Reporter

The Texas State track and field team has found 14 to be its lucky number.

The team brought home 14 first-place titles for the third time this season after competing at the Trinity Alumni Classic Thursday in San Antonio.

Brandon Thomas, pre-psychology freshman, competed for the first time since his hamstring injury. He won first place in the 200-meter dash with a season-best time of 21.62. He also placed third in the 100meter event.

“I did not run in the first two meets because I was working with the trainers,” Thomas said.

Thomas knows he is not back to competing 100 percent.

“I am going to try my best for the rest of the season, but I can only improve,” Thomas said.

Clay Holland, exercise and sports science senior, won the men’s 110-meter hurdles with a season-best of 14.56. He also placed second in the 400-meter hurdles, accomplishing another season best at 53.76.

For the women, Sara Olayiwola, finance senior, won first place in the long and triple jump events.

“They weren’t my personal bests, but they were still good jumps,” Olayiwola said.

Olayiwola said her ultimate goal at every meet is to place among top three in both events.

Her personal best for the triple jump is 40 feet.

“I have only reached 40 feet one time. I have been getting 39 feet consistently, though,” Olayiwola said. “This whole season has been good for me because I have remained consistent in both events.”

Olayiwola said she jumped

lower than her personal best in the long jump and still managed to place first in the event.

“Even though it was a foot below my personal best, it still ranks me number three in the conference,” Olayiwola said.

Iris Darrington, interdisciplinary studies junior, won two first place titles and had a seasonbest record in the 200 meters.

She won the 100-meter event in 11.83 and the 200 meters in 24.48 for her season-best.

Katie Miller, undecided freshman, and Kristina Viniar, international studies senior, placed first and second, respectively, in the 400-meter hurdles.

“I really want to get to a better time,” Viniar said. “I am not hoping (and) expecting to do better.”

The team will travel to Austin Saturday to participate in the University of Texas Twilight meet.

Competition Results MEN’S RESULTS: Kevin Aje, economics sophomore, placed second in the 100 meters.

Stefon Hargrove, undecided freshman, placed third in the 200 meters.

Justin Longoria, exercise and sports science junior, placed second in the 400 meters.

Steve Farris, pre-psychology freshman, finished fifth in the 400 meters.

Eric Sheppard, finance senior, finished third in the 800 meters.

Michael Webley, accounting senior, finished fifth in the 800 meters.

Jonathan Hernandez, health and wellness promotion junior, placed third in the 5,000 meters.

Michael Richards, political science sophomore, placed fourth in the 5,000 meters.

Michael Morris, biology freshman, placed fifth in the

5,000 meters.

Ikenna Obonna, finance sophomore, won the triple jump and took second in the long jump.

WOMEN’S RESULTS: Renee Shepard, exercise and sports science sophomore, placed second in the 100 meters and fourth in the 200 meters.

Lindsey Maxwell, exercise and sports science sophomore, placed second in the 400meter dash.

Kaneesha Skinner, undecided freshman, placed fourth in the women’s 400-meter dash.

Ryann Bradford, marketing senior, Natoria Edwards, undecided freshman, Karissa Reiter, biology sophomore, and Heather Bullin, exercise and sports science junior, finished consecutively in the women’s 800-meter event.

Steffanie Armstrong, nutri-

tion and foods sophomore, took first place in the 1500meter run.

Bullin placed second in the 1500 meters.

Whitney Perkins, health and fitness management senior, and Amanda McKinney, nutrition and foods sophomore, placed fourth and fifth in the women’s 5,000 meters.

Brooke Hewitt, communication disorders junior, won the high jump.

Jennifer Matthews, agricultural education graduate, placed second in the pole vault.

Kayla Smith won the shot put with a mark of 12.45.

Katy Hanie, exercise and sports science senior, won the discus with a toss of 47.27, just .03 shy of meeting the NCAA Regional Qualifying standard.

Taylor Hubbard, exercise and Austin Byrd/Star file photo sports science senior, won the HIGH LEAP: Dmitri Kabakov, senior, competes in the pole vault at the UTSA Relays March 28. The javelin throw with 32.41.

Bobcats captured 14 first-place titles at the Trinity meet Thursday in San Antonio.

Baseball teams, fans mourn deaths

By Phil Rogers Chicago Tribune

On one side of Wrigley Field, manager Clint Hurdle and his Colorado Rockies were trying to unravel how Ubaldo Jimenez’s attempted pickoff of Ryan Theriot had turned into a balk.

On the other, Theodore Roosevelt Lilly replayed the 1-0 pitch that Garrett Atkins lined into left field.

The seventh-inning single broke up a no-hitter in the Cubs’ home opener, played in weather better suited for Mounties than Rough Riders. It spared Lou Piniella from making the least popular decision a manager can make — pulling one of his pitchers when he’s flirting with history.

But the usual postgame questions and answers rang hollow Monday in both clubhouses.

Harry Kalas, a Hall of Fame broadcaster who used to mimic big-league voices while attending Naperville High School, died in a Washington broadcast booth early in the day. Mark “the Bird” Fidrych was found dead under his pickup truck at his farm outside Boston a few hours later.

Seldom has baseball had a grimmer doubleheader.

“I just saw Harry (on Sunday),” said Hurdle, whose Rockies lost two of three to the Philadelphia Phillies, the defending World Series champions whose exploits had been either dissected or celebrated

by Kalas since 1971.

No one at Wrigley could say the same about Fidrych, 54, the eccentric, mop-topped righthander who talked to baseballs as well as people. Cubs bench coach Alan Trammell played shortstop behind him from 1977 to 1980.

Trammel considered Fidrych a good friend but hadn’t seen him for years.

He could see him in his mind’s eye, of course. He saw him as the kid who electrified the American League in 1976, winning 19 games and throwing an incredible 24 complete games. Then later as the happy 40-something who would stop by Fenway Park to say “hi” when the Tigers were in town, with Trammell as the manager.

Trammell described Fidrych, nicknamed “the Bird” for his alleged resemblance to Sesame Street character Big Bird, as

“genuine” and far more talented a pitcher than most remember him as being.

“He enjoyed himself,” Trammell said after the Cubs’ 4-0 victory. “He lived life the way he wanted to. He didn’t get to live as long as we would have liked, unfortunately.”

A torn rotator cuff — thank you, Ralph Houk, who once pitched him for 11 innings in consecutive starts — kept fans from getting to know Fidrych better as a pitcher.

He made only 27 starts after 1976 and is remembered for his quirky, free-spirited mannerisms.

He often dropped to his knees to landscape the mound and constantly talked to himself or even the ball.

Don Baylor, the former Cubs manager who now is Colorado’s hitting coach, was with Oakland in 1976 when teammate Bill North charged the mound to take on Fidrych.

“Bill thought he was saying something to him, and he went out,” said Baylor, who had just learned of Fidrych’s death. “People were all over the infield. I remember (Detroit first baseman) Willie Horton saying, ‘He’s a good kid, he’s a good kid.’ We thought, ‘OK, Willie.’ If Willie said he was a good kid, then he’s a good kid.”

Trammell, drafted by Detroit in 1976, has vivid memories of watching Fidrych pitch to Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Carlton Fisk and Dwight Evans of the Boston Red Sox in a 1977 exhibi-

tion game in Winter Haven, Fla. “They had a pretty good lineup,” Trammell said, rolling his eyes at his understatement. “I remember Mark pitched, and he broke five bats in three innings. Pretty impressive. He had a heavy sinker, a sharp slider and great control. He threw a heavy ball at 93, 94 mph.

He was pretty special.”

Trammell wasn’t in tears as he talked but admitted he was in shock about his friend, who was 54.

“I’m sad,” he said. “We had a great win out there today, but Harry Kalas, Mark Fidrych in the same day? That’s a big blow.”

Baylor shared that pain, and maybe more.

As the American League Most Valuable Player for the Angels in 1979, he had been scheduled to participate in an Angels Hall of Fame ceremony Thursday in Anaheim.

His wife had talked him out of traveling on a scheduled day off between Phoenix and Denver. No doubt she was worried about Baylor’s own health, as he has been fighting cancer since 2003. It turned out he couldn’t have made it if he’d wanted.

The ceremony was canceled as the Angels franchise mourned Nick Adenhart, the 22-year-old pitcher killed by an allegedly drunken driver.

“This is no way to start the season,” Baylor said. “We’re losing way too many baseball people, and we’re losing them way too soon.”

Charles Fox/Phialdelphia Inquirer BROADCASTING LEGEND: Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas died April 13.