07 12 2006

LORDS OF THE RING

THE UNSUNG RENEWED

Hays County Civic Center plays home to the return of professional boxing in San Marcos

Slaid Cleaves covers his personal favorite songs at an intimate local concert

SEE SPORTS, PAGE 12

SEE TRENDS, PAGE 5

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS

www.UniversityStar.com

JULY 12, 2006

Education a must for online security Predators lurk in all corners of Internet, not only Myspace

By Nick Georgiou The University Star Recent Myspace security measures have come under scrutiny after a 14-year-old Hays County girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man whom she met through the popular social networking Website.

The girl’s family cited negligence and — Katie Canton fraud on the part teen ambassador to Web of Myspace and its Wise Kids media conglomerate owner, News Corporation, and filed a lawsuit on June 19 against the company for $30 million.

“Myspace has knowingly and purposely placed corporate greed over the health and safety of young underage Myspace users,” Carl Barry and Adam Loewy, the family’s attorneys, said in their petition.

“In essence, Myspace has created this sort of animal and they have done nothing to regulate it,” Barry said.

The day after the petition was filed, Myspace increased its security measures.

“Already they knew they could do more but they didn’t,” Barry said.

Myspace would not comment on the lawsuit, but their Chief Security Officer, Hemanshu Nigam, said in a statement that Myspace is committed to Internet safety. He said they take “aggressive measures” to protect their members and that, “ultimately, Internet safety is a shared responsibility.”

“We encourage everyone on the Internet to engage in smart web practices and have open family dialogue about how to apply offline lessons in the online world,” Nigam said.

Barry, however, thinks the only way to stop adults from talking to children on Myspace is to verify a person’s age. He said Myspace is reluctant to institute an age verification system because of what it might to do to their business. Young kids drive the popularity of the Website, he said, and if it is made difficult for young users to get access, “then they can’t make all the money they want to make of off it.”

“The real fundamental issue here is this is a lawsuit that’s never, ever been filed anywhere in the U.S., or as far as I know, in the world.” Barry said. “That’s why the lawsuit is somewhat special because it’s involving a technology where there are no laws right now to regulate it.”

Amid the numerous reports of Myspace members meeting underage users in person, attorneys general from around the country are pushing the Web site and others like it to institute a more effective age verification system. Currently, a user can enter any age they want to.

In a letter to social networking Websites, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said investigators found it “uncomfortably” easy to locate many underage user profiles.

Abbot said verifying age via credit card or an e-mail account would be a better system than what is currently used.

“I

t’s one stop shopping for predators.

They know everything they need to know to be your best friend.”

See PREDATORS, page 4

WEDNESDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 3

RISING

DANGER Dry weather devastates Texas agriculture David Saleh Rauf The University Star Editor’s Note: This story is the second part of a series on drought conditions and water conservation in South Central Texas.

HONDO — As a patch of ominous gray clouds loomed over Hondo, Ken Graff stood in the middle of an arid patch of land, honking his horn and calling his heifers with a loud, high-pitch yelping sound. As the cows emerged from the brush, Graff said ranchers and farmers in the South of Texas need more than just sporadic rain to ease the bone-dry conditions that have ravaged their livelihood for over a year.

Recent rainfall has provided only minor relief to drought-stricken regions across Texas, leaving some to look up at the heavens for something greater — divine intervention.

“We just got to keep saying our prayers and take what we get,” Graff, part owner and steward of the 7A Ranch in Hondo, said. “The rain gave us some hope but not enough. What we need is a good five, six-inch rain and then next week we need another two, three-inch rain and the next week a couple of inches just to catch up.”

Praying for rain to ease the economic impact of drought is nothing new for ranchers and farmers in Texas. The drought cycle of the 1890s was a precursor to the dust bowl era of the 1930s, which affected regions in five states, creating one of the worst disasters in U.S. agricultural history. The drought of the 1950s affected every region of Texas and is still considered the most serious drought to strike Texas in recorded weather history, culminating in the late summer of 1956.

“I think where we’re at right now, rainfallwise, we’re worse off now than I’ve ever seen,” Graff, a fifth-generation rancher, said. “We’ve only been in it for one year, but I know a couple of old timers that I very highly respect that say ‘this is just like it was in ’56.’”

In recent history, droughts in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002 have cost the statewide economy billions in agricultural losses.

The current drought afflicting most of the state has once again impacted the agricultural industry tremendously — annual and perennial crops have been devastated, range and pasture conditions decimated and ranchers have been forced to liquidate their herds, resulting in nearly $1.5 billion in losses since April 2005, prompting Gov. Rick Perry to request disaster relief assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency for 24

DEEP IN THOUGHT: Ken Graff, above, co-owner and steward of 7A Ranch in Hondo, watches over his herd on Saturday. Graff, along with other ranchers across Texas, have had to sell off their cows because of the increasing prices of hay brought forth by the drought.

A DIVINE MESSAGE: A lone sign off of Highway 90 near Hondo displays the feelings of South Texans who have suffered from the recent drought that has spread across the state.

Aaron Smith/Star photos counties.

“It has been a devastating drought,” Gene Hall, public relations spokesperson for the Texas Farm Bureau, said. “It has at one time or another touched virtually every corner of Texas. The situation in many, many parts of the state is critical to desperate.”

Winter grazing crops like wheat, oats and rye, Hall said, suffered near total failures in Central Texas. Currently, 60 percent of the states pastures are in very poor conditions and only 1 percent of the state has excellent conditions.

“It is a really grim situation for a lot of producers this year,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any question that yes, some will probably be forced out of business as a result of this.

There are ranchers in South Texas that are really ranchers in name only because their cattle have long since gone.”

David Anderson, Texas Cooperative Extension livestock marketing economist, said the winter wheat crop in Texas showed huge yield losses during the past year, which directly impacted ranchers and farmers who normally graze cattle on wheat pastures during the winter months. According to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, the winter wheat crop is down about 60 percent from last year.

“What happened is back in October there was no rain, so the wheat could never even get started. There wasn’t any of that grass to turn the calves onto,” Anderson said. “What happened was farmers and ranchers had to buy feed because there wasn’t any pasture to graze on. They had to buy hay, buy other things such as cottonseed and stuff like that to feed the cows to keep them going into this year.”

See AGRICULTURE, page 4

Anthropology students uncover prehistoric artifacts at Aquarena Center

By Bradley Childers The University Star

Photo courtesy of Media Relations UNCOVERING THE PAST: Texas State Archaeological Field School students, led by professor Charles Bousman, dig for artifacts during their excavation at Aquarena Springs Center. The excavation was conducted during the month of June.

Today’s Weather

Mostly Sunny 96˚/73˚

Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 58% UV: 10+ Extreme Wind: S 11 mph

This summer, anthropology students in the Archaeological Field School conducted an archaeological excavation at Aquarena Center that uncovered thousands of artifacts, some dating about 7,000 years or older.

The excavation took about one month, starting at the beginning of the summer session and ending June 27.

The students uncovered approximately 12 projectile points, 12 teeth, 20 bifacial stone tools, six stone cores, a hammerstone, hundreds of burned rocks, more than 50 pieces of bone, a bone tool and thousands of flint and

chert flakes.

Before the digging started, the area was tested and proved to have a very high potential for archaeological finds.

Standing in the 5-foot deep pit, anthropology graduate student Terrie Simmons was amazed at how rich the site was in artifacts.

“You could stand in there and see things coming out of the walls,” Simmons said. “You could just look at the walls going all the way down and you could see burned rocks and flakes or animal bones.”

The discovery of these items could lead to a better understanding of prehistoric inhabitants as well as past weather patterns of the area.

Two-day Forecast Thursday Sunny Temp: 93°/ 72° Precipitation: 20%

Friday Isolated T-Storms Temp: 93°/ 72° Precipitation: 30%

Charles Bousman, assistant professor in the department of anthropology and instructor of the Field School, said the discoveries will show how prehistoric people dealt with dramatic climate changes.

In previous years, Bousman and his class excavated materials dated to about 5,000 years ago.

“This year we started picking up materials that suggest we were going into the big drought that goes from about 7500 (before present) to 4500 called the Altithermal, meaning high temperatures,” Bousman said. “Certainly in the last 100,000 years, it’s the worst, hottest time in North America.”

Bousman said in terms of adverse weather, what happened

Inside

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Comics .............. 7 Opinions ............ 9 Classifieds ....... 10 Sports ......... 11,12

then makes hurricane Katrina look like nothing.

“Our society has adapted to a very limited range of weather patters,” Bousman said. “If it’s much more extreme than those, we would not be terribly prepared for dealing with it.”

With the changing climate came the migration of huntergatherers and the animals which they depended on for survival.

Anthropology graduate student Deidra Aery, who was the excavation supervisor for the dig, is writing her thesis on the findings uncovered at Aquarena.

“The types of animals present tell us what sort of environment See ARTIFACTS, page 4

To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.UniversityStar.com © 2006 The University Star

PAGE TWO The University Star

starsof texas state

Wednesday in Brief

July 12, 2006

Jim Wooldridge, whose basketball-coaching career has included Kansas State, the Chicago Bulls and Louisiana Tech, is returning to Texas State as major gifts development officer in the Bobcat athletics department.

Wooldridge, who came to Texas State in 1991 from Central Missouri State, coached the Bobcat men’s basketball team to their first winning season in NCAA Di-

vision-I and their first NCAA postseason appearance.

He was hired as an assistant in 1998 by Coach Tim Floyd to help in rebuilding the Chicago Bulls following the retirement of Michael Jordan and dissolution of the Bulls’ championship roster. He begins work at Texas State on Sept. 5.

— Courtesy of the athletics department

News Contact — David Saleh Rauf, starnews@txstate.edu

Calendar of

Cup fever

EVENTS

STARS OF TEXAS STATE POLICY

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

Events J. Frank Dobie: Mr. Texas is an ongoing exhibit detailing the life and times of the famous Texas author. The gallery is open daily at the Alkek Library.

On This Day...

La Vida Brinca/Life Jumps is an ongoing exhibit displaying the photography of Bill Wittliff. The gallery is open daily at the Alkek Library.

1389 - Geoffrey Chaucer is named Chief Clerk by Richard II 1861 - Confederacy signs treaties with Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes

News Briefs

1861 - Wild Bill Hickok’s first gunfight

Shooting spree suspects arrested by SMPD The San Marcos Police Department arrested Jose Leonel Gonzales III, 19, of Kyle and Carlos Joseph Smithwick, 19, of San Marcos for involvement in one of several shootings Saturday night, according to a city of San Marcos press release. Police are still searching for Mario Enrique Cadena, Jr., 20, of San Marcos. He is described as being 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. All three are charged with engaging in aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and organized criminal activity for firing multiple times at a citizen in the Hills of Hays subdivision.

Police said the men fired a shotgun at least 10 times between Wal-Mart and River Road Saturday night. Between 10 and 11 p.m., police received multiple calls regarding gunshots being fired. One woman was injured and several vehicles and homes were damaged during the shooting spree.

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to contact Detective Scott Johnson at (512) 753-2300.

San Marcos resident convicted of sexual assault A San Marcos resident and former Texas State student has received the maximum sentence for having lewd video images of children stored on his iPod. Ron James Guzman, 39, pleaded guilty Thursday, July 6 in Hays County to nine counts of possession of child pornography and six counts of promotion child pornography.

Guzman received the maximum 10-year prison sentence on the possession charge and maximum 20-year prison sentence on the promotion charge. Guzman also pled guilty to four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child. The charges from the two cases will run simultaneously for a total prison term of 40 years.

— Compiled from other news sources

1862 - Medal of Honor created 1904 - Harkness wins first Mount Washington hill climb 1943 - Russians halt German advance in a decisive battle at Kursk 1962 - The Rolling Stones’ first appearance 1963 - The Moors Murderers begin their killing spree Monty Marion/Star photo While visiting his brother, Joseph Perez of Lockhart used the sunny weather Monday afternoon to play soccer in Sewell Park.

CRIME BL TTER University Police Department July 6, 1:55 p.m.

Theft under $20,000/Mitte Complex An officer was dispatched to the Mitte Complex in reference to a report that items had been stolen from the complex. This case is under investigation.

July 7, 4:37 a.m.

Warrant Service/Bobcat East

Parking Lot An officer came in contact with a non-student who had an outstanding warrant. The non-student was arrested and transported to HCLEC to await magistration.

July 9, 7:34 a.m.

Alcohol: Public Intoxication/ Pleasant Street Garage An officer was dispatched to the Pleasant Street Garage in refer-

1965 - First marine wins Medal of Honor 1990 - Yeltsin resigns from Communist Party

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

ence to a suspicious person. The officer came in contact with a non-student that was publicly intoxicated. The non-student was arrested and transported to HCLEC to await magistration.

July 9, 3:10 p.m.

Disclosure Contents Wire/ Oral/Electric Communication/ UPD Lobby An officer was dispatched to the UPD Lobby in reference to

a student who stated her Facebook account was being changed without her consent. This case is under investigation.

July 9, 7 p.m.

Burglary: Building/Music Building An officer was dispatched to the Music Building in reference to a report that band equipment had been stolen. This case is under investigation.

CALENDAR SUBMISSION POLICY Calendar submissions are free. Send submissions to Calendar of Events at starcalendar@txstate.edu or call (512) 245-3487 for more information.

E-mailed press releases will not be accepted. If using e-mail, please submit as a simple bulleted list of essential information. Submissions are on a first come, first served basis and notices for weekly meetings need to be submitted every week they will take place.

The University Star reserves the right to refuse entries or edit for libel, style and space purposes. Deadline: Three working days prior to publication.

A Special World Photo

MAKING THINGS RIGHT

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NEWS

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

The University Star - Page 3

Supreme Court orders redistricting for Texas counties Cuellar doesn’t expect ‘showdown’ between himself, Rep. Bonilla

By Clayton Medford The University Star Hispanic voters in Webb County are at the center of a Supreme Court decision handed down on June 28 that upheld most congressional districts in Texas, but ordered the redrawing of District 23.

The court ruled the 2003 GOP-led redrawing of the district, currently represented by Laredo Republican Henry Bonilla, violated the 1965 Voting Rights Act by dividing the predominately Hispanic Laredo into two districts and adding several predominately Anglo Hill Country counties to Bonilla’s district.

The court also ordered the redrawing of Democrat Lloyd Doggett’s District 25 that stretches from the Rio Grande to Austin. The court’s opinion cited the “enormous geographical distances” between two communities in District 25 along with “disparate needs and interests” as cause to shrink the district.

The redrawing of these two districts will also affect District 28, which runs from San Marcos to Laredo and is represented by Democrat Henry Cuellar.

Many different scenarios are being proposed to satisfy the wishes of the Supreme Court and the re-joining of Webb County is a possibility.

If that happens, Laredo voters could be deciding between two popular incumbents in November.

Cuellar believes the Eastern District Court charged with approving new boundaries for affected districts will find a solution that does not involve a showdown between him and Bonilla.

“You can fashion a remedy to fix (District) 23 without putting all of Webb County back into 23,” Cuellar said. “There’s nothing magical about Webb County that says we have to get all the Hispanics from there.”

Cuellar said his service to his district and to Hays County will stave off any challenges to his seat if District 28 changes.

“I’ve won twice here … I’ve really learned a lot about the area. I think I’ve done well by Hays County,” Cuellar said.

Brittany Eck, a spokesperson for Bonilla, said the changes ordered by the Supreme Court are not just about Hispanic voters, but also

about the age range of voters in District 23.

“What it comes down to is basically a technical correction to the district,” Eck said. “Simply designing these districts to abide by all the rules is difficult.”

Eck said Bonilla does not expect a difficult race.

“It’s not really that he’s preparing for a challenge. It’s just a nuisance,” Eck said. “He won six times in the old district, so if it reverts to that, he feels confident he will receive the support he did during those 12 years.”

Eric Heggie, president of the Texas State College Democrats, said he hopes Ciro Rodriguez, the San Antonio Democrat who represented District 28 prior to redistricting in 2003, will have the chance to run for his old seat. Heggie believes that if Laredo becomes entirely a part of District 23, Cuellar would become vulnerable in District 28.

“Ciro is a great man, a great legislator and really represents the people,” Heggie said. “If Cuellar runs without his base in Laredo and runs against the San Antonio representative, which has been Ciro, he will lose.”

Rodriguez said the possibility of running for his old seat hinges upon the structure of District 28 after the court approves a new map. The current configuration “basically pits the northern part against the southern part and that’s not good.”

“If the district is redrawn in a similar way that it was before, or it has similar qualities, I will definitely run,” Rodriguez said. “No matter if Bonilla or Cuellar runs.”

Rodriguez said his biggest challenge against the two incumbents would be competing with their current level of fundraising, but he added that a lack of “money has never stopped me.”

A three-judge panel in the Eastern District Court set Friday as the deadline for proposals to redraw Districts 23 and 25 to be submitted.

Oral arguments will be heard beginning August 3. Two of the judges on the panel, Tyler Democrat John T. Ward and Dallas Republican Patrick Higginbotham, participated in the 2001 case when the Texas Supreme Court threw out a map drawn by a Travis County judge.

Counties affected by Texas Congressional redistricting lubbock

11 austin

23 21

10

san marcos

houston

san antonio

14 15

28 25

district thrown out district might change district will change

Claude Dylan Ramey/Star graphic

Renewal of Voting Rights Act spurs House debates

By Lesley Clark The Miami Herald WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a pillorying by civil rights groups, the House is poised to take up renewal of the landmark Voting Rights Act, which eliminated many discriminatory voting practices but opened a rift in the Republican Party.

Renewal of the act was delayed weeks ago after some House Republicans questioned the validity of the ’60s-era legislation, particularly some Southern states that argued federal oversight was no longer necessary.

Other Republicans questioned the need for language assistance for voters, among them Rep. Cliff Stearns, an Ocala, Fla., Republican who unsuccessfully pushed a provision that would have ended a federal mandate requiring foreign-language assistance.

“In my opinion, this mandate exacerbates isolation and segregation,” Stearns

said.

But the delay gave Democrats a chance to pounce — Florida Democratic Party chair Karen Thurman said the act was being “held hostage by the extreme right wing” of the party and some Republicans urged that it be promptly renewed.

“There has been a history of discrimination against protected classes and it continues,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Miami Republican whose brother, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, took to the House floor last month to argue against Stearns’ proposal.

“The Voting Rights Act has been instrumental in making sure people can vote,” Mario Diaz-Balart said. “And without it, you clearly wouldn’t have the numbers of minorities represented in all levels of government.”

The two Diaz-Balarts and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami, added their signatures on a letter to House leadership arguing that it was “wrong to hold up” a vote on the issue.

House leaders have noted that the temporary provisions of the act do not expire until 2007.

Several Republicans, many from Southern states, have complained that the renewal unfairly singles out states for federal oversight, without giving them credit for making strides against discriminatory voting practices.

A spokesman for House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said the concerns are being addressed.

Civil rights groups said they plan to hold a vigil outside the Capitol on Wednesday — a vigil National Urban League president Marc Morial said he hopes “will become more of a celebration of the bill’s passage than a protest against congressional inaction.”

The Senate has yet to take up the reauthorization. President Bush has called renewal a “top priority” and White House spokesman Tony Snow said late last month there were ongoing talks to prod the House.

NEWS

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

ARTIFACTS: San Marcos

area ‘ground zero’ for prehistoric excavation in Central Texas

Photo courtesy of Media Relations HANDFUL OF HISTORY: Over a thousand artifacts were found

by Texas State anthropology students during the recent archaeological dig at the Aquarena Center. Some of the artifacts found date back to nearly 7000 years.

CONTINUED from page 1

existed at the time,” Aery said.

“This, in turn, is a clue to what the people may have been doing.”

For example, if students find the remains of a bison and identify what time period it is from, that could be a clue that weather conditions were not extremely hot at that time.

Ron Coley, director of the Aquarena Center, said he is fascinated by the archaeological work that Bousman and his students did.

“It’s a very exciting place,” Coley said. “Between the biology of the San Marcos springs and San Marcos River and the history — whether you’re talking about Spanish governors or the vice president of the Republic of Texas — it’s just an incredible historical place.

Then you throw in the pre-history — the ancient people that go back to the beginning of people being in Central Texas — you’re sitting right in the middle of ground zero.”

Now that the dig is over and the site has been filled with sandbags and covered, Bousman and his students can relax, but for Aery, the counting and examining of the findings is just beginning.

“I have around 40 boxes full of artifacts and a dozen full of dirt samples to test,” Aery said.

“This is something I’ll be doing over the next couple of months.”

Despite the tough nature of archaeological excavations, Simmons said she is glad she did it.

“It was a lot of fun,” Simmons said. “It got very muddy there towards the end, but it was kind of soothing as long as you weren’t stepping on snail shells and rocks.”

The Aquarena Center is known for its archeological importance, especially as the site of underwater archeological digs, which have produced evidence that some say make the San Marcos Springs the longest continually inhabited site in North America.

The University Star - Page 4

AGRICULTURE: Drought continues to

plague South Texas farmers, ranchers CONTINUED from page 1

Farmers and ranchers have been forced to start buying feed for their livestock earlier than normal, resulting in higher demand and higher costs for products like hay, which has nearly tripled in price from $35 a bale to almost $100, causing many to liquidate their herds.

“We’ve had ranchers in that area who have been forced to sell their cows, their mature, producing animals, simply because the high cost of hay,” he said. “You just can’t afford to keep them. They’re forced to sell those cows.”

The last drought to cause the forced liquidation of herds was in 1996, Anderson said.

During the 1996 drought, Graff, along with numerous other Texas ranchers, were forced to sell most of their herds because paying for feed throughout the drought cycle proved to be economically infeasible.

“In ’96, we fed through it and I learned some life-long lessons — don’t feed through a drought.

There ain’t no cow worth enough money to feed through a drought.” Graff said. “I don’t care how short your pencil is and who’s pushing it, there’s no way to feed cows $100 hay and make money — it’s just not economically possible.”

Graff said the current drought conditions will force him to sell about 80 percent of his herd to prevent a repeat of the financial losses he suffered in 1996.

“We’re selling cows,” Graff said. “There is no way you can feed cows 80, 90, $100 bale hay and make a profit, even make a living. You’ll be going in the whole so deep you’ll never dig out. It took me to about 2004 to get things back the way I wanted it.”

Graff said he has survived the droughts by supplementing his “farm habit” with outside work, along with implementing new drought management tactics, such as stockpiling grass and utilizing rotational grazing techniques, to help keep his financial losses to a minimum.

t has been a “I devastating drought. It has

at one time or another touched virtually every corner of Texas.

The situation in many, many parts of the state is critical to desperate.”

— Gene Hall public relations spokesperson for the Texas Farm Bureau

“I haven’t fed a bale of hay yet.

That’s due to the fact that I’ve managed my pastures to be able to do that,” he said. “I could have lost a lot more if had I fed. Had I been feeding for three or four months trying to get through this, I’d be pushing $30,000, $40,000. The last time I spent $50,000.”

Alan Spelce, Texas Department of Agriculture commissioner for communications, said ranchers and farmers have started to diversify their business to ensure survival through drought conditions.

“The farmers and ranchers are very adapt to change,” Spelce said. “Instead of just having a cotton farm in the Rio Grande valley, they will also offer nature tourism, so they have additional incomes coming in. The nature of their business is drought, rain, insects, high commodity prices, low commodity prices.

They’re very resilient when it comes to surviving. They’re the eternal optimists.”

Larry Smith, who has been farming in Canyon Lake for 8 years, has remained optimistic throughout the dry conditions.

“It’d be nice if we got more rain, but that’s just a fact of life in Central Texas,” Smith said.

The heat and dry conditions have put his tomato crop under extreme stress, causing produc-

Aaron Smith/Star photo DEVASTATION: A dried-up cornfield in Castroville shows the destructive effects of the recent drought, the most severe in southern Texas. The drought, the worst in nearly 60 years, has caused almost $1.5 billion in losses since April of 2005.

tion to halt to a stand still.

“It kinda shut me down for a couple of weeks,” he said. “I don’t have any right now and that’s because of the heat.”

Smith said he uses hay to mulch his tomatoes, but the high demand, high price and lack of the product has him thinking about next year’s crop already.

“I mulch them real heavy with hay, but there again, that’s what I’m worried about for next year. They didn’t make any hay because of the drought, so that’s really going to affect me,” Smith said. “With no rain, you ain’t making no hay.”

Cliff Caskey, owner of Cas-

key Orchards and president of the San Marcos Farmers Market Association, harvests peaches on his farm, beginning in May. He said the dry conditions have caused him to lose approximately $3,500 dollars, citing the current dry conditions as some of the worst he’s ever seen.

“We ain’t had a drought till this year,” Caskey said. “We just thought we had.”

He said farmers only have a certain window of time for harvesting their crops.

“If I don’t make it from May to August, I don’t make,” he said. “Dang it, we need rain. We need relief and without rain we don’t get relief.”

PREDATORS: Site educates children about Internet dangers CONTINUED from page 1

Juli Westberg Warren, president of the online safety group Web Wise Kids, said Myspace declared at a recent summit that the technology does not exist to verify the age of a young child.

“Everybody’s looking for the magic bullet that will help in this case and I think it’s just an ongoing search right now,” Warren said.

Barry, however, is not content on waiting for a definite answer from Myspace.

“The law doesn’t require perfection,” he said. “A law requires that you do what you can within reasonable business call to substantially increase the protection.”

Warren is reluctant to place blame squarely on Myspace because she said this type of thing happens all over the Internet.

“The problem is that kids are available to predators when they’re online, when they’re in chat rooms or if they’ve got Claude Dylan Ramey/Star illustration their own sites and that kind of

thing,” Warren said. “Predators are looking for kids in these vulnerable situations, so any place a child is online, they’re running this risk of running into a predator.”

Warren admits Myspace is more of haven for online predators because of how much personal information can be posted on a user’s profile.

“It’s one stop shopping for predators,” said Katie Canton, teen ambassador to Web Wise Kids. “They know everything they need to know to be your best friend.”

Canton had first hand experience with an online predator when she was 15. Her family later found out that the man she was going to meet in person was wanted by the FBI for an ongoing sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl.

After playing a simulation game created by Web Wise Kids, Canton realized she had become the victim of the lies and manipulation of an online predator.

“The things the predator said

in the game were almost word for word things John said to me,” Canton said. “It was really frightening how close the two of them were at points.”

From her experience, Canton believes awareness and education can play a major role in preventing these incidents. She also said it is a big responsibility to be on the Internet, and that it should be treated as such.

“It’s like when kids start learning to drive, you don’t just give them the keys and say ‘alright, good luck, don’t crash,’” Canton said. “You give them rules and guidelines.”

As the discussion on Internet safety continues, Warren said it is important for parents to get involved.

“The parents need to go on, they need to check out their kid’s sites, they need to continually monitor what their kids are posting and talk to them about it,” she said. “It’s just a huge education effort, but it also has to be primarily an education effort done by the parents.”

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - Page 5

releasesof the week July 11 Set Your Goals — Mutiny!

Eulogy Records July 18 Psalm One —The Death of Frequent Flyer Rhymesayers Entertainment

music

The Bronx — The Bronx Island Records July 25 Jurassic 5 — Feedback JVC Victor Spoon — Telephono And Soft Effects [EP] Merge

movie

July 14 Little Man — starring Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans

July 21 Lady in the Water — starring Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard

You, Me and Dupree — starring Kate Hudson, Owen Wilson

Clerks II — starring Brain O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson

Trends Contact — Maira Garcia, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Slaid Cleaves celebrates release by the river

By Leah Kirkwood The University Star

A

s the sun set behind the San Marcos River last Sunday evening, people of all ages gathered on the grassy hillside at the San Marcos River Pub to sample songs from Slaid Cleaves’ new album, Unsung.

“This one’s special because it’s all songs by friends of mine and normally I write my own songs,” Cleaves said.

Cleaves said he was short on original songs for a new album, so turned to the work of his “obscure but brilliant” songwriter friends. All twelve songs on the new album are covers of mostly Austin-based musicians, such as Karen Poston, Adam Carrol and Graham Webber.

Many of the songs on Cleaves’ new album are his personal favorites, collected at open-mic nights and small gigs in Austin where he performed with the writers. But when Cleaves decided to record Unsung, he made each song his own.

“These songs became my favorites and whenever you get a favorite song you are going to build your own interpretation of it,” Cleaves said. “The song means what it means to you. I definitely wanted to make my own version of the songs.”

Cleaves also searched the song catalogs of his close friends to find material for the new album.

The lead guitarist in Cleaves’ band, Michael O’Connor, wrote “Devil’s Lullaby” and “Getaway Car.” O’Connor said Cleaves recorded Unsung to help out his friends who are less known in the Austin music scene.

“I’ve never been covered by anyone, so I’m excited about it for sure,” O’Connor said. “I’m complimented and I think it shows a lot about how Slaid is as a person.”

Cleaves said the new album is not a departure from his previous albums.

“I took great pains to collect songs that would fit into the songs that I had written myself and done for the last fifteen years or so. Most people don’t notice that they’re not my songs until I tell them,” Cleaves said.

The concert, billed as an album release party, attracted a crowd of Cleaves’ loyal local fans. Cleaves began the show with covers form Unsung, “I Went Down to the River” and “Racecar Joe,” before transitioning to familiar favorites “Broke Down” and “Lydia.”

Cleaves played each of the twenty-two songs in the set on his father’s 1960s Gibson acoustic guitar.

“It was the first guitar I heard,

Monty Marion/Star photo UNKNOWN HEROES: The performance on Sunday was part of a CD release tour for Cleaves’ new album entitled “Unsung.” It features songs from admired singers and songwriters, whom he wants to give tribute to.

“I

took great pains to collect songs that would fit into the songs that I had written myself and done for the last fifteen years or so. Most people don’t notice that they’re not my songs until I tell them.”

— Slaid Cleaves musician

probably, when my dad played it around the house,” Cleaves said.

Cleaves has his parents to thank for many of his musical influences.

“I was sort of informed by my parents’ record collection growing up … they were listening to Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash and The Beatles,” Cleaves said.

As a teenager in Maine, Cleaves found his own music

by The Clash, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. While in

college, Cleaves rediscovered Guthrie and Williams, and his passion for the folk genre has been strong ever since.

“Once I started writing, I kind of drifted back towards those childhood heroes,” Cleaves said.

Cleaves said the River Pub concert is one his band looks forward to every year.

“There are lot of people in the crowd that have come to see me play for years and years,” Cleaves said of the River Pub crowd. “It’s really nice to perform for those people who were my very rare

fans at the time and to find out we have lots of new people.”

Jason Woolary, literature graduate student, saw Cleaves for the 12th time at Sunday’s River Pub Concert. He owns all of Cleaves’ albums and said the show was excellent as usual.

“I’m a huge fan of Slaid Cleaves, I have been for quite a while,” Woolary said.

Greer Gabriel, child and adolescent counseling graduate student, heard Sunday Cleaves for the first time.

“I pretty much come to all of the shows at the River Pub,” Gabriel said.

Although the River Pub crowd represented a wide variety of ages, Cleaves said his music tends to attract the over-40 crowd outside of Central Texas.

“I don’t know why, but there don’t seem to be a whole lot of college-age people into folk music these days,” Cleaves said.

“Maybe someday a hipness will come to folk music like it did in the 60s for a little while.”

SINGING SLAID: Musician Slaid Cleaves performs with his band Sunday, July 9 at the San Marcos River Pub & Grill as part of the 2006 music concert series.

Monty Marion/Star photo

San Marcos residents washed out of Summerfest Celebration Maira Garcia The University Star Showers, heat and humidity didn’t stop residents from enjoying their Fourth of July, at least until a heavy downpour forced cancellation of part of the festivities.

The San Marcos 26th annual Summerfest, the daylong Independence Day celebration, filled Sewell Park with vendors, families and river tubers. Although the celebration was scheduled to last until 11 p.m., culminating in a fireworks display and live music, it was cancelled late Tuesday evening due to heavy Armando Sanchez/Star photo thundershowers.

Despite the on-and-off again THE ROCKETS’ RED GLARE: Locals lounge in the grass outside rain, San Marcos residents made their way to Sewell early Strahan Coliseum on Saturday, July 8 in order to catch a better view of the fireworks launched from the Bobcat Stadium parking lot. to stake their claim.

“My family got out here at 5:30 a.m. to get a table and place picked out,” said Karen Wood“We always try to find a place throughout the day to watch ard, a San Marcos resident. along the river,” Woodard said. swimmers. Live music, vendors Woodard, who has lived in While the San Marcos Riv- and children’s activities also San Marcos all her life, said her er wasn’t the only form on kept people busy. family attends Summerfest ev- entertainment at SummerVendors varied from selling ery other year. fest, lifeguards were on duty jewelry, food and toys. Connie

McDonald, who sold turkey legs at the Little Mac’s Smokehouse stand, said they had been in the same spot at Summerfest for five years. She liked the family-oriented festivities and the location.

“We’ve done other festivals, but we really like this one because we can bring the kids with us,” McDonald said.

Among the vendors, the Hays County Crimestoppers had a stand where volunteers took entry fees for the duck derby.

Rubber ducks with numbers on their heads were lined across the table for the picking. The ducks would be released into the river and the first five caught in a net at the second bridge at Sewell would win cash and other prizes.

Sally Hansen, a voluteer for Crimestoppers, said the duck derby was their big fundraiser with proceeds going toward tip rewards and Project KidCare, which supplies photo IDs used in the event that a child goes missing.

“We sell a lot before the race.

We usually sell about 300 to 400, “ Hansen said.

Summerfest continued until 7:30 p.m., when rain brought the festivities to a halt, according to a press release from the

city of San Marcos. The river parade, two musical acts and fireworks were cancelled. Fireworks were rescheduled for Saturday, but the other events were not.

TRENDS

The University Star - Page 6

Paranoid Humanoid

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Paranoid Humanoid Southwestern Writers

Collection exhibits their greatest artifacts Andrea L. Short The University Star

Courtesy Warner Bros. Entertainment/MCT Keanu Reeves as “Bob Arctor,” in director Richard Linklater’s A Scanner Darkly, based on the Philip K. Dick novel.

Bobcat senior contributes to A Scanner Darkly animation team

By Charlotte Almazan The University Star The new Richard Linklater film, A Scanner Darkly, opened to a limited release on July 7, which included Austin theaters.

The film, an adaptation of the 1977 Phillip K. Dick sci-fi novel, aims the adult-animation movement toward a wider audience.

Destined to be a cult classic, the film is narrated through the eyes of an undercover cop, Bob Archer, who is spying on his circle of friends under the influence of a drug, Substance D. The film depicts Archer’s mindaltering state and the use of animation embellishes Archer’s struggles to understand the world around him.

In fall 2005, Mike Wood, a

“I

’ve always been a big fan of Richard Linklater. I think he is just a great filmmaker for me to be a part of something huge, as big as Waking Life … was really personal.”

— Mike Wood senior communication design major

senior communication design major, was a long way from the film industry when he received news from a friend that the Linklater project in Austin was hiring animators.

With a group of friends, Wood submitted his portfolio but did not get the job. It was not until a year after his initial interview that Wood reapplied and was hired.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Richard Linklater. I think he is just a great filmmaker for me to be a part of something huge, as big as … was really personal,” Wood said.

Linklater films, such as Slacker, Dazed and Confused and

Waking Life, hold a reputation for capturing the essence of a culture while exploring innovative story-telling techniques.

With Waking Life, Linklater ushered in the technique of digital rotoscoping by using the software Rotoshop, designed by his friend Bob Sabiston, to contemporize the outdated technique.

“Some people say that since we are drawing over film that it wasn’t real animation, but the truth is we had to know how to draw a face. You can’t just go in and trace it,” said Wood.

Rotoscoping is a computeranimated design that takes live action film and paints over the

shots to give the action a dreamy effect.

“The only animation I had done prior to (the film) was Flash animation and a couple of after-effects, but we got the job because we were good illustrators. The program was meant to be used by illustrators and artists,” Wood said.

The look of A Scanner Darkly went through multiple interpretations, but the main goal was to give the film a consistent unseen graphic novel effect. The concept differed greatly from the separate interpretations allowed by the artists using the rotoscoping technique in Waking Life.

“Knowing programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, that really does help a lot,” Wood said.

“If you understand how those layers work, then the animation software is a lot easier.”

The movie was shot with live actors in a span of six weeks. The scenes were shot for the characterization and movements, but much of the Hollywood makeSee ANIMATION, page 8

Twenty years ago, Bill and Sally Wittliff donated a collection by multi-talented folklorist, J. Frank Dobie, to then-SWT. Dobie’s passion was capturing the life and history of the Southwest and that same passion has since become the framework for all of the Southwestern Writers Collection of exhibits.

“We find creative writers from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and even Oklahoma. It’s a good way to highlight Southwestern talent. Whether they write about the Southwest or about national interests, it’s still worth showing everyone what talent is around,” said Katy Salzmann, lead archivist for the Southwest Writers Collection.

For the 20th anniversary of the Southwestern Writers Collection, an exhibit of all of Dobie’s work is on display. The exhibit runs through July 31.

Dobie’s storytelling filled books, magazines, his own newspaper column and even a weekly radio program. Included in the exhibit are various artifacts from Dobie’s life. Visitors can see his diary from college, hear his voice

as he reads “The Ghost Bull of the Mavericks and Other Tales” and even see a setup of his home life — white linen suit, typewriter and all.

Dobie’s tales of cowboys, gold mines and curious Southwest animals, such as rattlesnakes, longhorns and roadrunners, help shape others’ views about the Southwest region.

The Southwestern Writers Collection was founded in 1986 and has since been devoted to showcasing artifacts of principal writers, filmmakers and musicians of the Southwest. Salzmann looks not only for talent from the general Southwestern states, but also for talent from outside the region that choose to focus on the Southwest’s history and legacy.

Beginning on the first of September and running through December 15, the Southwestern Writers Collection will display “Treasures of the Southwest Writers Collection: A 20th Anniversary Celebration.”

According to the Southwestern Writers Collection staff, they have gathered the greatest artifacts from all 20 years worth of exhibits, including the first book See COLLECTION, page 7

Aaron Smith/Star photo RESOURCEFUL REFUGE: Carson Coonts (left) and Adam Dartez (right), both Texas State alumni, use the Alkek Library’s seventh floor resources to work on business projects at their jobs, while also checking out the constantly-rotating art exhibits in the Wittliff Gallery.

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

The University Star - Page 7

RIX’S

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

TECHNOLOGY FIXES

Product analysis needed for intelligent console purchasing

Armando Sanchez/Star photo Melissa McCarthy, a University of Texas junior, looks at an art piece during the artists’ reception of the Ars Ipsa: Resurfaced exhibit on Saturday night in the Joann Cole Mitte Art building. The exhibit, which spotlights Texas State alumni work, will be going on until July 29.

ANIMATION: A Scanner Darkly first ‘adult-animated film’ since Heavy Metal CONTINUED from page 6

up and costumes were omitted from the filming.

“Animators attempted to add colors to (Winona) to recreate make-up,” Wood said. “That was one of the reasons only a few people could do Winona.”

The choice of animation over filming the novel as live action helped emphasize the altered state of mind and the relationships of the characters with one another. The infamous bicycle scene remained in the film only due to the animation technique.

“The animation really added to the usage of the drugs…it makes you feel like you’re in an altered state of mind,” Wood said.

Most of Wood’s animation contributions were on the characters as opposed to the backgrounds and scenes. Wood was one of several animators trying to piece together a character limb for limb.

“We worked in teams to (create) a character for a quick shot,” Wood said. “One guy would finish the pants while another worked on other parts.”

In promotion for the film,

Richard Linklater said that the animation processes used in A Scanner Darkly were like going back to the Disney-style animation. When asked about the Disney comparison, Wood expressed an excitement toward audiences welcoming the advances of two-dimensional animation, partnered with the continuation of three-dimensional animated films.

“Adult animation is not geared to be for kids,” Wood said. “The last adult-animated film was Heavy Metal in the seventies or eighties.

For many, it’s time to start that matter, be it PlayStation or looking at new consoles. While printer. Make sure the console the Xbox 360 might be out, two you buy comes with the cormore consoles are still rect cabling needed on the horizon, so to hook it all up and consider what it will if it doesn’t, scope out take to go out and inthe audio/visual detelligently purchase a partment of whatever new console. store you are at. You First, decide your will also want to be budget. Microsoft ofwell acquainted with fers two variations on the setup you have at BILL RIX their Xbox 360 model home. Things to conStar Columnist and Sony is currently sider are how you want slated to release two to connect to your models of their PlayStation 3 as television, whether you have well. Neglecting the Nintendo a high-definition television, if Wii for a moment, think about you will need a coaxial adapter what the extra features on the and what kind of audio you exmore expensive systems will pect to get out of your system. get you. Do you really need the These queries can be answered wireless controller capability? by a quick glance at a product What about a hard drive? It’s sheet or manual. awfully nice not to worry about A word on cabling — It’s a space or losing memory cards. good idea to avoid anything These features will impact flashy or exorbitantly expenthe cost of the unit and as with sive. Monster Cable is the unany major hardware purchase, disputed king of overpriced, it’s important to thoroughly over-hyped cabling, but the read up on anything before you only thing monstrous about buy it. the cables is the price. The noReading up doesn’t mean name stuff you can purchase at asking a bud who has the same Radio Shack, for a portion of thing. Googling “PlayStation 3 the cost, are physically identireview” will get you all the in- cal and will perform the same formation needed to make an — sometimes an RCA cable is informed decision. A new con- an RCA cable. sole is an investment you will While you are at the store, want to be happy about, so you you might pick up an extra want to strive to avoid “buyer’s controller or two and a memoremorse.” ry card. Know what brand you Lately, it’s a crapshoot as to are buying. When it comes to what cables you will be getting buying PlayStation peripherwhen you buy a console — or als, try to stick with items made any major piece of hardware for exclusively by Sony. I’d suggest

skipping the wacky Mad Catz controller shaped like a Stillson wrench with the pseudo speedthrottling ability or the 60-gigabyte Pelican memory card with blinking LED action. I’ve only had hardware failure when I was using third-party items.

You will pay a bit more for the name brand stuff, but you’ll be much less likely to return it.

Speaking of returns, you have to remember to hang on to receipts. I always keep them in the boxes of the items they belong to, where I’m less likely to lose or forget about them. Taping them to the outside of cases also works. Whatever gets them out of a wad in your pocket and into a safe place is a good deal.

Most stores will offer you a warranty of some sort when you purchase your stuff. It may seem a bit shlocky, but it could come in handy. You will never know when your kid brother will spill Coke on your controller or your cat which lazes on your your already hot Xbox 360 finally causes it to combust.

You’re spending a few hundred dollars on a new system anyway, so you might as well go the extra yard and get full protection.

With these tips in mind, remember it’s all about what you want to do. Salesmen are hired to, well, sell, so they’ll throw any sort of crazy garbage at you if they think you’ll buy it. Only the games are supposed to be snazzy and eye-catching. You can easily spend more than you need if you’re not careful.

Strange, but informative.

COLLECTION: Famous photographer Graciela Iturbide to display pictures CONTINUED from page 6

written about the Southwest, “La Relación,” by Cabeza de Vaca, a hand-made songbook created

by Willie Nelson as an 11-yearold, costumes from “Lonesome Dove” and much more.

Alongside the Southwestern Writers Collection sits the Wittliff Gallery of Southwestern and Mexican Photography. Gallery collections for this fall begin with “Latino Presence at Texas State: Celebration of 100 years,” opening September 15 and running through October 13, in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month. A reception, featuring an address by Dr. Raymund Paredes, Texas commissioner of higher education, is scheduled for October 28.

Following the “Celebration of 100 years,” the Wittliff Gallery will host photos by famed Mexi-

“W

e usually try to have a reception around the opening of an exhibit. It’s nice to get to know the writers, and we often have it catered by Palmer’s restaurant.”

— Katy Salzmann lead archivist for the Collection of Southwestern Writers

can photographer Graciela Iturbide. Featured photos include portraits, self-portraits, and other photographs that show the artist’s association with birds and death in her art.

With the introduction of most new collections, the Southwestern Writers Collection will plan a reception.

“We usually try to have a reception around the opening of an exhibit. It’s nice to get to know the writers and we often have it catered by Palmer’s restaurant,”

Salzmann said.

The collection currently has a series of eight volumes of books showcasing its previous collections and Graciela Iturbide’s photos will complete the ninth volume.

The collection strives to preserve history while providing the public access to publications and artifacts from the Southwestern Region. Its exhibits allow visitors and students to see what has shaped our culture and history through the years.

www.UniversityStar.com

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

Solutions for June 28:

Solutions for June 28:

The University Star - Page 8

TRENDS

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - Page 9

onlineconnection What do you think about the Supreme Court decision on Texas redistricting? To vote in our online poll, please visit www.UniversityStar.com. Results will be published in the next issue of The University Star. *This is not a scientific poll.

Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

H

ays County became the subject of more controversy involving online networking sites last month when the parents of a 14-year-old Buda girl announced they are suing Myspace.com.

The girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by 19-year-old Pete Solis of Austin. The $30 million suit accuses Myspace of failing to protect younger users because the site has no incentive to do so.

Solis claims the two had consensual sex and that may be. Whether or not the sex was consensual doesn’t matter. He

broke the law by having sex with a minor and even if he didn’t force the girl to have sex with him, it’s unlikely anyone will believe otherwise.

Solis and Myspace are both in the wrong, but there are other people who could have kept this from happening. Long before this girl should have been protected by Myspace security

measures or Solis’ sense of decency she should have been protected by her parents.

Harping on her parents’ failure to check on what she was doing on the Internet, why a 14-year-old would want to post pictures of herself online or what she was doing after school won’t do a whole lot of good. Harping on the need for others, of all ages, to take a little responsibility about what they post online might.

The University Star has addressed the issue of online responsibility. Now something has happened near San Marcos that will probably leave many people with emotional scars.

We feel we need to take another walk down that road.

The Internet is not anonymous. If you post something

on Facebook or Myspace someone will read it. Many employers — including The Star — check the Facebook and Myspace pages of all potential employees before hiring them. Someone who lists beer as a hobby or writes blogs about smoking pot hurts their chances of getting hired.

Anyone who wants to can access a Myspace profile. University Police officers have Texas State e-mail addresses, which would allow them to get Facebook accounts if they wanted. Chief Ralph Meyer has an account. San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams is an instructor at Texas State. That means he too has a Texas State e-mail address. He does not have a Facebook account.

If you put information on

the Internet, you’re putting it in a public domain. That information is available to anyone tech-savvy or lucky enough to find it. It will also be available through companies like Lexis-Nexis, to whomever can pay for it, forever. If you post something online, take responsibility for it. Don’t blame Myspace, Chris Jones or The Star for a mistake you made.

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.

Don’t pass the buck on Internet responsibility

SAFE SURFING

Letters to the Editor River outing not so tubular I went with family to float and we decided to take our own tubes and our own cars so we wouldn’t have to pay the outrageous prices of the shuttle service and tubes. When we got there, we were hoping that one of the businesses, either Texas Tubes or one of the other companies, would air up our tubes — for a fee, of course.

They refused to air up our tubes because they said that they weren’t allowing personal equipment on the river. Because they weren’t making any money off of us, we could not enter the river. Who are they to say what I can or cannot take onto the river? So instead, we had to get back in our car and drive around to look for a place to enter. While we were driving, we found a little place called River Rat Sports, where the owner not only allowed us to use his air pump (for about 50 cents a tube), but also gave us a trash bag for free. Finally, we found a place to park, and we had to walk to get in the river at Landa Park. The funny thing is that where we got in was right across from Texas Tubes and that other place.

The point of my story is that because of the capitalist society that we live in, my family and I were turned away just because we wanted to take advantage of a public, free river. These businesses couldn’t stand that they weren’t making any money off of us. These people need to realize that just because they are on the river doesn’t mean that they own the river. I would like to give a special thanks to the owner of River Rat Sports, who was kind enough to let us use his air pump.

Gina Botello Interdisciplinary studies senior

Online Poll Results Independent Candidates

D

o you think that the process for independent candidates to get on the ballot is fair?

Mike Wood/Star illustration

Trip to nation’s capitol serves as reminder to our blessings As excited as I am now to be home from a 10day conference in our nation’s capSTEPHANIE SILVAS itol, I was sad to leave Star Columnist Washington, D.C. after a week and a half of absorbing the history of America. Out of all the sites that I toured, I was most inspired by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. As a columnist, I can appreciate the power of words, and the inscriptions on the walls of the memorial remind me of what I hope for the future of our country.

My favorite quote inscribed in the memorial reads “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance

of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”

Roosevelt spoke these words during his second Inaugural Address on Jan. 20, 1937 in Washington, D.C. This quote reminds me that although being an American has its blessing, we must also remember that not all Americans have enough. We must acknowledge our problems before we can solve them. We must allow every person equal opportunities. We shouldn’t give more to those who have the most.

We must provide to those who are in need. Like a chain that is only as strong as its weakest link, so is our nation.

Another inscription on the wall, taken from the Jan. 9, 1940 speech, reads “We must scrupulously guard the

civil rights and civil liberties of all our citizens, whatever their background. We must remember that any oppression, any injustice, any hatred, is a wedge designed to attack our civilization.” We must remember these words in our effort to understand each others’ cultures. We are all Americans and in order to live harmoniously with other nations, we need to be able to live harmoniously within our own country. We must stop hating each other here in the United States and spread our understandings worldwide. We must remember that we only have one planet to live on and we must be able to get along. As is inscribed on the wall of the memorial, “Unless the peace that follows recognizes that the whole world is one neighbor-

hood and does justice to the whole human race, the germs of another world war will remain as a constant threat to mankind.” The pride we have in being American is the same pride that other countries experience. We are blessed to be able to learn from each other and we are fortunate to have other cultures to remind us of the pride we have for our own.

Another inscription reads, “I never forget that I live in a house owned by all the American people and that I have been given their trust.”

F.D.R. spoke these words while giving a “Fireside Chat” on economic conditions from on Jan. 20, 1937 in Washington, D.C. We must remember that our leaders work for us, speak for us and their actions are representative of us. The 2004

election results revealed that 45 percent of eligible American voters do not vote according to U.S. Census Bureau results.

The elected officials in office today represent less than half of Americans when you consider those who are not eligible to vote. If you are in that 45 percent, you need to vote. Elected officials speak for you, so you need to tell them what to say.

Those of you who can vote should visit our nation’s capitol and enjoy our heritage. Understand where we have come from and appreciate those who have gotten us to where we are.

We are no longer the future; we are the present. It’s time for us be inspired and get involved in our government.

Stephanie Silvas is a mass communication senior.

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Yes

25% No

51% Not Sure

16%

Maybe

8%

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

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every other Wednesday of Summer I and II with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Copyright July 12, 2006. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

SAMSUNG/ACC JOB FAIR AND OPEN HOUSE. Find out about upcoming jobs at Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s new plant, and learn about Austin Community College’s training programs for semiconductor technicians. Join ACC and Samsung for a job fair and open house, Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m.-noon. Austin Community College Riverside Campus, 1020 Grove Blvd., Building G-Lecture Hall. Free pizza and refreshments.

More info: (512) 223-6404.

FOR RENT $0 DEP. $0 APP. Large Condo 1 & 2 bdrms available. Some bills paid. Call Apartment Experts (512) 805-0123 or check out more apartment specials at www.sanmarcos-apartments.com $1100 MOVE-IN TODAY 3x2 1325 sq ft, 3 blocks from TxState, $450 deposit, new carpet, W/D, free cable/ HBO & Road Runner Internet. www.windmilltownhomes.com or 396-4181.

1802 HUNTER ROAD. Nice 1 bedroom. $450 per month. Call Legacy Real Estate (512) 665-0350 and visit legacyrealestate.biz. $0 DEP, $345 MOST BILLS PAID. Call Apartment Experts (512) 805-0123.

THE 605. This handsome hunk of a building is the latest in new college living. Walk to downtown and the university. Everything is being replaced. Be the first to live in what’s going to be the most talked about private community in town. Private pool, stainless appliances, water, trash, internet, cable, laundry all paid. Get a month free during our rehab special! Call Stacy at 396-2673. VJE Realty.

WE LOVE PETS! And they will live in splendor and serenity. 605 West San Antonio. Don’t get lost in some behemoth apartment complex.

This your home. Free rent, water/trash paid, washer and dryer provided. Call VJE Realty, 353-3002.

1013 MARLTON. Best looking duplex on the block. 3 bedroom/2.5 bath, carport and washer/dryer connections. Bring Fido. We love him too!

Call VJE Realty 353-3002.

1 BEDROOM 670 SQ FT $420.

2 bedroom 835 sq ft $495/ For more info call Apartment Experts 805-0123. $99 INCLUDES DEP. App. and 1st month rent. Beautiful property! 1, 2, 3 bedrooms. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123. $785 2/2.5 WINDMILL APTS. 3 blks from TXState. Preleasing for 8/20. Free HBO, Road Runner, full-size W/D. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. 396-4181.

I’M FREE! I’M EASY! WANNA MOVE? Great Locations is your best resource when shopping for apartments.

Visit us and get a FREE shirt and a chance to win a New Dell. www.glsanmarcos.com, 512-878-2233.

1/1.5 LOFT, 700 SQFT. Backyard and w/d included call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123 1/1.5 TOWNHOME only $525, pets ok, W/D included. www.glsanmarcos.com, 878-2233.

FOR RENT

3X2 & 3X3 DUPLEXES newly remodeled, hardwoods and tile, w/d, dogs ok. $642 Great Locations 878-2233 ALL BILLS PAID 1, 2, & 3 BEDROOMS. Your choice, close to campus, IH-35, or Hopkins. Great Locations, 512-878-2233.

3/2 MOBILE HOME, fenced yard, on the bus route, has pool access. Call (979) 589-2670 or (979) 219-0132.

HISTORIC HOME. Circa 1929, 2/2, corner of Johnson & Belvin, completely restored. $1,450. 754-1227.

SPLIT LEVEL TOWNHOME. 2 bedroom, starting at $625. Call Apartment Experts, (512)805-0123.

WALK TO CAMPUS! 1 bed $410, 2 bed $460 with cable & internet paid.

Great Locations, 512-878-2233.

1322 MARLTON. 3 bedroom/2 bath home featuring large fenced backyard, free lawn care, and your Mother will love it! Comes with a full size washer and dryer so Mama doesn’t have to do any more of your laundry. Call VJE Realty 353-3002.

WALK TO CAMPUS. $99 total move-in 2-2 $599. 1-1 also available.

Call Apartment Experts 805-0123.

ALL BILLS PAID! 2 bedroom $650 W/D included. Call Apartment Experts, (512)805-0123.

3/3 ONLY $305+ BILLS include water, internet, and W/D. Great Locations, 878-2233. www.glsanmarcos.com 3X3 DUPLEX, 3 covered parking spaces, cable, internet, phone, and trash paid. Going quick! Great Locations, 512-878-2233.

ON YOUR OWN? We got the hideout! 1642 Post Road. This one bedroom/one bath pad has just what you need to get by and best of all, it will save you money!!! Call VJE Realty 353-3002. $149 TOTAL MOVE IN! $420, 2bdrm $525. On TX State shuttle. Call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123.

TOWNHOME 4-2.5, all bills paid, W/D included call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123 106 LADYBIRD. Save your cash for Spring Break, Joey or Buffy. This most affordable apartment home features the necessities you need bualows you to save your $$$$. Call VJE Realty 353-3002.

CEDAR GROVE. Incredible 3 bedroom/3.5 bath home with full size washer and dryer and backyard for your animal kingdom. Giraffes not included. Bring you own. Call VJE Realty 353-3002.

104 MOSSCLIFF CIRCLE. Cornerstone Apartments. When we mean friendly community we got it.

Wonderful 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment homes with microwave, full size washer and dryers and a place where we will know you by name not just a number. VJE Realty, 353-3002. Call now and get a free Ipod or $ off your rent.

LARGE T-HOME, $99 total move-in free cable, internet, and phone. W/D included. Call Apartment Experts 805-0123. $1-1 $375 500 SQFT! call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123

FOR RENT

ALL BILLS PAID! 4 bedroom $710 W/D included. Call Apartment Experts, (512)805-0123.

1/1.5 LOFT! Only $445 includes cable, phone, internet, partial water & close to TSU. Great Locations, 512-878-2233.

APARTMENT HOTLINE-Free info on over 60 apartments, condos, and townhomes. www.glsanmarcos.com, 866-282-8517. $350 FULLY FURNISHED cable, internet, water paid, W/D included.

Call Apartment Experts 805-0123. $49 TOTAL MOVE-IN includes app, dep, and 1st months rent free (1,2, & 3 bedrooms). Great Locations, 512-878-2233.

NEED LOW RENT? Roommate matching could be the answer. Call and we’ll set you up. Apartment Experts (512)805-0123.

1/1 LOWEST PRICE NEAR TOWN. Most bills paid & pets ok, only $315. Great Locations, 512-878-2233. www.glsanmarcos.com BIG 2 BDROM 900 SQFT. $585! call Apartment Experts (512) 805-0123.

3X2 DUPLEX, 2 car garage, vaulted ceilings, W/D, cable, water, dogs ok. $900. Great Locations, 512-878-2233.

LANGTRY APARTMENTS HAS GOT A NEW LOOK AND ATTITUDE. It wants you. Let’s make a deal. We will meet or beat comparable properties prices. Come meet Stacy and see the finest in one bedroom and two bedroom two bath apartment homes. We feature pool, spa, and university shuttle service. Free rent specials. Call Stacy at 396-2673. VJE Realty.

GOOD ROOMMATE OR COUPLE FOR HOUSE ON MLK DR. in quiet neighborhood. House has W/D, ca/ch and pet friendly. Rent is $375 two ways or $250 three ways plus utilities and bills. Call Chris (512)878-6140.

NEW 3/2 HOUSE. Huge yard, great floor plan, alarm, garage. Great Locations, 512-878-2233.

DID WE SAY SAGEWOOD? We’ve got so many choices here. Never share a bedroom or bathroom again! We will throw in a washer and dryer and garage just for the asking. You snooze, you loose! Call VJE Realty 353-3002.

2 BEDROOM ONLY $495. $149 total move-in (1st month rent, app, dep.) Great Locations, 878-2233. www.glsanmarcos.com $0 APP $0 DEP. Brand new, most bills paid. Pool views available. Great Locations, 512-878-2233.

527 WEST SAN ANTONIO. Hangout on LBJ’s old stomping grounds. Make your own history with this one of a kind historical mansion. Your guests will think you’re a millionaire when they pull up to this mansion. Efficiency’s and two bedrooms to choose from. Call VJE Realty, 353-3002.

1015 MLK. This place is so cool we have to keep it quiet. Call now for private information. VJE Realty 353-3002.

CHECK OUT OUR current apartment specials online at www.sanmarcos-apartments.com or call Apartment Experts (512)805-0123.

ARTISTIC LOFTS, hardwood floors, W/D, 16 foot ceilings. www.glsanmarcos.com. Great Locations, 512-878-2233

FOR RENT-APTS A NEW AND QUIET COMMUNITY! 1, 2, & 3’s w/garden tubs, large patios, walk-in closets, concierge services, and covered parking! Agt. (512) 557-0648.

BRACEWOOD CIRCLE HAS 2/1 UNITS beginning at $500 per month. Lots of room and W/D connections. Call Legacy Real Estate 665-0350 and visit legacyrealestate.biz.

ARTISTIC LOFTS, hardwood flrs, W/D, 16ft ceilings. www.glsanmarcos.com; GL, (512) 878-2233.

LUXURIOUS GATED APARTMENT COMMUNITY. Noise restrictions enforced. Generous move-in specials.

Agt. (512) 644-1070.

BISHOP’S CORNER HAS 1/1 FOR $395. Water/waste water and trash paid. Private and quiet. Call Legacy Real Estate 665-0350 and visit legacyrealestate.biz. $299. Most bills paid, perfect for students, close to campus! Agt. (512) 970-0670.

APARTMENTS FROM $375/MO. Near stadium. Gas, water paid.

353-5051.

SPACIOUS MODERN APARTMENTS… walk in closets ! Agt. (512) 964-2829.

FOR RENT-APTS

2 BEDROOM GATED COMMUNITY, washer, dryer, FREE Cable and Roadrunner internet, walking distance to campus. Agt. (512) 964-2829.

AFFORDABLE 1 BED, 2 BED, AND EFFICIENCY SIZE APARTMENTS. Low electric bills, ample amenities, on bus route. Agt. (512) 644-1070.

WALKING TO CAMPUS! 1 bed $410; 2 bed $475 w/ cable paid & internet. Great Locations, www.glsanmarcos.com, (512) 878-2233.

ALL BILLS PAID. 1, 2, & 3 bdrms.

Your choice, close to campus, I35, or Hopkins. Great Locations, (512) 878-2233, www.glsanmarcos.com AN URBAN LIVING COMMUNITY NOW IN SAN MARCOS!!! Stained concrete floors, large back yards, big dogs okay! Agt. (512) 557-0648.

NEED INFORMATION on individual lease, or roommate matching properties? Call for comparisons, availabilities, and prices. Agt. (512) 644-1070.

1, 2, & 3’S NEWLY REMODELED! Includes cable w/HBO and high speed internet starting at $510.

Agt. (512) 557-0648.

TSU WALKING DISTANCE! Over 10 options to choose from w/ great move in specials. Agt. (512) 557-0648.

3 BEDROOM, FURNISHED STUDENT PROPERTY, $0 deposit/ $0 admin fees, cable and internet included. Agt. (512) 964-2829.

FREE APARTMENT LOCATING: Call Great Locations for info on Apartments, Condo’s, Duplexes, Townhomes, and rent houses.

(512) 878-2233 www.glsanmarcos.com $785 2/2.5 WINDMILL APTS. 3 blks from TXState. Preleasing for 8/20.

Free HBO, Road Runner, full-size W/ D. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. 396-4181.

APARTMENT HOTLINE! Free info on over 60 apts, condos, and townhomes. www.glsanmarcos.com (866) 282-8517.

LOOKING FOR AN APARTMENT in walking distance to campus with washer and dryer? Agt. (512) 964-2829.

I’M FREE! I’M EASY! WANNA MOVE? Great Locations is your best resource when shopping for apartments.

Visit us and get a FREE shirt and a chance to win a New Dell. www.glsanmarcos.com (512) 878-2233. $299/PERSON; 4 Rooms w/ cable, phone, internet, water, trash paid; offers furnished and roommate matching if needed. Agt. (512) 557-0648. !! $0 APP $0 DEP! Brand new, most bills paid. Pool views available. GL (512) 878-2233.

FOR RENTCONDO/TOWNHOME 1226 N. LBJ. Giant condominium home 4 blocks to campus. Water/trash paid. This unity is so big you can play basketball in the living room. Call VJE Realty, 353-3002.

1005 NORTH LBJ BAYNEBRIDGE CONDOMINIUMS. Not some dull old apartment. We are talking sexy, sexy. This gorgeous 2 bedroom/2 bath condo has everything that they won’t give you in an apartment. Water/trash paid. Call VJE Realty, 353-3002. $785 2/2.5 TOWNHOUSE. 3 blks from TXState. Preleasing for 8/20. Free HBO, Road Runner, full-size W/D. www.windmilltownhomes.com for floor plans & prices. 396-4181.

EXTRA LARGE AVAILABLE AT 736 CENTRE. Has approximately 1300 sq. ft. 2 bedrooms 1 1/2 baths with W/D connections. Lots of space with a 2 car carport. Call Legacy Real Estate 665-0350 and visit legacyrealestate.biz.

FOR RENT-DUPLEXES 3/3.5 DUPLEXES www.primepmc.com (512) 878-2233.

TWO-STORY TOWNHOMES. 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Spacious, includes washers and dryers, some bills paid. Agt. (512) 644-1070.

3/3.5 DUPLEXES, one available now and the others in August. On the shuttle route. $1100 per mo., $200 signing bonus. (512) 587-2660.

500 CREST CIRCLE. Country Living. 2 bedrooms 2 baths with W/D connections. 1 car garage and fenced yard. $825 per month. Visit legacyrealestate.biz, and call Legacy Real Estate (512) 665-3321.

2X2.5 TOWNHOMES that are a stone’s throw away from campus. 785 free cable & internet prelease. Agt. (512) 970-0670.

FOR RENT-DUPLEXES

NEW 1 BD/1 BA DUPLEX, IN COUNTRY. 12 minutes to Texas State, free parking next to campus, hiking trails, deer, free internet, cable, water, garbage, etc. 6 month lease. $525/mo. (512) 392-2700.

DUPLEXES FOR RENT, 1/2 off first months rent with this ad. (512) 422-0903.

1/1 CLOSE TO CAMPUS. Only $425 www.primepmc.com. (512) 878-2233.

519 HUTCHISON. 3/3 duplex so close to campus you can walk. W/D included for $1000 per month. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy Real Estate 665-0350.

FOR RENT-HOUSES 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN HISTORIC DISTRICT. Only $900 wash/dryer included. GL, (512) 878-2233.

2/1 HOUSE, 9 miles out, with bird hunting. Call (512) 357-3271, (830) 660-0787.

2/2/2, ranch acreage, San Marcos River access, extra storage building, 4.2 miles to campus, pets ok, $1250/mo., (832) 606-1947.

1290 ARBOR KNOT IN KYLE FOR LEASE. $1,250/mo. 3/2/2.

Never been lived in. EZ access to I-35. Fenced backyard. Visit legacyrealestate.biz and call Legacy Real Estate (512) 665-3321. !! $O DOWN, RENT TO OWN! Easy to qualify, credit problems OK, at $700+ GL. (512) 878-2233.

3/2 NEWER HOME ON PEARCE CT. 1600sq ft. 2 car garage, fenced back yard. GL, (512) 878-2233.

3 BD/1.5 BA HOUSE NEAR CAMPUS! 2,090 sq. ft., fully remodeled, 607 Centre St, $1,000/mo., ready for move-in. Call (830) 822-4963.

3/2, ranch acreage, San Marcos River access, 4.2 miles to campus, pets ok, $1250/mo. (832) 606-1947.

2 BEDROOMS FOR RENT. $500 and $400. Two-story house on 1.5 acres in Kyle. 2,200 sq.ft. No smoking; No pets. Call Jesse at (512) 767-4618.

1996 REDMAN MOBILE HOME. Ready for move-in. 3/2 with appliances. Located in park with amenities. $17,900 or best offer. (512 644-9079.

FOR SALE LARGE HOUSE NEAR CAMPUS FOR SALE. In family neighborhood, not OK for group of students. Call (512) 757-0399.

HELP WANTED $800 WEEKLY GUARANTEED. Stuffing envelopes. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Scarab Marketing 28 E. Jackson, 10th floor, Suite 938, Chicago, Ill. 60604. !BARTENDING! Up to $300/day.

No experience necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ ok. 800-965-6520 x 157.

CRAIG ‘OS PIZZA AND PASTARIA is now hiring delivery drivers for morning or night shift. Apply at Craig ‘Os 690 Centerpoint Rd., next to Starbucks across from the outlets.

PART-TIME SUBSTITUTE TEACHER NEEDED for small in-home day care. Available M-F 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for Summer II session. Call Kim at (512) 268-2326 or email ddelgado4@austin.rr.com.

DESIGNER FRAGRANCESTANGER OUTLET MALL. Now hiring part-time sales associates for nights and weekends. Call 392-7086 for more information.

TEACHERS NEEDED: A progressive liberal church seeks openminded, patient, and kind individuals to nurture and teach children at San Marcos Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. $9/hr. and up. Contact CC at (512) 754-3949.

ENJOY WORKING WITH CHILDREN? J&R Gymnastics is looking for energetic; gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading instructors.

Schedule: 4-30 hrs per week. Pay: commensurate with experience. Experience preferred. Call (830) 606-0375.

NEW RESTAURANT IN WIMBERLEY now hiring cooks and servers. Contact Carol at (512) 847-1876, after 6 p.m. call (512) 847-1776.

PT HELP WANTED at Tommy Kids at Tanger Outlet Mall. Please call 805-0100 for more information.

CENTRAL TEXAS AQUATIC CLUB, an age group swim team, is looking for a coach who can teach technique and endurance. Call Eva at (512) 736-6984.

ATHLETIC MALE MODELS WANTED for physique photography in Austin. $200-$1000 per session.

Call Wu at (512) 927-2448.

HELP WANTED

RESEARCH TECHS/ PHLEBOTOMISTS PPD, a leading global provider of discovery and development resources for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, has openings for per diem Research Techs/Phlebotomists. Must have experience in phlebotomy or willingness to learn. Requires 24-hour availability. Performs blood collections and other technical procedures such as ECG’s and vital signs under extreme time constraints.

If interested, please access our website at www.ppdi.com to apply on-line.

PPD Human Resources 4009 Banister Lane Austin, Texas 78704 EEO/AA Employer DIRECT CARE POSITIONSBrown-Karhan Healthcare in Dripping Springs is looking for motivated individuals who would like a unique employment experience in a comfortable environment while gaining knowledge of the healthcare field. Great opportunity for students who are wanting to have a flexible schedule while gaining experience with working with brain injured or psychiatric residents. Part time and full time opportunities available.

Looking to fill primarily weekend and evening shifts during the week. Candidate must be 21 years of age and have satisfactory driving record. Drug screening is required.* Pay begins at 8.50, but commensurate with experience and education. Qualified candidates may be eligible for health insurance, PTO, and monthly gas allowance. Please fax your resume to Kerri at (512) 858-5104 or call 894-0701 ext 219. Visit our website at www.brown-karhan.com OFF 5TH-SAKS FIFTH AVENUE OUTLET. Career opportunities and Saks style. Immediate openings for full and part-time sales associates. Contact David Rollison at (512) 392-7916.

TEACHERS NEEDED: Now hiring part-time teachers for summer and fall positions. Must be available M-F, 2:30-6:30. Quality Child Development Center in Kyle. (512) 405-3700 or fax (512) 405-3701. www.rockinghorseacademy.com

MISCELLANEOUS ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc $75-200/ hr, no exp. needed, (512) 684-8296.

ROOMMATES FEMALE ROOMMATE WANTED to share 1,250 sq. ft. 3/2 w/ one other.

Pay $300/mo. plus 1/2 of all bill. Call Emily (512) 787-2660.

ROOMMATE WANTED 4/2, 3 car garage, W/D, CA/CH, close to Bobcat Village bus route, $420 mo, plus 1/4 utilities. Call (832) 623-9099.

RESPONSIBLE MALE ROOMMATE WANTED to share 3/2 mobile home off of River Road. Includes W/D, satellite and wireless cable Internet. Rent is $350, ALL bills included. Call (979) 541-6500, or e-mail js1582@txstate.edu.

LOOKING FOR A RESPONSIBLE FEMALE ROOMMATE to share a nice 3/2 house close to university.

W/D, large backyard w/ hot tub, safe neighborhood, living with 2 female grad students. No pets. $330, plus 1/3 bills. (979) 541-7840.

LOOKING FOR FEMALE ROOMMATE to share 2bd/1ba, $325/mo., plus 1/2 bills, water free, w/d, close to campus, huge bedroom.

Call (832) 221-9076 or email jw1378@txstate.edu ROOMMATES WANTED!!

Two bedrooms available Aug. 1 in gorgeous new 3/2.5/2 house in subdivision approx. 2 miles from campus; common areas furnished & decorated like a model home!! Includes dishes, washer/dryer & huge fenced yard with bbq put & patio furniture. $459/MTH; Call (512) 563-6263 (Austin Phone #) Photos of model on http://community.webshots.com/user/ smhouse411.

3 BEDROOM/2/2. Need two roommates for a fully furnished house. $525 /mo., bills paid, 3 miles to campus, W/D. Call Bill at (281) 391-3013 or email questions to bc1145@txstate.edu.

SERVICES WWW.STUDENTATTORNEY.COM AFFORDABLE STUDENT LAWN SERVICE. Able to provide basic lawn maintenance and other miscellaneous yard work services. Call (512) 363-6289.

SUBLEASE 1BR/1BA SUBLEASE. $489/mo.

Fall/Spring. (512) 569-2624 for more details.

LOOKING FOR FEMALE, to take over lease 4bd/4ba townhome at University Club. Only $345/mo including internet, cable and phone,1/4 of utilities. If interested, please call (979) 421-3171.

TAKE OVER MY LEASE AT THE ZONE. 3BD/3BA furnished apartment available from August through January. $300/mo., water bill of $10 a month, electricity split 3 ways. Call (512) 618-2485.

WANTED MODELS WANTED. Call after 3 p.m.

(512) 754-7665.

WANTED: USED CARS, TRUCKS, VANS. Any condition. Running or not.

If you have something to sell please call Willis Mitchell. 512-353-4511.

SPORTS

The University Star - Page 11

En‘Teis’ing: Athletic director honored among nation’s best

By Nathan Brooks The University Star

’m probably the least deserving. I “I can’t win this without a good staff, coaches, and student-athletes. They have done all the work.”

— Larry Teis Texas State Athletic Director and 2005-2006 Division I-AA West Region Athletic Director of the Year

Chris Boehm/Star photo CLEANING UP THE CATS: The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics recently named Larry Teis Athletic Director of the Year for the Division I-AA West Region for effectively cleaning up the Bobcat athletic program left by former director Greg LaFleur.

Amy Hromadka named Southland Conference Student Athlete of the Year

Chris Boehm/Star photo PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bobcat senior Amy Hromadka was recently named Southland Conference Student Athlete of the Year after proving herself as a leader both on and off the field. She has received numerous conference and tournament accolades while maintaining a 3.82 GPA.

Hromadka looks to pharmaceutical career after hanging up cleats

By Carl Harper The University Star Senior Amy Hromadka has been named the Southland Conference Student Athlete of the Year after a remarkable career as a collegiate star on the softball field and in the classroom. She finished at Texas State with a 3.82 gpa and was voted onto the All-District VI first team this season.

There were 11 all-academic selections this year and Hromadka came out being one of nine from Texas.

“I knew that my senior year I wanted to give it my all in the classroom and on the field,” Hromadka said. “It means so much to me to accomplish this

even though it wasn’t a main goal. Hopefully this honor will help me out on my résumé.”

Hromadka will return for an additional year at Texas State to finish off remaining classes and has expectations to continue with more school in the future.

“I have one more school year left and then I would like to go to pharmacy school at either UT or University of Houston,” Hromadka said. “I’m going to apply in January and should find out

by May if it will work. If not, I may study physical therapy.”

Hromadka was an all-tournament and All-SLC first team selection this past season. She ranked among the SLC leaders in runs (38), hits (56) and stolen bases going (18), while being one of only two Texas State players to start all 56 games in 2006.

To be eligible for the all-academic team, students must have earned all-conference honors this year, or have been named as a national all-academic recipient, while maintaining a 3.0

GPA. Candidates must have completed one full year at the nominating school, while participating in at least half of the team’s contests. Nominees for Scholar Athletes of the Year must carry a 3.2 GPA for the academic year, and display athletic achievement as well, something Hromadka clearly did this season.

“I kind of had the feeling I was going to be named the student-athlete for the conference after receiving the All-America second team honors, but was never sure,” Hromadka said.

“But I am happy that I have now been recognized for it.”

Since being notified of receiving this honor, she has received many phone calls and support from family, friends and teammates congratulating her.

“She has been a great friend and role model,” said Bobcat shortstop Alex Newton. “She is someone that I look up to on and off the field and she has definitely deserved it.”

MISSIONS: Team’s fireworks illuminate S.A. fans’ spirit CONTINUED from page 12

Mariners. Last year the club celebrated 100 years of baseball in the San Antonio, having at one time or another been home to many future big leaguers, including Pedro Martinez, Mike Piazza and Felix Hernandez.

“It’s a chance to see future stars while they’re young, before they’re on television,” Yarbrough said. “And the price is right, too.

There’s a lot of entertainment out here.”

Stars of tomorrow they may be, but for now, these players ride buses to all their games and get little precious time off during the season compared to their big league brothers.

“It’s a grind. It takes a toll on your body,” Hubbard said. “In the big leagues they get a day off every week and we get one about every four weeks.”

Hubbard is just now getting a taste of Double-A baseball, having played for the Inland Empire 66ers of the Class A California League during the first half of the season.

“I have a lot of friends that are just getting into the workforce,” Hubbard said. “They work nineto-five jobs and overtime and we

get to come out and play games and have fun doing it.”

In addition to friendly prices — tickets cost no more than $9 — the Missions create an atmosphere filled with contests, sponsorships and various mascot antics. Ballapeño, a jalapeño, who drives out on a motorcyle to pump up the crowd, and Henry the Puffy Taco, who in 2002 was named ‘Newsweek’ Minor League Mascot of the Year, both help to push this agenda.

“There’s a lot more than baseball going on out here,” Yarbrough said. “It’s been a lot of fun, and I’m proud to be part of a franchise that dates back to 1888.”

This season marks Yarbrough’s 20th year in San Antonio, having started as general manager in 1987. He has seen his club win three league championships during his tenure, the first in 1997 before receiving back-to-back Texas League titles starting in 2002.

“Your really at the mercy of the major league club (concerning winning campaigns),” Yarbrough said. “We’ve had a good run of talent the last five years, and when you’re winning it’s more fun.”

Chris Boehm/Star photo

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics named Texas State Athletic Director Larry Teis the 2005-2006 Division I-AA West Region Athletic Director of the Year on June 19. Teis was one of 29 recipients from four different geographic regions and seven membership categories to be honored at NACDA’s 41st Annual Convention in New Orleans.

“This puts us on the national map,” Teis said. “Texas State is now front and center.”

However, Teis knows that he would not be here without some help.

“I’m probably the least deserving,” Teis said. “I can’t win this without a good staff, coaches and student-athletes. They have done all the work.”

Teis has helped lead the remarkable turnaround process of the Texas State athletic department since taking over as Athletic Director back in the spring of 2004. He was left to pick up the pieces of a program put on three-years probation by the NCAA due to various infractions under former Athletic Director Greg LaFleur.

“We made a lot of personnel changes,” Teis said. “You have to get the right people on the bus, because the coaches and staff work a lot of hours and are under a lot pressure. Finding the right people is critical and I feel we have done that.”

In just over two years since taking the reigns as athletic director, Teis has guided the department to a pair of Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cups, helped continue the women’s athletic dominance with their sixth straight SLC Women’s All-Sports Trophy and oversaw the football program’s most successful season at the Division I-AA level, reaching

the national semi-finals last season.

“He’s been solid,” said head football coach David Bailiff.

“He’s provided a real sense of direction and purpose for the entire department.”

Texas State student-athletes also reached new heights academically in 2005 under Teis, boasting a 2.69 GPA in the spring and a 2.73 GPA during the fall, the highest marks in 10 years. During the fall of 2005, Texas State led all SLC schools in honor roll recipients, with 60 student-athletes earning a 3.0 GPA or higher, including nine athletes selected to their respective all-academic teams.

“That’s the main thing,” Teis said.” Academics is first and athletes must understand that. The coaches emphasize that and have done a great job, as has the academic center. It’s not easy for student-athletes because they are different and live by difficult standards.”

The Bobcat Athletic Foundation has also flourished under Teis, reaching its highest membership and revenue totals in school’s history during the 2005-2006 academic school year.

Teis has played a large role in the construction of athletic facilities for various sports and has raised over $19 million for facility improvements with the Bobcat Legacy campaign.

Texas State University prides itself on being “The Rising Star of Texas,” and after a brief sitdown conversation with Teis the same can be applied to Bobcat athletics.

“Football’s national television exposure (last season at Texas A&M) pushed us out there and made us stand out,” said Teis.

“However, I feel once we get some other programs on the right track and going, the sky is the limit.”

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

ON A MISSION: Starting San Antonio Missions pitcher Ryan Feierabend prepares to pitch during their game against the Midland Rockhounds Saturday, July 8 in San Antonio.

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - Page 12

Bashfor Cash The third annual Ty and Dave’s Bobcat Summer Bash will take place July 20 and 21 to benefit Texas State’s baseball and football programs. Sponsored by Chartwells and CenturyTel, first-day festivities open with an all-you-can-eat fish fry, and auctions at the Texas Disposal System Exotic Game Ranch and Pavillion in Creedmore. Prizes include hunting trips to Mexico, a New York Yankees VIP Experience and autographed professional and collegiate sports memorabilia. The event concludes with a golf tournament on day two. Tickets are $40. For more information, contact the football office at (512) 245-2587.

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

The Sweet Science

Tough Enough brings pro boxing to San Marcos

By Chris Boehm The University Star

The Hays County Civic Center will play home to the San Marcos Showdown at 7 p.m.

Saturday.

Organized and promoted by Tough Enough Boxing Gym, the card features a main event bout for the International Boxing Association Lightweight Americas Title. San Marcos resident Lafarrel Bunting, 14-1, 14 knockouts, will take on Donnell Wiggins of Tennessee for the championship.

Tough Enough’s manager, Manuel Sepeda, signed Bunting six months ago but has had trouble finding opponents for his fighter. The dilemma spurred him to stage Bunting as the main event in a show of his own.

“No big-time promoter wanted to put their kid against ours, with his record,” Sepeda said. “It’s a lot easier to come up with fights for some of the other guys, so we thought ‘why not have a show with (Bunting) as the main event?’”

Tickets sell for $10 for general admission; interested parties can call Tough Enough at (512) 392-0556. Tickets can also be purchased at the fighters’ official weigh-in at 5 p.m. at Sac-n-Pac on Wonderworld Drive.

“It will be great leading up to the fight. People will get to witness something they never see, with the fighters weighing in and sizing each other up,” Sepeda said. “And I feel $10 to witness a title fight in our area is awesome. That will pique anyone’s interest.”

Proceeds are going to the San Marcos Youth Boxing Association to fund Sepeda’s amateurs when they head to Round Rock for the Texas Games, held July 27 through 30.

“It’s about my fighters. At first

I opened the gym strictly for American Boxing Federation. pro boxing, but then I thought, “He made boxing really good ‘what’s a boxing gym without in San Marcos,” Sepeda said. “He amateurs?’” Sepeda, a former was 3-2-1 in a lot of sanctioning professional fighter himself, bodies.” said. “All concessions are goTrejo, 39, picked up boxing ing to our kids, to sponsor their after giving up tae kwon do and rooms and travel.” its point-sparring system as a The event youth. will be the first “It just professional wasn’t cutting boxing show for me, playing in San Marcos tag for points,” in recent years, Trejo said. “But something boxing’s always Sepeda hopes been someto change after thing I like doopening Tough ing. As a kid, I Enough back in used to watch May of 2005. guys like Mu“Boxing hammad Ali hasn’t been very and Roberto big in San MarDuran. I tried cos the past few to get into years,” Sepeda amateur boxsaid. “People ing in ’88 or who thought ’89, but things about comhad kind of ing out didn’t dried up local— Manuel Sepeda ly. There were because main Tough Enough’s manager guys like Sugar event fighters weren’t makRay Leonard, ing their weight. Only the true but nothing local, nothing to boxing fans showed up. But this start up on.” time around I’ve been getting He then moved to Dallas becalls from all the small towns fore heading back to San Marcos in the area and we’ll be running to work with his brothers who a few commercials on ESPN, were training in Buda. Trejo ESPN2, Telemundo and Aztecas turned pro in year and age, at America (an Austin-based chan- the suggestion of Sepeda, who nel filming the event for tape- he has trained with since Tough delay).”

Enough opened.

Stephen Miller, associate di“I came back looking to get rector of the Civic Center, looks back into amateur boxing, but at the Showdown as a way to I was told I was too old,” Trejo attract more people to what said. “Manny said, ‘hey, why has traditionally been used for don’t you go pro?’ So I did, and equestrian purposes.

I’ve enjoyed it a lot.”

“It’s really exciting to start branching out to get a lot of people wanting to come to the cenTickets sell for $10 for ter,” Miller said. “The center has general admission; interalways been here and it’s going ested parties can call Tough to be around for years; we want Enough at (512) 392-0556. people to be aware of that.”

Tickets can also be purThe fight card totals five bouts and features various local pros, chased at the fighters’ including Ray Trejo, whose official weigh-in at 5 p.m. at younger brother Mike made a Sac-n-Pac on Wonderworld David Racino/Star photo name for himself and San MarDrive.

STINGING LIKE A BEE: Weighing in at 135 pounds, Ray “Boom Boom” Trejo hits the bag in preparacos boxing as a light flyweight tion for his fight Saturday, July 8 at the Hays County Civic Center. champion under the National

oxing hasn’t “B been very big in San Marcos

the past few years. People who thought about coming out didn’t because main event fighters weren’t making their weight. Only the true boxing fans showed up.”

San Antonio Missions provide hometown team for area baseball fanatics

By Chris Boehm The University Star With the Bobcats having closed their doors for the summer and two major league clubs lying hundreds of miles away, baseball aficionados can find an alternative in the Alamo City.

The Class AA San Antonio Missions, a professional club owned by the Seattle Mariners, give fans a chance over the summer to come out for a night of “entertainment and a baseball game.”

“You’re so close to the field here, every seat. There are tons of opportunities to do a lot of things,” team general manager Dave Gasaway said. “That’s what the whole entertainment experience is about, and that’s what we try to sell.”

On this particular night, the club held its customary fireworks spectacular, which it does for every home game on Saturdays throughout the schedule.

The show was called the biggest in the history of the Texas League and gave residents a second chance to celebrate July 4th.

“Our fortune really came from other’s misfortune,” club president Burl Yarbrough said.

“There were quite a few fireworks shows that got rained out

July 4th. Our fireworks company had a lot they had to shoot off and we’re the beneficiaries of a show that’s about 10 times bigger than usual.”

The show went off as a success, but unfortunately the same could not be said of the Missions, who lost 4-1 to the Midland Rockhounds, the same team that ousted San Antonio from the playoffs a year ago.

“We’ve lost three one-run ball games this week,” manager Daren Brown said after the game.

“We’re getting hits. We’re just not swinging the bats well with runners in scoring position. And that will change. Sometimes you get a couple and then it just snowballs from there.”

The Rockhounds jumped ahead on five hits and runs in the first inning off Ryan Feieraband, including a leadoff home run by Mark Kiger. The southpaw Feieraband,5-7, recovered to throw 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one more hit on his way to the loss.

“He threw well enough to win,” Brown said. “He did a nice job, especially getting out of that first inning.”

The Missions failed to pick up a clutch hit in the game, thrice recording a third out with runners in scoring position. The last and most costly occurred in

the bottom of the eighth, when right fielder Mike Wilson struck out looking on back-to-back outside pitches questionably called for strikes.

“All you want as a hitter, or a pitcher for that matter, is consistency from the umpire,” first baseman Marshall Hubbard said. “If you’re going to call it wide, call it the whole game. A couple of our guys were getting frustrated.”

Oswaldo Navarro led off the inning with a walk then advanced to second on a Sebastian Boucher single. Following a strikeout, Jesus Guzman grounded into a force out of Boucher to put men on the corners for Wilson.

“We had our chances,” Brown said. “It’s sill early in the second half and I think were the kind of team that can reel off a few wins in a row. It’s just a matter of clicking on all cylinders.”

San Antonio went down oneChris Boehm/Star photo two-three in the ninth, leaving the 6,047 fans to be consoled A SWEET ALTERNATIVE: With the Bobcats season over and no major league teams in the area, numerduring the Post-game Pitch, ous baseball fans can head to San Antonio for Class AA baseball. Marshall Hubbard of the hometown where contestants can purchase Missions went 1 for 4 at bat Saturday, July 8 night at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium in San Antonio. as many throws as they want in an effort to toss balls into a were allowed to camp out in the saway said. “They’re not coming in San Antonio dates back to shed-like trailer for cash prizes. outfield for the night. out because of that. They like to 1888, having played under such The earnings build up over time “(Fan interaction) is crucial see baseball, but they also like to major league clubs as the Los if no one wins on a particular for us. People coming out to the see a lot of activity.”

Angeles Dodgers and now the night. In addition, following the ballpark don’t know who our While not always called the See MISSIONS, page 11 fireworks display, Boy Scouts left fielder or shortstop are,” Ga- Missions, professional baseball