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INSIDE THIS ISSUE News……...pages 1-7 Honor Code Council includes students, faculty senate for policy revision
Volume 99, Issue 16
01
THURSDAY
OCT
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Vote in 21 categories for San Marcos’ finest See the Video Online at www.universitystar.com
Dining halls take initiative to be ‘green’
locally. The next day, the “Dinein-the-Dark” program started, which turns out the lights in Revisions to the University College dining halls are be- Harris Hall during the day to Honor Code could be coming more eco-friendly conserve energy. underway. with the growing concern over “This allows students to protecting the environment. come in and eat without Texas State officials, whose the lights on, and that saves Students voice dining facilities are managed on electricity,” Bulkley said. grievances to ASG at The by Chartwells Dining, are “Overall, the university is very stepping up efforts to keep energy conscious.” Stallions pace with schools across the Texas State dining services Not many people want nation. is using bio-degradable cups to hear complaints, but Leslie Bulkley, resident dis- and salad containers, replacAssociated Student trict manager at Texas State, ing old kitchen appliances Government senators do. said the university featured with energy-saving models a menu Sept. 23 filled with as well as recycling trash and Ideas to be proposed produce that was purchased kitchen oil that is processed at City Council to help and converted into bio-fuels. One of the eco-friendly efveterans forts has drawn interest from other universities in the state, Opinions pages 9-10 as officials from the UniverColumnist misses point of sity of Texas visited the dining H1N1 coverage halls last spring to evaluate how removing trays saved on water. Additionally, Texas Disappointed Devil’s pulled trays from several of its advocate facilities this fall. Bobcat Blend is another program that aids the environMAIN POINT: Coughing ment. Started this semester by up for classes Jason Sanders, graduate student, Bobcat Blend takes food waste from students’ plates Trends....pages 11-13 and turns it into organic compost that is used on campus. Fashion is self-expression Ben Rondeau/ Star photo “We’re diverting waste from When it comes to choosing between a meal and a pair of Bed Stu boots from Urban Outfitters, Ky Stevens, English junior, makes what is, to him, the obvious choice.
Texas State alumni open eco-friendly T-shirt printing shop
When someone walks into Under Pressure screen print shop, they will find the exact opposite of what they might expect.
Classifieds…..page 14 Diversions…..page 14 Sports....pages 15-16 Bobcats soon to enter Thunderbird territory
The Texas State Bobcats will travel north Saturday to face-off against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds.
Today’s Weather
90°/70° Cloudy Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 69% UV: 6 High Wind: SSW 14 mph
Friday
Partly Cloudy Temp: 80°/60° Precip: 40%
Saturday Isolated T-Storms Temp: 81°/67° Precip: 30%
By Billy Crawford News Reporter
See the Photos Online at www.universitystar.com
Ben Rondeau/ Star photo GOING GREEN: Harris Dining Hall is encouraging students to not use dinner trays when ordering food in order to cut down on water and energy used in cleaning.
landfills,” Sanders said. “This helps reduce our carbon footprint and educate students about how their waste can be
Undercover police officers keep watchful eye on fake ID usage By Clay Thorp News Reporter Students who use false identification to purchase alcohol may rethink their willingness to break the law. With the recent extension of drinking hours in bars and pool halls across San Marcos, local law enforcement agencies are beginning to strenghten enforcement of underage drinking laws, particularly those pertaining to fake IDs. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), in correlation with the San Marcos Police and University Police Departments, have begun a campaign to curb underage consumption and purchase of alcohol in San Marcos. “We have a lot of law enforcement organizations working with us on ‘Cops in Shops’ and ‘Operation Fake Out,’” said Lt. Jimmy Zuehlke of the TABC in Austin. Officers engaging in “Cops
in Shops” will be undercover in a local convenience store or in the parking lot. If a youngappearing person tries to buy alcohol with a fake ID, or has alcohol in the car, that officer would write that individual a ticket. After 11 p.m., officers begin “Operation Fake Out” which involves posting an officer in civilian clothes inside a bar or next to the door-man. The officer will carry a license reader, which can access an individual’s information at the state level, including date of birth. Officers will be able to identify those individuals who have warrants out for their arrest. “When I go speak at schools, 99 percent of these students raise their hand when I ask them if they have a fake ID or know someone who does,” said Lt. Zuehlke. A Texas State student and frequent patron of bars on The Square and at 6th Street said she continues to use her fake
ID despite the risks. The student, who declined to be identified for fear of repercussions from law enforcement, said she memorized all the information on the ID. “I can recite my driver’s license number, address and date of birth with my eyes closed,” she said. Possession of alcohol by a minor and misrepresentation of age by a minor are both Class C misdemeanors, according to the Alcoholic Beverage Code. For the first offense, a minor must take an alcohol awareness class, engage in 8 to 12 hours of court-approved community service and will have their license suspended for 30 days. For the second offense, the minor must take an alcohol awareness class (at the judge’s see ‘UNDERAGE,’ page 6
a resource.” All of the work is done on campus. Sanders often stands by the waste bin — which he’s
dubbed as an “eco-station” — and wears a referee shirt while
By Kosaku Narioka News Reporter
the university will spend $5.3 million for performance-based raises for the faculty and staff, not including those in auxiliary and fee-funded components of the university. The university set a pool equivalent to a 3 percent of all faculty and staff salaries for the raises. “On the expenditure side, the single biggest (increase) that we make each year is for our merit pool,” she said. Nance said it costs another $1.6 million to cover the 3 percent merit pool for auxiliary staffs. Meanwhile, the board authorized the presidential salaries for fiscal year 2010. Trauth will receive $354,486, according to the board book for the August meeting, a 6.7 percent increase from last year. Part of the salary is a performance-based incentive funding. She will receive
see ‘GREEN,’ page 6
Board approves Texas State’s 2010 budget This year, the university’s income will rise to about $415.7 million while the budget requirement is estimated to reach about $364.6 million. Bill Nance, vice president for finance and support services, said the difference will be transferred to retirement of indebtedness and plant funds. The Board of Regents approved Texas State’s operating budgets for fiscal year 2010 at its regular meeting late August at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. The meeting was taped. Compared to last year’s budget, the general revenue appropriation from the state will increase 6 percent, or $5.2 million to about $92.3 million. Revenue from tuition and fees will increase 3.9 percent, or about $1.6 million, to about $43.7 million. University President Denise Trauth said at the meeting
see ‘BUDGET,’ page 6
Unheeded construction warnings cause concern By Christine Mester News Reporter Students have been walking through construction zones on campus and causing safety concerns for university officials. In accordance with the Campus Master Plan, construction sites have been posing an inconvenience to students, faculty and staff. Three active construction sites are on campus and construction to increase parking near Tomas Rivera Drive will begin soon, said Michael Petty, assistant director for facilities planning, design and construction. Petty said there have already been problems this semester with students, faculty and staff entering construction zones. “We had a project that had a fence around it and you actually had to move the fence apart to get in there and an instructor had a class inside the fenced area. They were all sitting down and the instructor was talkStacie Andrews/Star photo ing to them,” Petty said. “It was an obvious construction site. CONSTRUCTION: Students, faculty and staff are supposed to walk around the construction site out side There were signs up that said of JCM to get to class. Officials said people walk through construction zones daily. hard-hat area only and they
were in there. Our construction manager was just baffled.” Petty said entering a construction site without proper protection can be dangerous. “The problem with construction zones is an accident can happen so quickly. It’s a dangerous place to be,” Petty said. “There is usually a lot of activity going on and you just can’t see everything and everybody can’t see you. Anything could happen. It’s not a safe environment and we don’t want students crossing the fences.” Petty said there have been no student, faculty or staff injuries inside a construction zone this year and the Texas State community is notified in advance of construction projects taking place around campus. “Whenever we are in the zone of pedestrians or traffic we issue what we call a shut down notification,” Petty said. “If we have to shut down a building or shut down a road we issue a notification in advance of that activity see ‘CONSTRUCTION,’ page 6
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
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Corrections:
In the Sept. 24 issue of The Star, Don Montague’s statement was taken from a press release. In Tuesday’s issue about Mobile Campus, Van Wyatt, vice president of Information Technology, said the alert system was a quick fix when the contract was signed: “When we entered into that contract with them it was on the heels of the Virginia Tech incident, and from the very beginning, we knew in time we could create an emergency alert system of our own,” Wyatt said. “Our intentions were to use Mobile Campus as sort of a bridging.” Wyatt said there are easier ways to go about alerting students. — The Star regrets these errors
ON THIS CRIME BLOTTER
DAY IN
HISTORY 1896: The U.S. Post Office established Rural Free Delivery.
1903: The visiting Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Boston Americans 7-3 in the first World Series game. (The Americans, forerunners of the Red Sox, won the best-ofnine series 5-3.) 1908: Henry Ford introduced the Model T automobile to GAME SIGNS: Fourth semester American Sign Language students played games Friday in Academic Services Building-North to practice the market. Each car cost explaining rules. $825. Stacie Andrews/Star photo
1964: The Free Speech Movement was launched at the University of California at Berkeley.
Library Beat
Get help from Alkek Library Ever spent hours searching for information using Internet search engines only to find nothing helpful? Find something for a research assignment, but the professor won’t accept it because it is not quality information? Well, stop wasting valuable time. Let the reference librarians at Alkek help get started on the right path to find information that is authoritative and useful. There are several ways to contact a librarian for help with speeches, research papers or presentations. The different methods of contact are available on the Ask-a-Librarian page on the library’s Web site. One can Ask-a-Librarian using the chat widget or choose the library’s other chat and co-browse services. Schedule an appointment with a librarian for in-depth help. E-mail and telephone contact information is available. Or drop by the reference desk on the 2nd floor of the library. The desk is staffed until 10 p.m. everyday except Saturday. Need help with managing citations? If so, attend a Refworks
Workshop. RefWorks is a tool that helps manage and organize citations, and generate bibliographies and works cited pages in various citation styles. Check the Workshops page for dates and times and to register. Students can check the library’s Tutorials page for video tutorials on research topics and tools. For example, there are tutorials on finding articles using the research databases. There are subject-specific research tutorials, including covering business research databases. The library has research guides for different subject areas. Check the Research Guide page .Subject areas can be suggested.. The subject guides help researchers get started by listing suggested databases. All of the guides have a chat widget to ask a question. —Courtesy of Alkek Library
1989: Thousands of East Germans received a triumphal welcome after the communist government agreed to let them flee to West Germany. 1994: National Hockey League team owners began a 103-day lockout of their players.
Sept. 22, 10:20 a.m. Accident Involving Damage to Vehicle/Speck Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer another vehicle hit her while she was driving. The case is under investigation. Sept. 22, 3:39 p.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. 23, 3:30 p.m. Theft-Under $500/Jowers Center A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation. Sept. 24, 5:00 p.m. Theft-Under $500/Clear Springs Apts A nonstudent reported to a police officer university property had been taken without consent. The case is under investigation.
2001: The Supreme Court suspended former President Bill Clinton from practicing before the high court.
Sept. 25, 8:39 a.m. Criminal Mischief under $1500/San Jacinto Hall A non-student reported to a police officer university property had been damaged. The case is under investigation.
—Courtesy of New York Times
—Courtesy of University Police
News
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The University Star - 5
Honor Code Council includes students, Students voice grievances to ASG faculty senate for policy revision at The Stallions By Lora Collins News reporter
By Chase Birthisel Assistant News Editor Not many people want to hear complaints, but Associated Student Government senators do. Yesterday, they held the first ‘grievance session’ of the semester by The Stallions statue 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the purpose of inquiring about what needs fixing at the university. Tommy Luna, ASG vice president, said the organization plans to hold grievance sessions more frequently than last year. “This event was kind of done last year once a semester,” Luna said. “We’re pushing for it to be done once a week.” Luna said the sessions will increase students’ input in their government. “To do this, like in October, once a week,” Luna said, “that would be a great precedence to set for future senates to come.” Luna said the increase in sessions will help him obtain one of his goals for ASG. “My goal is to have every senator offer a piece of legislation,” Luna said. “I know it is kind of ambitious, but I think with the amount of concerns we have here, it should not be an issue.” ASG sen. James Flink said he expected the low turnout the first session received. “We don’t expect lines
or anything, but we did receive a really good turnout,” Flink said. Stephen Melin, ASG Senate intern, said there were about 50 comments. “Most are problems that have already been looked into and have funding to improve them,” Melin said. Luna said there was a wide variety of grievances, and transportation and parking was a focal point from students. “One that stood out was a problem with handicap parking,” Luna said. “Somebody felt Texas State should issue an additional handicap sticker to ensure it is for students, and not for the student’s grandparent or uncle.” Flink said the grievances will be presented to the committees and discussed individually. “We’re going to see if we are able to fix the problem first,” Flink said. “If it is something for the higher powers to look at, then we’ll bring it to their attention.” Kyle Wind, history sophomore, said grievance sessions could increase students’ input into ASG. “If they’re there, and it’s available, I’m sure people will stop by and have something to say,” Wind said.“If I can think of a problem, I’ll definitely stop by.”
Revisions to the University Honor Code could be underway. David Wiley, co-chair of the Honor Code Council, said students need to be a part of the group. Wiley, professor in the department of health, PE and recreation, is in the process of filling the council, compiled of faculty and students. Wiley spoke to Faculty Senators at their Wednesday meeting about adding student representation to the council. Steven Wilson, senate secretary, said the code allows for misinterpretation. “One thing I would like done is the UPPS should be revised to make faculty (state specifically) what they expect in their syllabi,” said Wilson, professor in the English department. The honor code entails that “The faculty member, after considering the evidence and the
student’s response, will determine whether the student violated the Honor Code and will notify the student of his or her determination and of any academic penalty assessed.” Faculty Sen. Richard Warms challenged Wilson’s idea, saying the problem existed in the students’ ability to construe. “No amount of making policy explicit will really get to the heart of this problem because it is really about interpretation,” said Warms, professor in the anthropology department. Wiley said every professor’s syllabus, though written to appeal to rules, may not be fair. Faculty Sen. Jaymeen Shah, associate professor in the McCoy College of Business, said the process lacks structure. “The clear missing link is the absence of guidelines for providing penalty, faculty are going to come up with their own guidelines,” Shah said. Wiley trained 13 of the 14
faculty volunteers for the Honor Code Council. He said finding students to fill spots has been trying. The council is considering selecting two students from every college as representatives of the meetings. Warms argued filling the spots would be difficult. He moved to have five of the seven colleges to choose student representatives to sit on the council. The senate voted in favor of the motion. The Honor Council does not have authority to change grades. However, the senate discussed changing the honor code to allow so. Currently the honor council reports to the dean of the college in which the student is charged. “The idea is that, if the dean is not even going to be in the room, why should they be able to make a recommendation rather than the Honor Council making an academic sentence?” Wiley asked. The senate moved to keep the original honor code until further
discussion. The vote passed with two oppositions. “There was some intent to try and change the power of the Honor Council in terms of whether or not it can actually change a grade, or whether or not it can make a recommendation on a penalty,” said Bill Stone, Faculty Senate vice chair. “What we came up with was to say where it was (that) the Honor Council can review both the issue of guilt and innocence and the appropriateness of the penalty and make a recommendation to the dean,” Stone said. Stone said the collaboration between the council and Faculty Senate will help bridge the gap between tough decisions. “It is so much simpler if they (the council) make a recommendation that we are going to likely agree with as opposed to letting them work for three months on a policy and having it brought to the senate and the senate saying ‘We won’t do that,’” Stone said.
News
6 - The University Star
Construction and UPD is notified so they can help us keep pedestrians out of the construction zone.” Petty said the university should not be held responsible for student, faculty or staff injuries inside a construction zone because they issue warnings in advance. “We put those fences up for a reason and we try our best to explain what we’re doing,” Petty said. “We’ve had people take a shortcut through the site thinking, ‘it might be an easier route if I just cut through here.’ We know that’s
continued from page
a temptation, but safety is everyone’s responsibility.” Barbara Delgado, construction inspector, said she notifies UPD when she sees students entering the construction zones. “When we are working on construction on the bus loop we had students climbing six and eight-foot fences to get to the Music Building,” she said. “There were always alternate routes available but they would climb the fences right in our presence. We had to call UPD to get them out.” Delgado said demo at a con-
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struction site on campus had to be stopped after a student was caught trying to climb a crane tower. Guillermo Nieri, construction manager, said it is important to stay out of construction sites. “You have to wear protective gear to be inside a construction site,” Nieri said. “If you’re not looking where you are going you can definitely get hurt, especially if a crane is operating. A lot of times there is uneven ground and you can sprain an ankle.”
Green
Thursday, October 1, 2009 continued from page
directing students on how to dispose of their leftover food. Princeton Review published its annual report in July of the greenest colleges in the nation, and 15 received the highest possible score. Colleges that received perfect scores include Harvard, Yale, Georgia Tech, University of CaliforniaBerkeley and Washington. At the University of California-Berkeley, composting has gone a step further than Bobcat Blend. Chuck Davies, associate director of resident dining, said there are compost bins for undesired materials for compost as well as the food waste created in the kitchens.
Underage
discretion), participate in 20 to 40 hours of community service and will have their license suspended for 60 days. For the third offense, minors may have to undergo a combination of court-ordered jail time not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine between $250
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However, the University of California-Berkeley uses completely compostable serviceware, including straws, cups, lids and to-go containers. “It’s all important,” Davies said. “You have to do what you can incrementally. We started about five years ago and had to make baby-steps.” Georgia Tech eliminated the need for Styrofoam cups by issuing students refillable plastic mugs, a move which saves the school $1,500 in expenses each year. The school also has a compost program, which keeps 146 tons of waste out of landfills each year, said Dori Martin, the school’s dining continued from page
marketing manager. “The idea of getting behind this bandwagon is that it will save on our expenses in the long run,” Martin said. “There are a lot of things you can do that are very cost-neutral. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a difference.” Ultimately, most dining hall directors said the biggest factor in being eco-friendly lies with the individual student. Simple suggestions from Bulkley, Davies and Martin include taking smaller portions of food initially, keeping track of individual waste and avoiding Styrofoam and to-go containers whenever possible.
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and $2,000. In a town of almost 30,000 students, there are “currently three agents working in the Hays county area,” said Sergeant Pete Champion of the Hays County TABC office. “Right when DPS comes out with a new ID, the coun-
terfeiters start getting more and more sophisticated with (making fakes),” Champion said. “If you’ve got (students) who are willing to pay $100 for a false ID, there’s probably going to be a big market. As far as making a dent, it’s an ongoing battle.”
Stacie Andrews/Star photo CONSTRUCTION: Students walk past the construction site out side of JCM to get to class, though signs and gates attempt to block the area off.
Budget
continued from page
$12,196, the second highest incentive funding of seven presidents within the system. Nance said the regents and system officials created a complicated formula last year, and this was the first year they implemented the incentive funding. Last year, in addition to salary, Trauth received in compensation $12,000 for car allowance, $29,121 for house, utilities, housekeeping, vehicle and insurance, and $10,000 for membership/miscellaneous household expenses, according to the higher education administrative accountability report. All vice presidents and associate vice presidents, except Margarita Arellano, who was hired in April as associate
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vice president for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, will have at least 3 percent salary increase compared to fiscal year 2009, according to the report. Director of Athletics Larry Teis notably will receive a 13.3 percent raise this year, which boosts his salary to $170,000. University officials made revenue projections based on the enrollment in the 2008 to 2009 school year. As the total enrollment increased about 5.9 percent from 29,125, they are projecting a further increase in revenue this year. Robert Gratz, special assistant to the president, said Trauth asked the vice presidents at their Tuesday cabinet meeting to identify and prioritize staff needs,
in addition to the faculty positions the university had already planed to add. “The kind of growth we are having has pressure on lots of different offices,” he said. Trauth said at the board meeting that university officials are assuming a decrease in state subsidies after the next legislative session in 2011, and they are developing plans in case they face a 10 percent cut in the next biennium. Chairman Ron Blatchley said he wants to challenge the members of the board to do their best in the next session not to let the funding cut happen. “I don’t mind if that happens Hannah VanOrstrand/Star photo illustration to any other system, but FALSE IDENTIFICATION: The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, San Marcos Police and Univerfrankly we’ve taken it on the chin for far too long,” he said. sity Police Departments have begun a campaign to reduce underage drinking and purchase of alcohol.
News
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The University Star - 7
Prather proposes ideas to CONA to host City City Council to help veterans Council debate By Heidi Morrison News Reporter How to make San Marcos more attractive to veterans will be a topic of debate at the next City Council meeting. “It’s going to be one of a series of programs I’m going to try that will make veterans and the military community know that, when you think of San Marcos, you don’t just think of Texas State,” said Jude Prather, veteran and creator of the program. “Instead you think ‘That’s a really veteranfriendly community.’” If successful, the plan will provide local veterans with free utilities, provided they show discharge papers or military ID. “It’s an effort to take care of our young men and women who are serving our country, and the effort it takes to send them off to war is matched when they come back,” Prather said. “This will be one of the first programs to start that process.” It would offer veterans
a homebuyer incentive, a $5,000 non-repayable loan for buying in San Marcos. “It’s kind of a mirror image of the Texas State professor program,” he said. “If you’re a Texas State professor and you buy a home here in San Marcos, the city will give you five grand. And I (said) ‘Let’s do that with veterans and use the same programming funds.’” Prather’s original plan would have been funded through the city’s economic development fund. However, he recently learned of state plans to administer funds for 2010, which would give the city $10,000. “I want this stuff to get done, I don’t want it to get put away and lost in translation,” Prather said. Prather said he first suggested the need to address veteran issues when he ran for City Council two years ago. “That was the first time I started bringing it up,” he said. “When I was over in Iraq,
I was doing a lot of research on what other cities and municipalities are doing for their veterans and I realized we’re not doing much with San Marcos.’” The program would affect all veterans. “It would be an immediate impact when veterans move into an apartment and they don’t have to pay their deposits for utilities,” Prather said. Prather attended the last Veterans Alliance meeting on campus to introduce the plan and receive their support for the program. “I feel what Jude is doing is great,” said Chris Schave, president of Veterans Alliance. “Anything that benefits veterans, I support.” A position for an Associated Student Government veterans liaison is being discussed in efforts to coordinate and promote veteran issues on campus and get more representation. This would keep the ASG informed of the status of veterans on
campus. “If there’s a need that (veterans) have, then I think it’s important ASG have an easy way of finding out what that need is,” said Schave, international studies senior. The creation of the position was first proposed to Chris Covo last year, soon after he was elected ASG president. “With more than 1,000 veterans on this campus, a veterans liaison to the ASG is needed and I think it’s great,” said Clay Patterson, Student Foundation president. Prather said he has high hopes for San Marcos. “The younger veterans can think ‘I wanna to go to school there’ and the older vets think ‘I wanna go there to retire,’” he said. “This is the first step in making San Marcos and Texas State one of the most veteran-friendly communities in America.” Prather will propose the entire program at the Oct. 6 City Council meeting.
The Council of Neighborhood Associations is holding its annual council member debate in the Activity Center tonight. Community members get a chance to ask the candidates questions concerning their respective neighborhoods. “Each area of town usually has their own questions,” said City Councilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1. Porterfield said the debate will be similar to the League of Women Voters debate, but
the CONA debate is usually “informal” because it does not contain pre-submitted questions, just those from audience members. CONA, under the leadership of President Amy Kerwin, has rented a room in the Activity Center with seating for 150 people, located 501 E. Hopkins St. The debate will start at 7 p.m. — News report compiled by Clay Thorp
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8 - The University Star
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
opinions
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Columnist misses point of H1N1 media coverage
By Scott Thomas Web Editor The University Star opinion’s columnist Nathan Seltzer has bravely exposed a conspiracy that my colleagues and I have been deviously complicit in. Last week, the World Health Organization in league with the Illuminate flew The University Star’s editors, along with the leaders of all the major media outlets, to a conference to discuss how we will keep people scared, complicit and under our control. There we decided to run articles about the H1N1 virus and, by keeping people scared and irrational, do our part to keep the shadow government in power. That or the news editor listened to Dr. Emilio Carranco, director of the Student Health Center, about the importance of keeping students informed about H1N1. Seltzer said this paper was complicit in a mediadriven effort to keep people scared. He fails to mention, however, why on earth the editors would want to do
such a thing. He can’t even use the age-old expression “anything to sell papers” because, as I’m sure you’re aware just by holding this publication, The University Star is free. Seltzer is right about one thing: people shouldn’t panic about swine flu. They should merely be aware of it and how to protect themselves from it. When swine flu first made headlines, there was an easy feeling to it. Some even went so far as to predict swine flu would be that final civilization killer. However, in the months since the virus first formed we know more about it. Most people who do become infected get over it with bed rest and time (many don’t even realize they’ve had H1N1 flu). But don’t take the virus lightheartedly as Seltzer has. According to USA Today, Eric Leander, co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, said the disease targets younger people (like college students) and there have been more than 500 deaths in the United States alone. Seltzer notes the normal flu has a higher fatality rate, but fails to mention those victims are the elderly and infants. The reason the university officials, and this publication, has treated H1N1 so seriously is because we are the ones it targets. Seltzer did specify some
facts in his article, but none that support his argument. He missed the point entirely. Carranco has been a driving force behind ensuring Texas State’s H1N1 cases haven’t been worse than they have. He obviously treats the threat seriously. Perhaps you are wondering who you should trust, Seltzer or Dr. Carranco. Might I suggest you listen to the doctor. Seltzer didn’t listen to the experts such as the World Health Organization. He tries to discredit them by saying they’re merely seeking more funding. What he suggests is a conspiracy that has neither grounds nor reasoning behind it. Seltzer wasn’t interested in the facts, merely bending them to fit his own preconceived notions. If there’s one thing the media has been complicit in, it’s not a conspiracy to propagate swine flu fears. It’s giving attention to arguments lacking a factual basis. Why are we aware of the existence of death panels, birthers, Sept. 11 conspiracies or any other number of inane arguments and theories? Let’s forget that these ideas have entered the national consciousness, and lump Seltzer’s in there as well. – Scott Thomas is a journalism senior
The University Star - 9
Campus Pulse Texas State needs to have an average attendance of 15,000 fans per home football game in order to achieve FBS status. We failed to do so in the first two home games... What do you think? Izaak De Leon, music freshman “I haven’t been to a game yet, but I think Texas State should offer more ways to get involved and letting us to know when the games are, what’s going to be happening.”
Frank Spates, interdisciplinary studies freshman “My suggestion would be to do a fan appreciation night or a $1 hot dog night. Something that spurs people to go. That’s how the big league people do it. And that’s how I got into baseball.”
Garret Bollom, undecided professional junior “I personally think it’s a student problem. They need to have more web support. There’s 30,000 students at extra Texas State and if 14 show up, it’s just students not showing up and not wanting to go out.”
See the Video Online at www.universitystar.com
Disappointed Devil’s advocate By Krystal Slater Special to the Star Dear Mr. President,
courtesy of McClatchey Tribune
Parents should promote vegetarian diets, discourage consumption of meat By Chris Holbein People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals As part of an effort to snuff out youth smoking, selling candy-fruit and spice-flavored cigarettes is now illegal in the United States. The ban went into effect earlier this month. Health officials say flavored cigarettes make smoking more palatable to children, and studies support them: 17 year olds are three times more likely to use flavored cigarettes than adults are. This is certainly a step in the right direction. But if we’re serious about wanting to improve children’s health, how about a ban on hot dogs and Happy Meals while we’re at it? The children who eat chicken nuggets and pepperoni pizza today will likely grow up to be the obese adults and heart patients of tomorrow. Our addiction to meat, eggs and dairy foods is making us — and our children — sick. Thirty percent of children in the United States are now overweight or obese. According to a study published last year in the journal Obesity, if current trends continue, that number will double by the year 2030. Children as young as 3 are showing signs of clogged arteries, and pediatricians are reporting an alarming in-
crease in the number of children with type II diabetes, a disease that typically affects adults. Simply by eliminating meat from your children’s diet, you can slash their risk of obesity and heart disease. Population studies show that meateaters have three times the obesity rate of vegetarians — and nine times the obesity rate of vegans. Vegetarians are also 50 percent less likely to develop heart disease. Vegetarian foods, which are packed with vitamins, phytochemicals and fiber, can also help your children ward off cancer as they grow older. Researchers have found vegetarians are 25 percent to 50 percent less likely to suffer from cancer than meat-eaters are. The American Dietetic Association has determined vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of life and vegetarians are less prone to heart disease, diabetes and obesity than are meat-eaters. Cut out meat, and you’ll also cut out a heaping dose of cruelty at every meal. Children have a natural affinity for animals, and they’d be horrified if they knew what happens to animals before they reach our dinner tables. The chickens killed for McDonald’s McNuggets, for example, are dumped out of their transport crates at slaughterhouses and slammed upside down into
metal shackles – often resulting in broken bones, extreme bruising and hemorrhaging. The birds have their throats cut while they are still conscious. Many are immersed in tanks of scalding-hot water while they are still alive and able to feel pain. Undercover investigators from PETA have documented factory-farm workers beating and kicking pigs and slamming piglets onto the ground. Fish — whom scientists now know can feel pain, as all animals do — bleed or suffocate to death on the decks of ships. They can be left to suffer for as long as 24 hours. If we don’t want our children to know about the horrible abuses endured by animals in the meat industry, then the decent thing to do is to stop feeding them meat in the first place. Our children would be better off if we did. Lawmakers aren’t likely to ban burgers and fish sticks any time soon, so it’s up to us as parents to help our children make smart food choices. Encouraging them to eat nutritious vegetarian foods will give them the fuel they need to be healthy and active now — and help protect them from a host of painful and debilitating ailments as they grow older. If a simple lifestyle change can help our children be happy and healthy, don’t we owe it to them to give it a try?
I saw your speech in Sewell Park before you were elected. You spoke of hope and change. I must admit you were inspirational. Your words were filled with American pride, but you said nothing. At the end of the speech I turned to my friend, a diehard liberal, and said, “he said what was going to happen but not once said how he planned on accomplishing it.” She agreed. When you were elected I was somewhat glad to have witnessed your speech, as I am a true American. In the beginning of your term I gave you the benefit of the doubt and played Devil’s advocate to my boyfriend, who is a Marine, and not surprisingly a conservative. Now as I watch the news, both Fox News and CNN, and read
about all you’ve done, I feel because we are without fault stupid that I ever defended — crime, racism, cruelty and you. greed do See the Photos Online at exist within our borYou allowed a racist to be ders — but because of what in our highest www.universitystar.com courts, you America stands for. Moreover, allow the water to remain what it used to stand for. I turned off in San Joaquin didn’t grow up in the best Valley and you support an neighborhood, but I’m still organization that thinks child receiving an education. I don’t prostitution is ok. You refuse fear crooked cops will blackto investigate this, but you bag me, I don’t fear civil unwon’t stop the CIA investigarest or political regimes, and I tions. You care more about know I have the option to vote your accomplishments and and follow my dreams. Presiworld friendship than Ameri- dent Obama, you have lost can security, and you are trysight of what it means to be ing to force a health system an American. I hope you will millions do not agree with. listen to the millions who are Just because we don’t agree broke, upset, without work, doesn’t mean we’re racist. tired of the lies and losing You and your party confaith in what I know America tinue to bash the Bush Adcan be. ministration, and you whine when others talk badly about Respectfully, the Democrats. At least with Krystal Slater Bush, I knew he backed our troops and he answered di— Krystal Slater is a marrect questions. keting senior and works in I believe America is the the advertising department of best nation in the world, not The University Star.
courtesy of McClatchey Tribune
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
10 - The University Star
COUGHING UP FOR CLASSES the main
point.
Another year, an-
other tuition increase? Perhaps.
The campus may be everchanging, but students can always count on tuition hikes to stick around. Administrators are expected to propose a tuition increase at the Board of Regents’ November meeting. The proposed increase would come after a series of similar moves. Between 2003 and 2008 costs for tuition and fees jumped about 69 percent. University officials are unsure of the exact percentage increase to be potentially proposed. According to a Sept. 16 issue of The University Star. William Nance, vice president of finance and support services, said the administration is basing the increase on future financial needs. Considering the Texas Legislature neglected universities statewide last spring, it is anyone’s guess as to how much — if anything — will be appropriated for higher education come the 2011 legislative session. According to the same article, officials have been told to plan for a 10 percent cut in state appropriations. So where will the burden lie? On the students, of course. But just as any good consumer, students need to ensure they are getting their money’s worth. It is not acceptable for students to postpone graduation because required courses are filled. Nor is it acceptable students need to create a class black market, trading courses among fellow majors, as reported on in a Sept. 9 article in The Star. If a department does not have the amount of faculty members necessary to accommodate the number of students in a respective department, perhaps something should be done. This is not a novel idea, however, and officials are taking note. The administration understands students’ plight. Provost Perry Moore told
Faculty Senators at their Sept. 23 meeting university officials will be hiring additional faculty members. Moore called it a risk given the rocky economy, but necessary for the growing campus population. To maintain premier faculty and staff, university administration must ensure Texas State can meet the demands of the students it welcomes into its doors. And to do that requires funds. Sadly, the legislature cannot be depended on to do this so it will have to fall on the students. But this does not have to be a raw deal, if the money is spent correctly. Any increase in tuition should be viewed by the administration as an investment by the students. And just like a banker treats a client’s investment with respect so should those who hold Texas State’s coffers. In short, if the students have to pay the cash they should see the immediate benefits. The administration should first and foremost use this money to hire more faculty, this way students get a more personal experience from the faculty teaching the classes. Next the university should focus on the campus’ infrastructure. Overcrowded classrooms and failed boilers need to become a thing of the past if students are to pay up front. If there is anything left after that, the administration should focus on what will best serve the most students. In a bureaucracy such as Texas State, funds are often diverted away from the majority who needs it and poured into special projects or interests. And while these projects do serve Texas State, these tough economic times require focus on what’s important. No matter who spends the capital they should always keep in mind — it is student’s money. The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
Russell Weiss/Star Illustration
Beauty of art form lies in rebellion By Robert Beckhusen Opinions Columnist
I can’t help but see the emphasis on graffiti removal by the “Keep San Marcos Beautiful” campaign to be a bit unimaginative. A proposed amendment to write up kids caught with graffiti toolsgiven when and where the perpetrator is caught, seems misplaced given the environment in which we live. As reported in the Feb. 25 is-
sue of The University Star, “City Council debates graffiti punishment,” a person caught with these spray cans and markers within 10 feet of “an underpass, overpass, bridge abutment, storm drain or similar type of infrastructure” could potentially be brought up on charges if the police officer determines intent to tag. According to The Star’s latest article on the matter, local business owner and lawyer John Horn, who removes graffiti on his own time, said he feels ashamed of the flourishing art. I don’t get it. Most of San Marcos, like most modern American cities, is a pretty grotesque sight. It’s not because
of graffiti. On a drive down Interstate-35, I am subject to the near constant visual assault of ridiculous-looking fast food signs sprouting from slabs of concrete, like potted plants from hell. The neon schlock is just down the road, right past the water-stained underpass. But don’t you dare paint over it. And don’t you dare touch our storm drains. While reading an article in the Sept. 22 issue of The Star, I read art critic and San Marcos Police Commander Warren Zerr’s defense of the graffiti ordinance to be very revealing. “What people don’t understand is that graffiti is not art — it’s a crime,” Zerr said. “It is
art until you wake up and it’s on the side of your house. The point is graffiti is being placed on property that isn’t yours. Right now, state law only lets us arrest or cite someone who has already (drawn graffiti). That’s the problem. We can’t prevent it.” The sun-blasted concrete, the cartoon sign for the highway chicken shack (which many do wake up and see out the window) would probably pass as art in Zerr’s world. I would agree it is art, in its own brutal way, but I wouldn’t make a distinction based on whether the image has official sanction. Public art, like architecture, gives shape to the environ-
ment. It can also warp and distort it. City authorities exercise control over the environment, and use the environment as a means to make money. I can’t fault them for this. They understand the essential difference: graffiti is more or less free, therefore not an opportunity. It costs as much as the can to produce it, whereas a billboard is worth much more. Graffiti is defined through its opposition to authority. Its acid style is unavoidable, decentralizing and explosive. The clash with the background is severe, like on the dreary sidings of train cars, which I love to watch if stuck by the tracks (some of the best graffiti artists in the
country tag trains, because they know their art will pass through some of the most remote areas), or an underpass, overpass, bridge abutment, storm drain or similar type of infrastructure. This is why I fear a compromise — the ordinance succeeds, while graffiti artists get an obscure wall to doodle somewhere. A “graffiti zone” would sap the art of what makes it unique, what defines it as oppositional. Graffiti is gross, bizarre and illegal. The authorities hate it, and that’s why I like it.
was very disappointing and disheartening. The crowd gathered in great numbers hours before the game began, from tailgaters to people wanting to scout out a good seat. It started to look like it was going to be a great game early on, despite what the score might show when the game ended. However, I believe as a student body we failed to support our team and school name. As the first quarter ended, people were already leaving the stands. The sad thing is we were winning at that point. Just before the first half
ended, one amazing play by the visiting team had the home team embarrassed, and I could hear the whispered ugly remarks toward our players. It got uglier when the Tigers band took the field at half time. Our side erupted with cheers and yells of approval. Almost everyone was on their feet, going wild for the drum-line band performing below. I have to say their performance was spectacular and they deserved the praise they received. What I did not like was the response from our side when our own band began to march.
Students began to file out of the stadium as if the game was already over. Within the first few minutes of our band’s performance, nearly half of my section was empty and we were still winning. With all this push for gaining Football Bowl Subdivision status, does it not seem a little pathetic we can’t keep our own fans in the stadium during a game we are winning? It is truly sad. NCAA Division 1 teams need a minimum average of 15,000 people attending the games and we couldn’t even do that on the first home game, let alone the second.
It is one thing to have opinions about the ongoing battle of sports vs. academics, but when it comes down to it, supporting your team and university is all about respect. If someone doesn’t have respect for their own college how can it be expected that others will? Football players, band members, cheerleaders and Strutters work very hard for their performances and games, and it seems beyond rude to repay their hard work by walking away. Last game while standing in a nearly empty section it hit me that while our players waited for the
singing of our school song, after a 52-18 victory, they probably felt let down standing in front of the less than crowded student section. The Texas State Bobcats won the game while just a fraction of the original number of fans were there to see the final score. Staying for an entire football game is not like crossing the Sahara or eating spoonfuls of ants. It should not be that hard to stick it out and be there to support the team win or lose.
—Robert Beckhusen is a mass communication sophmore.
Fans disappoint team on game day By Ammie Jimenez Opinions Columnist
College football is one of the main ways to show school spirit and come together as a whole. It is an opportunity for all students to relax and take pride in the institution they attend. However, during last week’s home game against the Texas Southern Tigers, something occurred that
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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, October 1. 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
Sparkling Pearl
Pearl Jam has landed its first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since 1996 with Backspacer. It is the band’s fourth chart-topper and their 30th charting album. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the new album has sold 189,000 copies.
The University Star - 11
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fashion is self-expression By Thea Setterbo Features Reporter
When it comes to choosing between a meal and a pair of Bed Stu boots from Urban Outfitters, Ky Stevens, English junior, makes what is, to him, the obvious choice. “We must suffer for fashion,” Stevens said. Julie Booker, fashion merchandising junior, agrees. “There have been a lot of times when I’ve only eaten a can of beans for dinner so that I can buy something new to wear,” Booker said. Stevens and Booker forgo food for a more fashionable appearance, but Macy Jett, fashion merchandising sophomore, said some things should not be forfeited to don the hottest item of the season. “Fashion makes me feel really good,” Jett said. “But it’s silly to sacrifice all of that money when I really should be spending it on more important things like books for school.” Some students choose to avoid the large price tags that come with the latest trend by shopping at local thrift stores. “I thrift a lot,” said Glynn Jordan, pre-music junior. “I will shop at Urban Outfitters every now and then when I have extra cash to spend on the clearance rack, but I like to vary it up.” Jordan, whose average preparation time for a typical day totals no more than five minutes, uses fashion as a way to express his frame of mind. “I look in the mirror for a while and decide who I want to be for the day. Then I dress accordingly,” Jordan said. Fashion can be viewed as a
way to get noticed by others, a way to feel good about oneself or a better alternative to avoid going to class naked. “It’s a lot better to dress well than to look like a slob,” said Megan Wilson, geography resource and environmental studies senior. Stevens believes dressing a certain way can help individuals find others with similar hobbies. “Fashion allows you to express your inner personality,” Stevens said. “It encourages you to identify yourself with a certain group of people and allows you to express other interests besides clothing.” The gender differences when it comes to fashion can be viewed as unfair. Stevens believes it is a cultural tendency for the collegiate population to negatively stereotype men who take pride in their fashionable appearance. “Fashion is a mode of self-expression,” Stevens said. “It’s fun. But it seems like any guy who isn’t dressing to fit into a certain social category is going to be ‘othered’ from everyone else. A friend of mine once walked into a party held by a certain fraternity and had a beer thrown on him after being made fun of for his sweater and jeans.” Still, Stevens is not deterred by the opposing opinions of others. Stevens decides what to wear based on what makes him feel comfortable, not only in his clothes, but in his own skin. “In high school, fashion was all about showing off a huge label across my shirt,” Stevens said. “Now it means finding Ky Stevens, English jumior what looks best on me.”
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo Julia Booker, fashion merchandising junior
‘Big Love’ tweaks the Greek’s Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor
Caleb Straus, graduate student with the directing program, is directing “Big Love” by Charles Mee. Straus said he was excited to have the opportunity to direct such a large production. “One of the trade-offs of being able to direct on the main stage is they chose the play,” Straus said. “They had it lined up with their main stage season and I guess were working at trying to give something to a grad student to direct.” The production is completely student-run. “This is something that they are trying that is sort of new,” Straus said. “It’s a completely student put together show, but we have advisers.”
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo Macy Jett, fashion merchandising sophomore.
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo
Straus said the history of the play makes it relevant to today. “It’s based on what many people believe to be the oldest surviving play which is ‘The Suppliant Women’ by Aeschylus,” Straus said. “They basically took that old play and gave it a modern twist.” The play is about 50 betrothed women who flee to Italy to escape their impending marriages and their prospective grooms following suit. “I have a feeling many people are going to come expecting it to be this really light-hearted Meg Ryan type of thing, and that is not what they’re going to get,” Straus said. “There is a lot of great comedy in it — a lot of much needed comedy. There are a lot of really funny moments.” Brooke Rainey, undecided
freshman, said she has never attended a Texas State production. “The timing has never worked out I guess, but I have wanted to,” Rainey said. “I like going to plays because I was in theater in high school, and I think escaping women sounds intriguing.” Straus said he did not pick the play, but given the chance he would have chosen “Big Love.” Jordana Mihajlovski, management junior, said she does not keep up with the Fine Arts events at Texas State, but is intrigued by “Big Love.” “I am not a big fan of plays in general, and I honestly don’t know when plays are even put on,” Mihajlovski said. “There has to be a good story line — it can’t just be a romantic comedy. That is not what I want in a play.” Straus said this play is more
diverse than one would assume from the title. “It’s a really wild piece,” Straus said. “A lot of physicality is in it — a lot of extreme physicality that the playwright wrote into it, and some I’ve had to put down because some of it was not able to be staged.” Straus said this play is different than any other Texas State production. “It actually deals with some pretty heavy issues and pretty dark moments,” Straus said. “There is certainly love and romance in it but it’s a bit more all-encompassing than that. It’s fun, it’s different and it’s shocking. I’ve never seen anything like this onstage before and that’s why I’m excited about it.”
trends
12 - The University Star
Hot sun, hotter bands Concert goers are encouraged to stay hydrated at ACL Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor Austin City Limits Music festival, more commonly known as ACL, has become a Texas institution. Wellknown bands come to share stages with local bands. Colleen Baker, electronic media junior, said she is a regular ACL attendee. “I’ve been going since my freshman year of college, so this is my third year in a row,” Baker said. “The heat can get a little annoying, but what other chance do you have to see so many awesome bands in such a short amount of time?” Baker said the prices are relatively cheap and thinks it is worth the cost for the memories she and her friends have. “I’ve always found the prices to be reasonable,” Baker said. “I bought my tickets early when they went on pre-sale because I am a part of the mailing list. But you get to see more than 100 bands, most of which are really amazing, so I think it is totally worth it.” Baker said she thinks ACL
provides a great escape from school. “It is a great opportunity to have fun, listen to great music and just get away from the school environment for a little while,” Baker said. Baker said preparation is the key to having a successful ACL experience. “Always have sunscreen with you,” Baker said. “You are out in the heat for long periods of time — you will need sunscreen, or else you will burn into a crisp. Also, stay hydrated. You do not want to faint.” According to their Web site, the ACL line up this year includes The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kings of Leon, Bon Iver, Ghostland Observatory, Passion Pit, Pearl Jam and many more. According to their Web site, ACL has taken steps to go green with the help of Green Mountain Energy, making the festival “100 percent carbon neutral.” Coordinators are trying to reduce their carbon footprints “using creative recycling programs, using biodiesel and banning Styrofoam and plastic bags.”
Lauren Berger, pre-mass communication freshman, said she has attended ACL for the past three years. “The whole atmosphere is fun and being able to see so many bands for one price in three days (is great). Everyone is just into the music,” Berger said. “It is a really fun event. If you do the math it is less than $20 a ticket per band, so I think the price is worth it.” Berger said her advice for first time attendees is to get there early. “Get there early and spread out a blanket to save your spot,” Berger said. “You can always go back there and hang out and chill when it gets hot. Don’t skimp on the water.” Berger said she recommends Texas State students to return to San Marcos after the festival day comes to an end. “A lot of people are against coming back at night, but I think it is better because you can sleep and get ready for the next day,” Berger said. “I think it is a good idea unless you want to stay and party, or go to the after shows.”
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Texas band attracts audience with optional music diversity
By Kassie Kitchen Trends Columnist Many local bands can trace their beginnings back to shows through the Texas Hill Country, from Austin to San Antonio and small towns around and in between. Most of the bands are purely country or rock. Not many can provide a sound so diverse as to engage all different types of genres while producing an energetic yet soulful sound — excluding the Grant Ewing Band. The band is lead singer and guitarist Grant Ewing, lead guitarist Hunter St. Marie, drummer Jake Sutton, pianist and organist Nathaniel Klugman and bassist Colin Colby. The musicians said it’s difficult to pick one genre they would consider themselves. Klugman said he likes to tell people they’re “blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll.” I did not fully understand what they meant until I
watched the band play at Triple Crown Tuesday night. Ewing, Klugmand and St. Marie formed the Grant Ewing Band in San Marcos in 2004, and Sutton was a later addition. Interestingly enough, they are all university alumni, with the exception of Ewing. The group has recorded two full-length albums. Rainmaker was released in 2005, and Move, was released in July of this year. All band members agreed “The Touch,” from Move, is their favorite song to perform, as well as being the most popular with audience members. Ewing said the best thing about playing San Marcos shows is that it’s a small community where faces become familiar, and it becomes more personal. All the band members met locally and said they are familiar with the ins and outs of the town. “If it weren’t for San Marcos, we wouldn’t be a band,” Sutton said. I found it inspiring to witness so many different types of music in one band’s set and to see them interacting so much with the audience. I was thoroughly impressed with Ewing’s low, melodic vocals in the soulful and bluesy “Dirt On You” and
with the limitless honesty of Klugman’s one-of-a-kind keyboard solos. There is absolutely no way I could write this column without mentioning the intricate and absurd amount of talented sound St. Marie produced on guitar. I was 100 percent wowed by each and every solo. Andres Villegas, finance senior, said he was amazed by the band’s musical diversity, which appeared again in “Umbrellas,” a song with obvious reggae roots. “It’s becoming more and more uncommon to hear reggae music in this area,” Villegas said. “It’s awesome they were able to incorporate it.” The band’s main influences and inspirations include Led Zeppelin, Van Morrison, The Doors, The Flaming Lips and Count Basie. I could see styles from each of these artists in their set. “I respect a handful of Texas country bands, but it seems like college students stick to the same (artists),” Ewing said. “We try to be something different and alternative for them.” The band is scheduled to play at the Texas State Nov. 21 tailgate.
trends
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The University Star - 13
Texas State alumni open eco-friendly T-shirt printing shop By Patrick Berger Features Reporter When someone walks into Under Pressure screen print shop in Austin, they do not have to know what they want. They will not find rows of low quality, sweatshop-produced blank cotton T-shirts, nor encounter an impersonal staff harassing customers into purchasing a mandatory 50-shirt minimum. They will find the exact opposite. Texas State graduates Sam Ladach-Bark and Mike Fuchs opened Under Pressure with the help of some friends to become the only fully-customizable screen printing shop in the Austin area. “I was doing screen printing out of my shed,” Ladach-Bark said. “It was a homemade style. Everyone responded well to my designs, so I wanted to do something bigger and better. I knew Mike was an illustrator, and had also just graduated, so we were in the same position.” After responding to an advertisement for a vacant space at 505 W. Mary St. in Austin,
Ladach-Bark and Fuchs got to work opening their own shop. From the start, they knew their shop had to be different. “A lot of (other screen printing shops) use automatic presses,” Fuchs said. “We’ve been getting business from those shops. People will go in and say, ‘Oh, I just want one shirt,’ and they’ll just look at them and laugh. A lot of print shops are lazy — they don’t want to print out one screen for one shirt.” Under Pressure uses environmentally friendly processes to create their products. Fuchs said other print shops use harmful, petroleum-based chemicals and plastisol inks to create the screens for their shirts. Under Pressure uses water-based inks and plant-based chemicals. “It’s a stable process that’s environmentally friendly at the same time,” Fuchs said. “We try to keep it as clean as possible. I don’t like to work with stuff that might make you a little loopy.” Under Pressure is not experiencing the lull some new shops encounter while waiting for their store to become bet-
ter known. They have taken off at full speed, doing onsite live screen printing at events, in which they bring presses and print shirts for people. “It gives people a choice,” Fuchs said. “You get to choose your shirt and ink color, so it’s not like you’re stuck with one kind.” Under Pressure has a staff comprised of Texas State alumni and graduate students. “They’re really personable and nice and want to help,” said Mairin Heard, public relations representative for Under Pressure and new media graduate student. “I think they work with people on a different level than some other places would.” Under Pressure is creating the official 2009 Fun Fun Fun Fest T-shirts, and are doing live screen printing at various events like Art Outside in Rockdale, Texas. “I think people really respond to what we do. Even last night (at the grand opening) we had people outside the window watching us work,” LadachBark said. “The whole process is really fascinating to me.”
David Schmidt/Star photo
14 - The University Star
c ro s s w o rd
diversions
Thursday, October 1, 2009
by doug pollard
sudoku
Couresy of McClatchy Tribune
Couresy of McClatchy Tribune
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sports
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The University Star - 15
Turning up heat Pennington undergoes surgery, ‘keeps book open’ turns fans off to lose any player, and Chad (Pennington) is no different,” Sparano said. “Good leader, very good player, but that beChad Pennington walked ing said we do have to move into the interview room wearon, and it’s Chad Henne’s ing the matching cap and turn.” T-shirt of a leading sports-apSparano noted while Henne parel company rather than the has led just six regular-season team-issued gear he usually series in his brief NFL career, prefers. half of those have resulted in That was the first giveaway. scoring drives. That includes The next clue came when 10 points in the second half Pennington referred to his 20of Sunday’s 23-13 loss at San game Dolphins tenure, includDiego, when Pennington was ing the franchise’s first playoff knocked out four plays into trip in seven years, in the past the third quarter by a Kevin tense. Burnett hit as he threw incom“I’ve got a lot of emotions runplete. ning through my head right now,” Henne was at Dolphins Pennington said Wednesday. headquarters Tuesday, watch“I’m trying to sift through all ing film as he typically would. these thoughts.” Only instead of having PenOne of those thoughts, no nington by his side, it was doubt: This is Chad Henne’s rookie Pat White. And the team now. marathon session ran close to five hours as Henne prepared himself to handle the bulk of first-team practice repetitions Wednesday. He typically takes 25 to 30 percent of those. With each click of the remote, Henne had to be thinking of the man he will replace, the 10-year veteran who raised midweek sleuth work to an art form. “Chad (Pennington) is a man of detail, of preparation, of leadership,” Henne said. “There’s no better person to learn from at the quarterback position. He’s been there for me. Through thick and thin, we’ve been there together. A great person, a great quarterback to role model off of.” Now, Pennington is out of the picture, thanks to a setback he said he wouldn’t have imagined “in a million years,” mainly because he felt he’d already “paid (his) dues to the football gods.” His young sons are “looking at me kind of funny,” Pennington said, because they aren’t used to having daddy around at 9 a.m. As strong as the tug of family will be, Pennington made it clear he wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to the game he loves. “I’m certainly not going to close the book,” Pennington said. “People have tried to close the book on me before, and I’ve kept it open. I’m not going to close the book on myJoe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel self.” NEW BEGINNING: Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins starting quarterback, speaks at a press conference By Mike Berardino Sun Sentinel
By Cameron Irvine Sports Columnist It is a commonly known fact that when the sun is out in September, with no wind or rain in sight, it’s hot. So naturally, that is the time to schedule a football game that 15,000 people are expected to attend. No, it’s not. Saturday’s game at Bobcat Stadium on Jim Wacker Field in front of the press box started with this thought: They didn’t build the press box high enough. As the rumble stirred with the anticipation of kickoff, I sat in my upper deck seat holding a cup that was taking on my melting flesh, trying to see the players (or dots, rather) on the video board. Who would have thought starting a game at 6 p.m. would cause a problem? The sun beat on not only my face, but the students who could barely squeal in excitement after the first drive. It was pathetic. Sure, there were chants of defense every now and again, but for the most part, the fans were quieter than the mice throwing the party underneath the bleachers. The sun was only out for the first quarter, but by the end of the first 15 minutes, I already wanted to leave. The sun sucked the energy out of the start to a season that many might have been attending for the first time. The Bobcats didn’t play well in the first half, either, adding to the frustration that consisted of me wanting to throw a chair that I didn’t have. It’s going to get worse. Upcoming games will start at 2 p.m., so guess what that means: You get to sit in the sun all game long. They should install a Dallas-like
60-yard TV screen on top of the press box because watching the game from the river is the best seat in the house. What is it going to hurt if you start the game at 7 p.m.? The sun is down, the fall breeze picks up, the lights come on and you’re ready to go with energy. Nobody likes the heat, especially when water costs $2.50 a bottle. This may seem exaggerated, but try sitting in my seat for an hour and see how much your bones have withered. Nobody controls the weather, but somebody controls the schedule, and whoever that is needs some common sense. I would rather pay $16 to sit in the shade than get in for free and listen to a bunch of student-section people pant. What is worse is that Texas State cannot even pull in 10,000 students (onethird of the student body) to attend games. It seems 40 percent of the people who do show up do not go to this school — they just come from all over San Marcos to watch and support the Bobcats. Isn’t it sad the team won the conference title last year and nobody really cares? But the million-dollar question is: Where are the people who said they want to increase their student fees — our student fees — so we can move up to the FBS? Maybe some are in the seats, but others seemed to have voted “yes” just to do something else. Well, who wants to sit in the sun and watch a game for four hours that seem to drag on forever anyway? Texas State students are one of the worst football fanbases I have ever seen. It is a shame to say the Detroit Lions have stronger fans. I believe the FBS is in a galaxy far, far away. So if you think this column is bogus, prove it wrong.Instead, go, attend and cheer. But I am telling you now you won’t see 15,000 people in their Bobcat seats anytime Wednesday in Davie, Fla. soon. Count on it.
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Even Pennington, with a contract that expires after this season and with a third career surgery on his throwing shoulder scheduled for Friday in Birmingham, Ala., seemed to grasp the finality of the moment. Oh, at 33, he may make yet another comeback attempt from the torn anterior capsule he is facing. Already a two-time winner of the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award, he will re-evaluate his athletic prospects once Dr. James Andrews’ scalpel enables him to lift his right arm to comb his hair and brush his teeth again. But if Henne, the 2008 second-round draft pick out of Michigan, clicks the way this organization believes he will, only a backup job would await Pennington in South Florida. Eventually he could return
as a member of the coaching staff, but it is still far too early to connect those dots. “I’m excited for Chad (Henne) and his opportunity,” Pennington said. “My advice would be to trust himself, trust the values and the things he believes in that have helped get him to this point. That never changes, no matter what level you play on.” Both Henne and Pennington said they would be open to having the former starter around in an advisory role, but Dolphins coach Tony Sparano hinted that probably wouldn’t be the case. Wednesday, with his 0-3 team preparing for the Buffalo Bills and the start of AFC East play, Sparano ran his first practice in 419 days without Pennington on the roster. “It’s very disheartening
Sports 16 - The University Star
GOLF GLORY
The men’s golf team took the Oral Roberts Shootout title for the second consecutive year Tuesday. The Bobcats won with a three-round, 10-over-par score of 902. Alastair Jones, undecided sophomore, led the team with a three-under-par score of 69 into the final round. The Bobcats will compete next Oct. 18 to Oct. 19 in San Antonio.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu
Bobcats soon to enter Thunderbird territory Southland Standings FOOTBALL TEAM McNeese State Stephen F. Austin Central Arkansas Texas State SE Louisiana Sam Houston State Nicholls State Northwestern State
WINS LOSSES
3 3 2 2 2 1 1 0
1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS Tulane 42, McNeese State 32
Jacksonville State 60, Nicholls State 10
South Dakota 44, Southeastern Louisiana 13 Texas State 52, Texas Southern 18
Stephen F. Austin 65, North Dakota 31 Baylor 68, Northwestern State 13 Tulsa 56, Sam Houston State 3
Central Arkansas 24, Glenville State 10
GAME DAY: Bobcats face off against Southern Utah 1 p.m. Saturday in Cedar City, Utah.
By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter The Texas State Bobcats will travel north Saturday to faceoff against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. “We looked good (against Texas Southern),” said Coach Brad Wright. “Our attitude right now is where it needs to be (in order) to be successful, we just need to keep up the rest of the season. We have to stay focused and always look ahead.” Bradley George, senior quarterback, became the Bobcats’ all-time leader in passing
yards Saturday after the game against Texas Southern. Former Bobcat Barrick Nealy previously held the record. “To even be mentioned in the same sentence as him (Nealy) is an amazing feeling,” George said. “It was great to do it (in San Marcos) in front of the fans. It’s been a great ride for me here at Texas State.” Saturday will be Southern Utah’s “Legends game,” in which the Thunderbirds will retire former All-American quarterback, Matt Cannon’s, No. 9 jersey. Southern Utah will also honor two former players, offensive lineman
Rick Traasdahl and wide receiver/defensive back Lenny Walterscheid, whose jerseys have been retired. The Bobcats look to extend their winning streak after defeating the Texas Southern Tigers 52-18, making Texas State undefeated in San Marcos. The last meeting between these two teams in San Marcos resulted in a 34-20 Thunderbird victory. This will be the 10th game between Texas State and Southern Utah with the Thunderbirds boasting a 5-4 record over the Bobcats. The last time the Bobcats traveled to Cedar
Ben Rondeau/Star file photo
City, they left with a 30-21 loss. The Bobcats head into the game ranked 19th in the FCS Coaches poll and 22nd in the Sports Network poll. The Bobcats will have Karrington Bush, junior running back, for the first time this season. “(Bush) says he is ready to go and he’s feeling better, but you never know,” Wright said. “The plan the whole time was to have him back for Southern Utah, but we’ll see how it goes.” Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday.
