VOLUME 102, ISSUE 4

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THURSDAY GO NE ONLI NOW

AUGUST 30, 2012

McGraw-Hill Student Ambassador Justin Garelick is the new McGraw-Hill Student Ambassador at Texas State. Check out more about Garelick and the Student Ambassador Program at UniversityStar.com.

Former mayor campaigns in San Marcos

A NEW LIGHT

Photo courtesy of Susan Narvaiz

By Taylor Tompkins Assistant News Editor A former San Marcos mayor will bring her campaign for U.S. Congress to the place she calls home at the end of the week. Susan Narvaiz, mayor from 2004 to 2010, is running for Congress in District 35. Narvaiz defeated Rob Roark and John Yoggerst in the May 29 Republican primary. Narvaiz will be at the Hays County Veterans Memorial on Hopkins St. at 7 p.m. on Friday and First Impressions Bakery off Wonder World Dr. at 8 a.m. on Saturday. These stops are part of a campaign trail through the up-for-grabs District 35 that runs down the IH-35 corridor. Narvaiz was mayor of San Marcos for three terms before current mayor Daniel Guerrero took over the position in 2010. She owns Core Strategies, Inc. and is CEO of San Marcos-based Sedona Staffing. Narvaiz is former chair of Capital Area Council of Governments and former committee member of the National League of Cities. Narvaiz is running against U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, District 25 incumbent. Due to redistricting, Doggett and Narvaiz are now running in a newly drawn District 35 that includes parts of Travis, Hays, Caldwell, Comal and Bexar counties. Although District 35’s lines were voted as one of the 10 most contorted congressional districts by nationaljournal.com, Narvaiz said she agrees with the results. Even though the geographic location of the district requires numerous hours of driving while campaigning, Narvaiz said many similarities unify the region. Although she has no prior federal government experience, Narvaiz said she feels her background in local businesses and government will help her on the national stage. “I think government is supposed to be close to the people,” Narvaiz said. “When you’re right here in the midst of the electorate, you can’t run from the decisions you make. It gives you an opportunity to provide explanation for your decisions and put it in terms that we can all understand.” James Barnes, her campaign manager, said the trail has great energy, and excitement is growing for Narvaiz’s message. Narvaiz said the defense budget is a priority, and states’ needs differ from those of the country. For example, the local school board, not government agencies, should be in charge of local education and its funding, she said. “I think there should be less of the federal government in our lives everyday,” Narvaiz said. “When you start to allow others to make decisions for you, you limit your freedom.” Texas State is not immune to Narvaiz’s campaign efforts. Jordan Taylor, political science student and intern for Narvaiz’s campaign, said she visited the College Republicans’ first meeting, and will be tailgating at Texas State’s opening football game against Texas Tech. “I think (candidates) should matter to students,” Taylor said. “They are being represented by people in Congress. When it comes to issues about them, they should care.”

John Casares, Staff Photographer

Sylvia Sanders lights up a cigar at the Hill Country Humidor located on The Square. Sanders is the current shop keeper and is one of many people who helped the store remain in business after the death of Rob Robinson, the original proprietor, last spring.

Hill Country Humidor re-opens after death of founder, owner READ THE FULL STORY, PAGE 3

Bridge construction may affect river recreation

Sara Beth Worcester, Staff Photographer

The bridge on Cape Road at John J. Stokes City Park will be under construction from Sept. 10 through the end of December. By Kolten Parker News Reporter Local business owners and officials are ironing out a plan to ensure thousands of tubers and kayakers will be able to continue using the river during a four-month construction project. The Texas Department of Transportation is overseeing an $800,000 replacement of the bridge on Cape Road in John J. Stokes City Park near Thompson’s Island. Construction will begin Sep. 10 and continue through the end of December, officials said. John Johnson, associate director for campus recreation, said TxDOT and the contractor, Dan Williams Company in Austin, originally planned to shut down the river from IH-35 to the construction

site, which would force recreational river users to get out of the water and walk about a half-mile around the site. Johnson said he will meet with the City of San Marcos, the project’s contractor, TxDOT officials and a local business owner Sep. 5. They will map out a route around the soon-to-be construction site so tubers will not have to exit the water. “This part of the San Marcos River has become one of the most heavily paddled streams in the state,” said Dwayne TeGrotenhuis, owner of T & G Canoes. “If they did close down the river at IH-35, it would completely shut us down.” TeGrotenhuis said he is confident the parties will work together to figure out a plan that is mutually beneficial for river users and the construction company. He said if the contractor decides to cut

off river traffic at Cape’s Dam instead of IH-35, kayakers and tubers will be able to take the left-hand channel around the main channel where the bridge is located. Charles Chance, engineering specialist from TxDOT, said Cape Road will be closed from River Road to Flores Street for motorists, and the city will use IH-35 frontage road as a detour. He said San Marcos officials will ultimately be in charge of controlling traffic on the river. Trey Hatt, San Marcos spokesman, said once the river closure plans are finalized, the San Marcos Police Department will be responsible for enforcement. Chance said TxDOT intends to begin the project in September once the majority of tubing season has passed. Johnson said kayaking season picks up in the fall, near the end of tubing season. “We sort of get the river back after the summer,” Johnson said. Johnson said campus recreation offers rafting trips to students that utilize the part of the river that could potentially be shut down. He said the majority of universities in the state will have student groups traveling to San Marcos to use the river this fall. Johnson said he is worried a person or group traveling from around the state will not know of the closure until they see the signage on the river. “River-runners who come down from West or North Texas that aren’t aware of the closures until they are in the river are not going to be too happy,” Johnson said.

Residents model future growth plan for San Marcos By Megan Carthel News Reporter The city is encouraging residents to “build” their dream San Marcos. San Marcos residents showed city planners how they would like to see the community grow in the coming decades, during two sessions at the Dunbar Community Center Wednesday. “The intent is to develop the City of San Marcos as the community sees fit,” said Matthew Lewis, director of Development Services. “We wanted to go back and allow the community to redefine their vision, update the Comprehensive Master Plan and integrate Texas State into it.” The idea was launched as a part of the

redevelopment of San Marcos. By 2035, an estimated 33,000 more people will be residents of San Marcos. The city has seen a population increase of 1,000 people per year since 2000. Lewis said San Marcos’ steady growth is attributed to its location between San Antonio and Austin, which creates a heavy job flow in the area. He said Texas State’s rapid growth is also a factor. During the sessions, groups of residents were given a table-sized map and Legos to plan out their ideal version of San Marcos. Each Lego represented 300 people in either multi-family housing units, single-family housing units and potential retail opportunities. Each group devised areas for green spaces and a citywide transit system.

Lewis said each plan the residents made was very diverse, from more dense plans to scenarios that had specific corridors and pods of development areas around town. Lewis said the city is looking to add alternative modes of transportation in the future. San Marcos is currently automobile-oriented, but the city has the opportunity to become more diverse in its transportation methods, he said. Austin Roark, San Marcos High School sophomore, said he wishes San Marcos would become more like Austin when it comes to transportation, with more areas for biking and walking. Melissa Derrick, City Council Place 5 candidate, said one of the major problems

she sees in San Marcos is the traffic on Sessom Drive, which could worsen with the development. Jenny McGinty, San Marcos High School junior, said she and others affiliated with the city’s Youth Master Plan focused on green spaces first because they are a main concern for the adolescents and residents of San Marcos. City officials will look through the maps made by residents and apply fiscal impact models to demonstrate how much each scenario would cost and affect taxes, transportation and other various components. Officials will then look at trends and the fiscal impacts to eventually narrow it down to one master plan and present it to the public.

2 | Thursday August 30, 2012 | The University Star

PAGE TWO

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wild art

CORRECTION: In an Aug. 20 issue of the University Star, Stephanie Tollete should have been identified as the Texas State Panhellenic vice president of recruitment. The University Star regrets this error.

CRIME BLOTTER

Aug. 24, 12:52 a.m. Strahan Coliseum Public intoxication A student was cited and arrested for public intoxication and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. Aug. 24, 2:33 a.m. Blanco Garage Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor A student was cited for consumption of alcohol by a minor and arrested for failure to identify. The student was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor

Tim Schulz, undeclared sophomore, leaps for a frisbee pass Aug. 29 at Sewell Park.

Follow these tips for a healthy freshman year The first few weeks of school can consist of running around like a bobcat with its head cut off, but it’s important students take a break to prepare for the semester ahead and consciously think about their wellness. The following list has a few tips to consider for staying healthy and keeping it all together: 1. Plan: Put all exams, quizzes, research papers, extra credit deadlines, mandatory out of class events and anything else on your planner now. Do it now. This will help you see those weeks you have four tests, two papers and a special lecture to attend. You can ask off work, start working on the papers and schedule your social calendar accordingly. Class times are now scheduled, but you need to schedule when you’re going to eat, exercise, talk to mom and go to intramural practice. Often, when students don’t plan out the timing of these important things, they may skip meals, exercise and many other activities that promote wellness. 2. Buy snacks (at the grocery store or farmer’s market): Get some quick energy foods (fruit, almonds, trail mix, string cheese, edamame) on hand in your satchel

health beat

to keep you going in between classes and meetings. 3. Bring a reusable water bottle and travel coffee mug to campus: You can refill your water bottle at any water fountain (free and hydrating), and PAWS Market at the LBJ Student Center only charges $.50 for any size coffee refill. Think of all the waste you’ll be keeping out of landfills, too. 4. Sleep: See “plan” above. You may have to schedule your sleep. Studies show that students who get 6-8 hours of sleep a night have higher GPAs on average. Plus, sleep allows your brain to develop and process information from the day. 5. Get involved: Find an organization, community service project or activity to provide you with social support and something you feel is meaningful. You need this. This needs you. 6. Prevent parental freak-outs: Tell your parents when you will call them on which days and when you can respond to texts. Schedule it. They need to get used to the fact they can’t watch you study or socialize, and you need space to do these things. Communicate when you can or cannot talk, text and email. Establish appropriate boundaries so

that you aren’t responding to text messages threatening to call the police because you turned off your phone when you went to see a movie on $.50 night at Showplace.. 7. Breathe: Take at least 3-5 minutes each day to meditate and breathe deeply. It’s amazing how well you’ll feel about doing something to lessen your stress. No one else will do this for you. Close your eyes, breathe in and out slowly and be mindful of your body, then relax! 8. Watch your weight (on your back): It isn’t really necessary to carry every single textbook to every class all day long in your backpack. You are carrying a lot of weight on your back each day. It’s connected to why you’re starting to have back pain and have that knot over your right shoulder that won’t go away. Good luck with your first week of classes. If you need further information about your wellness, feel free to visit the student health center website or http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/. -Courtesy, Kelly Stone, M.A., CHES, Student Health Center

Aug. 24, 3:01 a.m. Matthew Street Garage Public Intoxication Two students were cited and arrested for public intoxication and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and are awaiting a court date. Aug. 24, 8:03 a.m. Wood Street Parking Garage Public Intoxication A non-student was cited and arrested for public intoxication and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. Aug. 24, 4:23 p.m. Health Professions Building Fire Call A cigarette caused a small brush fire. The fire was extinguished. Aug. 24, 7:00 p.m. Bobcat Trail Possession of Marijuana A non-student was arrested for possession of marijuana and was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date. Aug. 24, 10:29 p.m. Blanco Hall Minor in Possession of Alcohol A student was cited for minor in possession of alcohol and is under judicial review. ­—Courtesy of University Police Department

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4 | Thursday August 30, 2012 | The University Star

OPINIONS

For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu

Tourism, business profits may be flooded out by alcohol ban

Lara Shine, Star Illustrator

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an Marcos City Council’s ordinance banning the public consumption and display of alcohol in city parks will significantly diminish the alcohol sales of students, residents and tourists, flushing potentially millions of dollars down the drain. The ordinance will hurt San Marcos and the city’s economy, and the editorial board believes tourism will take a major hit once the alcohol ban goes into effect Jan. 1. City council should have learned from the mistakes of New Braunfels, where disposable containers have been banned on the Comal River. According to a May 29 New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung article, Johnnie Bezdek, owner of Bezdek’s Rentals, said his business revenue was down 40 percent

over last year’s totals. Additionally, according to a Sep. 29 San Antonio Express-News article, Shane Wolf, who runs Rockin’ R River Rides in New Braunfels, said if the ban keeps away five percent of the town’s tubers, local businesses could lose up to $20 million this year. Even amidst these problems, New Braunfels still has Schlitterbahn and other attractions to drive tourism. San Marcos does not. New Braunfels was willing to give up a major portion of its river tourism, and San Marcos should have capitalized on it. Rather than welcoming thousands of tourists who would be more than happy to take their boozing and tubing to the San Marcos River with open arms, the City Council chose to turn them — and their money — away. According to an April 5 University Star article, Naveed Mohammed,

University should better promote resource centers

By Jose R. Gonzalez Opinions Columnist

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nstead of being relatively uninformed, students should be educated on the true benefits provided by the campus resource centers and academic aides. The IT Assistance Center (ITAC), the Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC), the Math Tutoring Lab and the Writing Center are all prominent tools that are currently offered at Texas State. All of these resource services are exclusive to students at no charge and are made up of skilled and trained staffs. There are other resources that may be of special benefit to Bobcats. For instance, someone pulling an all-nighter can take advantage of the 24-hour computer lab in Derek Hall during the school week. In addition, students can utilize the services of Copy Cats for a small fee as an on-campus answer to Kinko’s. One of the reasons many newly initiated Bobcats are out of the loop on the university’s resource centers is a jumble of information. Currently, the information for each tool is available online, but not in a consolidated list. If all of the resource centers were placed under one banner it could help build awareness, existence and availability. To drive the message on

The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

this newly created single source, the university could call the whole effort “Helping Paws.” Coupling “Helping Paws” with a stylistic and clever campaign to aggressively promote Texas State’s resource centers would likely be the most successful outreach tool. An amusing and memorable campaign about the services on campus would help gain the greatest amount of interest. During freshman and transfer orientations, the school could hand out a bobcat paw print on maroon colored cardstock listing all of the resource centers at Texas State. The idea is admittedly gimmicky, but it is definitely more likely to leave a lasting impression on students than a simple 8x11 flier. Finally, each professor-issued syllabus should include a listing of available resource centers. Professors tend to understand just how vital the resource centers are for increased student performance in their classes. Professors should seriously consider providing incentives for students using these resource centers through the application of extra credit or waivers on certain assignments. Personal responsibility and humility are two of the main characteristics that college students need to have for successful achievement. Bobcats must take it upon themselves to seek out aid through the resource centers available at Texas State and be open to mentorship in pursuit of their academic goals. It is up to the students, professors and university administrators to create a cross-campus consciousness of the benefits the resource centers offer Texas State.

Editor In Chief................................................Beth Brown, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor............................Lee Moran, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................................Caitlin Clark, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor............................Hollie O’Connor, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Liza Winkler, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..........................................Cameron Irvine, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief......................Thomas Glasebrook, starcopychief@txstate.edu Web Editor............................................Karyn Kittlitz, starwebeditor@txstate.edu

owner of the Korner Stop Food Mart by Sewell Park, expressed concern for his business, which advertises ‘Beer and Wine’ on its sign. A high percentage of his store’s merchandise is alcohol. He said the alcohol ban is going to hurt not only his sales, but those of every business in the city. The profits of businesses like Mohammed’s will surely diminish once the ordinance goes into effect Jan. 1 and people cannot legally drink in city parks. While enjoying a beer on the river is still legal because it is a federal waterway, a glance around a city park will reveal more people lying on the riverbanks than floating in an inner tube on the water. Sunbathing in swimsuits, playing Frisbee, barbecuing and other activities not necessarily taking place in the water are still synonymous with the San Marcos River. Those who prefer to

stay dry would not be able to consume or display alcohol in city parks, which, for many, is a major lure. San Marcos is a college town. Many students drink alcohol, especially when they go to the river. Those students, as well as tourists, will most likely find other towns to frequent if they can’t visit San Marcos city parks with a beer in hand. City council should have found a way to embrace the benefits of tourism that come with allowing alcohol in city parks, but instead San Marcos’ economy will most likely have to face the consequences of their decision. 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.

Recreation center a valuable asset for students

By Evan Bolton Opinions Columnist

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ith the fresh start of a new semester, students should begin a positive habit by setting aside time each week to hit the gym, exercise and have some fun as well. Texas State has an incredible Student Recreation Center with a wide variety of extracurricular activities for students. Being active while studying at school does a plethora of good things for the body and mind. When students begin to embrace exercise as a lifestyle, each and every day will become more manageable. There are positive correlations between physical activity and a higher grade point average for college students. Exercise regimens can be fit into a busy schedule without implementing unnatural workout patterns. Just take 20 minutes to jog a little bit, lift some weights, play basketball, volleyball or go swimming. The hardest part is finding the motivation to get to the gym that very first time. Once you make the conscious decision to frequently exercise at the rec center, it gets increasingly easier to go each time. Physical activity kick-starts the brain to begin thinking and focusing on tasks. This will, especially after a few weeks, make an incredible difference in confidence, alertness and physique. Exercise is important to help avoid what many people refer to as the infa-

Multimedia Editor.........................Alex Peña, starmultimediaeditor@txstate.edu Design Editor................................Michelle Wadsworth, stardesign@txstate.edu Account Executive........................................Christina Carr, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive...................................Casey Neubauer, starad2@txstate.edu Account Executive..................................Michelle Rohmer, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Hannah Wilson, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist.............................................Mary Scheske, ms88@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

mous “freshman 15.” Rumors tend to float around college campuses about the elusive 15 pounds students may gain during their freshman year. According to a Feb. 11, 2009 CBS News article, researchers conducted two studies and found evidence to suggest that a majority of students do not gain an average of 15 pounds during their first year of college. However, the studies revealed that weight gain in college is not a complete myth. According to the second study mentioned in the article, 907 students were weighed four times during the course of their freshman year. The results showed that the students packed on 7.8 pounds on average. Overall, more than 33 percent of the students gained 10 pounds or more while 20 percent ended up increasing their weight by 15 pounds or greater over the course of the study. Students should take advantage of the resources at the recreation center to chisel away fat and help avoid additional unwanted weight gain. The mandatory student recreation fees we pay each semester help support the exercise amenities on campus. It is imperative to use them as often as possible. The recreation center has basketball, flag football, golf, racquetball, indoor soccer, volleyball and tennis. There are many leagues available for students to get involved with if they are looking to be competitive and make a few new friends. Students can even take a few exercise classes and get advice from a personal trainer with a one-on-one workout experience. There is truly something for everyone at the recreation center, no matter what athletic background a particular student may have.

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos and is published every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Thursday, August 30, 2012. 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. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.

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The University Star | Thursday August 30, 2012 | 5

TRENDS

Check out more at UniversityStar.com Charlie Kitchen, Staff Photographer

Bonsai Nation, Canyon Lake-based rock-reggae band, is comprised of James Newman, Ray Hanly, Justin Ross and Kelby Ross. The group performs around Central Texas.

Bonsai Nation By Aisling Niestory Trends Reporter Bonsai Nation is a San Marcos-based band cranking out reggae tunes with psychedelic and punk influences. Band members James Newman, Ray Hanly and Justin and Kelby Ross play regularly at Triple Crown and are currently working on producing their second full-length album. The University Star talked to Newman and Justin Ross about the band’s origins and influences. AN: When did you start your band? Why did you decide to make music together? JR: We formed around 2006 when I was a freshman in high school. At that time it was only (Newman), Kelby, and me. (Hanly) had been doing solo stuff until he met us in college and joined. We initially started playing music for a number of reasons. At that time, we were just starting to get into music in general, and it was a really big deal to us. We were into some really raw, simple punk music, and it was easy to learn. So naturally, we wanted to make some of our own. AN: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? JR: Our genre is pretty strange. It certainly doesn’t fit into one genre easily. We all have different influences ranging from reggae, punk rock, acoustic stuff like Elliott Smith, and even rap. Our music gets its sound mostly from the punk and reggae stuff. Bands like NOFX, Passafire, Bad Religion, Against Me! and Prevail Within. AN: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? JR: For many years we played almost exclusively in San

Antonio. Venues like The White Rabbit, The Sanctuary and The 1011. Nowadays we play mostly San Marcos, with at least one show a month at The Triple Crown. We’ve played countless shows and plenty of them have been awesome and plenty of others not so much.

10% discount for Texas State Students, Faculty & Staff (excluding drinks)

AN: Who writes your songs? What are the main topics or themes for most of your songs? JN: (Hanly) and I write a majority of the songs we play. However, Justin has written a good share of songs and Kelby has as well. The themes for our music vary from abstract ideas taken from personal experience with psychedelics, excluding Justin, to fictional stories of a lonely man. AN: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together? JR: Our music has definitely come a long way. We started writing and recording songs before we even knew how to play our instruments, not to mention the number of years we’ve been playing together. So you can imagine how much our music has changed through the years. Early material was filled with insanely fast and loud punk rock. The kids from downtown San Antonio loved it, but most everyone else, not so much. When (Hanly) joined the band, we began to really refine our sound and started integrating reggae into our music. AN: What’s your ultimate goal for your band? JR: Our goal has always been to have fun and to make good music.

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cally about who I am and the struggles I had to go through. This book goes into a lot more detail of how I got through those struggles and how you can get through yours as well. It’s an advice book, and each chapter is on a different theme. For example, struggles with friends, self-esteem and learning to accept yourself, and that kind of thing. HO: Who is your target audience? LV: It’s mostly geared toward pre-teens and young adults.

Lizzie Velasquez By Hollie O’Connor Trends Editor Lizzie Velasquez, communication studies senior, has lived her entire life with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight. At 23 years old and 60 pounds, she’s faced plenty of bullying and awkward stares. However, instead of letting it upset her, Velasquez has taken those experiences and turned them into something positive. She has become a motivational speaker and au-

Photo courtesy of Lizzie Velasquez

thor and will release her second book, “Be Beautiful, Be You” on Sept. 1. Additionally, Velasquez will hold a book signing on Thursday, Aug. 30th at 6 p.m. at Credo Catholic, a bookstore in Austin. The University Star spoke with Velasquez about her latest book and her motivations behind writing it. HO: Can you sum up what the book is about? LV: The first book I wrote was basi-

HO: Can you give an example of advice you give in the book? LV: One of the things that I was most excited to write in the book about was the self-esteem chapter. A lot of people ask me how I was able to get to the point where I can accept who I am, and the way I did it is with something called the “love yourself list.” Basically, you write down all your favorite traits about yourself. It could be that you like that you have long eyelashes, or you think you’re funny, or a good listener or give good advice. If you’re writing your list and having trouble, you can go to a parent or a friend and ask what they like about you and you can go from there. Then, you post it where you can see it every day, in your car, your bathroom,

kitchen, and look at it until you can believe the things you wrote on that list. When you’re having a bad day and don’t feel good about yourself, you can remember that list. It’s a huge help in loving who you are. HO: Why was it important to you to write this book? LV: A lot of people have asked me how I got where I am today, and, instead of just having a general answer, I think it’s important to go into detail about how I did it. Not many people have my syndrome, but we all can relate to the struggles we go through. I think the detail can be a huge help to other people. HO: How have you been promoting it? LV: I’m actually having a book release and signing party this Thursday in Austin that I’m really excited about. This book is going through a publishing house, and my last was self-published. This one is on a much bigger scale, so I’m doing more interviews and putting ads in magazines that I didn’t do with the first one. HO: What’s next for you? LV: Possibly a third book, but I’m still continuing with school and motivational speaking.

Hill Country Humidor reopens after death of owner By Emily Collins Trends Reporter An old wooden sign with the carved words “In Rob We Trust” hangs in the Hill Country Humidor shop window. It is a slogan inspired by a true San Marcos character, the bearded friend of many who had a passion for all things tobacco. After Rob Robinson, the iconic proprietor of Hill Country Humidor, passed away in early March, the store temporarily closed. Since its reopening in June, Humidor has operated in remembrance of Robinson’s legacy and continues to sell some of the best tobacco products in San Marcos. Robinson started Hill Country Humidor after becoming a permanent resident of San Marcos in order to be with wife, Shirley Osborne Robinson. The current location on The Square opened in 1993, and continues to flourish. Osborne Robinson is the sole proprietor of the store. She has been with Humidor from its early beginnings and has recently received an incredible amount of support for it to remain in business. “It took a whole lot of people to help me get through this,” she said. “I consider those people to be my family now.” Sylvia Sanders, Humidor shop-keeper, is one of the many who supported Osborne Robinson after her husband’s passing. “Rob always had a strong love for tobacco,” said Sanders. “(The shop) was some-

thing that was missing in San Marcos.” The tobacco products Humidor sells are numerous. Daniel Dale, employee, said their pipes alone are imported from several countries around the world. He said Robinson made a large number of friends and connections with pipe makers during his trips to national trade shows. Along with the history and nature of tobacco, Robinson also had a love for music. He regularly played songs with customers while strumming on his guitar from behind the counter. “He would talk to anybody,” Dale said, puffing on his cigar. Current employees continue to reminisce about Robinson’s charismatic personality John Casares, Staff Photographer and astute business tactics. Close friends Cigars line the shelves of Hill Country Humidor, which has reopened its doors under new management would describe him as a man who had a after the death of owner Rob Robinson. “larger than life” personality. Mike Orloff, long-time friend and Humiand “smoker in denial,” said that to say Robdor employee, said since Robinson’s pass- the pros and cons of cigar smoking. “Even with my background of smoking ci- inson was an opinionated person would be ing, the store hasn’t changed significantly. The biggest difference is the absence of Rob- gars, I learned so much from Rob,” Bellinger an understatement. He said Robinson wanted his customers to get the full experience of inson’s things: a pyramid of cardboard boxes said. “He was a real educator for us all.” In regards to the recent tobacco bans smoking a cigar. that contained miscellaneous items such as Hill Country Humidor is scheduled to instruments, CDs and eclectic works of art. around the Texas State campus and other Mike Bellinger, long-time Humidor regu- establishments in San Marcos, Orloff said have a grand reopening on Sept. 22nd, lar, said the environment is now more open, Robinson always had a response to the issue. which will also be Rob and Shirley’s 31st with space for customers to interact with He had a passion for history, particularly on wedding anniversary. The event will include the effects that tobacco had on the U.S. a raffle, live entertainment and a brief semieach other. “Rob always said the rest of us have to nar on the art of pipe smoking. “We smoke together. We learn together,” Bellinger said he comes from a renowned live with the tyranny of the majority,” Orloff Bellinger said, ashing his cigar. “Rob really cigar family. He started coming to the store said. Jim Motheral, another Humidor regular taught us how to do that.” in the early ‘90s, where he learned all about

Hard Proof Afrobeat strikes unique chord By Amy Greene Trends Reporter Austin-based ensemble Hard Proof Afrobeat boasts a solid 10 musicians who wrap the sounds of sub-Saharan Africa with jazz and funk. Stephen Bidwell, drummer, said he championed Hard Proof in 2008 because there was a void in the Afrobeat genre in Austin. Joe Woullard, baritone saxophone and flute player, said there were a number of friendships that led to a weekly jazz brunch. “In between set breaks, we talked about our mutual affection for Afrobeat and our desire to do it big band style,” Woullard said. “Eventually, we took the plunge and it grew from there.” Bidwell said he figured there would be at least eight or nine members to stay true to the origins of the genre, like that of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. “Just by definition, an Afrobeat band is a pretty large affair,” Bidwell said. “Fela Kuti had between 10 and 12 musicians. He also had a troupe of dancers, 10 to 12, if not more of them. Most of whom he was married to, but that is another story.” Joe Sokolik, Texas State history graduate student and bass player, said Fela Kuti developed a style of music that was very infectious at the time, and still is today. “He also imbued a very political quality to his music, which was used as a form of promoting revolutionary ideas against the Nigerian government,” Sokolik said. “His musical style was picked up by a lot of American funk musicians, James Brown in particular. It has been really popularized lately by the Fela Broadway Musical. Other groups have hints of Afrobeat in their style.” Hard Proof Afrobeat played at Triple Crown in San Mar-

Read it any way you like.

cos in August as part of the Utopia Fest promotional show. Sokolik said Hard Proof Afrobeat received a warm welcome from the crowd during the event and said they are very excited about playing the festival at the end of September in Utopia. Sokolik, also a United States history teacher at The Khabele School in Austin, said most of his students know he plays in a band on the side. Even though many of the students are too young to attend, Sokolik said he tells them about the allages shows around town. “Actually, Hard Proof played at a fundraiser for the school last year,” said Sokolik. “We do some shows at Central Market. There is a playground there behind the stage and there are usually a lot of children. Our music is very dance-oriented. It’s amazing to see children—some of them two or three years old—start to move their bodies in strange ways they’ve never done before.” Hard Proof Afrobeat released a self-titled album in 2010 comprised of 15 original instrumental tracks. The band continues to practice and play live shows weekly. Their most recent live shows include a residency at The Continental Club in Austin for the month of August and a taping for The Good Music Club. Members of Hard Proof Afrobeat also play with bands such as Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears, Ocote Soul Sounds, The Echocentrics, The Calm Blue Sea, and Cougar. While Sokolik said he has dreamed about playing at Stubb’s outdoor stage in Austin since his arrival 13 years ago, Bidwell’s aspirations are a bit more extravagant and global. “I have this dream of winning the lottery and actually taking this band to Africa to play some shows,” Bidwell said. “Somewhere where a bunch of actual Africans would have a good laugh.” Sokolik’s dream is coming true on Sept. 29 when Hard Proof Afrobeat will be opening for The Bright Light Social Hour at Stubb’s. Sokolik said Hard Proof Afrobeat and The Bright Light Social Hour have a mutual admiration for each other.

“Some of those guys have been coming out to our shows for a while and they are really enthusiastic about what we do. So, one day they gave us a call and asked us to play that show,” said Sokolik.

The University Star | Thursday August 30, 2012 | 7

SPORTS

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VOLLEYBALL

Still settling into roles, Bobcats travel to Beaumont

Kathryn Parker, Staff Photographer

Texas State volleyball defeated the Bearkats in five sets, bringing their record to 1-3. By Jordan Cole Sports Reporter The Texas State volleyball team is still fresh off of its home opening victory versus Sam Houston State on Tuesday, but will travel Beaumont, Texas this weekend to participate in the Lamar Invitational. The team fea-

tures Tulane, South Carolina State and Lamar. The team is now 1-3 on the season, but confident after its SHSU victory. “I think the (SHSU) game gave us some confidence,� said Alexandra Simms, sophomore outside hitter,. “It will definitely help us.� This will be the Bobcats’ first meeting with South Carolina State, but they have had success against Tulane, holding the upper hand with a 4-2 record. Tulane has not won a game yet this year and sits at 0-3. South Carolina State holds only a 1-2 record. The Cardinals of Lamar are 1-3. Ashlee Hilbun, junior middle blocker, feels the Lamar game is critical to further separate the Bobcats from their former Southland Conference competitors, after their home season debut. “This definitely gets us ready to go,� said Hilbun. “Coming off a win, we’re a lot more fired up. Also, we’re playing Lamar, which is another former conference rival, so it’s a must-win.� Caleigh McCorquodale, senior setter, said her 20-assist, 20-dig performance gave her confidence in all of her teammates, the setters in particular, to get the job done. “We have four setters on the team, so it’s really competitive,� McCorqudale said. “We’re really competitive with each other but we all support each other. We always say that whichever one of us is out there just needs to be better than the setter on the other court.� Texas State has used four different starting lineups in the team’s first four matches. McCorquedale said she believes both the older and younger members need to step up to help everyone grow into their roles. “I think it’s good for the upper classmen to step in and kind of show how much we need the new people,�

SOCCER

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Team tries to keep up winning streak

By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter Texas State (2-2) takes to the road as it plays Houston Baptist (2-2) and Rice (1-1-1) this weekend. The Bobcats will look to build on momentum from their home win Tuesday night, and complete the Houston road-trip sweep. “A win always gives you confidence going into the next game,� senior midfielder Taylor Kelley said. “Getting goals in when playing tough opponents like Houston Baptist and Rice definitely helps us out.� Friday night Texas State goes into Houston Baptist trying to make it their fifth win in five meetings. Coach Kat Conner said it will not be an easy test as the Huskies are coming off a loss to Loyala Marymount and look to regroup against Texas State. “We know (Houston Baptist) will be just as tough as Prairie View (A&M),� Conner said. “They are tough to break down. We will get our chances, but we are going to have to take advantage of our chances. It will be a tough matchup.� The team had a scoring outburst with three goals in the second half against the Panthers Friday night and hopes to continue the trend. Texas State will look to junior midfielder Sydney Curry, who accounts for two of the teams’ six goals in this early part of the season.

McCorquodale said. “Most of them are seeing court time so it’s important for us to let them come out on the court, get comfortable and leave feeling confident.� McCorquodale leads the team in both assists (72) and digs (42), but two of the young athletes she was referring to, sophomore setter Caylin Mahoney and sophomore labero Laura Whalen, are close on her heels with their contributions. Mahoney has only started one match yet has 61 sets. Whalen, who collected a career-high 26 digs, has a season total of 41. McCorquodale leads the team with 42. Molly Ahrens, team leader in blocks, Simms and Hilbun will also need to have solid performances in order to come back with wins on their record tally. Texas State will play South Carolina State first on Friday at 1 p.m., Lamar at 7 p.m. and then Tulane Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The invitational will be played in Beaumont, Texas at McDonald Gymnasium. Twitter: @TXStatesman

“We’ve played a couple of tough games and it has gotten our pace going,� Curry said. “Our last test was just putting goals on the board. I’m feeling very confident going into this weekend.� The Bobcats take on the Rice Owls on Sunday with hopes to end the weekend on a high note. Texas State takes on a Rice team that has only given up two goals in three games this season. The Owls have looked solid, with a close loss to Baylor 1-0. The Owls tied with LSU in a tough game 1-1 and followed up their tie with the Tigers with a dominating win at McNeese State 2-0, outshooting the Cowboys 19-5. Defensively, the Bobcats look to build on their performance from Tuesday night. They pitched a shutout and only allowed two shots against the Panthers. The defense looks to stand firm against a very good attacking team from Rice University, which has outscored its opponents 4-2 this season. “(We’re) going into a hard, hard Rice game—they’re doing very well,� Conner said. “They tied a very tough team in LSU, and we’re really going to have to bring our A-game in that one,� Conner said. “It’s going to be a tough defensive battle and hopefully we will come out on top in that one.�

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The University Star | Thursday August 30, 2012 | 9

DIVERSIONS

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