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Volume 99, Issue 7

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Percussionist Susan Martin Tariq came to Texas State to show her skills at a music recital Wednesday night. SEE EXCLUSIVE VIDEO AT UNIVERSITYSTAR.COM

October brings Halloween, University prepares for reaffirmation to SACS swine flu vaccinations See the Video Online at

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By Bianca Davis News Reporter

See the Photos Online at

Jenny Polson/Star file photo illustration SIGH OF RELIEF: Texas State will be receiving shipments of the H1N1 vaccine in October.

By Clay Thorp News Reporter Shipments of the H1N1 vaccine are making their way to Texas State. Following the postponement of greek life events and reports of an H1N1 “swine flu” outbreak within an unnamed Texas State sorority last week, the Student Health Center, along with registered county health providers, are making preparations to vaccinate those most at risk for contracting the deadly virus. Expected in October, the vaccinations will be dispersed by the Department of State Health Services and will be given especially to children and young

adults, ages 6 months to 24 years old. “Seasonal flu tends to affect older populations,” said Dr. Emilio Carranco, director of the Student Health Center. “H1N1, (however) is affecting a lot of younger people and is causing serious consequences in college students.” Other groups to be immunized include pregnant women, caregivers of children under 6 months of age and people ages 25 to 64 that have conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza. There are five companies who are manufacturing the H1N1 vaccine. They include Sanofi Pastuer, Novartis, GSK,

Confirmed and probable case rate of H1N1 within the US

Medimmune and CSL. All have been contracted by the federal government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and have been working since April on massproducing an effective means to combat H1N1. “The plan is for the majority of county residents to receive vaccine from their primary healthcare providers,” said Priscilla Hargraves, director of the Hays County Personal Health Department. Hargraves said providers may charge an administration fee for vaccination, but the Hays County Personal Health Department will provide free vaccines for the under and uninsured. Hargraves could not confirm the amount of vaccines expected in October. Following a CDC report for the last week of August, which raised the number of nationwide deaths caused by swine flu to 593, existing emergency plans in the event of a pandemic have been reviewed and are expected to successfully combat any emergency situation. “If needed, dispensing clinics can be established throughout the county to better reach the population,” said Jeff Turner,

Texas State is in the final www.universitystar.com stages of a five-year process to be reaffirmed to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. University officials are completing the reaffirmation process, formerly referred to as reaccreditation, as required by the Commission on Colleges. Each accredited institution much be reaffirmed every 10 years. SACS formerly required all institutions to comply with a series of “must statements,” but the process changed in 2001 and in 2004 it became effective. “It’s a completely different process we go through,” said Cathy Fleuriet, associate vice president for Institutional Effectiveness and SACS liaison. “We decide who we are as a university and how we approach our mission, which is very student learning oriented.” Fleuriet said reaffirmation is important because the process analyzes how the university operates as a whole. Texas State began the first planning phase of the new process, which is a more customized approach to accreditation and reaffirmation than five years ago. “It’s been at least five years ago we started talking about student learning outcomes,” Fleuriet said. “We went to all the colleges and departments and explained to them what this was all about and getting student learning at the forefront.” The SACS reaffirmation process is outlined in Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for

Quality Enhancement. The process has two main components: a Compliance Certification Report and a Quality Enhancement Plan, which is considered a core requirement. “The huge part of this is, can we communicate what we do well in writing and documentation?” Fleuriet said. “If we communicate this extremely well then they can get an objective look.” The Compliance Certification Report, which was submitted Tuesday to an off-site review team, addresses approximately 85 items regarding university procedure. “The report addresses every single Core Requirement, Comprehensive Standard and Federal Requirement, except the Quality Enhancement Plan,” Fleuriet said. “We look at our own process for doing all the things we do — that’s what the Core Requirements ask.” Two years ago the university conducted an initial audit to determine which areas needed improvement and which were considered to be doing well. Officials then consulted the audit and began making improvements in preparation for submitting the Compliance Certification Report. A review of the Compliance Certification Report by an off-site review committee is underway. “Over the next two months they will be looking at all of our documentations, student learning outcomes and narratives to see if we’re compliant — that we are doing these things correctly,” Fleuriet said. see SACS, page 4

Cancer Research

Four of the seven candidates bidding for a place on City Council this upcoming election have their sights set for Place 5 – a seat with no incumbent challenger. Current Councilmember Pam Couch, who declined to run as the incumbent, is vacating seat 5 this year. Competing to replace her are Lisa Marie Coppoletta, academic adviser in the Education Advising Center, Shaune Maycock, CEO of San Marcos small business, Blue Skies Aviation

and Ryan Thomason, a homebuilder and vice chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission of San Marcos. “We all want what is best for San Marcos,” Thomason said. “Too often city politics is divisive and polarizing – I want to bring the community together instead of pulling it apart.” Also competing for council seat 5 is John Nesselhauf, political science junior and ASG senator. “One of my goals for this election is to create a stronger connection between the university and the city,” Nes-

Lindsey Goldstein/Star Photo Two Texas State faculty members take part in cancer research. STORY PAGE 3

selhauf said. “Students are a part of this city too, and it is important to me they are involved in and represented by the city council.” Three candidates are running for Place 6. Unlike seat 5, Place 6, is currently held by councilmember and small business owner John Thomaides, who is running as an incumbent. Rivaling Thomaides are Anita Fuller, retired, and Monica Garcia, former U.S. Marine currently employed as a Mary Kay beauty consultant. “I may not have much experience,” Garcia said, “but

Scattered T-Storms Precipitation: 60% Humidity: 66% UV: 7 High Wind: E 8mph

Friday Scattered Thunderstorms Temp: 89°/70° Precip: 50%

Saturday Isolated Thunderstorms Temp: 87°/70° Precip: 60%

INISDE THIS ISSUE News…..Pages 1-4 University researchers help develop potential cancer-controller New service to Wonder World City efforts will help three families acquire homes Opinions….Page 5 Main Point: Infectious Environment New Wittliff collection is true to Texas ‘Political bias’ interferes with ‘true goal’

Toastmasters relocate to Salt Grass Steakhouse

City Council seat lacks incumbent challenger By Travis Hord News Reporter

87°/70°

Trends.......Page 6-7 Skydive San Marcos offers adrenaline rush to risk takers

see H1N1, page 4

Photo courtesy of Student Health Center

Today’s Weather

I am passionate about San Marcos, and I am willing to listen to and serve the people of this city.” Council seats 5 and 6 are considered “at large,” meaning any San Marcos resident can run for and fill the seat, regardless of where their residence lies within San Marcos. Other seats on the council are restricted to particular zones throughout the city. Only residents with homesteads in those respective zones can run to fill the seats. Shane Scott, alumnus and small business owner, dropped out of the race for seat 5 last

week. “With so many people running, I’d like to avoid a run-off election,” Scott said. “Run-offs waste a lot of time and a lot of money, and I would prefer to see a positive outcome from this election.” Coppoletta ran against Councilmember Chris Jones, Place 3, in November. Voter registration for the council election will end Oct. 5. Early voting for the election run from Oct. 19 to Oct. 30. The council election itself will be held Nov. 3.

H.O.P.E. contributes to new art exhibit Bobcat Tube soon to be available on Web Diversions…Page 8 Classifieds…Page 8 Sports….Pages 9-10 Money runs college football, not talent Volleyball starts series this weekend Bobcat soccer prepares for catfight Friday

Page Two

2 - The University Star

STARS OF TEXAS STATE Junior Shelbi Irvin had 12 assists and nine digs against the Baylor Bears in the volleyball game on Sept. 8 in Waco. Texas State lost in a 3-0 decision. The Bobcats return home to host the CenturyTel Premier on Sept. 11 to12. — Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

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

Thursday, September 10, 2009

CRIME ON THIS BLOTTER DAY IN Aug. 28, 11:30 p.m. Burglary of Vehicle /Bobcat Village Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken from his vehicle without consent. The case is under investigation. Aug. 29, 2:43 a.m. MIP-Alcohol/Lindsey Street A police officer made contact with nonstudents engaging in suspicious activity. Two nonstudents fled the scene. The case is under investigation. Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m. Criminal Trespass Warning/ Saltgrass Steak House A nonstudent student was engaging in suspicious activity. The nonstudent was issued a criminal trespass warning. Aug. 29, 9:20 p.m. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Moore Street A police officer made contact with two students acting suspiciously. Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation. Sept. 1, 9:30 p.m. Failure to Comply-Striking Unattended Vehicle/Wood Street Parking Garage Two students reported their vehicles were damaged while legally parked. The case is under investigation.

HISTORY

1608: John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia. 1939: Canada declared war on Germany during World War II. 1955: Gunsmoke premiered on CBS. It ran for 20 years, longer than any other network prime-time series. 1963 Twenty black students entered public schools in Birmingham, Tuskegee and Mobile, Ala., following a standoff between federal authorities and Gov. George C. Wallace. 1977: Convicted murderer Hamida Djandoubi, a Tunisian immigrant, became the last person to be executed by the guillotine in France. 1988: Steffi Graf of West Germany achieved tennis’ Grand Slam — winning all four major tournaments in a calendar year — by taking the U.S. Open women’s title. 1989: Hungary stopped enforcing East German visa restrictions and opened its borders, beginning a flood of emigration that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall two months later.

SHOOTIN HOOPS: Juan Robles, history freshman, plays basketball Wednesday at the Rec Center.

Kayla Hartzog/Star photo

Remembrance ceremony for Sept. 11

1998: President Bill Clinton met with members of his Cabinet to Sept. 2, 9:28 a.m. The San Marcos community is invited to attend the Sept. 11 apologize and ask forgiveness Burglary of Vehicle/Bexar Remembrance Ceremony at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 11 in front of City in the wake of the Monica Hall Parking Garage Hall, 630 E. Hopkins St., honoring those lives were lost in the Lewinsky scandal. A student reported to a terrorist attacks of 2001. police officer her personal The public is invited to bring flowers that may be placed 2000: NBC’s The West Wing property had been taken throughout the day in the 9-11 Memorial Wreath beside the Fire won a record nine Emmy from her vehicle without her Bell in front of City Hall. awards, including best drama consent. The case is under The program will include an Honor Guard of San Marcos Fire series. investigation. Rescue Firefighters, a flag ceremony, tolling of the bell, reading of a proclamation by Mayor Susan Narvaiz and a moment of silence. Sept. 2, 4:15 p.m. Failure to 2002: Switzerland became the A special presentation of three U.S. flags flown in Iraq this Comply/Striking Unattended 190th member of the United summer will be made by Jude Prather, a veteran of the Iraq War, Vehicle - Speck Parking Lot Nations. along with certificates from the 100th Battalion, 442 Infantry A student reported to a Regiment. The flags will be presented to Mayor Narvaiz, Fire 2003: Swedish Foreign police officer her vehicle Chief Les Stephens and Police Chief Howard Williams. Minister Anna Lindh, 46, was damaged while legally Each year on this date, San Marcos Fire Rescue conducts a was stabbed in a Stockholm parked. The case is under flag ceremony using the U.S. flag that few over San Marcos City department store. She died the investigation. Hall on Sept. 11, 2001. next day. —Courtesy of University Friday’s ceremony commemorates those who lost their lives — Courtesy of New York Times Police on the hijacked American Flight 11, United Flight 175, American

Flight 77,and United Flight 93 and the firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, citizens and volunteers who died when the towers burned and crumbled and those who died in the heroic rescue efforts. At 8:45 a.m. American Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. In the ensuing terrorist attacks, a second hijacked aircraft, Flt. 175 struck the south tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan at 9:03 a.m., a third airplane, Flt 77 struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. at 9:43 a.m., and a fourth aircraft, Flt. 93 crashed in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania at 10:10 a.m. after passengers wrestled control from the hijackers. Approximately 3,000 people perished in all. —Courtesy of City of San Marcos

Texas State hosts seventh annual Black and Latino Playwrights Conference Students and professionals in the dramatic arts will converge Sept. 14 to 20 for the seventh annual Black and Latino Playwrights Conference. Chosen from submissions sent in from throughout the country, this year’s featured playwrights are Judy Tate and Amparo Garcia-Crow. Directed readings of Tate’s Slashes of Light will be featured 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and 2 p.m. Sept. 19 at in the Theatre Center. Directed Readings of Garcia-Crow’s The Bonobos will be 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 and 12 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Theatre Center. Tate’s Slashes of Light takes place in 1967 in an all-black parochial middle school on Chicago’s south side. Precocious young Sunny befriends the new white history teacher, but her

best friend, a budding young radical, doesn’t approve, and the older boy she has a crush on is mysteriously quiet. In what is described as a coming-of-age story, the characters confront their deepest secrets in a thorny struggle to understand themselves, each other and the changing world around them. Garcia-Crow’s The Bonobos is centered on divorced couple Lorenzo and Antonia who have been having an affair. When a cyber pornography unit comes knocking on Lorenzo’s door during a tryst, the couple discovers Tiffany, their 17-year-old daughter has been starring in and selling internet “instructive videos” falsely implicating Lorenzo as a child pornographer. In the process of defending his innocence, the hypocrisies of sex in one family illuminate the “missing link” that might bring them all back together again.

Rehearsals for both plays will take place 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 14 through Sept. 17 from in Theatre Center, rooms 206 and 209. Students and the public are invited to attend. There is no charge to attend the rehearsals. The event is sponsored by the Texas State department of theatre and dance and the Center for Multicultural and Gender Studies. Tickets are $3. Please call 512-245-2147 for any questions about this event. —Courtesy of University News Service

News

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The University Star - 3

University researchers help develop potential cancer-controller By Bianca Davis News Reporter Texas State scientists announced Wednesday the conclusion of a cancer research project at a joint press conference. Texas State researchers, Cisne Enterprises and Orizon Research, held the press conference in the Agriculture Building. Developers at Cisne Enterprises and Orizon Research have created a product that may provide an alternative basis for cancer cell growth control and virus survival, ALKA V-6, formerly ALKA Vita. The substance was tested at Texas State. Texas State faculty members C. Reed Richardson, chair of the department of agriculture, and Dhiraj Vattem, associate professor of nutrition and foods, helped lead the research team. “The product is a modified elemental silicon-base substance and has properties that are very unique, both chemically and electrochemically,”

Richardson said. Troy Chestnut, Orizon Research managing member, said research has been conducted in other labs, but the research at Texas State was the most extensive. “The test we have conducted are standard tests used to evaluate various types of antiretroviral drugs,” Vattem said. In vitro tests concluded the compound is successful in preventing the cells from becoming carcinogenic, mutations, adherence and survival of cancer cells and DNA fragmentation. One such test was conducted on a standard strain of colon cancer cells. “The test showed the product inhibited adhesion of cancer cells on to the matrix we tested it on, as well as decreased cell survival over time,” Vattem said. According to the ALKA Vita Web site, “Research indicates that most degenerative health conditions can be traced to overly acidic conditions.” The product works by oxygenating the body, thus neutralizing the toxic, acidic

New service to Wonder World By Victoria Luna Special to The Star Bobcat Tram is now serving greater areas of San Marcos. New tram routes to the Wonder World and Clarewood areas have been implemented. “With the statistics and new apartment complexes added, 1,000 to 1,200 new residents needed the service,” said Paul Hamilton, shuttle service manager. Wonder World, Route 26, has been added to serve the apartments off of Wonder World on the south side of San Marcos and the existing apartments from the former Clarewood route which include Cedars, Park Hill and Grey Stone. New stops have been set up at Cabana Beach, Vantage and University Club. Route 27 serves the Clarewood area and Route 25 serves both areas as the Wonder World / Clarewood combo. Based on data received from the Texas State office of Institutional Research, five to seven times as many students live in the Wonder World area than Clarewood. The previous route only served Clarewood. “Splitting the route allowed Clarewood and Wonder World their own direct service,” Hamilton said. The new service allows students to travel from home to campus in a 16 to 18 minute time frame, as opposed to the old service, which took 45 minutes. The map files created by Auxiliary Services took exact address points to determine where students lived and which areas are densest. “These studies allowed us to ship the Clarewood capacity to the Wonder World loop,” he said. “The results help determine if there should be a stop and where to place it and if any modifications on any other

routes or stops are needed.” Students have the opportunity of taking the campus bus service, Bobcat Tram, or the city bus service, Capital Area Rural Transportation System, CARTS. Both services have the same travel time and alternate every half hour. “CARTS and Bobcat Tram have an intergovernmental agreement, allowing any student to ride for free with a valid school identification card,” Hamilton said. “Under this agreement, students can get home in relatively the same time and it is free.” Stephanie Born, English senior, is a resident of Cabana Beach Apartments and has begun riding the Wonder World bus route. “Last year, Cabana Beach had to have its own shuttle, but it is being discontinued,” Born said. “It is a good thing to have the Wonder World route now because it stops at Cabana Beach and it didn’t before.” The Cabana Beach apartment complex had their own shuttle service, however, the service will only run for another week, allowing students to transition to the Wonder World route that Bobcat Tram provides, Hamilton said. Travel time to the first stop, The Villas at Willow Springs is seven minutes. Stops are then made at Cabana Beach, Vantage, University Club, Cedars and Park Hill. Estimate time between stops is two minutes, finishing the route in an elapsed 15 minutes. “With the addition to a new road to the route, it enables us to get to other apartment complexes we did not reach in the past,” said Hugh Brown, First Transit head dispatcher. The City of San Marcos recently finished road construction that allows Bobcat Tram to continue the new tram route this semester.

environment in which cancer cells thrive. The silicone used in the substance is oxygen rich and essentially eliminates the cancer cell’s ability to survive. Currently, tests have only been conducted in vitro. No studies have been conducted on animal or human subjects. Richardson said Texas State researchers hope to begin in vitro studies within eight to 12 months. “Metabolic consideration is very important when checking the effectiveness of drugs and that can only be determined in vitro,” Vattem said. Ignacio Cisneros began developing ALKA V-6, then ALKA Vita, 10 years ago. “I have used silicon in other technologies and found out silicon has many befits,” Cisneros said. Daniel Cisneros, Ignacio Cisneros’ cousin, gave personal testimony of the effectiveness of the product. “Last year I had a bone scan and the results indicated there was absolutely no cancer,” Daniel Cisneros said. Daniel Cisneros had prostate

cancer that had advanced into his bones. He said he began taking ALKA V-6 in 2002, five years after he was diagnosed. Cisneros said he still uses ALKA V-6 everyday “as maintenance.” “My doctor said it’s not doing me any harm, so I continue to take it,” Cisneros said. “I have blood tests every three months to make sure everything is still looking fine.” Ignacio Cisneros said he does not have one specific profession, but many businesses. “My God gave me a crazy mind so I’m always inventing this and that — it’s my life,” Cisneros said. Orizon Research began in July and currently only markets the line of ALKA V-6 products. “We are doing research and field testing in oil and gas, agriculture, industrial power plants and refineries,” Chestnut said. According to Orizon ReLindsey Goldstein/Star photo search’s Web site, ALKA V-6 INNOVATION: Texas state researchers announced the conclusion can aid those suffering from cancer, HIV, AIDS, Diabetes or of a cancer research project at a press conference in the Agriculother serious illnesses. ture building Wednesday.

news

4 - The University Star

SACS

continued from page

The off-site review committee will meet in Atlanta the first week in November to determine if Texas State is compliant with the requirements listed in the Principles of Accreditation. Recommendations will then be made regarding suggested improvements. The information will be sent back in December to the university. “Following those recommendations, we write a focus

H1N1

statement about each specific recommendation,” Fleuriet said. “You can have things that are not perfect and still be reaffirmed. You get two years to fix those recommendations.” The focus statements must be written and submitted before an on-site review team comes to the campus in March. “It is the same team that looks at the QEP, but also anything we’ve written a focus

continued from page

director of the Hays County Office of Emergency Management. “These plans are coordinated with local providers at all levels, including those at Texas State.” “Swine flu” first made headlines in early 2009 when the virus, which is said to have originated from pig farms, began killing people in Mexico. The virus made its way across the Mexican-American bor-

1 report on and any of the Core Requirements,” Fleuriet said. The on-site review team is the final step in the reaffirmation process. The team is essentially the last checkpoint in December on the track to reaffirmation. “We feel very good about this report, very good about what we do well, and we feel very good about what we’ve improved,” Fleuriet said. “I bet my job on it.”

1

der and has burdened Texas health systems ever since. “(In) an average flu season, the lab at Department of State Health Services in Austin will test approximately 1500 specimen (for H1N1),” Hargraves said. “There were single days in April when the lab received greater than 1000 specimen for testing.” Officials are emphasizing the need for personal respon-

sibility in order to slow the spread of H1N1. They advise proper cough and sneeze techniques, hand washing, use of waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizers and social distancing when flu-like symptoms appear. “You should separate yourself from others when you have symptoms,” Hargraves said. “Stay at home if you are sick.”

Thursday, September 10, 2009

City efforts will help three families acquire homes By Lori Jones News Reporter Three low-income families in San Marcos will be given the opportunity purchase a home with financial support as a result of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant that was awarded to the city. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs allocated $525,000 in July for the redevelopment of abandoned or foreclosed homes in the area. The contract period for the grant began Sept. 1 and is expected to end Aug. 31, 2011. Janis Hendrix, community initiatives administrator, said the $450,000 will finance “minor rehabilitations” on foreclosed homes and the reselling of the properties. The end goal is to help three families become homeowners with zero interest mortgages. “They are allowing us to buy down the mortgage by up to $30,000,” Hendrix said. “If the family continues to live in the house for 15 years they never have to pay back the loan.” Eligible families must earn less than 50 percent of the area median income, she said. A one-person household’s income cannot exceed $25,650,

and a four-member household’s combined income cannot exceed $36,650. “We will be taking applications from people who would like to be considered for the program no earlier then the end of October,” Hendrix said. “We already have a waiting list of people who would like to be contacted when those applications will be available.” The funds will also help cover closing costs. The only requirement will be a $500 down payment from the homeowners, Hendrix said. Matthew Lewis, the assistant director of development planning, said city officials are in the process of deciding where and how to use the money. “We have a draft plan we’re looking to use the grant for,” Lewis said. “There are specific requirements for the houses we can use the money on.” Hendrix said city officials are waiting to receive state regulations on general environmental procedures for the program. However, foreclosed homes are being searched for in the mean time. “In San Marcos City Limits, there are fortunately not a lot of foreclosed homes,” Hendrix said. “However, that makes

it harder for me to find three houses for the program.” The remainder of the grant money will transform blighted properties around town, Hendrix said. “The other part of funding we applied for would involve putting $50,000 into demolishing eight sub-standard houses,” Hendrix said. “We will pick empty, dilapidated structures that are lowering other homes’ property values and creating a nuisance.” She said the remaining $25,000 will be set aside for program administration to make certain the project complies with state regulation. Laura Lopez, a resident of New Braunfels and single mother of two kids, requested to have her name put on the waiting list. “I want my children to have a place they can call their own,” Lopez said. “Having my own house would be more stable.” Lopez said she wanted to be near relatives in the area and likes the quality of the Hays County school district. “I think it’s a positive thing for San Marcos,” Lopez said. “It’s hard to get a home and the grant is helping families like mine get a place of their own.”

Opinions Infectious environment Thursday, September 10, 2009

The University Star - 5

‘Political bias’ interferes with ‘true goal’

The Main Point

A

nyone paying attention to envrionmental news is alarmed.

Few issues affect so many people across such a wide area. The issue of the degrading environment is something that needs to be attended to from the mightiest oceans and rivers down to streams and local parks. One area that requires immediate attention is the crown jewel of our town — the San Marcos River. No one is maliciously trying to harm the river, but because of the town’s location in relation to the river, people’s wasteful nature will trickle into the water. However, the very presence of people living by the river and caring for it can also be the cure. According to a Sept. 3 article in The University Star, high counts of dangerous E. coli bacteria entered the river through a Texas State drainage pipe. Pat Fogarty, associate vice president of facilities, said university workers will plug the pipe. Hopefully the problem won’t be seen again. Then the city had to close Dog Beach over the weekend because of a bacterial infection partially caused by the drought and high heat, but the other factor was the drainage ditch. These facts come after an article The University Star ran last semester, detailing how Texas State was using high amounts of water from the river after the drought had started (though, as it has progressively gotten worse, the university has taken more measures to conserve water). It is good the city and university are reacting to environmental dangers to the river, but the best course of action would be a vigilant one. The San Marcos River Foundation is constantly monitoring the river, and the dangers to it have been spotted by the organization. It would be best if university officials were to open the lines of communication to the foundation to ensure all threats are caught early. Furthermore, there is only so much the university can do. It is up to residents and Texas State students to protect the river. The university can assist in this by comprehensively educating incoming students about the importance of water conservation and protecting the environment. There are far too many students who believe this precious natural resource conveniently doubles as a waste receptacle. This is unacceptable. These dangers to the river can manifest in ways no one wants to see. The San Antonio River used to be a crystal clear dream, in which everyone could swim, kayak and play. There have been improvements in that river in recent years, but it is still something that produces more odors than precious memories. That’s why protecting the river is something everyone should work toward. Whatever work is put toward protecting the river will be brought back tenfold from the years of enjoyment. 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 UniversitySan Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

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

By Ammie Jimenez Opinions Columnist

University Illustration/Zack Ashburn

New Wittliff collection is true to Texas By Robert Beckhusen Opinions Columnist I basically grew up in Arlen, Texas. Specifically, Allen, a short drive away from Garland, where the fantastic show King of the Hill is apparently loosely based — the fictional Arlen is more of a composite and cipher for suburban Texas — and Richardson, where creator Mike Judge lived while working with The Simpsons’ Greg Daniels on the long-running series. How wonderful, I thought, when I read the final boxes of the series’ production material arrived earlier this month at the Wittliff Collections in the Alkek Library. There are animation guidelines, notes, memos,

scripts for every episode (rough drafts through the final copy), illustrations and a great deal of other material (a full list is available on the Wittliff Collections’ Web site) for a total of 75 linear feet of boxed greatness. See the press release “King of the Hill Lives on at the library” printed in the Sept. 8th issue of The University Star. Televised depictions of Texas are generally a bit wild. The famous, truly awful and unintentionally hilarious Walker, Texas Ranger; countless recreations of cattle rustlers and varmint killers; hog hunters — who work hard to deal with a serious infestation, granted — present a somewhat singular perspective to a national audience. However, I say I grew up in Judge’s fictional Arlen because King of the Hill may be the most accurate and honest recreation of Texas I’ve seen. It’s an exaggeration, but there’s more truth in it, by far, than I’ve

seen elsewhere. The illustrations of the Hill family’s middle-class suburban neighborhood are precise (Allen used to be just like it, but is now unsettlingly wealthy). The family dog, Ladybird, should strike a chord with students here at the “LBJ school,” as the late Sen. Edward Kennedy put it. The conspiracy theorist neighbor and family friend Dale Gribble, insect exterminator (who not only physically and vocally resembles, eerily, my own Uncle Dale), captures the essence of the paranoid survivalist: a long-running American archetype, and a prescient creation before the so-called “Age of Paranoia” post-Sept. 11. I particularly liked the Season 13 episode “A Bill Full of Dollars,” when Peggy and Bobby Hill, and Minh Souphanousinphone (one of the Hill’s Laotian neighbors) conscript the terribly depressed and overweight neighbor Bill

Dauterive, a critically “average” American, to make stock picks. Venturing to a tech show in Austin, Bill suffers an anxiety attack, shaking, sweating and stuttering at the “cool” and pony-tailed hipster merchants. Political consultant and conservative culture critic David Forsmark, writing for National Review Online — citing the series’ lampooning of all things new age, and the absurd reactions of the people of Arlen to encroaching (and often ill-planned) liberal ventures — called the show “the most meaningfully conservative television show of its generation.” I wouldn’t go so far, though Judge has his conservative sympathies. Forsmark was certainly correct, however, to call it “a surprisingly complex sitcom, and even the most extreme characters are very human.” In this, we should be honored that such a fine history has been secured on university grounds.

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Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

President Barack Obama has been under public scrutiny in regards to every plan he had about how he was planning to handle the country since he was inaugurated in January. Everything political that has involved the president has been pushed forward, discussed and criticized by both parties. That is a pretty normal standard for handling political issues. However, I believe there are topics of discussion handled by the president that go beyond a political agenda. There are issues that should be viewed as detached from political strings and judged by merit alone. When Obama announced his plans for a back-toschool speech, he was met with heavy criticism instead of support for wanting to encourage the education of children. His speech was to address students on topics about education and how important it is to work hard in school. Critics of his planned speech attacked it believing this was an underhanded Democratic move to brainwash children. Personally, I think it is crazy. He is not the first president to deliver a speech on education to children in school, and turning a speech that was meant to inspire into an ugly ‘brainwashing’ attempt seems petty and ignorant. According to the Tulsa World Web site, Sen. Steve Russell (ROkla.) went as far as saying “This is something you’d expect to see in North Korea or in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.” Really? A speech on education is put on the same level as something North Korea would do? I think it is sad states opted to not show the televised speech to their students over silly fears that manifested before the speech was even delivered. I do understand parents’ concerns that there was something more to his plans than simply giving a speech on education, but I cannot bring myself to understand why parents would not encourage their children to keep an open mind and listen to his words for what they were. It seems odd these children would be encouraged to stay in a bubble and be separated from their own president even when no political issues were to be addressed. Former First Lady Laura Bush stated in a CNN interview that, “There’s a place for the president of the United States to talk to schoolchildren and encourage them to stay in school,” this coming from a former teacher and a Republican. There has to be a balance for everything, including how issues in regards to the president are handled. There has to be general respect when acknowledging the honesty behind certain actions and sometimes it is essential to put political bias behind when reviewing the true goal of any action. This speech, which is posted on the official White House Web site, is available for anyone to read and it shows clearly how politics never entered his topic of discussion.

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State UniversitySan Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Thursday, September 10. 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.

Trends 6 - The University Star

Apple announcement

Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced several upgrades to the iTunes service and a new line of video-recording iPod Nanos at the company’s press event. New additions to iTunes will include the iTunes LP, pre-cut ringtone tracks, upgrades to the Genius service and integration with Facebook and Twitter accounts. Also there will be a new Home Sharing feature, letting users share content with up to five computers in the same household.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Free-falling Skydive San Marcos offers adrenaline rush to risk takers By Brittany E. Wilson Features Reporter Sarah Harris, office manager of Skydive San Marcos, greets staff and customers with her British accent inviting them to jump out of planes. Harris began skydiving in England in 2007 when a flier arrived in the mail at her work. Her first jump was for charity, but as luck would have it, she “fancied” the instructor and kept going back. “I had a fear of heights and thought maybe I should do this to overcome it,” Harris said. Harris moved in 2001 to the United States after the fear dissipated. Since then, she has lived in several states before deciding to unpack her bags in Texas. Harris said skydiving helped make the transition of moving to a different country easier.

Arriving at a drop zone and having something in common with the folks there helped her have a network away from home. Harris said the added bonus of traveling around the world for a loved sport is great. Harris’ advice for anyone interested in skydiving is short and sweet. “It’s nothing like a rollercoaster ride, and everybody should try it,” Harris said. Gary Mears Jr., physical education graduate student, had his first experience at Skydive San Marcos in December 2008 as a Christmas gift from his girlfriend. “For a first-time skydiver, I was very nervous,” Mears said. “But it turned out being a great experience, and I would definitely do it again.” Mears said he would recommend paying the extra money

for the video and pictures Skydive San Marcos offer to jumpers. “The faces you will make will have you rolling with laughter,” Mears said. Mears said jumping out of a plane tandem made him feel a lot safer, especially on his first time. A client is harnessed in tandem jumps to an experienced instructor who gives detailed information about body positioning and how to land properly. The ride to altitude takes about 20 minutes. After the student and instructor jump out of the plane, there is approximately 60 seconds of freefall before the parachute deploys. The 60 seconds are usually when diving students achieve the adrenaline rush. It takes between three and four minutes to descend to the

Kayla Hartzog/Star photo CRASH LANDING: A crashed plane lures jumpers to Skydive San Marcos, located off of Highway 80.

drop zone after the parachute deploys. Terry Goode is Skydive San Marcos’ chief instructor and has been skydiving for 25 years all over the world. Goode said

it is hard to pick just one, but the most beautiful landscape he has seen while jumping is in Hawaii. Goode said the only thing that can compare to the thrill

of skydiving is his granddaughter. With his current position, he does not do as much jumping anymore, but jokes that is probably for the best at his age.

Toastmasters relocate to Salt Grass Steakhouse Lindsey Leverett Features Reporter The gavel hits the podium at exactly 7 p.m. to announce the start of the Toastmasters meeting. Alan Cameron, the presiding officer, calls the meeting to order. He welcomes the guests and introduces the toastmaster of the day. Toastmasters is an international organization that works to build the self-confidence of individuals as they improve their public speaking skills. The organization has a San Marcos chapter that recently moved to Salt Grass Steakhouse from Central Texas Medical Center. The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce is recognizing the club’s move by holding a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:15 a.m. today. Toastmasters moved locations so they could be closer to Texas State in hopes more students would join the club. Salt Grass Steakhouse has provided the club with a spacious room, holding three long tables and a podium. Guests will be welcomed with handshakes, smiles and refresh-

ments on Tuesday nights. Some official titles and roles are permanent, but the club members take turns with different jobs during each meeting. They have jobs such as Toastmaster of the day, who introduces a theme for all of the speakers and presents for the evening, and the general evaluator, who assesses the success and failures of the night, then presents their findings at the end of the meeting. The club members are constantly taking on new roles to challenge their abilities. The stress of public speaking is removed because they work together as a team,. “Most people are nervous and have sweaty palms when speaking,” Cameron said. “We create an environment of comfort here.” The audience applauds every speaker and gives him or her words of encouragement, paired with ways to improve their skills. “Growth and leadership, as well as speaking, is the goal of Toastmasters,” said Don Wilde, vice president of public relations.

Toastmasters is geared toward helping others in more areas than public speaking. “It allows us to judge ourselves and see how others judge us,” Wilde said. The meeting is full of energy, with constant activity and noise. Once the meeting is over, the group finds a table in the dinning area for food, drinks and conversation. “We’re in a neighbor venue. We have fun, and there is a social after-burner involving food, alcohol and coffee,” Cameron said. The group is open to guests and new members, and includes training seminars and competitions. “It’s about coming in here and trying to improve yourself,” Cameron said. “It’s just amazing to feel the good energy of this club. There’s an opportunity to help everyone who walks in that door.” The club meets from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday Lindsey Leverett/Star photo night at Salt Grass Steakhouse on Sessom Drive. Visit san- TOASTMASTERS: President Alan Cameron and Ren Liner, distinguished Toastmaster, give their full marcosfreetoasthost.org for attention to speakers Tuesday night at Salt Grass Steakhouse. more information.

trends

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The University Star - 7

H.O.P.E. contributes to new art exhibit By Jovonna Owen Features Reporter Students escaped the rainy weather Wednesday and went to the opening of a new art exhibit at The Gallery of the Common Experience. A reception for the gallery, held in the Honors Coffee Forum, was sponsored by Texas State Parents Association, University Honors Program and Common Experience. The exhibit features an African mask collection, documentary photos by Alan Pogue and various artists’ work from the Helping Other People Everywhere campaign. The H.O.P.E. campaign is an

Austin-based company that brings artists and media to places in need. The H.O.P.E. campaign brought awareness last year to the crisis in Rwanda by printing and selling T-shirts. Shepard Fairey, famous for the red, white and blue Barack Obama “H.O.P.E.” campaign image, worked with local Rwandans to print T-shirts. Proceeds raised from the sales were given back to the Rwandan people. Andi Steidle, H.O.P.E. organizer, spoke to students at the event and said anyone is able to make a difference in the world. “Everybody has the power to do something,” Steidle said. “Art can make a difference. Not everybody can build a hospital.

Not everyone can write a check for $500.” Steidle said the H.O.P.E. campaign allows artists “who once sat here, where you sit today” to contribute their work to support existing projects around the world. Students Taking Action Now for Darfur (S.T.A.N.D.), a student organization promoting awareness of the genocide in Darfur, donated left over funds to H.O.P.E. Angelika Fuller, geology resource and environmental studies junior and S.T.A.N.D. treasurer, hopes the exhibit will bring awareness to the crisis. “The artwork is amazing,”

Fueller said. “It’s really great having it here.” Linda Kelsey Jones, gallery curator, said they plan to auction off a four-set series of posters by Fairey, which is on display. Alan Pogue, an Austin-based documentary photographer, said his photos on display in the exhibit would not be found in mainstream media. “You won’t find this in the press,” Pogue said. “We can’t talk about peace groups in the U.S. press.” Some of Pogue’s notable images include veteran protests, worldwide prison conditions and U.S. farm workers. Pogue said crafting one’s

art is important. “You have to know what you’re doing to show people what’s going on,” Pogue said. “That is our hope.” Cole Harrell, musical theatre junior, spent a month in Niger, Africa bringing Hepatitis C medication to families. It was during this time he collected masks and their stories,

which are now on display at the exhibit. “It’s nice to get a room to take in the masks,” Harrell said. “At home they were just in boxes.” The exhibit is on display until Oct. 2. The art gallery is located in Lampasas 407. “All students are welcome,” Jones said. “It’s a great place to come and study.”

Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo ART GALLERY: Students view artwork in The Gallery of the Common Experience, featuring work aimed to bring artists and media to places in need.

Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo VIEWING ART: Elissa Myers, pre-theater freshman, views pieces of artwork at The Gallery of the Common Experience, featured at the Honors Coffee Forum, located in the Lampasas Building.

Bobcat Tube soon to be available on Web By Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor Texas State is launching its first YouTube page: Bobcat Tube. Officials are introducing the Bobcat Tube Video Contest. Contestants will try to demonstrate “A Slice of My Life at Texas State” in three minutes or less. First place will receive a video camera, the Golden Bobcat Award and the opportunity to continue to produce videos for the school. Second place will receive an iTouch and third place will receive an iPod shuffle. Both students and members of the faculty and staff are invited to participate and submit entries by the Nov. 22 deadline. According to the official rules on the Texas State Web site, any style of production, from mock-

umentary to animation, is welcome; Remember to use good taste and stick to the topic: A Slice of My Life at Texas State. David King, publications writer for Texas State, said he feels the contest is a great opportunity for both students and faculty. “We thought it would be a good idea to get some of the diversity of content on our YouTube page,” King said. “We wanted to give everyone the opportunity to get involved.” King said other institutions have hosted the same type of event. “The winner at the University of Washington was actually a former student who was on the staff,” King said. “We just wanted to make it as broad as possible and sort of generate as many different videos as possible.”

The film festival, recognizing participants, might give students from the Round Rock facility a chance to meet up in San Marcos and enjoy the event. “We will invite people to come, have commemorative things and display the top videos,” King said. “I anticipate we are going to have some people from Round Rock submit videos, so it will be interesting to bring everyone together here in San Marcos and see how it goes,” he said. Louise Armstrong, news director at KTSW, said she believes the YouTube account has the potential to both help and hurt the university. “I think Texas State having it’s own YouTube account is a great idea, but maybe a little bit dangerous,” Armstrong said. “I think they are going to have

to be really careful about what they put on YouTube and how the university is portrayed through the site because a lot of people are probably going to see it.” Armstrong said it has become commonplace for schools to have their own social networking accounts. “You have universities utilizing Twitter and Facebook pages, and you can become a fan of your university on Facebook,” Armstrong said. “A lot of people, when they first get into a university, go to the Facebook network to see their fellow classmates.” Armstrong said she believes this opportunity will provide a great outlet to those interested in filmmaking. Visit www.umktg.txstate. edu/videocontest.html for more information.

begin recording next year. White also starred in David Guggenheim’s latest film It Might Get Loud, alongside U2’s David Howell Evans, or The Edge, and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. The film, released this month, documents the “coming together” of three of the most influential guitarists spanned across the past 50 years. According to MTV.com, The White Stripes unexpectedly cancelled 17 tour dates in September of 2007, announcing drummer Meg White’s acute anxiety disorder as the cause. As of today, the band has yet to play a live show aside from a performance on Late Night

with Conan O’Brien in February this year. The surprise hiatus did not seem to slow White’s unfaltering involvement in the music industry. He has continued to record and perform live with The Raconteurs, a blues-rock band he formed with solo artist Brendan Benson in 2005. The group has released two successful albums so far including Broken Boy Soldiers in 2006 and last year’s Consolers of the Lonely. White’s most recent attempt at an alternative rock band is The Dead Weather, which he formed with Alison Mosshart of The Kills, Dean Fertita of Queens of the Stone Age and

Jack Lawrence of The Raconteurs. The foursome debuted at the opening of White’s recording studio, Third Man Records, in the country music capital of Nashville on Mar. 11 of this year. The band released their first single Hang You From the Heavens shortly after their first live performance. The Dead Weather’s first fulllength album, Horehound, was released this summer, and includes a cover of Bob Dylan’s New Pony. A note to all Jack White fans in the area: the group is scheduled to play Oct. 4 at Austin City Limits music festival.

Jack White makes legendary collaborations Kassie Kitchen Special to The Star

Jack White, most prominently known as the front man of Detroit-based rock duo, The White Stripes, has embarked on a myriad of different musical collaborations over the past few years. White’s latest endeavor is rumored to be a fusion of his own rock genius with a well-known band called The Rolling Stones. Legendary guitarist and songwriter Keith Richards announced in Rolling Stone magazine that White is scheduled to make an appearance on the band’s upcoming LP, which they will

diversions

8 - The University Star

c rossw ord

from Wednesday

Thursday, September 10, 2009

sudoku

sudoku solution

Classifieds

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

Classifieds Contact – starclassifieds@txstate.edu

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2BD/1BA DUPLEX. Garage, W/D hookups, fenced yard. $675/month. (512) 757-1015

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sports

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The University Star - 9

Idol among heroes Former NBA player fights alongside soldiers in Iraq By Dan Le Batard McClatchy Newspapers The phone rings at 1 a.m. It is Tim James. The connection is tinny and echoing. How are you, Tim? “It was 125 degrees yesterday,” he says. “I’ve never felt anything like that. It was like working inside an oven. It was 121 in the shade.” James is in Iraq, in a suffocating desert 105 miles north of Baghdad, but he isn’t making one of those celebrity visits to cheer up the troops. No, he is the troops. The former University of Miami basketball star and former Miami Heat first-round pick enlisted in the Army a year ago, at the age of 31, and now he finds himself in the dusty, dirty center of a war. Betty James wanted to scream. She knew she had raised a tough man in Miami’s Liberty City, but did he have to go and be this tough? He had other career options. Teaching. Coaching. Couldn’t he choose a new career path in his 30s that didn’t involve insurgents and explosions? Her son had money. He made almost $2.5 million playing for the Heat, Hornets and 76ers. The Heat’s per diem of $113 means an NBA player gets more in meal money a season than the $2,000 a soldier of James’ specialist rank will earn in a month. More than triple, actually. And James earned plenty playing professionally in

Japan, Turkey and Israel, too. But as he traveled all over the globe playing his beloved game, seeing a world he never thought he’d see growing up poor in Miami, he didn’t learn to merely value or appreciate America’s freedoms. He decided he wanted to fight to protect them, too. “I never saw this coming,” his mother says. He was always so quiet. Stoic. Everyone says so. At Northwestern High School, at the University of Miami, as a member of the Heat. So when her little boy told her “Mom, this is what I want,” Betty James never told him she didn’t approve, even as her friends told her that her son was out of his mind. She asked him “Are you sure?” but never let him know she didn’t want what he wanted. Support loudly, pray quietly — that was her way. So when he hugged her to leave for training, she smiled and held him for an extra beat. And then the mother of Tim James went back inside her house, slumped behind her closed front door and began to cry. What kind of soldier is James? “A tall one,” says his captain, Curt Byron. Byron is a rugged military man who has flown UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters 50 feet over Iraq. He is responsible for the training, safety, mission accomplishment, health and morale of more than 120 men

in Task Force ODIN (Observe, Detect, Identify, Neutralize). Company motto: ODIN’s fury. Byron met his wife at West Point, and she is a company commander for a military intelligence unit in Korea. Point is, Byron has seen and heard some war stories, but he has never before heard and seen one like this: A former NBA player in the Army who nobody knew was a former NBA player? James hasn’t shared his past with fellow soldiers. Quiet, remember? Humble, too. He wanted to be just another teammate. So none of James’ fellow soldiers knew he used to play pro basketball, though they all said he should have after he scorched those younger soldiers in a pickup game one day during training. He didn’t tell them after that, either. “I wanted this experience to be raw,” James says now. “Start a new life. I wanted to understand new minds and new ways of thinking. I’ve been in basketball since I was 8. I didn’t want to have a basketball conversation every day. I wanted this to be a different experience.” He carries only two basketball reminders with him: A University of Miami basketball card and a Heat basketball card. He keeps them in plastic around his neck, tucked behind a photo of his 5-year-old son, hidden under his uniform. He takes

“To be able to support and defend freedom gives me great joy.” —Tim James

them out, in his words, “to drift off on the bad days.” James had to get military clearance to talk for this story. That’s how his commanding officer finally found out SPC Tim James used to be an NBA millionaire. Byron is not easily impressed, but he finds the fact that James didn’t tell anyone he was an NBA player even more amazing than the fact that he was an NBA player. “I’m kind of in awe,” the captain said. James’ remaining 10 months in Iraq should go by without

him ever having to go beyond the airfield’s wires. James hasn’t heard enemy fire in his month there. He works 12-hour shifts every day, with one day off every two weeks. He has trained to throw grenades and lay down mines, but what he’s doing these days is helping fuel planes and helicopters. It is, in the words of his captain, “one of the least appreciated jobs and one of the most important. One of the hardest-working units we have — easily.” Word on the base is now

spreading that James was an NBA player, so during the hottest and dirtiest days, fellow soldiers will ask: What the hell are you doing here? You chose this? You ever doubt your decision, Tim? “Absolutely not,” he says. “To be able to support and defend freedom gives me great joy. A lot of people have died for something many Americans take for granted. I wake up every day knowing I’m doing something important with my life. This is so fulfilling. Keeping our country safe gives me great purpose.”

Sports 10 - The University Star

MOVIN’ ON UP

The Texas State football team has moved up to the No. 19 spot in both the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches and The Sports Network polls. The Bobcats were ranked No. 20 and No. 21, respectively in these polls last week.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu

Money runs college football, not talent

Remember high school football? It was simple. Your high school’s class depended on your school’s enrollment. 5A, 4A, 3A, it didn’t matter. It was what it was. But in college, it is taken too far. Back in 2002, Texas was in Division 1A and Texas

State was in Division 1-AA. That’s simple enough, right? But now the Texas Longhorns are in the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Texas State Bobcats are in the Football Championship Subdivision. What is that supposed to mean? It sounds like college football is trying to become a profitable business. Think about the four major sports: the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL. What do they all have in common? They all have three-letter acronyms. Is it just a coincidence that college football decided to change their sports to big three letters? I don’t think so.

People ask all the time, “Why doesn’t college football have a playoff system in the FBS?” The answer: Money. The point comes up that it wouldn’t change the length of the season to have one, and they respond, “Oh yes it would, because it would lose us money.” Smaller conferences, like one that Texas State possibly would enter in 2012, say, “The bowl system is not fair to the smaller conferences.” Responses from bigger conferences would be something along the lines of, “Well, we don’t care because small schools don’t make us money.” Sponsors, TV contracts, 14

The Texas State women’s soccer team will take its 2-3 record to Houston Friday to play the Houston Cougars at Robertson Stadium. The Bobcats will also travel to Shreveport, La. Sunday to take on Centenary College. The two teams last met Sept. 19, 2008 in San Marcos. The Bobcats fought hard but came up short as the Cougars scored off a header in the last minutes, inevitably winning the game 1-0. The Bobcats were named 2008’s No. 1 most improved Division 1 soccer team by somissports.com, a Web site that polled the top 25 most improved teams. Texas State finished the 2008 season with a 13-4-4 overall, 7-0-2 Southland Conference record, giving the Bobcats their first-ever undefeated league

season in school history. This came just one year after a 5-11-2 overall, 3-4-2 SLC season. The three wins disqualified the Bobcats from making the postseason tournament. Texas State bounced back in 2008, capturing the regular season and tournament title. Texas State defeated Tennessee Tech 3-0 in Birmingham, Ala. for the Samford Bulldog Invitational. The Bobcats went 1-1 in the tournament, as they fell to Samford 1-0. Brittany Curry, junior forward, leads the team in goals with four on the year thus far, including scoring the first two of the season against St. Mary’s. Those goals were the only two scored in the game, resulting in the Bobcats winning their home opener, 2-0. Curry was selected to the All-Academic SLC team last sea-

son after recording 21 points against league opponents. She concluded the 2008 season with 27 points as well as a careerhigh 12 goals and three assists. Curry made these accomplishments while maintaining a 3.42 GPA in accounting.

By Cameron Irvine Sports Columnist

Saturdays a year. Next time you are at home on a Saturday, scroll the channels on your television screen and I guarantee you will pass by at least 10 college football games on your television simultaneously for your viewing pleasure. Don’t get me wrong — I love sitting at home, ordering pizza and cheering on the Big 12 school’s defense that never shows up, but to me, there’s too much money involved in the sport. Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL draft, got $50-plus million to play with the Detroit Lions, the

worst team in the last 10 years. Stafford, why don’t you go feed Africa? Seriously, help some middle-class people out there who are suffering. But you can’t blame Stafford for all his money. Blame college football and the owners of the NFL. Stafford did not win the Heisman trophy and he did not win a national championship. He was just a great quarterback at Georgia. $50-plus million? That’s sad. Texas State, as part of the FCS, has playoffs. It makes the season worthwhile. In the FBS, two teams have a chance to win a national title and it’s based on computers

and coaches from around the country. What happened to letting the players decide? Money, that’s what happened. What happened to cheering on your school on your home field in the playoffs? Money, that’s what happened. Texas State may not be affected by this now, but they might be in four years. So watch out, because when the Bobcats win the conference title in the FBS sometime down the road, you’ll be going to Memphis to watch the Bobcats play a bowl game for bragging rights. Why? Money. Lots and lots of money.

The Bobcat volleyball team returns to Strahan Coliseum Friday to Saturday to host the CenturyTel Premier after a 3-0 loss Tuesday at Baylor. Texas State will take on Texas Southern, Hofstra and Texas — Staff report compiled by A&M. Keff Ciardello The Bobcats come into the tournament with a 1-7 record. UPCOMING GAMES Texas State has been looking Sept. 11 Houston Houston 7 p.m. to cut down on its errors and Sept. 13 Centenary College Shreveport, La. 1 p.m. create a more consistent atSept. 18 Grambling State San Marcos 7 p.m. tack on offense. The Bobcats Sept. 20 Texas-El Paso San Marcos 1 p.m. have been outhit .238 to .129 Sept. 22 Houston Baptist San Marcos 7 p.m. per match on the season. Jessica Weynard, senior Sept. 25 Prairie View A&M San Marcos 7 p.m. outside hitter, has led the Oct. 2 Central Arkansas Conway, Ark. 4 p.m. offense early on and has 94 Oct. 4 Northwestern State Natchitoches, La. 2 p.m. kills for the season. Brittany Oct. 9 Lamar San Marcos 7 p.m. Collins, senior setter, leads Oct. 11 McNeese State San Marcos 1 p.m. the Bobcats with 144 asOct. 16 Nicholls State Thibodaux, La. 4 p.m. sists and Ally Buitron, junior Oct. 18 Southeastern Louisiana Hammond, La. 1 p.m. libero, leads the team in digs Oct. 23 Stephen F. Austin San Marcos 7 p.m. with 86. Oct. 25 Sam Houston State San Marcos 1 p.m. Texas Southern holds a 3-3 Oct. 30 Texas-San Antonio San Marcos 7 p.m. record coming into the week-

end. Hofstra sits at 1-6 and Texas A&M has a 4-1 overall record. The Aggies are outhitting their opponents by an average of .292 to .200, while Hofstra is being outhit .216 to .116. Hofstra comes into the tournament off its first victory of the season against Stony Brook while Texas A&M is coming off a victory over San Francisco. Texas Southern is riding a three-match win streak into play against Dillard, Mississippi Valley and Prairie View A&M. The Bobcats are looking to snap a four-match skid and stay undefeated at home where they recorded their first victory of the season 3-0 over Texas Tech Sept. 2. Texas State will remain at home to take on Houston Sept. 15.

Bobcat soccer prepares for catfight Friday

Volleyball starts series this weekend

Texas State will participate in seven matches before opening up SLC play Oct. 2 against Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark.

— Staff report compiled by Eric Harper

UPCOMING MATCHES Sept. 11 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 15 Sept. 18 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 24 Sept. 26 Oct. 1 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 14 Oct. 17 Oct. 22 Oct. 24 Oct. 29 Oct. 31 Nov. 3

Texas Southern Hofstra Texas A&M Houston Southern Methodist William and Mary Syracuse Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Texas-San Antonio Sam Houston State Lamar Texas-Arlington Central Arkansas Northwestern State Nicholls State Southeastern Louisiana Stephen F. Austin McNeese State Texas-Arlington

San Marcos 12 p.m. San Marcos 7 p.m. San Marcos 2 p.m. San Marcos 6:30 p.m. Dallas 1:30 p.m. Dallas 5 p.m. Dallas 1 p.m. San Marcos 6:30 p.m. San Marcos 2 p.m. Huntsville 7 p.m. Beaumont 3 p.m. San Marcos 6:30 p.m. San Marcos 6:30 p.m. Natchitoches, La. 2 p.m. San Marcos 6:30 p.m. San Marcos 2 p.m Nacogdoches, La.7 p.m. Lake Charles, La. 3 p.m Arlington 7 p.m.

SOUTHLAND STANDINGS VOLLEYBALL TEAM WINS LOSSES TEXAS STATE 1 7 Central Arkansas 4 2 Lamar 2 4 McNeese State 6 1 Nicholls State 2 5 Northwestern State 0 4 Sam Houston State 5 4 Southeastern Louisiana 2 6 Stephen F. Austin 5 4 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 4 4 Texas-Arlington 2 5 Texas-San Antonio 3 5

Austin Byrd/Star file photo STEP AHEAD: Erica Michaud, sophomore forward, takes the ball during the Nov. 2, 2008 soccer game against Central Arkansas.

TEAM TEXAS STATE Central Arkansas Lamar McNeese State Nicholls State Northwestern State Sam Houston State Southeastern Louisiana Stephen F. Austin

SOCCER WINS 2 3 0 1 1 5 1 1 1

LOSSES 3 2 5 3 3 1 3 2 3

TIES

1