09 29 2009

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

Volume 99, Issue 14

29

www.UniversityStar.com

Mobile Campus contract canceled

By Lora Collins News reporter Students and faculty are no longer receiving text messages from Mobile Campus because of a contract disagreement.

Mobile Campus, a delivery alert system, entered into a contract with the university July 25 2006, and was slated to end five years from the effective date.

Mobile Campus and university officials came to an agreement that the contract would no longer be in effect as of Aug. 2. Joanne Smith, vice president of student services, confirmed the cancellation.

“We mutually agreed to sever the ties,” Smith said. “I guess we could have gone after the company for all of the money, but we got the emergency service so we understood their point.”

Mobile Campus had an agreement with the university to guarantee a certain amount of money back to help Associated Student Government with “their programming.”

Smith said they did not fulfill the terms on the contract.

“The first year, we got about

$5,000 from Mobile Campus and my sense is the program did not take off the way they initially thought it would,” Smith said.

The program benefited the university by sending out emergency text messages at no charge and in turn, giving back the profits from advertisements. Mobile Campus eventually decided to ask for a charge. Smith said university officials did not believe paying for the service would be a mutually beneficial relationship.

“We did not feel it (Mobile Campus service) was cost effective,” Smith said. “They wanted to start charging us.

They have never given us the money they promised, and we weren’t positive they could actually deliver, even if we started paying them for it.”

Mobile Campus gave the university a total of four payments over the course of three years. The last payment of $956 was received in October 2007 totaling $8,280 dollars

Aqua Fest

San Marcos residents dove into aquatic education at this weekend’s festival. See page 6

Tradition Continues Bobcats secure ninth consecutive win against TSU

The chanting, which is part of the Delta Gamma’s Rush Week traditions, has resulted in noise complaints by students and residents who live near sorority houses.

“The girls just stand out there and do chants at 11 p.m. or midnight,” said Sam McIntosh, pre-mass communication junior and a Polo Apartment Complex resident.

“I have no idea what they’re saying. It happened last week and the week before.”

Laura Fowler, Panhellenic Council president, said some sororities, specifically Delta Zeta and Delta Gamma, chant early in the morning and late at night as part of the recruitment process.

“Every sorority does ‘door chanting’ and ‘door stacking’ where the girls sing welcoming songs,” said Fowler, communication studies senior.

“Some (of the songs) talk about sisterhood. It’s like a peppy, cheerleading thing that gets them excited about recruitment.”

Influential community women speak at ‘Town and Gown’ forum Opinions…...….page 5 Hope for change has lessened MAIN POINT: Ordinance is precognitive punishment

Tina Phan/Star photo

Residents, visitors enjoy Aquarena Springs Trends……...….page 6

see ‘MOBILE,’ page 5

French cinema club hosts Strange Love film Residents celebrate water resources

Comanche Hills Apartment Complex residents said noise complaints were made about the chanting, but Lisa Dvorak, assistant chief of the San Marcos Police Department, said there is no recent report on file.

However, Samantha Mogab, Delta Gamma president, said a complaint was made after the women in Delta Gamma practiced their chants this semester.

“We did have one noise complaint,” said Mogab, inTina Phan/Star photo terdisciplinary studies senior. BOBCAT VICTORY: Alvin Canady, junior running back, runs into the endzone to score a touchdown for “An officer came to our door to Texas State. let us know that he knew what See page 8 for the story we were doing, but (we needed) to keep the noise down.” obcat allery Dvorak said the last noise complaint about the Delta Zeta Visit universitystar.com for game photos and video. house was made in 2005. The most recent complaint made about the Delta Gamma house on file was in September 2008, Dvorak said.

“If people call to complain, every complaint is filed,” Dvorak said. “If we have someone call and complain and say the noise

B

see ‘GREEK,’ page 5

News…........pages 1-4 Increased attendence causes game day parking problems

Greek traditions raise complaints

By Lisa Carter Sports Editor

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

G

Taproom extends hours for lunch Classifieds…....page 7 Diversions….....page 7 Sports……........page 8 Volleyball starts Southland Conference play with two wins Bobcat soccer makes second half comeback

ASG, students support tailgate committee

By Bianca Davis News Reporter

ASG passed emergency legislation supporting a committee that unifies tailgate planning and operations Monday.

The tailgate committee is in charge of tailgate oversight — filling a vacancy left by SACA. The tailgate committee began operating in the summer when university officials approved a proposal made by ASG President Chris Covo and Athletic Liaison Michael Flowers.

“What we wanted was the backing from the students saying not only is the administration supporting this, but the students are supporting the students who are comprising this committee,” Flowers said.

Covo and Flowers attended meetings with athletics, University Advancement, Student Affairs, SACA, Student Organizations Council and Community Relations prior to the Jake Marx/Star photo illustration creation of the tailgate committee.

GREEK TRADITIONS: Loud chants coming from sorority houses “Basically what was going on during recruitment have upset neighbors.

was we had 15 people with 15 different ideas (on tailgating) and 15 arguments and there was no real center for logistical planning,” Flowers said.

Flowers said the goal was to better the tailgating experience by creating a system of organization.

“Chris and I sat down and we drew up a plan of how ASG and the office of athletic liaison could assist the students and community members and alumni in creating a better experience for them,” Flowers said. “Specifically at tailgate, we’re hoping it results in an overall better experience of the university and of athletics.”

The tailgate committee consists of a five-person board of directors headed by Chairman Jordan Johnson, management senior.

Flowers said Johnson was chosen because of his involvement as previous president of Phi Delta Theta, having a high GPA, being a member of Order of Omega and experience working for a Texas Railroad Commissioner.

The board’s chairman works with four directors in charge of specific departments. Two ASG senators serve on the board. Public relations senior Laura Carhart is director of sales, and senior Griffin Taylor is director of marketing.

Loud Crowd president Zach Bartell, exercise sports science senior, was chosen as director of operations. Kyle Lamb, treasurer for ASG, IFC and Phi Delta Theta, was chosen as director of finance.

“The idea is to make your way up through the ranks and eventually sit on that board of directors overseeing your department that you came out of,” Flowers said. “This is the first year so we haven’t had that opportunity so we really look hard and recruited people who have had previous experience and we knew would work well as a team.”

The committee is formed of four teams in each of the mentioned departments. see ‘ASG,’ page 5

Today’s Weather

85°/67° Partly Cloudy Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 56% UV: 9 Very High Wind: ENE 10 mph

Wednesday

Scattered Thunderstorms Temp: 85°/70° Precip: 30%

Thursday Isolated Thunderstorms Temp: 89°/70° Precip: 30%

Page Two

2 - The University Star

STARS OF TEXAS STATE

Junior golfer Carson Gibson finished at the UTA Waterchase Invitational Tuesday with a one-under par 215 to tie for 5th-place. Gibson carded the lone sub-70 round for the Bobcats, opening play with a 69, followed by a 74 and an even par 72 to close out the day’s round. The Bobcats return to action Sept. 28 to 29 at the Bob Hurley Oral Roberts Shootout in Tulsa, Okla.

—Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

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

ON THIS

DAY IN

HISTORY

Tina Phan/Star photo UNDER WATER: Brad Watson, legal studies graduate student and science diver at Aquarena Springs, helps Sarah Hernandez, nutrition freshman, scuba dive at Aqua Fest Saturday at Aquarena Center.

City transfers power savings to residents The City of San Marcos has passed along a 20.2 percent savings in power costs to electric customers since February.

The savings are a result of recent reductions in fuel and power cost recovery charges from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the city’s electric generation provider.

The reduction will save residential customers an average of $17.55 a month compared to February levels. The average customer using 1000-kilowatt hours in a month paid $116.85 in February. The September bill would be $99.30 for the same use.

“The City of San Marcos has elected to pass on the full amount of the savings realized by the LCRA reductions directly to our retail customers as the costs have gone down each month”said Tom Taggart, director of Public Services.

“This is good news for our customers during a summer of unprecedented heat that caused residents to rely on their air conditioners to stay cool,” said Taggart. “We have been able to reduce our fuel charge from 8-cents per kilowatt hour to 6.4cents, or by more than 20 percent.”

The reduction is possible because LCRA was able to lower its fuel and power cost recovery charge in response to lower natural gas prices and a surplus of coal.

The 12-month outlook for natural gas prices as of Sept. 3 was

averaging around $5.35 per million British thermal units (MMBtu).

The 12-month outlook for natural gas was averaging about $11 per MMBtu last summer.

LCRA relies on natural gas to produce about half of the energy it sells to the City of San Marcos and the rest of its 43 wholesale electric customers.

“We are pleased that LCRA has reduced its fuel charges to coincide with the drop in the cost of natural gas and we want our customers to benefit from this savings,” said Taggart.

LCRA’s total price includes the fuel and power cost recovery factor charge and a nonfuel charge. The nonfuel charge covers expenses to build and maintain the fleet of power plants that generate electricity for LCRA’s wholesale electric customers.

LCRA passes fuel and purchased power costs directly to its wholesale electric customers as a cost-based utility provider. The company transfers savings through adjustments in the fuel and power cost recovery factor portion of its wholesale power price.

LCRA continually monitors market conditions and evaluates the need for adjustments.

Contact Kyle Dicke, assistant director of Public ServicesElectric, for more information about fuel costs at 512-393-8300.

—Courtesy of City of San Marcos

1789: The U.S. War Department established a regular army with a strength of several hundred men.

1901: Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi was born in Rome.

1918: Allied forces scored a decisive breakthrough on the Hindenburg Line during World War I. 1943 General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio signed an armistice aboard the British ship Nelson off Malta.

1978: Pope John Paul I was found dead in his Vatican apartment a little more than one month after becoming head of the Roman Catholic Church.

1982: Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules laced with cyanide claimed the first of seven victims in the Chicago area.

(The case remains unsolved.)

1988: The space shuttle Discovery blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., marking America’s return to manned space flight following the Challenger disaster.

2000: Israeli riot police stormed a major Jerusalem shrine and opened fire on stone-throwing Muslim worshippers, killing four Palestinians and wounding 175.

2005: New York Times reporter Judith Miller was released from 85 days of federal detention after agreeing to testify in a criminal probe into the leak of a covert CIA officer’s identity.

2006: Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) resigned after being confronted with sexually explicit computer messages he’d sent to former House pages.

—Courtesy of New York Times

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

CRIME

BLOTTER Sept. 16, 7:11 a.m.

Theft-Under $500/Student Recreation Center A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 16, 8:28 a.m.

Medical Emergency/Laurel Hall A nonstudent reported his daughter had a seizure.

The parent refused medical transportation of his daughter.

Sept. 16, 10:00 p.m.

Theft-Under $500/Butler Hall A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 17, 3:00 p.m.

Burglary – Habitation/The Tower Hall A student reported to a police officer her property had been taken without her consent. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 18, 7:33 p.m.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Smith Hall 2 A police officer was dispatched to the location for possible marijuana use. Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sept. 18, 9:15 p.m.

Burglary – Building/Harris Dining Hall A nonstudent reported to a police officer university property had been taken without consent. The case is under investigation.

—Courtesy of University Police

News

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Greek

continued from page 1 is coming from ‘behind my live close to the sorority’s house,’ we would send some- house are aware of the chantone down there to check out the ing tradition. noise, but we don’t have a spe“We go talk to neighbors in cific address (to put on file).” our residential area,” Mogab McIntosh said most people do said. “Most of them are the not make complaints to SMPD. same neighbors we’ve had “People just laugh at them for years, so they know what more than anything,” McIn- we’re doing.” tosh said. “They were chantFowler said the sororities ing on the weekends most inform SMPD of its traditions of the time. Last week, they beforehand. were chanting everyday. I “We personally go to the just remember hearing it at police department and tell night.” them we’re doing door chants Mogab said residents who or we send them an e-mail if

Mobile

continued from page 1 in contributions. Smith said in three years. The informathe company was expected tion on the two incidents was to return a higher minimum not available. Gordon Thyberg, each year. director of budgeting, said the “In year two through five alert system was a quick fix they were supposed to pay the when the contract was signed. university an amount equal to “When we entered into that the amount of 5 percent of the contract with them it was on Mobile Campus total revenue,” the heels of the Virginia Tech Smith said. “The contract stat- incident, and from the very ed in no event shall the univer- beginning, we knew in time sity receive on an annual basis we could create an emergenless than $10,000.” cy alert system of our own,” The university used Mobile Thyberg said. “Our intentions Campus emergency alerts twice were to use Mobile Campus as

it’s a problem,” Fowler said.

Dvorak said it is too early to tell whether the new noise ordinance, which took effect five months ago, has had any impact on the number of noise complaints made in regard to the greek system.

“We don’t have a good representation (of the new noise ordinance) because it only started in April,” Dvorak said.

“We need a few more months to really see what kind of effect it has because we just started the school year.” sort of a bridging.”

Thyberg said there are easier ways to go about alerting students.

Smith said she has faith the university can develop an extra security alert system in Mobile Campus’ place.

“They told us they wanted to change the contract so I said we will just stop it now,” Smith said.

“We felt like we were not going to get the service from it.”

Mobile campus officials could not be reached for comment.

Increased attendence causes game day parking problems

By Lora Collins News reporter Bobcat football fans passed a sign at the stadium Saturday that read “Lot Full” — an occurrence at the past two home games.

The drive to the Football Bowl Subdivision and the addition of the stadium’s new westside expansion has attracted an increase in fans and tailgaters.

University police said the increase in game attendance, though welcomed, has led to parking problems.

UPD Sgt. Daniel Benitez said there are surrounding lots that need to be utilized. The Mill Street parking lot, located behind Bobcat Village, houses around 300 cars.

Benitez said the lot was almost full Saturday.

“We had the Mill Street commuter lot utilized and the coliseum lot was completely full

(Saturday),” Benitez said.

Usually the Hidden Village parking lot is open to all drivers, but last week’s rain eliminated that option for fans Saturday.

“It wasn’t drivable so we drove one of our pickups there to see if it was available for the game. Once we got up there it was just a mud field,” Benitez said.

Benitez said Hidden Village is the closest lot to the stadium. UPD Captain Rickey Lattie said parking will remain difficult as long as game attendance stays high.

“That was almost a sold out game (Sept. 15), and as long as they stay that way it will be hard to park,” Lattie said.

Some parked along the sides of the road and in front of other cars on grass lots near the stadium. Benitez said there would be a problem if someone gets blocked while parked in a grass lot.

“People were still utilizing the spots on the city streets and the areas not designated for parking, but we did not have any issues with those areas like we did with the first game, with people getting blocked in,” Benitez said.

Jaleesa McCreary, sophomore electronic media, said it is a hassle to find parking if she does not arrive early for the game.

“I had to park in front of someone’s house because I didn’t want to pay,” McCreary said. “I think it is pretty ridiculous, and I think they need to start building the parking garages before they build new buildings so we have places to park.”

Parking is currently $5 in the Strahan Coliseum and the Mill Street commuter lots.

McCreary said she expects free parking areas to continue being full.

The University Star - 3

Influential community women speak at ‘Town and Gown’ forum

By Travis Hord News Reporter The San Marcos Area League of Women Voters held a “Town and Gown” forum Monday at the San Marcos Activity Center.

Mayor Susan Narvaiz, University President Denise Trauth, Superintendent Patty Shafer and County Judge Liz Sumter comprised the panel of speakers.

“Mayor Susan Narvaiz and County Judge Liz Sumter (represented) the ‘town’ element — the municipal institutions,” said Carole Belver, president of the San Marcos Area League of Women Voters. “And Texas State President Dr. Denise Trauth and San Marcos CISD Superintendent Patty Shafer (represented) the ‘gown’ element — the scholarly and educational institutions.”

Belver said The League of Women voters is a non-partisan organization that takes its vow of non-partisanship seriously.

“We do not support or oppose any political party. Instead, we are here to bring the community together to confront issues that affect us all,” Belver said. “The goal of this forum is to create a better

ASG

understanding between these four institutions and the community through the discussion of shared concerns.”

Sumter spoke first, and focused on San Marcos institutions working together.

“If we stick together, we’ll be able to stand together,” Sumter said. “Together, we could work on joint legislative initiatives that would benefit the entire San Marcos community.”

Narvaiz also focused on the potential benefits of cooperation and collaboration.

“Each year the need for these discussions becomes increasingly clear,” Narvaiz said. “I am so pleased that in the last few years our partnerships have grown tremendously, because collaboration is what brings community to us all.”

Trauth shared details about Texas State’s recent developments with the community.

“Our enrollment is over 30,000 this year, but we’re not just increasing our student body numerically — we’re increasing it strategically as well,” Trauth said. “Our graduate retention rate is outstanding, and every year we are increasing the ethnic diversity of our student population.”

continued from page

“The board of directors, each individual position, is responsible for going out and recruiting their team,” Flowers said.

Sen. Lisa Paulson, exercise sports science senior, proposed an amendment to the legislation for the senate to approve people selected for the committee. She said she was concerned with positions being filled by appointment.

Sen. Matthew Posey, political science senior, said students should trust the people they elected to make good decisions.

“A team chosen by the leader is the best team we can have,” he said.

The amendment did not

Trauth also noted advancements in the Texas State Campus Master Plan — an ongoing construction schedule for structural improvements and additions around the campus.

“We have our new theater and recital hall going up soon, including a pay-as-you-go parking garage so that the entire community, not just students, can get involved with our performing arts program,” Trauth said. “We want our community and our students to be able to look at our campus and be proud of it.”

Shafer was the final speaker and focused on the children and young people of San Marcos and how to maximize their potential for success and achievement.

“The most important thing we can do is continue to improve the education of students in our public schools,” Shafer said. “We have to really take a hard look at the system and see where we can make changes to help students achieve in school and always be moving forward in their lives.”

The League will hold a candidate’s debate Oct. 19 for the upcoming City Council election.

1

pass after discussion among senators.

The tailgate committee is operating with donations, much of which had been earmarked for specific spending, Flowers said.

“Funding for this committee comes from University Advancement, (Office of) Vice President of Student Affairs and athletics,” Flowers said.

“They each donated $5,000.”

Flowers said tailgate committee officials hope to eventually operate without those donations.

“What we hope to do is eliminate receiving funding from those various depart-

ments by selling sponsorships, title sponsorships at tailgate, stage sponsorships and vendor spots at tailgate,” Flowers said. “So hopefully we will become a self-sustaining, revenue-generating business that has the students’ interest at heart.”

The committee details have yet to be finalized.

“The tailgate committee is in charge of providing organization to a chaotic event, so we constantly have to stay flexible enough to make changes when we see fit,” Flowers said. “This is a brand new business so we have to make the adjustments needed.”

News

4 - The University Star

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Registration deadline nears for November elections

By Maurah Ruiz News Reporter “Everybody who is not registered or (who) needs to make a change (must do so) by that date,” said Joyce Cowan, elections administrator for Hays County. “A lot of people are registered for the 2008 elections, but they live in different dorms or apartments so everybody has different information.”

Not having the proper information can make lines longer on Election Day, she said.

“If you have moved within Hays County, you will be allowed to vote,” Cowan said.

“However, you will have to fill out the proper forms before you are allowed to do so.”

A full ballot may be cast in

an old precinct, but a Statement of Residence must be submitted in order for the ballot to become effective in a new precinct.

A common question is whether students should register in their hometown or college town. According to the Hays County home page, students should register under their permanent address.

“It’s extremely important for students to get involved,” said ASG President Chris Covo. “If students vote, we can create change that will have a bigger outcome.”

Covo said ASG is getting involved to help make the registration process for students easier and more convenient. ASG officials plan to distribute approximately

5,000 voting cards soon to unregistered students.

“It (voting) is important for the future of the state and country,” Covo said.

Students will receive their voter registration certificates by mail within 30 days of registering. Students who have lost their voter registration cards must send a request to the Election Administrator’s office, in writing, to receive a replacement certificate.

Proof of identity may be presented on voting day in place of a voter registration card.

Ashley Barnes, undecided freshmen, said she is registered to vote.

“Voting is important,” she said.

“You can’t complain if you’re not doing anything about it.”

The deadline for voter eli-

gibility in the November elections is Monday.

Ballots may be delayed in the coming election if students have not completed their registration or updated information.

In order to vote in San Marcos, one must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Hays County, be at least 18 years of age, and not be convicted of a felony or declared mentally incapacitated by a court.

Interested students may fill out an application at the Hays County Elections Administration Office at 401 C-Broadway St., county offices, libraries, post offices, Texas Department of Public Safety offices and Texas Department of Human Services offices. Registration forms are also online at the Hays county Web site.

Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo ROCKING THE WALL: Paul Underwood, recreation and leisure management graduate student, belays the rock wall at Camp Champions in Marble Falls, TX.

Opinions Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The University Star - 5

Ordinance is Precognitive Punishment the main

point.

W

alls around San Marcos once adorned with spray paint, chalk and marker are being stripped clean of their marks.

According to an article in the Feb. 24 issue of The University Star, a person may be punished if found in possession of spray paint, chalk, markers or other graffiti materials.

There is a fine line between art and vandalism, but there should be no punishment until an act of vandalism has been committed. The U.S. Bill of Rights has a clause for such an issue. “No person … (shall be) deprived of life, liberty, or freedom without due process of law.”

Seven months later, as addressed in an article in the Sept. 22 issue of The University Star, the San Marcos City Council has yet to find a solution to this on-going problem.

Despite the tags commonly found around San Marcos, graffiti artists, students and long-term residents alike argue such a far-reaching ordinance should not be allowed.

Objects that could be viewed as suspicious are often times required materials for art students among others. Individuals should not be made to feel uncomfortable for carrying items they need daily in a town heavily populated by Texas State students. Possession of a spray paint can does

not mean that person is going to be tagging a wall. No student in possession of graffitiimplementing material should be made to suffer the consequences for crimes not committed.

Graffiti artists worldwide have made a positive name for themselves by tagging public walls — not with gang signs or nametags, but intricate, thought-out pieces. Banksy, a somewhat anonymous but well-known English artist, has had books published of his work. His recognition and popularity as a graffiti artist earned him an art exhibition of his own work in 2009 in London.

Works similar to Banksy’s are not found around the streets of San Marcos, but students and residents argue certain areas should be designated as “art walls.” If students are given a limited but allowed opportunity to express themselves artistically, there is a chance graffiti in restricted areas will decline. Store and homeowners could come to an agreement and allow their walls to be decorated, which could provide an outlet for artists.

No one wants to see gang markings along the side of a building, but the punishments being proposed by the City Council go beyond the action needed to take care of these issues. Compromise could make the streets and walls of San Marcos more beautiful than they were if authorities and artists can find a true middle ground.

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.

Juan Ramirez/Star Illustration

Hope for change has lessened

By Ammie Jimenez Opinions Columnist

I am sure students can recall the Obama rally held in February 2008.

Sewell Park was teeming with a mixture of curious students and excited supporters

that Wednesday evening. The park was filled with people before the event. The excitement over the promises of change that charged through people had almost become a tangible thing. There was hope for change.

It is no secret young students and adults were one of the main forces behind Obama throughout his campaign. The idea of change was a force that engaged students and gave them a passion for politics that had been absent for a long time. But that force has waned and flickered out since the election.

I don’t believe it is a lack of interest in politics that has lessened the excitement about Obama and his policies. Texas State still remains an active campus in regards to politics, but it is obvious that involvement has calmed down considerably. It has more to do with the seeming lack of progress and a feeling of being stagnant as all wait for the great change Obama mentioned. It is the wait, while all seems to fall into chaos that takes away from the credibility of his ability.

It cannot be expected ev-

ery one of his policies would have been fulfilled by now, but not enough has happened to keep his strongest supporters engaged. It is a lack of direction. Young adults and students get bombarded daily with issues that need immediate solutions while no clear plan of involvement is offered. Political scientist Mike Wagner of the The Associated Press for Yahoo news said “it’s tough for young people — or any American, for that matter — to know how to get involved in issues with solutions that aren’t always so

clear-cut.” Yes, very tough.

There has to be clear communication, or some kind of common ground, so both government and individuals have the opportunity for understanding. I would hate to see the wave of influence by young Americans become extinct because of lack of direction. There was something intense about how much power was held in the hands of voters throughout the election process, for supporters of both McCain and Obama.

The best thing to reignite the fire would be if Obama

were able to simply accomplish some basic things. It would help with the unrest that is causing some to believe they no longer hold a voice in government. Obama needs to reconnect with the people who were essential for his success. He needs to reach out and give directions; otherwise he will lose what he gained through miscommunication.

–Ammie Jimenez is an English junior

Residents, visitors enjoy Aquarena Springs

By Garrett McSpadden Opinions Columnist M.A. Hatcher describes in her book, The Expedition of Don Domingo Teran do los Rios into Texas, how Spaniards embarked June 1691 on an expedition.

Trudging through the Spanish moss-coated trees of the untouched Hill Country, they stumbled upon a lake unlike

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

anything they had seen. Edward Burleson, Texas Republic’s first vice-president, would later pour the dams at Aquarena. Ancient documentation by the Spanish explorers tell tales of ebullitions from the biggest springs extending “2-4 feet” from the lake’s surface.

Britt Bousman and David Nickels describe in a 2003 archaeological report how Edward Burleson, war hero fresh from victory over Mexico in securing Texas’ independence, claimed ownership of the springs. Burleson and his sons began using the area around the springs as land for crops and grazing.

He would go on to build the spillway underneath what is

now Salt Grass Steakhouse as well as the dam behind Clear Springs apartments.

What we enjoy now is a far cry from the natural habitat found by these explorers.

A.B. Rogers purchased the springs in 1926 for $21,466.

Paul Rogers bought the land from his father in 1949 and turned the area into Aquarena Springs. The submarine viewing theater can still be seen half afloat in front of the Aquarena Center. It is like a relic for those of us too young to have experienced the theme park.

The university bought the area in 1992 and turned it into a natural education tool.

We can still enjoy a view of the springs that create the

“second-largest spring lake in the Western United States” using the glass bottom boats, said Mike Abbott of the River Systems Institute.

Abbott said the master plan for the River Systems Institute is to restore the Spring Lake back to its natural state, or as close as possible while still providing an opportunity for research and education.

“There are still holes in (our) knowledge (of the Springs),” Abbott said.

Removing the residual theme park structures like the submarine theater and the Aquarena Center building could help in studying the nature of the Aquifer, the springs and the San Marcos River.

The recent rain is only a

veil over the drought Texas has been experiencing for the past few years. Studies of water resources and management have never been more pivotal when coupled with global warming. Abbott has noticed that it has “been hotter than usual in the recent summers.”

There is a federal interest in the springs. National Parks and Wildlife fill the offices of the third floor of the renovated Park Hotel. The Texas Parks and Wildlife occupies the second. All three factions are working to increase knowledge and awareness of the life force of water we are lucky to witness in as unique a state as the springs. It is easy to get excited about the

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future of Aquarena.

If you have diving certification, you can take a class to help improve the environment by gardening and weeding out the invasive species through the Diving for Science program.

It seems we are approaching an era where environmentally conscious individuals will transform a spectacle cluttered with the remnants of exploitations back to its natural state, so all may enjoy its beauty.

–Garrett McSpadden is a pre-geography junior

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 Tuesday, September 29. 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

Weezer and Wayne

Weezer has a new album coming out called Raditude, and frontman Rivers Cuomo is “shaking things up,” according to mtv.com. Not only is the band including some of the AllAmerican Rejects members, but Lil Wayne will be contributing to the album. Cuomo said the rapper gives “the edge” he was looking for.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Residents celebrate water resources Taproom extends hours for lunch

By Matthew Barnes Features Reporter

Tina Phan/Star photo AQUA FUN: Anthony Gibson, pre-psychology junior, scuba dives in the Be A Diver Campaign pool at Aqua Fest Saturday afternoon at Aquarena Center.

By Miranda Serene Features Reporter The drought did not stop the weekend celebrations of San Marcos’ water resources.

The Aquarena Center began a three-day event Thursday – Aqua Fest. The festival was located near the landing at Aquarena Springs with booths providing information about outdoor opportunities regarding internships and job openings in specialized fields.

Joe Beach, recruiter for Texas Parks and Wildlife, attended Aqua Fest to inform interested students of careers.

“We have 3,000 employees working in 200 offices statewide,” Beach said. “We have received a good number from Texas State.”

Lennie Archer, kayak program coordinator and director, said it is important Texas State students appreciate Aquarena. The point of the festival was to make students aware of the area and what it has to offer.

Strange Love is in the air.

It is the fall theme of The French Cinema Club, or Le Cine’Club Francias. Students and faculty gather at 3 p.m. every Friday in Centennial Hall, room GO2, to watch films highlighting different parts of French cinema and culture.

Jennifer Forrest, professor in the department of modern languages and the club’s founder, introduces the film. She gives the audience additional information about the director and actors and their achievements in the industry. The club screened Bad Blood/Mauvis Sang Friday, directed by Loes Carax, which holds true to the “Strange Love” theme.

“Its a strange movie,” Forrest said. “Don’t look for a normal story line — don’t look for normal love.”

Forrest, drawing heavily from her personal interests in cinema, started the club more than 15 years ago. Forrest said it was

ing is 2 p.m., sometimes 3 (p.m.). That’s a big deal to a lot of people.”

Customers under the legal drinking age are still asked to leave around 5 p.m.

“A lot of younger people can eat now,” Hanson said.

“They have more time to stay instead of just 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.”

The new hours were added the first day of the semester, but Russell said it is taking some time to catch on.

“It’s been kind of a slow start,” Russell said. “Some days of the week, it’s pretty decent. Other days, it’s kind of dead … We haven’t done a lot of promoting for it yet.”

Duval said it will take time for people to notice the change, but locals have given good feedback and business is growing.

“There’s definitely a pickup — it’s getting busy earlier,” Duval said. “People are coming in not only for lunch, but they’re starting to come in at 2 p.m.”

“With historic droughts, it has been important to foster an appreciation of Texas water resources,” Archer said. “We need to respect the people who devote their time and energy to the resources and educate the community to embrace them.”

Archer said Texas State has significant resources for a university.

“It’s the only federally protected park on a college campus in the United States,” Archer said.

San Marcos has six endangered aquatic species not found anywhere else on Earth, including the San Marcos Salamander, Fountain Darter, Gambusia, Riffle Beetle, Peck’s Cave Amphipod and Texas Wildrice.

“The Texas Wildrice found in the river is the only native rice on our entire continent,” Archer said.

Texas State students have the opportunity to use Aquarena as a classroom. The center receives its revenue from the glass bottom boats, but everything else

is free for students.

“All majors can come here and have something in common,” Archer said.

The festival included BeADiver.com, a professional diving company who erected a pool at the center. The instructors allowed anyone to try scuba diving.

“It inspired me to take lessons,” said Amanda Mounsey, recreational administration senior.

Mounsey spoke to Texas Parks and Wildlife recruiters and found the fest to be helpful.

“I would definitely be interested in working with them,” Moundsey said.

The three-day event focused one day on high school students and the second on college students. The third day was a celebration with barbecue and live music.

“There is opportunity to do original research here,” Archer said. “Aquarena offers certified divers and interns the chance to do unique studies no one has ever done before.”

a “mom-and-pop organization” because everything was done on her own budget, including finding the films, choosing the themes and promoting them.

However, Forrest said she does not mind the work.

“This is just pure joy,” Forrest said. “I just want to show movies I’ve never shown before or ones I really think people will like.”

Forrest is no stranger to the world of cinema. She published two books on various aspects of film, including the latest release The Legend Returns And Dies Another Day. The French name of the club honors the rise in history of early French cinema clubs and the culture surrounding it. These Cine’-Clubs became popular in France during the silent film era when cinema was first considered an art form. It is the spirit of art Forrest hopes to share with students through the club.

Forrest said it is a myth Americans will not watch subtitled movies. The problem, she said, is few of these films can be

seen in big cinemas, except for the international hits, making exposure to American culture limited.

The films serve as a cross-cultural exchange, providing a window to French culture through the popular medium of cinema.

Forrest said films are also invaluable to French students because hearing the language spoken helps them become accustomed to its sound and flow.

The club is open to everyone, whether it is for those seeking extra credit in a class or anyone with a general interest in film.

Each movie explores the current theme and the different aspects of cinema.

Students interested in joining the club are encouraged to attend a film screening.

Katie Kaptain, pre-international studies sophomore, attended the Friday screening for extra credit, but said she probably would have seen the film anyway.

Kayla Hartzog/Star photo “It was definitely interest- LUNCH BREAK: Students take a break from class to enjoy a Taproom burger. Taproom is now open ing,” Kaptain said. “I’ll be for lunch seven days a week. back again.”

French cinema club hosts Strange Love film

By Alejandro Martinez Features Reporter

The Taproom has been serving award-winning burgers and wide selections of beers for dinner for 15 years. The “pub and grub” has recently had its doors opened for lunch, giving minors a shot at the menu.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Tim Russell, manager. “We would get a lot of people at the door at 2 p.m. when we were opening at three, so we finally decided to do the lunch thing.”

Forty-two beers on tap, burgers, ribs and flat screen TVs have been helping attract customers to the Taproom.

However, in the past, they did not do business until 3 p.m. They now open at 11:30 a.m. every day and maintain the same closing hours.

“We’re not open until two a.m. every day, just certain days of the week,” said Kelly Hanson, waitress. “To keep up with everyone, we want-

ed to open for lunch.”

The change was because of popular demand. Chris Duval, Taproom bartender for an estimated 10 years, said customers have been suggesting it “year in and year out.”

“We wanted to open for lunch for a while,” Hanson said. “We just had to make sure we could get the staffing and everything in order.”

Duval said lunch customers include students coming to The Square and employees of nearby businesses.

Some were left out of Taproom activity for other reasons than hours of operation. Customers are used to being able to smoke freely in the dimly-lit room, but those who want to avoid the smell now get a window of burger access.

“A lot of people wouldn’t come in on their lunch break because it was so smoky, and they didn’t want to go back to work smelling like smoke,” Hanson said. “Now the earliest we allow smok-

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

c ro s s w o rd

Diversions

The University Star - 7

sudoku Courtesy of McClatchy Tribune

Courtesy of McClatchy Tribune

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.

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Sports 8 - The University Star

OFFENSIVE HONOR

Jessica Weynand, senior outside hitter, was named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week Monday. Weynand averaged 3.57 kills per set and recorded just two attack errors in the Bobcats’ matches against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas-San Antonio this weekend. This SLC honor is the first for both Weynand and the team this season.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu

Bobcats take victory, despite Tigers’ talent

By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter

Bradley George, senior quarterback, becomes the Bobcats’

all-time career passing yards leader as the Bobcats defeated the Tigers Saturday 52-18.

“It was one of those games where so much happened, I

don’t even know what we did right and what we did wrong,” said Coach Brad Wright. “The only play that comes to mind is that blocked field goal right

Tina Phan/Star photo DEFENSE: Joplo Bartu, freshman linebacker, tries to stop Texas Southern wide receiver Joseph Anderson from scoring in Saturday’s game.

before halftime. The guys in the locker room looked like they just had a trophy stolen from them.”

However, the play of the day belongs to the Tigers. They scored a 90-yard touchdown, blocked a field goal and lateral-passed the ball four times, before Tigers’ defensive back Demarckus Washington reached the end zone with no time left in the first half.

“I’m sure I’ll catch that play on SportsCenter,” George said. “I’d like to see it again, though. It looked like he was down to me.”

The Bobcats scored the first touchdown of the game off a 13-yard pass from George to Da’Marcus Griggs, junior wide receiver. George found Griggs 11 times throughout the game for 141 yards and one touchdown. Griggs was two receptions away from the single record for a Bobcat.

“I’m just glad nobody is asking us about Cam (Luke) anymore,” Wright said. “(Griggs) is doing a great job. All of our wide receivers have continued to produce for us. My hat goes off to them.”

The two teams exchanged

field goals before Texas State found the end zone again when Tigers’ quarterback Arvell Nelson fumbled a muffed snap.

The error gave the Bobcats possession on the one-yard line. It was one of several times the center miscued his snaps, resulting in four fumbles by Nelson.

George completed his second touchdown pass of the game in the second quarter, a 13-yard strike to Daren Dillard, sophomore wide receiver.

The Bobcats proceeded to extend their 24-3 lead by three more points in the waning seconds of the first half. The Tigers broke through the Bobcats’ offensive line and blocked the potential field goal. Tigers quarterback Harry Brown picked up the ball and returned it 66 yards before lateral-passing the ball to linebacker Dejuan Fulghum.

Fulghum lateral-passed the ball to defensive lineman Michael Shelton, who lateralpassed it to Washington.

Washington ran the rest of the 24 yards to score. The touchdown cut the Bobcats’ lead to 24-12 at halftime.

However, that touchdown would be the last for the Tigers. The Bobcats found the end zone four more times in the second half.

George completed 23 of his 38 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns. It was his second 300-yard game this year. George now has 7,287 career passing yards to hold the Bobcats’ record.

Alvin Canady, junior running back, rushed 14 times for 116 yards, an average of 8.3 yards per carry. He had two touchdowns against the Tigers.

Mishak Rivas, sophomore wide receiver, made his first appearance on the field this season with three catches for a total of 35 yards.

‘CAT COUNTER

Saturday’s attendance: 12,048 Home game attendance to date: 26,164 (13,082 average) In order for Texas State to move to the Football Bowl Subdivision, there must be an average of 15,000 fans in attendance at each home game.

Volleyball starts Southland Conference play with two wins

Ben Rondeau/Star photo TEAM WORK: Alissa Scott, freshman defender, Andrea Grifo, senior midfielder, and Jessica Elting, junior defender, meet with their team to strategize on field before the second half of Friday’s game against Prairie View A&M begins.

Bobcat soccer makes second half comeback

By Cameron Irvine Sports Reporter

Coach Kat Conner said the women’s soccer team was frustrated going into halftime of Friday’s home match against the Prairie View A&M Panthers.

The Panthers came into the game with two wins for the season, and the Bobcats were not able to capitalize on any of their first 12 attempts.

“The first half was lackadaisical,” Conner said. “It looked like we came out thinking things were going to just happen for us, and we need to realize teams aren’t going to roll over. We will have to fight for every win we get.”

The second half, however, was like a new game. The Bobcats dominated the Panther defense for five straight goals in 15 minutes. Britney Curry, junior forward, scored on a deflection from Prairie View A&M’s goalie in the 46th minute, who saved four goals in the first half. Curry was in on the action again 64 seconds after the 1-0 lead took shape.

Curry assisted Erica Michaud, sophomore forward, for her first score of the night to put the Bobcats up 2-0.

Michaud assisted Kendall Webber, sophomore midfielder, less than 10 minutes later for the third goal of the night.

The slaughter continued 49 seconds later when Curry assisted Michaud’s goal for the second time. Emma Staley, freshman defender, assisted in the passing attack in the 61st minute, giving the ball to Curry for the fifth and final goal of the evening.

Curry and Michaud either assisted or scored on every goal of the night.

“The intensity in the second half was completely different,” Michaud said. “We changed the game because we wanted it.

We said ‘this is our field, our house and our game.’”

There was a difference in the second half, capping off a nearly perfect evening for the Bobcats. They outshot the Panthers 27-1 and had the 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.

The ball did not cross the

Panther side of the field the first 15 minutes of the second half.

“We were looking to move the ball across the field in the second half,” Curry said.

“We were attempting to shoot for goals straight on which made it easier for (Michaud) to save.

“In the second half, we were shooting across the field, we had (Michaud) moving side to side and we were able to sneak the ball in behind her,” Curry said.

Curry scored her 31st career goal as a Bobcat, which tied the all-time goals scored record at Texas State. She has 10 this season.

Texas State is 5-5 with the win before conference play, which begins Friday at Central Arkansas.

“Everyone is going to make you work to earn your number one spot,” Conner said. “We were picked No. 1 in the preseason rankings, so we have to work extra hard.”

The Bobcats take on the Sugar Bears 4 p.m. in Conway, Ark.

Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo QUICK THINKING: Brittany Collins, senior setter, hits the ball to Amber Calhoun, sophomore middle blocker, Saturday against Texas-San Antonio.

By Eric Harper Sports Reporter The Bobcat volleyball team defeated Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Thursday and TexasSan Antonio Saturday at Strahan Coliseum to open Southland Conference play.

The Bobcats scored 3-1 against A&M-Corpus Christi.

Texas State dropped the first set, 25-20, to the Islanders. The set was tied at 20 before the Islanders pulled away with the last five points to win it. The Bobcats lost the set despite outhitting the Islanders .440 to .192.

The Bobcats rushed out to a 7-0 lead in the second set.

Texas State continued the run, taking a 19-5 lead and holding on to the set for a 25-6 win.

Texas State took an early 8-3 lead in the third set. The

Islanders came back to tie the set at 17, but the Bobcats took over and won 25-20, gaining a 2-1 advantage in the match.

The Bobcats were able to hold off the Islanders 25-18 in the final set to clinch the match in their SLC opener.

Jessica Weynand, senior outside hitter, led the Bobcats with 13 kills for the match. AJ Watlington, junior right-side hitter, had 12 kills.

The Bobcats outhit the Islanders .391 to .138 and had a season-high 16 serve aces.

Brittany Collins, senior setter, had three of the serve aces to go along with 30 assists.

The Bobcats celebrated former players and coaches Saturday as part of their “Legacy Weekend.” Texas State swept UTSA 3-0 for the I-35 Rivalry game.

The Bobcats led the first set

22-17 before the Roadrunners made a run to tie at 23 points.

Texas State was able to get the next two points and win 25-23 for the set.

The Bobcats took the lead 1611 in the second set. The Roadrunners made a run to knot the set at 17 points. The set was tied at 19 before the Bobcats ran off the final six points to end the match at 25-19.

The final set remained close with UTSA reaching set point on a 24-22 lead. The Bobcats took the next two points to keep the set going. The teams traded points until the Bobcats took the set 31-29 to finish the match and go 2-0 in the SLC. The Bobcats finished the match with three players recording double-digit kills.

Melinda Cave, junior middle blocker, led the way with 15 kills. Weynand added 12 and Mo Middleton, junior outside hitter, had 10 kills.

The Bobcats finished the weekend with a four-match win streak. Cave said the Bobcats have seen more wins as a result of increased team bonding.

“This is the closest team I have been with,” Cave said.

“We have been figuring out how to sync and work with each other.”

Both A&M-Corpus Christi and UTSA made runs at the Bobcats, but they were able to hold their opponent off to record wins. Cave said the Bobcats’ ability to postpone these runs came from stop-­ ping mistakes.

“We limited our errors,” Cave said. “We don’t want to let the other team get momentum.”

Coach Karen Chisum said the early season losses helped the Bobcats succeed once it was time for SLC play.

“We struggled against highlevel teams,” Chisum said. “I am glad we got those bugs out.”

Chisum labeled the first two home SLC matches as must-wins for the Bobcats. She said her team did what it needed in order to win.

“We stayed focused and had few errors,” Chisum said.

“These were big wins.”