10 10 2007

ONCE A ’CAT, fiCoach Brad Wright has been a key gure of Bobcat football for 30 years ALWAYS A ’CAT SEE SPORTS PAGE 10

ROCK OF LUST

Check out Tracking Trends for this week’s celebrity gossip SEE TRENDS PAGE 6

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

WWW.UNIVERSITYSTAR.COM

OCTOBER 10, 2007

WEDNESDAY

VOLUME 97, ISSUE 21

Immigration debate heats up on campus

By Stephanie Kusy-Wilson News Reporter Currently 12 to 15 million illegal immigrants are living in the U.S. today and approximately 8,000 more cross the Mexican border daily, according to the Pew Hispanic Center.

“It’s our duty to inform the community on this issue,” said Mark Hernandez, Phi Iota Alpha president and criminal justice junior.

The Phi Iota Alpha Latino chapter held an immigration forum Tuesday night to discuss the facts on immigration and the possible solutions for border control.

A brief history of illegal immigration was given and current issues were explained followed by the College Democrats and Monty Marion/Star photo the College Republicans elaborating on their platforms and HOT TOPIC: Panelists field questions from the audience during how each party plans to handle the Immigration Forum hosted by Phi Iota Alpha Tuesday evening the problems the nation curin the LBJ Student Center. rently faces.

Michael Guzman of College Republicans said building a fence along the Texas border would help eliminate the growing number of illegal immigrants. The borders along the U.S., Canada and Mexico are the largest unguarded borders in the world.

“The Berlin Wall was meant to keep people in,” said Guzman, criminal justice junior. “Ours will keep people out.”

Marisel Saucedo of the ColKevin G. Hall/KRT TREACHEROUS TRIP: A smuggler who goes by the nickname Taco- lege Democrats disagreed, saying building a 700-mile fence huayo leads a group of illegal immigrants through the border fence

would not only be expensive, but a temporary solution to a major problem. She said it would further be an embarrassment to the U.S. Saucedo, sociology senior, said because of mismanagement, the U.S. has gone from an open-door country to a closed one.

“The Statue of Liberty now says, ‘No vacancy,’” Saucedo said.

Saucedo said the Democratic and Republican parties need to

form a international alliance with Felipe Calderón, president of Mexico, to work toward finding a solution to stop illegal immigrants from crossing the border.

She does not see why the government cannot help more with the backlog of immigrants trying to obtain citizenship.

Another complaint brought up by students during the discussion was immigrants taking jobs from Americans.

Jaime Chahin, dean of the Col-

lege of Applied Arts, said the U.S. currently has one of the highest unemployment rates in history, leaving the door open for immigrants to work here.

“They’re the backbone of the economy,” Chahin said.

Saucedo said many of the illegal immigrants do no want to live in the U.S. and only plan to stay temporarily. She said migrant workers only come here to find See BORDER, page 4

Courtesy of MCT

erected by the U.S. government May 22, 2006 in Nogales, Ariz.

Increased loans available through Proposition 2 Pelosi points out Democratic parents’ income bracket,” said Lamb, public relations senior. “It’s the first year I’ve actually qualified to get any kind of loans.”

Texas voters will consider Proposition 2 when they go to the polls Nov. 6, which if passed, approves the sale of $500 million worth of general obligation bonds to finance educational loans that will help students like Lamb.

Texas has financed student loans in this manner since 1969 without ever having to take money out of the general fund, said state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. Bond holders are repaid from interest on the student loans Stacie Andrews/Star Photo as former students make payments.

“We’ve got to have loans available for kids CASH FOR CLASS: Eric Gurule, undecided that want to go to college,” Wentworth said. sophomore, meets with Wells Fargo banker The proposition will increase the amount of Kathryn Cole in the LBJ Student Center to state-supported funds available in the system talk about setting up a loan. that all students, including those wanting to attend Texas State, will be able to access, said

By Bill Lancaster Michael Heintze, vice president for enrollment News Reporter management and marketing.

“College costs are increasing, so having a variWhen Texas State student Amy Lamb be- ety of ways for families to help meet those costs gan attending college several years ago, she is critical,” Heintze said. “If we are to close the planned to finish in four years, but lacking fi- gaps as we are called on to do here in the state of nancial resources, she had to drop out until she Texas by the legislature, we must do everything qualified for more financial aid. we can to remove those barriers that prevent “I didn’t receive my loans until I was 24, so students from accessing a higher education.” you have to be old enough not to fall into your Heintze said the passage of Proposition

2 could increase college enrollment at Texas State and other two and four-year institutions by opening doors to students who would not otherwise have access.

“This is a critical part in our ability to continue to improve our economic environment in the state and continue to increase the number of highly-trained, well-educated citizenry of our state,” Heintze said. “They are able to go out and compete for jobs and businesses will see Texas as an attractive place to expand or relocate.”

Texas State students received approximately $70 million in loans last year, of which more than $3 million was funded by the state, according to a report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

“I believe that making higher education accessible to the largest number of young Texans possible is absolutely required for any kind of successful future in Texas,” said Wentworth, who supported the bill in the legislature.

Lamb said her older sister went to a community college but was unable to attend a fouryear school because of lack of finances. Lamb works part-time as a waitress, receives half of her financial aid in loans and plans to graduate in 2008.

“It’s been a struggle … to pay for my tuition,” Lamb said. “If I had had aid when I was a couple of years younger, I’d probably be done by now.”

achievements for youth

By Stephanie Kusy-Wilson News Reporter

Democrats have proposed a “New Direction for America” — new priorities to build what they call a stronger country based upon the most honest and ethical Congress in history.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a Progress Report for Young Americans recently that briefly described the legislative achievements the Democratic-led Congress has accomplished on behalf of America’s youth.

“Whether you are headed to college, into the workforce, or becoming parents, young Americans are focused on the future,” Pelosi’s Web site stated. “Your voices are being heard.”

The report focuses on issues that include making college more affordable, ensuring better pay and jobs, reducing global warming, taking a nation at war in a

new direction, protecting America from terrorism and improving health care.

Of the 24 accomplishments on the checklist, 10 have not yet been signed into law and two were vetoed.

President Bush vetoed bills expanding medical research to unlock stem cell therapies and responsibly remove U.S. troops from Iraq.

Angela Hardin, exercise and sports science senior, said she does not agree with Bush’s actions.

“I think the troops should be taken out because in the long-run they are causing more problems,” Hardin said. “If we take them out, the troops might reconsider their reason for going. A lot of people support the military and do not know what is going on. The troops are the only ones who really see See PELOSI, page 4

Gift of life: Blood drive arrives at Texas State

By Alex Hering News Reporter A severe car accident during the summer involving a Texas State alumnus was the reason why the Omega Delta Phi fraternity and the Latino Student Association held a blood drive Tuesday.

Robbie Vega, fraternity member, lost more than half his blood in the accident.

“This is a big way for us to give back to the community,” said David Cook, fraternity member and health and fitness management senior. “We’re thankful to the people who donated before.”

The Central Texas Blood Center parked a blood-donation van in The Quad and took appointments as well as walk-in donors.

Derek Wilcox, a phlebotomist who was taking the donations, said the pint each donor gives has the potential to save two lives.

“Whenever the blood gets transfused, the recipient usually does not need both red blood cells and the plasma it is in,” Wilcox said. “When we take the blood back to the center at the end of this drive, we can filter it depending on what the hospital needs.”

Ally Harkrider, criminal jus-

Today’s Weather

Sunny 87˚

Precipitation: 10% Humidity: 53% UV: 8 Very High Wind: NNE 6 mph

tice junior, said she was donating blood for the first time since high school.

“I’m a universal donor,” Harkrider said. “I have type O positive blood, that means I can give blood to anyone who needs it.”

Harkrider said she gives blood because of a fatal bus accident that took the lives of two high school soccer players from her high school in Beaumont.

“It was my freshman year of college and that year there was a huge bus accident,” she said.

“The soccer team was on that bus. The ones who were critically See BLOOD, page 4

Austin Byrd/Star photo DON’T HESITATE — DONATE: First-time blood donor David Cook, health and fitness management senior, prepares to have blood withdrawn in the In Your Hands bus Tuesday in The Quad.

Two-day Forecast Thursday Sunny Temp: 88°/ 59° Precip: 10%

Friday Partly Cloudy Temp: 86°/ 60° Precip: 20%

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Today in Brief

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - Page 2

Bobcat soccer’s Marty Wright was awarded Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week after leading the Bobcat defense to backto-back conference shutouts the opening weekend of play. This is the second time the junior defender has taken home honors.

The ’Cats opened league play on the road,

taking on two Louisiana schools. In a double overtime match, Wright led the defense to a 00 tie with Southeastern Louisiana. Sunday, the ’Cats faced Nicholls State and dominating the net in a 4-0 victory.

— Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

News Contact — Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

Calendar WEDNESDAY The rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. in the St. Jude Chapel of the Catholic Student Center.

The counseling center presents, Body Talk: Using “Heart Messages” to Reduce Stress, from 1 to 2 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-11.1.

The counseling center presents, “Stress Assessment: Evaluating Your Mental Health Fitness,” at noon in LBJSC, Room 3-5.1.

There will be a one-hour orientation and training session on how to use the EmWave PC biofeedback program to reduce the negative effects of stress.

Session will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-11.1.

Yolanda Wilkerson and other former Texas State students will present “The World of ExxonMobil” 5 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 127.

Texas State Blood Drive will be held in J.C. Kellam, Room 1100 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment for the Texas State Blood Drive go do www.lonestardonor.com.

There will be a presentation by the Texas Tech Law School Admissions Office at 5 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 124.

Contact as44@txstate.edu for more information.

There will be a one-hour orientation and training session on how to use the EmWave PC biofeedback program to reduce

the negative effects of stress.

Session will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 311.1.

DECK THE WALLS

University Police Department

The Network Meeting will be 5 to 7 p.m. in the LBJSC, Room 3.6.

Oct. 5, 4:28 a.m.

False Alarm/Report/Smith Hall C An officer was dispatched for a false fire alarm report. Upon further investigation, the fire pull station was activated. The alarm and pull station were reset. A report was generated for this case.

Adult children of alcoholics dealing with dysfunctional families group will meet from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. For information and screening on groups, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208.

THURSDAY

Oct. 5, 9:29 a.m.

Elevator Rescue/Blanco Hall An officer was dispatched for an elevator rescue. Tejas Elevator was dispatched and a student was released from the elevator.

Maintenance remained on scene to evaluate the elevator’s operaMonty Marion/Star photo tion.

The Catholic Student Organization will meet at 6 p.m. in the library of the CSC. The Rock — Praise and Worship will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Jude Chapel of the CSC. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, Room 320. There will be contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Women’s Personal Growth Group will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m.

For information and screening on groups, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208.

FRIDAY Texas State women’s soccer will play Sam Houston State at 7 p.m. at the Bobcat Soccer Complex.

CRIME BL TTER

Students browse through numerous posters, famous paintings and photographs for sale Tuesday afternoon in The Quad.

San Marcos Library hosts “Tribute to the River” The San Marcos community will celebrate a “Tribute to the River” 3 p.m. Sunday at the San Marcos Public Library with a panel of authors, a filmmaker, a musician and a former Aquamaid from Aquarena Springs.

Residents are invited to share their tales of the San Marcos River, the spring-fed river that winds through the heart of the community. The river banks have been the site of continuous human habitation for 12,000 years from the prehistoric days of Paleo-Indian hunters and gatherers.

Free and open to the public, the event is co-sponsored by the Library and Texas State as part of the Common Experience program for 2007 and 2008.

The guest panel of authors John Hohn, Jerry and Jim Kimmel, 1950s Aquamaid Shirley Rogers Lehman, documentary-maker Ron Coley and singer Shake Russell will headline the celebration.

Mayor Susan Narvaiz will serve as moderator and do a special reading.

Shirley Rogers Lehman, whose family owned Aquarena Springs for many years and was one of the original Aquamaids, will talk about the popular resort during its heyday.

Jim and Jerry Kimmel wrote about and photographed the San Marcos River in their 2006 book, The San Marcos: A River’s Story.

Local attorney John Hohn tubed the San Marcos River every week during the year 2000 and in 2007 published The Millennium Tuber, a book about his experiences and observations.

Ron Coley, director of Aquarena Center at Texas State, produced the award-winning documentary River of Innocence in 1982, a film that traces the origins, human history and unique habitat provided by the aquifer-fed stream that pours out of the ground at Aquarena Center.

Singer-songwriter Shake Russell wrote the theme song for the documentary, River of Innocence and will perform it at the library.

Copies of the books, films and music will be on sale after the program.

Residents are invited to bring photographs to the Public Library, located at 625 E. Hopkins, where librarians will scan them and save them for a public exhibit and historical archive. The photo exhibit will be on display at the event.

The San Marcos Tribute to the River is part of the annual Common Experience, a Texas State initiative designed to stimulate conversations in the community and on campus on common subjects.

This year’s theme, “The Water Planet: A River Runs Through Us,” will be featured in many events at Texas State and in the community in the coming months. Goodbye to a River, a memoir about his trip down the Brazos River by Texas author John Graves, is the book students and residents are reading for discussions this year.

The Public Library has purchased dozens of copies of this fascinating memoir and hopes everyone will have a chance to read the book during the coming month. Professor Mark Busby will lead a discussion of the book 7 p.m. Wednesday at the library.

For more information, visit the Common Experience web site at www.txstate.edu/commonexperience/.

— Courtesy of the city of San Marcos

Mass Comm Week set to begin Oct. 24 San Marcos and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication announced today CNN International anchor Ralitsa Vassileva will headline the 2007 Mass Comm Week. She will discuss her career and international news coverage 2 p.m., Oct. 24 in Old Main, Room 320.

Mass Comm Week will be held Oct. 23 to 25 in Old Main and its theme will be “Mass Comm: Past, Present, Future.” The event will feature more than 35 industry experts and notable alumni, covering a variety of issues, topics and trends in mass media. This year’s speakers will include Austin radio personality Bobby Bones and Duff Stewart, recently named president of GSD&M Idea City.

“Mass Comm Week is an opportunity for us to bring our students face to face with successful professionals in the mass media industries,” said Lori Bergen, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. “We invite a broad range of speakers covering a variety of topics, including new media and Latino media and markets. Students, faculty and anyone with an interest in mass communication are invited to attend.”

For more information about Mass Comm Week and a complete schedule of events, visit www.masscomm.txstate.edu.

— Courtesy of Journalism and Mass Communications

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e-mail suggestions to staropinion@txstate.edu

Oct. 5, 10:24 a.m.

Information Report/Arnold Hall An officer was dispatched for a suspicious circumstance report.

Upon further investigation, a student reported a welfare concern.

This case is under investigation.

Oct. 5, 5:05 p.m.

Criminal Mischief – under $500/Falls Hall An officer was dispatched for a criminal mischief report. It was reported a student’s vehicle was damaged while it was parked.

This case is under investigation.

Oct. 5, 10:29 p.m.

Drug: Possession of Marijuana/Drug: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Alcohol: Minor in Possession/300 Concho Street An officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, a non-student was issued a citation for MIP and a student was issued a citation for MIP and PODP, arrested for POM and transported to Hay County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

Oct. 6, 12:46 a.m.

Alcohol: Public Intoxication/Alcohol: Public Intoxication: under 21/Resisting Arrest/Search/Transportation/Academy Street Garage An officer was on patrol and observed two individuals sitting in a truck. Upon further investigation, a non-student was issued a citation for PI, arrested and transported to HCLEC to await magistration. A student was issued a citation for PI, arrested for PI and Resisting Transport and transported to HCLEC to await magistration.

Oct. 6, 6:34 p.m.

Alcohol: Public Intoxication/Bobcat Stadium An officer observed an individual unable to maintain his balance. Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for PI, arrested and transported to HCLEC to await magistration.

Oct. 6, 7:56 p.m.

Medical Emergency/Bobcat Stadium An officer was advised of a medical emergency. A non-student reported tripping and being injured, was evaluated by EMS and refused transport to Central Texas Medical Center.

Oct. 6, 8:14 p.m.

Theft – under $500/Jones Dining Hall An officer was dispatched for a theft report. A student reported an unknown individual removed property from the building without consent. This case is under investigation.

Oct. 7, 2:47 a.m.

Alcohol: Minor in Possession/Lindsey Lot An officer was on patrol and observed an individual with alcoholic beverages. Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for MIP. Oct. 7, 2:57 a.m.

Alcohol: Minor in Possession/Lindsey and Academy An officer was on patrol and observed an individual with an alcoholic beverage. Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for MIP.

NEWS

Thursday, October 11, 2007

The University Star - Page 3

ISLAM: College Republicans not involved SENATE: Funding policies deliberated CONTINUED from page 1

on campus, it should be free to do so.”

Jeffrey Wiener, Terrorism Awareness Project student coordinator, said he is enthusiastic about this month’s event.

“We have over 100 campuses putting on at least one event,” Wiener said. “For example: a film screening or distributing material. And then there’s going to be 30 schools where there’s going to be a speech.”

Stephen Sheftall, international relations senior, is the vice president of Texas State’s

branch of the anti-war student organization Project for a New American Citizen. Sheftall said upon reading about Islamo-fascism Awareness Week, he was struck by the irony of many of the statements.

“The first would have to be the term Islamo-Fascism itself,” Sheftall said. “The father of fascism, Benito Mussolini, once said that fascism ‘…is best defined as the merger between the corporation and the state.’

Thus, corporatism is an acceptable substitute for the word fascism. I fail to see major Islamic multinational businesses owning the governments of Arab States.”

Sheftall then attacked some of the project’s key principles.

“Horowitz states that one of his four principles is the right of all people to live in freedom and dignity,” Sheftall said. “If he truly believes this, then why does he continue to rabidly support the state of Israel, a nation that uses millions of dollars in aid money, given to it by the United States to purchase American military equipment which is then used upon the Palestinians, Syrians and soon the Iranians?”

For more information on Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week, visit www.terrorismawareness.org.

TRASHED: Local businesses aid in setup CONTINUED from page 1

will use their tram to transport volunteers to and from various parks.

To aid in the River Cleanup, T.G. Canoes and Kayaks will have 20 canoes. Duane TeGrotenhuis, owner of T.G. Canoes and Kayaks and co-originator of the River Cleanup, said volunteers with canoe experience will form two groups with one covering the stretch of river from Sewell Park to Rio Vista Park and the other from Rio Vista Park to Thompson’s Island.

Pizza will be provided for lunch when the majority of volunteers finish their work at noon. Howard

said those on canoe detail will not return until 2 p.m., but lunch will be saved for them.

This is the first year the Student Volunteer Connection is co-sponsoring the cleanup. Ragin said they will provide breakfast, lunch and a disc jockey for the event.

The San Marcos River Pub and Grill is donating $5 coupons to be given away at the event.

Joshua Naughton, graduate research assistant for the Student Volunteer Connection, said the organization has contacted fraternities, sororities, university seminar classes and the residential college to publicize the River Cleanup.

Naughton said the cleanup is not only about taking care of the river, but building community

among students.

“I really want Texas State students to bond together like Bobcat Build in the spring,” Naughton said. “I want students to just come together and just show that they care. That’s kind of where it hits home for me.”

TeGrotenhuis said whether it is part of a person’s livelihood or making their living, the San Marcos River plays a big role in the life of the community.

“I think if you live in San Marcos and don’t have a connection to the river, you don’t have a pulse,” TeGrotenhuis said.

Howard said not all the trash in the river comes from people using it directly. She said the cleanup raises awareness of litter in general.

“Not only does it, obviously, help keep the river clean, but it helps people learn to appreciate that everything they put on the ground, no matter where they are in San Marcos, ends up in our river,” Howard said.

TeGrotenhuis said a large part of the trash in the river comes from the streets and is washed downstream. He said the cleanup is important because being involved is like becoming a stock holder in the river.

“At the end of the day you walk away satisfied that you’ve truly done a service,” TeGrotenhuis said. “Once you’ve participated in one cleanup, you’ve got ownership. And once you’ve got ownership, it’ll always be a part of your heart.”

CONTINUED from page 1

asked if the extra time was being utilized efficiently.

“If we are not properly utilizing Fridays, there are certain things we can do to change that,” Moore said.

He concluded the discussion by saying he would continue to examine the matter, and that he was open to all suggestions by ASG. “I want you to have the best schedule for you and your students,” he said.

Concerning the drug and alcohol policy, Moore said he does not know of any disagreements he has with the senate’s stance.

“Faculty Senate has a fairly simple stance,” Stone said. “If you have a problem with someone’s job performance, fire them for their job performance.”

Moore said his office was looking into the subject and would answer

the questions posed by the Faculty Senate by the end of the month.

“I’m surprised (the policy) mentioned faculty at all,” Moore said. “I told human resources to clear anything regarding faculty through my office, this one wasn’t. There was some sort of breakdown of communication.”

Faculty Sen. Debra Feakes questioned Moore about a clause in contracts in some colleges concerning start-up fund packages — money the university gives to new faculty to begin research.

Concern was expressed at last week’s Faculty Senate the packages would have to be repaid by the new staff.

“The expectation was that they will receive grants for their own research which would approximate the amount of the start up package,” Moore said.

He said it was never the case that faculty would have to be paying for the costs out of their own pocket.

News Briefs Five injured in high school shooting A gunman opened fire at a Cleveland high school Wednesday, injuring five, before taking his own life. No other fatalities have been reported.

Mayor Frank Jackson said the injured were two adults and three students. He said the students were stable while the adults were in an elevated condition.

Police said there was no reason to suspect another gunman.

Students said the gunman was enrolled at the school, but did not attend class on Wednesday.

The gunman threatened the students Friday, said student Doneisha LeVert. She said he threatened to blow up the school and stab everybody.

Border fence delayed

PROP 15: Philosophy professor cautions voters CONTINUED from page 1

Proposition 15 without considering larger complexities.

“The caution that I would add here — and it’s a caution that I think needs to be added to every publicly-funded proposal that has a noble end — is, it is very easy to be on the side of the angels by acknowledging the value of the goal,” Geuras said. “It’s also easy to sound noble by saying ‘it’s money versus life,’ or something like that, but that’s a very surface-level response, and it avoids a lot of the complexities, especially since you’re purchasing your nobility with other people’s money.”

John Mogab, finance and economics professor, said voters should consider whether marginal social benefit equals marginal social cost, and whether their state’s credit

rating might be adversely affected if it takes out a $3 billion loan over the next 10 years in addition to its other loans.

“If a state goes out and borrows for many things, then the credit-rating agency is going to say ‘this state has already made commitments for this much as a percentage of the its GDP, and as a percentage of its annual revenues,’ and when those percentages rise, then its credit rating goes down,” Mogab said.

He said cancer research would fall under what economists call “public good,” meaning the marginal benefit to individuals investing in such research would be a small portion of benefits that would accrue to a large group of people. He said if immediate applications could not be foreseen from research, private interests would probably not be willing to take financial risks that governments can.

“If they’re doing something that could be im-

mediately developed for application, it’s probably better left to the private sector,” Mogab said. “If they’re doing something that is more basic in nature, that would take many years in development before it could be applied to some cure or some treatment, then that probably requires some sort of public support.”

Associate professor Sue Biedermann, the health information management program associate professor and a cancer survivor, said students should consider the benefits of increased cancer research.

“I think students, even though they might not consider themselves to be a vulnerable population right now, should consider their future and also the possibility of their parents or grandparents being of age to be in a high-risk category,” Biedermann said. “Anything they could do to help the future would certainly be beneficial.”

The construction of the border fence along the Arizona-Mexico border was delayed Wednesday after the ruling of a federal judge.

The verdict was in favor of a request by the Defenders of the Wildlife and the Sierra Club to temporarily delay the wall to study its effects on the eco-system in the area.

The delay was granted in part because the federal government did not explain why it hurried through an environmental assessment and quickly began construction of the fence in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, said U.S. District Court Ellen Segal Huvelle.

Vick T-shirt sales blocked A parody shirt was banned on the Texas Tech campus. The shirt has the image of a black silhouette of Michael Vick hanging a collie, the mascot of rival Texas A&M, on the back and the words Vick ‘Em on the front.

The shirts were created by a Texas Tech student who was selling them before Saturday’s game. Tech said in a statement the fraternity that distributed the shirts was temporarily suspended and the shirts are no longer in production.

Geoffrey Candia, the creator of the shirts, said he might release a statement after he meets with the dean of students.

— Compiled from various news sources

NEWS

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The University Star - Page 4

Move over, Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors is on horizon

By Tom Daykin and Joel Dresang Milwaukee Journal Sentinel MILWAUKEE — Miller Brewing Co. and Coors Brewing Co., the nation’s second and third largest brewers, are combining their operations to create a bigger challenger to AnheuserBusch Cos., but raising the possibility of future job cuts.

For now, long-time Coors executive Leo Kiely will be running the newly merged operations of Miller Brewing and Coors Brewing. But Miller President Tom Long is Kiely’s heir apparent, and Miller owner SABMiller Plc will be picking MillerCoors’ chief when Kiely retires, perhaps within a few years.

Those facts emerged from Tuesday morning’s Webcast presentation to analysts about the agreement to combine Miller and Coors.

A decision hasn’t been made yet on where the MillerCoors headquarters will be located once the merger is completed in 2008. None of Miller’s six brew-

eries, or the two breweries operated by Coors, will be closed as the result of the merger, said Pete Marino, Miller spokesman.

But administrative jobs in Milwaukee and at the Coors offices in Golden, Colo., will be analyzed as the merged company looks to reduce costs, he said.

“It’s safe to assume there will be some reductions,” Marino said, adding that it’s too early to estimate the extent of those job cuts and where they will occur. MillerCoors will maintain a presence in both Milwaukee and Golden, Marino said.

Miller has 1,700 employees in Milwaukee, with 800 employees in the corporate offices and 900 brewery workers.

Kiely, president and chief executive officer of Molson Coors Brewing Co., which owns Coors Brewing, will be the chief executive officer of MillerCoors. Long, president and chief executive of Miller, will be president and chief commercial officer of the merged company.

Kiely played the biggest role in Tuesday’s presentation on

the merger. He was in charge of taking questions from financial analysts.

One analyst asked Kiely, who turns 61 in January, how long he would remain at the helm of MillerCoors. Kiely said he is committed to serving in that position for at least two years.

Kiely said SABMiller “gets the nod” in picking his successor, and said Long “sits in a very critical position.”

Long, 48, is a relative newcomer to the brewing industry. He worked in various management positions at Coca-Cola Co. before joining Miller in 2005 as the brewer’s chief marketing officer.

Long was promoted to president and chief executive in 2006.

Kiely worked in management positions at snack maker FritoLay Inc. before Coors hired him in 1993.

Pete Coors, vice chairman of Montreal-based Molson Coors, will be chairman of MillerCoors.

Graham Mackay, chief executive officer of London-based SABMiller, will be vice chairman of MillerCoors.

SABMiller and Molson Coors will each have a 50 percent interest in the joint venture, and have five representatives each on its board of directors. Based on the value of the assets, SABMiller will have a 58 percent economic interest in MillerCoors, and Molson Coors will have a 42 percent economic interest.

MillerCoors will have annual beer sales of 69 million barrels, roughly 29 percent of the U.S. market, and revenue of $6.6 billion. Anheuser-Busch has a market share of approximately 48 percent, according to trade publication Beer Marketer’s Insights.

SABMiller and Molson Coors expect the merger to generate $500 million in annual cost savings by the third full year of combined operations. The merger is subject to reaching a final agreement, and obtaining clearance from antitrust regulators.

The merger will help Miller and Coors compete more effectively with Anheuser-Busch, as well as with other beverage companies, including wine and spirits makers, Kiely said.

BORDER: Debate over wall results in no solid answer CONTINUED from page 1

better work and pay to support their families living in Mexico.

Christina Zambrano, president of the Latino Student Association, said Americans need

to stop and think why Mexicans are coming here. She said there is not as much opportunity for them in Mexico, but plenty in the states.

“We have to look at the system and make it more efficient,” said Zambrano, digital and pho-

tographic imaging sophomore.

“Guest-worker programs, I think, are a great start.”

Students attending were engaged in the discussion, but found it difficult to find a definite method to successfully deal with the problems.

Guzman made the point Republicans want to let Mexicans cross the border, but only if they are working toward becoming citizens of the U.S. “We don’t want to close the border,” Guzman said. “It’s securing the border.”

BLOOD: International travel can reduce eligibility CONTINUED from page 1

injured needed blood.”

Wilcox said the blood donation bus had a steady turnout, and attributed that to the bright colors and the location in the center of campus.

“We were mostly here for people with appointments, but we got a whole lot more who just happened to see the bus and walked in,” he said.

Regular donor Joel Graves said his chances of giving blood are high.

“I don’t do anything,” said Graves, music senior. “I’m one of the special few that don’t

get deferred.”

Wilcox said most people are eligible donors and the reason most are deferred is because of travel.

“A lot of countries are at high risk for carrying malaria,” Wilcox said. “These are places in southern Mexico and close to jungle areas like Cozumel and Cancun. People who travel to places like these are not eligible to donate for a year.”

He said donors who travel to countries that do not comply with the Food and Drug Administration regulations are not eligible to donate for a year either.

Wilcox said donors are interviewed beforehand about personal lifestyle choices,

family history and travel to check the blood for the contamination. Wilcox said with no way to test for malaria, a history interview is a reliable alternative to test contamination.

He said a personal lifestyle choice does not include tattoos, as long as it was done in a Texas certified parlor. He said donors may donate the day after getting a tattoo.

✯ FYI A Texas State blood drive will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday in JC Kellam, Room 1100. To schedule an appointment for the blood drive, go to www.lonestardonor.com.

Courtesy of MCT

PELOSI: Minimum wage increased CONTINUED from page 1

what’s happening.”

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn joined Pelosi to release the progress report.

“Democrats understand that America’s role as a world power and leader in social, cultural and technological advances can only be maintained by investing in the future of our nation’s youth,” Clyburn stated in a news release.

“The Democratic-led Congress has established a new direction towards securing a better and brighter tomorrow for our children and grandchildren.”

One issue directly affecting students in higher education was the largest college expansion aid in six decades. According to Pelosi’s Web site, student loan interest rates have been cut in half and Pell Grants have increased by $500 as well as offering loan forgiveness for public service.

Andrew Salazar, mass communication sophomore, said making college more affordable is a good idea.

“A lot of people want to make

something of themselves, and it is hard because college is so expensive,” Salazar said The Democratic Congress passed the first federal minimum wage in a decade as well. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the minimum wage used to be $5.15 per hour. It has since increased to $5.85 per hour and by July 2009, the federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 an hour.

“I think it’s a good thing to increase the minimum wage because if you’re a high school graduate, you still need a decent paying job especially if the cost of living is higher,” Hardin said.

The Democrats said they would keep leading America toward their new policy by passing laws in Congress that will hopefully be signed into law. In the meantime, they will try and focus more on the youth.

“The House Democratic leadership realizes that our nation’s ongoing successes depend on the readiness and acumen of our youth,” Clyburn said in the news release. “Therefore, Democrats will continue to work towards preparing and providing our future generations with tools for achievement.”

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

onlineconnection For news updates throughout this semester, check out www.UniversityStar.com.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - Page 5

Opinions Contact — Bill Rix, staropinion@txstate.edu

H

ow many times have you heard the following question?

“I will not vote for Hillary Clinton because she is a girl.” At an institution with the third-highest admission standards for public universities in Texas, the best argument many people can muster is “she’s a girl.” Many people are more than happy to share their feelings regarding the possible election of the “weaker sex”; we’re told ignorance is bliss.

This editorial is not attempting to sway your vote for Sen. Clinton, but if you are not planning to vote for her, perhaps your argument should be substantiated with facts. “I will not vote for Hillary, because she wants to give tax credits to small businesses that provide healthcare to their workers to help defray coverage costs.”

That’s more educated, isn’t it?

With the 2008 Election approaching, the campaign trail is well underway. But for many people, the election has become more about aesthetic appearances than pertinent issues.

How many people know Sen. John McCain. R-Ariz., worked to increase pay scales for servicemen and women during the Persian Gulf War and the current War on Terror, or Sen. Clinton, D-NY, wants to make Election Day a national holiday?

There is no such thing as a perfect candidate, but can you express what policies you like and don’t like about the person you support?

With increasing media exposure and scrutiny, it is near impossible to avoid coverage of every minute political mistake made, such as how many times a state figure mispronounces a word. But when deciding whom to support, it is better to remove the face and look at the substance beneath the fake smiles and American memorabilia, regarding them as the platform rather than the person.

Whether you are a bleeding-heart liberal or a staunch conservative, it is still imperative to look at the opposing parties’ platforms. This doesn’t mean simply knowing someone is a Republican and against gay marriage, but rather what type of gay marriage legislation they want to pass.

As America becomes more consumed with the upcoming election, let us not lose sight of the issues or other major political occurrences taking place, such as the latest allegations brought against Blackwater USA or the Israeli air strikes.

While the population contracts tunnel vision in anticipation for the latest poll results, real issues are on the table right now that can and will make an impact on daily life.

Yes, it matters a great deal who is elected to be the head of America, but when voting, challenge yourself. Take 30 minutes to learn about what issues you are voting into the Oval Office rather than just the messenger bringing them.

MISDIRECTION N R

THE MAIN POINT

2008 Media coverage of candidates fails to touch on pertinent issues

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.

Claude Dylan Ramey/Star illustration

History repeats itself: U.S. mercenaries could lead to United States’ downfall

By Kristopher Floyd Opinions Columnist People everywhere are getting to know Blackwater USA, the private security firm in the center of scandal after the bloody shooting incident Sept. 14 in Baghdad.

Bloggers, analysts and media moguls from across the country are making names for themselves by weighing in with what they think about the incident. The fact remains what is being scrutinized is the behavior of the firm — not the actual existence of it — and therein lies the real problem.

Blackwater USA recently modified their Web site in light of the current controversy to declare their mission of “leverage state-of-the-art training facilities, professional program management teams and innovative manufacturing and production capabilities to deliver world-class, customer-driven solutions.” It almost sounds like you would hire these guys to fix your fax machine. The truth is much better articulated

by Blackwater’s president, Gary Jackson, who stated he “would like to have the largest, most professional private army in the world.”

Blackwater wields an immensely powerful and wellfunded, privatized sword for ongoing research into different weapons systems and strategies with a 7,000acre headquarters (making it the largest private military base on the globe), 2,300 personnel operating in nine different countries, an estimated 20,000 contrac-

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

tors at the beck and call, a fleet of over 20 aircrafts and nearly a billion dollars in non-covert U.S. government contracts (many of them no-bid agreements). Blackwater also sports an executive staff that includes a former head of counterterrorism for the CIA. This year alone, Blackwater contractors have discharged their weapons on at least 56 missions in Iraq.

Their role in the death of a security guard for the Iraqi vice president instigated the nightmarish bloodbath at Fallujah. Their latest scandal left as many as 20 Iraqis dead and several dozens more wounded. Make no mistake; Blackwater USA is a firm that uses mercenaries to operate somewhere between 25,000 and 35,000 of their brethren from some 60 different companies hired on by the U.S. Government.

These mercenaries are corrupting American arms.

Using them in the U.S. military is largely due to a document that came to be known as the “Rumsfeld Doctrine.” In this doctrine, initially laid out on September 10th, 2001, Donald Rumsfeld called the “Pentagon Bureaucracy” an “adversary that poses a threat, a serious threat, to the security of the United States of America.” It states the Department of Defense “must promote a more entrepreneurial approach, one that encourages people to be more proactive, not reactive, less like bureaucrats and more like venture capitalists.”

This venture capitalism has come at quite the cost to the American taxpayer, as each individual Blackwater contractor runs the U.S. government close to a half a

Editor In Chief.................................Maira Garcia, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.......................Sydney Granger, starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................Nick Georgiou, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor.......................Clara Cobb, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.......................................Bill Rix, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor...............................Spencer Millsap, starphoto@txstate.edu

million dollars a year. Rumsfeld sealed the deal shortly before he left office, signing off on a law that made contractors officially a part of the U.S. military’s “Total Force.”

The problem with having mercenaries fight a war for you is exactly that: they are mercenaries. The brilliant Italian war theorist Niccolo Machiavelli summed it up quite well in his book The Prince. “Mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous; and if one holds his state based on these arms, he will stand neither firm nor safe; for they are disunited, ambitious and without discipline…” Ah, without discipline.

A lack of discipline may be a contributing factor for all of the problems these guys have been causing. A mercenary is in it for the money, and that is where his loyalties lie. That’s why Blackwater’s founder and CEO Erik Prince nearly shrieked at the Congressional Hearings Oct. 2 when the word “mercenaries” was used, quickly objecting and referring to his employees as “loyal Americans” instead.

The patriotic glow was quickly cast off when a member of Congress asked a question about Blackwater’s finances, and Prince replied “We’re a private company, and there’s a key word there — private.” Privatized arms were ruinous for the Romans, catastrophic for the Carthaginians and baneful for the Byzantines.

Let’s not follow in these ancient footsteps and allow companies like Blackwater to undo the United States of America.

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Group raises diversity awareness

Meagan Singletary Star Columnist

No matter how tough or well adjusted you believe yourself to be, college can be a scary and intimidating place, especially if it is your first time away from family and home for an extended period.

Even I must admit although I could not wait to leave the oppressiveness of my mother’s household, I was miserably homesick and lonely for the first month away at school.

Eventually those feelings subsided and I was able to meet close friends, which became my surrogate family. For most this is what takes place. You find yourself a niche, a group to which you belong. For others, though, this isn’t as easy to do. For some this is especially hard because they feel they won’t be accepted the way they are because they are different. Being different physically is one thing that we all have in common. Something that we might not all share in common, however, is our sexuality identity.

If you identify yourself as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, Allies might be the place for you. Allies is an organization on campus that promotes a safe campus for everyone at Texas State. A “safe campus” is one where all students, faculty and staff are embraced regardless of their sexual orientation. Allies promotes understanding and tolerance about gender identity through education. Everyone can and should join. It is open to people of all sexual orientations. You can register online at www.txstate.edu/allies to receive awareness training about people who have differing sexual orientations and help support them.

I believe a group like this is important to have on a college campus. Because of the sheer number of people from different backgrounds, college is one of the most diverse places you will find. You will absolutely have to interact with people who aren’t the same as you, and you need to know how to do so in a respectful and kind fashion. Don’t let outdated and sexist ideas about sexual orientation hold you back. Sex isn’t the same thing as gender, and some argue gender identity is due as much to socialization from birth as it is biology.

People are much lovelier in their diversity than some care to believe, so it isn’t fair to try and stuff everyone into the standard gay-or-straight category. Being in college is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of something bigger than you.

I think everyone who attends a college campus should feel privileged and lucky indeed.

Where else would you have access to so many different groups of people within the same relatively small space?

Don’t let this chance pass you by. Get involved, learn something you wouldn’t have known otherwise and cultivate your humanity.

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

Copyright October 10, 2007. 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 THE UNIVERSITY STAR

godgathering Fields of Faith will host a student-to-student event 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bobcat Stadium. Students involved in the project are asking peers to meet on Jim Wacker Field to hear Christian religious testimonials. For more information, visit www. fieldsoffaith.com.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - Page 6

Trends Contact — Clara Cobb, starentertainment@txstate.edu

San Marcos environment lends itself to volunteer opportunities

By Cristal Martinez Features Reporter Editor’s note: This is the last story in a series about student volunteer opportunities in the Central Texas area.

As Texas State students, we have the privilege to have a place we can swim, fish, tube and relax. With that privilege comes the responsibility of maintaining our rivers and lakes.

At the Aquarena Center, Sonja Mlenar, coordinator of instructional programs, welcomes volunteers who want to help maintain the well being of Spring Lake and the San Marcos River. The center is always looking for people to help with tour guides of the wetlands, the aquarium and the Texas Tour Exhibit.

The center is currently working on The Smart Kids Program. This program allows at-risk youth to spend some time with a mentor at the center.

“We are looking for mentors to come in and share their enjoyment for nature with students that don’t have a lot of experience with it,” Mlenar said. “A mentor who is a science major may want to do an experiment with the kids.”

On Nov. 7, the center is having The Groundwater Festival. Volunteers

can help by setting up tables and chairs or by presenting a 30-minute activity related to groundwater.

“We have groups that are leading activities on the ecosystem, the water cycle, on water bugs, really anything that is related to our ecosystem,” Mlenar said. “We like presenters that are creative and can think of something different.”

Ethan Chappell, aquatic maintenance supervisor, leads Diving for Science, a volunteer program for certified scuba divers. The center offers a weekend training course. Once training is passed, volunteers are certified to carry out tasks that aid habitat restoration.

“You may be removing exotic invasive plants, you may be replacing native aquatic species in those areas and just general underwater gardening,” Chappell said.

On every fourth Saturday, there is a hyacinth removal in partnership with the San Marcos River Foundation. This activity is a canoe and shoreline removal of water hyacinth from Spring Lake.

“It removes water hyacinth, which is an incredibly invasive, non-native species that will choke out the river if we let it.” Chappell said.

The removal of water hyacinth helps prevent endangerment of Spring Lake and its water activities.

“It can have a negative impact on local business such as tubing. It grows really quickly,” Chappell said. “By maintaining it and keeping it in

check at Spring Lake, we provide a great service to aquatic ecosystem health and local businesses.”

If you are looking for a group activity, the Keep Austin Beautiful organization helps groups adopt a river or creek. To join the Adopt a Creek Program, a group must adopt 14 miles of creek and maintain it four times a year.

Jessica Wilson, project coordinator, provides all the tools needed to maintain the area of creek adopted.

“Some groups really take some extra steps by not only maintaining the creek, but also maintaining the trails,” Wilson said. “They sometimes start their own trails by removing non-native, invasive plants and planting native plants.”

During the year, Keep Austin Beautiful hosts events to promote awareness about the environment. In September, the organization hosted the Lake Travis Underwater Cleanup. There are opportunities for certified scuba divers or volunteers to help clean the lake. This year volunteers collected three tons of trash.

“Every year we have the Most Unusual Object Contest,” Wilson said.

“This year we found a toilet.”

The organization also sponsors the April 21 Clean Sweep, a citywide trash pick-up. More than 3,000 people have pre-registered so far for Clean Sweep 2008.

Tracking Tr e n d s RECKLESS ROCKING

MARRIED CLOTTED What do hotel heiress Isaac Hanson, member Paris Hilton and “Bayof the pop group Hanson, watch” babe Pamela Anwas discharged from the derson have in common? hospital on Friday after a Better yet, whom do they blood clot was removed have in common? Rick from his right arm. The Solomon and Anderson JESSICA JACOBS musician noticed a painful said their “I do’s” Satur- Features Columnist swelling during a House day night in a Las Vegas hotel. The of Blues concert last Tuesday. “It two are a match made in sexual was definitely difficult to finish heaven as both have appeared in the rest of the show noticing that naughty tapes leaked to the me- there was something serious going dia. Solomon is best known for on,” Hanson said in an E! Online his 2003 homemade sex film with interview. The pop idol had a blood then-girlfriend Hilton. His bride clot removed four years ago, and Anderson had some on-screen he realized he was most likely go“romance” with her ex-husband, ing through the same thing again. rocker Tommy Lee. He took some aspirin during his Last month on Ellen Degeneres’ band’s set. show, Anderson revealed she was The 26-year-old performer dating a new mystery-man by say- underwent a successful surgery ing “I paid off a poker debt with Thursday to remove the clot. sexual favors and I fell in love. It’s Doctors diagnosed Hanson with so romantic. It’s romance.” venous thoracic outlet syndrome Magician Klok, a close friend which blocked blood flow from his to Anderson, commented on the arm back to his heart. The singer couple’s nuptials in People Maga- remains in stable condition and zine saying, “I like Rick. He’s a re- on blood thinners. In the next few ally nice guy. As long as he’s not months, the eldest Hanson memmaking another video, I’m OK ber will have to undergo surgery with him.” once more to have a rib removed The Star wants to remind read- which will open a vein and prevent ers Saturday marked Anderson’s another episode from occurring. third marriage. Readers should His physician, Dr. Brad Grimsnot look for relationship advice ley, said the condition is normally Spencer Millsap/Star photo from Anderson by paying off poker not life-threatening. Hopefully, debts with scandalous favors. the singer will be up and singing RECKLESS ROCKING: Joe Ely and Reckless Kelly play for a packed crowd Tuesday at Glade Theater. The concert was part of the “MMMBop” in no time. fourth annual Stars of Texas Music Legacy Series.

BUMPED Several celebrities are sportDUMPED ing baby bumps including actress “Rock of Love” winner Jes adHalle Berry, singer Christina Agu- mitted runner-up and stripper ilera and socialite Nicole Ritchie. Heather Chadwell was in fact the Rumors are once again looming right girl for Bret after having over singer and actress Jenni- seen the show and their chemfer Lopez expecting. For years, istry on TV. Chadwell, who on a

By Erica Rodriquez much like we go to hear the Messiah,” Mungo said. “It is really a pregnancy buzz has surrounded previous episode had “Bret” tatFeatures Reporter beautiful show.” the Latina icon, over-baking this tooed on the back of her neck, The show will be performed the first three weekends in December, bun-in-the-oven tale. Hold off on has since added the word “sucks” The Christmas story of a disabled boy visited by three wise men initially in San Marcos, then in Austin and San Antonio. The producpurchasing the baby shower bling to her ink. Jes and Michaels are will soon bring together performing art lovers at Texas State and in tion will bring together resources from the opera department, dance as this just seems to be more un- no longer dating, according to the San Marcos community. department and the San Marcos High School Choir. In addition to substantiated chatter.

VH1 message boards.

Friday, the San Marcos Performing Arts Association held an audi- the 15 to 20 chorus members, Bowen is encouraging anyone who is tion for its upcoming Christmas production “Amahl and the Night interested in set building, painting, ticket selling or volunteering to Visitors.” be a part of the show.

Rick Bowen, president of the association, said the competition For singers who still wish to be a part of the cast, there is another was tough. audition Saturday. Auditions begin 10 a.m. in the Texas State Music “We had some really talented folks,” Bowen said. “Some of the Building. Interested singers should contact Mungo at (512) 245-3046 decision-making is going to come down to the best ensemble.” for more information.

Bowen said the production has always been open for university “We’re still looking for the best match, it’s not always the biggest students, and this year marks the first time the association will be voice or the best actress,” Bowen said. “We’re looking for the best partnering with a Texas State faculty member. match of the whole bunch.”

Samuel Mungo, director of opera studies at Texas State, will be Both Mungo and Bowen are optimistic about the collaboration beoverseeing the production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” as the tween the community and the university. show’s director.

“It’s exciting to have some enthusiastic views and someone who “The goal of any director is one thing: to tell a story,” Mungo said. wants to do something here and incorporate the resources of the “I believe strongly in this show. It is the perfect entertainment for university and the resources of the community,” Bowen said. “It’s the holiday season.” something we need more of.”

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” is a contemporary Christmas opera written and performed entirely in English. Bowen said the story was originally written for television in the 1950s.

Amahl is a poor, disabled boy who is visited by the three wise men “Amahl and the Night Visitors” Opera Auditions on their way to see the Christ child. The story is about the trans10 a.m. Saturday, Music Building formation of each character as a result of the visit. Mungo said the production is perfect for adults who may not have been to an opera For more information contact Samuel Mongo at (512) 245-3046 or before, children and people of all faiths. The show runs about 45 sm58@txstate.edu minutes to an hour.

For set building, ticket sales or volunteer opportunities contact Rick “It is my hope that it becomes a tradition every year for all stuBowen at (512) 396-8188. dents, faculty and families of the community, to come to see Amahl,

Singers, set designers still needed for Christmas production

✯ FYI

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

✯

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

101 Hedonism

The University Star - Page 7

VIDEO GAME ADDICTION

CHECKS PARTNERS INTO HEARTBREAK HOTEL

Last week, a woman Believe it or not, from one of my classes gaming is an addiction, was talking about a much like alcohol or guy she recently startdrugs. It has warning ed dating. She said signs and can cause during the weekend, the other person in the he broke plans they relationship to become had previously made co-dependent and conANNA TAUZIN to play Halo 3. I was trolling.

Star Columnist stunned. This woman Most of these addicis cute, intelligent and tive games fall into the seemed really into the guy. But category of massively multihe wanted to play video games? player online role-playing game.

What an idiot.

This includes Everquest, City of Well, it turns out there is Heroes and World of Warcraft. actually a term for significant According to the Center for Onothers who get ditched in favor Line Addiction, warning signs of video games: gamer widow. include: playing for increasing The term can be customized for amounts of time, thinking about whatever game is most addicgaming during other activities, tive at that time, i.e. Warcraft gaming to escape from real-life Widow, Halo Widow, etc… problems, anxiety or depresA little more research into sion, lying to friends and family this phenomenon led me to to conceal gaming and feeling online support groups and Web irritable when trying to cut logs set up for these abandoned down on gaming. partners. They use these reWhen dating an addict, it is sources to vent and trade ideas important to remember you on how to break the addictive can’t control his or her actions; habits of their significant othand therefore, you are not to ers. blame for their bad habits. HowIt is absolutely heartbreaking ever, there are a few options on to read some of the personal how to deal with the situation. accounts of romantic partners First, try talking with your who believe they are the only partner. Get them alone, withones in the relationship, and out the computer or gaming yet they cannot leave for sake console, to talk about how their of love. gaming makes you feel. But be

careful with your words. Instead of saying, “You make me feel like…” say, “When you do this…

I feel like this…” The change in phrasing is slight, but noticeable. Tell him or her you feel abandoned and hurt. Tell them the relationship you are in is not the type you wanted.

Second, you can try reasoning a time schedule with your partner. Do not tolerate broken plans because he or she wants to reach another level on their game. Suggest keeping game time to an hour or two per day.

Lastly, hide or sell the console or uninstall the game from their computer. Yes, this action may be drastic, but it will certainly get their attention. You’d flush drugs if your partner were addicted to them, right?

If all of your efforts still do not stop the problem, it is time to consider an exit strategy. If your partner is willing to sacrifice your love for a game, get out of that relationship. There are way too many other options out there to waste your time with an addict.

The University Star does not claim Anna Tauzin is a sexpert.

Tauzin and The Star do not condone or support unhealthy or unsafe sexual behavior.

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

10/09 Solutions:

10/09/07

CLASSIFIEDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - Page 8

RATES AND 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.

E-mail Classifieds at starclassifieds@txstate.edu

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SPORTS

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The University Star - Page 9

Fencing club looks to continue tradition of excellence

By Lora Collins Sports Reporter

Being old doesn’t mean being lame.

The fencing club was founded in 1974, making it one of the oldest sports club at Texas State University. The club offers its sport to competitive and noncompetitive participants alike, often sending members to the U.S. Fencing Association Summer Nationals.

Kevin Beahan, mathematics senior and president of the fencing club, leads the squad through practices four days a week and prepares the teams for tournaments.

Beahan participates in the épée section and believes the team has done well this year.

“As far as the épée club goes we are doing pretty good,” Beahan said. “Our foil team is kind of new; they need a little work.”

After tying Texas A&M 5-5 in the first Southwest Intercollegiate Fencing Association (SWIFA) tournament this year, the team stands with a score of five points. Having participated in one of four of the association’s tournaments, the team now looks to bring up its point average and come out on top again. Last season, the team earned a standing of 27 points out of a possible 36.

“Right now we need to get ahead in SWIFA. We are tied 5-5 with A&M, so we definitely want to pass them up,” Beahan said.

The team participates in four SWIFA tournaments each year.

Each tournament is hosted by a different college and brings in players from all over the state. A team’s standing point average for a tournament is composed of the total points from each section.

“There are three weapons that you fence with: foil, épée and sabre,” Beahan said. “We have a team competition for each one of those and according to where each team places and how well they did there are points given to each team.”

The fencing team will host the 32nd annual Bobcat tournament Oct. 13 and 14. Excited to continue the tradition, Beahan said it will serve as a great fundraising opportunity for the team and will bring in about 200 fencers.

“We are hosting the Bobcat (tournament) and we want to make a decent amount of money for the club from that,” Beahan said. “The significance is some of the older generation has been coming every year, for years, so it’s a lot of pressure to make sure it runs right and goes well. That’s the cool thing, when we host these tournaments we are not only hosting it for us, or hosting it for the older people, but for the younger people that want to be a part of it.”

Even though the club has big plans for the future, Beahan pointed out the difficulties in gaining new members each year to fill the team.

“Our biggest goal as officers right now is to get membership up,” Beahan said. “It’s hard because most kids don’t have the determination to stick with it. We need to start filling the ranks because over the next two years I will be gone and many of our officers will be gone.”

Dean Lantrip, electronic media senior and the club’s safety officer, is looking forward to the second tournament, hosted by Rice University. He hopes to finish the season with flying colors.

“Right now, it doesn’t worry me that we are tied, and as far as the épée team getting second place, I am just hoping we can make that less seconds and thirds and more firsts,” Lantrip said.

Lantrip believes fencing requires a better understanding of the skills and less emphasis on athletic ability.

“It’s like playing chess,” Lantrip said. “It’s an extremely strategic sport; you can’t just brute force your way through it just because you are stronger or faster than someone else. There is a lot of technicality involved. It’s one of the few sports where you can see where it doesn’t really matter your age or your immediate athleticism.

Sure, athleticism goes a long way, just like in any sport, but it really comes down to raw skill for the Spencer Millsap/Star photo most part. It’s incredible and I FIERCE FENCING: Mike Beavers, psychology senior, and Victoria Ingalls, anthropology junior, lunge don’t think you see that in a lot of toward each other during fencing practice Tuesday in Jowers Center. sports, nowadays.”

Cross country preys on competition at Incarnate Word Invitational

By Lisa Carter Sports Reporter The Texas State cross country teams had a successful meet Saturday at the Incarnate Word Invitational.

The women placed fourth overall, as senior Katya Kostetskaya led the way for the Bobcats in sixth place with a time of 18 minutes, 43.30 seconds. Sophomore Kelly Butler placed 19th in the meet with a time of 19:38.10, and was highly satisfied with her performance.

“I improved my time this week by about 17 seconds, which is now my new personal record for the 5K,” Butler said. “What I hope to improve for the next meet is the mentality that I have before the race and also to stay focused on the competition ahead of me so that I will be able to push myself to a new personal record.”

Chris Vidrine/Star Photo The men took second place overall. Senior RUNNING RAW: Senior Roel Elizalde placed Roel Elizalde placed seventh with a time of seventh overall, leading the Bobcat cross country 26:32.10. Freshman Michael Richards was team to a second-place finish Saturday at the among the top 10 runners in the meet as well, with a time of 26:41, putting him in ninth place.

Incarnate Word Invitational in San Antonio.

Richards was pleased with both his performance and the team’s as well.

“My finish was a significant one because it was my first top 10 finish in a college race,” Richards said. “The team’s second-place finish showed me that we are moving in the right direction to run well at the end of the month.”

Elizalde said the competition helped him realize where he and the team stand as the Southland Conference Championships approach.

“The race showed just how strong I am and my physical fitness shows that I am ready to challenge for a top 10 place at conference,” Elizalde said. “I am happy for the team, especially for Michael. He ran well, and we need that from him later on in the season, as well as from the rest of the team.”

Butler said the competition was tough at the Incarnate Word Invitational.

“The meet was very competitive, and the course was great,” Butler said. “The biggest obstacle of this meet would probably have to be the competition. This meet was a lot different than the UTSA (Romano Invitational) meet be-

cause there were more competitive universities that attended.”

Both teams will compete in Seguin next Saturday at the Texas Lutheran Invitational. Butler is excited about competing with the entire women’s team.

“What I am looking forward to the most is being able to run with all of the girls on the team,” Butler said. “We usually split the team into two and trade off every other week. This meet we all get to run, and I think it will be a great opportunity to be able to run with all of the girls.”

Elizalde said he is ready to push himself next week and hopes the result will be a product of all his hard work.

“I hope to just go out there and feel better,” Elizalde said. “Hopefully everything will come together, and I can finally run under the 26-minute barrier.”

Richards is ready for the upcoming meet as well.

“I’m just looking forward to competing because it is my favorite part of the sport, and that is why I love it so much,” he said.

SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

playerof the week Marty Wright, Texas State junior defender, was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week for her contributions to the women’s soccer team against Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls State. Wright played a big role in the Bobcats’ consecutive shutouts on the opening weekend of SLC play, in which they recorded a tie against the Lions and a victory against the Colonels. The honor was the second of Wright’s Texas State playing career.

Weddnesday, October 10, 2007 - Page 10

Sports Contact — Scott Strickman, starsports@txstate.edu

Football coach, longtime Bobcat

By Lisa Carter Sports Reporter Editor’s note: This is the fourth segment of a four-part series featuring Bobcat coaches.

He is on radio shows and in newspapers.

He is the head honcho on the sidelines of the football games.

He has been a Bobcat for 30 years, and he’s a large part of the athletic program.

He is Brad Wright, head coach of the football team at Texas State.

Wright joined the football team August of 1977, his first year as a student at Southwest Texas State. Wright played football under Coach Billy Miller until halfway through his sophomore year, when Jim Wacker took over as head football coach.

“The game was much simpler then,” Wright said. “It was not as complicated as it is now with all the tackling and running.”

During Wright’s playing career, he started for a short stint at wide receiver, played running back for a season and then moved to free safety in 1980. The year marked the ’Cats first season at the Division II level, after moving up from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. They won the Lone Star Conference title that seaMonty Marion/Star file photo son.

STEPPING UP: Coach Brad Wright takes questions from the The Bobcats were repeat winners of the media during a January press conference in which he was named LSC title in 1981 and finished with a 13-1 Texas State head football coach. record on their way to winning the NCAA Division II National Championship. Wright played for and began to student-coach the team that same year.

“Student-coaching the team is always

Growing pains stunt Bobcats’ progress

After another disapsee improvement. This pointing loss over the team will get better. It’s weekend, it’s clear just a question of when, there is going to have and how much better? to be a lot of improveNo matter how frustratment if this Bobcat ing this team is to watch at football team is going times, we have to know this Gabe Mendoza to be any factor at all is a transitional period. Not Star Columnist in the Southland Cononly is this Wright’s first ference this year. season as head coach at Texas After the opening game win State, but it’s important to reover Cal Poly, expectations inmember this really isn’t his team. stantly grew for this team, and This is still David Bailiff’s group of it was obviously a bit premature. players. Sure, Wright was a coach Since then, Coach Brad Wright under Bailiff and had a hand in reand his team have had a difficult cruiting, but ultimately players the go of it. Saturday was no excepprogram recruited and selected tion. were picked because they fit into Everyone knew McNeese Bailiff’s system. Well, now it’s a State was good. After all, they new system and everyone, top to are ranked sixth in the nation, bottom, is having to adapt. Some but Saturday Texas State made players are coming along better them look much better than they than others. played.

Eventually, Wright will get playThe bottom line is right now ers in here that fit his system. this team just doesn’t look good.

Once his recruits get on the field, The Cowboys are a better team, we’ll all see where this program and it would have been a stretch is headed. Wright has talked to expect the Bobcats to beat the about getting the right fit for this defending conference champions, system and after Saturday’s loss but there were things Texas State talked about the need to address did to shoot themselves in the the lack of team speed. Both of foot. McNeese State was much those things will ultimately come faster and the receivers and backs through recruiting the right playran all over the place, but there ers. were too many missed tackles.

Even though it’s hard to sit There were several plays that through some bad games and should have been stopped two or watch a team that’s struggling three times before the ball carrier as much as the Bobcats are, it’s was brought down. Offensively, important to keep in mind this there were missed routes, bad really is just the beginning of throws and dropped passes all what the team will ultimately look around. It just seems there were like. There are going to be some very few plays where everyone growing pains. It will probably get was on the same page. worse before it gets better, but it But there are some positives, will get better. That’s something as always, if you know where to everyone needs to keep in mind: look for them. Once again, freshfans, alumni, coaches and players, man Karrington Bush had a solid especially. game as the featured back. He For right now, it’s just tough to averaged nearly five yards a carry watch a team with so much talent and finished with 106 yards of not be able to bring it all together. total offense.

But, like I said, this team is learnThis is a really young team and ing as they go, and optimism is as they progress, we should only always only one week away.

something I will cherish,” Wright said. “I got to know the coaches in different ways, and I got to know many great players.”

Before he was a student at Texas State, Wright grew up in the small town of Pearsall.

“All we did in Pearsall was play sports and hunt whatever was in season,” Wright said.

Wright left Pearsall and went to San

“I

f I could do it all over again, I would do it the exact same way. Texas State is just a great place to go to school.”

—Coach Brad Wright head football coach

Marcos in 1977. He graduated four and a half years later with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.

“If I could do it all over again, I would do it the exact same way,” Wright said. “Texas State is just a great place to go to school.”

Now that Wright is the head coach at Texas State, he spends a large amount of his time with the media. He participates in a weekly radio show at Carino’s Itialian Grill and has made several television appearances, including a small part on Friday Night Lights.

“Sometimes it seems like I spend more time doing TV shows than football,” Wright said. “But I like working with the media.

It’s a good way to spread the word.”

In addition to Texas State, Wright has experience coaching at the high school level. He served as assistant coach at Pearland, Klein Oak and El Campo High Schools. He served as head coach at both Karnes City and East Bernard High Schools as well. Additionally, he was head coach and athletic director at Canyon High School for four years before coming to Texas State. In his final season at Canyon, he led the Eagles to an 11-2 record and the state quarterfinals of the Texas High School Playoffs.

Wright joined the Texas State staff in 2004 as the assistant head coach, running backs coach and special teams coordinator. He helped the Bobcats become the Southland Conference leaders in total offense the last two years, and was a part of the 2005 SLC Champions team, the first Southland title in school history.

“I love being at my alma mater and seeing many people I grew up with,” Wright said. “Getting to live and work here is a special treat.”

Senior Ramel Borner said he thinks Wright always has the player’s best interest in mind, even beyond the parameters of the playing field.

“He’s a guy who wants us to achieve as people,” Borner said. “He cares more about us than about winning the game.

He’s a great coach, and he wants us to be great in any situation.”

Tennis Play Day successful

By Charlotte Almazan Sports Reporter The first St. Edward’s/Trinity Play Day gave coaches a unique opportunity to give players immediate in-match feedback.

The weekend scrimmages, hosted by Texas State, were the result of a last-minute tournament cancellation.

“Because it was so last-minute, I looked at teams from the Austin and San Antonio areas, so it wouldn’t affect their schedule too much,” said Texas State tennis Coach Tory Plunkett. “Trinity and St. Edward’s were gracious enough to come in and have a play day.”

The day consisted of tournament-style matches, but in a relaxed setting in which coaches could routinely step on the court to give the players immediate feedback.

“I feel like the scrimmage allowed me to work with the girls with more courtcoaching than I would use during a real match,” said St. Edward’s tennis Coach Russell Sterns.

Even with little publicity, the head directors and members from the Wimberley Tennis Association, the San Marcos Tennis Association and parents from all three schools came out to show their support.

“It was not made public like our other events because it was a play day. Coaches and players felt that it went very smooth and we got a lot accomplished in a short time,” Plunkett said.

Because of the encouraging response by visiting teams and supportive attendees, Texas State will plan to make the play day matches an annual event.

“We are trying to make a name for ourselves. Both visiting coaches were very pleased with the tournament,” Plunkett said. “Overall, it was not only very successful, but a positive experience for everyone involved.”

Including lunches, the brief tournament was limited to six hours, but in the short time span, each Bobcat participated in one doubles and two singles matches.

“One thing they got a lot of was match

play that you can’t get in practice,” Plunkett said. “Going against a teammate in practice is one thing, but suiting up against other players is something different.”

Like other fall events for the team, the competition gave individuals the opportunity to work on strategies by testing them out on the court.

“In singles, we went out and took care of business. Instead of losing focus, we were able to maintain our focus and intensity throughout our two sets,” Plunkett said.

Sterns used the opportunity to see how the Texas State team has developed in the past year, so his team will know what to expect for their spring matchup against the Bobcats.

“With my observation, Texas State has gotten a lot stronger over the last year.

They have some strong players with good depth,” Sterns said.

In hosting its first tournament, the university made sure it held an event that was advantageous for all teams involved.

“I thought it was a well-run event, and we were honored to participate in it,” Sterns said. “I would love to be invited back next year.”

For next year’s event, Plunkett would like to see the event grow to include more Division I schools, as well as surrounding area competitors.

“Next year, we will expand to four teams. Down the road, we would like to hold the event for two days and include eight teams,” Plunkett said. “This year, they were both very strong schools. Trinity usually ends up in nationals.”

Next up for the Bobcats is the ITA Regional tournament that will include Top 10 schools, such as Baylor, LSU and Texas.

“That’s a pretty tough tournament for us. We are competing against the big dogs,” Plunkett said. “We have players that will get the experience against some of the best players. We have other players that will gain experience by watching the matches.”

Greg Richards/Star photo ON THE ATTACK: Sophomore Amanda Alvarado springs into action to hit an overhand shot against her opponent from St. Edwards during the Play Day held Saturday at Texas State.